Summer 2021 graduates of the University of Central Oklahoma include Kristen Kennedy of Calumet, BS, Funeral Service; Jasmine Craig, BA, Strategic Communication; Courtney Fulcher, BA, Psychology; Shannon Gipson, BS, General Studies; Mercy Griesel, BA, Criminal Justice – Police, and BS, Forensic Science; Summer Guthrie, BA, Human Communication - Interpersonal Communication, all of El Reno; and Jacob Bakewell, BS, General Studies; Jeffrey Knight II, BBA, Marketing - Professional Selling; and Peyton Neal, BS, Fashion Marketing, all of Piedmont.

Matthew Goucher of El Reno was recently named to the Emporia State University Honor Roll and School of Business Dean’s List for spring 2021.

While both El Reno High School softball and volleyball programs lost games last week due to COVID-19 complications with opposing teams, Athletic Director Rodney Haydon does not see the virus as a growing problem for sports just yet.

“It really has not been an issue until this week. We had an athletic directors meeting last week and we didn’t even discuss cancellations. I think it’s not so much a COVID-19 issue but more of a numbers game and being cautious,” said Haydon.

Gerald Dean Presley left this mortal plane on Aug. 26, 2021, at the age of 77. He was born Oct. 10, 1943, in Seminole to Henry and Sarah Armstrong Presley.

Memorial services are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church in El Reno, with Rev. Michael Moss officiating.

Gerald graduated from Bowlegs High School in 1961 with many academic and athletic honors.