News

A Route 66 makeover

2 months ago By Ray Dyer

With an eye toward making Route 66 more attractive for both locals and visitors, the city of El Reno has purchased a former gas station at the corner of Sunset and Choctaw and is seeking grants to help with major improvements in the area.

City Manager Matt Sandidge said the city has a contract in hand to purchase the property at 120 S. Choctaw. Closing is expected to take place Feb. 29.

Mayor Steve Jensen said the city will spend approximately $150,000 to gain control of the corner property.

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Filming of Lou Diamond Phillips new movie at Concho kept quiet

2 months ago By Rosemary Stephens - Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune

Keeping quiet about a movie crew filming at the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes headquarters in Concho was the goal - and that goal was successful. Well, almost.

Within an hour of actors Lou Diamond Phillips and Tommy Schulz being spotted in Concho, social media came alive with cellphone pictures and videos.

The upcoming film titled “Keep Quiet” being filmed was no longer quiet.

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Project ready to turn dirt

2 months ago By Conrad Dudderar - Yukon Progress

Construction is due to start next week on the first roundabout to be built in Canadian County.

An Oklahoma Department of Transportation contractor is scheduled to begin work Thursday, Feb. 15 at the State Highway 66 and U.S. 81 intersection in El Reno.

“Work is scheduled to take about a year and a half, weather permitting, and should be complete ahead of the Route 66 Centennial in 2026,” ODOT spokesman Bryce Boyer said.

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Deadline for absentee ballot requests nears

2 months ago By News Staff

The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching.

Applications must be received by the Canadian County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19.

Canadian County Election Board Secretary Allen Arnold said absentee voting is available to all voters and applications can be submitted several ways.

“In Oklahoma, no excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot, and it’s easy to apply. Voters can submit their application online, in-person, by fax, mail or even email,” said Arnold.

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Darren Hamilton to run for Congress in opposition to Lucas

2 months ago By News Staff

Darren Hamilton of Fort Supply said he will run for Oklahoma’s 3rd U.S. Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne.

Hamilton is a Republican.

“My campaign, Hamilton for Oklahoma, is gaining steam because the people in our district feel it is time for a new voice that better represents our district’s ideals is sent to Washington, D.C.,” said Hamilton in a prepared statement.

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Wrongful termination lawsuit against juvenile center moved to federal court

2 months ago By Conrad Dudderar - Yukon Progress

A wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former Canadian County juvenile center employees against the county commissioners, a judge and center officials has been moved to federal court.

Assistant Attorney General Erin Moore and attorney Jordan Miller on Dec. 22, 2023, filed a notice of removal of the case to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.

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Affordable homes on the horizon

2 months ago By Conrad Dudderar - Yukon Progress

A need for quality affordable housing has led Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity to launch its “most ambitious” project to date – a 160-acre development in eastern Canadian County.

The Cornerstone Creek neighborhood will provide “450 affordable, well-built homes” at the southwest corner of N.W. 150th and North Morgan Road. The property is between Piedmont and Yukon in northwest Oklahoma City.

Grading is complete and home builds will start in early 2024.

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Noble Foundation gift helps spur Habitat development between Yukon, Piedmont

2 months ago By News Staff

OKLAHOMA CITY – Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity received a donation of $1.5 million from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in support of the Christian housing ministry’s newest affordable housing development, Cornerstone Creek.

Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said the gift from the Noble Foundation was donated in honor of her personal hero, the late Dr. David Brown, an orthopedic surgeon and founder/chairman emeritus of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA).

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House honors sanctity of life with Rose Day

2 months ago By News Staff

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wednesday honored the right to life of the unborn with a presentation for Rose Day on the chamber floor and the adoption of a resolution recognizing the significance of the day.

House Resolution 1022, authored by House Majority Leader Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, and co-authored by a majority of House Republicans, recognizes the significance of Rose Day, Oklahoma’s annual pro-life rally at the Capitol.