December 2025

Marjorie Mowery

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Marjorie Mowery, daughter of the late Ernest Haworth and LaKada Pauline Gaylord, was born Oct. 10, 1942, in Fairview, Oklahoma. She attended several public schools and graduated from El Reno High School in 1961. In her early 30’s, Marjorie was diagnosed with cancer and she almost lost her life. God wasn’t done with her, and she lived and professed his love from that time forward. She joined First Baptist Church where she was a dedicated member.

Marjorie Mowery_obituary

Wreaths Across America

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A mix of long rifles, muskets and pistols was fired together at Fort Reno’s Post Cemetery Dec. 20 – not in anger but in honor of veterans - during the nationally held Wreaths Across America ceremony.

It was hosted by Debra Kauffman, president of Historic Fort Reno Inc. and sponsored by the National Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for the 15th time.  

Once 60 visitors assembled at the Post Cemetery, Leslie Dietrich, Regent of the Fort Reno Chapter of DAR, welcomed them and asked for the Colors to be posted.

Dan Wilson came to the Wreaths Across America ceremony to show his respects

Blessing Baskets makes holiday dreams come true for 500 families

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This year marks the 27th year for Blessing Baskets to coordinate its community Christmas assistance mission.

Organizers said this is made possible “because of the generosity of our many individual and business donors, the City of El Reno, El Reno Public Schools, volunteers, many school and civic groups, United Way of Canadian County, The Mary Kay Ashbrook Foundation and our grant benefactors to whom we owe an abundance of thanks and gratitude.” 

Curtis Blanc, Donna Dyer and Dan Hogan look over toy trains

Suspect eyed, one arrest made in vandalism, shooting cases

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El Reno police reported they have a suspect in one incident and made an arrest in another.

On Dec. 19, officers were called to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 208 S. Evans, after vandalism inside the church was reported. 

Assistant Police Chief Kirk Dickerson said officers determined someone entered the church following a Christmas program held the evening of Dec. 18.

Reports said the suspect vandalized religious artifacts including the tabernacle which Catholics believe contains the consecrated hosts used for holy communion.

Lawmakers seek to address Oklahoma’s reading crisis

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For roughly a decade now, reading outcomes have plummeted in Oklahoma. In 2015, national tests showed Oklahoma fourth-grade students performed above the national average, but in the most recent round of tests, Oklahoma students performance was among the worst in the nation.

Now, two lawmakers want to reverse that trend by making reading instruction a major focus of the state’s K-12 school system.

Lawmakers seek to address Oklahoma’s reading crisis_story

Officials decry judge’s ruling against poultry companies in state, Arkansas

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OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma and Arkansas officials are denouncing a federal judge’s decision that found poultry companies responsible for polluting a key watershed in both states and also ordered them to pay millions to remediate it.

The officials, including Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, said the judgment will create unnecessary harm for poultry producers in both states who operate along the Illinois River Watershed, which runs through eastern Oklahoma and the northwest Ozark Mountains in Arkansas.  

Anna M. Shrum

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Anna died Nov. 29, 2025, at her home. She was born May 11, 1949.

Anna is survived by her son, Oliver Barnhart and his children, Briley, Jaden and Alexa; brothers, Frank and Gabriel Castro; sisters, Millie Lehde, Hilda Griffin, Dorothy Jarvis, Eunice Wedman-House and Jacque Straub; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

It was Anna’s wish to be cremated, with a private service.

Anna M. Shrum_obituary

Public Records - 12/27/25

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LAWSUITS

Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Alex Davidson for $818.53 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Anthony Crockett for $3,344.85 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Synchrony Bank vs. Philip Gimlin for $5,089.58 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Bank of America N.A. vs. Marvin Merino for $9,032.59 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Sophomores represent OHS at O’Brian Youth Leadership

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Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) is an international organization that inspires and develops high school students to become leaders in their communities through leadership programs and workshops.

HOBY focuses on helping students discover their potential, develop skills like critical thinking and communication, and take action to make a positive impact.

Representing Okarche this year are 10th-graders Arron Osborn and Cooper Anderson.

Arron is the son of Brenden and Dianna Osborn. Cooper is the son of Rob and Ginger Anderson. 

Cooper Anderson and Arron Osborn