October 2023

MIDWEST CITY – Clutch efforts from El Reno High School’s three leading rushers lifted the Indians to an upset win that sent a lightning bolt into the playoff picture for District 5A-1.

Running backs Malachi Nicholson and Kaleb Blackwolf combined with quarterback Elijah Fisher to rush for 367 yards as El Reno defeated Midwest City 27-14.

El Reno, which was blanked by the Bombers 34-0 a year ago in their first-ever meeting, picks up its second straight district win to move into a tie for third place with Midwest City and Noble.

MIDWEST CITY – When Michael Pruitt wore his alma mater colors on the field, he was part of a unit that carried and embodied the moniker “Blue Crush.”

Now as El Reno’s defensive coordinator, he’s working to bring back that smothering mindset.

“We know, we hear it every day,” said Daylin and Lathen Pruitt, his nephews.

The younger Pruitts and teammates may have rekindled that dominating moniker after snuffing out Midwest City’s high-powered offense on its final three possessions last week to help seal the Indians 27-14 win over the Bombers.

El Reno High School’s softball team wrapped up the postseason last week, while its volleyball team was playing in the regional round on Monday at Sapulpa.

Redlands Community College women’s soccer team snapped a seven-match losing streak last week with a 1-0 road win over Connors State College.

The Cougars improved to 2-12 for the season and 2-11 in the NJCAA Region 2 standings after outshooting the Cowboys by a 33-11 margin.

The lone goal of the game came from Gaby Figueroa off an assist by Amya Lindsay.

Lindsay led Redlands shooters with nine shots, followed by Figueroa with five and four shots from Avery Thomas.

Miya Ingram, Jaidyn Gonzalez and Kyla Thompson closed with three shots each.

Several hundred people turned out recently for a tribute to former Redlands Community College President Jack Bryant.

The event, which featured a live and silent auction, helped raise close to $70,000 that will go toward the construction of a soccer stadium at Redlands.

Held at the Palace Event Center on Banner Road, the gala drew local and state dignitaries as well as longtime supporters of the school. Special guests were members of the Redlands women’s soccer team that will benefit from the event.

Airport Manager Bailey Flaming literally brought down the curtain on the 2023 El Reno Fly-In and Community Day, making her first-ever tandem skydive on short notice.

“I was told to go by one of our performers. There was no practice. They told me what to expect and we were out the plane a little time later,” said Flaming.

The longtime pilot said it was an experience she had been wanting to try and didn’t hesitate, even at 10,000 feet.

“I wasn’t nervous but excited. It was something I’ve been wanting to do,” said Flaming.

A nonprofit group is spearheading an effort to save the old Canadian County Jail, with the goal to reopen the historic building in fall 2025 as a museum and education center.

Preservation El Reno has presented a detailed proposal to Canadian County commissioners to make repairs and upgrades to the old jail site at 300 N. Evans.

Canadian County Historical Society Museum President Vicki Proctor on Oct. 2 urged commissioners not to demolish the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In a split vote, Canadian County commissioners added Juneteenth to the 2024 holiday schedule.

Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves, has been observed as a federal holiday since 2021.

But it has not been part of the official Canadian County holiday calendar.

That changed Oct. 2 when commissioners voted 2-1 to recognize Juneteenth in the county’s 2024 schedule.

That means Canadian County offices will be closed 12 days for holidays, instead of 11.

A wake for Brandy Nicole Chavers will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Concho Emergency Response Center. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday in the Benson Memorial Chapel with Officer Matthew Pierce, minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the El Reno Cemetery under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home.

Brandy died Oct. 1, 2023, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was born June 23, 1980, in El Reno. She graduated from El Reno High School and was a homemaker.