April 2025

RV blaze on Interstate 40

Body

Calumet firefighter Brody Renbarger sprays water on the smoldering remains of a recreational camper that caught fire on the off ramp to Interstate 40 at Exit 115.

Calumet Fire Chief Terry Brungardt said the RV and the car which it was pulling were fully engulfed when units arrived and were termed total losses.

Brungardt said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

A unit from the El Reno Fire Department also responded.

RV blaze on Interstate 40_story

County District 3 crew honored for safety

Body

Canadian County employees with impeccable safety records were recognized this week for their efforts on the job.

County District 3 crew members were honored at this week’s commissioners meeting for having no accidents or injuries in the past three years.

District 3 Commissioner Tracey Rider made a presentation to the group, commending them on their conscious efforts to follow safe practices while working.

Rider recently received a report from Human Resources Director NaCole Majors showing the safety records of personnel at all county departments since 2022.

County District 3 crew honored for safety_story

National Land and Range Judging Contest returns

Body

El Reno will again be invaded by hundreds of young people who will be taking part in the National Land and Range Judging Contest.

The contest has become an annual event here over the years, with judging often held at Concho, Fort Reno or area farms. The exact site of the contest will not be made public until the day it takes place, although an organizer said it will be in Canadian County. 

The event will kick off Tuesday morning with registration and will again headquarter at the Canadian County Expo Center. 

National Land and Range Judging Contest returns_story

Tice discusses architecture

Body

American Spirit chapter recently hosted guest speaker Jeff Tice, an architectural industry professional, with support from Computer-Aided Design and Drafting at Canadian Valley Technology Center.

Tice gave a presentation on his firm’s software and website tools, giving students a better understanding of the architectural field and current CADD trends.

Tice discusses architecture_story

Artwork contest

Body

American Spirit chapter members Janie Johnson and Jocelyn Roach recently held an art contest at Canadian Valley Technology Center for Skills USA showcasing the theme of Patriotism and Citizenship.

Winner of the contest was CV student Issac Strong for his representation of America.

Artwork contest_1

Okarche FCCLA

Body

Okarche FCCLA members attended the FCCLA State Convention held recently in Tulsa, accompanied by their adviser, Jacqueline Radford.

From left - Julia Rayburn, Taylor Horn, Sarah Woodland and Sandra Woodland

Students honored with scholarships from O-State College of Agriculture

Body

Several Canadian County students were honored by the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture with academic scholarship support for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The scholarships were awarded at the recent 2025 Scholarship and Awards banquet, hosted by the Ferguson College.

These scholarships are part of the more than $1.8 million that students receive from the Ferguson College and its academic departments. Students from all areas of study are considered for college scholarships, which can be combined with departmental and university awards.

Shot of funding

Body

One of the largest asks pending before the Oklahoma Legislature this session proposes a new OSU College of Veterinary Medicine complex in the hopes of restoring the school’s former glory, meeting a major state workforce need and avoiding the embarrassing calamity of losing national accreditation.

Lonnie Paxton and Jimmy Harrel shake hands