COVID Spread Increases

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to spread throughout Oklahoma at record levels. During the last week, from June 22 - June 29, the number of new confirmed cases reached 3,024, up from 2,316 during the previous week.

Former City Employee Charged With Embezzlement

Miranda McGaha, former billing and human resources clerk for the City of Cordell, was formally charged last week with a single felony count of embezzlement. McGaha is accused of fraudulently taking more than $41,000 from the city between September 2018 and November 2019.

Cordell Grad Named All American Scholar

Heston Brown, Cordell High School graduate and standout golfer at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, has been named as one of the 2019-2020 Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholars. Brown is one of just 99 Division II athletes to receive the honor.

County Adds Evacuation Chair To Courthouse For Emergencies

County employees Andy Medlin, left, and Kenneth Trent demonstrate the courthouse’s new evacuation chair on County Clerk Kristen Dowell. Bob Henline | The Cordell Beacon

Flashbacks

25 Years Ago June 28, 1995 Academic Foundation Set To Fund Educational Project The Cordell Academic Foundation has recently received the financial backing to begin funding educational projects the school can not afford or that go beyond the realm of normal curriculums.

The Police Blotter

June 1, 4:28 p.m. - A person called the Sheriff’s office to notify an officer “about some fraud.” June 1, 4:32 p.m. - Washita County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop. June 1, 4:51 p.m. - A caller reported a semi truck “all over the roadway” northbound on Highway 183 south of Cordell.

It’s Time To Talk About Substance Use Disorders

Alcoholic. Addict. Out of control. We have heard all of the language addressing those who use alcohol and illicit drugs, but have we stopped to explore what it means to have a substance use disorder?

Oklahoma Insurance Department To Offer Online Fraud Conference

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Securities, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, the Oklahoma Banker’s Association and AARP Oklahoma to host the Hoodwinked Fraud Conference virtually, beginning July 8, 2020.

State Tax Deduction Still Available For College Savings

With this year’s tax deadline extended, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel wants to remind Oklahomans that there is still time for a 2019 state income tax deduction by investing in their children or grandchildren’s higher education.