August 2025

Three Canadian County lawmen have been recognized for courageous efforts helping others. 

Sgt. Garrett Wright and Deputies Luke Ellison and Anthony Wright were honored at last week’s Oklahoma Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association annual awards banquet.

The event was held at the Grand Casino in Shawnee. 

The two deputies were later also recognized by Mustang American Legion Post 353 as “Law Enforcement Officers of the Year.” Mustang American Legion member Paul Ray made the presentation Monday during the county commissioners meeting. 

Court Referee Erin Jones-Slatev has been appointed as a new Canadian County special judge.

Canadian County District Judges Paul Hesse and Khristan Strubhar announced the selection of Jones-Slatev to fill the position.

The selection process began in late May, following the addition of a new special judge position in Canadian County created by the Oklahoma Legislature in response to the county’s explosive population growth and increasing number of case filings.

El Reno City Manager Matt Sandidge has been awarded the designation of ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

This designation is among the highest professional honors in local government management, recognizing integrity, advanced education, proven experience and a strong commitment to continuous professional development.

Mayor Steve Jensen said El Reno is “especially proud” that two of only 12 active ICMA-CM Credentialed Managers in Oklahoma serve the community. 

Integris Health Arcadia Trails Center for Addiction Recovery is hosting an event to explore how technology, culture and mental health intersect for today’s youth.

Featuring Joseph Lee, M.D., president and CEO of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, this timely conversation will unpack the complex challenges teens face and offer practical insights for parents, educators and professionals navigating this rapidly evolving digital world.

Schools throughout Canadian County are now back in session for the 2025-26 school year.

The August meeting of the Oklahoma Chapter AE of P.E.O. International was hosted by Janice Jensen at a local coffee shop. Other members present were Margaret Price, Ann Zavy, Karen Pappas, Christy Eichholz, Barbara Johnson, Becky Reuter, Anna Rinehart and Janan Fletcher. 

Zavy gave the devotional thought from Psalm 118:24.

Pappas took attendance and Eichholz presented the treasurer’s report. Price passed around the hostess and co-hostess meeting sign-up sheet for September through July.

Lamplighters OHCE of Canadian County met recently at Mount Zion Global Methodist Church. Carol Stine called the meeting to order.

Donna Wehmuller read a devotional titled “The Power of Kindness.”

Maxine Little read minutes from the last meeting, with Patricia Morrison giving the treasury report.

Wehmuller attended the OHCE executive meeting and gave a report.

Jostens, the leading producer of yearbooks and student-created content, announced that Okarche High School’s yearbook program has achieved the Jostens National Yearbook Program of Excellence 2025 Award at the Gold Level.

The National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body while helping students to develop 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration and information and communication technologies literacy.

LAWSUITS

Capital One N.A. vs. Debra Jones for $9,254.32 to pay a debt plus interest and costs.

Capital One N.A. vs. Lauren Coggin for $2,200.40 to pay a debt plus interest and costs.

American Express National Bank vs. Tyler Wiedemann for $6,643.38 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Bank of America N.A. vs. Stephanie Aldrich for $5,396.95 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Bank of America N.A. vs. Austin Ladd for $7,977.13 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Though it wasn’t pretty according to head coach Bri Michalicka, El Reno High School’s fast-pitch softball team snapped a three-game losing streak last week with a 7-6 win over Putnam City North in extra innings.

The win pushed El Reno to 2-6 overall. The game with the Panthers was the fifth against a Class 6A team to open the season, with the Indians now at 1-5 in those games.