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.