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Twisters forecast to drop in El Reno Monday

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Patience with the storm apparently paid off. 

El Reno has been selected to host one of two early-bird showings of Twisters, the long-anticipated sequel to the 1996 blockbuster Twister. 

City Manager Matt Sandidge said the screening is set for Monday at the Reno Cinema 8 and is an invitation event.

The theater in which Twisters will debut seats 200, he said. 

Sandidge made the announcement at Tuesday night’s city council meeting. 

The aftermath of a tornado scene filmed in downtown El Reno

Historic county jail weeks away from getting new roof

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A rehabilitation of Canadian County’s historic jail is in the works with the first step to install a new roof said to be just weeks away.

Amy Neathery of Preservation El Reno provided an update to Canadian County commissioners about the status of the old jail renovation project at 300 N. Evans.

The nonprofit organization has leased the county-owned building with the goal to revitalize the 117-year-old structure for use as a museum and education center.

Preservation El Reno is working with contractor J.T. Chronister to replace the roof on the historic Canadian County Jail

ER police look into vandalism

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El Reno police responded to numerous reports of vandalism which occurred during the late evening of July 3 and into the morning of July 4.

An investigation revealed three juvenile suspects ranging from 11 to 13 years of age traveled throughout the more populated areas of the city while firing .177cal CO2 powered pellet guns at businesses, private homes and vehicles.  

Currently, 31 incidents of vandalism have been reported with an estimated monetary loss that may reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, police reports said.

Blessing Baskets to benefit from $2,500 grant contributed by Crafton Tull Foundation

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El Reno’s Blessing Baskets received a $2,500 grant from the Crafton Tull Foundation.

Crafton Tull is a design firm specializing in planning, design and surveying. The primary focus of the Crafton Tull Foundation is to support the community service efforts its employees are involved with. 

Crafton employee Julie Slaymaker volunteers for Blessing Baskets. Slaymaker contacted Donna Dyer, Blessing Baskets Director of Community Relations to complete the grant application. 

Slaymaker has volunteered and supported Blessing Baskets for years.

From left, David Loeffelholz, Donna Dyer, Julie Slaymaker, and Matt Crafton

Wesley UMC lands state grant to battle local food insecurity

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OKLAHOMA CITY – An El Reno church was awarded a grant for close to $54,000 to help fight food insecurity in the community. 

The news was announced this week by Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon.

Wesley United Methodist Church has been awarded $53,904 through the Food Insecurity Grant Program authorized by Senate Bills 1186 and 1192, signed into law over the past two years. 

“Access to healthy nutritious food is literally lifesaving, helping children grow and develop and helping adults stay strong and mentally sharp,” Baker said.

Wesley UMC created the Blessing Boxes that are scattered around El Reno

Fairbank Equipment holds grand opening for El Reno site

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Fairbank Equipment, a single-source solution provider for agricultural product application and propane products and equipment, hosted a grand opening of its El Reno location this week. 

The event attracted 75 people and featured opportunities to meet the location’s branch manager, Brenden Osborn, and enjoy refreshments. Prizes included a Bass Pro Shop gift card.

“Fairbank is beyond excited to open its office in such a great agricultural and farming community,” said Osborn.

Steve Jensen, far right, helps officials with Fairbank cut the ribbon

Underwood OHCE holds meeting, begins holiday preparations

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Underwood Oklahoma Home and Community Education held its July meeting recently in the home of Ann Ricketts.

Others attending were Vicki Duncan, Bernita Davis, Janan Fletcher, Delpha Miklautsch and Natalia Valenzuela, along with guest, Ranée Schweitzer.

Valenzuela called the meeting to order with the roll call of “How do you prepare for the holidays?” Handouts on holiday crafts and goodies were handed out and discussed.

Ricketts gave the devotion on “Being Respectful” using I Peter 2:17.

Nuisance properties removed from county tax roll by commissioners

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For the first time ever, county commissioners took action to remove two properties from the county’s tax roll.

The three commissioners unanimously approved a resolution designating the real estate properties (tax ID numbers 132785 and 134149) as a “common area nuisance” under Oklahoma state law.

The properties are in District 2 within the Mustang schools boundaries.