March 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt last week reappointed Tim Gatz to his role as Secretary of Transportation, a Cabinet position awaiting Oklahoma Senate confirmation.

“This whole ordeal was nothing more than semantics,” said Gov. Stitt.

“Gatz started with me in 2019 as my go-to for all transportation matters, and he has remained in that role ever since. I’m glad I can restore his proper title. It’s unfortunate that a politically motivated waste of time and taxpayer dollars tried to distract from his work on behalf of Oklahomans.”

Canadian County District 3 will partner with the state to make infrastructure improvements to Historic Route 66, extending from U.S. Highway 270 east approximately 4.5 miles to Interstate 40.

The project, officials said, is designed to enhance safety and functionality along the road and will include the widening of travel lanes, the addition of paved shoulders and improvements to existing bridge structures, said District 3 Commissioner Tracey Rider.

Friday, March 13 is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the April 7 Board of Education elections for Calumet Public School, Union City Public School, Minco Public School and Okarche Public School, and the special elections for the City of Piedmont, City of Yukon and Geary Public School, Canadian County Election Board Secretary Allen Arnold said.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, has secured committee passage of Senate Bill 1806, legislation to extend foster care services through age 21 to better support young adults.

Sunrise: 12-13-1931 – Sunset: 2-21-2026

On Dec. 13, 1931, Opal Louise Fisher was born in Longview, Texas, to the proud parents of Johnnie D. (Johnson) Earl and Odie Sanders, who preceded her in death. She was the eldest of six children. 

Oklahomans who want to change their party affiliation must submit their change no later than March 31, Canadian County Election Board Secretary Allen Arnold said.

Voters may change their party affiliation online using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or by completing a new voter registration application.

Arnold reminds voters that no party changes are allowed from April 1 through Aug. 31 during an even-numbered year.

LAWSUITS

Stan’s Smokehouse Beef Jerky vs. Hickory Hollow Beef Jerky LLC for $37,920.96 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

American Express National Bank vs. Konrad Patrzalek for $11,683.54 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Keely Emig for $12,119.50 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Amanda Hogan vs. West Yukon Animal Hospital Inc. for an amount in excess of $75,000 for alleged injuries and damages.

Patsy Marie Mackey, 84, passed away Feb. 26, 2026. She was born in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, on Jan. 16, 1942, to her parents, Melvin Ralph Dixon and Ella Mae Peirce.

She married Bill Noble Mackey on June 11, 1957, and they shared 53 years of marriage together before his passing in 2011.

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents and her sisters, Pearly Choat and Mildred Jeanett Belt.

She is survived by her sons, Randy Mackey, Rocky Mackey, Robbie Mackey and Rodney Mackey, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Despite losing to Del City in the Class 5A West Region 2 Championship, El Reno High School’s girls basketball team remains in the hunt for a third straight state championship.

It’s just going to take a longer path to get back to state to defend that title.

El Reno, now 14-10 on the season, will have to battle through the consolation bracket in the area round of the playoffs.

The 43-24 loss to Del City came after El Reno entered into the double-elimination 5A playoff bracket with a 36-14 victory over Duncan in the regional semifinals.

MIDWEST CITY – Gabe Osburn’s last-ditch 3-pointer from half-court hit off the rim as El Reno High School’s boys basketball team had its season come to an end in the semifinals of the Class 5A West Region 3 Championship.

El Reno closes with a 9-16 overall record after the 58-56 loss to Bishop McGuinness. It’s been more than 12 years since the Indians have failed to advance out of the regional round.

“This doesn’t happen to us very often,” said El Reno head coach Rodney Haydon to his players about the first-round loss.