News

El Reno issued 36 permits for new home construction in March, just about doubling the numbers issued during the same month the past two years combined.

Community Development Director Shelly Della Rosa issued a report showing the numbers. She called the March figures “impressive.”

In 2020, the number of new housing permits issued in March numbered 16 and in 2019, the number was three.

So far, El Reno has issued 49 permits for new home construction this year. That represents January, February and March.

Geese are beautiful flying through the air and they are wonderful to look at gathered together on a pond or a lake.

But the throngs of Canada geese that have made their homes in Legion Park, Lake El Reno and other areas of town are also quite messy.

The walking trail in Legion Park is littered with geese droppings. The same situation is found at the lake and the other areas, especially those parts of town with creeks or small ponds.

Oklahomans in Canadian County facing a housing crisis and eviction as a result of COVID-19 are encouraged to review their eligibility to determine if they qualify for rent and/or utilities assistance through Community Cares Partners.

Community Cares Partners, a public-private partnership and program of Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, is making a difference across the state through the distribution of over $200 million in Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) allocated by the state of Oklahoma.

This donation box at Hillcrest Learning Center, which is designated for clothing and shoes only, has been a popular dumping spot for a wide range of unwanted items.

The company that services the boxes has said in the past that items other than clothing or shoes will be thrown away.

A similar box at El Reno High School has also been a dumping spot.

To help improve roadway safety, Canadian County officials will now have access to an online database of commercial driver’s license, CDL, holders.

Canadian County commissioners agreed to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse through the U.S Department of Transportation.

About 50 Canadian County employees are CDL drivers.

“We agree with the concept of what it does,” Canadian County Commission Chairman Jack Stewart said.

Legislation that would limit women’s sports to individuals who are biological females has been approved by a state House committee.

“Two out of every five young women in the state of Oklahoma choose to participate in sports,” said Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin.

“And I’m trying to prevent those women from being denied opportunities when they have to compete against male-bodied athletes.”

MUNICIPAL COURT

Tracy Jo Whitebuffalo, El Reno, failure to appear warrant, $295.

Isiah Luke Botone, Oklahoma City, failure to appear warrant, $295.

Landon Dallas Morris, El Reno, failure to appear warrant, $295.

Amy Lynn Prentiss, El Reno, failure to appear warrant, $295.

Cody Ryan Bert, El Reno, driving without license issued and failure to appear warrant, $547.

Brittney Nicole Kessinger, El Reno, failure to appear warrant, $295.

Trashel Sharon Samad, El Reno, failure to appear warrant, $295.

El Reno will become an official “Purple Heart City” on April 22 when the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 382 hosts a dedication ceremony.

All Purple Heart recipients, as well as all veterans, are encouraged to take part in the 11 a.m. ceremony to be held at the VFW, 1515 S. Rock Island.

Mayor Matt White will read a proclamation declaring El Reno to be a Purple Heart City and Commander Larry Van Schuyver will provide the Purple Heart presentation. All Purple Heart recipients will be recognized.

Five El Reno High School students have been named valedictorian for 2021. All five earned straight A’s during their high school years. They also took 13 Pre-Ap and AP courses with an AP course in each subject.

The top EHS students are Ella McReynolds, Riley Connor, Kenzie Holsted, Madison Nichols and Rosanelly Vite.

Avery Blount is the 2021 salutatorian. She took the same number of Pre-AP and AP classes and has the next highest GPA.

All students are members of the National Honor Society and the 6X Renaissance Program. 

El Reno Community Theatre's latest production will have a youthful vibe as families gather for a one-night showing of “The Absolutely True Story of Tom Sawyer as Told by Becky Thatcher.”

The show is the centerpiece of ERCT’s Fourth Annual Dinner Theatre and will feature a 10-person cast, all under the age of 16.

“We wanted to feature kids and teens in this year’s dinner theatre and we loved this script. The writing is funny and this cast knows how to deliver funny lines.