News

Oklahoma’s redcedar eradication effort and study planned for the North Canadian River watershed over the next five years is unprecedented in its scope.

Congresswoman Stephanie Bice is introducing a bill to protect natural gas stoves from being regulated out of use by the Biden administration. H.R. 4395 is the Natural Gas Appliances Standards (GAS) Act.

“The Biden administration continues to try to control every aspect of our daily lives. My legislation will stop Biden’s Department of Energy from banning natural gas appliances, which provide a safe, reliable and affordable energy source for nearly 187 million Americans,” said Bice.

Recent heavy rains have left the water level at Lake El Reno at its highest for the month of July in more than five years, which is good news for the organizers of the Smoke on the Water Drag Boat Races.

“We will have enough water for sure. The lake has receded back into its banks and by this weekend it should be back at normal level.

“It won’t hurt anything when the water is high and it won’t bother the track,” said co-organizer Josh Finnigan.

Though not big on watching first-run movies in theaters, El Reno Public Schools Athletic Director Rodney Haydon says he might have to go see Twisters when it hits the big screen in 2024.

“I’m not much of a movie guy but I may just have to go see this movie in the theater. I’m interested to see what this movie is about,” said Haydon.

Though at a distance, Haydon and other El Reno administrators got a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the sequel to the 1996 Hollywood blockbuster Twister.

A lawsuit against Canadian County Sheriff Chris West has been dismissed.

Canadian County District Judge Khristan K. Strubhar signed a journal entry of judgment granting the defendant’s motion to dismiss the petition filed on behalf of plaintiff Brandon Michael Whitman.

“The judge’s decision reflects that everything was done right,” West said. “I just believe in doing things right – law and order.”

A 57-year law enforcement veteran - who retired 18 months ago - is now officially able to keep his Canadian County sheriff’s firearm and badge.

Canadian County commissioners made it official at their July 10 meeting, voting 3-0 to allow Lt. Mike Grimes to retain these county-issued items.

“This is for Mike Grimes,” Canadian County Undersheriff Kevin Ward told commissioners.

Increased rains in Oklahoma this past spring have brought some not-so-welcome friends.

Fly and tick populations have increased, which means cattle producers are fighting an uphill battle this summer with these blood-sucking pests. The cattle industry suffers $1.3 billion in losses annually from horn flies alone. They are considered the No.1 external parasite for cattle across the country.