While no specifics were given, El Reno Mayor Matt White said the city and public schools are working on a plan for property along SW 27th Street.

White made the comment at last week’s El Reno Now event, hosted by himself and Superintendent Craig McVay.

The mayor also said a downtown Business Improvement District is desperately needed to help the historic area.

“The downtown is in trouble,” White said. He said the same can be said for downtown areas across the nation.

“Amazon is not helping,” White said.

“Things have changed.”

On Sept. 16, El Reno police officers were asked to assist U.S. Marshals with the arrest of a wanted fugitive identified as Hector Lee Shawnee, 37, of Geary.

Shawnee was seen driving a silver Honda Accord in the area of Reformatory Drive and Kerry Lane.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Shawnee failed to comply with the directions given by the officers and attempted to evade arrest by fleeing in the vehicle.

After a short distance, Shawnee exited the vehicle and ran, leaving the car still running.

Orb-weaver spiders are the most common group of builders of spiral wheel-shaped webs often found in gardens, fields and forests.

This creature was found in the backyard of Tribune graphic artist Lyndsay Bayne.

Editor’s Note: This is the second story in a two-part series about illegal marijuana grow operations occurring across rural Oklahoma. The series explores operation details, legislation to address the issue and more.

State legislators aim to address illegal marijuana grow operations during the upcoming legislative session.