October 2025

Collection efforts are under way for El Reno High School’s oldest philanthropic effort, Gifts for the Yanks. The annual Christmas-giving project is only 47 days away.

El Reno is the only known high school in the United States to still take part in the project each year since its creation. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Gifts for the Yanks.

“As a former student and someone who has worked in the district for 35 years, this is the most exciting thing El Reno Public Schools is involved in,” said Superintendent Matt Goucher. 

11/2/1946 – 10/12/2025

The family of Elynda Jane Coburn sadly announces her passing on Oct. 12, 2025.

Elynda is survived by her brother, A. Dennis Merrill (Carolyn) of Fairfield Glade, Tenn., and sister, Carolyn Williamson of Joplin, Mo.

Also surviving are nieces, Autumn Merrill of Lebanon, Tenn., Tracy Batalon and Tyanne Kelly of Las Vegas, Nev. She is also survived by several cousins in the El Reno and Tennessee area.

Country music star Bryan White will perform in El Reno at the Centre Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m, 

A multi-platinum recording artist and ACM Male Vocalist of the Year, White is known for his No.1 hits including “Someone Else’s Star,” “Rebecca Lynn,” “So Much for Pretending” and “Sittin’ on Go.”

With his warm vocals and timeless songwriting, White’s concerts continue to connect with audiences across generations.

At the start of the 2025-26 academic year at Redlands Community College, I introduced our campus theme: “Leading by Example.”

This theme reflects our belief that education is about far more than textbooks and lectures. It is about putting our values into action, both on campus and throughout our broader community.

Friends, family and Oklahoma National Guard leaders gathered Tuesday at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mustang for a farewell ceremony held for members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 745th Military Police Detachment, 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command.

The nearly 50 soldiers are deploying to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield, a U.S. military operation in U.S. Central Command’s area of operations aimed at building partner capacity and enhancing security in the Middle East.

Maple A Honor Roll students are Fredrick Tredway, Payton Haley, Creelie Hamons, Lillian Bollinger, Carson Smith, Claire Lorenzen, Maverick Lorenzen, Cash Swigart, Kane Smith, Addison Holden, Eli Ritch, Blakely McLemore, Jimi Davis, Abel Overholser, Ella Ratliff, Carder Holden, Elizabeth Eisenhour, Easton Hughey, Riley McKee, Tripp Davis, Harrison Cullen, Otis Sears, Atley Walker, Madison Basler and Luken Meschberger.

Maple A-B Honor Roll students include Legend Gatz, Caleb Blanco, Remi Story, Parker Tinsley, Brinlee Bland, Addison Meschberger and Kennedy Bonilla, Wager Ferguson, Tyler Williams, Jake Wells, Zoe Robles, Bentley Sneed, Wade Curtis, Elizabeth Wilkerson, Journey Swigart, Meah Brown, Hollis Wedman, Declan Brothers, Aniyah Chaffin and Evalynn Miller. 

Okarche September Students of the Month are Callie Cramer, Andrew Walker, Brooklyn Easton,  Arron Osborn, Bailee Ahlden and Cohen Mueggenborg.

It can be easy for parents to feel frustrated when their child wants only chicken nuggets and french fries. Still, it’s essential to remember that choosiness is a natural part of normal growth and development, as opposed to defiance.

Okarche September Lion and Lioness honorees are seniors Jett Mueggenborg and Kate Baustert.