The Superintendent of Weatherford Public Schools says progress continues on getting the new gym floor in place at the high school. Chad Wilson says the project is moving forward.
"Moving along at a good pace now," Wilson said. "We expect the sub-floor to be finished by the end of this week. After the July 4th holiday, the floor company will be in here and they'll be actually laying the wood. That should take approximately a month for them to lay the wood, paint and seal the floor."
The district had to replace the gym floor after a sprinkler malfunctioned during Christmas break last school year.
Weatherford Mayor Mike Brown provides an update on the most recent sinkhole discovered at the former Ford dealership site across from city hall.
"We've got an obstruction there," Brown said. "We'll try to get that obstruction cleared out here in the future and probably fill in around it."
Brown says it's unknown when the obstruction will be cleared.
The Weatherford City Commission will meet in regular session Thursday night. The commission will again consider an election for a half cent sales tax. The funds would be earmarked for infrastructure including improvements to Lyle Road. Mayor Mike Brown says the city has recieved citizen feedback since the prior commission meeting last month.
"People have been very positive on moving forward with the potential sales tax increase," Brown said.
Additionally, the commission will consider the lease purchase and authorizing to solicit bids for two new fire trucks. The commission meets Thursday evening beginning at 6.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University has announced comedian Gabriel Iglesias will perform this fall in Weatherford as part of the Panorama Series. Panorama Chairman Brian Adler says Iglesias, also known as "Fluffy", will perform at 8pm, Friday, November 3rd, at the Pioneer Cellular Event Center. Adler says tickets go on sale in a couple weeks.
"Online ticket sales will start on Friday, July 14th, at 10am on StubWire.com," Adler said. "We will have tickets available at SWOSU in the Administration Building, room 205, starting on Wednesday, July 19th, at 10am."
Iglesias is one of the most viewed comedians on YouTube. The performance in Weatherford is part of his "Fluffy Mania" world tour.
The SSM representative of the Weatherford Hospital Board told the board this week that there is a target date for opening of Sayre Community Hospital. Bridget Crosby says that could happen next month.
"Sayre is still thinking they'll get the doors open July 10th," Crosby said.
Crosby says SSM will have a transfer relationship with Sayre Community Hospital. She says implementing a telehospitalist program is still up in the air.
Summer enrollment at Southwestern Oklahoma State University is up 5.1% compared to a year ago. Head count enrollment is 2064 students for both the Weatherford and Sayre campuses. Meanwhile, enrollment continues for the fall semester on both campuses. The first day of fall classes is August 21st.
Following a conversation with Custer County Commissioner Wade Anders, Sheriff Kenneth Tidwell has decided to rescind his decision to layoff a jail security officer at the courthouse. Anders says he sees the position as a benefit.
Commissioners say the Excise Board increased the general fund budget in excess of $56,000 and the two other accounts that funds among other things, employee salaries and some maintenance and operations, continue an upward trend. Sheriff Tidwell says despite keeping the position filled with a field deputy, he still is having to layoff personnel.
In other business: commissioners approved a bid of $55 per hour from Cross Heat and Air of Weatherford for labor charges for air conditioner repairs at the county courthouse.
Elk City continues to rebuild after a tornado struck the southern end of the town in mid-May. At least 230 homes were damaged by the twister and 80 were completely destroyed. The Elk City Golf and Country Club clubhouse suffered heavy damage. Workers completely destroyed the building last week. Country Club manager Alex Alvarez has been conducting business out of a trailer, but says none of the members have complained. Alvarez says it's unclear when they will rebuild.
Despite seeking a 4.9% hike in tuition and fees, Southwestern Oklahoma State University President Randy Beutler says the institution is still very affordable compared to peer universities.
The regional university system board approved the rate hike yesterday. The Board of Regents will act on the proposal next week.
Construction crews continue to make headway on the second phase of the Exit 82 project at Weatherford. Economic Development Director Chuck Dougherty says the work is ahead of schedule.
Dougherty says the configuration surrounding the four way stop at Washington and Main will remain intact over the next several months.