Economy

The end is near...Next Saturday, June 26th (06-26-21) the additional Federal unemployment benefits will expire in the state of Oklahoma. If you're currently collecting unemployment after the 26th of this month you'll lose that extra $300 per week you've been receiving. Back in May Governor Kevin Stitt along with representatives from the OESC (Oklahoma Employment Security Commission) announced that they would be cancelling those extra weekly payments. Instead they'll offer a "Back to Work" cash incentive for Oklahomans who return to the workforce. They've just expended the program so that more people will qualify for the $1,200 bonus.

The wait is over, we now have all the results from the Community Needs Online Survey from the City of Lawton in conjunction with the Lawton Housing and Community Development Division. Awhile back Lawtonians were invited to take and be a part of the survey that would assist city leaders with future projects and addressing needs within the community. Citizens had the chance to express what areas are in need of improvement and identified issues that are in need of attention and or change.

We can all thank the beer Industry of Oklahoma for bring 2.9 billion dollars into the state economy in 2020. Even during one of the worst year's on record with the COVID-19 pandemic Oklahoma's continued their love affair with fermented beverages, especially beer. Maybe the pandemic actually helped generate more revenue as everyone was stuck at the house bored out of their minds. One thing's for sure, beer is big business in the Sooner State! It not only creates revenue but tons of job opportunities as well.

Just when you think there's no way possible for the Lawton City Council to be more unpopular, they go and do this! Later today (06-08-21) around 2:00pm CST at City Hall 212 S.W. 9th Street in downtown the Lawton City Council will meet and discuss the possibility of raising our utilities, A.K.A the water bill. They're thinking about increasing every section or item on the bill including: water, refuse, sewer and landfill services. Great, that's just great! At a time when most people are struggling and trying to keep their heads above water, pun intended!

The Apache Casino Hotel will be hosting a job fair and hiring event today (06-02-21) from 1:00pm until 6:00pm in the event center. If you're looking for a job, or maybe a career change today's the day! They're looking to fill several positions and have all kinds of different opportunities available. Imagine working at "Your Happy Place" and being a team member at Apache Casino Hotel. Plus they have great benefits and bonus plans too.

There's been a lot of talk and speculation about Oklahoma ending the additional $300 a week unemployment benefit. The rumors are true, the extra Federal aid with unemployment benefits will end next month on Saturday, June 26th (06-26-21). If you're currently collecting unemployment after the 26th of next month you'll lose that extra $300 per week you've been receiving.

If you've been out and about in Lawton, Fort Sill lately you've probably already noticed longer waits in restaurants and a lack of customer service in most local stores and retail outlets. This is due to the staffing shortage that a lot of local and area businesses are struggling with. There are even some places in town that are having to shut down temporally for a day or two a week just to give what little staff they do have a much needed break.

The wait is almost over! Get ready, Panera Bread in Lawton, Fort Sill will be opening next week. The new restaurant is located at 807 N.W. Sheridan Road. It's right across the street from the Walmart on Sheridan and right next door to Raising Cain's Chicken. They've been working on the new location for the past several months, we got the official confirmation that it would be a Panera Bread back in October 2020. In the meantime we've been anxiously waiting for it to open and we're only a few days away from that happening.

The City of Lawton "Spring into Success" career fair is happening today (04-29-21) at Lawton City Hall 212 S.W. 9th Street from 10:00am until 3:00pm. The city has several potions and job openings available that you can apply for. If you're currently looking for a job, or want to make a career change, don't miss the "Spring into Success" career fair.

If you're looking for a job or maybe a side hustle to earn a little extra cash in your spare time Bite Squad is hiring contract delivery drivers in Lawton, Fort Sill. From what we're hearing they'd like to hire on around 200 plus drivers over the next couple of months. To qualify and apply you'll need to be at least 18 years of age or older, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance and a smart phone. If you have all of that and a vehicle you could be in business! The best part about it is the flexible hours and working when you want to.

Get ready, the City of Lawton will be hosting it's "Spring into Success" career fair on Thursday, April 29th (04-29-21) at Lawton City Hall 212 S.W. 9th Street from 10:00am until 3:00pm. The city has several potions and job opening available that you can apply for. If you're currently looking for a job, or want to make a career change, don't miss the "Spring into Success" career fair.

Looks like Lawton, Fort Sill is getting an new restaurant, but it's a lot more than that. Get ready for JD's Hideaway, a really unique place to eat that features axe throwing lanes, billiards, an HD golf simulator and video games! If the name sounds kind of familiar that's because they have an Altus, OK. location. I've heard about it, but I've never had the opportunity to eat there. Well, Lawton will be getting it's very own JD's Hideaway soon! It'll be located at 2705 N.W. Sheridan Road in the old Kimchi Korean BBQ building.