News

Zoe Clarke became a hospital registered nurse two and a half years ago, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother.

Clarke, an ICU nurse in Asheville, North Carolina, wants to get her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner or a certified registered nurse anesthetist — occupations in high demand — and eventually work toward a doctoral degree.

But new borrowing limits on federal student loans may hinder her from reaching that goal.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, Oklahoma City’s only grief center offering free grief support services to the entire family, celebrated a successful evening of healing and hope during its annual Winter Grief Workshop.

ARDMORE - The Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Murray State College, Chickasaw Nation, the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts and the Arbuckle Conservation District announced the groundbreaking for the Southern Oklahoma Urban and Small Farm Hub in Ardmore.

This initiative is set to enhance the quality of life in southern Oklahoma by revolutionizing local food systems and supporting small and urban farms. The groups joined at Murray State College for an official signing ceremony and celebration of the project.

MUNICIPAL COURT

Maranda Rupp, Elk City, speeding in a construction zone, $295.

Jonica Elwell, Yukon, speeding, $165.

Star Vest, Oklahoma City, expired tag, $165.

Breanna Faris, El Reno, failure to stop at stop sign and speeding, $330.

Preslee Wedding, Yukon, expired tag, $165.

William Moore, Shawnee, expired tag, $165.

Nicolas Neering, El Reno, expired tag, $165.

Samuel Harper, Arlington, Texas, failure to stop at stop sign, $165.

Terry Ladd Jr., El Reno, disorderly conduct, $595.

I’ve been bugging Janice and Mike Freeman to sit down with me and tell me all about their new restaurant, Freeman’s Eats, and it finally happened. It’s not their fault it took so long. Opening a new restaurant is a lot of work.

El Reno will have a new business on Country Club after the city council approved the final plat for 7 Brew.

The business is planned to replace the former Pizza Hut at 2415 S. Country Club. New construction is expected at the site. 

The plat was approved contingent on an easement issue related to sewer service being cleared up, but city officials said they were confident that would be worked out. 

The City of El Reno honored the late Herman Dittmer for his contributions and dedication to the community.

Mayor Steve Jensen read a proclamation at Tuesday’s city council meeting honoring Dittmer, calling him “an exemplary member” of our El Reno community. 

Last week’s annual Christmas parade through downtown and the tree lighting at Petree Plaza was deemed a great start to the El Reno holidays. 

“It was an overwhelming success,” said El Reno City Manager Matt Sandidige.

The parade’s theme was “Christmas Kicks on Route 66” and was presented through a collaboration between the City of El Reno and Wesley United Methodist Church. Sandidge said the partnership will continue in the future.

El Reno Municipal Judge Jennifer King administered the oath of office Tuesday night to Mayor Steve Jensen and Ward 2 City Council member Heather Brothers.

El Reno Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts helped collect food from the community several weeks ago in the Annual Scouting for Food Drive.

Scout leader Beth Griesel helps coordinate the annual collection effort and all food gathered is delivered to The Lord’s Harvest.

Nikki Pruitt, founder and director of The Lord’s Harvest, said the Scouts provide an invaluable service to the community.

This year’s collection totaled 1,871 pounds, more than doubling last year’s collection of 614 pounds of non-perishable food.