July 11, 2026 Issue, Page 8 of 10

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8• SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2026 The Elk City News NEWS shad around main lake and rip- and channel catfish slow on stable, water temperature Fort Supply: Jun 29. Eleva- rap. Report submitted by Clint chicken liver, cut bait, punch 84°F and clear. (USACE Lake tion is normal and stable, water Carpenter, game warden sta- bait, and shad around flats and Level) Crappie and saugeye temperature 80°F and stained. tioned in Custer County. points. Crappie slow on jigs slow on crankbaits, hair jigs, (USACE Lake Level) Channel and minnows around brush jigs, minnows, sassy shad, catfish fair on hot dogs, punch SOUTHWEST structure, docks, and rocks. Re- and small lures around brush bait, and worms around flats Altus-Lugert: Jun 29. Ele- port submitted by Mike Car- structure, docks, main lake, and rocks. Report submitted by vation is 21 ft. below normal roll, game warden stationed in and rocks. Report submitted Jason Badley, game warden sta- and rising, water temperature Comanche County. by Mike Carroll, game warden tioned in Harper County. 79°F and murky. (USACE Lake stationed in Comanche County. Level) Channel catfish slow on Fort Cobb: Jun 28. Elevation Foss: Jun 28. Elevation is minnows and worms around is normal and stable, water Tom Steed: Jun 30. Eleva- 1.5 ft. below normal and fall- main lake and rocks. Report temperature 79°F and stained. tion is 4 ft. below normal and ing, water temperature 76°F submitted by Brandon Lehr- (USACE Lake Level) White stable, water temperature 76°F and clear. (USACE Lake Lev- man, game warden stationed in bass fair on jigs around main and murky. (USACE Lake Lev- NORTHWEST bass slow on live bait and slabs el) Largemouth and small- Greer County. lake. Report submitted by Jus- el) Blue and channel catfish Canton: Jun 29. Elevation is around main lake. Channel cat- mouth bass fair on buzz baits, tin Cornett, game warden sta- slow on shrimp and stinkbait normal and stable, water tem- fish fair on stinkbait around flukes, and spinnerbaits around Ellsworth: Jun 28. Elevation tioned in Caddo County. around flats and rocks. Report perature 74°F and clear. (US- dam. Report submitted by coves, shorelines, and standing is 7 ft. below normal and stable, submitted by David Smith, ACE Lake Level) Striped bass, Jaylen Flynn, game warden sta- timber. Walleye fair on craw- water temperature 84°F and Lawtonka: Jun 28. Eleva- game warden stationed in Kio- striped bass hybrids, and white tioned in Blaine County. fish, flukes, live shad, and sassy murky. (USGS Lake Level) Blue tion is 2 ft. below normal and wa County. University of Tulsa Law Professor Launches Statewide Project to Uncover Hidden Jail Deaths TULSA, Okla. – July 7, 2026 up in our county jails, often for mi- – University of Tulsa Law Professor nor infractions or because they are Matt Lamkin today announced the experiencing a mental health crisis,” launch of the Jail Death Accountabil- said Lamkin. “A missed court date ity Project, a new investigative initia- or unpaid fines shouldn’t be a death Oklahoma Caring Foundation and GRAND Mental Health tive aimed at bringing to light hidden cases of fatal abuse and neglect in sentence. And families shouldn’t be left in the dark about what happened Oklahoma jails. to their loved ones behind jail walls.” Mark One Year of Expanding Mental Health Access The project is issuing a public call to families who may have been mis- The initiative highlights a tragic reality: many of the victims are or- TULSA, OK (June 30, 2026) led about the true circumstances of a dinary people who just had a tough — One year after launching a loved one’s death behind bars, as well break. Mr. Ellis voluntarily report- mobile mental health initiative in as to jail staff whistleblowers who ed to the Ottawa County jail after a partnership with GRAND Men- have witnessed troubling incidents. warrant was issued when he missed tal Health, the Oklahoma Caring The initiative’s launch comes a court date. After he developed Foundation, sponsored by Blue as counties across Oklahoma are pneumonia, jail staff mocked and Cross and Blue Shield of Okla- grappling with legal liabilities for berated him instead of helping. In homa, is continuing its mission preventable deaths. Next month, another case, Shannon Hanchett – a to bring critical health resourc- Ottawa County voters will decide mother and business owner with no es directly into rural Oklahoma on a tax increase to fund a $40 mil- criminal record – was arrested for communities. lion verdict for the family of Terral repeatedly calling 911 during a men- As part of the Oklahoma Car- Ellis, who died after being denied tal health episode. A lawsuit alleges ing Foundation’s Caring Van pro- basic medical care in the county jail. Ms. Hanchett died in the Cleveland gram, the mobile mental health Just last month, Oklahoma County County jail after being deprived of unit was created to help expand agreed to a $7 million settlement water for eleven days. awareness, outreach and access in another jail death case because Anyone who has had a loved one to behavioral health resources, officials feared a jury might award die in an Oklahoma county or mu- particularly in rural and under- the victim’s family $75 million if the nicipal jail – or any jail staff mem- served areas where barriers to case went to trial. ber with information regarding a care can be significant. Despite these significant payouts, death behind bars – is encouraged All 77 Oklahoma counties are Lamkin – who has consulted on jail- to contact the project. Tips can be designated as Mental Health Pro- further impact residents’ ability said Brooke Townsend, Oklaho- more than 4,000 miles to host death cases across Oklahoma – says submitted at jaildeaths.org, by email- fessional Shortage Areas by the to access services. ma Caring Foundation Executive 75 events in communities across a pattern of coverups by jail staff ing [email protected], or by calling U.S. Health Resources and Ser- For the Oklahoma Caring Director. “Through this partner- Oklahoma to support outreach means the true number of prevent- or texting (601) 732-5245. vices Administration, reflecting a Foundation and GRAND Men- ship, we’re bringing resources efforts, move people into treat- able deaths is likely far higher than statewide lack of providers. Fed- tal Health, the mobile unit rep- directly into communities while ment services, increase aware- the lawsuits reflect. Officials may ABOUT THE JAIL DEATH eral data indicates the state meets resents more than transportation, reinforcing our commitment to ness of available resources and claim an inmate died from “natural ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT: only about one-third of its be- it represents visibility, connection meeting people where they are. help foster conversations around causes” – like “pneumonia” or “sep- The Jail Death Accountability havioral health workforce need, and a shared commitment to This effort goes beyond access, mental health and wellness. sis” – without revealing that jail staff Project is an independent inves- leaving a substantial gap in access making mental health care more it’s about reducing stigma, con- Leaders from both organiza- watched them die slowly and never tigative initiative based in Tulsa, to care. In rural areas, where ap- accessible regardless of where tinuing important conversations tions say the anniversary is not provided help. In Mr. Ellis’s case, vid- Oklahoma, dedicated to identifying, proximately one-third of Okla- someone lives. and ensuring Oklahomans know just a milestone, but a reminder eo from the jail showed staff mem- documenting, and exposing hidden homans live, limited provider “Too many Oklahomans still they are not alone.” of the continued need for inno- bers apparently discussing whether deaths from medical neglect and availability, longer travel distanc- face barriers when it comes to Over the past year, the mobile vative and community-centered to falsely record his death as a suicide. abuse within the state’s county and es and transportation constraints accessing mental health support,” mental health van has traveled approaches to mental health care. “People from all walks of life end municipal jails. Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Launches Inaugural Ranch Run For Kids to Benefit the Oklahoma Children's Health Foundation [Oklahoma City, OK – June 30, Run For Kids invites runners, fam- complimentary general admission in everyday ranch work while pre- joying a family-friendly event. tlemen of Oklahoma and represents 2026] – The Oklahoma Cattlemen's ilies and community members of ticket to the Friday night perfor- serving the state's ranching heri- Registration for the Ranch Run beef producers in all 77 counties Association is excited to introduce all ages to come together in support mance of the OCA Ranch Rodeo tage. For Kids is now open. To register or across the state. The OCA officers, the inaugural Ranch Run For Kids of Oklahoma children. Participants on Aug. 14. For more than 28 years, the OCA learn more about the race and the board of directors and membership 5K and Fun Run, a new event ben- may choose to compete in the 5K The 42nd Annual OCA Ranch Ranch Rodeo has proudly support- 42nd Annual OCA Ranch Rodeo, encourages you to join us in our efiting the Oklahoma Children's or enjoy the Fun Run, with every Rodeo will take place Aug. 14-15, ed the Children's Health Founda- visit okcattlemen.org. advocacy efforts to ensure less gov- Health Foundation and expanding registration directly supporting the 2026, at the Lazy E Arena in Guth- tion, raising more than $720,000 to The OCA is the trusted voice ernment intervention, lower taxes, the impact of the 42nd Annual Oklahoma Children's Health Foun- rie, Oklahoma. Performances begin benefit children across Oklahoma. of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry and a better bottom line. For more OCA Ranch Rodeo. dation and its mission to improve at 7 p.m. each evening and feature The addition of the Ranch Run For and works to protect and empower information about OCA member- Scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Sat- the lives of children across the state. 12 historic Oklahoma ranch teams Kids continues that tradition by Oklahoma cattlemen today, to serve ship, the theft reward program or urday, Aug. 1, 2026 at the Lazy E As an added benefit, every reg- competing in authentic ranch-style providing another opportunity for tomorrow. The OCA is the only activities call 405-235-4391 or visit Arena in Guthrie, Okla., the Ranch istered participant will receive a events that highlight the skills used Oklahomans to give back while en- voice that speaks solely for the cat- okcattlemen.org.