Latest Posts

After more than two decades, Dara Franklin is stepping down as chairwoman of the Oklahoma Indian Nation (OIN) Powwow. Supporters of the colorful event say she is leaving behind a legacy rooted in unity, tradition and community growth.

Held annually in Concho, the OIN Powwow began in 1990 and was founded by James “Jimmy” Hawk. 

Franklin’s first memory of her involvement with OIN was when Hawk asked her to help assist his wife, Pat Hawk and Teresa White, Bobby Simpson and Marie Whitebird with the powwow in 1997. 

An El Reno man is listed in critical condition at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City after the scooter he was driving collided with a vehicle driven by a 15-year-old girl, police said.

Police Chief Ken Brown said the accident happened Friday at 11:22 p.m. near Lake El Reno. Landon Lerch, 30, was reportedly driving the scooter when the collision occurred. The chief said it appears the scooter was not equipped with lights. 

Brown said police could not release the name of the El Reno teen driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision. 

Canadian County Salvation Army is asking for the public to help support its mission, especially with gently used clothing and hygiene items. 

Wanda Minyard is the Service Center director for the county Salvation Army that offices at 1012 S. Rock Island. 

“We are a proud partner agency of United Way of Canadian County,” Minyard said by email.

City Manager Matt Sandidge said the Emergency Medical Service Department is hitting its benchmarks after two months of operation. 

El Reno began operating its own ambulance service in July and so far the response times for both emergency and non-emergency calls have been positive, Sandidge said.

The need for a quicker response time was one of the factors city leaders cited in choosing to invest in the ambulance service. Sandidge said emergency ambulance service is a matter of public health and safety. He made his report at last week’s city council meeting. 

U.S. Cavalry Competition - 2025 Annual Bivouac and National Cavalry Competition Fort Reno, Oklahoma 

Open to the public – no admission charge except for polo match on Saturday, Sept. 27.

All events at the parade grounds/competition field at Historic Fort Reno.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Tuesday, September 23

4 p.m. - Honor Ride and Ceremony at Fort Reno Cemetery

Wednesday, September 24

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Oklahoma, voted in favor of the legislation and released the following statement.    

“Today, for the 65th consecutive year, Congress came together to fulfill the paramount duty of supporting America’s warfighters, bolstering military installations and improving America’s military readiness,” said Lucas.

MUNICIPAL COURT

Robin Elizabeth Horrison, Liberty, Mo., driving under suspension, $395.

Christopher Foster, Midwest City, speeding, $175.

Rosa Elvia Resendiz, Canton, improper turn and driving without license issued, $427.

Juan Ramon, El Reno, driving without license issued, $252.

Jorge Duque Guzman, Katy, Texas, speeding, $195.

Kassandra Quintela, Yukon, speeding, $165.

Megan Christie Johnson, El Reno, failure to stop at stop sign, $165.

Gloria Yurida Garcia, El Reno, allowing unlicensed driver to drive, $295.

Two fourth-down offensive miscues in the third period by El Reno High School’s football team would lead to 14 points for Weatherford as the Eagles handed EHS its second straight shutout loss, 17-0.

El Reno closed the non-district portion of its 2025 schedule with a 1-2 record and has now lost the last five meetings with the Eagles.

Weatherford led 3-0 at the half before blocking a punt by El Reno senior Rustyn Cook midway through the third period. The loose ball was recovered at the Indians 12-yard line.