October 2025

The City of El Reno is bringing back its curbside bulk waste collection to help residents clear out large items conveniently from their homes.

Collection will run from November through December, with one scheduled pass per street.

Residents must place all bulk waste at the curb by 7 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. Crews will not return to a street after the scheduled pass and are unable to assist with moving items.

Gemini Industries Inc., an employee-owned manufacturer of wood coating solutions, has added a new, fully automated packaging line to its main production operation in El Reno.

Company officials said the investment represents Gemini's “continued vision to push the boundaries of coatings technology and manufacturing and remain a leader in innovation, efficiency and customer service.”

Canadian County 4-H members accept a proclamation designating October as Canadian County 4-H Month.

The Canadian County 4-H program, with 23 clubs and 41 certified volunteers, has reached more than 10,000 families nationwide this year, virtually and in-person.

The Canadian County Sheriff’s Office was recognized for outstanding service and dedication during the annual Oklahoma Sheriffs Association (OSA) Banquet held in Tulsa.

Several members of the sheriff’s office received top honors for exceptional work and heroism.

Undersheriff Kevin Ward was named the OSA Undersheriff of the Year, recognizing his leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the citizens of Canadian County and the deputies he serves alongside.

STILLWATER – One man’s waste can be a beetle’s treasure, according to Oklahoma State University entomologist Wyatt Hoback.

Who would have thought that beetles pushing dung and dead carcasses into the ground would benefit soil, livestock and even human health?

Worldwide, beneficial insects face growing threats from changes to weather patterns, natural ecosystems and the food they eat as well as unintentional exposure to insecticides.

The way you treat others offers a window into the type of person you are. Your interaction with people, whose job it is to serve you, reflects on your character and offers a glimpse into the way they will react to you.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Be it the third try or even the fifth, Calumet High School’s baseball team feels its first-ever state title is nothing but a charm, says head coach Cody Thiessen.

“It took us a while but it’s still a charm with this being the first one for the school and the town. Hard work pays off. These guys have sacrificed so much and worked so hard to be in these situations.

“It’s not like we are new to the situation (state title games), it’s just we've finally overcome and got the win in this game,” said Thiessen.

GUTHRIE – Completing a brutal opening salvo to the District 5A-2 race, El Reno High School’s football team suffered its third shutout loss of the 2025 season at the hands of state-ranked Guthrie.

The Bluejays, ranked fourth in the latest Associated Press Oklahoma High School Football Poll, remain tied for the district lead with a 42-0 decision over the Indians. It was the third straight league game for El Reno to face a team ranked in the top 10 of the AP poll.

DUNCAN - A six-game win streak spanning five years came to an end last week as Lawton MacArthur defeated El Reno High School’s fast-pitch softball team twice in the 2025 Class 5A Region 1 Championships.

El Reno had defeated the Highlanders 11-0 earlier this season and logged a 100-17 edge in runs scored over the win streak, dating back to 2020. Four of those wins came in the regional playoffs, two in 2023 and twice last season.

El Reno High School’s volleyball team closed out the regular season last week on a two-game losing streak after dropping a 3-2 decision to Class 5A’s No.11 Duncan.

El Reno, ranked No.14 in the same poll, headed into the regional round of the playoffs with an 18-13 season record.

The Indians took the first game 25-23 but dropped the next two games by a combined 16 points.

El Reno then forced a fifth game with a 25-19 victory in game four, but lost the tiebreaking fifth set 15-13.