December 2022

Turning 16 and getting a driver’s license is usually the first step in gaining independence.

However, recent surveys conducted by two El Reno educators shows a growing trend of students opting not to seek out the right to drive at that age.

Davee Cooper and Elizabeth Kinsey, using the Google Docs platform, surveyed both juniors and seniors in the spring about the issue. The same survey was presented in the fall semester, with each survey period drawing close to 200 responses.

From Tracie Dow’s second-grade class:

Dear Santa,
How have you been? This year I want markers.
Love, Brianna

Dear Santa,
I want a phone for crismis Santa babe dol for crismis Santa.
Love, Haley

Dear Santa,
I been very good Santa. This year I wowld like a phone.
Love, Angie

Dear Santa,
I want som pokemon cards and I want a narto hed band.
Love, Deangelo

Members of the Knights of Columbus Council 767 visited residents at the Center of Family Love last week.

The Council is based out of Sacred Heart Church in El Reno and is the oldest Knights Council in the state.

The Knights delivered Christmas presents to the residents at the Okarche-based Center of Family Love. The CFL was created by the Knights in 1981 and is home to adults with developmental challenges.

Jay Wrencher serves as Grand Knight for the local Knights.

Canadian Valley Technology Center’s Board of Education has formally approved an agreement that opens the door for the first area police academy.

Those who wear badges call it BPOC. It’s short for Basic Peace Officers Certification, and it’s coming to CV Tech’s El Reno Campus in January 2023.

“This is a game-changer in terms of police training,” said Trent Pettigrew, retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper who was hired this fall as CV Tech’s safety director.

An investigation into possible drug dealing culminated last week with the arrest of eight people, said El Reno Assistant Police Chief Maj. Ken Dickerson.

Police said the investigation began in November. On Dec. 16, El Reno officers along with the Canadian County Special Operations Team served search warrants at 816 S. Williams and 118 South L.

The warrants were served in the “early morning hours.”

Reports said the search at both residences turned up suspected illicit narcotics and firearms.

El Reno High School December Students of the Month are Madison Rochdi, Cole Caldwell, Emma Pawnee, Charles McGuire-Underwood, Kaysen Atkinson, Dawson Holland, Madison Patswald and Kyston Haines.
 

El Reno Masonic Lodge #50 annually supports the Redlands Community College agriculture scholarship, but members recently had the opportunity to provide individual assistance to student Sarah Breshears.

Worshipful Master Mike Smith and member Ed Zweiacher presented Breshears with a check for housing expenses. Joining them are Tina Jacobs, Redlands resident life coordinator, and Scotti Charmasson, agriculture professor.
 

After a brief illness, Vera Mae (Sanders) Sweeney passed from this life on Dec. 18, 2022. She was born to Bill and Marion Ruth (Drew) Sanders on March 15, 1935, on the farm east of Union City. The middle child amongst four brothers, she was tougher than a boot. She was also fiercely devoted to her family, doing without all her life so her two boys could have whatever they needed.

She attended Union City schools, graduating from Union City High School in 1953. She was an outstanding basketball player, back when the girls played 3-on-3 basketball.

Someone asked the question: “Where do you find Jesus?” and several answers were given. All answers are right, but the best one is ― you find Jesus when you come to the end of yourself. When you stop trying to get your life under control and realize that it was the Lord who made you and he had a plan for your life from the day you were born.

The longer you try to do things like “Burger King,” have it your way, the longer it will take you to get in line with God’s design.

Graveside services for David Earl Blackshire were held Friday at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin. Services were under the direction of Turner Funeral Home, Hinton.

David passed away Dec. 9, 2022, in El Reno.

He was born Aug. 5, 1947, in Mt. View. He graduated from Mt. View High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in the 82nd Airborne.

He was a helicopter and tank mechanic and a courier for the Army.