News

Four RCC employees honored by OACC

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Four Redlands Community College employees were honored by the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges (OACC) for their contributions to the college. 

Brenda Witt was named Outstanding Faculty Member, while Brenda Harkins was recognized as Outstanding Professional Staff Member and Amy Woods as Outstanding Support Staff Member. Macey Scotten, coordinator of Strategic Partnerships, was the winner of the OACC Creative Staff Innovation Award.

From left, Amy Woods, Brenda Harkins, Brenda Witt and Jena Marr

F&M Bank to acquire Community National Bank of Okarche

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F&M Bank, a family-owned community bank in central Oklahoma, and Community National Bank of Okarche announced they have entered into a merger agreement.

“We are elated to partner with Community National Bank of Okarche,” said John Tom Anderson, CEO of F&M.

“We have immense respect for the relationship banking approach Community National Bank of Okarche represents in the markets they operate in.

“Their well-earned reputation for being stewards of their clients and communities aligns perfectly with ours.

Public Records - 10/11/25

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LAWSUITS

LVNV Funding LLC vs. Jordan Newby for $2,521.23 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

MARS Inc. vs. Angela Baker for $2,831.47 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Communication Federal Credit Union vs. Anna Perkins for $8,669.22 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Tinker Federal Credit Union vs. Gary Adams for $3,988.51 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Air Show and Community Day

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The city’s sixth annual Air Show and Community Day was held over the weekend at the El Reno Regional Airport.

See more coverage in Saturday’s edition.

Greg Shetterly flips his DR-107 (Time Traveler) upside down

Caldwell Collection open

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Tony Caldwell, center, yellow shirt, laughs with his wife, Sharon and Mayor Steve Jensen after cutting the ribbon on the Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field.

The trio were joined in the ribbon-cutting by others, including Grayson Ardies, executive director of the state Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, El Reno Chamber officials and Caldwell’s executive assistant Emily Overand.

Caldwell Collection open

New courthouse design finalized

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The design of the new Canadian County Courthouse has been finalized. Commissioners recently approved the final design to allow the project’s design team to complete construction documents.

“We approved the building floor plan overview, the exterior views overview, interior views overview and interior finishes,” said District 3 Commissioner Tracey Rider, who chairs the seven-member Canadian County Courthouse Building Committee.

A four-story, 112,407-square-foot courthouse is due to open in mid-2027.

The final design of a new four-story county courthouse

ER’s Gemini expands north into Wisconsin

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El Reno’s Gemini Industries Inc., has opened a Wisconsin operation, further expanding its footprint. 

An employee-owned manufacturer of wood coating solutions, Gemini announced the opening of the new support and supply facility in Omro, Wisconsin.

In a statement, Gemini said the expansion strengthens the firm’s logistics footprint across the United States and enhances the ability to serve customers in the upper Midwest with faster, more localized distribution and support.

Commissioners approve Camp Hope move to Anadarko

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A weeklong camp that gives Canadian County youth some summer fun will be in Anadarko next year.

County commissioners last week approved a contract with Oakridge Ministries to reserve its facilities June 22-26 for Camp Hope 2026.

Located on a wooded hillside off U.S. Highway 62 in Anadarko, Oakridge hosts summer camps, gatherings and retreats.

This will be the annual summer camp for the Canadian County Children’s Justice Center. 

Mallory Poplin_story

New judge recites oath

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Canadian County’s newest judge admits her name can be a little challenging for some.

Erin Jones-Slatev, who became a new special judge six weeks ago, was honored during a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony Sept. 25 at the Canadian County Courthouse. She recited the oath of office inside her packed courtroom.

Judge Jones-Slatev thanked a laundry list of supporters – family, fellow judges, Canadian County Bar Association members, attorneys, courthouse personnel, county and state officials and friends in attendance.

Judge Erin Jones-Slatev recites the oath of office

Gajeske to hold grand opening of El Reno operation on Friday

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Gajeske Inc., a provider of polyethylene piping solutions headquartered in Houston, will host the grand opening of its new operation in El Reno.

The expansion will be based at 3675 Allan Industrial Drive. 

The company sees the move as an opportunity to provide faster service, stronger logistics and on-the-ground support to customers in the state and throughout the region. 

“We’ve been eager to put down roots in Oklahoma to better serve area businesses with our full line of HDPE and MDPE solutions,” said Bob Gajeske Jr., CEO.

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