August 2023

In recent weeks, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has criticized the extremely poor outcomes produced by Tulsa schools and indicated the district could have its state accreditation lowered or even face a state takeover.

In response, Democratic lawmakers have threatened to seek Walters’ removal if that occurs, even though several speakers at the group’s press conference conceded that Tulsa outcomes are poor and none offered any plan to better educate students.

Kyle Heath Moss, 42, of El Reno, passed away Aug. 15, 2023. He was born April 18, 1981, in Stillwater to Mike and Francie Moss.

Kyle never met a stranger and had a heart of gold. He was a loyal friend who would drop everything to help someone in need.

His favorite place to be was with his family or in a hog barn. Kyle was known for his warm hugs, infectious smile and twinkle in his eyes.

LAWSUITS

LVNV Funding LLC vs. Alex Givens for $957.29 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

LVNV Funding LLC vs. Jason Dock for $6,320.56 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Cavalry SPV I LLC vs. Ronna Vinson for $1,840 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Cavalry SPV I LLC vs. Trenda Hardy for $2,163.50 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Cavalry SPV I LLC vs. Cassidy Johnson for $906.24 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

There is little time to dwell on the negatives or bask in the positives from the first preseason scrimmage as El Reno High School’s football team is less than five days from the 2023 kickoff.

Known commonly as Zero Week, the Indians will play at Chickasha Friday night to open their 10-game regular-season slate under second-year head coach Russell Cook.

“We are going to focus on us each and every day in practice. We’re going to try and get better 1 percent each day. This is a non-district game and we would like to go get a win, but we are going to focus on us.

El Reno High School’s fast-pitch softball team had its four-game win streak snapped last week with an 11-1 setback to defending state champion Piedmont. The loss dropped El Reno to 4-2 on the season and 1-1 in the District 5A-2 standings.

The Indians are now fourth behind the Wildcats, Carl Albert and Noble – both visiting El Reno this week.

El Reno’s run in the loss to Piedmont came in the fourth inning. Jacy Little singled down the third-base line and moved to second on a sacrifice groundout by Ryah Hardy.

El Reno High School hosted its own early-season volleyball tournament over the weekend at Jenks Simmons Field House.

The Indians went 2-2 for the event and now sit at 2-3 for the season.

See Saturday’s edition for a complete wrap-up of the tourney.

Note: This is the third article in an effort to look behind the scenes of how Canadian County law enforcement and other entities work to find and stop online predators of children.

Given the attention by law enforcement and advocacy groups toward the national epidemic of online sexual abuse of minors, a sane person would expect to see a drop in the number of reported cases.

Unfortunately, that’s not been the case.

Canadian County residents can look forward to celebrating the accomplishments and leadership of both 4-H and FFA youth, as well as the community, at the 69th Annual Canadian County Free Fair.

The annual event will take place Aug. 23-26, housed at the Canadian County Expo and Events Center, 3001 Jensen Road East, just outside El Reno.

The theme of “Under the Big Top” references the new building and the many events that are being planned on the grounds.

With free gate admission and parking, this year’s fair promises to bring family-oriented fun to the county.

An organization that helps women, men and children escape from domestic violence situations is the latest nonprofit to receive support from The Power of 100 Canadian County.

Last week, Power of 100 representatives presented the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network, better known as ICAN, with a check for more than $17,000. The donation was made outside the ICAN headquarters in El Reno.

Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program will hold its 10th Anniversary Gala Friday night (Aug. 18) at The Palace Event Center, located at 2310 N. Banner Road.

The event will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and tickets are $75 each.

There will be a dinner, silent and live auctions, cash bar, music and testimonials from the special needs riders inside the program.

Some of the auction items include tickets to what could be the final bedlam series football game between Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma.