News

The year 2026 is quickly approaching, just over one year away from us.I predict that, unless something colossal happens between now and then, the year 2026 will be a huge year of celebrations for two major events, and El Reno is perfectly situated to make the most of both of them.

Over the first weekend of November, the Okarche speech team attended the OSSAA 4A State One-Act Competition in Choctaw after taking second at regional competition.The state competition was composed of the top nine 4A one-acts in the state.

MUNICIPAL COURTTerri Jean Fletcher, El Reno, dog at large, $145.Cristy Marie Ford, El Reno, speeding, $165.Joni Simone Curtis, El Reno, failure to stop at stop sign, $165.Jacob Randall Taylor, Healdton, speeding, $245.Brooke Anne Sanchez, Rialto, Calif., failure to wear seat restraint, $20.Evan...

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.

World War I MonumentPvt. Grover Benjamin Bannister, U.S. ArmyPvt. Frank Welker Coit, U.S. ArmyPFC Dick Dulaney, U.S. Army Med. CorpsAppr. Seaman Sidney McKillop Empey, USNR1st Sgt. Clyde Osborne Hoffman, U.S. ArmyS2c Ulysses Simpson Houser, U.S. NavyPfc. Ernest Moore, U.S. ArmySgt.

2nd Lt. Billy Jack EvansU.S. Army Air ForcesBorn June 11, 1922. Died May 16, 1943Note: One of the 44 young men we are honoring had ties to the former Evans Cleaners in downtown El Reno. He worked there, and his father started the business.

Tech. Sgt. James Alfred Hinds (Class of 1938)U.S. Army Air ForcesBorn June 14, 1918. Died June 28, 1943 (Wyoming)Served as an engineer/top turret gunner on a Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress heavy bomber.

Melvin W. JacksU.S. ArmyBorn September 23, 1924. Died April 19, 1945Technician 4th Grade Melvin W. “Rookie” Jacks, one of four brothers who served in World War II, was a radio operator with the B-573rd Signal Air Warning battalion.

▶ Nov. 11, 1918, was largely considered the end of the “war to end all wars,” even though the Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended World War I, was signed June 28, 1919.▶ While Veterans Day is an American holiday, Canada, Great Britain, Australia and France also honor the veterans of World...

2nd Lt. Luther Hendrix “Buddy” Smith Jr.U.S. Army Air ForcesBorn January 4, 1924. Died May 20, 1944Known as a particularly bright young man, Luther H. “Buddy” Smith Jr. was a graduate of El Reno High School Class of 1941.