April 2024
Three Amigos
The pungent smell of fried onions tingles one’s nostrils entering Robert’s Grill, Johnnie’s Hamburgers & Coneys and Sid’s Diner in El Reno. The proprietors of the three hamburger stands, serving them since 1928, 1946 and 1990, respectively, know they’re selling a unique, in-demand product.
Each restaurant is family-owned and operated, with their reputation and livelihood on the line every day. It’s demanding work. Each owner started in the burger business by age 16 (some age 12) and they work long hours. Yet, they like serving customers who clamor for onion burgers.
Lay of the land
The 73rd Annual National Land and Range Judging Contest will attract students from across the nation to El Reno.
The contest runs from April 30 through May 2.
The Canadian County Expo and Event Center will serve as host site for the second consecutive year.
Students, coaches and sponsors will travel from 34 states to Oklahoma for the prestigious event.
El Reno to celebrate National Day of Prayer
El Reno will celebrate the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2 with a breakfast and later an evening prayer gathering, said Karen Nance, director of the El Reno Chamber of Commerce.
This year marks the 73rd observance for the National Day of Prayer.
A prayer breakfast will be held in El Reno at 7 a.m. that day at Wesley Methodist Church, 101 S. Barker.
Later, at 7 p.m., a community prayer gathering will be held at the Centre Theatre, 110 S. Bickford.
Burger Day host
El Reno native and Tulsa television personality Tess Maune will serve as the guest emcee for the 36th Annual El Reno Burger Day Festival.
Maune will guide visitors through the making of the festival’s Big Burger.
Burger Day starts Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown El Reno.
Okarche trustees fire police chief
The Okarche town trustees voted to fire Police Chief Forrest Smith at a special meeting last week.
After a three-hour executive season, the vote was 4-1 to fire the chief, who had been on the hot seat over an ongoing audit in the town. The trustees also accepted the resignation letter of Town Attorney Bryce Kennedy Jr.
Okarche Schools Resource Officer Chris Sadler will be the acting police chief.
Sadler voted against firing Smith. But trustees Jason Kroener, Jon David Alig, J.D. Mueggenborg and Jeff Brueggen voted to fire the chief.
Woman sentenced to 31 years for causing drunk-driving death
Following the jury’s recommendation, a Canadian County district judge has sentenced a Yukon woman to 31 years in prison for driving drunk and causing the death of an Elk City teenager while seriously injuring three other victims.
Cassandra Ann Bray, 43, was sentenced in Canadian County District Court for causing a fatal, multi-injury traffic collision 2 1/2 years ago on State Highway 66 (N.W. 39th) just east of Yukon.
Commissioners approve final payment on assessor’s parking lot
Canadian County commissioners have authorized paying $236,121 – and no more - for the new parking lot at the Canadian County Assessor’s Office.
Atlas Paving Co. had requested the county pay another $22,580 for the parking lot replacement project.
But commissioners refused, by a 3-0 vote.
Betty Lou Kennedy
Betty Lou Kennedy, 90, of Calumet, passed away April 21, 2024, at St. Katharine’s Memory Cottage.
Graveside services are pending.
Betty Lou was born in El Reno to her parents, George Nitzel and Kitty (Scott) Nitzel. She graduated from Calumet High School and worked at the Calumet Bank for many years. Betty Lou was involved with working on the family ranch. She loved family time, reading and playing cards. She was married to Nodd Kennedy for 72 years.