June 2022

With Lake El Reno in its own backyard, it’s natural to think the El Reno Fire Department would have always housed a dive team in case of emergencies.

That’s not always been the case.

El Reno Fire Chief Jason Duff said the department first created a dive team under former chief Kent Lagaly.

“Kent and some of the other guys at the time thought it would be a good idea and created it. It’s more of an extra service that not all stations offer,” said Duff.

A local contractor is the apparent low bidder for a large bridge rehabilitation project in far west Canadian County.

OBC Inc., which has offices in Okarche and Edmond, submitted a bid totaling about $36.4 million to rebuild the historic Yellow Bridge over the South Canadian River.

“The bridge is tremendously long,” District 3 Canadian County Commissioner Jack Stewart said.

In consideration of the current economic situation, the Redlands Community College Board of Regents voted to support the administration’s recommendation to not increase tuition for a fifth consecutive year.

“We understand that many families are struggling, but we want to help them stay on track toward that college degree or career,” said Janie Thompson, chairman of the Redlands Board of Regents.

“Fortunately, our administration has been fiscally conservative. They have been able to make adjustments so that our students’ educational experience is not negatively affected.”

Holding a seven-run lead and playing under a scorching sun with temperatures hovering near triple digits, El Reno High School head coach Keith Hill had one simple request of his players.

“Let’s not go back out in the field again,” said Hill.

His players obliged.

Hernan Blanco hit a walk-off bloop single into shallow right field with the bases loaded as the Indians varsity 1 baseball team defeated Destiny Christian 8-0 to sweep the season series with the Wildcats.

Services for Raymond (Ray) George Dick of Minco were held Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Minco, with burial with military honors following at the Evergreen Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Huber-Reynolds Funeral Home of Minco.

Ray died June 21, 2022, at the Norman Regional Healthplex. He was born Jan. 17, 1952, in Topeka, Kan. He was an Army veteran serving during Vietnam, and was awarded a Bronze Star.

He became certified as a John Deer tractor mechanic and worked as a tractor and auto mechanic with a shop in downtown Minco.

As he opened his presentation on what Sunset Drive could become, Michael Hoffner encouraged members of the El Reno City Council and Municipal Planning Commission to “think big.”

By the end of the meeting, the focus of the Sunset renovation plan had expanded to include the downtown area as well as a good portion of Rock Island.

Mayor Matt White lobbied for the expansion and drew support from members of the council as well as the planning commission.

With heavy voting expected for the June 28 primary, Canadian County’s elections chief hopes voters will heed her warning.

“It’s a crime – no political materials are allowed inside a polling location or within 300 feet of the ballot box,” said election board secretary Wanda Armold.