July 2023

Body Amy Neathery had her work cut out for her. As Ward 1 city council representative, some of her constituents were in a panic. Hollywood wanted to shut down a part of the downtown to film scenes for the new Twisters movie.

Body Organizers said last week’s El Reno Blessing Baskets Festival of the Trees, Christmas in July was “the best ever.” The eighth year for the event helped raise more than $60,000 for the local organization, said Donna Dyer, Blessing Baskets Director of Community Relations.

Body The Oklahoma Indian Nation Pow-Wow will run Aug. 4-6 at Concho and organizer David Bearshield said the state’s oldest pow-wow is expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators. This will be the 33rd year for the Indian Nation pow-wow.

Body ARCADIA — Singer-songwriters Rachel Lynch and Griffin Wade will present an Elm Tree concert at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6 at the Arcadia Round Barn. The couple were married in March and live in Oklahoma City. She is from El Reno and he hails from San Marcos, Texas.

Body One more hurdle in the process was cleared when Canadian County commissioners approved a resolution for “intersection modifications” at Banner Road and State Highway 66. The project agreement is between Canadian County District 1 and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Body Rachel Lauren Hobson and Trace John Gatz, both of Norman, announce their plans to marry Oct. 6 at Festivities Event Center, El Reno. Hobson is the daughter of Todd and Tricia Hobson of El Reno.

Body The 20th anniversary of Bob Hope’s death on July 27 closed the “Season of Hope” that began with Hope’s 120th birthday on May 29. It will not be observed outside of this column, whose author uses Pepsodent toothpaste because it sponsored Hope’s radio show.

Body Madison Brickey and Larry Funck, both of El Reno, announce their plans to marry Sept. 3 at Bricktown Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City with Kade Brickey officiating. Brickey is the daughter of Kade and Lacey Brickey of El Reno.

Body Graveside services for Jerry Allen Collins of Minco were held Wednesday, July 26 at the Evergreen Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Huber-Reynolds Funeral Home. Jerry passed away July 24, 2023, at the Tuttle Care Center.

Body The latest abysmally low birth rates from North America, Europe and Asia continue to alarm business leaders and policy-makers, as well they should.