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James Smith

James Smith

Lawton police chief honored by his peers

News Staff
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
From staff reports Lawton Police Chief James Smith has been named the “2025 Large Agency Chief of the Year” by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP). The award was presented during the group’s annual banquet held May 22.
Collin Place Photography State and local leaders meet at the Capitol last week to announce Firehawk Aerospace’s intent to build a $45M state-of-the-art facility in Lawton’s Southwest Rail Industrial Park. Founded in 2019, Firehawk utilizes 3D-printed solid rocket fuel to produce safer, more efficient, and cost-effective hybrid engines for various applications, including defense and commercial space exploration.

Collin Place Photography State and local leaders meet at the Capitol last week to announce Firehawk Aerospace’s intent to build a $45M state-of-the-art facility in Lawton’s Southwest Rail Industrial Park. Founded in 2019, Firehawk utilizes 3D-printed solid rocket fuel to produce safer, more efficient, and cost-effective hybrid engines for various applications, including defense and commercial space exploration.

Firehawk Aerospace to invest $45M in Lawton manufacturing plant

News Staff
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
From staff reports Firehawk Aerospace, a company specializing in hybrid rocket propulsion technology, announced it will invest $45 million to build a state-of-theart manufacturing facility on 160 acres within the Southwest Rail Industrial Park in Lawton.
Comanche Nation Chairman Forrest Tahdooahnippah reads a proclamation designating May 21 as Meech Tahsequah Day during a ceremony at the Tahsequah Memorial Garden, located at the Comanche Nation Tribal Complex. The tribe honored Meech Tahsequah, who was an Air Force pilot during World War II and the Korean War. Eric Swanson | Southwest Ledger

Comanche Nation Chairman Forrest Tahdooahnippah reads a proclamation designating May 21 as Meech Tahsequah Day during a ceremony at the Tahsequah Memorial Garden, located at the Comanche Nation Tribal Complex. The tribe honored Meech Tahsequah, who was an Air Force pilot during World War II and the Korean War. Eric Swanson | Southwest Ledger

Honoring Meech Tahsequah

Eric Swanson Southwest Ledger
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
LAWTON – Lt. Col. Meech Tahsequah was a passenger on a B-26 Invader bomber on Dec. 6, 1950, when it ran out of fuel and crashed 30 miles north of Susa near Tsushima Island, North Korea.A U.S.
The Lawton Water Authority will spend $46 million to repair the damaged concrete spillway at Lake Ellsworth, shown here on July 19, 2023. The 363-foot-long spillway was damaged when torrential rains in 2015 forced the city to open the floodgates to release runoff water that otherwise would have topped the dam. David B. Hale | Southwest Ledger

The Lawton Water Authority will spend $46 million to repair the damaged concrete spillway at Lake Ellsworth, shown here on July 19, 2023. The 363-foot-long spillway was damaged when torrential rains in 2015 forced the city to open the floodgates to release runoff water that otherwise would have topped the dam. David B. Hale | Southwest Ledger

Work progressing on repairs to dams at Lakes Ellsworth, Lawtonka, Gondola

Mike W. Ray Southwest Ledger
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board recently approved the third renewal of Lawton’s permit to repair the heavily damaged spillway at Lake Ellsworth.

Medicine Park creates tourism committee

Eric Swanson Southwest Ledger
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
MEDICINE PARK – The Medicine Park Board of Trustees has established an advisory committee to help promote tourism in the town.The trustees voted unanimously May 22 to create the committee, which will consist of five people appointed by Mayor John Branch.
From the left, Assistant Fire Chief Kevn Hammack is shown with Duncan City Manager Chris Deal. City officials congratulated Hammack on his retirement at a May 21 farewell event at Central Fire Station. City of Duncan

From the left, Assistant Fire Chief Kevn Hammack is shown with Duncan City Manager Chris Deal. City officials congratulated Hammack on his retirement at a May 21 farewell event at Central Fire Station. City of Duncan

Duncan’s assistant fire chief retires after 35 years of service

From Staff Reports
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
DUNCAN –The Duncan Fire Department and city officials congratulated Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Hammack on his retirement from Station 1 “C” Shift at a farewell event, which took place May 21 at Central Fire Station, officials said in a news release.
Duncan K9 to receive body armor donation

Duncan K9 to receive body armor donation

Duncan K9 to receive body armor donation

News Staff
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
From staff reports DUNCAN – The Duncan Police Department’s K9, Blu, will receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc., city off icials said in a news release.
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