News

A virtual open house is under way to assist the Oklahoma Department of Public Transportation in updating the State Rail Plan.

Input from the public is needed to help develop the state’s long-term planning for freight and passenger rail.

The State Rail Plan is updated every four years to establish policy, priorities and implementation strategies for rail in the state.

This planning document keeps inventory of all rail lines, analyzes rail service goals and contributions to the economy, and helps develop potential rail infrastructure projects. 

With the ceremonial signing of SB 608 creating the “Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021” last week, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt declared Aug. 3 as “Film Day” in Oklahoma. 

“I am optimistic that the success of our thriving film and music industries will continue to flourish through this incentive program,” said Gov. Stitt.

MUNICIPAL COURT

Rolando Sanchez Santa Cruz, Norman, driving without valid driver’s license, $252.

Noe Plascencia Lopez, El Reno, expired tag, $130.

Erica Lynn Fierro, Lubbock, Texas, driving under suspension, $395.

Marissa Lynn Buckman, El Reno, failure to appear warrant, $295.

Anthony Kurtis Howell, El Reno, failure to appear warrant, $295.

Antonio Luis Rivera, El Reno, failure to appear warrant, $295.

John Michael Rushing, El Reno, speeding, $185.

Terry Lynn Wylder, Yukon, speeding, $165.

After meeting with the leadership from the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Canadian County Health Department Infectious Disease Specialists and consulting with local medical providers, El Reno Public Schools will begin school Aug. 12, 2021, much like we ended school last May.

The district will follow Centers for Disease Control recommendations in regard to the spread of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus (except in areas of the recommendations which are forbidden due to changes in Oklahoma State Statute).

All summer long I’ve wondered how we can recover from the aches, pains, bruises and scars from the last 18 months.

We’ve all been quarantined, sick, scared, and in many cases lost co-workers, colleagues, friends and family members. How in the world do we attempt to recover? Then, as in most cases my entire life, an inner voice told me to get up, buck up, grow up and quit feeling sorry for myself.

On Monday, July 19 I was driving around our school district checking on back-to-school progress when it hit me.

Dear El Reno High School families:

I am excited, along with the dedicated and enthusiastic staff, to welcome back all of our students.

It is our mission to ensure every student’s achievement and inspire excellence.

The first step in fulfilling this mission is to help every student feel welcomed, connected, and a part of our EHS family.

El Reno Public Schools was able to secure special funding to offer free afterschool care to students in pre-kindergarten through second grade this year.

Specifically, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students will be at Hillcrest in a play-based program. Students in first and second grade will be at Rose Witcher in a STEM-based program.

Third through sixth grades will continue their free, grant-funded program at Roblyer Learning Center.

Dear parents and students,

Welcome to the 2021-22 school year. I would like to introduce myself, my name is Kurt Myers and this is my second year as principal at Etta Dale Junior High School and will be my 25th year in education.

I have been a teacher, coach and administrator in school districts throughout Oklahoma and Texas. I can’t put into words the excitement that I have for the continued opportunity to serve the stakeholders of El Reno Public Schools.

El Reno Public Schools mission is to ensure every student’s achievement and inspire excellence.

As principal, I am so excited for the upcoming school year with El Reno Public Schools. Roblyer is a special place in this wonderful community.

Though we were in the midst of a pandemic last year, the students and staff at RLC were amazing! They exhibited determination, kindness and resilience, all while wearing masks and at times being quarantined.

Our theme this year is “Learning at Roblyer Will Take You Places.”

This year our battle with COVID-19 isn’t over, but we have tasted the sweetness of events, travels and freedoms more than we have in the past year.