In less than two weeks, Oklahomans will vote in the first major election since the COVID-19 pandemic surged to a level that locked down much of the state.
The disruption has left many voters with questions about the voting process itself, in addition to basic questions about dates, deadlines and the ballot lineup.
Here’s what you need to know about voting in the June 30 primary.
What’s on the ballot?
Canadian County commissioners voted Monday to submit an application to become a member of the Banner Rural Water District.
The 3-0 vote will allow the county’s Public Facilities Authority to seek membership in the organization, which is the water supplier for portions of rural Canadian County between Yukon and El Reno.
The membership is needed so Canadian County officials can tie into the water district’s system to provide water to the new fairgrounds complex. The project is being built and is located just east of the El Reno city limits.
Canadian County commissioners have signed a resolution asking the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to prepare options to modify the intersection of SH 66 and Banner Road. The site has seen a number of devastating traffic accidents, including a Yukon businessman being killed there in November.
“It’s been 7 1/2 months since my dad was killed there. I want something done. I don’t care what you do, do something,” said Candy Schwartz.
Residents of a housing development near Piedmont are asking the county to help form a road improvement district that would allow them to gain funding to replace a road.
The group representing the Piedmont Meadows Addition initially made the request last week. Canadian County commissioners said they needed time to review the request.
Ron Cardwell, a representative of the association, said the proposal would allow the county treasurer to distribute ad valorem funds that could be used for road maintenance.
LAWSUITS
Western Sportsman Club Inc. vs. Jody G. Alexander for $1,280.90 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.
Second Round Sub LLC vs. Jill P. Ordenis for $1,134.12 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.
Asphalt and Fuel Supply LLC vs. Road Maintenance for $8,002.56 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.
Mustang Shopping Center L.P. vs. Adam Quinn Satten and Michelle Dawn Satten d/b/a Satten Systems for $4,494.01 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is looking into allegations a county official may have used taxpayer funds to pay for background checks on political opponents.
Brooke Arbeitman, spokeswoman for the OSBI, said the agency was asked June 10 by the Canadian County sheriff to investigate the allegations. She said because the investigation is ongoing, she could not release details.
Sheriff Chris West said on Wednesday he did request the investigation. He said the request was made after the allegations reached his office.
LAWSUITS
Total Trucking Inc. vs. HEI Specialized and Heavy Haul for $7,950 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.
Atwood Rentals Inc. vs. Jonathan Jones for $1,529.15 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.
Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Corrine E. McCallister for $1,450.97 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.
Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Angela R. Hadlock for $2,095.79 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.
Editor’s Note: This is the first installment in a series on school spending for area schools.
For the first time the annual report cards issued to districts by the Oklahoma State Department of Education include a breakdown of the “per pupil” spending for each school in the state.
The formula, however, used to reach the figures for Oklahoma's nearly 700,000 students in public education has left some superintendents scratching their heads.
While the COVID-19 pandemic canceled El Reno High School's prom, parents and supporters were able to pull together a similar event two months later.
Called MORP, or prom backward, the event was held last week at the Elks Lodge with glitz, glamour and dancing.
A high-speed chase that started in Okarche ended in downtown El Reno after sheriff’s deputies used a maneuver to bring the Chevrolet pickup to a halt.
Okarche Police Chief Forrest Smith said 28-year-old Bradley Arlen Revel of Oklahoma City was taken into custody after the pursuit ended about 11:30 Friday morning.
Smith said he saw the pickup going north into Okarche on U.S. 81 at a high rate of speed, 73 in a 45 miles per hour zone.
He pursued the vehicle, but lost it when it turned west onto Oklahoma Blvd.
