News

The El Reno High School Band marched into practice mode this week, gearing up to perform during the upcoming school year.

Band director Shane Johnson welcomed some 70 members, including those who will perform with the Flag Corps. 

The EHS band starts the two-week training period each day at 8 a.m., practicing marching routines at the old Central Field until 11 a.m.

They then break for lunch before playing instruments inside the Band Room at Marsh Memorial Building until 3 p.m. A Thursday night practice is held at Memorial Stadium as well.

Redlands Community College introduced Tara Thomas as the new director of Nursing and Allied Health.

Thomas brings more than two decades of nursing education leadership and clinical expertise to her new role.

She is charged with overseeing the college’s nursing program transformation to better align with current workforce needs.

LAWSUITS

Discover Bank vs. Garrett Rudkin for $26,212.53 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Kenneth Carr for $31,950.39 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Planet Home Lending LLC vs. Jill Fulmer and Robert Fulmer for $255,989.66 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 21, Block 2, Ledgestone Phase I Addition, Oklahoma City.

Stearns Bank N.A. vs. Kalin Dyer for $116,742.72 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

The 2025 Smoke on the Water Drag Boat Races drew thousands of spectators to Lake El Reno over the weekend.

More than 50 drivers, including El Reno’s Matt Miller took part in the two-day event.

See Saturday’s edition for a wrap-up.

This group of El Reno youngsters was scouring the downtown area last week as part of a Bear Hunt put on by Project Transformation.

The Bear Hunt involves stuffed bears being placed in the windows of businesses in and around town.

Project Transformation is a summer reading program that headquarters out of Wesley Methodist Church.

A woman who was raped two years ago while being transferred between jails by a sheriff’s deputy has sued the since-fired deputy and county officials in Canadian County District Court.

Attorney Rachel L. Bussett filed the lawsuit on behalf of plaintiff K.C., who was being taken from Bryan County to the Canadian County Jail when she was assaulted by Deputy Wesley Wayne Hunter Jr. inside a sheriff’s office vehicle.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Michael Lowell Bonjour of Mustang has been sentenced to serve 87 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, possession of stolen firearms and possession of an unregistered firearm, said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, Bonjour was arrested on state charges by El Reno police in March 2024, when he was discovered to be in possession of a stolen firearm.

The El Reno Animal Shelter, in partnership with the Angel Fund of Oklahoma City, will host a low-cost animal vaccine and microchip clinic. 

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Animal Shelter, 2400 Spur Lane. All pets are welcome, but are required to be either on a leash or in a carrier. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s top Senate leader said an inquiry is under way following “a bizarre and troubling situation” where two board members reported that they saw naked women on State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ office television.

Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said the inquiry is being led by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and “leadership at the agency is working through proper channels to initiate the investigation.”

LAWSUITS

GDS Auto Customs vs. Hopper Motorplex Inc. for $42,400.00 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

U.S. Bank N.A. vs. Rochelle Turner for $173,380.80 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 25, Block 12, Settlers Crossing Phase III Addition, El Reno.

Security Credit Services LLC vs. Maria Sanchez for $17,239.02 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.