News

Though not big on watching first-run movies in theaters, El Reno Public Schools Athletic Director Rodney Haydon says he might have to go see Twisters when it hits the big screen in 2024.

“I’m not much of a movie guy but I may just have to go see this movie in the theater. I’m interested to see what this movie is about,” said Haydon.

Though at a distance, Haydon and other El Reno administrators got a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the sequel to the 1996 Hollywood blockbuster Twister.

El Reno is going to celebrate “After the Storm” with a downtown block party highlighted by a showing of the original Twister movie. The colorful event is from 5 to 8 p.m. July 27.

City Manager Matt Sandidge said city staff came up with the idea to celebrate the downtown after it hosted the recent production of Twisters, the sequel to the 1996 blockbuster Twister movie. Twisters is scheduled for release in July of 2024.

Several blocks of Bickford in the downtown area were closed during the production.

A lawsuit against Canadian County Sheriff Chris West has been dismissed.

Canadian County District Judge Khristan K. Strubhar signed a journal entry of judgment granting the defendant’s motion to dismiss the petition filed on behalf of plaintiff Brandon Michael Whitman.

“The judge’s decision reflects that everything was done right,” West said. “I just believe in doing things right – law and order.”

A 57-year law enforcement veteran - who retired 18 months ago - is now officially able to keep his Canadian County sheriff’s firearm and badge.

Canadian County commissioners made it official at their July 10 meeting, voting 3-0 to allow Lt. Mike Grimes to retain these county-issued items.

“This is for Mike Grimes,” Canadian County Undersheriff Kevin Ward told commissioners.

Increased rains in Oklahoma this past spring have brought some not-so-welcome friends.

Fly and tick populations have increased, which means cattle producers are fighting an uphill battle this summer with these blood-sucking pests. The cattle industry suffers $1.3 billion in losses annually from horn flies alone. They are considered the No.1 external parasite for cattle across the country.

LAWSUITS

Velocity Investments LLC vs. Kyle Coats for $1,440.54 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Velocity Investments LLC vs. Daniel Mayo for $5,837.39 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Plaza Services LLC vs. Taylor Gilbert for $6,011.74 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Plaza Services LLC vs. Emily McKinney for $9,873.34 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

El Reno was drenched early Sunday with a reported 4 and a half inches of rain.

The city reported several streets were closed temporarily because of high water.

Grace Starks recently waltzed into Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center and promptly captured a national gold medal in collectable pin design.

Starks, 18, of El Reno, made the trip as a Graphic Design student representing Canadian Valley Technology Center at SkillsUSA Nationals.

She qualified by winning a state gold medal a couple months ago.

She also recently completed home school course requirements and is now a high school graduate.

Escaping the noisy city can be a blessing not often found, which is why Daniel and Ruthie Pugh built their own oasis – far from the cacophony of noises found in more populated areas of Canadian County.

Their oasis is located not far from Highway 66, roughly two miles northeast of the Cherokee Trading Post, west of El Reno.

It is a place named after themselves – Pugh Gardens, located at 23505 Jones Road N.W. The gardens planted their roots across three acres around the Pughs home, which they built in 2002.

New outdoor play equipment is helping Canadian County youth whose lives have been affected by domestic violence.

Volunteers recently installed a new playset at the Intervention & Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN)’s program house near the Canadian County Courthouse.

“We have not had a suitable playset for kids in five years,” ICAN Executive Director Matt Whetzel said.