May 2026

Findings from a previous county audit prompted discussions between Canadian County commissioners and other elected officials.

Last summer, county officials learned the way the county pays for employee benefits is not allowed. That has prompted meetings with officers individually, and multiple discussions before the issue was on last week’s commissioners agenda.

Lacey Dawson, Commissioner District 2, said the auditor made an opinion very clear on the subject. 

Commissioner Tracey Rider also provided a summary of the situation the county faces.

With the June 16 election approaching, Canadian County Election Board officials are reminding voters of Election Day laws. 

It is a crime for anyone other than election officials, voters waiting to vote and other persons authorized by law to remain within fifty (50) feet of the entrance to a polling place or early voting site while an election is in progress.

Additionally, it is unlawful for any person other than election officials, voters and other persons authorized by law to be inside the election enclosure where voters are checked in, issued ballots, and vote.

Gov. Kevin Stitt instructed the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to immediately halt the weatherization program administered by the Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma and Canadian Counties Inc. (CAAOKC).

The action follows a forensic investigation that identified significant mismanagement and at least $663,000 in questioned or unallowable costs.

The governor also directed the Attorney General to investigate potential violations of state and federal law related to the misuse of funds.

“Taxpayer dollars are not a slush fund,” said Stitt.

WEATHERFORD – Three El Reno High School graduates and a trio of their former coaches narrowly missed logging a win in their final baseball game together.

Jonathan Shelley, Mason Fulton and Preston Archer played for the Large North squad in the 2026 Western Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association’s All-Star Games.

The squad, which lost 6-3 to the South, was coached by El Reno’s Keith Hill, Rusty Shamblin and Gavin Beavers. It’s the first time since joining the WOBCA for El Reno to have that many representatives.

Cody Thiessen has won a bunch of awards since arriving in Calumet with his wife, Jennifer and their three boys prior to the start of the 2022 fall baseball season.

As a matter of fact, four state runner-up trophies and this year’s back-to-back Class B State Championships – the first in school history.

El Reno American Legion Post 34 is coordinating the Memorial Day service that will be held Monday, May 25 at the El Reno Cemetery. 

Michael Pruitt, Post Commander, said the service will begin at 11 a.m., when he welcomes those attending.

Prayer will be offered and then the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Mike Fussell. 

After about an hour in closed session, the El Reno City Council voted to adjourn without taking any action related to the resignation of City Manager Matt Sandidge. 

Last week, Sandidge announced he is leaving the city manager position. He has accepted a job in the private sector.

He said June 19 will be his last day to serve as manager here. 

Mayor Steve Jensen said council plans to name an interim city manager at its regular meeting, set for June 9. 

Floyd Mullens said his neighbors may have wondered what was happening at his home last Saturday, but he assures them, all is well. 

For the seventh consecutive year, Mullens hosted a barbecue in honor of Canadian County emergency responders. He and his wife, Toni, hosted the event at their home, 2401 E. Woodson. 

Ambulances, fire trucks, police and sheriff cars, all were parked at one time or another in front of the outdoor area where the food was served. Mullens said El Reno Public Schools provided tables and chairs for the event. 

For the past year, Canadian County Sheriff Chris West has had what could be described as a front row seat to history. 

In June, West will conclude a one-year term serving as president of the National Sheriffs Association.

It’s a role that has seen him travel back and forth from Oklahoma to Washington, D.C., more times than he can count.

Along the way, he’s visited with some of the nation’s top leaders, especially in the area of law enforcement and Homeland Security.

People gathered for prayer May 17 at the Centre Theatre as the nation rededicated itself to God.

Gatherings such as this were held across the nation as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.

El Reno Scouts led the gathering in a flag salute as others offered prayers for healing in our nation.