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.

She was born Dec. 26, 1934, in Okarche, the daughter of Elsie and Alfred Higgins. From a young age, she exhibited a zest for life and a curiosity that would shape her remarkable journey. She completed her education at Okarche High School.

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. He had his life lined out,” said Sides.

Ambitious goals the 10-year-old never got to accomplish as he was killed in a car accident July 31, 2021.

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.

During World War II, comedian Eddie Cantor started a fundraising effort to provide Christmas gifts for American military personnel hospitalized in England because of the war.

His national project was called “Give to a Yank Who Gave,” which precedes the program now named “Gifts for Yanks.”

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.

Normally I try to take on that tough guy persona and can keep my emotions in check, but as I read each paragraph of the letter, it became clear I was failing – and quickly.

I was not alone.

Both Salsman and Tribune co-publisher Erin Thompson were wiping away tears as this anonymous person’s story was read aloud.

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 city will offer free trolley rides on Saturday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 16 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Holiday visitors can hop aboard the fully restored 1924 Heritage Express Trolley and ride the rails with Santa through downtown El Reno beginning at 3:30 p.m. Families can also enjoy a holiday-themed storytime at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. 

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.

The Dwight Kennedy family along with assistance from volunteers are in the process of gathering food and other items needed for the event. Anyone wishing to help may contact Dwight or Diana Kennedy at 405-564-4755.

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.

Local food trucks, distilleries and wineries competed on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, inside the Canadian County Expo Center’s arena, 3001 Jensen Road East.

“The amount that we raised after all expenses was $18,202,” Davis said. “That is up over $6,000 from last year in what we were able to bring in.

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.