May 17, 2025

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Henryetta native to transform Norman entertainment district
A: Main, Main, News
August 9, 2024
Henryetta native to transform Norman entertainment district

Danny Lovell, a Henryetta native and CEO of Rainier Companies, has partnered with Team Norman to develop an ambitious entertainment district in Norman. The roughly $1 billion project is set to include an 8,000-seat arena, 140,000 square feet of retail space, multifamily units, single- family residential units, and more. Lovell’s enthusiasm for the project and his connection to Oklahoma have helped to fuel this initiative.

Danny Lovell, a Henryetta native and CEO of Rainier Companies, has partnered with Team Norman to develop an ambitious entertainment district in Norman. The roughly $1 billion project is set to include an 8,000-seat arena, 140,000 square feet of retail space, multifamily units, single- family residential units, and more. Lovell’s enthusiasm for the project and his connection to Oklahoma have helped to fuel this initiative. Lovell’s journey really began in Michigan but he was just one year old when his family moved to Henryetta, where he spent the next 17 years of his life. He graduated from Henryetta High School before attending Oklahoma Christian University (OCU). After a stint as a profes- sional golfer, he transitioned into real estate, eventually becoming the majority shareholder and CEO of Rainier Companies in 2019. Lovell still has family in the Henryetta area, including his father, Dr. Gary Lovell, DO, a family medicine specialist with over 46 years of experience in the medical field. Based in Dallas, Rainier Companies made their initial investment in Norman in 2019 by purchasing the city’s largest shopping center. This investment led to relationships with the University of Oklahoma Foundation and other stakeholders, helping lay the groundwork for the entertainment project. Lovell emphasized the importance of public private partnerships in making such largescale projects viable in smaller markets like Norman. According to Lovell, the development will be funded through a combination of about 80% private investments and 20% public assistance and will include a tax increment financing (TIF) district. The entertainment district aims to be a hub for both residents and visitors, providing a blend of living, dining, and entertainment options in a walkable, open-air environment. Lovell believes this project will not only enhance the quality of life in Norman but also attract more visitors and economic activity to the area. The project is currently awaiting final approval from the Norman City Council, with a decision expected on August 27. If approved, the construction of the arena and the first phase of the entertainment district could begin in the summer of 2025, aiming for completion by the 20272028 basketball season. Subsequent phases will include additional multifamily units, office spaces, and single-family
HPS advances key staffing, contracts and projects at May meeting
A: Main, Main...
HPS advances key staffing, contracts and projects at May meeting
May 17, 2025
The Henryetta Board of Education tackled a packed agenda Monday evening during its regular May 13 meeting, addressing personnel decisions, infrastructure partnerships and program renewals as the distr...
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County honors its finest at annual banquet
A: Main, Main...
County honors its finest at annual banquet
May 16, 2025
The Elks Lodge #1822 in Okmulgee once again opened its doors with pride, gratitude and respect as they hosted the annual Law Enforcement and First Responders Banquet on May 10. The event, which has be...
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Supt. Price reflects on busy end of school year
May 16, 2025
As Henryetta Public Schools approaches the final days of the 2024-25 academic year, Superintendent Jason Price offered words of reflection and encouragement to students, staff and the community.In his...
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A: Main
Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign reminds drivers to buckle up
May 16, 2025
Starting May 19, law enforcement across Oklahoma will be looking for seat belt violations.The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Oklahoma Highw...
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A: Main
AEB to host fraud prevention training sessions
May 16, 2025
American Exchange Bank is organizing a community- focused scam and fraud prevention training on Thursday, May 22, offering local residents the opportunity to learn how to protect themselves and their ...
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Martha Jo Whitworth celebrated for lifetime of creativity
A: Main
Martha Jo Whitworth celebrated for lifetime of creativity
May 16, 2025
The heart of Henryetta’s Main Street shined a little brighter this past weekend as Bear Bottom Antiques unveiled a stunning tribute to one of the community’s own treasures, Martha Jo Whitworth. At 89 ...
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The Light on Lavender Street
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The Light on Lavender Street
May 16, 2025
Mary Ray Stephenson sat in the backyard of the house she and Wilbur bought in 1958, the same white clapboard home on lavender street in Schulter, Oklahoma where she had watched the world change from h...
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Morris Council tackles items at meeting
May 16, 2025
In a comprehensive city council meeting that addressed multiple critical municipal issues, local officials demonstrated their commitment to community development, infrastructure improvement and fiscal...
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Funeral Preplanning Tips
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Funeral Preplanning Tips
May 16, 2025
Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming and emotional process. However, preplanning your own funeral or that of a loved one can help alleviate stress during a difficult time. Here are some helpful t...
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Beggs School: The Early Days of a Proud Tradition
May 16, 2025
Gabrielle Spencer-Ginn Special to the TimesLast year, we took a look back at the cherished traditions of the Beggs alumni banquets. Today, let’s travel even further into the past - to the very roots o...
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Color Our World
May 16, 2025
The Okmulgee Public Library is ready to add color, creativity and fun to your summer with the launch of its 2024 Summer Reading Program, “Color Our World.” This vibrant program is packed with engaging...
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