News

The Canadian County Museum invites families to kick off the holiday season with its annual “Ride the Trolley with Santa” event on Friday, Dec. 5.

This festive tradition offers children a magical opportunity to meet Santa while riding aboard the museum’s historic 1943 Brill Heritage Express Trolley.

During the ride through historic downtown El Reno, children will have time to visit with Santa, share their Christmas wishes and enjoy the charm of this beautifully preserved streetcar.

The City of El Reno will welcome the holiday season with its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. in downtown El Reno. 

This year’s theme, Christmas Kicks on Route 66, celebrates the city’s connection to America’s most iconic highway and marks the second event in El Reno’s Route to Freedom: 12 Months of Celebrations leading into the 2026 Route 66 Centennial.

Residents, businesses, schools and community groups are invited to participate by entering a float, walking group or decorated vehicle.

El Reno’s Blessing Baskets held an emergency grocery distribution for families affected by the temporary SNAP shutdown.

More than 160 households received groceries and essential items during the SNAP interruption. 

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers who stepped forward to make this possible,” said Donna Dyer, Director of Community Relations for Blessing Baskets. 

Dyer said a number of organizations helped with the emergency distribution. 

How to Cook a Turkey from Jade Scarritt’s second-grade class at Rose Witcher:

First you put the turkey in the oven. Next, you take the turkey out of the oven. Then you eat the turkey at the table. Last, you put the turkey in the trash can. - Harper

First take the bones out. Next, cook the turkey. Then slice it. Last, eat it. - Brian

First find the turkey. Next, trap the turkey. Then cut off the feathers and put it on the stove. Last, put toppings on and eat it. - Tamari

El Reno Masonic Lodge joined with The Lord’s Harvest for a pancake breakfast/silent auction to raise funds for the food bank’s operation.

Masons then passed the hat to give a donation to the El Reno Fire Department’s Fire Pup Program and the Police Department’s Youth ID Program.

This concluded the 2025 donations to schools and civic programs by the Masons totaling $20,000.

District 1 County Commissioner Tom Manske will seek re-election in 2026 to serve a second term. Manske is a Republican.

“When I ran for this office three years ago, I promised to serve with honesty, fairness and integrity. I also pledged to bring a business-like approach to the job and provide county services in the most cost-efficient manner possible. I’ve kept my word. I am now asking the voters of District 1 to elect me to a second term so I can build on my record of providing Canadian County residents with the quality county services they expect and deserve,” Manske said.

LEXINGTON – Incarcerated men in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections are giving back from behind bars.

In a remarkable display of compassion and community spirit, inmates at Joseph Harp Correctional Center and Lexington Reception and Assessment Center are launching a Food and Funds Drive this holiday season to support struggling families during difficult times.

At the JHCC prison barber shop, men use their small salaries to buy food items from the prison canteen.

Home fires are most common in the winter months, peaking in December and January, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

The El Reno Animal Control has confirmed that a raccoon captured this week in the 800 block of SW 26th Street has tested positive for rabies. This confirmed case follows recent reports of rabid skunks in nearby Yukon and Edmond, further heightening regional awareness of rabies risks.

LAWSUITS

CrossCountry Mortgage LLC vs. Lyndi Hearon for $239,432.47 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 16, Block 2, Feddersen Addition, El Reno.

Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing vs. Darrin McCauley and Theresa McCauley for $157,056.90 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 3, Block 5, Shannon Place Addition, Mustang.