Latest Posts

Rolling strong at 50

Body

Mobile Meals of El Reno began Feb. 2, 1976. It started with $50 in the bank account.

Mary Kennedy, one of the original founders, remembers those first few weeks well. In a Letter to the Editor published in the Tribune in 1977, Kennedy and fellow program founder Deloris Igo said the customers fed by the program numbered 24 people.

That was accomplished with help from “a few volunteers and the determination to begin serving people who were unable to cook for themselves.” 

Now, 50 years later, that same determination continues.

The Mobile Meals crew

Old Rock Island Railroad office site coming down

Body

The building at 405 W. Watts, originally the El Reno office to the Rock Island Railroad, is coming down.

Built in the 1920s, the three-story building with a basement had been condemned in 2019.

The owners of the property, Talala Properties, LLC, had fought the action in court, but the District Court of Canadian County sided with the City of El Reno and the decision was upheld by the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals in August 2024.

A large excavator creates a cloud of dust while moving debris away

County 4-H program numbers see growth

Body

The Canadian County 4-H program continues to grow with more youth joining and the recent signing of a new club charter.

Canadian County 4-H educator Kailyn Twyman shared news about the 4-H Gardening Club - and more - during a presentation to Canadian County commissioners. A new volunteer has stepped up to lead the club.

“We have interest from Master Gardeners, a ton of youth, a ton of parents and a ton of potential volunteers,” said Twyman, who provided 4-H program updates during the Feb. 2 commissioners meeting.

Kailyn Twyman became a Canadian County 4-H educator in April 2025

WEOKIE completes merger with RICU, reopens El Reno location

Body

WEOKIE Federal Credit Union has completed its merger with Rock Island Credit Union and the transformation of the El Reno branch into a full-service WEOKIE Member Relationship Center.

Located at 320 S. Rock Island Avenue, the enhanced building now offers El Reno residents access to WEOKIE’s suite of financial products, improved technology and award-winning member service.

Jeff Carpenter

United Way fundraising goal reached, surpassed

Body

United Way of Canadian County (UWCC) announced its 2025 fundraising total during the annual Campaign Celebration event Jan. 30.

This year’s campaign raised $313,347, which will be invested on behalf of donors to support programs addressing the community’s health and human service needs. 

The total surpassed UWCC’s campaign goal of $250,000 and exceeded previous campaign records.

“It’s remarkable to witness how wholeheartedly our supporters and board members rally behind this community,” said Sam Sims, board president.

United Way fundraising goal reached, surpassed_story

Pyramid topper

Body

Calumet High School cheerleader Andrea Locke shakes a pom while smiling from atop a pyramid during last week’s games between the Chieftains and rival Okarche.

Pyramid topper_story

Tributes pour in following death of retired Judge McCurdy

Body

Tributes are pouring in after the death of Gary D. McCurdy, who served 32 years as a judge and prosecutor.

McCurdy’s recent passing is being mourned at the Canadian County Courthouse and across the legal community.

McCurdy retired in 2018 after 17 years as a Canadian County special judge. Before then, he spent 15 years as an assistant district attorney – 13 of those in Canadian County after two in Kingfisher County.

Gary Miller, Gary McCurdy and Edward C. Cunningham

Hillcrest Helpfulness Award winners

Body

Hillcrest kindergarten Helpfulness Award winners are Daxton Clanton, Westin Kuehl, Emersyn Graham, Sawyer Jellison, Aaron Torres, Parker Holsapple, Zoie Morris, Beau Berry, Lyric Kaup, Isaiah King, Journey Garner, Lily Tecun, Romina Reyes, Sophia Mills and Ranger Powell.

Also, Jackson Detherage, Rhalayah Curry, Journi Allen, Kaeli Castillo, Braxton Schuldt, Anthony Stoneroad, Jackson Schuldt, Ashton Emberson and James Koopman.

Hillcrest Helpfulness Award winners_Feb 2026