News

The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail for the May 13 Calumet School District Bond Election is approaching.

Applications must be received by the Canadian County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. Monday, April 28.

County election board secretary Allen Arnold said absentee voting is available to all voters and applications can be submitted several ways. 

“In Oklahoma, no excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot and it’s easy to apply.

“Voters can submit their application online, in-person, by fax, mail, or even email,” said Arnold.

A flock of geese flew over Memorial Stadium last week with a full moon illuminating the sky. 

A former principal at a Yukon Christian school has been formally charged with two felony counts stemming from a child sexual abuse material investigation.

Yukon’s Kevin Russell Cobbs, age 55, was charged April 9 in Canadian County District Court with procure/produce/distribute/possess juvenile pornography and peeping tom with photographic/electronic equipment.

This case resulted from a forensic examination of electronic devices that Canadian County sheriff’s deputies seized March 25 from Cobbs’ home, Sheriff Chris West said.

Redlands Community College will host high school juniors from across the area April 23 to experience college life during Junior Day.

The event is set from 9 a.m. to noon and offers students the opportunity to explore academic programs, meet faculty and staff and get a firsthand look at the Redlands campus. Participants will also learn about the college’s concurrent enrollment program, which allows eligible high school students to earn college credit while still in high school.

A member of the House of Representatives is trying to exempt the Federal Aviation Administration Academy in Oklahoma City from any future government shutdowns.

The school churns out thousands of trained air traffic controllers at a time when there’s a national shortage.

LAWSUITS

Nationstar Mortgage LLC vs. Sedric Pitchford for $203,272.08 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 20, Block 16, Brookstone Lakes West Phase 4 Addition, Oklahoma City.

Capital One N.A. vs. Brendan Brown for $12,268.31 to pay a debt plus interest and costs.

Nicholas Greggs and Lauren Cheshier vs. Jesco Farms LLC and Justin Simmons for an amount in excess of $75,000 for injuries and damages alleged to have occurred during an automobile accident.

El Reno has made another positive impression with movie makers. 

A couple of years after the Twisters production filmed here, a smaller, more local movie crew arrived. And just like the big budget Hollywood crew that praised the work environment here, the latest caravan of creativity came away equally impressed with the reception they received. 

The production, tentatively titled “Pale Knight,” was written and directed by Lawton natives and twin brothers, Coltin and Austin Warren.

The shelter is full. 

City Manager Matt Sandidge said the El Reno Animal Shelter is at capacity and for this reason adopting a pet just got less expensive. 

Also, El Reno officials said dozens of animals were taken into custody after cruelty was suspected at a local residence. 

Sandidge laid out the situation to the city council at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Council agreed during April, the city will offer pet adoptions for $25. Police Chief Ken Brown said the normal cost of adopting a pet from the shelter is about $90. 

The city of El Reno will hold a ribbon-cutting for the Filling Station on May 3 and with the annual Burger Day Festival set for the same day, there’s bound to be a crowd on hand. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and soft opening of the Filling Station Visitor Center is set for 10:30 a.m. that Saturday. 

“This event marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance tourism and community engagement,” a statement from the city of El Reno said. 

El Reno will celebrate Tara Dew Day on May 1. 

El Reno Mayor Steve Jensen read a proclamation declaring the day be dedicated in honor of the longtime minister from First Christian Church.

A number of Dew’s fellow parishioners, including Rev. Colton Lott, celebrated the news with Dew at Tuesday night’s city council meeting. 

Dew was born and raised in El Reno. She returned after college in 2000 to serve as ministerial assistant at First Christian Church. Her role has evolved, and she now is the associate minister.