March 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives gave the stamp of approval to legislation to legalize sports betting and potentially bring in over $9 million a year to the state budget.

CENTRAL Arcadia: March 20. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal, water temperature 49°F and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around docks. White bass fair on crankbaits around points. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad around points and rocks.

Organizers are making plans for the 2023 National Cavalry Competition and USCA Annual Bivouac to be hosted again at Fort Reno and they’re also preparing for a special tribute to America's military veterans. The Sept. 27-30 event will feature a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

On behalf of several large manufacturers, Canadian County is seeking a $1.2 million property tax reimbursement from the state of Oklahoma. County commissioners approved making the claim for 2022 through the state’s five-year exempt manufacturing program.

The El Reno Senior Citizens Center, 401 S. Grand, will close temporarily and the longtime coordinator of the program has decided to retire. Information from the city of El Reno said the Senior Center will close this week and Jill York, who has served as coordinator for the program, is retiring.

A trial date has been set for a former Canadian County emergency manager accused of embezzling county funds and equipment. A jury trial for Troy Steven Mead, 49, is due to start June 5 before Canadian County District Judge Paul Hesse.

The National Sheriffs Association (NSA) is calling on Congress to take immediate action on cartels, especially considering the Americans killed in Mexico recently.

WASHINGTON – Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma City) has introduced legislation to allow people who do not itemize on their federal income taxes to deduct charitable donations.

LAWSUITS Discover Bank vs. Sam Joseph for $6,161.17 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees. LVNV Funding LLC vs. Janet Wiles for $1,676.46 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Mark R. Ciesla died March 1, 2023, at his home in El Reno. He was born June 18, 1958, in Lukow, Poland. He was a truck driver and in his younger years part of a motorcycle club. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church.