James Ray (Jim) Johnson, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in El Reno on July 1, 2025. He was born June 24, 1936, in Chandler, Oklahoma, to Tommie Ross Johnson and Myrtle Virginia (Curtis) Johnson. He spent his formative years in Chandler, graduating from Chandler High School in 1955, where he recently celebrated his 70th class reunion.

Jim enlisted in the Army National Guard on Sept. 13, 1954, as a senior in high school and served honorably until his discharge on July 8, 1963, with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

A Quilt Block Challenge will be featured at the Canadian County Fair set for Aug. 20-23 at the Canadian County Expo & Event Center, 3001 Jensen Road East.

The contest is sponsored by Canadian County Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE) and the winners will be determined by viewers choice voting.

All entrants must use the designated fabric provided by OHCE for part of the quilt block. Exhibitors may add any other 100 percent cotton fabrics to complete the block.

Fear of failure is one of the biggest fears people have. Ironically, failure is an integral component of the success process. There are two distinctly different types of failure. Absolute failure is when you give up. Successful failure is when you get back up.

El Reno High School’s softball program held a youth skills camp last week at the Ashbrook North Complex.

More than 50 campers took part in the three-day event.

The Indians open preseason workouts Tuesday.