December 2025

Editor’s Note: As we move from 2025 to 2026, we’ll take a look back at some of the stories that made headlines locally. This is the second of three installments looking back at the past year. Happy New Year!

May

Canadian County commissioners discussed the adoption of county building codes. The proposal was discussed but the item was tabled after District 2 Commissioner Lacey Dawson questioned whether the move would be premature.

El Reno police were dispatched to 2713 Estate Drive shortly after midnight Dec. 27 in reference to a report of an assault and battery.  

The reporting party said her boyfriend had been injured during a physical altercation.

Police said it was determined a suspect, identified as Brandon Arnold, 43, of El Reno, had fled the scene after the altercation. Police said Arnold was located nearby and detained.

Pictured are Kimberlee Neice, Melanie Harvie, Destiny Espinoza, Giovanni Spencer, Kimberlee Gutierrez, Tymber White, John Henderson, Dede Henderson, Nancy Salsman and Larry Salsman.

They are all volunteers who helped with the recent Community Christmas Shopping Day at Cross Bridge Church.

A total of 386 children of soldiers and children from Canadian County received Christmas gifts through the event.

Larry and Nancy Salsman have organized the event for more than 25 years.

Canadian County could face a significant annual revenue reduction if Oklahoma voters pass a state question to eliminate some property taxes.

County commissioners, at their weekly meeting Dec. 29, discussed the potential impact of State Question 842.

“We’re six months away from our fiscal year ’27 budget,” District 2 Commissioner Lacey Dawson said.

A freshman Oklahoma lawmaker who upset a powerful House Republican incumbent last year is trying to turn grassroots energy into a broader policy movement, rolling out a seven-point conservative agenda that has already drawn support from several statewide candidates ahead of the 2026 elections.  

Riverside December Citizens of the Month are Sage Tosh, Brantlee Findley, Makay Wooten, Korbyn Kraft, Carolyn Trujillo, Samuel Powell and Lyric Lehman.

Also, Adan Velasco, Eden Garza, Irelynn O’Daniel, Gracey Wilkerson, David Hudelson, Gray Hileman, Jaxton Proctor, Raeya Lloyd, Emma Wilds, Kayden Duran and Jett Marquez.

The Riverside November Citizens of the Month are Guillermo Garcia, Malachi Lockler, Jewel Hensley, Gael Saldana, Camrynn Foster, Braxton Camp and Annaleigh Trujillo.

Also included are Cash Morris, Case Clark, Sayler Hileman, Cole Powell, Phoenix Wyrick, Jaxon Ward, Braelynn Hudson, Jett Hudson, Ruger Warren, Jillian Woolley and Gabriel Martin.

LAWSUITS

Crown Asset Management LLC vs. Ryan Albright for $20,673.30 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Velocity Investments LLC vs. Mark Wafer for $10,006.54 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Cavalry SPV I LLC vs. Jacob Price and Destinee Price for $22,589.74 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Ford Motor Credit Company LLC vs. Amy Gibson for $19,114.73 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Cecilia “CeeCee” Rose Vietzke, age 90, passed away peacefully Dec. 19, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born March 14, 1935, to William E. Fryrear and Ann Zajic Fryrear.

CeeCee was a woman of strong character - blunt, charismatic, and never afraid to speak her mind. Those who knew her knew exactly where they stood, and they also knew they were deeply loved. Her family was the center of her world, and she loved them fiercely and without reservation.

Services for Janet Gail Hornberger are pending with Huber-Benson Funeral Home.

Jan died at her home in El Reno. She was born Jan. 21, 1956, in California.