Yukon Progress

07/23/2024

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor Damaged concrete panels will be replaced in nearly 100 places on streets across Yukon. The Yukon City Council, at its Aug. 6th meeting, is expected to consider approving the project list. Yukon Public Works Director Arnold Adams briefed council members on the planned street concrete panel replacement project during their July 16th meeting. Ninety-six concrete panel replacements will be completed, with 24 in each of Yukon’s four wards....

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor Damaged concrete panels will be replaced in nearly 100 places on streets across Yukon. The Yukon City Council, at its Aug. 6th meeting, is expected to consider approving the project list. Yukon Public Works Director Arnold Adams briefed council members on the plan...

07/23/2024

“Not to worry, our town still stands strong, but when you see the aftermath of the tornado when it comes through, it's not the impression you are left with," El Reno City Council Member Amy Neathery said.

By Glen Miller El Reno Tribune EL RENO – There was no harm done to the buildings in downtown El Reno from the filming of the new “Twisters” movie. Yet after the jaw-dropping climax to the sequel, released nationwide on Friday, July 19, viewers might think otherwise. “It was surreal because w...

07/22/2024

“We’ve got to play it safe,” Mayor Brian Pillmore said. “When it’s done right, then we can open. But it’s got to be done right.”

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor The City of Yukon has opened the much-anticipated Freedom Trail Playground and Splashpad. Freedom Trail, which had been closed for well over two years, is back open near Mulvey Pond in Yukon City Park on S Holly. Because of damage caused during construction and un...

07/22/2024

Phyllis Louise Rycroft of Yukon, OK, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, of natural causes. She was born on July 21, 1940 in Wichita, KS, to Ormal and Pauline Sinkhorn. Phyllis married Robert (R.G.) Rycroft in 1957. After the two were married, they settled in Wichita to raise their family of 3 children. In 1971, Phyllis and R.G. moved the family to Yukon to be nearer to R.G.’s parents....

Phyllis Louise Rycroft of Yukon, OK, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, of natural causes. She was born on July 21, 1940 in Wichita, KS, to Ormal and Pauline Sinkhorn. Phyllis married Robert (R.G.) Rycroft in 1957. After the two were married, they settled in Wichita to raise their family of 3 chil...

07/22/2024

Coach, Little Bedell, Bubba, PaBub, Daddy, Dadden, and sometimes just Clay – when he entered a room, there was always someone calling him by the name they knew him as. They were glad to see him because he cared for others. With a quiet but present style, Bubba could talk to you about anything that mattered to you. Born on April 5, 1955, to John Edward and Zola Bedell in Andrews, Texas, Clay was the second son....

Coach, Little Bedell, Bubba, PaBub, Daddy, Dadden, and sometimes just Clay – when he entered a room, there was always someone calling him by the name they knew him as. They were glad to see him because he cared for others. With a quiet but present style, Bubba could talk to you about anything that

07/22/2024

In November, you will have an opportunity to vote for or against five different modifications to our charter. I exhort you to read the charter and these proposed changes.

BY BRIAN PILLMORE On May 20, 2013, I started a new job as a sales guy for Wells Fargo. My boss, James, and my assigned mentor, Rick, came into town for my first week. I had no idea how important the first week would be to my success. Rick, an old hog farmer-turned-banker, had a

07/22/2024

"When someone calls 911 you do not have a choice as to which ambulance comes to your house in a life-saving moment", Yukon resident Jueliona Batcheller writes.

TO THE EDITOR: I wanted to let you know a potential issue that I ran into today regarding three ambulance bills from Pafford Medical Services, the only ambulance service for City of Yukon residents. In April of this year, unfortunately, my husband was very sick and utilized their services three time...

07/21/2024

Canadian County Extension Director Kyle Worthington planned this conference around critical management decisions that Oklahoma wheat farmers are faced with annually.

EL RENO – The Canadian County OSU Extension Office will offer the Central Oklahoma Wheat Conference on Thursday, Aug. 8 at the Canadian County Education Building, 220 N Country Club Road. There will be three Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry (ODAFF) continuing education credits ...

07/21/2024

"Arm wrestling is more than just strength," local athlete Kenny Clark said. "Technique plays a crucial role, which is why we welcome everyone to come learn and practice with us, regardless of their skill level."

By Cara Pattison Contributing Writer Nestled on the outskirts of Yukon, a group of arm-wrestling enthusiasts gathers a few Sunday afternoons a month to test their strength and technique at the Brothers and Arms arm wrestling club. Hosted at former local athlete Kenny Clark’s property, the club has...

07/20/2024

“It is our responsibility to ensure that political competition does not devolve into personal threats or violence,” Mayor Brian Pillmore advised Yukon citizens.

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor An assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump sent shockwaves across Yukon – followed by a call for civility. Trump was shot in the upper right ear but escaped serious injury while speaking July 13 during a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. The attempted...

07/20/2024

Construction is underway at the Cornerstone Creek affordable housing development at N.W. 150th and Morgan Road between Yukon and Piedmont.

Three Los Angeles-based high school students, Michael “Mick” Wayne, Ryan Lassner and Abraham Morovati braved the heat on a recent sunny morning to help frame a Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity house in eastern Canadian County. While the young men still love LA, Wayne, who will be a senior a...

07/19/2024

Carson Benge’s phone is ringing. It’s opening night of the Major League Baseball Draft and the ticker at the bottom of the television screen at Benge’s draft party in Edmond is showing his name as one of ESPN’s 10 best available prospects.

By Blake Colston Sports Writer Carson Benge’s phone is ringing. It’s opening night of the Major League Baseball Draft and the ticker at the bottom of the television screen at Benge’s draft party in Edmond is showing his name as one of ESPN’s 10 best available prospects. The San Francisco Gia...

07/19/2024

"Fifth District Congresswoman Stephanie Bice is attacking President Joe Biden with unfounded claims about Medicare changes," reader Colata Harlan says.

TO THE EDITOR: Fifth District Congresswoman Stephanie Bice is attacking President Joe Biden with unfounded claims about Medicare changes that she says would “…hurt every Medicare beneficiary.” Let’s look at facts rather than campaign rhetoric. The Biden-Harris Administration lowered health c...

07/19/2024

“It's good and appropriate to debate those strongly and to feel strongly in our positions, to be vociferous about that, to tell the truth about things. But we can't demonize, and we can't resort to violence in our land, Amen. We can't do that as people - we are Americans, in the end," Yukon First United Methodist Church Pastor Kirt Moelling said.

By Robert Medley Senior Staff Writer The events of last Saturday evening altered the sermons of Sunday morning. In places of worship across the nation, faith leaders responded from the pulpits Sunday morning to the shocking evening events of July 13 – an assassination attempt of former President D...

07/19/2024

A hearing on the motion to dismiss Charles Edward Bishop's civil suit is set Aug. 9 before Canadian County District Judge Paul Hesse.

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – The Yukon Police Department and Chief John Corn have asked a Canadian County judge to dismiss a civil suit filed against them this spring by a local man who was thwarted when making open records requests. Plaintiff Charles Edward Bishop filed the civil...

07/18/2024

Matthew R. Williams, 41, was pronounced dead at the scene of a one-vehicle traffic collision, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor A Yukon man was killed this week in a Comanche County semi-truck rollover crash. Matthew R. Williams, 41, was pronounced dead at the scene of a one-vehicle traffic collision that occurred about 12:56 p.m. July 15 on State Highway 65 just south of NE Mountain View....

07/18/2024

“The messages between the victim and defendant were as if they were in a romantic relationship,” a police investigator wrote in a court affidavit.

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – A Yukon man has been sentenced to five years in state prison for ra**ng an underage girl inside his apartment. Jay Fitzpatrick Shelton, 27, pleaded guilty July 1 in Canadian County District Court to r**e by instrumentation. Pursuant to a plea agreement...

07/18/2024

The bat presentation was aimed at dispelling the misinformation that often surrounds the little flying mammals.

By Gabrielle Merchen Staff Writer Oklahoma State Parks lent two of their tour guides, as well as a traveling informational bat exhibit, to Mabel C. Fry Library for an afternoon of educational fun on Thursday, July 11. Kids were encouraged to come out and learn about echolocation, bats, and the anima...

07/18/2024

From poodles to labs to bulldogs and beyond, all sorts of canine companions were represented at Yukon Parks & Recreation’s popular Friday Fun Days event.

By Gabrielle Merchen Staff Writer The sun was shining down on Yukon’s Kimbell Park as dog-owners, onlookers and prize pooches alike all began their preparations for this year’s first Friday Fun Day of July, “Yukon’s Best Dog Show.” A sizable crowd gathered July 12 at the park to bring thei...

07/18/2024

The Canadian County Election Board certified the results of the District 2 commissioner primary after no contest of the election or request for a recount were filed by 5 p.m. Friday, June 21.

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – Lacey Dawson fell just one vote short in the Republican primary of winning the District 2 Canadian County Commissioner seat – forcing a runoff with the second-place finisher. Union City’s Dawson earned 49.9% of the 3,861 votes cast across 19 precin...

07/17/2024

Several dozen Yukon Parks & Rec and Parks Maintenance employees attended the July 2nd city council meeting to accept an official proclamation.

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor On the eve of Yukon’s spectacular Freedom Fest celebration, Yukon Parks & Recreation personnel were honored at the July 2nd Yukon City Council meeting. Mayor Brian Pillmore declared July as “Parks and Recreation Month” in Yukon. Several dozen Yukon Parks & R...

07/17/2024

“The City’s in great financial health; great shape,” Crawford told the Yukon City Council and citizens. “An 8 is one of the higher scores – not just locally among your peer governments, but nationally.”

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor Yukon keeps performing great on the Performeter. Accounting consultant Frank Crawford, president of Crawford & Associates, recently presented his fiscal year 2023 financial report to the Yukon City Council and administration. And the news was again positive, conti...

07/17/2024

Minnesota's George Harold Graves, 55, was sentenced June 7 to serve 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to a felony first-degree murder charge in Canadian County District Court.

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – A Red Lake, Minn. man has been convicted of causing the fentanyl-related death of his daughter last year in western Canadian County. George Harold Graves, 55, was sentenced to serve 25 years in state prison after pleading guilty to a felony first-degre...

07/16/2024

The seminar will provide useful tips to beginner and seasoned business owners regarding how to run an efficient business, manage payroll, deal with contractors, properly file taxes, generate financial statements, and more.

By Gabrielle Merchen Staff Writer AMR Tax and Accounting will host a special seminar aimed at empowering self-employed individuals from 1-3 p.m. Friday, July 19 at Mustang Town Center, 1201 Mustang Road. The seminar will provide useful tips to beginner and seasoned business owners regarding how to r...

07/16/2024

Shirley Ann Maxey was born September 30, 1948 in Okarche, Ok. She passed away July 14, 2024 at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City at the age of 74. Shirley was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She is preceded in death by her mother and father James and Lucille Howard, and brother, James Howard, Jr. She is survived by her loving husband Richard Maxey of Yukon, Ok.; three sons, Dane and wife Keri Meyer of Yukon, Ok., Mike and Donna Meyer of Yukon, Ok., Trey Maxey of Yukon, Ok., and daughter, Torie Soulek of Kingfisher, Ok; grandchildren, Tyler and wife Kimberly of Yukon, Ok., Bradyn and wife Haley of Yukon, Ok., Gabrielle Meyer and Wyatt Jordan of Yukon, Ok., Kaylee Meyer of Yukon, Ok., Jake Soulek of Kingfisher, Ok., and Harleigh, Lauren and Cooper Maxey of Yukon, Ok., and great grandchildren, Kennedi, Blakely, Karsyn, Beckham and Baker Meyer and Blakely and Gray Jordan all of Yukon, Ok....

Shirley Ann Maxey was born September 30, 1948 in Okarche, Ok. She passed away July 14, 2024 at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City at the age of 74. Shirley was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She is preceded in death by her mother and father James and Lucille Howard, and brother, Jam...

07/16/2024

“This is absolutely critical,” Yukon Mayor Brian Pillmore said. “In terms of infrastructure in the city, there’s nothing more critical right now than the wastewater treatment plant.”

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor Needed upgrades to Yukon’s 46-year-old wastewater treatment plant – the first of which will be paid with federal COVID-19 stimulus funds – are on the horizon. “This is absolutely critical,” Yukon Mayor Brian Pillmore said. “In terms of infrastructure i...

07/15/2024

The event is slated for Saturday, Aug. 3 from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Kelley Lake Office Park at 9417 N. Kelley Ave. in Oklahoma City.

Members of the Yukon High School graduating class of 1979 are asked to join an afternoon gathering dubbed “ComeBack ’79” on the occasion of their 45th class reunion. The event is slated for Saturday, Aug. 3 from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Kelley Lake Office Park at 9417 N. Kelley Ave. in Oklahoma Cit...

07/15/2024

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO - A Yukon man faces prison time after investigators claimed they found a copious quantity of child po*******hy on his computer. Zachary James Gutmann, 38, was charged June 20 in Canadian County District Court with aggravated possession of child po*******hy. This felony crime is punishable by up to life in state prison and a maximum $10,000 fine....

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor EL RENO – A Yukon man faces prison time after investigators claimed they found a copious quantity of child po*******hy on his computer. Zachary James Gutmann, 38, was charged June 20 in Canadian County District Court with aggravated possession of child p**nograp...

07/15/2024

“The current devices utilized by the officers will reach their support life in the next year,” Yukon Police Chief John Corn told the city council.

By Conrad Dudderar Associate Editor This fall, Yukon police officers will be equipped with new crime-fighting weapons. The Yukon City Council has approved purchasing 51 taser units, cartridges and holsters to replace the Yukon Police Department’s used devices. Total cost is $221,819.40, which will...

07/15/2024

The New York Mets pick former Yukon Miller and Oklahoma State star Carson Benge 19th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft.