Good morning, Lawton.

The City of Lawton will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new KidZone playground at Greer Park on October 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Construction began in March and the playground features ADA accessible structures, three swing sets, shade coverings, cushioned flooring and a splash pad with food trucks, music and bounce houses.

Electricity rates jumped 6.6% across the country as of June, and Oklahoma residents paid an average monthly bill of $129.10 for 1,068.73 kilowatt hours of power — some states had rates rise nearly four times higher.

Rising natural gas prices played a role, and experts recommended saving energy by unplugging extra electronics.

Great Plains Technology Center’s Cosmetology Salon has officially opened today in Lawton—future stylists are running the salon as part of their training program and creating a buzz that goes beyond the sound of clippers.

Several Lawton Public Schools students have been selected for the Southwest Oklahoma All-Region Honor Choir— the group will showcase local talent in upcoming regional events.

Officials from the VA visited the Lawton Farmers Market on Tuesday—working with Lawton Indian Health Services—to educate local veterans on benefits under the PACT Act, including enrollment, new ID cards, and health screens.

Lawton Mayor Stan Booker previewed homelessness items on Tuesday's City Council agenda—he said the proposals will address local homelessness challenges.

State Treasurer Todd Russ directed Colorado-based Innovest to check whether the $2 billion TSET trust’s 20 investment managers match Oklahoma values—using corporate ratings from the conservative 1792 Exchange.

Innovest shared early findings on Aug. 20 and will complete the review at the board meeting in November.

Comanche County Excise Board members rejected the county’s Estimate of Needs in Lawton — telling commissioners to try again, and officials plan to review a new proposal soon.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled unanimously with an 8 to 0 vote last Tuesday that a challenge to SQ836 was premature, allowing supporters to begin collecting 172,993 voter signatures to change the primary election system.

Opponents, including the state GOP, said the proposal misleads voters and burdens political parties.

Billy Hicks, who had a hemorrhagic stroke a year ago, received the Physical Rehabilitation Center of Southwest Oklahoma Courage Award as he continues outpatient therapy and works to care for his baby daughter—he made significant progress after spending a month and a half in the ICU. His recovery shows how determination and family support help in rebuilding strength.

In Lawton, Comanche County Memorial Hospital and Southwestern Medical Center offer a wide range of services—both have emergency rooms and provide specialized care for trauma, nutrition, and chronic conditions.

Southwestern’s emergency room is open 24/7 for about 18,600 patients a year while CCMH has a Level III Trauma Center and additional specialty services.

SMART Budgeting Workshop with Arvest Bank

3-4 p.m. — Lawton Public Library — Free entry — Learn to set and maintain a budget while exploring financial goals with Arvest Bank professionals.

Elegant Night at Comedy Avenue

7-9 p.m. — Comedy Avenue — $15 — Enjoy a classy evening of laughs with free snacks and a photo opportunity.