March 2025

Blown away

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Winds described as “hurricane force” battered Oklahoma Friday, March 13.

The winds created major problems for travel and led to devastating wildfires that destroyed hundreds of homes.

Especially hard hit was the Stillwater area, with an estimated 200 homes destroyed by wildfires there.

 

 

Tree down at Cooney and Hoff

Redlands TRIO hosting ticket fundraiser for The Boys from Oklahoma show

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Redlands Community College’s TRIO Student Support Services program is hosting a fundraiser raffle offering one lucky winner tickets to see the acclaimed performance of “The Boys from Oklahoma.”

This raffle presents a unique opportunity to support the valuable work of TRIO Student Support Services while getting a chance to experience this outstanding show.

Raffle entries are available for just $10 each, or participants can increase their chances by purchasing three entries for $25.

Special needs children legislation advances

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Members of the Oklahoma Senate have overwhelmingly passed legislation to reduce the red tape facing the families of children with special needs who wish to access a state scholarship program.

“We are talking about a very small minority of vulnerable students and their families, and we have created this wonderful program to provide opportunity to each one of these individuals to be the best that they can be,” said state Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville.

Special needs children legislation advances_art

Challenge coin competition under way for USS Oklahoma sub

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The USS OKLAHOMA SSN 802 Commissioning Committee is holding a Submarine Challenge Coin Design competition. The state-of-the-art fast attack submarine will join the United States Navy’s fleet in 2027.

The committee is inviting students, artists, designers and submarine enthusiasts from across Oklahoma to submit their original designs. 

Challenge coins have long been a symbol of honor, camaraderie and service, particularly within military circles.

Public Records - 3/19/25

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LAWSUITS

Capital One N.A. vs. Gohar Mirzoyan for $10,888.49 to pay a debt plus costs.

Capital One N.A. vs. Brandon Drabek for $12,938.90 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

TTCU Federal Credit Union vs. Kara Tripp and James Tripp for $14,689.42 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Carrington Mortgage Services LLC vs. Patrick Bradley for $115,575.27 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 3, Block 2, Harding Addition, Yukon.

El Reno survives late rally by Coweta in rematch

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YUKON – Lilly Thomas pulled down a defensive rebound off a missed 3-pointer in the waning second as El Reno held off a late charge by Coweta for a 48-45 semifinal win at the Class 5A Oklahoma Girls State High School Basketball Championships.

It was El Reno’s second three-point victory of the postseason and sent the Indians into the championship game for the fourth time in six seasons.

Emmary Elizondo dribbles out of trouble after pulling down a rebound

Judge Hesse denies annexation injunction sought by residents

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Canadian County District Judge Paul Hesse denied an application seeking a temporary injunction against the City of El Reno over its recent annexation of about 20 square miles.

The request was sought by property owners and others who have filed suit against the city as well as the El Reno City Council. 

El Reno annexed the land following two public hearings in early January.

The meetings were held at the Public Safety Center on SW 27th Street and drew large crowds that at times were loud and hostile. 

Scent Work dog show sniffs around church

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Wesley Methodist Church went to the dogs last week. 

Literally. 

The church opened its doors to about 120 canines and their handlers for an American Kennel Club Scent Work competition. The three-day event attracted participants and judges from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas and New Mexico. 

A scent competition is exactly what the name implies, dogs use their snouts to sniff out hidden cotton balls dabbed with various scented oils. The pup that does it in the most efficient manner is the winner. 

Chris Locke works with her dog, Bandit outside Wesley Methodist Church

Deputies can now ticket ER students for vaping, truancy

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Canadian County sheriff’s deputies who work in El Reno schools will be able to issue municipal citations for vaping or truancy infractions.

Canadian County commissioners voted 3-0 to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of El Reno and the sheriff’s office that allows county school resource deputies to write tickets for municipal code violations inside El Reno city limits at school functions.