December 2020

The A-F report card grading system for school districts has been suspended for the 2020-21 academic year by the Oklahoma State Board of Education. And in El Reno, the sentiment from the district’s top official is that it won't be missed.

Without question the holiday season has brought a wave of cooperation and sharing among residents in our state. It’s what many refer to as the “Oklahoma Standard.”

John L. Kelly of Yukon has been named board vice chairman for 2021 for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. Kelly, who previously served as secretary-treasurer of the board of directors, brings decades of hospitality experience and 27 years of Best Western ownership to his role as vice chairman.

Last week, Congress passed H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, providing coronavirus relief and federal appropriations until Sept. 30, 2021. The bipartisan, bicameral package included a number of important priorities.

Visitation for Victorio Alejandro Ramirez will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30 in the Benson Memorial Chapel. Graveside service with military honors will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 at the El Reno Cemetery with Deacon Lloyd Menz officiating.

David Paul Airington was born Oct. 8, 1954, in El Reno, where he lived his entire life. David passed away Dec. 23, 2020, in Oklahoma City. Dave loved sports - OU, El Reno and anything his kids or grandkids were involved in.

Steven Jess Hansen, 63, of Calumet passed away Dec. 23, 2020. He was born Oct. 24, 1957, in Okarche to parents, Clyde Theodore Hansen and LeReta Daydreon (Clark) Hansen. Steven grew up in Calumet and graduated from Calumet High School in 1976.

Graveside services for Nolia Fern Ricker will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, in the Hinton Cemetery with Rev. Gary Haynes officiating. Services are under the direction of Turner Funeral Home. Fern passed away Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Weatherford at the age of 91.

LAWSUITS Westlake Financial Services vs. Adreanne Hicks and Jaime Reyes for $3,038.50 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees. Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Rebecca Robles for $1,073.46 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

After responding to emergencies during the day, members of El Reno’s police and fire departments converged on another call last week – to help children in the city have presents for Christmas.