June 2023

The El Reno City Council approved the upcoming fiscal year budget with a unanimous vote during last week’s regular monthly meeting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.