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Tips, information to make casting your ballot simple

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Voters will go to the polls for the Nov. 3 General Election, City of El Reno Ward 1 Council Member Election and the City of Oklahoma City Special Election.

Canadian County Election Board Secretary Wanda Armold said voters should keep the following information and tips in mind as the election approaches.

Early voting will be available at the county election board office from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Early voting is also available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

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A guide to State Question 805 and its potential impact on Oklahoma criminal justice

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As the Nov. 3 general election date draws near, public confusion regarding State Question 805 — a ballot initiative which would amend the Oklahoma Constitution and end the use of sentence enhancements against some repeat offenders — remains high. 

In social media posts and television advertisements, supporters and opponents of the measure continue to offer conflicting views. This in-depth Q&A seeks to clarify how State Question 805 would impact criminal justice in Oklahoma. 

Inmates are seen within a jury box during court proceedings

State warns of false election text scam

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Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax issued a voter alert warning voters about a text message that was received by a voter last Friday, that falsely claimed the voter’s polling place had changed.

The complaint has been referred by election officials to law enforcement.

The text message falsely advised the voter that her polling place had changed, then asked the voter to reply to the text to confirm her name.

It then provided a phone number to call to be removed from the notification list.

Kirt and Thompson study Pay for Success programs

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OKLAHOMA CITY – In a bipartisan interim study hosted by Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, legislators heard about the benefits of Pay for Success programs and how expanding their footprint across the state could save the state millions of taxpayer dollars. 

In a framework established by House Bill 2670, Pay for Success programs allow state agencies to establish public-private partnerships that include specific performance targets and outcome measures the private entity must meet in order to receive payment from the state.

Sen. Julia Kirt

Stitt rated a four-star governor on economy

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Gov. Kevin Stitt has been rated a four-star governor in a new report that evaluates all 50 governors on their economic stewardship, but the report warns that Medicaid expansion will make continued financial prudence much more challenging for Stitt.

“Oklahoma Gov. Stitt’s spending restraint in a state with traditionally fiscally conservative policies will serve future budgets well,” states the newly released 2020 Laffer-ALEC Report on Economic Freedom.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers a speech

Renbarger, Jech to marry in March wedding ceremony

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Steve and Lindy Renbarger of Calumet and Doug and Kim Jech of Kingfisher announce the engagement of their children, Morgan Renbarger and Kyle Jech.

Renbarger is a 2012 graduate of Calumet Public Schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2016 from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2018 from Northwestern.

She is employed as a third-grade teacher and cheer coach with Calumet Public Schools.

Morgan Renbarger and Kyle Jech

Changes dialed up for 405 area code

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Changes are coming for telephone customers in the 405 area code.

Starting Saturday, Oct. 24, local calls within the 405 area code can be made by either dialing the seven-digit local number or by dialing the area code plus the local number.

This will continue for six months, after which all local calls within the 405 area code will require 10-digit dialing (area code plus local number). 

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Cold weather brings colorful change in foliage

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The weather changed from autumn to winter with the wind chill that roared in last week.

Overnight Mother Nature began her seasonal foliage change which always provides a slow-moving, breathtaking picturesque display.

Within a few weeks the Caddo maples will begin to change, reminding the gardener the first freeze will occur within a week.

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