Fred was born Feb. 20, 1931, on the family farm outside of Gracemont.
His parents were Freeman and Lula Mae (Pet) Steenbergen. They lived in Gracemont a couple of years, then moved to a farm in Spring Creek. They lived there for eight years.
When El Reno Regional Airport welcomes the opening of the Tony Caldwell Collection, probably next fall, there’s one word that might best describe how the museum dedicated to aviation history arrived here. Relationships.
A former state lawmaker, businessman and entrepreneur, Caldwell said relationships with people like Scott Law, the new manager for the El Reno airport, as well as several others paved the way for the $1.7 million museum to land here.
It’s been suggested the attraction will be a magnet for area schoolkids as well as aviation buffs.
Despite existing fire dangers, Canadian County commissioners have decided against declaring a countywide burn ban. At least for now.
A request to prohibit outdoor burning was considered during the March 24 commissioners meeting due to high winds, extensive dry vegetation and lack of significant moisture across central Oklahoma.
There have been many grass and brush fires in recent weeks inside and around Canadian County, according to County Commission Chairman Tom Manske.
The El Reno Regional Airport is going to be a busy place with two major construction projects going on at the same time.
Construction has already begun on the Tony Caldwell Collection, a museum dedicated to antique aircraft. And if all goes to plan, ground will be broken for a new terminal in late April.
City Manager Matt Sandidge said the groundbreaking is tentatively set for April 24. The city is working to bring a couple of state transportation officials to the ceremony so schedules are being checked.
FFA and 4-H students from across the county helped host the Second Annual Canadian County Together We Show Special Needs Livestock Show.
See a complete rundown on the event in Wednesday’s edition.
The Canadian County Children’s Justice Center will host a community fun day in celebration of its 25th anniversary.
Associate District Judge Bob Hughey said the event is being billed as a Family Fun Festival. It’s free and will include live animals, inflatables, face painting, music, activities and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Book Bus.
The Safe Kids Coalition will be on-site providing car seat safety checks and offering a limited number of free car seats to those who qualify.
“You’re killing me, Smalls.”
What’s in a name?
It was summertime in the early 1990s and Daniel Hobson, my nephew, was probably 5 or 6 years old.
His favorite movie was Sandlot. And I don’t mean it was his favorite movie, it was the only movie he ever watched. Over and over and over again.
Named to the Maple third nine weeks A Honor Roll are Luken Meschberger, Jimi Davis, Ella Ratliff, Kennedy Prince, Fritz Hoffman, Blaiklyn Barton, Riley McKee, Madison Basler, Lillian Bollinger, Kash Brothers, Dean Davis, Paylynn Smith, Case Elliott, Blayke Steinbruck, John Prince, Halle Hunt, Taylor Dill and Cale Wedman.
Maple third nine weeks A-B Honor Roll honorees are Caleb Blanco, Kane Smith, Abel Overholser, Hollis Wedman, Journey Swigart, Elizabeth Wilkerson, Ellie Rose Von Tungeln, Madalynne Whitman, Wager Ferguson, Blakely McLemore, Declan Brothers, Claire Lorenzen, Parker Tinsley, Brinlee Bland, Legend Gatz, Brax Birdson, Ryker Penwright, Tripp Davis, Kinsley Racca, Carder Holden, Douglas Bland, Abby Bass, Liam Langley, Kynlee Shamblin, Teegan Siler, Adrianna Trujillo, Sophie Tredway, Otis Sears and Laken Meschberger.
Joseph Brett Daniels passed away at his home in El Reno on March 25, 2025. He was born Dec. 15, 1974, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to Joseph E. Daniels and Cindy Lee Corwin.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph E. Daniels, and his cousin, Justin (JC) Mentzer.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Chanel Leigh Daniels; his mother, Cindy Lee Daniels; brother, Michael S. Daniels; sister, Shannon Nicole Daniels; daughter, Shelby Harris; son, Bryton Phillips; grandchildren, Ruger, Kimber and Raven; as well as numerous family members and loving friends.
