After losing three races to Wade Kokendoffer at last year’s Smoke on the Water Drag Boat Races, two of those in event finals, El Reno driver Matt Miller promised something new in 2021 for his longtime rival.
“He has ruled the classes and has gotten the better of me in the last few years. They are always tight races but I’ve got a few different changes for him,” said Miller.
It’s a rivalry that both men seem to enjoy.
Workers were busy last week laying, stretching and then stitching the new turf field at Memorial Stadium.
The project has a scheduled finish date of early August.
Visitors driving down either Choctaw or Rock Island avenues, day or night, will not have a hard time finding the exact location of El Reno High School’s main building or adjacent STEM Center.
Just look for giant new ER logos.
Last week a two-man crew from Sign Dynamic installed two El Reno logo signs in the center of the archways which span Choctaw Avenue between the two buildings.
State transportation officials say they “remain committed” to making a permanent safety upgrade at the State Highway 66/Banner Road intersection.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation continues to work through the engineering design of several alternatives discussed with the public.
Three primary options have been proposed for permanent improvements at this intersection – a single-lane roundabout, all-way stop control or signalized intersection.
New home construction in El Reno continued on an aggressive pace with the city reporting 19 permits being issued in June.
Shelly Dalla Rosa in the Community Development Office reported the June numbers push the total permits for this year to 94. March saw the highest number of permits issued with 36.
February produced the lowest number with just four permits issued that month. El Reno experienced record cold for at least two weeks in February.
A native of El Reno, Harvey Pratt is a 2021 Oklahoma Hall of Fame honoree. He will be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Nov. 18.
Born in El Reno, Pratt spent his childhood years in El Reno Public Schools.
A self-taught Oklahoma artist and Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal member, Pratt was selected through a national competition to create the Smithsonian’s National Native American Veterans Memorial for the National Museum of the American Indian.
Representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently toured El Reno Regional Airport at the invitation of Airport Manager Adam Fox.
Fox served with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission before being named airport manager here two years ago.
At the recent virtual fundraiser for the Center of Family Love, one of the hottest auction items was the Grand Dinner.
The Grand Dinner is an event created by Oklahoma City restaurants and providers exclusively for the Center of Family Love.
The organizer of the event is David Egan of El Reno, who serves as general manager of Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City.
El Reno’s VFW Post 382 will treat veterans and their family members to breakfast July 17 to help answer questions concerning what is available after a loved one who served passes away.
Nancy Salsman with the VFW said the breakfast will be served starting at 9 a.m. at the VFW, 1515 S. Rock Island.
The breakfast will feature National VFW Service Officer Robby Clark and State VFW Service Officer Bill Hinds.
The pair will answer questions related to benefits as well as what military honors may be available for a deceased loved one.
Canadian County Republicans are hosting their Third Annual Cookout on Saturday, July 17 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The event will be held at the El Reno Public Safety Center on SW 27th Street.
El Reno Mayor Matt White will again preside over the grill making fried onion burgers.
A special guest speaker will keep things lively as will a live auction.
