Latest Posts

Turf time delayed

Body

Thursday’s cancellations put a damper on the atmosphere surrounding the rivalry game with Piedmont as final touches on the historic makeover of Memorial Stadium were being wrapped up.

“I think we are about 95 percent complete now. King Electric was out there Wednesday running the new lines and wiring to the scoreboard and clocks and those will be hooked up to the main power. Everything should be ready to go by Friday night,” said El Reno Athletic Director Rodney Haydon.

Aerial view shows the new turf, surrounding walkway and part of the fencing

Record crowds attend ’21 fair

Body

Record attendance estimated at more than 20,000 people came to last week’s 67th Annual Canadian County Free Fair.

The fair was held Aug. 23-28 at the new Canadian County Expo and Event Center, 3001 Jensen Road East.

“It was a tremendous success,” Canadian County Fair Board Chairman Kelly Beck said. “This year’s fair was just very exciting and something for us to build on. We look forward to growing it.”

Attendees at the fair played games along the midway

Commissioners take first step to apply for stimulus funds

Body

Canadian County commissioners have officially approved applying for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. The county is eligible for $28 million.

“This is taking that first step,” District 1 Commissioner Marc Hader said. “This doesn’t obligate us for anything. We haven’t made any decision on what we’re going to spend the money on.”

The ARPA of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill. It’s intended to help local governments recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jack Stewart

Got her hands full

Body

Banner School FFA member Charli Kinder keeps a firm grip on her heifer while showing to the judge during the recent Canadian County Free Fair.

Results from the 2021 fair held at the new county fairgrounds will be published in the Tribune once they are certified by county officials.

Charli Kinder keeps a firm grip on her heifer while showing to the judge

Builder helps build community

Body

LGI Homes recently donated $4,000 to The Lord’s Harvest.

The firm is building homes in the Crimson Lake Estates development near Lake El Reno.

Nikki Pruitt, founder and director of The Lord’s Harvest food ministry, called the donation a wonderful gift.

LGI representatives present funds to Nikki Pruitt

Felon sentenced after pleading guilty to assaulting deputy, inmate

Body

A felon has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison and 90 days in the county jail after pleading guilty to assaulting a Canadian County sheriff’s deputy and a fellow inmate.

Oklahoma City’s Samuel Ray Parsons, 24, was convicted on several felony charges at an Aug. 20 hearing before Special Judge Charles Gass in Canadian County District Court.

Parsons entered a guilty plea to “all counts in all cases” according to court minutes.

OHP, law enforcement to keep close eye on Labor Day motorists

Body

The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety want to remind drivers to always drive sober and drive safe.

In 2020, six people were killed during the Labor Day holiday period.

There were a total of 502 crashes, with 53 of those being alcohol and/or drug related. Six people were also killed during the 2019 holiday weekend.

“There is no excuse for driving impaired or distracted, these crashes are completely avoidable,” said Cody McDonell, communications manager for the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.

Morning stretch

Body

Identified as mallards by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, this momma and her babies were out on a morning swim at Lake El Reno when one of the youngsters got spooked by the drag boat races being held nearby and tried to flap its wings.

Morning stretch