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A bridge too far?

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A local contractor is the apparent low bidder for a large bridge rehabilitation project in far west Canadian County.

OBC Inc., which has offices in Okarche and Edmond, submitted a bid totaling about $36.4 million to rebuild the historic Yellow Bridge over the South Canadian River.

“The bridge is tremendously long,” District 3 Canadian County Commissioner Jack Stewart said.

“It’s where Canadian, Blaine and Caddo counties come to a point on the west end.”

The bridge on U.S. 281 over the South Canadian River in far west Canadian County

RCC keeps tuition flat

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In consideration of the current economic situation, the Redlands Community College Board of Regents voted to support the administration’s recommendation to not increase tuition for a fifth consecutive year.

“We understand that many families are struggling, but we want to help them stay on track toward that college degree or career,” said Janie Thompson, chairman of the Redlands Board of Regents.

“Fortunately, our administration has been fiscally conservative. They have been able to make adjustments so that our students’ educational experience is not negatively affected.”

Janie Thompson

Plea expected in county homicide

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A Canadian County man charged with shooting to death one roommate and injuring a second roommate is expected to enter a blind plea in the case.

Patrick Allen Matthews, 25, is charged in Canadian County District Court with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon stemming from a fatal shooting in December 2020 at a home near Britton and Mustang roads.

Prosecutors allege Matthews used a firearm to shoot to death Alfredo Vera, 24, and injure Jhonnatan Gonzalez-Leal, 34.

Public Records - 6/29/2022

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LAWSUITS

Jeff Mason and Kenna Mason vs. Build Xperts LLC and Ovation Custom Homes LLC for an amount in excess of $10,000 for alleged compensatory and punitive damages.

PennyMac Loan Services LLC vs. Jordan Hamel for $161,290.19 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 12, Block 19, Castlewood Trails Addition Section 5, Oklahoma City.

Thinking of a new Sunset view

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As he opened his presentation on what Sunset Drive could become, Michael Hoffner encouraged members of the El Reno City Council and Municipal Planning Commission to “think big.”

By the end of the meeting, the focus of the Sunset renovation plan had expanded to include the downtown area as well as a good portion of Rock Island.

Mayor Matt White lobbied for the expansion and drew support from members of the council as well as the planning commission.

Michael Hoffner discusses the plan to revitalize Sunset Drive

Armold cautions voters ahead of primary polling

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With heavy voting expected for the June 28 primary, Canadian County’s elections chief hopes voters will heed her warning.

“It’s a crime – no political materials are allowed inside a polling location or within 300 feet of the ballot box,” said election board secretary Wanda Armold.

“It is a concern when people wear a campaign T-shirt or button into the polling place because some voters get mad. It just causes chaos. Our precinct workers need to tell them it’s against the law and to please not do it again.”

Allen Arnold and Jenny Miller work on data received from precincts

Spirit Tour back at historic fort Saturday night

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Those infatuated with the supernatural should clear their calendar this weekend.

Historic Fort Reno will open its gates for a Historic Spirit Tour, set for Saturday night.

The event is a fundraiser for the operation of the Fort Reno Visitors Center. Historic Fort Reno Inc. President Marie Hirst said revenue raised goes toward paying for a full-time employee to run the museum and also pays for Internet and normal everyday expenses.

Early Settlement volunteer mediators sought for county

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Stacy Horner, Early Settlement - West Program director, is looking for individuals in Canadian County and the surrounding area who are interested in giving time to their community as a volunteer mediator.

A two-day training session has been scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, July 26 and 27 at Redlands Community College.

There is no cost for the training; however, applicants must be willing to commit to 20 hours of volunteering for the Early Settlement program in the local district court.

58-year-old man arrested on two counts of child porn

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Investigators with the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office arrested Richard Sharp, 58, at his Canadian County home on two counts of possession of child pornography. 

Sheriff Chris West said Sharp possessed multiple images on his cell phone and computer of children being raped. The children in these images were between 2 and 11 years old, West said.

Reports said the investigation began when a Cybertip was referred to the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children.

Richard Sharp_story

Thirsty crops

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Planting for summer crops is finishing up in the Panhandle and southwestern regions following some much-needed rain, but drought concerns still remain.

The last few weeks have produced Oklahoma’s most plentiful rains so far in 2022, but will the precipitation sustain long-thirsty soil on the western side of the state?

Thirsty crops_art
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