December 2022

Two years ago, Donna Dyer said she received a phone call from then Mayor Matt White. “He said, ‘Donna, there are COVID relief funds available soon, collect information for a grant application telling how COVID has affected Blessing Baskets,’” Dyer said, recalling the conversation.

The year 2022 arrived, just as many expected. Some of the stories that were reported during the first few months of the new year might be considered routine. Meetings, announcements, etc. But there were other matters and happenings that took us by surprise.

Jennifer Douglas has never mixed words when it comes to losing games. “Of course I want to win. Of course I was mad we lost. I’m never OK with losing,” said Douglas.

Dodi Ra Ramey of Moore passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at the age of 59. Dodi was born April 16, 1963, in El Reno to Wayne Yates and Janey (maiden name Erbar) Zullian. Dodi was always very outdoorsy. She loved picnics and fishing.

Jesus called home his humble servant, Lee Fay Smith of Banner, on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. Lee was born Feb. 7, 1949, in Oklahoma City to Kenneth and Bessie Smith. He married his wife of 55 years, Linda Kay Smith in Tacoma, Wash., in 1968.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Lonnie Paxton will continue to serve in his leadership position as Assistant Majority Floor Leader for the 59th Legislature, along with some new committee assignments.

A memorial service for Joseph Conner was held Thursday, Dec. 29 in the Frisco Cemetery with Ron Buxton officiating. Joe passed away Dec. 24, 2022, at his home in Mustang. He was born June 11, 1946, at the El Reno Sanitarium.

Bert Nelson Rickner passed away Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Oklahoma City. He was born Aug. 23, 1941, in the Concho area north of El Reno to James Gilbert Rickner and Vonda Atkinson Rickner. Vonda married Clyde Thomason in 1954.

El Reno High School’s boys basketball program held its annual alumni game recently inside Jenks Simmons Field House. The Indians current varsity team defeated the team of former players by a narrow 73-70 score.

The Canadian County Fair Board recently approved a measure to develop a 4-H and FFA youth advisory board to focus on quality herdsmanship and livestock advocacy.