January 2023

El Reno High School’s wrestling team passed its biggest classification test of the season last week, defeating fourth-ranked Guthrie Bluejays 51-27.

For the fifth time in six years, Calumet High School’s boys basketball team returned from the Alex Longhorn Classic with the championship trophy after defeating Class A’s 15th-ranked Cyril 58-48. Calumet, ranked seventh in Class B, improved to 14-1 on the year with its 12th straight win.

The Three Rivers Conference Championship will remain in the hands of the Okarche High School’s girls basketball team for a fourth straight year following a 61-54 win over Oklahoma Bible Academy. Okarche, on a four-game win streak, beat Crescent (67-29) and Cashion (54-29) to reach the title game.

El Reno police arrested a 22-year-old Kansas man on several complaints including firing a gun and assault with a dangerous weapon on Jan. 1, reports said. Assistant Police Chief Maj.

As 2022 entered its final quarter, changes continued. More honors were bestowed on those who served the community and plans were announced to honor more, especially those who “gave all.” New leaders were chosen and events continued to keep area people moving about.

Two new Canadian County elected leaders ushered in 2023 with new four-year terms. An official swearing-in ceremony for county elected officials was held Jan. 3 inside Courtroom 1 at the Canadian County Judicial Building.

After helping lead a Canadian County nonprofit ministry through a period of strong growth, Joanne Riley believes she’s right where she belongs.

Graveside services for Flora Rae Ables Lippoldt, 85, of Cleburne, Texas, formerly of El Reno, will be conducted at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in the El Reno Cemetery. Flora passed away Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Cleburne, Texas.

Funeral services for Rudolf “Rudy” Joseph Pata of El Reno will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the El Reno Cemetery. Come-and-go viewing will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Sunday, Jan. 8 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Rudy passed away Jan. 1, 2023.

Raymond Harry Tasso of El Reno died Dec. 26, 2022, at SSM St. Anthony Healthplex in El Reno. He was born Dec. 4, 1947, in Clinton. Raymond was an Army veteran serving in the Vietnam War and a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was a stone mason and member of the Native American Church.