News

This is the first installment in a series looking back at El Reno Public Schools efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Classes for El Reno Public Schools officially ended Friday.

Missing were the normal class parties, hugs, high-fives and gift exchanges between students and teachers. Graduations, the rite of passage to the next higher grade or into adulthood, have either been canceled, postponed or moved to a digital format.

All the things which make the end of school a fun time have been robbed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

El Reno Public Schools Superintendent Craig McVay, along with principals and central office administration, cooked and handed out dinners to district faculty as part of Teacher Appreciation Day. It was also Taco Tuesday which fell on Cinco de Mayo.

It’s been slow. But at least it’s moving now.

El Reno as a whole is creeping back to normal.

This includes businesses like boutique shops, hair salons and restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with problems in the oil industry, hurt businesses all over the county.

Many mom and pop shops were forced to close their doors, making income difficult to come by. Some stores found a solution through curbside assistance, delivery and online ordering options.

The Canadian County Courthouse and Administration Building will remain closed to the public for at least a while longer.

County commissioners, following the recommendations of District Judge Jack McCurdy and Court Clerk Marie Hirst, said access to the buildings would remain limited.

County Clerk Sherry Murray hinted that access to land records at the Administration Building could soon be available, though changes are likely.

Crews working to build the new Canadian County Fairgrounds will have to find another source for water after the Banner Rural Water District rejected a request to tie into an existing waterline.

Lance Brown, chairman of the Banner district, said the proposal by Lingo Construction would put too much strain on the existing system.

Lingo Construction had requested to add a bulk water meter to an existing 2-inch waterline near Alfadale and Jensen roads. The line would provide access to water for construction purposes at the fairgrounds site.

EL RENO CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Tuesday – May 12, 2020 – 5:30 p.m.
El Reno City Council Chambers
101 N. Choctaw Avenue

AGENDA

In-Person Attendees:
Matt White, Mayor
Bob Ballhorn, Council Member Ward 2
Tracey Rider, Council Member Ward 4

Teleconference Attendees:
JT Chronister, Vice Mayor, Ward 1
Tim Robinson, Council Member Ward 3

Teleconference Phone Number: 1-346-248-7799
Access Code: 960-0699-8825

As El Reno slowly begins the process of emerging from its COVID-19 lockdown, there are lessons that need to be taught about how to survive future pandemics.

Jackie and Deangelo Jenkins, through their local nonprofit organization Children of Hope Community Outreach, have come up with a teaching tool – getting your hands dirty.

In conjunction with Southern Heights Baptist Church, the couple will offer an eight-week summer camp for children with a focus on innovations in gardening.

It’s a new world. Many things have changed. But some of the deepest and most trustworthy things - like music - are still alive and kicking.

Joy Vandergrift has taught people to play piano for more than 20 years. For her, it was always very personal.

She would sit with a student for hours every week, training them to hone their skills and enjoy the music.

Over the years, El Reno Public Schools and Redlands Community College have implemented and expanded numerous partnership activities in an effort to serve the students of both institutions.

Recently, this partnership was recognized with the 2020 Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award.

“It is a privilege to work with Superintendent (Craig) McVay and his innovative faculty and staff to provide exciting learning opportunities and experiences for all of our students,” said Redlands President Jack Bryant.

El Reno’s vice mayor was arrested late Sunday on a complaint of driving under the influence.

Police said J.T. Chronister, 40, was stopped while driving a golf cart at about 11:50 p.m. Reports said the golf cart had no headlights or tail lights and Chronister allegedly ignored a stop sign.

He was stopped at Wade and Bickford.

Officers said they spoke with Chronister and allegedly detected an odor of alcohol on him. The report said Chronister admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages prior to the traffic stop.