News

More new housing appears to be coming to El Reno.

Last week the city council approved plans for the expansion of two growing housing developments, Crimson Lake Estates and Settlers Crossing.

The plans come with an expansion of walking trails, that Mayor Matt White said should give El Reno one of the most extensive pedestrian networks on the “west side of the metro.”

The expansion at Crimson Lake Estates will come with 25-foot setbacks that city officials said should help keep cars from having to be parked in the streets.

The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of a fire that reportedly destroyed a vacant house Sunday morning.

El Reno Fire Chief Jason Duff said the structure at 420 E. Wade caught fire Sunday.

Smoke and flames could be seen coming from the roof of the house as firefighters battled the blaze in chilly temperatures before 8 a.m.

Duff said the El Reno firemen were supported by fire units from Yukon and the Federal Correctional Institution.

Gemini Coatings, a 100 percent employee-owned wood coatings manufacturing company based in El Reno, has entered into an agreement to acquire Lenmar® Wood Finishes & Coatings, a brand of fine wood finishes, from Benjamin Moore, North America’s leading paint, color and coatings company.

“Lenmar has been a trusted brand in the wood coatings market for more than 65 years and has grown its loyal customer base since it was acquired by Benjamin Moore in 2008,” said Chris Hicks, president and CEO of Gemini Coatings.

A Canadian County jury found a 23-year-old man accused of killing one man and injuring another not guilty.

Christopher Gene Nelson of El Reno faced two felony counts – first-degree manslaughter and assault and battery with a deadly weapon – in connection with a July 18, 2020, altercation between him and two other El Reno men, Miguel Jones and Lonnie Monaco.

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

Armold reminds voters that no party changes are allowed between April 1 and Aug. 31 during an even-numbered year.

MUNICIPAL COURT

Janice Ann Osage, El Reno, failure to appear warrant, $295.

Steven Ray Cavenee, Oklahoma City, failure to appear warrant, $295.

Mary Alice Cristelli, Yukon, speeding, $165.

Servando Ornelas, Perryton, Texas, disobeying traffic device and driving without valid driver’s license, $417.

Steven Cody Columbus, Binger, obstructing an officer, $845.

Dyar Trace Camarillo, El Reno, speeding, $165.

Stacey Paulette Kanost, Oklahoma City, speeding, $165.

The Indians qualified for the Class 5A State Championships being held in Norman. A send-off celebration was held for the team Wednesday afternoon.

Follow the El Reno Tribune social media sites for game updates and see a tourney recap in Wednesday’s print edition.

Final dollar figures are still being tabulated but the 50th Annual Canadian County Junior Livestock Show wrapped up its four-day run with a main sale which officials deemed a success.

“There were a lot of things we learned and it was a tough week but our sale brought in over $20,000 more than last year so I would call that a success,” said Canadian County Fair Board Secretary Brad Tipton.

Canadian County commissioners are moving ahead with plans to replace a roof that’s caving in at the old county jail. Time is of the essence to hire a contractor for the job.

“It will be falling in soon,” Commissioner Dave Anderson said.

Commissioners took no action at their March 7 meeting on a “conditional partial release of lease” between Canadian County and Preservation El Reno for the roof project.

“We’ll have it back on our agenda soon,” Anderson said.

Mayor Matt White said it would be wise for the city of El Reno to consider developing property on SW 27th Street for commercial and retail business rather than schools.

White made the comments at last week’s city council meeting. He asked the council to give him and City Manager Matt Sandidge a “few weeks” to bring a proposal to them for consideration.

White said the city has been in contact with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce about the idea of leasing land to a business or businesses on the city-owned property.