By Daniel Lapham/Staff writer

A group of El Reno residents and city leaders gathered at Redlands Community College Monday to hear how trains could help improve transportation in central Oklahoma.
Charles Wesner of Norman, a rail enthusiast, said one of the first steps in developing a central Oklahoma rail system is to save Union Station in Oklahoma City.

By Traci Chapman/Staff writer

Sheriff Lewis Hawkins has put a “no vacancy” sign on the Canadian County Jail, refusing to renew annual contracts with county cities that allow for housing of municipal prisoners.

Hawkins said he was forced to take the action after a May 13 bond proposal for a $24.8 million facility failed, and a May 14 jail inspection report cited the facility for overcrowding, as well as electrical and water problems.

“When you haven’t got any space, you can’t renew contracts bringing in more prisoners,” Hawkins said Tuesday.

By Traci Chapman/Staff writer

Possible employee misuse of a county credit card spurred county commissioners to authorize an audit of Public Facility Authority books for the last two years Monday.

Charges on a Sam’s Discover credit card kept for use of the commissioners office “were found to be questionable” by staff, District 3 Commissioner Grant Hedrick said.