December 2023

In loving memory of Pauline B. O’Neal, a beloved 88-year-old mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, who passed away Dec. 6, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. She departed this world after a severe fall, leaving behind a legacy of love.

Wiping away what she calls “happy tears,” Whitney Sides remembers just how much her son, Colsen Girty, loved the sights and sounds of the holiday season. “He was going to be president. He was going to give all the homeless people shelter and all the kids presents for Christmas.

El Reno’s American Legion Post 34 and Auxiliary embarks on fundraising efforts throughout the year to help support the Gifts to the Yanks program.

Nancy Salsman stood quietly in one of the offices at the El Reno Tribune last week as I read the typed note wrapped around the 10 crisp $20 bills which made up the winning bid on the Gifts for the Yanks quilt auction.

The city of El Reno wants folks to enjoy a free trolley ride and take in a little shopping downtown. Billed as the Holly Jolly Trolley, the city is supporting an “old-fashioned holiday excursion” with the events.

The 40th Annual Community Christmas Dinner is set for Dec. 23 at the Wesley Methodist Church Family Life Center at 115 S. Barker. Serving will begin at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend.

More than $18,000 was collected to benefit Canadian County’s Chambers of Commerce at the 2023 Oklahoma Wine, Brew and BBQ Festival. Canadian County Expo and Event Center Director Mandy Davis announced the results of the second annual event.

Ladies of the Damrosch Music Club will be performing a Christmas program on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 101 S. Barker Avenue. A reception will follow and all are welcome to attend.

El Reno High School November Students of the Month arePierson Brandley, Sharon Moreno, Xzander Vasquez, Layni Wright, Martin Perez, Yareni Baxcajay, Luis Rojas Rios and Celeste Pina.

Aubrey Rakestraw of El Reno placed second in her respective category at the American Farmers and Ranchers State Speech Contest held recently in Stillwater. She competed in the Senior Natural Resources category. Rakestraw is shown with AFR Cooperative Vice President Ryan Plemmons.