New Altus chamber duo adds membership value

ALTUS – New chamber president and chief executive officer Jenny Graves is working to make the pro-business organization the “window” to Altus for existing companies and tourists.

Publication snafu forces new Ward 4 election date

ALTUS – A new election date has been set for the city’s vacant Ward 4 seat after a publication notice required by state law was not fulfilled, City Manager Gary Jones said. City officials submitted the legal notice to the local newspaper, but the notice was not published in a timely manner.

World champion bull rider begins coaching at WOSC

ALTUS – Shane Proctor, known for his bull riding skills and his 2011 world championship, has started coaching rodeo students at Western Oklahoma State College and mentoring them about the business side of the sport.

Billingsley Ford expands footprint into Altus

ALTUS — The Billingsley family, long known for its southwest Oklahoma auto dealerships and community leadership, spread its wings into Altus earlier this summer.

Lt. Gov. Pinnell to keynote Beans & Baskets fundraiser

ALTUS — Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell will be the featured speaker at the 14th annual Beans and Baskets GOP fundraiser 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Altus Community Center. The event will be hosted by the Southwest Oklahoma Republican Women.

Council approves rezoning bid for Wendy’s restaurant

ALTUS — A rezoning was approved by the city council that will allow for a Wendy’s restaurant to open on Main Street. The council made its decision July 11 at the council’s special meeting. The 1.2 acres at 2515 N. Main St. was rezoned from agriculture to an urban commercial district.

Temps prompt officials to open cooling station

ALTUS — Residents left without air-conditioning and cold water were welcomed to the city gymnasium last week as temperatures soared to over 100 degrees.

Main Street Altus awarded $60K for 2023-24 fiscal year

ALTUS — Main Street Altus was awarded an extra $10,000 as part of its annual agreement with the city to promote the downtown area and its events.

Altus City Council approves new city, authority budgets

ALTUS — A $47 million city budget that remains largely flat from last year was recently approved by the Altus City Council. The new budget will cover the 2023-2024 fiscal year which begins July 1.

Two Altus Reservoir project bids accepted

ALTUS — Two major projects for the Altus Reservoir renovation moved a step closer to completion when the city council awarded bids on a retaining wall and culvert. The retaining wall project was awarded to Federal Constructors Inc. of Oklahoma City. The low bid by Federal Constructors was $1.