The student population for El Reno Public Schools is growing and the numbers are expected to keep increasing, according to a study done by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.

With growth comes more need for space. That’s why in October, El Reno voters will be asked to consider a school bond issue designed to help address these needs. 

“We had them do an audit of our district to see what the growth would be over the next 10 to 15 years and what we would need to handle that growth,” said Superintendent Matt Goucher.

Long before State School Superintendent Ryan Walters demanded Oklahoma public schools feed students for free, El Reno Public Schools was working to do exactly that. 

In April, El Reno was notified it had qualified for a program administered by the USDA that would provide every student in the district with free breakfast and lunch during the school year. 

Known as the Community Eligibility Provision, the El Reno district was then notified last week that it had been accepted into the five-year program, said Superintendent Matt Goucher. 

Okarche’s Irene Krittenbrink is not a member of El Reno American Legion Post 34, but she has one qualification that makes her worthy of any attention given by the organization.

“She’s a veteran and that's good enough,” said El Reno Post Commander Larry Heald.

So as the nation celebrated its 249th birthday, Heald drove across town to honor his fellow Okarche resident on her milestone 100th birthday.

“I’ve lived in Okarche for 48 years and I met her a long time ago. It must have been like 40 years ago,” said Heald.

Centre Theatre for the Arts will present Bright Star, a bluegrass musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The Centre Theatre is located at 110 S. Bickford. 

Performance dates are July 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 7 p.m., with matinee performances on July 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available now and seating is limited.