April 2020

Testing for the COVID-19 virus began Tuesday morning in Canadian County at both the main health department locations in El Reno and the satellite location in Yukon.

Maggie Jackson, District 2 Community Engagement director, said the short notice on starting testing was due to the district not getting supplies until Monday.

“We just received supplies today so we didn’t have a lot of notice. We order viral test mediums every week and as soon as we get them we send them out,” said Jackson.

Businesses all over the nation are doing extraordinary things to try and keep the doors open while finding ways to also help the communities where they provide services.

In El Reno, some restaurants and churches have partnered to help feed those who may be without during the worldwide pandemic caused by the coronavirus or COVID-19. Stores such as Walmart and United are beginning to see shelves again filled with food and household items such as toilet paper. When the COVID-19 scare first erupted, panicked buyers swamped the stores, stripping the shelves bare.

It’s barbecue time, so come get a meal at Swadley’s. Drive-thru, pickup and curbside service available.

▶ Brisket burned ends with two sides — $15.79.

▶ Brisket burned ends sandwich with one side and a drink — $11.99.

▶ Rib basket with fries — $10.99 (no substitutions)

▶ Loaded spud — $9.79

Health-care professionals in El Reno are urging residents to use some form of facial mask or protection when they venture out in public.

“I think this is a fantastic idea and is one that is very much needed. The more people who do wear masks, the more normal it will seem. The more we normalize wearing masks, it will be beneficial,” said Centennial Health nurse practitioner Sarah Menz.

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced 304,826 confirmed cases in the United States and 7,616 deaths through Sunday.

The Indian Health Service Clinton Service Unit which serves Clinton, El Reno and Watonga Indian Health Centers and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes will present a Telephone Town Hall meeting this Friday beginning at 10 a.m.

The call will allow patients of the Clinton Service Unit and citizens of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes an opportunity to listen from home on what is being done to combat the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 in their community.

Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) will collect convalescent plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19, part of an experimental initiative to use the product to treat seriously ill patients.

By creating the only statewide registry of available patients, Oklahoma Blood Institute can ensure local patients receive the donated products and have the best possible chance at fighting the illness.

If a large COVID-19 surge comes, Oklahoma officials want to be sure there are enough doctors, nurses, aides and other health-care workers to treat the
infected.

That involves a lot more than adjusting schedules and paying out a little more overtime.

The number of inmates held in the Canadian County Detention Center might be the lowest since the building was constructed.

Last week, there were 134 inmates being held at the jail. There also was one inmate being held in Dewey County and four inmates who were being held in other jails while awaiting trial.

There were only three people booked into the jail over the weekend. Normally, that number is significantly higher.

The rains have been a blessing after the dreadful 90-degree temperature last week.

The sudden heat caused instant wilt and had it not abated, we would have lost our favorite spring bloomers.

With the isolate-in-place suggestion to contain the coronavirus, many weekend gardeners who glanced at their garden each day on the way to work have the time to truly enjoy it on a daily basis.

Children who are out of school may plant early seeds and flowers and wonder in joyous awe as they grow on a daily basis.

The former director of the Canadian County Emergency Management Department has been charged with stealing more than $1,200 along with several pieces of equipment from the county.

Troy Steven Mead, 45, was charged last week with one count of embezzlement of state property.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, filed to obtain an arrest warrant, Mead is accused of cashing a $1,200 check from Walmart and using it for personal expenses.