May 2020

When at home during stormy weather, Oklahomans understand all too well the importance of paying attention to news media updates and the family plan to head to a safe location when tornado sirens sound.

Knowing what to do on the road is a different matter, however. Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Extension housing and consumer specialist, said drivers cannot outrun danger.

“Seeking a safe place to shelter is of utmost importance if you’re not at home,” Peek said.

The rains have created the most magical spring season in many moons … it is positively breathtaking this year.

Each and every species is growing and flowering at an unprecedented rate to the delight of gardeners everywhere.

This year my ancient Deutzia scabra, which is planted next to the lily pond in dense shade, has performed beyond my wildest dreams.

The Hinton 2020 All School Alumni Reunion originally set for July 4 has been canceled.

It is hoped this event will be held in 2021.

There is an epidemic of violence in our tribal communities: 80 percent of Native men and women experience violence, 34 percent of Native women experience sexual violence in their lifetimes, and murder is the third leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native women.

Native women and girls are also disproportionately likely to become victims of sex trafficking.

LAWSUITS

Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Laura J. Bowen for $4,472.17 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Citibank N.A. vs. Beth R. Hart for $3,010.23 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Synchrony Bank vs. Steven Powell for $599.54 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Glen Jones for $2,398.06 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Funeral services for Doris Rhae Young will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at Mustang United Methodist Church, with interment following in the Mustang Cemetery. Services are under direction of McNeil’s Funeral Service.

Funeral services for Novella Lee Ashley will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2020, in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Darrell Bullock officiating. Burial will follow in the El Reno Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 20 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Novella passed away May 5, 2020, at her home in El Reno, where she was a lifelong resident. She was born July 26, 1941, in Minco to Clifton and Lucille Marcom.

Novella married Jesse Lee Ashley on Aug. 7, 1959, in Kingfisher. She was a devoted housewife and mother.

Carolyn Sue Smith, known to most as Sue, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2020, in Union City with her family by her side. 

Sue was born to Homer and Lillian Smith on Oct. 15, 1944, in Dallas, Texas. She lived in the Texas Panhandle briefly before establishing her forever home in Watonga.

Sue found the calling that suited her servant heart when she discovered nursing.

She was a Certified Medications Aide and very knowledgeable in many areas of medicine and trained others who were coming up in the field of nursing.

Matt Sandidge is El Reno’s new city manager starting June 1. He’ll be working with a budget that has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, as well as the energy downturn.

Four of the five members of the city council met Tuesday evening. Mayor and Acting City Manager Matt White, along with council members Tracey Rider and Bob Ballhorn convened in the council chambers at the Municipal Building. Councilman Tim Robinson joined the meeting by teleconference, while Vice Mayor J.T. Chronister was not in attendance.

Industries all over the world have been impacted by COVID-19. One that comes close to home is the cattle industry.

The market has dropped, drastically. Cattle are now worth 25 to 30 percent less than just weeks ago, which may come to a surprise since beef prices at the local grocery store have dramatically increased.

The problem originates from the way packing and processing plants have been affected.

According to some in the agriculture industry, the efficiency of the plants has been hit hard by the pandemic.