A new residential community for people 55 and over is expected to be built on East Elm after the El Reno City Council threw its support to the project.

Gary Owens Development out of Mustang plans to build a 200-unit independent and market rate senior living community on a 33-acre site on the south side of East Elm, just west of the city cemetery.

The project will be similar to one in Mustang where Owens built a 125-unit development. Representatives for Owens told the council that development is filled with a waiting list.

El Reno Mayor Matt White presents Melodee Worthen with an Oklahoma Municipal League certificate recognizing her for 25 years of service to the city of El Reno.

Worthen is credited with helping transition the police department in numerous technology upgrades over the years.

The presentation was made at the beginning of last week’s city council meeting.

Paula Cooper, owner of Cocobellas, smells a bottle of perfume she sells at her downtown El Reno business. Valentine’s Day is Sunday and perfume can make a lasting gift for that special person. Residents are urged to shop locally this holiday to support El Reno businesses as the city slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate unanimously approved a measure on Monday that would allow personal care aides to perform a wider scope of in-home health-care services under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Senate Bill 42, authored by Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, would allow personal care aides to provide additional hourly care, like assisting patients with showering and dressing.

Currently, only full-time, 24-hour-care home health aides are able to provide these services.