July 2025

The new Oklahoma Statewide Economic Impact Report for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes shows that the tribes are a major employer in Oklahoma in addition to having an economic impact of over $521 million. This amount doubles the previous economic impact the tribes had a few years ago.

“The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have nearly doubled our previous economic impact in all of the categories,” said C&A Gov. Reggie Wassana.

When analyzed in the context of the Oklahoma economy and accounting for spillover impacts, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes supported:

A former Canadian County sheriff’s deputy has waived his right to a preliminary court hearing in a sexual battery case.

Edmond’s David Joseph Randall, 53, was charged with the felony crime Aug. 8, 2024, in Canadian County District Court.

Randall was fired in spring 2024 from the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office for sexual misconduct while on duty. He previously was Luther’s police chief and a Calumet police officer.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Despite criticism from state lawmakers, the head of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety on Thursday dug his heels in on a plan to pull patrols from seven urban and suburban areas.  

Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton said the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s resources will be reallocated to rural areas beginning Nov. 1 because of higher call volume and changing traffic patterns throughout the state.

Some of the state’s largest energy companies are at the front of the line for a $50 million state incentive to upgrade oil and gas equipment. The fund to limit methane emissions established under a Biden administration rule is now under review by the Trump administration. 

Dean Watson, 82, passed away July 5, 2025.

Services to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 12 at Kingfisher Church of Christ.

Cremation services were under the care of Wilson Funeral Home. 

Opponents on the Class B level know that Calumet High School senior Kaleb Thiessen has the skills to play at the next level.

Now the rest of the state and perspective college coaches do as well.

Thiessen was one of two Canadian County small-school players picked to compete in last week’s 2025 High Plains Shootout in Enid.

The other was Union City pitcher Aiden Williams, who according to his father, was held out due to soreness in his forearm which needed rehab.

To help keep residents safe in the heat, Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company (OG&E) recently donated fans to seniors and families in El Reno.

OG&E volunteers handed out 65 fans in El Reno to those who may be at higher risk for heat-related injury and illness.

To help fans reach seniors and families with low income, OG&E partnered with El Reno Blessing Baskets.

The Canadian County Courthouse Building Committee has officially been dissolved as county personnel transition to temporary administrative offices in preparation for a new courthouse build.

This committee met over the past 2 1/2 years to plan and prepare for development of a new, larger courthouse due to the county’s population growth.

District 3 Commissioner Tracey Rider called it an “honor and pleasure” to work with the committee, which she chaired alongside other county officers, department directors and district court officials.

An Internet safety program for parents will be held July 25 at Wesley Methodist Church, 101 S. Barker.

The event is being hosted by the Francis E. Hamilton VFW and Auxiliary of Post 4938, said Nancy Salsman. It will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature information provided by Lt. David Cates of the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office. The event is free and open to the public. 

Salsman described the event as a “serious and informative presentation” for families concerning online dangers including cyber bullying and how to protect children from digital threats. 

After reviewing results of an economic feasibility study and determining it would not be a good fit for Yukon, Mayor Brian Pillmore said city officials are “not moving forward” with a proposed 12,500-seat open-air amphitheater.

Pillmore shared his disappointment with the projected return on investment (ROI) to the city of Yukon as shown in the 53-page report from the Chicago-based consulting firm Hunden Partners. Yukon paid $60,000 for the study.