News

In-page image(s)

Fields honored on retirement; Humphries named to DA post

Body

Retiring District Attorney Mike Fields was honored at two receptions last week in Enid and El Reno, the same week that Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the appointment of his successor.

Tommy Humphries of Piedmont, Fields’ first assistant since 2021, will step up to the top job in District 4 beginning Jan. 2, serving until the next election in November 2026.

Yukon leaders consider outside source to obtain federal grants

Body

Yukon city leaders are considering using an outside firm to help obtain federal grants. The Yukon City Council is expected to consider an agreement with Merchant McIntyre Associates.

Based in Washington, D.C., Merchant McIntyre is the only federal government relations agency that exclusively represents nonprofit institutions and organizations.

Panasonic rejects state’s battery bid

Body

OKLAHOMA CITY — A global company has once again decided against building an electric vehicle battery plant near Tulsa despite lawmakers offering a $698 million incentive package and funding millions of dollars in site improvements at the company’s request.

A Panasonic spokesperson said the company will not build a multibillion-dollar battery plant at Pryor’s MidAmerica Industrial Park.

Public Records - 12/23/2023

Body

LAWSUITS

Discover Bank vs. Heather Ellis for $5,142.90 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Capital One N.A. vs. Shelby Franklin for $2,256.36 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Citibank N.A. vs. Robert Walker for $2,549.31 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Capital One N.A. vs. Joseph Stephens for $2,267.67 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Citibank N.A. vs. Tamila Bentley for $5,151.33 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

In-page image(s)

Gifts, smiles from heaven

Body

Colsen Girty was smiling down from heaven over the weekend as one of his dreams became reality.

With the help of his mother, Whitney Sides, the El Reno Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 151 was able to provide 45 area children with a brighter holiday season through the 16th Annual Christmas With a Cop.

Girty was killed in a car accident in 2021 at the age of 10, but his mother said one of his dreams was to give Christmas presents to children in El Reno. In his memory, Sides created a trust to honor that wish and funded it with a charity event earlier this year.

In-page image(s)

El Reno Fast Connect officially up and surfing

Body

El Reno city leaders officially celebrated the beginning of the municipal Internet system being created by lighting up a sign outside of City Hall.

Mayor Steve Jensen turned on the lighted sign promoting the infrastructure project as council members, city staff and the crew working to build out the system applauded.

Known as El Reno Fast Connect, the more than $3 million city-owned Internet system is now available to some 270 homes. Assistant City Manager Tim Young said four businesses along Country Club have also signed on to the system.

City condemns Choctaw property, approves plat for Crimson Lake Estates

Body

A property at 1508 S. Choctaw was condemned last week by the El Reno City Council. The action was one of several items tackled by the elected leaders.

City Manager Matt Sandidge said the property on South Choctaw has been in a “dilapidated condition for some time.” The owner of the property is deceased and relatives have no interest in the structure.

The city plans to demolish the structure after the first of the year.

In-page image(s)

RCC celebrates first-generation college students

Body

Pursuing a college degree can be challenging and overwhelming, especially for students whose parents didn’t take the same path.

To support and encourage these students, Redlands Community College hosted a panel of first-generation students and graduates, including members of the college’s faculty and staff.

In-page image(s)

Mapping out future development growth

Body

With an eye toward the future, El Reno city leaders approved the creation of a master plan for Adams Park, expanded the downtown improvement district and restructured some city authorities, the intention being a sharper focus on economic development.

All three items received unanimous support last week from the five-member city council.

The Adams Park Master Plan is intended to “lay out the future of Adams Park and the Lake El Reno area.