October 2023

El Reno's VFW Post 382 will host a workshop on how parents and guardians can better protect their children from online predators.

Nancy Salsman with the VFW said a recent incident in which a young El Reno girl reportedly left with a man and was missing for several hours until being found unharmed in Weatherford was the catalyst for the workshop.

Major Adam Flowers with the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office will lead the workshop. Flowers is well known as an investigator in the Internet Crimes Division for the sheriff’s office.

The Piedmont comprehensive plan for land use and infrastructure needs for the generations to come lacks something big, a resident said.

“Where is the lake?” he asked.

Piedmont city officials discussed the issues facing Piedmont through the year 2060 at a town hall meeting Sept. 28 at the Piedmont Area Veterans Association meeting room.

About 30 people showed up to hear presentations about land use, water system issues, the projection for growth and sewer issues. A man who did not want to give his name said he thinks the city should build a lake.

It may look like a scene from the 1990 movie “Arachnophobia,” but in reality, the increased number of tarantula sightings simply means it’s mating season.

When large numbers of tarantulas are seen, especially when a cluster is crossing the road, people often believe they are migrating, said Andrine Shufran, Oklahoma State University Extension specialist and director of OSU’s Insect Adventure.

Jo Ann Hensley was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was a Christian who loved God and family with her whole heart.

She went to her heavenly home surrounded by her family at the age of 73 in Oklahoma City, on Oct. 4, 2023, after her long battle of breast cancer.

She was born to Albert and Clara Williams of El Reno on April 6, 1950. Jo Ann has two sisters, Jeannie and Pam. She attended El Reno Public Schools Class of 1968.

Advocates urged state lawmakers to consider bringing nuclear energy technology to Oklahoma as the federal government has set aside billions in an effort to incentivize expansion efforts nationwide.

Local energy experts though warned embracing nuclear energy technology would increase utility rates. They also raised questions about safety.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Finance Committee held an interim study looking at incentivizing greater voluntary use of gun safes through tax exemptions. The study was requested by Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa.

“This study gave us an opportunity to hear from state and national experts about what other states are doing and the benefits of incentivizing voluntary use of gun safes,” Dossett said.

Louise A. Knight was born April 10, 1930, in Banner, and went to be with the Lord Oct. 3, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edlef and Margaret Hinricksen; husband, Walter Grigsby; daughter-in-law, Michelle Knight; great-granddaughter, Tiara Knight; one brother and two sisters.

MUNICIPAL COURT

Brittany Gonzalez, El Reno, driving under suspension, $395.

Dion Christopher Peacock, Chickasha, expired tag and failure to stop at stop sign, $330.

Meranda Marie Hines, El Reno, speeding, $165.

Summer Ellen Gann, Yukon, speeding, $175.

Jose Reynoza, El Reno, improper equipment and driving without license issued, $357.

Andrew Dickey Wilkerson, Rhome, Texas, speeding, $175.

Kyler Keith Shawnee, El Reno, failure to comply, $145.

Beau Alex Coody, El Reno, failure to comply, $145.

Funeral services for Gregory M. Marshall-Criner of Sicklerville, N.J., were held Saturday, Oct. 7 at Bradley Funeral Home in South Marlton, N.J., with Herbert L. Sanders III officiating.

Gregory passed away Sept. 29, 2023. He was born Jan. 2, 1950, in El Reno. He was a retired corporate sales manager/trainer, East Coast Region for Labor Ready Trublue Company.

See Saturday’s edition for a state roundup on Calumet.