December 2024

Choat off to college

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El Reno High School senior Izzy Choat (seated center) recently signed an National Letter of Intent to play softball for Kansas-based Independence Community College.

Choat is the second player from EHS to sign with a college program this school term.

Choat off to college_story

Shooting toward the holidays

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El Reno High School’s basketball teams were slated to wrap up the 2024 portion of their schedules at home against Noble.

Both teams entered the District 5A-1 battles with the Bears with undefeated 5-0 records.

See Saturday’s edition for complete coverage of the contests with Noble.

Carter Roman Nose floats through the lane to shoot a lay up

Betty Elder

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Graveside services for Betty Rae Elder of Oklahoma City, former Minco resident, were held Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Evergreen Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Huber-Reynolds Funeral Home of Minco.

Chieftains, UC struggle to score

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Points were hard to come by for two of the county’s three small schools in their first games back from tournament action as both were dealt with road losses.

Union City High School’s girls basketball team tied its season-low point total in a 60-31 loss to Hydro-Eakly. The setback left the Tigers with a 7-4 overall record.

Held to single-digit scoring in three of the four periods, Union City managed a 14-point third period but still trailed 51-28 going into the final eight minutes. The Tigers were held to three points in the fourth.

Calumet dodges upset, Tigers fall

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Despite hitting only three perimeter shots, Calumet High School’s boys basketball team was able to escape a road upset bid by Thomas-Fay/Custer and remain unbeaten on the season.

The Chieftains, ranked second in Class B, moved to 10-0 on the season with a 59-52 win over the Terriers. It was the second closest winning margin of the season for Calumet as well as the second lowest offensive output.

Jacob Mayfield’s team entered the game having beaten teams by an average of 35 points and scored 60 or more points in seven games.

Mac Englebretson

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Memorial services for Mac Alton Englebretson of Minco were held Sunday, Dec. 22 at Minco Assembly of God Church.

Mac died Dec. 14, 2024, at his home. He was born May 23, 1953, in Lubbock, Texas. He spent most of his life in the Minco community, graduating from Minco High School in 1971. He was employed as a construction supervisor until his retirement. Mac was a handyman around town, mowing lawns and odd jobs. He attended Minco Assembly of God Church.

Aviation museum sets landing coordinates for El Reno Airport

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There are still some details to work out, but El Reno Regional Airport could soon be home to a museum that features historic aircraft, including military planes. 

Last week, the city council agreed to accept a letter of intent with Oklahoma City businessman Tony Caldwell that would allow him to lease Hangar 3 at the airport. The details of the lease agreement with Caldwell will be worked out by City Manager Matt Sandidge and El Reno legal counsel. 

Matt Sandidge, left, with Tony Caldwell and Scott Law inside a hangar at El Reno Regional Airport

Riding the holiday rails

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From all accounts, the Holly Jolly Trolley looks like it could become El Reno’s next big downtown event.

Hosted by El Reno Main Street, the event is being called a “great success” and a true “Christmas experience” by organizers.

Heather Brothers, Main Street director, said several entities teamed up to make the Holly Jolly Trolley a great time for children and families.

Santa is ready to listen to Christmas wish lists on board the Holly Jolly Trolley

Wreaths Across America program honors deceased vets buried at Fort Reno

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At a somber ceremony at Fort Reno Cemetery on Dec. 15, visitors put Christmas wreaths next to the tombstones of deceased American veterans as part of a nationwide “Wreaths Across America” program hosted by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).

Leslie Dietrich, Regent of Fort Reno’s chapter of NSDAR, said the group lays wreaths “to remember, honor and teach about those who served in the military and protected our freedoms.”

Henry Baer places a wreath by a veteran’s tombstone

Letters to Santa - December 21

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Dear Santa,
I am so excited for this year. I would like some bear paw clogs clothes desk new bed crocs. Of course take care of my momma.
Love, Kennedy

Dear Santa.
I have been busy with football, wrestling. Helping my mom! I will be happy with whatever you can bring, but would love a weight bench set.
Love, Karson

Speeding bribe for Santa?