July 2020

Body Laura Austin Thomas is the district attorney for Payne and Logan counties. In that position, she is responsible for prosecuting crimes.

Body A federal district court shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline and ordered it drained of oil.

Body “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 quote requires no citation for those in my age bracket. These are, in fact, the only words from any inaugural speech over my lifetime that I can recall.

Body The very thought of one unelected judge with a stroke of a pen nullifying law is unconscionable to most Americans but this has become common against the Donald Trump administration blocking the executive function of the government at least 37 times.

Body CHEYENNE – Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas released the following statement after the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston announced the Main Street Lending Program (MSLP) is fully operational.

Body Don Wesley Schmidt, 68, of El Reno passed away at his home Sunday, July 5, 2020, from a long hard-fought battle with cancer. Don was married to his lovely wife, Marilyn (Janning) Schmidt for over 45 years.

Body Richard Brian McCartney, 63, passed away July 7, 2020, at his home in Oklahoma City. Richard was born in El Reno on Oct. 5, 1956, and was a 1974 graduate of El Reno High School. He spent his career in the grocery industry working in Arizona, California, Alaska and Oklahoma.

Body MUNICIPAL COURT Tanisha Ann Rhodes, Yukon, disobeying traffic light, $165. David Nathanial Nichols, Newalla, disobeying stop sign, $165. Oscar A. Mendoza Martinez, Oklahoma City, speeding, $165. Christian Michael Walker, El Reno, disobeying stop sign, $165.

Body Funeral services for longtime El Reno businessman George Ghata will be 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11 at St. Elijah Orthodox Church in Oklahoma City. Burial is set for Rose-Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City. Ghata, of Oklahoma City, died July 8.

Body Thousands of area residents gathered along U.S. 81 and adjoining side roads over the weekend to set off fireworks in celebration of the Fourth of July. Lucky Star Casino at Concho put on a 30-minute show Saturday night with colorful bursts to honor the nation’s independence.