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While no specifics were given, El Reno Mayor Matt White said the city and public schools are working on a plan for property along SW 27th Street.

White made the comment at last week’s El Reno Now event, hosted by himself and Superintendent Craig McVay.

The mayor also said a downtown Business Improvement District is desperately needed to help the historic area.

“The downtown is in trouble,” White said. He said the same can be said for downtown areas across the nation.

“Amazon is not helping,” White said.

“Things have changed.”

On Sept. 16, El Reno police officers were asked to assist U.S. Marshals with the arrest of a wanted fugitive identified as Hector Lee Shawnee, 37, of Geary.

Shawnee was seen driving a silver Honda Accord in the area of Reformatory Drive and Kerry Lane.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Shawnee failed to comply with the directions given by the officers and attempted to evade arrest by fleeing in the vehicle.

After a short distance, Shawnee exited the vehicle and ran, leaving the car still running.

Orb-weaver spiders are the most common group of builders of spiral wheel-shaped webs often found in gardens, fields and forests.

This creature was found in the backyard of Tribune graphic artist Lyndsay Bayne.

Editor’s Note: This is the second story in a two-part series about illegal marijuana grow operations occurring across rural Oklahoma. The series explores operation details, legislation to address the issue and more.

State legislators aim to address illegal marijuana grow operations during the upcoming legislative session.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has requested that the Oklahoma Auditor and Inspector’s Office conduct a full audit of the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).

“I promised Oklahomans that as governor I would clean up state government to make it more transparent and accountable and I am keeping that promise,” Stitt said.

A court hearing is set Oct. 22 on the city of Yukon’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a recent city council decision to deny a property rezoning request on State Highway 66.

Attorneys for plaintiff Williams Family Investments LLC filed the civil action Aug. 11 in Canadian County District Court. The city of Yukon and Yukon City Council are listed as defendants.

City council members in July unanimously denied Williams Family Investments’ appeal of a planning commission recommendation to deny rezoning a 57.25-acre property for industrial use.

Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor has joined 22 other state attorneys general in vowing to fight in court a proposed law promoted by congressional Democrats that would significantly federalize elections.

In a Sept. 13 letter sent to congressional leaders, O’Connor and his fellow attorneys general warned that the proposed “John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act” (H.R. 4) would have “devastating impact” on state election systems.

LAWSUITS

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Yue Zhao for $3,225.63 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Richard Usher for $9,678.79 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Capital One Bank N.A. vs. Fredrick L. Haynes for $1,530.37 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Capital One Bank N.A. vs. David Swafford for $2,976.81 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

The feeling of open space, which comes with rural living, was the underlying argument by a group of El Reno citizens in the Riverside Addition against a proposal to rezone acreage in the area for new housing.

Patricia Menchaca came before the Municipal Planning Commission in July with a request to rezone the 4.07 acres of land she purchased from Suburban Agriculture (A-2) to Residential Estates (R-E).

Members of El Reno’s fire and police departments and Pafford EMS paid honor to Leedey paramedic Angel Boyd who was shot and killed last week along with her sister.