As El Reno slowly begins the process of emerging from its COVID-19 lockdown, there are lessons that need to be taught about how to survive future pandemics.

Jackie and Deangelo Jenkins, through their local nonprofit organization Children of Hope Community Outreach, have come up with a teaching tool – getting your hands dirty.

In conjunction with Southern Heights Baptist Church, the couple will offer an eight-week summer camp for children with a focus on innovations in gardening.

It’s a new world. Many things have changed. But some of the deepest and most trustworthy things - like music - are still alive and kicking.

Joy Vandergrift has taught people to play piano for more than 20 years. For her, it was always very personal.

She would sit with a student for hours every week, training them to hone their skills and enjoy the music.

Over the years, El Reno Public Schools and Redlands Community College have implemented and expanded numerous partnership activities in an effort to serve the students of both institutions.

Recently, this partnership was recognized with the 2020 Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award.

“It is a privilege to work with Superintendent (Craig) McVay and his innovative faculty and staff to provide exciting learning opportunities and experiences for all of our students,” said Redlands President Jack Bryant.

El Reno’s vice mayor was arrested late Sunday on a complaint of driving under the influence.

Police said J.T. Chronister, 40, was stopped while driving a golf cart at about 11:50 p.m. Reports said the golf cart had no headlights or tail lights and Chronister allegedly ignored a stop sign.

He was stopped at Wade and Bickford.

Officers said they spoke with Chronister and allegedly detected an odor of alcohol on him. The report said Chronister admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages prior to the traffic stop.