April 2021

Body Former El Reno resident Mike Whinery died April 6, and was buried near Geary. Mike was born in El Reno on Dec. 9, 1955. He was a graduate of El Reno High School and an accomplished trapshooter, having won numerous titles including Oklahoma Junior Champion.

Body Graveside services for Virginia Lee Hayes of Minco were held Monday at the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Huber-Reynolds Funeral Home. Virginia passed away April 13, 2021, in Blanchard. She was born July 29, 1939, on the family farm in Minco.

Body The Canadian County Expo and Event Center will rope in some big-time tourism dollars for the area. Nathan Smith, the director for the soon-to-be-opened multi-purpose center, has some proof to back up that prediction.

Body El Reno Public Schools will join other districts across the state in a lawsuit against the Oklahoma State Board of Education over the shifting of funding methods in favor of charter schools. During its April meeting, the El Reno Board of Education voted 5-0 to join the lawsuit,

Body In an effort he said to give the El Reno Board of Education ample time to find a successor, Craig McVay made it official last week by announcing his retirement as the district’s superintendent.

Body El Reno High School’s baseball team had its eight-game league win streak snapped last week as the Indians dropped a District 5A-2 twinbill to the Piedmont Wildcats.

Body Sidewalks and scooters are coming to El Reno, but never the twain shall meet. At least that’s the plan. In what is being called a “pilot project,” the city council last week agreed to allow Neutron Holdings, LLC, to place Lime Mobility Devices for use in the downtown area.

Body A federal inmate paid a visit to town after he apparently escaped from the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution, allegedly with the help of an Oklahoma City woman. El Reno police said they received information on April 9 that an FCI escapee could be found at a local motel.

Body A rodeo is expected at the 67th Annual Canadian County Free Fair. What group will stage the rodeo - or perhaps even a bull-riding competition - has not been determined. The 2021 county fair will be held Aug.

Body A tree at Lake El Reno is silhouetted as the sun begins to rise.