News

May 22, 2026, is a day four families and the community from El Reno and Stillwater will never forget.

Kiercy Hickson, Haleigh Salazar, Brad Palmer and Quincy Jones were killed after being hit by a driver going westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-40.

Brandi Higgins and Nancy Salsman have teamed to organize a fundraiser for all four families. The event scheduled for Saturday, July 11 includes a poker run, Indian taco dinner and auction.   

Two Redlands Community College leaders were recently recognized at the International Women’s Award Banquet.

The banquet, hosted by the United Nations Association USA Oklahoma City Chapter in collaboration with Happy World Foundation Inc., brought diverse communities together to celebrate women’s achievements and leadership. 

Chosen for exemplifying leadership, resilience and service through their professional achievements and contributions to their communities, President Jena Marr and Professor Cherry Rain were among 22 women honored with the Women of Impact Award 2026.

LAWSUITS

Citibank N.A. vs. Dale Yager for $4,680.59 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Sade Hill for $2,757.19 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

LVNV Funding LLC vs. Brittany Stinnett for $2,150.19 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Bank of America N.A. vs. Ryleigh McCartney for $3,679.09 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Citibank N.A. vs. Justin Lavery for $2,887.30 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

El Reno was front and center at the recent Dead Center Film Festival as Pale Night made its premier at the Oklahoma City tribute to the film industry. 

Pale Night was filmed in downtown El Reno in 2025. Austin and Colton Warren, twin brothers originally from Lawton, directed and wrote the script for the film. It is described as a “Southern Gothic” and was filmed entirely in black and white. 

The Warren brothers used the building owned by Roger and Anna Rinehart at 115-117 S. Rock Island to film the horror flick. 

The city of El Reno invites residents and visitors to celebrate two historic milestones during Route to Freedom, a full day of family-friendly activities on Saturday, July 4 at Lake El Reno.

The celebration commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with activities throughout the day, culminating in a special centennial fireworks display.

The day begins at 8 a.m. as Crimson Creek Golf Course opens with half-price green fees available throughout the day.

LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD, Mont. — One hundred fifty years after Cheyenne, Arapaho and Lakota warriors united to defend their people, homeland and way of life, members of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes returned to the place where history was forever changed.

The city of El Reno will begin curbside collection of tree limbs damaged during the June 2026 storms beginning Tuesday, July 7 at 6 a.m.

Residents are asked to cut tree limbs into sections no longer than 8 feet and place them in piles at the curb for collection.

Do not place limb piles near utility meters, mailboxes, fences, vehicles or other personal property.

Crews will work through residential areas collecting storm debris as quickly as possible.

Eastbound I-40 will be intermittently narrowed to one lane between US-281 and US-270 near El Reno from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and continuing daily for resurfacing. The project includes resurfacing I-40 and upgrading safety devices throughout the corridor. Drivers are reminded to slow down, put away distractions and use extra caution while traveling through the work zone.

Crews will begin on the eastbound lanes and when complete, will begin on the westbound lanes.

Weather permitting, expected completion is early 2027.  

The Canadian County Board of Commissioners postponed action Monday on a Devon Energy request to install a temporary natural gas line beneath West 220th Street as county officials consider whether to adopt a new policy governing above-ground natural gas and produced waterlines in county rights of way.

The proposal, tabled for the second consecutive week, prompted commissioners to weigh public safety concerns against the needs of oil and gas operators and the cost of underground installation.

Erin Dyer Thompson, co-publisher of the El Reno Tribune, officially became president of the Oklahoma Press Association on July 1, beginning a one-year term leading the state’s newspaper and online news media organization.

OPA members elected Dyer Thompson during the association’s annual business meeting June 5 at the OPA Convention in Norman. She succeeds Suzie Campbell as president.