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.

Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, filed House Bill 1027, which adds in-person and mobile sports betting as a supplement to the state-tribal model gaming compact. The state would receive a percentage of gaming revenue.

“Right now, Oklahoma is missing out on a huge financial opportunity for both our state and our tribes,” Luttrell said.

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.

The 400-foot-long wall that stands 8 feet high will be on display throughout the event.

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 program was created to stimulate business growth “with a direct focus on manufacturing-type jobs in industries that would create long-term employment,” said County Assessor Matt Wehmuller.

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.

The city plans some renovations to the building and is making new arrangements for lunch to be provided to those who frequent the Senior Citizens Center.

“We wish Jill the best and thank her for her time with the city,” said City Manager Matt Sandidge.

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.

Mead was charged in April 2020 with embezzlement of state property, a felony punishable by one to 20 years in state prison and a maximum $500 fine.

The National Sheriffs Association (NSA) is calling on Congress to take immediate action on cartels, especially considering the Americans killed in Mexico recently. New initiatives in Congress are calling on the U.S. government to use more determined tools to degrade, undermine and eliminate the most powerful drug cartels in Mexico.

NSA officials applauded these efforts and asked Congress to use its legislative authorities to build a comprehensive system of manpower and other tools to prevent illicit drugs from being produced, smuggled and sold on American streets.

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.

The Charitable Act, launched during a press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol by Lankford and Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, the legislation’s co-sponsor, along with leaders of the United Way, YMCA and Salvation Army on hand, will permit taxpayers who do not itemize to deduct charitable donations at up to one-third of the standard deduction. 

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.

Ford Motor Credit Company LLC vs. Brandon Allen for $34,347.83 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC vs. Kelly S. Weber for $133,990.74 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 11, Block 1, Plantation Addition, Mustang.

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.

On March 8, 2016, Mark and Longina Bogus Bugaj were married at Sacred Heart Church. Longina survives him.