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 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.

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.

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.