News

Calm Waters hosts free grief training

Body

OKLAHOMA CITY - On Oct. 10 at 9 a.m., Calm Waters will host a free grief training for mental health professionals, nonprofit organizations, educators and community members who seek to become better equipped to support grieving individuals in both professional and personal settings.

Public Records - 10/4/25

Body

MUNICIPAL COURT

Stefanie Marie Kleinle, Wichita Falls, Texas, speeding, $165.

Rebecca Vanita Stewart, Oklahoma City, speeding, $165.

Ashley Nichole O’Kelley, Mustang, speeding, $165.

Francisco Castillo Solis, El Reno, driving without license issued, $252.

Leah Michelle Davis, El Reno, improper equipment, $105.

Austin Will Brunson, El Reno, disorderly conduct, $595.

Stormy Gayle Timanus, El Reno, trespassing on posted property, $295.

Henry James Hester, El Reno, trespassing on posted property, $295.

McVay announces candidacy for state school superintendent

Body

Craig McVay admits he “bought into” the idea that using technology and other “scientific” based models to educate young children was better than first making sure they could read and write.

He now knows that was a mistake. He’s on a mission to correct it. 

As he announced his candidacy for state school superintendent this week, McVay said if he’s elected, Oklahoma will return to the basics, especially when it comes to early childhood education. 

It will be “A, B, C’s and 1, 2, 3’s,” McVay said. 

Craig McVay

Lucas seeks big funding boost for Fort Reno

Body

A Native American nation in Oklahoma is incensed that a lawmaker is requesting millions of dollars to fund renovations at the Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center, or OCPARC, more commonly known as Fort Reno.

It’s not that the nation opposes the research, but it sees the funding request as a way to stymie efforts to get its land back from the federal government. 

Frank Lucas and Reggie Wassana

District holds Q&A session over $69.5 million bond package

Body

About three dozen people turned out last week for a preview of the Oct. 14 El Reno Public Schools bond election. It was the first of two question and answer sessions planned prior to the election. The gathering was hosted by the El Reno school board and Superintendent Matt Goucher.

It was held at Rose Witcher as part of a special meeting of the school board.

The next public session is set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at the EHS auditorium. 

Crews wrapping up demo stage of city’s ‘Hub’ project

Body

The City of El Reno is wrapping up demolition work at the corner of Sunset and Choctaw, preparing the site for the next phase of its Route 66 revitalization. 

The project, known as the El Reno “Hub,” will expand downtown parking options and create a new gathering space for community events along El Reno’s Route 66 corridor, said El Reno City Manager Matt Sandidge. 

A rendering of El Reno’s planned Hub at the corner of Sunset and Choctaw

Beep, Beep for TFS

Body

Randy Marco, author of “Kicks: Your Travel Guide to Route 66,” finally got a chance to see inside El Reno’s official visitors center and he gives the Filling Station a stamp of approval.

“I think they did a great job. I’ve always liked the mural there on the corner but they would always have cars in front of it and you couldn't see it that well. It’s great the city took it over and fixed it up.

“The look is very appealing from the road. I’m glad I got to stop and go inside and talk with someone,” said Marco.

Randy Marco stopped by The Filling Station driving Herbie Jr.

ER football night changed

Body

El Reno will host Carl Albert this week on Thursday night after the game was changed due to a conflict with referees.

Game time remains 7 p.m.

 

EHS football players await the coin toss

Lake investigation continues

Body

El Reno police said the investigation into an incident at Lake El Reno that claimed the life of a 30-year-old man is continuing. 

Police did not release any new information about the Sept. 12 collision that resulted in the death of Landon Lerch. 

Police had earlier said the scooter Lerch was driving collided with a vehicle driven by a 15-year-old El Reno girl. Police did not release the name of the girl since she is a minor. 

Family members of Lerch also disputed the initial police report that said the scooter was not equipped with lights.

Subscribe to News