June 2021

Canadian County commissioners were expected to purchase property near the new Expo Center to build a sewage lagoon.

The commissioners were to convene as the Public Facilities Authority Thursday afternoon to consider the purchase.

Commissioner David Anderson said the lagoon would be necessary because the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) declined to authorize the hauling of waste from the new Expo Center to a municipal sewage system.

Ice in October and cold in February combined to push back the completion of the Rock Island overpass. The multimillion-dollar project was expected to open at the end of July, but Mother Nature does not consult with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Lisa Shearer-Salim with ODOT said the reconstruction of the overpass should be complete by “early fall.” She said progress is going well, but Oklahoma weather has a way of interrupting.

“It’s all about the weather,” she said. “If we don’t get the heavy rain, it should be complete by early fall, possibly late summer.”

Canadian County commissioners have not yet decided whether to formally request funding through a federal stimulus package.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 could provide Canadian County some $28 million to be spent on infrastructure and other projects.

“We’re looking at roughly $28 million to be distributed - $14 million now and the other $14 million one year from now,” Commission Chairman Jack Stewart said.

OKARCHE – A resident of the Center of Family Love will serve as host for the 40th anniversary birthday celebration, an online event designed to raise funds and showcase the home for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Opened in 1981 by members of the Knights of Columbus, the CFL is home to more than 100 individuals who live with various disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries, neurological disabilities, geriatric needs and more.

Longtime educator Ranet Tippens has announced her retirement as superintendent of Deer Creek Schools after serving in that position for eight years.

School board members approved a contract in a special meeting Monday, May 25 with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association to conduct a search for Tippens’ successor.

Tippens, who had been El Reno Schools superintendent for six years prior to moving to Deer Creek, also served as a principal and teacher in El Reno during her career.

The Canadian County Sheriff’s Office will use a gift to help combat thefts of oil field equipment and other items using an online tool.

Canadian County commissioners last week approved a resolution allowing the sheriff’s office to accept a $5,500 donation from Devon Energy Corporation.

The funds will be used by the LeadsOnline investigation program, a technology service helping law enforcement catch criminals while helping businesses reduce the hassles of reporting.

LAWSUITS

Capital One Bank N.A. vs. Lori A. Sample for $3,587.19 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Capital One Bank N.A. vs. Jessie W. Gore for $4,304.70 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Citibank N.A. vs. Raul Ortiz Valenzuela for $3,132.69 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Capital One Bank N.A. vs. Victoria K. Metheny for $2,981.17 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

The late-season push that catapulted El Reno High School’s boys soccer team into the Class 5A playoffs helped land postseason honors for three of its players.

Edgar Garcia, Angel Martinez and Collin Vickers were all voted to the first team on the 2021 District 5A-1 Boys All-District squad.

Funeral services for Russell Earl Huber will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 4 at the El Reno Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home.

Russell died May 26, 2021, at his home in El Reno. He was born March 15, 1961, in La Grange, Texas. Russell retired from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in 2016 after 34 years. He was an avid Dallas Cowboy, Nebraska Cornhusker and San Antonio Spurs fan.

Russell loved his family and enjoyed his annual trips with his siblings. He enjoyed cooking family recipes and making salsa with his dad and brothers.