News

Lawton Council approves fund diversions but rejects 12% hike in myriad city fees

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Facing a projected budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2026, the Lawton City Council authorized measures to reallocate two specific fees and raise one, but rejected a 12% “adjustment” in myriad miscellaneous charges.In January the estimated shortfall was $40 million, City Manager John Ratliff recalled.

Miscellaneous fees would have increased by 12%

Mike W. Ray Southwest Ledger

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

To help close a gap in the municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which starts July 1, Lawton City Manager John Ratliff proposed a 12% increase in numerous miscellaneous fees.

Wolf Creek in the 4300 block of Cache Road last Saturday. Brittany Montcalm McConnell | Park Jones Realty

Wolf Creek in the 4300 block of Cache Road last Saturday

News Staff

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Wolf Creek in the 4300 block of Cache Road last Saturday.The Timbers apartment complex in Lawton on April 26.Flooding at 38th Street and Bishop Road in Lawton last Saturday.Flooding in Lawton on Pecan Creek at Cache Road and Shelter Lake at 10:45 a.m. Saturday.

Chickasha Garage Sale weekend, Spring Clean-Up

News Staff

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

From staff reports The City of Chickasha announced two events in May that will help citizens with their spring-cleaning activities.The city will host its annual Garage Sale Weekend on May 8-10, with no permits or fees required for residents who want to participate.

Contract supplement for pavement maintenance approved

Mikew. Ray Southwest Ledger

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

A contract supplement with WSB Consulting for “continued service” on Lawton’s pavement maintenance program for two more months was approved recently by the City Council.

Lawton Utility Billing Division braces for cutoff traffic

Mikew. Ray Southwest Ledger

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

The City of Lawton’s Utility Billing Division anticipates an unusually high volume of customer traffic this week, as more than 750 accounts are currently scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment.

Project to improve recreational access to Gondola Lake

Mikew. Ray Southwest Ledger

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

The City of Lawton and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are collaborating on a project to improve recreational access to Gondola Lake in Medicine Park.Lawton owns the lake and received American Rescue Plan Act funds via the Wildlife Department for repair of the Gondola Lake dam.

Tillman County officials have agreed to maintain the portion of Baseline Road that the county receives state funding for, while Comanche County will continue providing upkeep for its section. Comanche County had maintained that section of Baseline for decades, as well as a 7-mile section of 197th Street heading south; however, Tillman County had received state aid for maintaining all of Baseline plus half of 197th Street. Bryanna Ramos | Southwest Ledger

Tillman County takes responsibility in maintaining section of Baseline Road

Eric Swanson Southwest Ledger

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

LAWTON – Tillman County officials have agreed to assume full responsibility for maintaining the portion of Baseline Road that the county receives state funding for, while Comanche County will continue providing upkeep for its section.

Newly elected members of the Chickasha City Council received the oath of office April 21

News Staff

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Newly elected members of the Chickasha City Council received the oath of office April 21. The councilors include, from left: Kim Irving, Ward 3; Lisa Hatchett, Ward 4; Georgianne Hebblethwaite, Ward 2; and Clark Southard, Ward 1. Irving defeated former Councilman R.P.

Lawton-area trio sentenced for fraud, to pay $2.7M in restitution

News Staff

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – Three Lawton-area residents and business owners were sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to commit fraud by submitting invoices for health care services that were not performed.Jimmie Mathews, 41; Nathan Mathews, 42; and Amber Delger, 55, all pleaded guilty.

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