The Altus Times

Altus national Census Day

April 1 was proclaimed Census Day in the City of Altus after Vice Mayor Robert Garrison signed a proclamation on March 23. With Garrison are members of the Altus Complete Count Committee, from the … more

4/1/20 02:59 PM

Visit loved ones in long-term care via letters, cards and calls

One of the latest emergency orders from both Gov. Kevin Stitt and Altus Mayor Jack Smiley prohibits visitors from entering and visiting residents in nursing homes, long-term care facilities and … more

4/1/20 02:10 PM

Newspaper suspends publication for 2 weeks

A newspaper, as most know, is a business. It must sell its products in order to survive. Our product is information and advertising. That being the case, the newspaper depends on other businesses as … more

4/1/20 02:06 PM

WOSC, ACA illustrate roadmap to virtual learning

While area public schools were looking for guidance last week from the Oklahoma Department of Education on how to proceed with the school year by implementing a Distance Learning Plan, two local … more

By Rick Carpenter
rick@altustimes.com | 4/1/20 02:01 PM

Sen. Lankford provides info on stimulus bill

Help is on the way for individuals and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus, but it will not arrive as quickly as everyone hoped. U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, speaking to … more

By Larry Miller
larry@durantdemocrat.com | 4/1/20 12:51 PM

Altus City Council delays vote on Proposed Charter Amendments

The Altus City Council met in a special virtual meeting on Wednesday, March 25, to reschedule an election for Proposed Charter Amendment changes and to give City Manager Gary Jones the power to … more

By Rick Carpenter
rick@altustimes.com | 4/1/20 10:15 AM

The most recent Emergency Order by the City of Altus

MARCH 26th, 2020, EMERGENCY ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM JACK SMILEY, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ALTUS, OKLAHOMA Altus Municipal Code, Chapter 9, Article II, §9-26 through §9-35 … more

3/27/20 10:15 AM

Store owner uses own products to make hand sanitizer

When Altus Mayor Jack Smiley issued an updated emergency order on Friday that requires businesses to provide hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes at every entrance of a business, hoarders had already … more

By Rick Carpenter
rick@altustimes.com | 3/25/20 05:43 PM

Health departments host live Q&A

Beckham, Caddo, Comanche and Jackson County Health Departments will be going live on Facebook this Friday, March 27, at 2 p.m. with Regional Director Brandie Combs and District Nurse Manager Janene … more

3/25/20 04:12 PM

Commissioners close County Courthouse until April 6

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners met in an emergency meeting on Monday, March 23, to determine what to do in light of the COVID-19 threat. After meeting with county officials, the board … more

By Rick Carpenter
rick@altustimes.com | 3/25/20 03:30 PM

Junior Rotarian brings a lot of talent to the stage

The March Junior Rotarian being honored by the Rotary Club of Altus has been a state champion track runner, received superior ratings for state solo/ensemble concerts and, by the way, just happened … more

By Rick Carpenter
rick@altustimes.com | 3/25/20 02:44 PM

Leading the pledge

Braelynn Salafia, a first grade student at Altus Primary School, led the Altus Public Schools Board of Education in the Pledge of Alligiance during the board’s regularly scheduled meeting on … more

3/25/20 02:19 PM

School district plans to adapt to shuttered buildings

Altus Public Schools Superintendent Roe Worbes published an online letter on Monday advising parents to prepare for the possibility of the school district to shutter its schools for the rest of this … more

By Rick Carpenter
rick@altustimes.com | 3/25/20 12:36 PM

Mayor adds new emergency orders
But he’s not acting in a vacuum

Altus Mayor Jack Smiley wasn’t making arbitrary decisions to shut down parts of the city’s businesses when he called for an emergency City Council meeting on March 16. He called key … more

By Rick Carpenter
rick@altustimes.com | 3/25/20 11:21 AM

Here are some important closures

As a result of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, Altus restaurants have been ordered shut down for dine-in only. Most are still capable of offering to-go orders. Other businesses and public … more

3/25/20 10:17 AM

Churches plan to host online services

Here’s an updated list of how to access Altus area Church Services online: Pastor Earnest Everman with the Altus Church of God will be streaming services on Facebook Live Sunday at 10:30 … more

3/19/20 03:54 PM

County declares Oklahoma Emergency Management Week

The Jackson County Commissioners proclaimed the week of March 23-29 as Oklahoma Emergency Management Week for the county during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday. The proclamation was … more

By Rick Carpenter
rick@altustimes.com | 3/18/20 04:50 PM

Branch manager presents national
program for Future-Ready libraries

Just weeks before the coronavirus discouraged public traveling and meetings and days before a tornado struck the area, Altus Public Library Branch Manager Bailee Hutchinson gave a presentation at the … more

By Rick Carpenter
rick@altustimes.cocm | 3/18/20 03:56 PM

State, county candidate filing begins April 8

Statewide and county election activity begins officially at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, when the official candidate filing period opens, according to Jennifer L. Wilson, secretary of the Jackson … more

3/18/20 03:50 PM

Imagine Your Story

Altus teenagers were encouraged to draw their favorite fairy tales as part of an annual reading program promoted by the state through the local libraries. Here Jewlie Brzozowski, 15, an Altus High … more

3/18/20 03:40 PM