News

After months of research, fundraising, construction and preparation, Memorial Stadium’s updated Gold Star Plaza was unveiled to applause, tears and gratitude. 

The three new monuments are dedicated to those from El Reno who lost their lives in either World War I, Korea or Vietnam.

The 61 added veterans, including 18 more names related to service in World War II, join the original 44 WWII vets first honored in 2019.

Brian Rukes said he knew the minute the original WWII Gold Star Plaza was dedicated, the journey was not over. 

Brian Rukes said a “last round of orders” for two styles of Gold Star Plaza T-shirts are still available, but not for long. 

Rukes said the T-shirts helped support the additions recently added to the Gold Star Plaza.

He said a shipping option is being offered for an additional, one-time $5 charge regardless of how many shirts are ordered to one mailing address. The shirts are $20 each - any size, style or color - with no additional charge for local pickup.

Sample ballots are now available for the Nov. 5 election. Voters can download a sample ballot using the State Election Board OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or pick up a copy at the Canadian County Election Board during normal business hours.

County election board secretary Allen Arnold reminds voters that sample ballots are specific to each person.

“If the OK Voter Portal indicates that you have no sample ballots available, it means you are not eligible to vote in an upcoming election.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

John Garfield Mertens, 75; Linda Chambers, 75.

Brandon Lee Higdon, 32; Jo Lynn Ledesma, 37.

Alexander Sinclair Hibdon, 32; Jordan Shae Breshears, 38.

Armin Zarkeshan, 29; Ryan Nicole Lacey, 26.

Suraj Sehgal, 28; Alysha Desaun Bailey, 25.

Melissa Busby, 36; Jennifer Stuckel, 36.

Nicholas James Washington, 25; Amber Michelle Shahan, 23.

Jedidiah Lee Johnson, 28; Payton Marie Pierce, 26.

Bryce Lote, 30; Alexis Marie Wiedemann, 36.

Damian Martinez, 24; Makenzie Lynn Yates, 23.

Passengers in high altitude commercial airliners as well as thousands of ground spectators had a clear view of the 2024 El Reno Air Show and Community Day.

Blue skies and cooler temperatures greeted spectators to the fifth annual event – held under the direction of David Schultz Air Shows - which is celebrating its 30th year. The founder served as Air Boss for the performance.

“We had a great crowd. We won’t know the numbers for a couple of weeks to see how many people attended, but the weather was perfect except for it being a bit windy.

El Reno High School held its 2024 Homecoming Parade last week through downtown El Reno with Super Heroes as the theme.

There were class floats, queen and king candidates and class reunion entries.

El Reno High School’s annual All-Sports Homecoming Ceremony was held last week.

Delicia Cole of Elk Grove, Calif., takes a picture of her relative’s entry on the Vietnam War Monument, part of the new Gold Star Plaza at Memorial Stadium, which was dedicated last week.

See Saturday's Tribune for more coverage.

El Reno’s Bass Law is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a community block party. 

The celebration is set for Thursday, Oct. 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bass Law, 104 N. Rock Island. 

The event will feature food trucks, inflatables, games and live music. 

Gabe Bass said the firm is transitioning to new leadership and wants to celebrate the nine decades of practice in El Reno. 

“Andy and I are looking forward to celebrating the firm’s 90th anniversary,” Gabe Bass said, referring to his father.