News

Throughout his career, Redlands Community College President Jack Bryant has been an advocate of the community college system where he began his post-secondary educational journey, earning an associate of arts degree in General Studies in 1978 from Connors State College.

Recently, his alumni status and efforts to ensure an accessible education for students was recognized with his induction into the Connors State College Hall of Fame.

“Connors played a pivotal role in my academic and career success,” Bryant said.

A woman, previously convicted of carrying contraband into the Oklahoma County Jail, now could face years in prison for allegedly trying to hide cocaine while serving time at the Canadian County Jail.

Danesheona Tashay Long, 33, was charged in Canadian County District Court with bringing contraband into jail.

The felony is punishable by one to five years in state prison and/or a $100 to $1,000 fine.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the bipartisan Promoting Regulatory Independence, Mastery and Expansion (PRIME) for Meat Processing Act to foster greater tribal control over meat processing operations in Indian Country.

If passed, the bill would extend tribal government’s self-governance authority to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has declared two state laws restricting abortion to be unconstitutional, citing an earlier ruling in which the court declared abortion is a right granted by the Oklahoma Constitution despite the fact that the state constitution contains no language directly or implicitly addressing abortion.

DIVORCES GRANTED

Jerry Lee Fuller vs. Antoinette Marie Fuller.

Sharon Rae Burgin vs. Allie Estel Burgin Jr.

Kristen Marie Hovis vs. Mitchell Wayne Hovis.

Jaime Michelle Wooten vs. Timothy Jason Wooten.

Wendilyn L. Nixon vs. John E. Nixon.

Samantha Wrisley vs. John Wrisley.

Whitney L. Song vs. Christopher Song.

Laura Ann Short vs. Nicholas Max Short IV.

Jessica Lynn Langham-McClain vs. Nickolas Wade McClain.

Timothy Douglas Pearce vs. Meghan Aliene Breedlove Pearce.

Mother Nature respected El Reno’s Memorial Day ceremony, holding off until the local tribute to America’s fallen veterans had all but concluded before rain began to fall.

And a beautiful tribute it was.

A moving performance of the National Anthem by 10-year-old Teira Gonzalas of Macomb, preceded by a quote of G.K. Chesterton offered by Father Lance Warren set the stage for an emotional address from Rep. Ty Burns, a decorated recipient of the Purple Heart.

The city of El Reno is expected to hold a special city council meeting June 8 to consider issuing a permit for the making of the film “Twisters.” City Manager Matt Sandidge said the city has met with representatives of the highly anticipated movie, scheduled for theater release in July of 2024.

An agreement has been signed, sealed and delivered to make State Highway 66 and Banner Road a permanent four-way stop.

Canadian County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to participate with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) in the four-way stop intersection project. This is a state roadway in Canadian County District 1.

ODOT is due to hire a contractor this fall to make the permanent upgrades.

El Reno’s Gemini Coatings, a 100 percent employee-owned wood coatings manufacturing company, has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Rudd Company Inc., an independently owned wood coatings manufacturer based in Seattle, Wash.

“Rudd Company was established in 1912 and has built trusted brands with a robust product line,” said Chris Hicks, president and CEO of Gemini Coatings.

On the eve of his trial, Canadian County’s former emergency manager was convicted of embezzling state property - but he won’t spend time in prison.

Troy Steven Mead, 50, entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor May 23 in Canadian County District Court.

“I wrongfully appropriated state property while employed as the Canadian County emergency manager,” according to Mead’s signed guilty plea.

Mead received a one-year suspended sentence and will be supervised by the district attorney’s office while on probation.