October 2021

Martha Ann Higdon, age 73, passed away Oct. 23, 2021, at Integris Southwest Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was born in Okarche on June 8, 1948, the daughter of Lawrence and Petranella Higdon.

Martha attended Sacred Heart Catholic School.

She adored and cherished her family deeply. She loved spending as much time with them as possible, especially with her grandchildren.

Martha will always be remembered for her faith in God, love for teaching children about God, reading and volunteering for after-church programs for children.

Maple A Honor Roll honorees, front row, Pierson Brandley; second row from left, Karalynn Ellis, Katie Ellis, Presley Swigart, Jasper Whitman, Hayden Rosholt, Colsen Blagg, Zoey Pawnee, Kaelyn Racca, Braxton White, Lexi Caldwell, Halle Hunt, Hunter Lorenzen and Zuri Lewis; third row, Stoney Baker, Levi Bass, John Prince, Gavin Basler, Dominic Steinbruck, Alexis Richardson, Kassidy Ferguson, Quinn Charmasson, Tannah Ferguson, Garett Moss, Ayden Overholser, William McPeak, Brody Crawford and Lane Hudson; fourth row, Emma Brothers, Jackson Arnold, Lexi Porter, Ethan Brooks, Bella Stevenson, Bra

The Okarche High School production of “And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson” has advanced to the state finals in the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association one-act play competition.

Okarche qualified by placing second at the Leedey Regional Contest. Leedey won the event, with Stratford placing third.

In addition, two OHS students were named to the All-Star cast, a recognition given to the top 10 performances of the day. McKenzie Stewart and Wyatt Lovins were recognized for their performances in the Okarche drama. 

On Friday night the Pride of El Reno was to play its full marching band contest routine titled “Blackbird” at halftime of the final home football game against Southeast.

It’s a routine band members have been anxious to perform since preliminary work began back in August, but due to COVID-19, has been shown only once before – but not in its full form.

Maple A/B Honor Roll honorees, front row from left, Braxten Birdsong, Ayvah Fudge, Jaci Pitchford, Erica Niles, Piper Siler, Brinley Porter and Leyla Johnson; second row, Easton Horn, Rhett Davis, Rowdy Penwright, Tace Tech, Graham Phillips, McCray Whitman, Raquel Seymour, Micah Pafford, Daughtry Swigart, Brennan Ayers, Jacob Bugaj, Grady Menz, Lila Smith and Josh Bass; third row, Jentry Cullen, Kinsley Bonilla, Lainey Rowell, Caroline Phillips, Korbyn Penick, Adison Steffler, Candice Barker, Karis Racca, Rylee Girten, Ashtyn Stokes, Chandon Porter, Christopher Barker, Raina Crawford, Addis

One of the hottest schools in Class 5A over the last month of the season was rewarded for its efforts as El Reno High School’s softball program earned five first-team picks on the 2021 All-District 5A-2 squad.

El Reno was third in the district behind Piedmont and Guthrie, with all three teams making the Class 5A State Championship.

The Indians were 19-16 on the year, but posted a 16-6 run over the past month. Over the final 12 games of the season, including state, El Reno was 10-2 with a seven-game win streak.

El Reno High School senior Mikey Devereaux leads the Indians in both rushing and tackling.

Kobe Null is EHS’ top receiver and seventh in tackles going into week 9’s game with Southeast.