News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act.

This legislation protects child welfare providers from being discriminated against for acting in accordance with their deeply held religious beliefs and prohibits federal, state and local government agencies that receive federal adoption assistance funding from discriminating against child welfare service providers based on the providers’ unwillingness to take action contrary to their sincerely held religious beliefs. 

DIVORCES GRANTED

Dondi Stout vs. Matthew Stout.

Kerry Lynette Bond vs. Douglas Tod Bond.

Amy D. Roberts vs. Kodi R. Roberts.

Jennifer Struss vs. Dustin Struss.

Matthew Dean Davis vs. Carissa Danielle Davis.

Timothy Johnson vs. Breanna R. Johnson.

Melynda Sue Thomas vs. James Travis Thomas.

Sydnee Nicole Peton vs. Wyatt Lane Peton.

Wade Davidson vs. Shannon Davidson.

Taylor Lee vs. Joshua Robinson.

William Eric Brown vs. Melinda Sue Brown.

Youngsters joined city leaders in the official opening of Sunset Trail at Lake El Reno last week.

On a chilly and blustery day, Mayor Steve Jensen welcomed the young runners to take part in what was deemed the Turkey Trot, a quarter-mile run that turned into a race for the bundled-up kids.

Participants were treated to individual pumpkin pies and other goodies following the event.

Jensen drew applause from those gathered for the occasion when he said the city had received another grant, this one for $300,000 to farther extend the trail.

Abigail Branstool’s Transition classes at El Reno High School utilized their cooking and hospitality skills before the holiday break.

Class members cooked a traditional Thanksgiving lunch for more than 60 people including students, staff and administrators.

Students assisted in setting up, serving food and cleaning up afterward.

The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Diabetes Wellness Program hosted its 21st annual Elders Conference recently at the Canadian County Expo Center. As part of the conference, one elder is chosen to receive the Moses Starr Jr. Honored Elder Award.

The award is given to recognize a Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal elder for their outstanding achievement, whether it is in advocacy in health, tribal engagement, or addressing health disparities. This year’s award was presented to Tribal Elder Melvin Roman Nose.

El Reno police took three men into custody on drug-related complaints after a raid on a residence.

Assistant Police Chief Kirk Dickerson said police obtained a warrant to search a house at 500 W. Martin St. Officers served the warrant on Nov. 21 just before 7 p.m.

The search warrant was obtained after an investigation began following a suspected Fentanyl overdose that had occurred at the residence, Dickerson said.

Officers knocked on the front door several times, announcing the warrant search.

An electric vehicle assembly plant will create hundreds of jobs in eastern Canadian County.

Canoo, an American automotive startup, recently delivered its first “Made in Oklahoma” electric vehicle (EV) to the state government as part of an agreement to deliver up to 1,000 vehicles.

The company’s lifestyle delivery vehicles (LDVs) are the first commercial motor vehicles to be built in Oklahoma since 2006.

Canoo also manufactures multi-purpose delivery vehicles (MPDVs) and pickup trucks.

Canadian County commissioners last week approved an agreement for fiscal year 2024 with the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service to “perform cooperative extension services on behalf of Canadian County.” The annual agreement is typically approved after the county finalizes its fiscal year budget.

“We appreciate your continued support,” Canadian County Extension Director Kyle Worthington told commissioners.

“It helps us in our endeavors to serve the communities in Canadian County.”

A $3.6 million remodeling project for the Canadian County Health Department has gotten a little costlier.

A 33,000-square-foot building at 6100 East Highway 66 just west of Evans Road is being renovated for a new county health clinic and offices. The work is due to be finished in April 2024.

Renovations started this fall after commissioners approved a “maximum guaranteed price” of $3,598,755 for the remodeling project.

Earlier this month, commissioners approved a change order request from their construction manager, Lingo Construction Services.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Shon Christopher Lane and Susan Janine King.

Zachary Ryan Eisenhour and Samantha Marea Manuel.

Agustus Ethan Earls and Summer Cheyanne Hancock.

Zecharia Journey Rodriguez and Briona Dawn McCumber.

Jesus Isaah Martinez and Alicia Uscanga Vergara.

Axton Drew McElroy and Autumn Teresa Marie Rodriguez.

Eric David White and Jacqueline Marie Garner.

Ryan Jason Ray and Jazree Leigh Franklin.

Matthew Wayne Culp and Faith Marie Ross.

Tyler Nathan Ginther and Rayanna Leigh Berry.