August 2020

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has struck down casino gaming compacts negotiated by Gov. Kevin Stitt with two tribes, ruling the governor exceeded his authority by including sports betting in the compact agreements.

The new compacts were primarily opposed by other tribal casino operators, including those who have received an outsized share of Oklahoma’s gaming revenue under prior compacts. Stitt and the participating tribes argue the new compacts increase economic benefit to smaller tribes that are at a substantial disadvantage under the old system.

CLINTON — When the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton officially opened on Sept. 23, 1995, it was the first center in the nation dedicated to the history and culture of Route 66, the most famous historic highway in the world.

It is the largest museum from Chicago, Ill., to Santa Monica, Calif., dedicated to the history and culture of Route 66.

LAWSUITS

Cavalry SPV I LLC vs. Garry B. Bennett for $3,081.07 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Colton Vetter for $5,158.02 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

LVNV Funding LLC vs. Robin Robles for $5,320.40 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Citibank N.A. vs. Johnny J. Gann Jr. for $1,827.91 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Dr. Joseph Anthony Voss Sr., resident of El Reno since 1969, died Aug. 8, 2020, at his home north of El Reno with his wife, children and grandchildren at his side.

A prayer service was held on Monday and Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday with Rev. Lance Warren officiating. Both services were at Sacred Heart Church with burial following in the Kingfisher Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home.

Kreede Louis Schwarz was born March 11, 2019, to his loving parents, Daniel and Brittany Schwarz of Okarche. He had the biggest blue eyes and blondest hair. 

Alice Faye Roberts was born April 5, 1949, in Fort Sill to Selmer and Ella (Haynes) Vaught and passed away Aug. 6, 2020, at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City.

Alice grew up a “military brat” until the family settled back in El Reno in 1962. She graduated from El Reno High School in 1967 and was active in the vocal clubs.

Following her graduation, she studied bookkeeping at Draughon’s Business  School.   

Former longtime El Reno resident Bobbie Jean Criner, 95, made a peaceful transition from her home in Dallas, Texas, on July 31, 2020, to her everlasting home and into the arms of the Almighty.

Bobbie was born June 22, 1925, in Cyril, to her parents, Jack and Annabelle Harris. After moving to Watonga early in her childhood, the family migrated to El Reno.

There she grew up with her three brothers, John Henry, Oscar and Johnnie, and one sister, Ruby, all who preceded her in death.

Willa passed away peacefully at home with her family on Aug 1, 2020, at the age of 86.

She was born Oct. 17, 1933, in El Reno to Walter and Elsie Gregory. Willa was the youngest of six sisters.

They were a strong hard-working family. Willa was very proud of her Oklahoma heritage and being an Okie.

Graveside services for Bennie Raymond Douglas of Minco were held Saturday in the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Huber-Reynolds Funeral Home.

Mr. Douglas passed away Aug. 4, 2020, at Integris Hospice House in Oklahoma City. He was born Oct. 6, 1931, in Tuttle.

Bennie was raised in the Tuttle community, graduating from Tuttle High School in 1949. He was an Air Force veteran. Bennie was employed as the road foreman for Amis Construction and also served as a Grady County commissioner as well as farming and ranching. He was a member of Minco First Baptist Church.

Frances Harriet “Della” Williams Doyebi (Tdah Soy Hay - meaning “Green Eyes”) passed away Aug. 3, 2020, at the Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton.

Della was born in Lawton on June 22, 1928, to Frank Williams and Mary Saunkeah.

She was a proud enrolled member of the Kiowa Tribe. She was an active participant within the Kiowa Gourd Clan, Kiowa Tia-Piah Society, Ton-Kon-Ga, O-Ho-Mah, and she was an honored member of Oklahoma 1 Rolling Thunder.