Kim McConnell, The Lawton Constitution Journalist Profile

Articles

Cooperative agreement could help Fort Sill with road projects

1 day ago | swoknews.com | Kim McConnell

An intergovernmental support agreement between Comanche County and Fort Sill would benefit both sides, officials said. For the post, it is an opportunity to get projects done in a quicker, most cost efficient way. For the county, it’s a chance to make some money while helping out the post with projects it has experience with — most notably, road construction. The decision hasn’t been made, but officials on both sides are exploring the details.
Council settles death lawsuit for $4 million

2 days ago | swoknews.com | Kim McConnell

The City of Lawton has settled a federal lawsuit filed on behalf of the estate of a diabetic man who died in 2021 while in jail. City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a $4 million economic settlement on a case filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma in 2023 by Kent Jackson, as the personal representative of the estate of Israel Williams. Council action settles all related issues, a judgment that will be placed on the city’s sinking fund for payment.
Council, fire union approve new labor contract

2 days ago | swoknews.com | Kim McConnell

Lawton firefighters have a new contract. City Council members signed off on a new three-year agreement Tuesday, setting a new contract into place for firefighters on July 1 and replacing a six-year contract that will expire Monday. City Manager John Ratliff said firefighters already have approved the contract.
Council to look at new upgrade for Lee Boulevard

4 days ago | swoknews.com | Kim McConnell

A proposal that would lead to repairs on another mile section of West Lee Boulevard, and confirmation of an agreement that will designate land for Lawton's first indoor youth sports complex will be before the City Council today. Council members will be asked to direct city staff to begin the process to solicit bids for a mill and overlay project on West Lee Boulevard between Southwest 38th and Southwest 52nd streets.
Council to discuss amending city charter, new firefighters contract

4 days ago | swoknews.com | Kim McConnell

A proposal that first came to the City Council floor in February is expected to re-appear at today’s regular meeting, when members discuss amending the City Charter. That charter, created in 1972, is the guiding document for municipal government, setting the structure, powers and responsibilities of a government that designates a city manager as the chief administrative officer.
Kids First plan details actions to battle homelessness

6 days ago | swoknews.com | Kim McConnell

The Kids First: Homeless Action Plan identifies two types of homelessness and separate strategies for each:Transitional: Temporarily homelessness due to life events or natural disasters; typically short-term and can be alleviated through support services. Multiple groups in Lawton offer services for this group.
Action plan to protect children by battling homelessness

6 days ago | swoknews.com | Kim McConnell

A Homeless Action Plan initiated by the City of Lawton has youth at its core, said Mayor Stan Booker. The plan, which also ties into creation of a new trust authority to manage programs and activities related to homelessness, was approved unanimously by the City Council earlier this month as part of a series of formalized actions city officials are taking to address the problem of homelessness — and, in turn, the problems such individuals may cause.
Design process for indoor sports complex moving forward

1 week ago | swoknews.com | Kim McConnell

With luck and timing, Lawton’s first indoor sports complex for youth could be breaking ground in 2026. That step will be the culmination of a process launched almost eight years ago by three Lawton businessmen who wanted the city to invest in an indoor facility that could provide sports opportunities, not only for city youth but for youth sports teams in the region.
Threats that cancelled Army Birthday Parade still being investigated

1 week ago | swoknews.com | Kim McConnell

City of Lawton officials said credible threats that prompted cancellation of the June 14 U.S. Army Birthday Parade were specific and are still being criminally investigated, which is why they cannot be discussed publicly. But, the decision to cancel the parade was made in the interest of public safety and because Fort Sill had already made the decision to pull its soldiers out of parade participation, City Manager John Ratliff said.
Legislature laid groundwork for more economic expansion

1 week ago | swoknews.com | Kim McConnell

The Oklahoma Legislature’s 2025 session laid the groundwork for continued economic development, members of the area legislative delegation say. Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, told members of the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce that the 2025 session was the best one since 2019, explaining state officials now know the “recipe for economic growth” and can apply those findings in the future.