April 2024

The pungent smell of fried onions tingles one’s nostrils entering Robert’s Grill, Johnnie’s Hamburgers & Coneys and Sid’s Diner in El Reno. The proprietors of the three hamburger stands, serving them since 1928, 1946 and 1990, respectively, know they’re selling a unique, in-demand product.

The 73rd Annual National Land and Range Judging Contest will attract students from across the nation to El Reno. The contest runs from April 30 through May 2. The Canadian County Expo and Event Center will serve as host site for the second consecutive year.

El Reno will celebrate the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2 with a breakfast and later an evening prayer gathering, said Karen Nance, director of the El Reno Chamber of Commerce. This year marks the 73rd observance for the National Day of Prayer.

El Reno native and Tulsa television personality Tess Maune will serve as the guest emcee for the 36th Annual El Reno Burger Day Festival. Maune will guide visitors through the making of the festival’s Big Burger. Burger Day starts Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown El Reno.

The Okarche town trustees voted to fire Police Chief Forrest Smith at a special meeting last week. After a three-hour executive season, the vote was 4-1 to fire the chief, who had been on the hot seat over an ongoing audit in the town.

Following the jury’s recommendation, a Canadian County district judge has sentenced a Yukon woman to 31 years in prison for driving drunk and causing the death of an Elk City teenager while seriously injuring three other victims.

Canadian County commissioners have authorized paying $236,121 – and no more - for the new parking lot at the Canadian County Assessor’s Office. Atlas Paving Co. had requested the county pay another $22,580 for the parking lot replacement project. But commissioners refused, by a 3-0 vote.

Betty Lou Kennedy, 90, of Calumet, passed away April 21, 2024, at St. Katharine’s Memory Cottage. Graveside services are pending. Betty Lou was born in El Reno to her parents, George Nitzel and Kitty (Scott) Nitzel.

LAWSUITS Citibank N.A. vs. Damon Richmond for $5,084.97 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees. Citibank N.A. vs. Hazel Gregg for $2,692.75 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.