September 2025

Mark El Reno down as Number 45.

That’s how many Oklahoma towns Pete Reed has visited on his quest to stop in 100 cities in 100 days.

It’s part of the retired Army major's quest to raise funds and awareness for a project very dear to his heart. 

The Native American Warriors Project.

The plan is to create the 45th Infantry Arch as the anchor of the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Park.

The park will mark the gateway to a “sacred space of remembrance.”

The park will rest just south of the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City.

I’m reminded of two famous quotes. The first is from the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams.” You know…the whispered voice that Kevin Costner’s character Ray hears, “If you build it, they will come.”

To the Editor:

As the vote on the bond issue nears, I reflect upon my 43 years in the classroom to determine the many changes El Reno has faced and the challenges it is now facing. 

It is obvious to see how El Reno has grown, and how it has endured the many changes. There is one change that is affecting our school system.

Growth. No matter what business you are in, growth requires changes, accommodations, compliances and more. With that said, El Reno is in need of a change.

To the Editor:

I’ve been a part of the El Reno community my whole life and it has taught me just how important community really is. In a small town, community is everything.

It’s what we build together and what we belong to.

As the former Leadership teacher and the creator of the program, I’ve always tried to pass that lesson on to my students from the very beginning.

Karen Rae Reed passed away at the age of 74 on March 4, 2025, at Corn Heritage Village in Weatherford.

Karen dedicated her life to teaching mathematics to secondary students. From Algebra I to trigonometry, statistics and calculus, she inspired countless young minds with her passion for learning.

Officers of the El Reno FFA chapter participated in the 2025 Oklahoma FFA Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) Conference.

The conference was held at the Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton. 

The eight state FFA officers planned and conducted this year’s conference, which was centered on the theme “On Target: Take Aim.” 

Deacon Lloyd Menz, right, accepts a gift from Father Lance Warren and Nikki Craven honoring him for 19 years of ministry serving the Catholic parishes of St. Joseph’s in Union City and Sacred Heart in El Reno.

Menz, a native of Union City, is retiring from the ministry.

The parishes honored him last week with a dinner at the St. Joseph Parish Hall.

Lamplighters OHCE of Canadian County met recently at Mount Zion Global Methodist Church, with Carol Stine calling the meeting to order.

Donna Wehmuller read a devotional titled "Paying Attention.”

Maxine Little read minutes from the last meeting, while Patricia Morrison gave the treasury report. 

Stine was birthday honoree.

Appreciation was expressed to Ann Niemann, Wehmuller and Stine for all their planning and work they did on the club displays at the Canadian County Fair.

Chapter AE, Philanthropic Educational Organization’s annual spaghetti supper was held recently in the home of Robin White-Mahone, with Lindsey Vise serving as co-hostess.

Other members attending were Christy Eichholz, Margaret Price, Darla Reuter, Cynthia Jensen, Karen Rushing, Janan Fletcher, Anna Rinehart and Becky Reuter.

Vise read last month’s minutes. Fletcher read a thank you note from Rylan Fleenor, recipient of the Marie Lyons Scholarship at Redlands.

New member books were handed out.

LAWSUITS

Capital One N.A. vs. Jessica Covey for $10,507.42 to pay a debt plus interest and costs.

Click N’ Close Inc. vs. Casamere McGhee for $156,690.74 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 1, Block 10, Saratoga Phase II Addition, Oklahoma City.

TD Bank USA N.A. vs. Stacy Johns for $14,563.82 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Crown Asset Management LLC vs. Alyssa Shaffee for $10,896.17 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.