May 2020

This is the third installment in a series looking back at El Reno Public Schools efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his classroom at Etta Dale Junior High for just the second time since leaving for spring break back in March, Tyler Hill could tell there was a different vibe in the building.

“I guess it feels like the end of school since we have been gone for so long. But backing up all my stuff and seeing the room empty, it sort of brings it all together,” said Hill.

As work continues to replace the Rock Island overpass, detours will be in use during the construction, expected to take more than a year, said reports from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

North and southbound traffic will be shifted to a detour just to the east of the bridge through summer 2021 as part of an ongoing bridge replacement project.

The detour will be one lane in each direction and wide loads will be restricted to no more than 12 feet in width.

Rodney Haydon was digging in the dirt and planting the flowers he had bought his wife for Mother’s Day when he got a call from El Reno Superintendent Craig McVay.

“I was in the backyard working and had my phone connected to the stereo and waiting on Craig’s call to hear what the board had decided on the direction of the basketball program,” said Haydon.

In a life marked at a young age by a tragedy that shook the state, Brooks Douglass forgave but never forgot.

“Ultimately, we have to move on — not forgetting our loved ones or forgetting what happened — and live our lives to the fullest,” the former state senator once said of the murder of his parents in 1979.

“This is what I had to do.”

Douglass will be remembered Friday at a memorial service in Oklahoma City. The lawyer, entrepreneur and world traveler died Saturday at his home in Texas after a long battle with cancer. He was 56.

After two months of being closed to the public, the Canadian County Courthouse will resume its operations Monday — with some adjustments.

Canadian County District Judge Jack McCurdy issued an administrative order that sets out guidelines for reopening the courthouse, closed since mid-March.

The order states that beginning May 18, the courthouse will begin a gradual reopening with a limited docket.

Friday, May 15 was observed as National Police Memorial Day.

This day was set aside by Congress in 1962 to honor the memory of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the performance of their duties. Each year, that day is recognized in Oklahoma as well as in Canadian County and in communities across the nation by a solemn ceremony where we reflect on the dangers and sacrifices of those who dedicate their lives to keeping their fellow citizens safe.

El Reno’s Bradleigh Baker will be among the 100 Oklahoma Academic All-Staters featured in a OETA Public Television broadcast Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

With the cancellation of its Academic Awards Banquet due to COVID-19, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is partnering with OETA Public Television to broadcast the 30-minute tribute to award-winning students and educators at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17.

The program will also be shown on OETA World Channel at 8:30 p.m. May 23 and 7:30 p.m. May 30.

Canadian County CASA Inc. (Court Appointed Special Advocates) recognizes longtime volunteer Jeff Coan.

For nearly five years, Coan has served as a CASA, speaking up for the best interests of two brothers in the child welfare system. The siblings have had at least three caseworkers and have moved over 40 times in the time Coan has been assigned to their case.

In describing why he became a CASA and why this work is important, Coan says, “I felt called to help children and I believed CASA was the best way to invest my time and efforts into my community and its future.”

Wesley United Methodist Women donated more than 500 diapers and sanitary wipes to Youth and Family Services. Pictured from left, Donna Stirman, Lillian Ray, Pat Stephens and Jaylin Davison. The drive started in late March. YFS is still accepting diaper donations. “The need is always there,” said Ray.

Etta Dale Junior High Honor Society would like to welcome its newest members.

Honorees are chosen based on academic achievement and include the top 5 percent of seventh-graders and top 10 percent of eighth-graders according to grade point average.

Students also must have attended El Reno Public Schools for a minimum of two consecutive semesters.

Seventh-grade members include Jackson Albrecht, Trinity Black, Rylan Fleenor, Mason McClure, Riley Ray, Conley Knapp, Heath Shelton, Aldina Watson, Gentri Baeriswyl, Josie Felton, Howard Keel and Daphne Mendoza.