MS)--An Enid man pleaded guilty Thursday in Garfield County District Court to charges of first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. 22 year-old James Parker was one of three men charged in the shooting death of 34 year-old Kristopher Osburn, a clerk at the Maine Street Mini Mart in February of 2022. A pre-sentencing investigation was ordered, and Parker is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 25. There was no plea agreement with prosecutors.
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CC)—The Enid Mayor and Board of Commissioners Thursday night voted to hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday to consider approving a letter of commitment for Icon Cinemas to build a movie theater complex in Enid. Commissioners discussed the theater plan during their study session Thursday. The complex will be built on South Garland, south of Walmart and will feature nine screens, including what is called an Icon screen, a larger screen with other features that creates a different experience. The complex will also feature 11 lanes of duckpin bowling, virtual reality games, an arcade, concession stands and a bar. Developer Stetson Snell has reportedly secured a financing commitment from Madison One, with the agreement pending approval from the USDA. The total project cost is just over $23 million. The city of Enid’s investment is $2 million cash as a construction incentive, as well as a $1.8 million loan that will be paid back over 10 years at an interest rate of 5%. If the letter of commitment is approved by the commissioners, the close of the deal is expected in December or January. The project is expected to take about 14 months to complete. Wednesday’s Special meeting of the Enid City Commission will be held at 1:00 pm in Council Chambers.
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GF)--The Enid City Commission Thursday night approved an ordinance to accept a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act for $15.8 million to expand sewer and water lines for the expansion of the industrial park. The city approved purchase of 398 acres from 54th Street to 66th Street on Aug. 15. The grant application and proposal has been approved by Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Commissioners voted 7-0 to adopt the ordinance.
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BS)--Bristeel Manufacturing, a Canadian pipe manufacturer continues refitting and renovation of the former GEFCO facility in the 2200 block of South Van Burn. The company, based in Edmonton, Canada makes large-diameter seamless steel pipe. The Enid plant will be its second thermal pipe expansion mill in North America. Company officials said despite some short delays, equipment continues to arrive and be installed. Hiring for certain positions, such as maintenance has started, with the plan to hire the production crew to begin toward the end of October. The plan is to have more than 80 Enid based employees for the first year, with expansion possible in the future.
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CF)--The 2023 Garfield County Free Fair will continue through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. This year’s fair has added vendor booths. There will be a livestock show and dozens of judged competions. Also new for this year there will be a free outdoor concert feature Jake Bowers Saturday evening at 7:00 and other activities for all ages on Saturday. Take some time and check out all the fun at the Garfield County Fair.
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WR)--A Heads up to local motorists. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) informed the City of Enid there will be a lane closure on a portion of East Willow from North 10th Street to North 16th beginning Monday, September 11th, reducing traffic to a one lane road for traffic moving eastbound only. This phase of the project is expected to last approximately five weeks with weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to follow posted traffic control signs and to drive with extreme caution in this area during the construction effort.
City crews are continuing painting streets throughout Enid. Many Enid streets are getting a fresh coat of paint and motorists are encouraged to drive with extreme caution when following the city’s paint vehicle. Do Not Pass the Paint Truck. Passing without guided instruction from the paint crew is a moving violation. The latest round of work will effect portions of North and South Grand, East and West Willow Road, West Southgate, West Rupe, West Chestnut, East and West Oxford, East and West Purdue.
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CK)--United Way of Northwest Oklahoma will host a free Family Fun Campaign Kickoff Rally on Thursday, September 14 beginning at 6:00 PM, to raise awareness and support for its 14 nonprofit partner agencies. United Way of Northwest Oklahoma Campaign Chairs, David and Jennifer Lawrence said the event at David Allen Memorial Ballpark will include games, inflatables, food and fun. In addition to all the activities, the 14 United Way Partner agencies will be there sharing information and providing giveaways, popcorn, games and much more. All proceeds go to benefit United Way of Northwest Oklahoma and its 14 Partner Agencies. For more information regarding this event or the 2023-2024 campaign, contact the United Way office at (580) 237-0821 or email dan@unitedwayenid.org.
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