Good morning, Lawton.

The Great Plains Technology Center hosted the Spring Career and College Fair on Tuesday at the Worley Seminar Center where students met with representatives about job and education opportunities—employment advisor Chesley Graham said a follow-up fair is planned for September.

The Lawton City Council approved reallocating water fee funds and diverted marijuana sales tax money to help address a budget gap for FY2026 while tripling landfill fees to cover state costs — they rejected a proposed 12% increase in miscellaneous fees on a 3-4 vote.

City officials plan to pass the new budget by June 20.

Today, the Lawton Utility Billing Division expects high customer traffic as more than 750 accounts face disconnection for nonpayment.

The office has realigned staffing and added a payment drop box (to reduce in-person delays) while urging residents to pay online (to avoid long wait times).

Lawton’s City Council approved a fee schedule for the new aquatic center in Elmer Thomas Park that sets daily admission fees at $6 for adults and $5 for youths and seniors from July 4—Labor Day, and awarded a paving contract for the 122-space parking lot.

The pricing and paving plans, based on regional benchmarks and community input, will help the center open for the July 4 weekend while parking work is completed by June 15.

Lawton and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are working to improve recreational access to Gondola Lake in Medicine Park by adding a boat ramp, parking area, and periodic sportfish stocking while protecting the nearby water treatment plant.

City Council approved work to repair the century-old dam by installing a concrete cap with a widened walkway (estimated at $2.5 million to $2.8 million), which will enhance safe recreation around the lake.

Consultants Freese — Nichols presented a plan on April 23 to change Lawton’s stormwater and drainage fees from a meter-based system to one based on hard surfaces, and the Fee Committee recommended merging the two departments to avoid future budget cuts.

A storm on Saturday caused heavy flooding in parts of Lawton—one driver drowned after driving into rising waters while emergency pumps were activated and barricades set up as more rain is expected.

The City Council approved a $207,871 contract supplement with WSB Consulting to extend pavement maintenance services through June 30 — preventing a funding gap that would have reached $834,684 at month’s end and ensuring the 38th Street project can move forward once the wastewater permit is secured.

Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a disaster emergency for Comanche, Cotton and Cleveland counties — a move that will allow state resources to be quickly mobilized for relief in affected areas.

Tillman County officials have agreed to assume full responsibility for maintaining the state-funded section of Baseline Road while Comanche County continues to maintain its portion, according to District 3 Commissioner Josh Powers.

The decision follows a review of the county’s certified mileage map and will help ensure proper use of county funds + accurate road maintenance planning.

Blood of Angels Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — The railhead saloon — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience an electrifying performance as the band showcases their new album after two years in the studio.