News

County road crews were working overtime last week when the area was hit by some 7 inches of snow. Here, a county grader plows through snow on Reno, looking west from Choctaw.

Gov. Kevin Stitt outlined his agenda for the 2022 legislative session during his State of the State Address last week.

His ideas touched education reform, law enforcement crackdown of illicit marijuana businesses, pushing for changes in the McGirt Supreme Court ruling, improving workforce development, tax reform and others. Stitt plans to make these changes while crafting a nearly standstill budget for the next fiscal year.

The theme of his speech was “Driving Hope for all Oklahomans.”

Seventh-grade students in Tahlequah were quizzed during the first semester of school about their views on critical race theory, transgenderism, abortion and other political issues - in a middle school geography course.

The quiz gained public attention when it was discussed during this month’s meeting of the State Board of Education.

WASHINGTON – Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt says computer science education, an increased focus on career tech and higher teacher pay are keys to the future industries of Oklahoma.

Stitt said he foresees the day in the not too distant future where Oklahoma teachers, who once were next to last in pay, will earn as much as $100,000 a year. 

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LVNV Funding LLC vs. Derry Russell for $751.92 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Amanda Guerrero for $833.98 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Kelly Stroup for $4,650.25 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Kalie McBride for $1,266.20 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

The dam at Lake El Reno made for a popular sledding spot after last week's snowfall.

The El Reno area was walloped by some 7 inches of snow last week and that meant a round-the-clock marathon for city workers charged with clearing the streets.

Amy Smith, streets department director, said her four-person staff was joined by other city departments in working to keep the “snow routes” open throughout El Reno.

She said that meant pulling help from the parks department, the cemetery department and Public Works, as well as getting assistance from Canadian County.

An engineering firm will be paid $90,836 in preparation for parking lot upgrades at two Canadian County buildings.

A contractor will be hired to rebuild parking lots outside the Canadian County Children’s Justice Center, 7905 E. State Highway 66, and Canadian County Assessor’s Office, 200 N. Choctaw.

County commissioners approved a service agreement with GUY Engineering Services for “design and geo-tech work” on the new parking lots.

Rylan Fleenor of El Reno is a new junior member of the American Angus Association, reports Mark McCully, Association CEO, with headquarters in St. Joseph, Mo.

Junior members of the Association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association and take part in Association-sponsored shows and other national and regional events.

The American Angus Association is the largest beef breed association in the world, with more than 25,000 active adult and junior members.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, said the initial allocation of Redbud School Funding Grants by the Oklahoma State Department of Education should help state schools, including El Reno Public Schools.

The department last week allotted half of $38.5 million to 330 brick-and-mortar public schools statewide.

The remainder will be distributed to qualifying schools this summer.