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Despite a triple-digit heat wave and the sinking of a boat on the first race of the event, the 2022 Smoke on the Water Drag Boat Races was deemed a success by race organizers.

Hundreds of race fans flocked to Lake El Reno for the three days of the event.

The first day was open to the public as drivers spent five hours making test passes down the 1,000-foot course.

The final two days were paid admission which drew repeat visitors and newcomers to the event.

The 2022 Smoke on the Water Drag Boat Races wrapped up Sunday at Lake El Reno.

El Reno Carnegie Library did not get much attention when the pandemic was in full swing, but it is back and better than ever.

Back in 2019, the library was renovated with new windows, new paint, new furniture and new carpet. Unfortunately, people were not able to appreciate the makeover for very long.

After COVID hit, the library was forced to reduce its hours and the staffing was small.

The company that owns Pop’s in Arcadia purchased property at Radio Road and I-40 and eventually plans to build a truck stop at the site.

El Reno Mayor Matt White made the statement at last week’s El Reno Now gathering. It was the first time for new School Superintendent Matt Goucher to co-host the event after the retirement of Craig McVay.

White and McVay created the monthly gathering in 2018 as a way to keep residents up to date on happenings in city government as well as public education.

As temperatures land above the century mark on a daily basis, the threat of drought has quickly become more than a concern.

The impacts brought about by a deficit in rainfall and scorching temperatures are already being felt.

Although time will tell whether this year ranks among the hottest in state history, there are some parallels with previous warm summers taking place. 

Republican legislators passed a law lowering taxes for businesses, but critics say it comes at the expense of jobless Oklahomans.

The law, which passed along party lines in both the House and the Senate, cuts the maximum number of weeks that unemployed Oklahomans can receive financial support from 26 to 16 starting Jan. 1.

Right now, Oklahoma offers the same number of weeks in unemployment benefits as 40 other states. But when House Bill 1933 takes effect, only four states will offer fewer weeks of emergency income to those looking for a job.

Janet Ebert is aware of the inherent dangers of crashing in the sport of drag boat racing and watches nervously every time her husband, Todd flies down the water.

“We’ve been lucky for a long time and we always say a little prayer before every race,” said Janet.

The Wamego, Kan., couple’s luck, spanning more than three decades, came to an end over the weekend at the 2022 Smoke on the Water Drag Boat Races on Lake El Reno.

On the event’s first pass, Todd was thrown out of his boat shortly after crossing the finish line of the 1,000-foot course.

LAWSUITS

LVNV Funding LLC vs. Edward B. Wright for $12,010.25 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Ford Motor Credit Company LLC vs. Janalie Simmons for $38,805.35 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Capital One Bank N.A. vs. Katie A. Schorp for $11,001.79 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Slawson Exploration Company Inc. vs. Chaco Energy Company for an amount in excess of $30,000 for alleged compensatory damages.