News

County chooses new chairman, vice chairman

Eric Swanson
Thursday, January 5, 2023
LAWTON — The Comanche County Board of Commissioners started the new year Tuesday by electing its chairman and vice chairman. The commission chose senior commissioner Johnny Owens as the chairman and newcomer Josh Powers as the vice chairman for 2023.
From the left, District Judge Grant Sheperd administers the oath of office to commissioners John O’Brien and Josh Powers Dec. 30, 2022, in the jury room on the second floor of the courthouse. O’Brien and Powers pledged to support the U.S. Constitution, the Oklahoma Constitution and federal and state laws. CARL LEWIS | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE

From the left, District Judge Grant Sheperd administers the oath of office to commissioners John O’Brien and Josh Powers Dec. 30, 2022, in the jury room on the second floor of the courthouse. O’Brien and Powers pledged to support the U.S. Constitution, the Oklahoma Constitution and federal and state laws. CARL LEWIS | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE

O’Brien, Powers sworn into office

Eric Swanson
Thursday, January 5, 2023
LAWTON — Two new Comanche County commissioners were sworn into office in a short ceremony Dec. 30 at the Comanche County Courthouse. District Judge Grant Sheperd administered the oath of office to commissioners John O’Brien and Josh Powers in the jury room on the second floor of the courthouse.
Sterling head coach Trent Parrish gives instructions to senior Nate Anderson during the Dec. 16 game against Apache. HUGH SCOTT JR. | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE

Sterling head coach Trent Parrish gives instructions to senior Nate Anderson during the Dec. 16 game against Apache. HUGH SCOTT JR. | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE

Tigers hope for confidence boost when action resumes

Tim Farley
Friday, December 30, 2022
STERLING — Coach Trent Parrish is hoping the start of January’s basketball schedule will bring a much-needed dose of confidence to Sterling’s boys’ team. After starting the season 6-2, the Tigers have lost four in a row, including a 66-65 nailbiter to Frederick in an early-season tournament.
Elgin freshman Kelby Carter (33) toss the ball toward the basket while guarded by Duncan defenders during a recent game. HUGH SCOTT JR. | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE

Elgin freshman Kelby Carter (33) toss the ball toward the basket while guarded by Duncan defenders during a recent game. HUGH SCOTT JR. | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE

Elgin girls prep for Weatherford Classic

Tim Farley
Friday, December 30, 2022
ELGIN — Elgin’s Lady Owls will face a tough first round game against Tuttle in the Weatherford Classic which tips off Thursday. Tuttle is ranked No. 3 in Class 4A with a 6-1 record while Elgin is unranked with a 5-1 mark. The two teams will square off 1 p.m. Jan. 5 at Weatherford High School.
Elgin’s Toby Parker tries to break up a pass attempt against Noble, which won the 5A-1 matchup 32-21. Below, Michael Adesola (4) catches the winning TD during a come-from-behind victory over Lawton MacArthur. HUGH SCOTT JR. | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE

Elgin’s Toby Parker tries to break up a pass attempt against Noble, which won the 5A-1 matchup 32-21. Below, Michael Adesola (4) catches the winning TD during a come-from-behind victory over Lawton MacArthur. HUGH SCOTT JR. | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE

Elgin athletic achievements reviewed from 2022

Tim Farley
Friday, December 30, 2022
ELGIN — Several outstanding athletic performances from Elgin teams and individuals occurred in 2022 including a playoff appearance from the football team during its first year in Class 5A.
Cyril rancher Jay Snider of Cyril will serve as Oklahoma’s State Poet Laureate in 2023-2024. OKLAHOMA ARTS COUNCIL

Cyril rancher Jay Snider of Cyril will serve as Oklahoma’s State Poet Laureate in 2023-2024. OKLAHOMA ARTS COUNCIL

Cyril rancher named State Poet Laureate

News Staff
Friday, December 30, 2022
OKLAHOMA CITY – Cyril rancher Jay Snider will serve as Oklahoma’s State Poet Laureate in 2023-24. Snider is an award-winning cowboy poet and recording artist who has appeared at national and regional events.
District Supervisor Jaremy Andrews for the Office of Juvenile Affairs displays a gift box he finished packing for one of more than 200 youths in OJA custody. The gifts were purchased with funds provided by the Santa Claus Commission. OFFICE OF JUVENILE AFFAIRS

District Supervisor Jaremy Andrews for the Office of Juvenile Affairs displays a gift box he finished packing for one of more than 200 youths in OJA custody. The gifts were purchased with funds provided by the Santa Claus Commission. OFFICE OF JUVENILE AFFAIRS

Gifts from state Santa Claus Commission delivered by OJA staff to kids in custody

News Staff
Friday, December 30, 2022
OKLAHOMA CITY — More than 200 youths in the custody of the state Office of Juvenile Affairs were remembered by Santa Claus this year. OJA staff members collaborated with the Santa Claus Commission to make sure all 210 of the youths in custody received gifts.
The interior of the Vaska Theatre in Lawton is shown in this image produced Dec. 20. The theater is continuing to draw audiences, despite the challenges facing the film industry. RIP STELL | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE

The interior of the Vaska Theatre in Lawton is shown in this image produced Dec. 20. The theater is continuing to draw audiences, despite the challenges facing the film industry. RIP STELL | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE

‘Our crowd continues to grow’

Eric Swanson
Friday, December 30, 2022
LAWTON — The COVID-19 pandemic upended many industries, including the film industry. Movie theaters closed their doors temporarily, and new releases were postponed due to COVID-related production delays. And even when theaters reopened, some audiences were slow to return.
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