December 2024

Putting together back-to-back games with an offensive output over 90 points, Okarche High School’s boys basketball team closed out the 2024 portion of its schedule undefeated.

The Warriors defeated Watonga (98-27) and Seiling (90-18) to move to 11-0. Okarche entered the break having logged eight games over 90 points, with the win over Watonga being its season-high.

Okarche remains the top-ranked team in Class A, having garnered 72 of the 84 first-place votes cast.

WASHINGTON – Narrowly avoiding the September’s stopgap spending bill expiration, Congress passed a new spending bill to keep the government open until March 14, 2025.

Included in the bill was language that forbids the return of Fort Reno to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole chairs the committee that crafted the legislation.

Gemini Industries Inc. broke ground last week for a new warehouse company leaders said would help the manufacturer of wood coating solutions expand and create new jobs.

An employee-owned company, the groundbreaking drew Gemini’s employee-owners, retirees, local officials and business leaders.

The new structure, set to span 52,000 square feet, will enhance Gemini’s operational efficiency, improve customer service and strengthen the company’s ability to compete in the ever-evolving coatings market, company officials said.

It will be a “sweet 16” day Dec. 31 when Dave Anderson officially retires as a Canadian County commissioner.

Anderson, of Mustang, has served as the county’s District 2 commissioner since January 2009.

Although Anderson will end his county government service after 16 years, fellow county officials say his positive impact will last for many decades.

Before sledding off to the North Pole for his big day of work, Santa Claus squeezed in three more rides on the Heritage Express Trolley.

A memorial service for Roger Paul Alexander will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 4 at Huber-Benson Funeral Home with his brother-in-law, Clint Quarles, officiating. 

Roger died Dec. 11, 2024, at his home in El Reno. He was born May 29, 1960, in Gary, Ind. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and a retired correctional officer with the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution.

Following his retirement, he served on several police departments: Geary, Fort Cobb, where he was chief, Calumet and El Reno.

El Reno High School December Students of the Month are Avery Crain, Autry Beikmann, Madison Rochdi, Foxx Hurtz, Brooklyn Reed, Cooper Thompson, Malachi Bilbrey and Lilly Thomas.

Charles “Chuck” Bartley of El Reno passed from this life Dec. 19, 2024, surrounded by family. Chuck was born Nov. 26, 1943, in Dove Creek, Colo., to Jesse and Loretta Bartley.

Chuck served his country in the U.S. Air Force and afterward, made his living as a truck driver for over 30 years. Chuck’s true passion was building and restoring classic cars. He loved traveling, especially to car shows.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives added to its transparency portal a government efficiency survey intended to root out duplication of services, waste and inefficiencies in state government. 

Lincoln Learning Center third grade Readers of the Month, back row, Kameron McKinney, Trevor Rusche, Lexi McCabe, Noelle Seewald, Elizabeth James, Madison Chase, Aston Northern, Dixie Boyer, Atticus Dowling and Devlin Hutcherson; middle row, Madilynn Edelman, Owen Brittain, Baylee Rankin, John Fox, Ashley Espinoza, Faithalece Barnett, Draik Thain, Brantley Garcia, Kylliean Delgado, Maximus Hammock, Liliana Agua, Graycen Downs, Manuel Centeno-Salas and Journey Cockran; front row, Rodger Gonzalez, Jett Smith, Harper Gilbert, Brynlee Finnigan, Dekly Kelley, Tommy Brady, Elena Cortez, Greyson G