June 2025

Federal funds help with district upgrades

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One of the most noticeable expenditures among recent district-wide upgrades, the video screen on the Memorial Stadium scoreboard, was hoisted into place in the east end zone last week.

Approved by the El Reno School Board in January, district athletic director Rodney Haydon said the board’s installation was delayed by rain.

Brad Palmer makes a cut on the Memorial Stadium turf

Golf, lake and fireworks set for Fourth of July

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El Reno will celebrate the Fourth of July on Friday with a party at the lake that opens early with golf and ends late with the traditional fireworks show. 

Crimson Creek Golf Course will be open for business at 7 a.m., and as a tribute to veterans and active duty military members, the price for a round of golf will be cut by $10.

The veterans/active duty special has been running for several days and is good through July 6. A military ID is required for the discount. 

A display from the 2024 City of El Reno fireworks show

CFL’s Love Gala tops $1 million in donations

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The Center of Family Love (CFL) raised more than $1 million at its recent 12th Annual Gift of Love Gala.

The event was held at the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The gala raised $1.2 million ― marking another fantastic fundraising event in the organization’s history.

More than 800 supporters attended the event, coming together to champion individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

A Center of Family Love resident performs on stage

Investigation into fired SWCS principal, coach topic of session

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An informational session for a Yukon private Christian school’s parents and staff only will be held to discuss results of an independent investigation conducted as the school’s former principal faces two felony crimes.

Yukon’s Kevin Russell Cobbs, age 55, was fired this spring from his position as Southwest Covenant’s high school principal and basketball coach. He has been formally charged with possession of juvenile pornography and peeping tom with photographic/electronic equipment.

Kevin Cobbs_story

Public Records - 7/2/25

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LAWSUITS

Synchrony Bank vs. Samir Ahmed for $3,267.63 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Capital One N.A. vs. Mayra Mendoza for $4,940.30 to pay a debt plus interest and costs.

Security Credit Services LLC vs. Cristy Davis for $4,936.13 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Citibank N.A. vs. Valentin Rios for $4,954.74 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Crown Asset Management LLC vs. Alicia Limke-McLean for $1,555.65 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Stretch for it

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Dean Davis stretches out to make a catch during a relay drill at the 2025 El Reno High School Youth Baseball Clinic.

See Saturday’s paper for more photos.

Stretch for it_story

Keller Baker

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Keller Michael Baker, affectionately known as Kell Bell by those who loved him, was born Jan. 25, 1998, in Oklahoma City, alongside his twin brother, Karson Baker. Born 13 weeks premature, Keller faced lifelong limitations, but he never let those challenges dampen his spirit.

He was a happy person with an infectious smile, an innate kindness and great love for his family and for the world. Surrounded by the comfort of his family, Keller passed away June 26, 2025, in El Reno.

Keller Baker_obituary

Windy City loves ER’s OF burger

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While most eyes, at least around here, have been on the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the city of El Reno is getting some flattering attention from media both in and outside the state. 

A headline in the Chicago Tribune last week read: “Rt. 66: Hamburgers, So Savory They Can Make You Cry.”

A worker stacks pickles on a burger during this year’s Burger Day