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Lawmakers consider nuclear energy program in Oklahoma

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Advocates urged state lawmakers to consider bringing nuclear energy technology to Oklahoma as the federal government has set aside billions in an effort to incentivize expansion efforts nationwide.

Local energy experts though warned embracing nuclear energy technology would increase utility rates. They also raised questions about safety.

Interim study looks at tax incentives for owners of gun safes

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Finance Committee held an interim study looking at incentivizing greater voluntary use of gun safes through tax exemptions. The study was requested by Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa.

“This study gave us an opportunity to hear from state and national experts about what other states are doing and the benefits of incentivizing voluntary use of gun safes,” Dossett said.

Public Records - 10/1/2023

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MUNICIPAL COURT

Brittany Gonzalez, El Reno, driving under suspension, $395.

Dion Christopher Peacock, Chickasha, expired tag and failure to stop at stop sign, $330.

Meranda Marie Hines, El Reno, speeding, $165.

Summer Ellen Gann, Yukon, speeding, $175.

Jose Reynoza, El Reno, improper equipment and driving without license issued, $357.

Andrew Dickey Wilkerson, Rhome, Texas, speeding, $175.

Kyler Keith Shawnee, El Reno, failure to comply, $145.

Beau Alex Coody, El Reno, failure to comply, $145.

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Bryant admired for reviving Redlands during presidency

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Several hundred people turned out recently for a tribute to former Redlands Community College President Jack Bryant.

The event, which featured a live and silent auction, helped raise close to $70,000 that will go toward the construction of a soccer stadium at Redlands.

Held at the Palace Event Center on Banner Road, the gala drew local and state dignitaries as well as longtime supporters of the school. Special guests were members of the Redlands women’s soccer team that will benefit from the event.

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High in the sky

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Airport Manager Bailey Flaming literally brought down the curtain on the 2023 El Reno Fly-In and Community Day, making her first-ever tandem skydive on short notice.

“I was told to go by one of our performers. There was no practice. They told me what to expect and we were out the plane a little time later,” said Flaming.

The longtime pilot said it was an experience she had been wanting to try and didn’t hesitate, even at 10,000 feet.

“I wasn’t nervous but excited. It was something I’ve been wanting to do,” said Flaming.

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Preservation El Reno wants to open museum in historical jail

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A nonprofit group is spearheading an effort to save the old Canadian County Jail, with the goal to reopen the historic building in fall 2025 as a museum and education center.

Preservation El Reno has presented a detailed proposal to Canadian County commissioners to make repairs and upgrades to the old jail site at 300 N. Evans.

Canadian County Historical Society Museum President Vicki Proctor on Oct. 2 urged commissioners not to demolish the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Juneteenth added to holiday schedule

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In a split vote, Canadian County commissioners added Juneteenth to the 2024 holiday schedule.

Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves, has been observed as a federal holiday since 2021.

But it has not been part of the official Canadian County holiday calendar.

That changed Oct. 2 when commissioners voted 2-1 to recognize Juneteenth in the county’s 2024 schedule.

That means Canadian County offices will be closed 12 days for holidays, instead of 11.

Public Records - 10/7/2023

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LAWSUITS

Velocity Investments LLC vs. Jennifer McCalip for $1,089.01 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Velocity Investments LLC vs. Rafael Vargas for $8,500 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Velocity Investments LLC vs. Maria Guest for $3,197.34 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Velocity Investments LLC vs. Destiny Gonzalez for $2,580.77 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

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Out of the valley

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Carol Nichols knows about the 23rd Psalm. She has lived it. She has sobbed and prayed her way wandering in the “valley of the shadow of death” and now she has written about it.

She had to write about it. What else could she do? She had lost the love of her life, her husband. And then, as if death hadn’t cut her soul deep enough, her only son was told he had months to live.

The darkness of death had swallowed Carol Nichols.

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U.S. Cavalry competition

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Reggie Jammer from Fort Cavazos in Kileen, Texas, reaches back to shoot a balloon off a post during the mounted pistol competition at the 2023 U.S. Cavalry Competition held last week at Fort Reno.

Riders navigate a series of jumps on horseback and must fire and bust a balloon at each station.

The rounds fired do not carry any live ammunition.