News

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt last week reappointed Tim Gatz to his role as Secretary of Transportation, a Cabinet position awaiting Oklahoma Senate confirmation.

“This whole ordeal was nothing more than semantics,” said Gov. Stitt.

“Gatz started with me in 2019 as my go-to for all transportation matters, and he has remained in that role ever since. I’m glad I can restore his proper title. It’s unfortunate that a politically motivated waste of time and taxpayer dollars tried to distract from his work on behalf of Oklahomans.”

Canadian County District 3 will partner with the state to make infrastructure improvements to Historic Route 66, extending from U.S. Highway 270 east approximately 4.5 miles to Interstate 40.

The project, officials said, is designed to enhance safety and functionality along the road and will include the widening of travel lanes, the addition of paved shoulders and improvements to existing bridge structures, said District 3 Commissioner Tracey Rider.

Friday, March 13 is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the April 7 Board of Education elections for Calumet Public School, Union City Public School, Minco Public School and Okarche Public School, and the special elections for the City of Piedmont, City of Yukon and Geary Public School, Canadian County Election Board Secretary Allen Arnold said.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, has secured committee passage of Senate Bill 1806, legislation to extend foster care services through age 21 to better support young adults.

Oklahomans who want to change their party affiliation must submit their change no later than March 31, Canadian County Election Board Secretary Allen Arnold said.

Voters may change their party affiliation online using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or by completing a new voter registration application.

Arnold reminds voters that no party changes are allowed from April 1 through Aug. 31 during an even-numbered year.

LAWSUITS

Stan’s Smokehouse Beef Jerky vs. Hickory Hollow Beef Jerky LLC for $37,920.96 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

American Express National Bank vs. Konrad Patrzalek for $11,683.54 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Keely Emig for $12,119.50 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Amanda Hogan vs. West Yukon Animal Hospital Inc. for an amount in excess of $75,000 for alleged injuries and damages.

A mural honoring the life and sacrifice of Sgt. Thomas Duran was created by local artist Sue Bear.

The mural was dedicated Wednesday evening during an El Reno Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting.

Police Chief Ken Brown is seen here cutting the ribbon with Bear at his right. Bear was assisted in the design by artist Allen Sheridan, who goes by the name “Alien.”

The mural is on the east side of a building owned by Donna Stirman.

The mural is dedicated to Duran and El Reno first responders.

The artistic photo of the former Rock Island Railroad office building (first photo) on Watts shows the structure in its final stages just before the demolition was all but complete (second photo).

The century-old building was condemned through a lengthy process involving court action.

The owners of the property, Talala Properties LLC, paid for the demolition which was done by K&M. Calls to K&M seeking more information were not returned by press time.

The 2026 Canadian County Junior Livestock Show rolled over into goat, broilers and sheep divisions.

Three people were injured following an incident at an oil installation near State Highway 37 and South Maple Road. The accident happened around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Reports said the injuries included broken bones and facial abrasions from the accident that happened southwest of El Reno and southeast of Hinton.

Reports said an “uncontrolled pressure release” led to the injuries. 

El Reno Fire Chief Jason Duff said three City of El Reno ambulances were dispatched to the site after emergency vehicles were requested.