News

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series of stories looking back at the year that was 2021.

JANUARY

The COVID pandemic that arrived in 2020 lingered into the beginning of 2021 for the El Reno area as well as the entire world. And while a vaccine was beginning to be administered, there were other issues to deal with such as a sub-arctic blast of air that made the beginning of the new year feel much like the following year.

Blah.

From Legion Park to houses throughout the city of El Reno, the holiday spirit has been brought to life in a vast array of themes and lights.

A portrait of Gen. George Armstrong Custer displayed in the Custer County Jail for many years was removed recently and replaced with a temporary one of former Cheyenne-Arapaho Chief Moses Star.

A permanent, larger portrait will be displayed in the jail.

Voters in Canadian County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for elections in 2022 should apply now, Canadian County Election Board Secretary Wanda Armold said today.

Any registered voter may request absentee ballots for a specific election or for a full calendar year. No excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot. Armold said there are many ways to apply.

The Harold Hamm Foundation and Continental Resources have given a combined $50 million gift to create the Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University. 

The Hamm Institute’s mission is to educate the next generation of energy leaders — in Oklahoma, the United States and from around the world — cementing Oklahoma’s legacy as a global energy leader. 

LAWSUITS

Leo D. Hardie vs. Michael A. Manuele and Betty J. McMillin for an amount in excess of $75,000 for injuries and damages alleged to have occurred during an automobile accident.

ESO Properties LLC vs. Jason Chenoweth for $32,801.11 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Wells Fargo Bank N.A. vs. Wayne A. Morgan for $12,289.11 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Discover Bank vs. Linda L. Goodson-Wilborn for $15,163.17 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

If a person encounters four or more “adverse experiences” as a child, there’s a far greater chance he or she will have difficulties adjusting later in life.

Associate District Judge Bob Hughey offered that glimpse into how young people are assessed when they become involved with the Canadian County Children’s Justice Center.

Hughey serves as judge for the juvenile court as well as the chief administrator for the center. He addressed the El Reno Now audience last week.

New high-quality video surveillance will be installed at Canadian County-owned buildings. County commissioners approved paying DIGI Security Systems about $339,000 for a new security camera system at county government buildings.

Lt. Mike Grimes with the Canadian County Sheriff's Office recommended the purchase, which is being made through the vendor’s state contract. Two companies submitted bids for the project.

El Reno Girl Scouts will be delivering homemade Christmas stockings to local nursing home residents this week.

The Scouts of Daisy Troop 180, Brownie Troop 125, Junior and Cadet Troop 165 and Senior Troop 108 crafted dozens of bright red stockings to help brighten the days for the nursing home residents.

The Scouts put their skills to use at the El Reno Senior Citizens Center with the support of Center Director Jill York.

Two Canadian County inmates - already in jail for murder in separate cases - face new felony charges for allegedly assaulting another inmate.

Yukon’s George Lorenz Way, 22, and Moore’s Javier Devonte Lewis, 18, were formally charged Nov. 4 with aggravated assault and battery in Canadian County District Court.

Way and Lewis are both being held without bond on first-degree murder charges at the Canadian County Jail.