News

A mix of long rifles, muskets and pistols was fired together at Fort Reno’s Post Cemetery Dec. 20 – not in anger but in honor of veterans - during the nationally held Wreaths Across America ceremony.

It was hosted by Debra Kauffman, president of Historic Fort Reno Inc. and sponsored by the National Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for the 15th time.  

Once 60 visitors assembled at the Post Cemetery, Leslie Dietrich, Regent of the Fort Reno Chapter of DAR, welcomed them and asked for the Colors to be posted.

This year marks the 27th year for Blessing Baskets to coordinate its community Christmas assistance mission.

Organizers said this is made possible “because of the generosity of our many individual and business donors, the City of El Reno, El Reno Public Schools, volunteers, many school and civic groups, United Way of Canadian County, The Mary Kay Ashbrook Foundation and our grant benefactors to whom we owe an abundance of thanks and gratitude.” 

Dwight Kennedy said he can’t take any credit for pulling off the annual Kennedy Family El Reno Community Christmas Eve Dinner. 

“God gets it done, we’re just here to help,” Kennedy said. 

El Reno police reported they have a suspect in one incident and made an arrest in another.

On Dec. 19, officers were called to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 208 S. Evans, after vandalism inside the church was reported. 

Assistant Police Chief Kirk Dickerson said officers determined someone entered the church following a Christmas program held the evening of Dec. 18.

Reports said the suspect vandalized religious artifacts including the tabernacle which Catholics believe contains the consecrated hosts used for holy communion.

For roughly a decade now, reading outcomes have plummeted in Oklahoma. In 2015, national tests showed Oklahoma fourth-grade students performed above the national average, but in the most recent round of tests, Oklahoma students performance was among the worst in the nation.

Now, two lawmakers want to reverse that trend by making reading instruction a major focus of the state’s K-12 school system.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma and Arkansas officials are denouncing a federal judge’s decision that found poultry companies responsible for polluting a key watershed in both states and also ordered them to pay millions to remediate it.

The officials, including Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, said the judgment will create unnecessary harm for poultry producers in both states who operate along the Illinois River Watershed, which runs through eastern Oklahoma and the northwest Ozark Mountains in Arkansas.  

LAWSUITS

Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Alex Davidson for $818.53 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Anthony Crockett for $3,344.85 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Synchrony Bank vs. Philip Gimlin for $5,089.58 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Bank of America N.A. vs. Marvin Merino for $9,032.59 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Letters to Santa from Heidi Curtis’ kindergarten class at Maple:

Dear Santa,
I have been naughty and nice. I would like you to bring me a pink bike, a baby Jesus and a Nintendo Switch.

Love, Kamdyn

Dear Santa,
I have been nice. I would like you to bring me a blue Mario game.

Love, Region

Dear Santa,
I have been nice. I would like you to bring me a toy skid steer with attachments, a gaming set-up and a Nintendo Switch.

Love, Riggs

The holiday season can be seen all around El Reno through decorations and a wide range of inflatable characters and house lights.

Redlands Community College has been named a 2025 Oklahoma Top Workplace. 

“It is an honor to be named a Top Workplace because this recognition comes directly from our employees and reflects how much they enjoy being part of Redlands,” said Redlands President Jena Marr.

“We have an exceptional team of faculty and staff, and I am proud of the way they support our students and one another. The work we do would not be as effective or meaningful without the dedication and experience our employees bring to the college each day.”