December 2025

Editor’s Note: This is the first of two installments concerning the remains of 16 Cheyenne and Arapaho children reclaimed from the cemetery at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. The United States created Carlisle in 1879 as a way to “assimilate” Indian children, many from Oklahoma, into the ways of the prevailing English culture. The remains of the Cheyenne and Arapaho children were brought home to Concho and in an October ceremony were reinterred on their native land.

El Reno captured another Route 66 grant that will help move the project known as “The Hub” forward and if all goes to plan, keep visitors in town a little longer.

City Manager Matt Sandidge said El Reno was awarded $725,000 from the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission on Tuesday.

Sandidge is a member of the commission. He abstained from the El Reno vote.

For the 42nd year, the Kennedy Family El Reno Community Christmas Eve Dinner will be offered to one and all in a celebration of the true meaning of Christmas.

Dwight Kennedy and his family, with help from community volunteers, have prepared a Christmas Eve dinner for the entire community since the first event in 1981. The dinner was interrupted a few years when Kennedy and his family moved to Stillwater. But upon their return to El Reno it was resurrected and has been a community-wide Christmas celebration since. 

Centre Theatre for the Arts will present Christmas at the Centre 2025, a celebration of one of El Reno’s most cherished holiday traditions.

This festive event brings together talent from El Reno and the Oklahoma City metro, a timeless Christmas tale and a heartwarming story in one evening.

This year’s production features a cast of performers who will fill the historic Centre Theatre stage with the magic of Christmas.

Give the gift of health and wellness with a Redlands Community College Fitness Center limited-time offer for new and renewing members. Get four months for the price of three when you join or renew your membership between Dec. 1 and Dec. 12.

WASHINGTON — The Oklahoma National Guard is preparing to send approximately 160 guardsmen to Washington, D.C. this week to “supplement the D.C. National Guard” for a 90-day deployment.  

This influx of troops comes less than a week after two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot while on duty in Washington.

STILLWATER – The holiday season can add stress to a household budget that may already be stretched thin. However, with careful planning and thoughtful spending, families can create lasting memories without breaking the bank.

Georgia Mae Beard, 85, of Yukon, Oklahoma, passed away on November 29, 2025.

Born in Mangum, Oklahoma, to George S. and Sarah M. Lacefield, Georgia entered the world on February 26, though her birth certificate reflects a birthdate of February 27, 1940. 

She grew into a woman known for her intelligence, dedication and quiet determination. With her impeccable attention to detail and her kind and steady demeanor, she had a successful career, where she rose to the position of executive secretary.

The third annual Transition Thanksgiving Luncheon held recently featured traditional thanksgiving fare prepped and made by El Reno Public Schools Transition members.

This included making a list of foods, creating a budget, grocery shopping, prepping, cooking and serving.

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

Donna Wehmuller read the history of the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” and played a recording of the hymn.

Maxine Little read minutes from the last meeting, with Patricia Morrison giving the treasury report.

Election of officers was held, with officers remaining the same.

Little gave a report on the executive meeting held in October.