News

New State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters unveiled a budget plan for Oklahoma schools that would increase state school spending by $330 million. Under Walters’ proposal, the state appropriation for schools would increase from $3.18 billion this year to $3.51 billion next year.

LAWSUITS Felicity Johnson vs. Murphy Oil USA Inc. and Walmart Stores East LP for an amount in excess of $75,000 for alleged compensatory damages.

After serving for almost four months in an interim capacity, state officials made it official – Allen Arnold will be Canadian County Election Board secretary.

A former Yukon convenience store worker faces possible prison time for allegedly embezzling more than $7,000 from the business. El Reno’s Stephannie Louise Myers, 41, was charged Jan. 9 in Canadian County District Court with embezzlement.

El Reno got its first taste of winter weather last week with several inches of snow. Temperatures were back near 50 degrees a day after the snow fell, which led to widespread melting. More winter weather is forecasted for early next week.

A new group of young ambassadors is getting ready for this spring’s Canadian County Youth Livestock Show. The Canadian County Herdsmanship Youth Advisory Board is comprised of student leaders from the county’s FFA chapters and 4-H clubs.

Russell-Murray Hospice held its first-ever Caring for Generations Gala. The event was held at the Palace Event Center and served as a fundraiser to assist patients in Russell-Murray care. The not-for-profit was founded in El Reno and has expanded to include other areas of central Oklahoma.

Candidates interested in filing for offices in the City of Piedmont, Town of Calumet, Town of Okarche and Town of Union City will file Declarations of Candidacy beginning 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6.

Calling all serious karaoke singers. Sugar Creek Casino in Hinton will host a karaoke contest at the Sugar Creek Event Center, with more than $5,000 in cash prizes to be handed out.

OKLAHOMA CITY — In 2021, Oklahoma’s tourism industry showed an impressive rebound, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.