January 2024

El Reno public education was on full display at last week’s El Reno Now gathering. The quarterly event is a partnership between the city of El Reno and El Reno Public Schools. It featured a brief update from City Manager Matt Sandidge, but the morning belonged to the local education system.

The city of El Reno wants to hear from you. That’s what City Manager Matt Sandidge said last week at the El Reno Now breakfast gathering. The city and El Reno Public Schools partner for the quarterly event.

Canadian County District Court Clerk Marie Hirst will not seek re-election after some 28 years in public service. Now in her 16th year as Canadian County’s elected court clerk, Hirst said last week she will not seek re-election to a fifth, four-year term.

El Reno High School girls basketball coach Jennifer Douglas presented senior Pauline Black-Harmon with a plaque last week honoring her accomplishment as EHS’ all-time leading rebounder. She broke the record set in 1996 by LeAnn Bezner.

Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, filed legislation that would require an organization such as the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) to accept cash for admittance to sporting events or any other activity where payment is required.

Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, has filed legislation to give people more time to come up with rent money or find a new place to live before eviction can take place.

LAWSUITS Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Durell Carter for $1,183.76 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees. Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Jeri Meyer for $935.56 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Irvin Wesley Heckes died Jan. 16, 2024. Wes, as many called him, was the son of Carl and Thelma Heckes of El Reno. Mr. Heckes was born at the family farm north of El Reno on Nov. 25, 1939. A graduate of El Reno High School, Irvin attended Central State University.

Shaking off a series of first-half turnovers, El Reno High School’s girls basketball team led Altus wire to wire last week to remain unbeaten on the season.

El Reno High School guard Carter Roman Nose went into last week’s game against Altus needing 29 points, more than he had scored in any game this season, to reach the 1,000-point career scoring mark. He needed less than two quarters to reach that mark.