October 2021

The air display portion of the Second Annual El Reno Community Day and Fly-In brought a wide range of planes and helicopters to the El Reno Regional Airport.

Under the direction of David Schultz Airshows, the display began with two Sikorsky H-34 helicopters flying together in formation for the first time in more than 20 years.

Used heavily during the Korean War, the helicopters flew several passes around the airport before stopping along the flight line and hovering less than 50 feet off the ground to show their versatility.

El Reno Masonic Lodge #50 recently presented a check to the Redlands Community College Aggie Club for $19,760 to support the organization’s scholarship program for agriculture students.

“The Aggie Club appreciates the support of Masonic Lodge #50 and the opportunities this partnership provides our students,” said Annie Pearson, head of the Redlands Agriculture Department and Aggie Club faculty sponsor.

Pictured are five generations of former El Reno residents, from left, Wilma (Jean) Hale, Fred Morrison, Carrie (Morrison) Tatyrek, Logan Penington, baby Porter Penington and Alvin Morrison. Alvin, Jean and Fred are Augusta, Kan., residents. Carrie lives in Yukon and Logan and Porter live in Piedmont. Fred and Carrie graduated from EHS in 1969 and 1989, respectively.

Members of New Hope Baptist Women’s Missionary Union began fall session meetings with Marilyn Schmidt serving as hostess. Carol Johnson offered opening prayer, while Mary Jones led in the reading of the Mission Statement and Watchword and gave the devotion on “The Story of Joseph.” Peggy White read minutes of the May meeting.

Budget items to assist within the community were planned to include local and missionary groups throughout the fall and spring.

Lamplighters Oklahoma Home and Community Education Association of Canadian County met recently at a local church with Joan Herr calling the meeting to order and leading the group in prayer.

Janice Taylor led the flag salute, with Carol Stine presenting a devotional titled “Sacred Ground.”

Maxine Little read minutes of the previous meeting, while Patricia Morrison gave the treasury report.

Herr was congratulated for being named as one of the 2021 Outstanding Citizens of Canadian County.

Underwood Oklahoma Home and Community Education Association of Canadian County met recently in the home of Vicki Duncan, with Natalia Valenzuela calling the meeting to order.

Bernita Davis read minutes of the last meeting, with Ann Ricketts giving the treasury report.

Those present filled out new membership forms and paid yearly dues.

Duncan presented the lesson on “Attracting Pollinators to Your Butterfly Garden.”

The group enjoyed Duncan’s grand prize winning apple pie as refreshments following the meeting.

Two impressive events last week in El Reno.

The opening and dedication of the new Rock Island overpass was something that will serve motorists for years and gives El Reno a really nice entrance into the downtown core.

The ceremony was a very cool tribute to the community as well as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the contractors who built the $10 million structure.

While the inconveniences to the businesses along South Rock Island were easy to see during construction, the project was completed sooner than expected.

Canadian County officials have accepted an offer from state legislative staff to help with redistricting.

New county commissioners, state legislative and congressional district lines are redrawn after every 10 years, following the federal census.

Canadian County commissioners have signed an agreement with the Oklahoma House and Senate redistricting offices, which will provide “redistricting technical support” using data from the 2020 U.S. Census.

“We could use some of their help,” said Commissioner Jack Stewart.

To the Editor:

The photo on the front page of the El Reno Tribune on Sept. 25 was absolutely outstanding. The photo of the Fort Reno Cavalry Competition is truly the picture of the year.

Glen Miller did such a beautiful job of capturing the story of joy, excitement, pride and freedom found at the competition, not only with that photo, but with all the photos of the troopers in the 2021 Cavalry Competition.

Mr. Miller, thank you for sharing your God-given photography skills with us. And thank you to the troopers in the photos for their service.

Funeral services for Jeffrey Dwayne Stout were held Friday, Oct. 1 at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Dick Kurtz officiating. Burial followed in the Calumet Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home.

Jeff went to his eternal home on Sept. 27, 2021, in Oklahoma City. He was born July 14, 1961, in Okarche to Sue and Nelson Stout.

After graduating from Calumet High School, he worked many successful years in the oil field. The three great loves of his life were his faith, his children and his Harley Davidson.