Many El Reno homes were decorated for Christmas with festive lights and displays such as this nativity in the front yard of a home on South Ellison.

For too long, Oklahoma has tried to diversify its economy by passing special-interest tax breaks and subsidies. That bureaucrat planning has failed.

It doesn’t have to be this way if lawmakers embrace the policies that are reaping job growth in other states — and elimination of the state income tax, the penalty on work, is the most obvious tool for success.

Longtime El Reno resident Marcus Anthony Gallaway died Dec. 16, 2020, at Integris Canadian Valley Hospital in Yukon due to COVID-related symptoms.   

Visitation was held Saturday at the Benson Memorial Chapel, with a private family service on Monday at the El Reno Cemetery Pavilion with Revs. Grant Findley and Charlie Blount officiating. Services were under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home.

Melvin Lee McCormack, 87, passed away Dec. 18, 2020, in El Reno.

A full obituary can be read at www.wilsoncares.com.