May 2020

El Reno Public Schools coaches and administration were scheduled to meet Tuesday to formulate a plan to bring back athletes for summer workouts after a plan by the state’s governing body failed by a vote from its board of directors.

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association took a three-step plan to a board vote last week but the measure failed by a 7-6 margin.

One of those voting against the plan was El Reno Superintendent Craig McVay, who sits on the board through the end of June.

Luke and Lacey Scott are glad they sell beef directly to customers.

This approach, which they operate from their farm nine miles west of El Reno, is helping at a time when COVID-19 is causing billions of dollars of damage to the cattle industry.

The Scotts have plenty of customers who buy beef directly from them — starting with $45 for a starter pack and going up to a half of beef.

The disruption COVID-19 has caused to schools is likely to continue into the new school year, and the state Education Department is asking school leaders to begin planning for it.

Schools should adopt multiple calendars, one primary and others as contingencies, to adapt to the unfolding public health situation, according to recently updated guidance from the department.

Here are five calendar options schools are asked to consider:

Funeral services for George Clay Akeen Jr. of El Reno were held Tuesday with Dr. Michael Jenkins and Minister Reiko Jenkins officiating. Burial was in the Concho Cemetery under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home.

George died May 21, 2020, at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was born Feb. 17, 1949, in Clinton. He attended school in Canton and lived in Gracemont before moving to El Reno. A Cheyenne Chief, he was a member of the Dog Soldier Society and was an Arrow Priest. He was also a minister and member of the Native American Church.

Private graveside services for John Robert Thompson of El Reno will be held in the El Reno Cemetery. Visitation will be at Huber-Benson Funeral Home on Sunday, May 24 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mr. Thompson died May 19, 2020, at his home. He was born Dec. 20, 1934, in Calumet.

He attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from Central State College with a teaching degree in elementary education. John was a U.S. Army veteran.

El Reno Public Schools held a Grab and Go Parade last week so students could say goodbye to teachers.

“Play Ball!”

That's the phrase that Oklahoma youth baseball and softball players have been waiting to hear since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic back in March.

That came to an end last week as El Reno co-hosted a youth softball tournament along with Harrah. Baseball started its league season last Monday and softball followed suit three days later.

El Reno High School Class of 2020 is ready to graduate now versus later.

That’s the message Superintendent Craig McVay got last week and he obliged by setting aside May 30 for commencement exercises.

“The decision of the senior class was they wanted to do it sooner than later. Some of the governor’s actions and policies opened things up and it’s the seniors wishes to do it early,” said McVay.