Private graveside services for John Robert Thompson of El Reno will be held in the El Reno Cemetery. Visitation will be at Huber-Benson Funeral Home on Sunday, May 24 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mr. Thompson died May 19, 2020, at his home. He was born Dec. 20, 1934, in Calumet.

He attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from Central State College with a teaching degree in elementary education. John was a U.S. Army veteran.

El Reno Public Schools held a Grab and Go Parade last week so students could say goodbye to teachers.

“Play Ball!”

That's the phrase that Oklahoma youth baseball and softball players have been waiting to hear since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic back in March.

That came to an end last week as El Reno co-hosted a youth softball tournament along with Harrah. Baseball started its league season last Monday and softball followed suit three days later.

El Reno High School Class of 2020 is ready to graduate now versus later.

That’s the message Superintendent Craig McVay got last week and he obliged by setting aside May 30 for commencement exercises.

“The decision of the senior class was they wanted to do it sooner than later. Some of the governor’s actions and policies opened things up and it’s the seniors wishes to do it early,” said McVay.