News

Recent high winds damaged the wooden windmill at the Canadian County Historical Museum, but thanks to some El Reno ingenuity and a bucket truck, the 110-year-old power generator should be back in business hopefully by next spring.

Vicki Proctor, director of the museum, enlisted the help of Teddy Baker, Tom Lloyd, Ellis Pennick, Kendall Watson and Fred Koebrick to help rescue the bent and tangled blades.

Carefully, the windmill was lowered from its perch, about 25 feet above the ground.

PIEDMONT - Canadian County Sheriff Chris West launched his Citizen Posse last week with about 35 people meeting with the sheriff and members of his staff at the Piedmont Veterans Event Center.

West will hold other orientation sessions across the county later. The sheriff said the El Reno gathering will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at the 4-H Educational Building at the Canadian County Fairgrounds.

At the initial meeting it was evident most had experience in the military and some had worked in law enforcement.

One of the tools El Reno residents can use to help make improvements to the community can be found, literally, at the tip of their fingers.

El Reno Connect is an App that can be downloaded on a cell phone said Mayor Matt White. (Android or iPhone)

Voters in Canadian County who want to have absentee ballots mailed to them for the Nov. 3 General Election, City of Oklahoma City Special Election and City of El Reno Ward 1 Council Member Election should apply now, said county election board secretary Wanda Armold.

Although the county election board can accept applications for absentee ballots until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, Armold urged voters who want to vote by absentee ballot to apply early.

Absentee ballot application forms are available at the county election board office located at 200 S. Bickford Ave.

BancFirst will host a community blood drive from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 30.

The drive will be held at the BancFirst location at 2000 S. Country Club Road.

Every donor can receive a free COVID-19 antibodies test as well as an Oklahoma Blood Institute T-shirt.

An appointment is needed to participate and masks are required at the blood drive.

The Kona Ice Truck will be handing out treats, courtesy of BancFirst.

Visit obi.org for more information or to schedule a donation time.

The health-care industry and the alphabet make good company.

A new partnership has opened the door for PNs in Canadian and Grady counties to become RNs with a bachelor’s degree.

Graduates of Canadian Valley Technology Center’s Practical Nursing program now have the option of a smooth transition into a bachelor of science in nursing degree completion program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

“It is a game-changer for LPNs,” said CV Tech Nursing Director Lauri Jones.

Yukon City Attorney Gary Miller is resigning.

Miller, a former Canadian County district judge, made the announcement at the most recent city council meeting.

He has served in the role since January 2017. He said his resignation is effective Dec. 31.

Miller cited family health reasons for his decision to resign.

LAWSUITS

Tinker Federal Credit Union vs. Florene Garr for $6,275.95 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Tinker Federal Credit Union vs. Michael S. Knapp for $2,393.28 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Tinker Federal Credit Union vs. McKenna C. Heck for $9,022.85 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

LVNV Funding LLC vs. Michelle Clawson for $1,146.81 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

A woman held in the Canadian County Jail since January of 2016 on charges she killed the child she was baby-sitting has died, Sheriff Chris West said.

West said Lesley Hendrix collapsed while taking a shower at the jail Sunday evening. She was taken by ambulance to a hospital.

“She expired at the hospital,” West said.

The sheriff said Hendrix collapsed at 2:30 p.m. He said an ambulance was called at 2:39.

Hendrix was 32 years old when she was charged with the death of Isabella Little Elk, the 23-month-old child she was caring for at her home.

Rose Witcher Learning Center was shuttered Wednesday night after a teacher tested positive for COVID-19.

The school houses El Reno Public Schools first and second grades.

The building was closed on the recommendation of the Oklahoma State Department of Health. It was the third school building closed since the district returned to in-person classes in August.