Fred was born Feb. 20, 1931, on the family farm outside of Gracemont.

His parents were Freeman and Lula Mae (Pet) Steenbergen. They lived in Gracemont a couple of years, then moved to a farm in Spring Creek. They lived there for eight years.

When El Reno Regional Airport welcomes the opening of the Tony Caldwell Collection, probably next fall, there’s one word that might best describe how the museum dedicated to aviation history arrived here. Relationships.

A former state lawmaker, businessman and entrepreneur, Caldwell said relationships with people like Scott Law, the new manager for the El Reno airport, as well as several others paved the way for the $1.7 million museum to land here.

It’s been suggested the attraction will be a magnet for area schoolkids as well as aviation buffs.

Despite existing fire dangers, Canadian County commissioners have decided against declaring a countywide burn ban. At least for now.

A request to prohibit outdoor burning was considered during the March 24 commissioners meeting due to high winds, extensive dry vegetation and lack of significant moisture across central Oklahoma.

There have been many grass and brush fires in recent weeks inside and around Canadian County, according to County Commission Chairman Tom Manske.

The El Reno Regional Airport is going to be a busy place with two major construction projects going on at the same time. 

Construction has already begun on the Tony Caldwell Collection, a museum dedicated to antique aircraft. And if all goes to plan, ground will be broken for a new terminal in late April. 

City Manager Matt Sandidge said the groundbreaking is tentatively set for April 24. The city is working to bring a couple of state transportation officials to the ceremony so schedules are being checked.