December 2021

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series of stories looking back at the year that was 2021.

JANUARY

The COVID pandemic that arrived in 2020 lingered into the beginning of 2021 for the El Reno area as well as the entire world. And while a vaccine was beginning to be administered, there were other issues to deal with such as a sub-arctic blast of air that made the beginning of the new year feel much like the following year.

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From Legion Park to houses throughout the city of El Reno, the holiday spirit has been brought to life in a vast array of themes and lights.

The Harold Hamm Foundation and Continental Resources have given a combined $50 million gift to create the Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University. 

The Hamm Institute’s mission is to educate the next generation of energy leaders — in Oklahoma, the United States and from around the world — cementing Oklahoma’s legacy as a global energy leader. 

EDMOND – After a run through the junior college ranks, including surgeries and rehab stints for both a wrist and knee injury, El Reno native Callen Haydon says he finally feels at ease with his basketball career.

“I’m comfortable and I feel like I’m at home. I’m in a happy place right now and my body feels good and Ivm confident in my game,” said Haydon.

That’s good news for the University of Central Oklahoma men’s basketball team as Haydon, in his second year here, has started the first 11 games of the season at point guard.

In one of our annual traditions, the El Reno Tribune set out to help old St. Nick with gathering wish lists from area children. Here are the letters we received:

From Shelly Hudson’s first-grade class:

Dear Santa,
I want a Christmas suite case.
   Love, Keighan

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like a PS5.
   Love, Matthew

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like a bike.
   Love, Iris

City Attorney Roger Rinehart, center, accepts a donation from Mayor Matt White and School Superintendent Craig McVay at the conclusion of last week’s El Reno Now breakfast. Those attending the event chipped in to raise more than $400 for El Reno Blessing Baskets.

Each month funds from the El Reno Now event are donated to either Blessing Baskets, The Lord’s Harvest, Mobile Meals or the El Reno Public Schools Foundation.

Graveside services for Muriel Dean (Curtis) Horn of Yukon were held Wednesday at the Evergreen Cemetery in Minco, under the direction of Huber-Reynolds Funeral Home.

Muriel passed away Dec. 18, 2021, at the Integris Hospice House in Oklahoma City. She was born March 25, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Muriel was raised in the Corpus Christi area, later making her home in Yukon. She worked as an administrative assistant in the oil industry, for several years at Alan Merrill Chevrolet and then for the city of Oklahoma City until her retirement.