News

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Human Potential for Future Industries Task Force, launched last year by Gov. Kevin Stitt to address education and workforce development, convened for its second meeting. 

Chaired by Secretary of Education Nellie Sanders, the task force announced a new pilot program launch with Synthesis Tutor, an AI-powered math program designed to help young students learn math by employing interactive, immersive and engaging teaching techniques.

LAWSUITS

Capital One N.A. vs. Casey Fleehart for $24,642.67 to pay a debt plus interest and costs.

AmeriHome Mortgage Company LLC vs. Jesus Fernandez for $185,520.65 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 44, Block 1, Mustang Heights Addition.

Loan Depot LLC vs. Brian Adkisson for $329,285.33 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 6, Block 10, Braxton Addition Section 3, Oklahoma City.

El Reno city leaders have formally responded to a lawsuit as they defend their decision to expand El Reno’s corporate boundaries through annexation. And a newly elected state representative said he has proposed legislation to tweak state law pertaining to the matter. 

“The City of El Reno exercised its annexation power in a reasonable manner and in compliance with the standards of state law,” according to an answer filed Feb. 20 in Canadian County District Court. 

It was a record-setting week for El Reno High School’s Future Farmers of America show team during the 2025 Canadian County Junior Livestock Show and Sale.

Twenty-five students showed 45 animals during the weeklong event held at the county’s Expo Center. The team showed in cattle, goats, swine and poultry divisions.

El Reno also had a successful showing in the newly created agriculture mechanics competition as Dalton Garcia and Mason Broadway helped land the grand champion award and other honors.

Youth agricultural leaders were celebrated as more than $360,000 was raised at the Canadian County Junior Livestock Show’s 2025 Sale of Champions.

Some 1,100 people converged on the Canadian County Expo and Event Center, 3001 Jensen Road East, for a dinner and live auction that highlighted the 53rd annual competition.

The premium auction featured 105 youth exhibitors showcasing their sheep, cattle, goats, swine, poultry and ag mechanics projects.

The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office confiscated drugs worth more than $6 million Tuesday morning during a raid of an alleged illegal marijuana grow.

AG’s office agents were joined by Oklahoma City police officers and Canadian County sheriff’s deputies at the scene in the 4100 block of North Gregory Road just north of Highway 66.

The AG’s office has undercover task force agents with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.

Canadian County District 1 personnel hauled off some 12,172 marijuana plants and clones with an estimated Oklahoma value exceeding $5.5 million.

LAWSUITS

LVNV Funding vs. Rebekah Hull for $3,723.98 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

LVNV Funding vs. Guadalupe Cerbu for $1,354.39 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Brian Haines for $7,130.43 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Steaven Sheffield for $1,716.05 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Cavalry SPV I LLC vs. Jeffrey Rice for $3,542.42 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Bison research and efforts to help Native Americans live a healthier life are both in a holding pattern after the Trump administration ordered a pause to federal grant funding. 

No one has lost a job, coordinators of both the research and the health outreach program said. But there’s also work that needs to be tended to, and hopefully soon. 

Aaron Hirsh is a scientist, science writer and an entrepreneur who is involved with Collaborative Earth, a nonprofit that helps organize and guide agriculture research, especially in areas of regenerative applications.

Youth & Family Services will celebrate 50 years of service during an anniversary gala set for Friday, March 7 at the Palace Event Center, 2310 N. Banner Road.

“A Black and Gold Affair” will benefit the charitable organization’s capital campaign, which is funding an expansion project at the Donald W. Reynolds Caring Center.

Youth & Family Services provides counseling, independent living, homeless assistance, foster care support and an emergency children’s shelter.

Redlands Community College had a significant enrollment increase for the spring 2025 semester, with total head count exceeding 2,100 students.

This represents a 16.1 percent increase compared to spring 2024 enrollment figures, college officials said. 

“We are thrilled to see this continued growth in our enrollment numbers,” said Redlands President Jena Marr.