Robert Leon Dean of Hinton passed away Nov. 23, 2019, at the age of 70. He was born Nov. 22, 1949, in Pauls Valley. Robert graduated from El Reno High School in 1968. He enjoyed going on float trips (especially with his son-in-law, Ronny), fishing and camping with his friends and family. He also enjoyed watching wildlife roam the canyon where he lived.

Robert’s favorite meal was chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes (prepared by his wife) and he enjoyed his Jack and Cokes so much that he collected Jack Daniels memorabilia.

Going into the 2018-2019 season, El Reno High School girls basketball coach Jennifer Douglas felt the expectations for her program had been raised, but she didn't know for sure how high the bar had been set.

El Reno would go on to shock many critics by not only making a third straight trip to the Class 5A state tourney under Douglas, but reaching the title game for the first time in school history.

Associate District Judge Bob Hughey has fired Daniel Kern as the director of the Gary E. Miller Children’s Justice Center.

Hughey acted after an investigation of complaints of sexual harassment against Kern. Hughey did not state the exact reason for the firing.

“Every employment decision I make is done in what I believe to be the best interest of the Children’s Justice Center,” he said.

Kern said he was still processing the firing and that he would make a statement later.

Mayor Matt White and School Superintendent Craig McVay hosted an information-packed El Reno Now gathering last week at the Public Safety Center off SW 27th St.

But of all the facts and figures tossed out, McVay made the point that student safety is the number one priority for the district. He cautioned drivers to be extra cautious when approaching school zones.

“Crosswalks are a major concern for us,” McVay said. “Getting children to and from school safely is our number one priority.”