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It’s been slow. But at least it’s moving now.

El Reno as a whole is creeping back to normal.

This includes businesses like boutique shops, hair salons and restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with problems in the oil industry, hurt businesses all over the county.

Many mom and pop shops were forced to close their doors, making income difficult to come by. Some stores found a solution through curbside assistance, delivery and online ordering options.

The Canadian County Courthouse and Administration Building will remain closed to the public for at least a while longer.

County commissioners, following the recommendations of District Judge Jack McCurdy and Court Clerk Marie Hirst, said access to the buildings would remain limited.

County Clerk Sherry Murray hinted that access to land records at the Administration Building could soon be available, though changes are likely.

Crews working to build the new Canadian County Fairgrounds will have to find another source for water after the Banner Rural Water District rejected a request to tie into an existing waterline.

Lance Brown, chairman of the Banner district, said the proposal by Lingo Construction would put too much strain on the existing system.

Lingo Construction had requested to add a bulk water meter to an existing 2-inch waterline near Alfadale and Jensen roads. The line would provide access to water for construction purposes at the fairgrounds site.

EL RENO CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Tuesday – May 12, 2020 – 5:30 p.m.
El Reno City Council Chambers
101 N. Choctaw Avenue

AGENDA

In-Person Attendees:
Matt White, Mayor
Bob Ballhorn, Council Member Ward 2
Tracey Rider, Council Member Ward 4

Teleconference Attendees:
JT Chronister, Vice Mayor, Ward 1
Tim Robinson, Council Member Ward 3

Teleconference Phone Number: 1-346-248-7799
Access Code: 960-0699-8825

While he’s excited about the possibility of a re-start to pro basketball, El Reno High School alum Dyson Plumley knows that any National Basketball Association game he watches will bring up some sore memories.

“I’m glad the NBA season could be coming back but it still hurts the way our season ended and not getting to go to the national tourney,” said Plumley.

On March 11, the NBA suspended the Oklahoma City Thunder game with Utah just minutes before tipoff when the news of Jazz player Rudy Gobert’s positive test for the coronavirus surfaced.

Wesley United Methodist Church’s United Methodist Women’s Day observance was held May 3 via Facebook by Pastor Allen Carson. Guest speakers were Kristin Harlin representing Mercy Ministries, and Robin Wertz of Exodus House.

It was noted that Circle of Care and New Day Camps were also in need of financial assistance as well as El Reno Mobile Meals, Project Transformation, Ministerial Alliance, Blessing Baskets, Blessing Boxes, Volunteers in Mission and Youth and Family Services.

As El Reno slowly begins the process of emerging from its COVID-19 lockdown, there are lessons that need to be taught about how to survive future pandemics.

Jackie and Deangelo Jenkins, through their local nonprofit organization Children of Hope Community Outreach, have come up with a teaching tool – getting your hands dirty.

In conjunction with Southern Heights Baptist Church, the couple will offer an eight-week summer camp for children with a focus on innovations in gardening.

It’s a new world. Many things have changed. But some of the deepest and most trustworthy things - like music - are still alive and kicking.

Joy Vandergrift has taught people to play piano for more than 20 years. For her, it was always very personal.

She would sit with a student for hours every week, training them to hone their skills and enjoy the music.