News

El Reno fire crews are battling a large grass fire on Memorial Road, east of U.S. 81.

If all goes to plan, by late 2027, Canadian County should be opening the doors to the fourth courthouse it has built since the county was created.

It might be sooner if the weather cooperates, but that’s the goal. And the fastest-growing county in the state has come a long way since its humble beginnings. 

So said District 1 County Commissioner Tom Manske, who served as guest speaker at last week’s El Reno Now gathering. Manske said a groundbreaking ceremony is set for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 9 for the planned four-story structure in the 200 block of North Choctaw. 

El Reno Public Schools Superintendent Matt Goucher said the district is working to help bring more tournaments and events to town to help bolster the economy.

Goucher spoke at last week’s El Reno Now event along with City Manager Matt Sandidge and County Commissioner Tom Manske.

The event is normally hosted by the mayor and school superintendent, but Mayor Steve Jensen was battling an illness and was unable to attend, Sandidge said. 

Danny Stone of El Reno used a sled to take a plunge off the top of his family’s home toward a pile of snow.

Stone said he and his son, Micah Culp both ramped off the roof, with his son sticking the landing.

The photo was picked as the favorite among the more than 100 submitted by readers from the recent snowstorm and earned Stone a free El Reno Tribune sweatshirt.

Dr. Valerie Reimers of El Reno, a longtime professor at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, made a substantial gift to the SWOSU Bulldog Angels Fund, according to the SWOSU Foundation. 

Dr. Reimers, an emeritus faculty member of SWOSU and a founder-level donor to the Bulldog Angels program, has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to student success and access to higher education, SWOSU said in a statement announcing the gift.

Her most recent gift continues her legacy of service by helping students remain enrolled when unexpected financial challenges arise.

City Manager Matt Sandidge and Donna Dyer of Blessing Baskets pose after Sandidge handed Dyer an envelope with $470 that was raised for the nonprofit at last week’s El Reno Now gathering.

Canadian County is seeking a federal grant to help investigate illegal dumping.

The Canadian County Sheriff’s Office has applied through the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for up to $50,000 in fiscal year 2027 for the department’s environmental deputy.

Lt. Mike Grimes explained the grant funding request during Canadian County commissioners Jan. 27 meeting.

“It’s for the good of the county, it keeps our county clean,” Grimes said of the environmental deputy program.

Prosecutors allege an El Reno woman repeatedly kicked and pulled away from a Yukon police officer during a drug arrest last fall.

Jessica Leeann Nitzell, age 38, was charged Jan. 8 in Canadian County District Court with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting an officer, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding in a posted zone.

LAWSUITS

Tinker Federal Credit Union vs. Tony Alexander for $7,039.27 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Tinker Federal Credit Union vs. Jason Burge for $5,457.02 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Velocity Investments LLC vs. Jeffery Bentley for $9,054.85 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

NCB Management Services Inc. vs. Daveron Wright for $7,564.11 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

A return to dual state will have to wait another season as El Reno High School’s wrestling team took third place last week at the 2026 Class 5A District 3 Championship.

El Reno snapped a five-match losing streak with a win over Santa Fe South (60-21) but lost to Blanchard (48-33) and second-ranked Carl Albert (58-22) as the Titans claimed the title and a pass to dual state.

Turner Richardson (215) went undefeated with three falls, the fastest in 57 seconds over Blanchard’s Sam Miller. The others were in the first period pins including one over Carl Albert’s Joe Thomas.