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HOBART – The Order of the Purple Heart, the oldest American military decoration for military merit, is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who have been killed or wounded in action against enemy forces.

The Purple Heart is also awarded to soldiers who have suffered maltreatment as prisoners of war. Aug. 7 commemorates Purple Heart Day, honoring the nearly 2 million Purple Heart recipients for their sacrifice and dedication to love of country.

Devon Energy donated to 17 organizations in western Oklahoma, including several in Canadian County, as part of its commitment to supporting emergency responders in the company’s operating areas.

“Emergency responders put the community’s needs first on a daily basis, and they must have the proper tools to do their jobs well,” said Lee Courange, Devon superintendent.

“We’re honored to support the people who protect and serve, especially during tough economic times.”

El Reno Tribune photographer Glen Miller captured this photo of Pete the Pelican looking at the rising sun from famed Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach, Fla. In the background you can see Pete's other winged friends taking in the view from poles sticking out of the Gulf of Mexico. Miller captured the photo while on his morning run.

City of El Reno worker John Cochran sprays blue-colored weed killer around a drainage opening outside the Denny-Crump Rodeo Arena last week.

High weeds and grass have been keeping the parks department busy this summer.

Traffic along southbound Rock Island Avenue was backed up briefly last week as construction crews sprayed water over the newly installed sod along the embankments leading up to the overpass which is under construction.

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.