July 2024

SHAWNEE – Malachi Nicholson was not always a big celebration guy in the end zone during his record-setting senior season at El Reno High School.

Yet that changed in his final high school outing, the 2024 Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State Football Game.

“It’s All-State and you’ve got to show everything,” said Nicholson.

After scoring the West’s lone touchdown in a 14-6 loss to the East, Nicholson got up, sprinted to the middle of the end zone and stuck a backflip.

It’s time. 

That seems to be the prevailing wisdom behind of couple of building renovation projects taking shape in downtown El Reno.

Mike and Janice Freeman are putting in “sweat equity” at the historic building at 117 S. Bickford. Built in 1928 by JCPenney’s, the store would later transform to Thompson Gifts and Office Supplies, before becoming a guitar museum.

It’s been vacant for several years, but now there are signs of life. 

El Reno’s Blessing Baskets is celebrating its 25th year and last week’s Festival of the Trees, Christmas in July event was certainly worthy of a silver anniversary blowout.

“We do not have all the numbers in yet, but it appears it will be the best ever,” said Donna Dyer, Blessing Baskets Director of Community Relations.

“This was our ninth festival, and each year we have continued to see a growth in the attendance and fundraising.”

Dyer called the community response to the Festival of the Trees “awesome.”

“Everyone had fun for an awesome cause.”

Gary Baumwart took the city up on its offer for a grant to improve the facade at his building downtown. 

Baumwart operates his insurance agency and has Swaim’s Barber Shop as a tenant at 212 and 214 S. Rock Island.

He received the grant for the facade improvements and hired Rick Allen to paint and make window repairs on the more than 100-year-old building. Baumwart said he has been working with artist Chris Small about creating a mural on the north side of his building.

Larry Jennings watches from a dugout as El Reno High School’s softball team goes through morning drills last week at the Ashbrook North Complex.

Jennings’ service dog Boomer was barking his support at players.

El Reno’s softball and volleyball programs kicked off preseason workouts recently.

Property in and around the former Canadian County Fairgrounds has been appraised at more than $1.8 million.

NPVal Real Estate Valuation & Consulting submitted an appraisal report July 12 for county-owned property at 220 N. Country Club Road.

Commissioners accepted the 118-page appraisal at their weekly meeting July 22 as they proceed with plans to sell the site.

“To do the next step, we had to have a certified appraisal,” said Commissioner Tom Manske.

District 3 Commissioner Tracey Rider said she was “really pleased” with the appraisal amount.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation authored by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, to increase pay for election day poll workers took effect July 1. Senate Bill 290 increased election inspector pay from $110 to $225, and doubled pay for election clerks and judges, from $100 to $200.

“The dedicated Oklahomans who staff our polling places often work 12- to 14-hour days, and until now, have not been adequately compensated for their work,” Hamilton said.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, is leading Senate opposition to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed rule to move marijuana from the list of federal Schedule I drugs to Schedule III.

Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use and a lack of accepted safety under medical supervision.

Schedule III drugs have a lower potential for abuse, a currently accepted medical use and a moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

Earl and Nancy (Bond) Adams will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with their family.

They were married July 25, 1964, at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Jack James officiating.

The couple have one son, William Durhan of Midwest City.

Graveside services for Linda Marie Mays of El Reno will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 29 at the El Reno Cemetery with Pastor Randy Rhoton officiating.

Services are under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home.

Linda died Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at River Oaks Skilled Nursing in El Reno. She was born in Kingfisher on Nov. 11, 1944.

She was a caregiver for people in their homes. Linda loved her family and enjoyed cooking for them, especially her famous chicken and noodles. She was a member of Bethel Community Church in Yukon.