May 2020

El Reno’s municipal government is looking for funds “anywhere and everywhere” after monthly sales tax figures show a 51 percent slide from the same period a year ago.

The May report issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission shows an even bleaker picture concerning use tax where the most recent numbers reflect a 220 percent decline from a year ago.

“We’re looking at every grant that’s out there and every program being offered that could help us,” said Mayor and Acting City Manager Matt White.

“It’s just going to be very tough and very tight for a while.”

Riverside School held a parking lot graduation last week for eighth-graders.

The students were seated at an acceptable social distance, while parents and relatives watched from their vehicles in the school parking lot.

Superintendent David Garner said the normal applause for each student was replaced with honking car horns.

“One parent came equipped with a bubble machine,” Garner said.

Strong winds prevented many of the planned decorations, but “overall, the ceremony was fun for all involved.”

The recent death of an 18-year-old El Reno woman is being described by police as a “terrible teenage accident.”

Maria P. Estrada was riding in a vehicle with a friend on April 25 when she opened the door and jumped from the moving auto, police said.

This took place on West Elm.

Police Chief Ken Brown said the state medical examiner last week ruled out foul play.

Canadian County Sheriff Chris West said his office is now offering fingerprint services and Self Defense Act (concealed carry) applications. 

West said citizens desiring to use these services will temporarily be required to wear a mask while inside the jail lobby and fingerprint room.

Also, a “non-invasive” scan of the forehead to check for temperature will be conducted by jail staff before members of the public are allowed to enter the jail lobby.

STILLWATER - The food processing sector plays an important role in Oklahoma’s economy, and there is no doubt the novel coronavirus pandemic has had a significant economic impact on the state’s food industry.

Experts from the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center evaluated the potential impact of COVID-19 on the state’s food industry from March to mid-April and compiled a report of current impacts as a starting point for future assessments and recovery planning.

LAWSUITS

Citibank N.A. vs. Lacey Gann for $3,397.65 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Crown Asset Management LLC vs. Jamie Ridley for $9,601.17 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Cavalry SPV I LLC vs. Gina R. Codispoti for $4,988.90 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Crown Asset Management LLC vs. Joshua Taylor for $8,074.26 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Last week the killer hornet was in the news as it ravages bee hives, decapitating and killing all of the bees.

Suddenly the importance of our relationship with bees is forefront, for mankind is dependent upon them to pollinate 70 of the top 100 crop species that feed 90 percent of the human population.

Without their pollination these plants would cease to exist as would the animals who eat them. This could create a catastrophic effect that would ripple across the entire food chain.

COVID-19 pandemic has posed extraordinary challenges for students across the nation including fourth-year veterinary students at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

With hard work and determination to reach their goal, all 88 members graduated and took the veterinary oath during a special virtual commencement ceremony May 8.

Among those earning a DVM degree was Alisha Barritt of El Reno.

Earlier this spring Barritt was inducted into the Nu Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta, the national honor society of veterinary medicine.

At Swadley’s, get a smoked chicken dinner with two sides and a roll for $11.99. You can also grab a firehouse sandwich combo for $11.79. Sandwich includes brisket, hot links, spicy beans, cheese and pickles. Meal includes one side and a drink.

Grab a pound of meat for $16.99. Choose from smoked chicken, hot links, ham, brisket, turkey, sausage or Tennessee pulled pork. Dine in, carry out or drive-thru today. Curbside pickup still available for a limited time, or order by phone at 405-295-6566 or online at swadleys.com.

Boyd Ray Endecott was born July 27, 1936, in Oilton and fell asleep in death at his home in El Reno on May 10, 2020.

Boyd served as an elder in the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

From his youth on, he enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing.