Collection efforts are under way for El Reno High School’s oldest philanthropic effort, Gifts for the Yanks. The annual Christmas-giving project is only 47 days away.

El Reno is the only known high school in the United States to still take part in the project each year since its creation. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Gifts for the Yanks.

“As a former student and someone who has worked in the district for 35 years, this is the most exciting thing El Reno Public Schools is involved in,” said Superintendent Matt Goucher. 

11/2/1946 – 10/12/2025

The family of Elynda Jane Coburn sadly announces her passing on Oct. 12, 2025.

Elynda is survived by her brother, A. Dennis Merrill (Carolyn) of Fairfield Glade, Tenn., and sister, Carolyn Williamson of Joplin, Mo.

Also surviving are nieces, Autumn Merrill of Lebanon, Tenn., Tracy Batalon and Tyanne Kelly of Las Vegas, Nev. She is also survived by several cousins in the El Reno and Tennessee area.

Country music star Bryan White will perform in El Reno at the Centre Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m, 

A multi-platinum recording artist and ACM Male Vocalist of the Year, White is known for his No.1 hits including “Someone Else’s Star,” “Rebecca Lynn,” “So Much for Pretending” and “Sittin’ on Go.”

With his warm vocals and timeless songwriting, White’s concerts continue to connect with audiences across generations.

At the start of the 2025-26 academic year at Redlands Community College, I introduced our campus theme: “Leading by Example.”

This theme reflects our belief that education is about far more than textbooks and lectures. It is about putting our values into action, both on campus and throughout our broader community.