Good morning, Lawton.

Mattie Beal, a telephone operator from Kansas, won the second draw in Lawton's 1901 land lottery on July 29 — her win awarded her 160 acres near town and brought more than 600 marriage proposals after she found a horseshoe the day before the drawing.

She married Charles Warren Payne on July 16, built a historic home at Fifth Street and Summit Avenue, and later donated land that became parks, a church and a school in the community.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and Lawton Public Library will host a community job fair on July 25 from noon to 2 p.m. at the library at 110 SW Fourth Street.

Attendees must bring multiple copies of their resume and dress for success—preparing them for on-the-spot interviews.

On Saturday night, a driver charged with drunk driving crashed in a wreck that left his passenger in critical condition—he is now in jail on a $100,000 bond.

Lawton Economic Development Corp president Brad Cooksey said the organization must launch at least 24 projects each year to boost the local economy, noting that more than 200 projects have been started over the last four years as Lawton gains visibility.

He also discussed working with Firehawk Aerospace on a 3D-printed rocket fuel plant that could create about 100 high-tech jobs if the Lawton City Council approves a revised rezoning plan — including buffer zones for nearby residents.

Sales tax collections in southwest Oklahoma grew by only 0.2% and fell below expectations, leading cities like Oklahoma City and Lawton to cut spending amid weak consumer demand and higher tariffs—many local officials now forecast only marginal or flat revenue growth for next year. Lawton, however, projects an 11% increase in 2026 thanks to its PROPEL 2040 Capital Improvement Plan and expected boosts from new commercial development and Fort Sill growth.

Lawton Economic Development Authority has begun the process that may lead to a grocery store opening in downtown Lawton—officials will release more details as the land sale plan moves forward.

In this week's Tuesdays with Fort Sill segment, 7News anchors Dave Hunter and Haley Wilson interviewed Virginia Aid—Fort Sill’s Community and Congressional Relations Liaison—who outlined upcoming events for the Lawton Fort Sill community, including the Army Community Service anniversary celebration and Summer Soaker event.

Comanche County will build a 1.43-mile access road to Lake Lawtonka after a 3-0 board vote on July 14—using state funds of $180,000 to pay for surfacing.

In other news, county officials accepted K-9 Skoden from retiring deputy Troy Glover—who worked with the dog for nearly 2 years.

Lawton Rangers Rodeo

7:30-9 p.m. — Lawton Rangers Rodeo — Admission varies — Experience thrilling rodeo events with top cowboys and cowgirls in Oklahoma's premier rodeo.

Winner's Circle Comedy Show

7-9 p.m. — Comedy Avenue — $15 Entry — Enjoy a hilarious night as award-winning comics take the stage.

Peabo Bryson's Golden Touch Tour

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Apache Casino Hotel — Tickets from $49 — Experience the legendary Peabo Bryson as he performs his timeless hits in an intimate setting.