June 2023

The El Reno City Council approved the upcoming fiscal year budget with a unanimous vote during last week’s regular monthly meeting. The budget includes rate hikes for utility services, cost of living pay hikes for city employees and capital improvements, including upgrades at the El Reno Regional Airport.

City Manager Matt Sandidge and staff crafted the proposed budget after holding two budget workshops with the city council – a May 23 meeting and prior to that, an early budget workshop at the end of February.

City Manager Matt Sandidge provided a look back at the accomplishments the city made during the fiscal year that comes to a close at the end of June.

Here are some of the highlights he pointed out in his budget letter to the city council.

One word that best describes this fiscal year is “steady,” Sandidge said.

A tort claim seeking payment of $175,000 has been leveled against the city of Okarche, Okarche Public Schools, the Okarche Police Department and the Kingfisher County Commissioners.

The action was filed after a then 15-year-old Okarche student was arrested and charged with making violent threats, a claim his attorney said is not accurate.

The charge was eventually dropped, said attorney Gina Pointon, who is representing Johnathan Ludwig in the matter. She said the charge was dropped “as soon as a new prosecutor was assigned to the case.”

Nikki Pruitt, founder and director of The Lord’s Harvest, was honored last week by an Oklahoma City television station for her charitable efforts.

KFOR TV personality Kent Ogle presented Pruitt with a check for $400 as part of the station’s Pay It Forward campaign.

The program recognizes people who are nominated and who go above and beyond to help make a positive difference in the lives of fellow Oklahomans.

In consideration of the current economic situation, the Redlands Community College Board of Regents voted to support the administration’s recommendation to not increase tuition for a sixth consecutive year.

“Many families have been struggling, and we want to help them stay on track toward that college degree or career,” said Janie Thompson, chairman of the Redlands Board of Regents.

“Because our administration has been fiscally conservative, we have been able to make adjustments so that our students’ educational experience is not negatively affected.”

Dr. David Von Tungeln was recently sworn in for a second term as a regent during the Redlands Community College Board of Regents meeting.

He was appointed by Gov. Mary Fallin in 2016 and was recently reappointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt to serve until April 2030.

“Dr. Von Tungeln has been a tremendous asset to the college for the past nine years, and we look forward to his continued leadership on our board,” said Redlands Interim President Jena Marr.

The Center of Family Love is honoring the late Sen. Mike Johnson and his wife, Judy Johnson, who quietly spent a better part of their lives championing for the rights of individuals and families with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity. The recognition will come at the CFL 10th annual gala on Saturday, June 17.

Before the former senator’s death in July of 2022, Johnson was known for his commitment not just to the country but to his family. He spent decades fighting for the rights of Oklahomans and then, the ultimate battle hit home.

CHICKASHA – The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma Board of Regents voted unanimously to name Dr. Kayla Hale as the institution’s 13th president. Hale will begin her tenure on Aug. 1, 2023.

With 35 years of experience in higher education advancement in both the public and private sectors, Hale has served 25 years at the University of Tulsa, most recently as vice president of University Advancement and Alumni Engagement where she has led a team responsible for securing more than $600 million in gifts and pledges.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Keaton Heath Coldren, 28; Skylar Nicole Thompson, 23.

Jeremy Lee Penick, 36; Jordan Leigh Knott, 31.

Kenneth Frank McHugh, 39; Misty Dawn Gammons-McKinnon, 39.

Clifford Wessley Nelson, 46; Lacey Jade Jordan, 36.

Casey Lynn Herriott, 50; Heather Marie Moxley, 48.

Rusty Derrell Routh, 37; Joy Louisa Martin, 40.

Bradley Austin Teague, 25; Charity Hope Oxford, 25.

Keven Scott Taylor II, 29; Joscelyn Adrianna Cash, 20.

Jimmy Lee Deleonypena, 39; Ashley Renee Collins, 36.

Other than winning a state title, there are few firsts that have eluded El Reno High School’s girls basketball program under the watch of head coach Jennifer Douglas.

Douglas’ teams have been the first in school history to win a state tournament game, first to win a semifinal contest and the first to bring home hardware from the Class 5A Oklahoma State High School Championships – both runner-up trophies.

Each one of those entries in the record books has been with a different lineup.

“Usually we graduate one or two starters every year,” said Douglas.