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Articles by Yukon Progress
YPS jazz band director earns top honor
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor Jazz Band Director Clint Brown of Yukon Public Schools will receive the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA)’s Exemplary Teacher Award. Brown will be honored during a Thursday, Jan. 22 ceremony as part of the OkMEA Winter Conference at the Arvest Convention Center (Grand Ballroom C) in downtown Tulsa. Leonard Wells “This award is well earned because of Mr. Brown’s longtime dedication,” YPS Board of Education Member Leonard Wells said.
Turnpike Talk - Yukon Progress
Joe Echelle, executive director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, was the guest speaker at January’s Yukon Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 8 hosted by LifeChurch-Yukon. The OTA director is pictured here with elected officials, City of Yukon administrators and Yukon Chamber representatives: From left, Angela Hill, Hannah Brunsvold, Patrick McClung, Canadian County Commissioner Tom Manske, Echelle, State Sen.
Bill filed to protect Oklahomans from utility rate increases due to new data centers
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, has filed legislation with the intent to protect Oklahomans from having to pay increased utility rates by ensuring data centers pay their share of infrastructure costs as they expand across the state. House Bill 2992, titled the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, would require data centers to pay their share of infrastructure costs associated with their significant electricity demands.
Girl Scouts kick off 2026 cookie season
The 2026 Girl Scout Cookie program officially starts this month, and there’s a new cookie in town, according to Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. Exploremores™, a rocky-road ice cream–inspired sandwich cookie filled with the flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème will be available alongside Thin Mints and other traditional Girl Scout Cookies. Sale dates vary nationally; in Oklahoma, digital cookie sales began Jan.
El Reno appeals land annex ruling
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor The City of El Reno has formally appealed to the state’s highest court District Judge Paul Hesse’s ruling that declared El Reno’s annexation of property into its city limits was mostly invalid. A “petition in error” was filed Dec. 22, 2025 at the Oklahoma Supreme Court in Oklahoma City. A certificate of appeal signed by Office of the Appellate Courts Clerk Selden Jones was filed Dec. 29 in Canadian County District Court.
Rider appointed County Commission chair
The Board of Canadian County Commissioners elected officers at their first meeting of 2026: From left, County Clerk Sherry Murray, new Chairman Tracey Rider (District 3 commissioner), Vice Chairman Lacey Dawson (District 2 commissioner), and Member Tom Manske (District 1 commissioner). Manske had been chairman in 2024 and 2025. (Photo by Conrad Dudderar) By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – For the first time in two years, the Board of Canadian County Commissioners has a new leader.
Free curbside Christmas tree disposal ends Friday
Yukon utility customers may dispose of their used live Christmas tree curbside through this Friday, Jan. 9. Yukon Sanitation Services personnel will pick up used Christmas trees placed at the curb for free. The service is for live trees only. No artificial trees are accepted. Live trees must be prepared by removing all decorations, lights, and any metal, such as tree stands and ornaments. They should not be placed inside a plastic bag.
Escape by Alcaraz
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – It might not have the same box-office success as the 1979 prison break film “Escape From Alcatraz” starring Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan and Fred Ward, but Yukon recently hosted its own thrilling premiere: “Escape By Alcaraz.” And it was all caught on tape – police officer body cam footage, to be precise. Oklahoma City’s Alain Alcaraz, age 40, was charged Dec.
Transportation projects resume in Yukon
Several Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) projects resumed this week in Yukon, and drivers may notice lane closures in the following areas: Yukon Parkway (south of Yukon High School): Sidewalk work has restarted on the west side. The outside southbound lane is closed from the high school exit to Stone Mill Boulevard. Garth Brooks Boulevard: Northbound traffic is reduced to one lane.
Music to Our Ears
YPS Head Orchestra Director Meagan McCrary is being honored with an Outstanding Young Music Educator award from the Oklahoma Music Educators Association. By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor Orchestra Director Meagan McCrary of Yukon Public Schools has earned the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA) Outstanding Young Music Educator Award. McCrary will be honored during a Thursday, Jan.
Timothy Joe Wagner
Tim Wagner, who grew up on the family dairy farm in Yukon, became an accomplished classical guitarist at a young age. Timothy Joe Wagner, age 74, departed this world peacefully at home in Yukon, Okla. on December 22, 2025, after a courageous battle against acute myeloid leukemia. Tim loved cars and guitars, his family, friends and pets (not necessarily in that order). He was loved by many for his easy-going personality, generosity, sense of humor and love of life.
New law strengthens support for adoptive families
OKLAHOMA CITY – A new law that took effect Jan. 1 will help address one of the biggest financial barriers to adoption by increasing the state tax credit for nonrecurring adoption expenses. Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, authored House Bill 2610, which raises the maximum credit percentage that may be received from 10% to 15% of expenses.
CV Tech students collect backpacks, suitcases
EL RENO – Students enrolled at Canadian Valley Technology Center’s El Reno Campus want to make transitions easier for foster children in Canadian County. Foster children who move between placements are often given common household trash bags to transport belongings. CV Tech students involved in the school’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter want to ensure children have something of their own for this purpose. A collection area will be set up inside the school’s main entrance from Jan.
Election calendar modernization law takes effect
OKLAHOMA CITY – A new law modernizing Oklahoma’s election calendar that took effect brings greater clarity, consistency and efficiency to when elections are held across the state. Senate Bill 652 consolidates Oklahoma’s election dates into five standard election days each year, held in February, April, June, August and November. Previously, Oklahoma law allowed for up to 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and up to seven in even-numbered years.
Contractor sought for SH-66 upgrades
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor An asphalt resurfacing project along Yukon’s Main Street has been moved up to be completed for this year’s 100th anniversary of the iconic Mother Road. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently solicited bid proposals from contractors for the asphalt resurfacing of State Highway 66 from 6th Street to Cornwell. Bid opening will be Jan. 22. Paving is expected by this spring once the contract is awarded. Project length will be 6/10th of a mile.
Yukon author publishes Just Plain Folks
Longtime Yukon resident Tom Brower has released a new book Just Plain Folks concerned with the life story of his dad, Lt. Col. Kenneth Awtrey Brower. The title of his book came from his dad’s letter to his parents while on active duty with the U.S. Air Force in 1952 as he signed off the letter with a compliment of his folks for their steadfast work ethic and strong Christian faith.
Former patient reunites with MediFlight crew
Myles Dobson celebrated another Christmas with his family after a recent visit to the MediFlight of Oklahoma base where he thanked the crew for their role saving his life last May. STILLWATER – When 33-year-old Myles Dobson was airlifted last May from Stroud Regional Medical Center to Oklahoma State University Hospital in Tulsa, doctors weren’t sure he would survive.
CART House sees 20+% growth
Doug Croop and Diane Martin with SPM Oil and Gas of El Reno present Canadian County C.A.R.T. House representatives a $9,188 gift raised with proceeds from their annual golf scramble: From left, Croop, Martin, C.A.R.T. House Executive Director Joanne Riley, Bilingual Family Advocate Camila Machuca, Forensic Interviewer Kalee Vculek, and Board Member Suzanne Thompson.
Busy election cycle ahead in county
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor A busy election cycle is ahead in 2026, with many key races on Canadian County ballots. Canadian County voters will head to their polling places to help decide who will represent them in municipal, county, state, and federal offices. Primary elections across Oklahoma are set June 16 with a run-off (if needed) Aug. 25. The general election will be Nov. 3. Canadian County now has nearly 110,000 registered voters.
Open records suit heads to trial
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – A bench trial has been set in a civil action filed by a Canadian County citizen against the Yukon Police Department and its chief. Charles Edward “Trey” Bishop III Yukon’s Charles Edward “Trey” Bishop is plaintiff in the suit he filed in 2024 seeking the release of unredacted body cam video and audio of the YPD officers’ response to a 911 call. The trial is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25 before Canadian County District Judge Paul Hesse.
YPS Foundation awards 24 teacher grants
Yukon Public Schools’ Foundation for Excellence has honored teachers with 24 grants during surprise in-class presentations. YPS district administrators principals joined Foundation trustees at local school sites to announce the annual grant awards.
Yukon Legion announces year in review
James Albert Wheatley American Legion Post 160 has released its 2025 Year in Review, highlighting a year of significant community service, youth leadership support, veteran outreach, and major Post improvements. The Post, along with Yukon American Legion Charities 501(c)(3), continued its long tradition of serving veterans and strengthening the Yukon community. Supporting Youth & Education In 2025, Post 160 funded ten Boys State and Girls State slots and sponsored three junior participants.
Property tax elimination measure would greatly impact county
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – Canadian County could face a significant annual revenue reduction if Oklahoma voters pass a state question to eliminate some property taxes. Canadian County Commissioners, at their weekly meeting Dec. 29, discussed the potential impact of State Question 842. Lacey Dawson “We’re six months away from our fiscal year ’27 budget,” District 2 Commissioner Lacey Dawson said.
A Look Back at 2025 …
Yukon Fire Capt. Chris Allbritton is joined by his wife Kristyn to receive congratulations from Rumble the OKC Thunder mascot and the Thunder Girls for being the March OG&E Safety Partner Award recipient. As a member of Oklahoma Task Force 1, Allbritton was deployed to North Carolina in fall 2024 to help with Hurricane Helene rescue and recovery efforts.
Sales tax income down 2.15%
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor Yukon’s cumulative sales tax income for the first half of fiscal year 2025-26 was down 2.15% from the same period in FY24-25. City of Yukon Finance Director Brian Kriss shared a summary of sales tax collections during his report at the Dec. 16th Yukon City Council meeting. Through the first six months of FY25-26, year-to-date disbursements from the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $13,643,709.84.
OU Health welcomes Dean McGee Eye Institute
OKLAHOMA CITY – OU Health, Oklahoma’s flagship academic health system, has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI), a nationally recognized freestanding eye institute. The acquisition will create the OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute, strengthen a longstanding relationship, advance DMEI’s role in the academic health mission and honor its legacy in eye care, research and education.
Dennalee (Holliday) Heilaman
Dennalee (Holliday) Heilaman Dennalee (Holliday) Heilaman, 94, was the youngest of seven children, born December 20,1931, to Orval Kay and Daisy Frances (Ward) Holliday in Yukon, Okla. She left this life to be with our savior, family, and friends on December 27, 2025. Dennalee was a lifelong resident of Yukon, a happy-go lucky, sometimes mischievous child who attended and graduated high school there. She married the love of her life, Ernest Ray Heilaman on January 21,1949.
‘Christmas in the Park’ sparkles
Deanna and B.J. Shay and their children, Jack (age 2) and Jori (age 10 months), enjoy unseasonably warm temperatures during a pajama-adorned visit last weekend to Chisholm Trail Park. Christmas in the Park, Yukon’s yuletide lights spectacular, closes this Wednesday, Dec. 31 for the season. Hours are 6-11 p.m. (Photo by Cara Pattison) Christmas in the Park, Yukon illuminated wonderland of yuletide entertainment, has sparkled this holiday season.
Utility rates to increase 2.7%
Yukon City Clerk Ashley Furry explains the utility rate increase is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.7%. At right is Ward 1 City Council Member Rodney Zimmerman. (Photo by Conrad Dudderar) By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor A 2.7% utility rate increase will take effect Jan. 1 for City of Yukon customers. The Yukon City Council recently approved an updated water and sewer usage rate schedule. The vote was 5-0 under the Yukon Municipal Authority consent docket at the Dec.
CASA jingles and mingles into the holidays
Canadian County CASA Christmas Jingle & Mingle attendees Leilani Labourdetti, Jimiesha Langerbeam, Heather McCarty, Melissa Rodriguez-Hill, and Paulette Statler with Bailey the therapy dog. (Photo by Dana Lutz) By Robert Whetzel Special Correspondent Canadian County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)’s annual volunteer appreciation Christmas Jingle & Mingle was Saturday, Dec. 13 at Christ’s Church of Yukon. Executive Director Dana Lutz described the festive holiday event.
El Reno’s “Gift to Yanks’ supports veterans
By Glen Miller El Reno Tribune EL RENO – During World War II, comedian Eddie Cantor began raising money for Christmas gifts to be sent to American military members hospitalized in England. Over the 80 years since, the holiday drive kept going through the efforts of American Legion posts around the United States as well as high school students.
Larry LoBaugh - Yukon Progress
Larry LoBaugh, 86, passed away on December 25, 2025, at his home in Yukon, Okla. He was born on December 7, 1939, in Ron, Okla., the son of the late Marion and Essie (Card) LoBaugh. Larry was a 1958 graduate of Lone Wolf High School and went on to attend Southwestern State University on a baseball scholarship. Following graduation, he began his teaching career at Burns Flat High School, where he taught American history and coached football and baseball.
Community College Hall of Fame inducts members
Three individuals who committed their careers to higher education have been honored at the annual luncheon ceremony of the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges (OACC). The OACC’s 2025 Hall of Fame luncheon was this fall at the Oklahoma City Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center in the Sarkeys Foundation Atrium. Larry Duffy, Tom Poole, and Dr. Jeanie Webb were inducted as members of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
Ex-caretaker gets probation for financial abuse
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – A Yukon woman has received a five-year deferred sentence after pleading guilty to financial abuse by caretaker. Denise Audrey Sredensek, age 64, had been charged with the felony crime Oct. 16 in Canadian County District Court. Sredensek, represented by attorney Vonda Wilkins, entered the negotiated plea by video from the Canadian County Jail at a Nov. 21st court hearing.
El Reno aviation museum opens Jan. 10
Tony Caldwell with one of the historic airplanes housed at the El Reno Municipal Airport. His aviation museum opens to the public Jan. 10. (Photo by Ray Dyer, El Reno Tribune) EL RENO – The Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field will open to the public beginning Jan. 10. Scott Law, manager of the El Reno Municipal Airport, said Tony Caldwell wants to gauge community interest in visiting the collection of historic airplanes housed at the airport. Starting Jan.
OSSM’s Lindstrom earns NextGen U-30 award
The Oklahoma School of Science and Math (OSSM) Foundation announced that Director of Development Covell Lindstrom has been named a recipient of the NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma award in the Non-Profit Organization category. The award recognizes young leaders who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement and service to their communities.
Rebuilding our military. Defending the homeland.
By U.S. SEN. MARKWAYNE MULLIN The men and women who serve in our armed forces are true patriots. Over 342 million Americans wake up each and every morning in a safe and peaceful nation because of our heroes in the military. Whether they are deployed abroad or supporting the mission here at home on American soil, I am forever grateful to them for answering the call to serve.
Exhibit highlights Chief White Bull
PAWNEE — An exhibit at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum highlights the partnership between Miniconjou Sioux Chief White Bull and University of Oklahoma professor Walter S. Campbell, who was better known by his pen name — Stanley Vestal. The exhibit, titled “Everything I Say Here is Straight and True,” showcases autobiographical drawings of Chief White Bull and how we can use art as a historical source.
OSU food, ag center busy in 3rd quarter
Members of the FAPC Industry Advisory Committee gather for their fall 2025 meeting at the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank.
OSU food, ag center busy in 3rd quarter
Members of the FAPC Industry Advisory Committee gather for their fall 2025 meeting at the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank.
Legislation would exempt diapers from sales tax
OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, has filed legislation aimed to exempt baby diapers from the state sales tax, a move she said would provide targeted relief to families facing rising costs. “This bill is about doing our job as legislators. With inflation driving up prices on everyday necessities, many Oklahoma parents are struggling to stretch their budgets,” Gise said. “Families are telling us they’re being squeezed by rising costs, and diapers are one expense parents cannot avoid.
New advocate volunteers join CASA
Canadian County Associate District Judge Bob Hughey swears in new CASA volunteers, from left, Ashly Hart, Tess Hague and Rhonda Spencer. EL RENO – Canadian County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Inc. has welcomed its newest volunteers. Ashly Hart, Tess Hague and Rhonda Spencer made the extraordinary commitment to give their time to help abused and neglected children in her community. Canadian County Associate District Judge Bob Hughey swore in the new volunteers on Dec. 16.
Yukon’s Allen among OU Health nurses recognized
OKLAHOMA CITY — Thirteen nurses from OU Health, the University of Oklahoma’s academic health system, were recognized at the 2025 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards, including three who received top honors for their exceptional contributions to patient care and the nursing profession in Oklahoma. Those top honors went to Susan Bedwell, Bailey Johnson and Monica Kraft — all from Oklahoma City — during a Nov. 6 ceremony at Riverwind Casino’s Showplace Theatre in Norman.
Yukon home to Farm & Ranch Family of the Year
Yukon’s Robert Mooneyham and Whitney Lawson with daughter Stella at Wah Wah Ranch. The Lawson Mooneyham family of Yukon was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 3 Farm & Ranch Family of the Year at the organization’s 84th annual meeting in Oklahoma City. Whitney Lawson and Robert Mooneyham each come from a typical farm and ranch family upbringing.
From Trauma to Triumph:
CEO, executive coach, and international leadership consultant Ray Sanders has released his most personal work yet with the official release of The Boy in the Yellow House, a powerful memoir-turned-novel based on his real-life story of surviving domestic violence and discovering hope against impossible odds. Available in both English and Spanish editions, in print and ebook formats, The Boy in the Yellow House takes readers on an unforgettable journey from the prairies of Yukon, Okla.
Canadian County District Court Records
The Canadian County Courthouse, 301 N Choctaw in El Reno. Canadian County District Court case filings for Dec. 15-23: MARRIAGE LICENSES Kent Robert Lee Foster and Mandy Katherine Hawpe. Kyler Jacob Henderson and Elizabeth Paige Crowder. Jacob Michael Stevulak and Alayna Lashawn Stegall. Donnie Lee Crow and Amy Elizabeth Somerton. Logan Michael Smith and Jessica Mical Deason. Ryan Scott Evans and Amanda Lake Wheeler. Dalton Lane Perigo and Melonie Nicole Lafever.
Redlands’ Rowe named Communicator of the Year
Dan Mabery, vice president for University Relations at Northeastern State University, presents the Natalea Watkins Communicator of the Year to Dayna Rowe, executive director of External Affairs at Redlands Community College. The award is given annually by the Oklahoma Public Relations Association to a professional who demonstrates leadership that has had a positive influence on their institution and the state system of higher education.
Yukon man snagged in online sex sting
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – Yet another Yukon man has been caught after allegedly trying to meet an underage girl for sex. Nickolus Trevon Johnson, age 30, was charged Oct. 16 in Canadian County District Court with lewd or indecent proposals to a child under 16 and possession of child sexual abuse material. This case stemmed from an undercover online investigation by the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant District Attorney Austin T.
Gypsy gets her day
Schwarz Ready Mix plant manager Houston Denham accepts the “Honor Gypsy Day” proclamation at the Dec. 16th Yukon City Council meeting. Denham and Ward 4 Council Member Adam Shriver hold the Gypsy Crossing street sign dedicated in memory of the beloved street dog. Lying on the floor is Gypsy’s friend Prince, who Denham has adopted. (Photo by Conrad Dudderar) By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor A beloved street dog recently had a day named in her memory.
New Public Works director on duty
By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor With 12 years of experience in several divisions of the Yukon Public Works Department, Rodney Marr recently was promoted to lead the department. As Public Works director, Marr oversees everything from infrastructure maintenance to budgeting and staff supervision. “My team and I handle the city’s daily operations for water, wastewater, and street maintenance,” he explained.
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