WASHINGTON – Narrowly avoiding the September’s stopgap spending bill expiration, Congress passed a new spending bill to keep the government open until March 14, 2025.

Included in the bill was language that forbids the return of Fort Reno to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole chairs the committee that crafted the legislation.

Gemini Industries Inc. broke ground last week for a new warehouse company leaders said would help the manufacturer of wood coating solutions expand and create new jobs.

An employee-owned company, the groundbreaking drew Gemini’s employee-owners, retirees, local officials and business leaders.

The new structure, set to span 52,000 square feet, will enhance Gemini’s operational efficiency, improve customer service and strengthen the company’s ability to compete in the ever-evolving coatings market, company officials said.

It will be a “sweet 16” day Dec. 31 when Dave Anderson officially retires as a Canadian County commissioner.

Anderson, of Mustang, has served as the county’s District 2 commissioner since January 2009.

Although Anderson will end his county government service after 16 years, fellow county officials say his positive impact will last for many decades.

Before sledding off to the North Pole for his big day of work, Santa Claus squeezed in three more rides on the Heritage Express Trolley.