A New Look at History. Rededication of Memorial Stadium With Letter Small

El Reno Tribune
102 E. Wade • El Reno, OK 73036 • 405-262-5180
A new look at history

Memorial Stadium Re-Dedication
The 75th anniversary of El Reno's football stadium, named Memorial Stadium, was in 2019 and
the El Reno Tribune played a key role in developing the plan in conjunction with El Reno High
School for the celebration.
The stadium was dedicated as a memorial to the former EHS students killed in World War II.
The plan to honor the 44 started in the high school's history and English classes and the El
Reno Tribune published for free a series of stories written by the students that highlighted the
service members which paid the ultimate sacrifice. The series was called “Remember the 44.”
Work on that series prompted EHS instructor Brian Rukes to form a plan to create a lasting
memorial for the 44 which would stand outside the stadium and would be dedicated the week
of the 75th anniversary.
The Tribune followed and detailed the memorial plan from drawing board to unveiling. The
paper used its social media platforms to keep the plan in the public eye past the printed papers
as well as help in the fundraising efforts to pay for the memorial.
In the weeks leading up to the re-dedication, the Tribune ran its own staff-produced series on
several former students who were among the 44, visiting with family members as they recalled
their loved ones.
The Tribune was the only newspaper or media outlet on the ground when the B17 “Texas
Raiders” airplane arrived at El Reno Airpark, which was a former military base during WWII.
The plane was brought to El Reno for the re-dedication since many of the 44 and other veterans
served in B17 units during the WWII.
The paper was the first media outlet to show pictures of the finished memorial ahead of the re-
dedication ceremony and covered the event with a staff of three.
The entire coverage of the re-dedication spanned 10 months of 2019.
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El Reno Tribune SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 • ELRENOTRIBUNE.COM • ONE DOLLAR
Ingram new
director at
ER library
By SHANE SMITH
ssmith@elrenotribune.com
Kiley Ingram is the new

director of the El Reno
Carnegie Library. She began
her duties on May 28, coinciding
with renovations being made
to the historic institution.
Ingram has worked with
libraries since 2012, first as a
volunteer and then working
her way up to various positions.
She said being a part of
community development was
her goal for having a career in
management.
Turn to LIBRARY, Page 10A
New look on history

EHS' Rukes shows El Reno Now plans for Memorial Stadium rededication
By RAY DYER
rdyer@elrenotribune.com
In a little more than
El Reno student Chloe Thomas will be three months, El Reno
traveling to France next summer with will rededicate Memorial
the Canterbury Youth Voices choir Stadium. The reason the
group, which is the official vocal group football stadium needs
for D-Day’s anniversary ceremony in a dedication do-over, if
Normandy. (Courtesy photo) you ask Brian Rukes, is
simple.
The voices
“People matter,”
said Rukes. “This is our
El Reno history. It’s our
community. These are
of Normandy real people and people

matter.”
Rukes was addressing
the audience at the
El Reno student to sing at El Reno Now breakfast
Thursday morning.
2020 D-Day ceremony as A 1997 graduate of
El Reno High School,
part of Canterbury group Rukes teaches English
at his alma mater. He’s a
By SHANE SMITH history enthusiast as well
ssmith@elrenotribune.com El Reno High School English teacher Brian Rukes stands next to a mock-up of what the new
as an ordained minister.
monument at Memorial Stadium will look like. Above is one side of the monument which lists the
A year from now, Chloe Memorial Stadium
former EHS students who paid the ultimate sacrifice. (Tribune photographer/Ray Dyer)
Thomas of Etta Dale Junior High was first dedicated in
will travel to Normandy, France, 1949, according to an
with the rest of the Canterbury article published in The said, is no one he has The research shows Public Schools who
Youth Voices to sing at the D-Day El Reno Tribune. One found so far, even the original dedication lost their lives as a
Memorial Parade and Salute to of Rukes’ students found people who attended the took place Sept. 29, 1949, result of World War II.
the Veterans. This will mark the the information while original dedication, could before an EHS football It was supposed to
76th anniversary of the historic working on a research remember why El Reno game. The ceremony also include a plaque
assignment. chose the name Memorial recognized 38 men
Turn to VOICES, Page 9A The problem, Rukes Stadium. who attended El Reno Turn to HISTORY, Page 10A
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10A ◆ NEWS unday, une 2 , 2019 El Reno Tribune
History
From Page 1A
recognizing the names

of each man who died.
For some reason,
no one knows if the
plaque was created or
if it was, where it is
today. Rukes said it’s
never been found.
The rededication
will take place Oct. 4,
also before the Indians
kickoff that Friday
evening.
For well over a year,
Rukes has been on a
mission to gather
information about the
El Reno men who died
as the result of World
War II.
Rukes said he and
his students have
found that 44 men
from El Reno actually
fall into the category.
The rededication
will include the
dedication of a
prominent memorial
listing each man’s
name, their photo and
a brief description
of how they died
and when. It’s being Brian Rukes addresses the audience at the El Reno Now breakfast. Rukes presented a mock-up of what the memorial dedicated to the El Reno men
created by Arnold who lost their lives because of World War II will look like. (Tribune photographer/Ray Dyer)
Monument and will be
placed at the entrance
to the stadium, near aircraft of World War El Reno Regional fly in the aircraft, he “They will be had a population of
historic Route 66. II and one that Rukes Airpark. He said the said. coming to El Reno 10,000. He said for
School said nine of the experience students At times during his from California, a town the size of
spokeswoman Brooke El Reno 44 had a will encounter will talk to the El Reno Nevada, Florida, El Reno back then,
Roberston said it was connection with. be “immersive Now gathering, Rukes Illinois and Missouri,” to lose 44 sons to
decided the memorial The B-17 will arrive education” and choked back emotion. said Rukes. the war was “above
should be available in El Reno prior to predicted it will have He’s invested much “When you hear the national average.”
to be viewed by the the ceremony and a lasting impact. into this project, the emotion in Help is still
public and not placed will stay until Oct. 9. “You not only see talking with relatives some of their needed to pay for
behind a fence. Rukes said and hear a B-17 when of those who died. voices,” he said, the memorial. To
The rededication schoolchildren will it flies over, you feel Many told him they himself pausing. donate, send checks
will also include a be allowed to inspect it,” Rukes said. will be making the Rukes said the to Shannon Ward,
fly-over by a B-17, one and touch the aircraft For a fee, citizens trip to El Reno for the U.S. Census reported P.O. Box 580, El Reno,
of the most notable while it’s parked at will be allowed to Oct. 4 ceremony. in 1940 that El Reno Oklahoma 73036.
Library positive change in

my community,” said
the University of
Oklahoma. From
serving Oklahoma
County. She has
these programs is
FanFest, El Reno’s
Ingram. there she went on worked in several version of Comic-Con,
From Page 1A In 2014, Ingram to work with the different capacities which Ingram said is
“I want to be in received a master’s Metropolitan Library including as a unique among all the
whichever role best degree in Library System (MLS), a librarian and as a libraries she’s worked
allows me to make a Information from system of 19 libraries supervisor. with.
Her last role was “A large-scale event
as a manager for the like that is really
Edmond Library, impressive. I wanted
which has the highest to be a part of that
total circulation of and to work with
physical materials of a staff who were
all MLS locations. passionate enough
She has also worked and creative enough to
with rural libraries in design something like
Oklahoma County. that. This community
Ingram also really cares about its
volunteered in library.”
Norman as an adult Kiley Ingram Including Ingram,
basic literacy tutor. El Reno’s library
She originally window to the world,” has a staff of seven.
wanted to be a college she said. “Providing She said she is looking
access to materials,
GET SMASHED!
professor before forward to working
deciding that a library resources and with the staff on
career would better education is a really various community
Get Your Mammogram! benefit those with important drive of projects.
limited access to mine.” Changes currently
Thursday, June 27
education. Ingram also said being made to the
“I decided to shift she’s particularly library include
my focus in order to excited to work with bathroom renovations,
better support people the El Reno library the reorganization
5-8pm ~ Downtown El Reno who are underserved.
The library is a way to
due to its status as
a Carnegie Library
of offices and book
collections, new
do that.” built in 1903. interior paint and
What drew her to
- Special One
Shop, eat, drink and get smashed She said the most new carpet and new
with OU Medicine Breast Health important aspect the director position lighting and furniture.
of a library is that it is that the library The goal is to
Night Sales!
Network who will be providing
mammograms that evening! provides resources for hosts a number make the library
those who wish to of programs and more usable while
better themselves events that involve a continuing to
Mammograms by appointment good portion of the
through learning. maintain its historic
only. To schedule an appointment,
call 800-422-4626 ext. 49760 or - Trolley Rides! “The library is your community. One of integrity.
49761 and mention Lollies Night.
Please bring these items to

your appointment: Photocopy
- Scavenger Hunt! El Reno’s only Store!
of your photo ID, Photocopy
of the front and back of
insurance card, & Healthcare - Drawings!
Provider’s full name, address,
- Prizes!
and phone number.
Most insurances, including
- Eat! Drink!
government plans, cover yearly
screenings for no out-of pocket
cost for women 40 and older.
Most insurance accepted.
Pick up your scavenger hunt card

at the Main Street office 119 S.
-Mammograms!
Rock Island, Downtown El Reno.
Fun New Retro Signs

for your home or patio!
o!!
(405) 262-4154 - 1605 W. Elm St, El Reno, OK 73036

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El Reno Tribune SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2019 • ELRENOTRIBUNE.COM • ONE DOLLAR
Remembering Edward
E l R eno teen j oined military to help f amily, lost his lif e in World War I I
By SHANE SMITH to say the least. She had War II man, the only High School teacher
ssmith@elrenotribune.com never met Edward, but African-American from who spearheaded the
When Rita Lewis she had always seen him El Reno to perish in the movement to honor 44
received a phone call as an important part of war to end all wars. El Reno soldiers who
from Brian Rukes about her life due to the fact “I was shocked that died while they were in
her uncle, Edward Roy that he was her mother's he found me,” she said the service.
Burton, she was surprised brother. He was a World of Rukes, the El Reno Turn to BURTON, Page 6
RCC in talks
with OSU A&M,
regional system
One- year ex tension g ranted
in hunt fo r merg er partner
BY RAY DYER colleges to merge
rdyer@elrenotribune.com their Boards of
It could be a year Regents with
before any board either the University
merger might of Oklahoma,
take place between Oklahoma State
Redlands Community University or one
College and a four- of the regional
year institution. schools such as
RCC President Southwestern or the
Jack Bryant said University of Central
Oklahoma.
Roadwork
the state Regents
for Higher Education Rose State College
approved a request in Midwest City and
for a one-year Tulsa Community
The city of El Reno is College, both two-
extension to
spending about $3 million year schools, were
allow the school
this summer on road exempted from the
to continue
improvements throughout merger because both
negotiations with
town. At left, workers lay have local funding in
possible merger
fresh asphalt on Gresham the form of property
partners.
Street just north of Elm. taxes.
The Regents,
Above, equipment is staged Redlands operates
with support from
to make improvements on state funding,
then Gov. Mary
to Choctaw near grants and tuition
Fallin, had called
United Supermarket. and fees.
for Oklahoma's two-
(Tribune photographer/Jack Dyer)
year community
Turn to RCC, Page 9
OD OT creates of fice f or mass transit

BY CHRISTIAN TABAK on all existing “The public in “The public in public transportation.
The Journal Record responsibilities Oklahoma has Oklahoma has He said the office
The Oklahoma from ODOT’s Transit probably never been has about a year to
Division, including more focused on probably never organize the policy.
Department of
Transportation oversight and transit,” said ODOT been more focused Gatz, of El Reno,
announced Monday the management of the Executive Director on transit.” said the new office
formation of the new state’s public transit Tim Gatz. will also work with
Office of Mobility and systems and the “We have dedicated Tim Gatz the state auditor’s
Public Transit, federal grants the revenues at both the ODOT Executive Director office and state
which will focus on agency receives. The state and federal level inspector’s office
coordinating statewide office will also work that are available for A statewide to conduct an
to develop a major transit services in policy on public independent audit Tim Gatz
efforts to expand
Oklahoma’s public statewide public transit both the urban and transportation of Oklahoma’s current
transportation policy that will address rural areas, and the is something public transit systems office to look into
infrastructure. major expansions department is the that Gatz said is to determine where implementing rules
Legislated under to the state’s state’s designee to what the Legislature improvements are and regulations for
House Bill 1365, the current public transit administer those hopes will result needed. the possible future
new office will take networks, especially funds for the rural in a dramatically The legislation
into rural Oklahoma. operators.” expanded network of also requires the Turn to ODOT, Page 9
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6 ◆ NEWS unday, uly , 2019 El Reno Tribune
Burton
Edward's father, to learn all that he
Freeman H. Burton, could about the fallen
Edward's brother, heroes.
From Page 1 Harold Burton, and The names on the
Harold's son. first list along with
Living in Denver,
Edward was left the new ones are of
Colo., with her
off the original list all the El Reno men
mother, Parthenia,
of names for the who served in WWII
Rita has kept close
dedication of the and died at some
ties to El Reno. They
El Reno Memorial point in their military
still have family in
Stadium, as were careers. They didn't
the area, Parthenia's
five others. On necessarily have to
cousin, Shirley Prim.
Oct. 4, a rededication die in battle — some
But Parthenia and
ceremony will be of them died after
her daughter never
held at the stadium, WWII was over, but
imagined that El Reno
this time honoring they were still in the
would be so concerned
the original list Armed Forces when
with Edward and the
of 38 along with the they died.
other fallen.
ones who were left off Rukes searched for
The one who
the first list. the original memorial
remembers Edward
A new monument plaque, but to no avail
best is his sister.
with details and — it may have never
“He was the best Rita Lewis with her mother, Parthenia. (Courtesy photo)
pictures of 44 WWII even been installed.
brother that anybody Edward was cooking Burton, had to sign In El Reno, Dunbar men who died while He wanted to make
could have,” said on the stove. His for Edward to be in Park was renamed to in the service will sure that the 44 were
Parthenia, a retired pant leg was lit by the service. Though Burton Park in his be unveiled, and the well-remembered, so
schoolteacher of 25 the flames, but he they were happy for honor, and Edward's day is expected to he began to search out
years. “He wasn't at still managed to pull the extra money — family was given the be an extravagant information and
all selfish, and he was Parthenia and her Edward sent them his Purple Heart for his celebration of the contact the families.
a very giving person.” handicapped sister, own military checks valor. It had been Greatest Generation. “I wanted to know
Edward and Eunice, out of the every month, and kept by the family Parthenia and if any of them had
Parthenia were two house. A neighbor saw he sent his sisters for many years Rita will travel to any connections to
of four siblings in them in the yard and a locket necklace — before a thief stole El Reno for the people who were still
the Burton family. threw Edward down the Burton family it from their home ceremony along living here in El Reno
They were raised to put out the flame. was worried that in Colorado. But with Rita's son. They or even elsewhere,”
by their mother and “He saved me and Edward wouldn't that couldn't diminish said they are excited he said. “In short, I
grandmother, and my sister,” she said. make it home. the sacrifice or the that each of the 44 wanted to know their
those two ladies were “He got us out of “My mother would memory — Parthenia will be honored by the stories and see how
working multiple jobs the house and put us cry every night,” has all the memories city. they still connected to
in the 1940s in order in the wagon in the said Parthenia. “We she needs to keep “It's great that us today.”
to support the family. yard.” were happy about his Edward's honor in the El Reno is honoring By looking
The responsibility At that time, sacrifice for us, but we light. the 44 men, including at Heroes Plaza
fell on Edward to the Burton family were also unhappy.” “He gave his life Edward,” said Rita. downtown, Rukes
protect and essentially was poor. Edward The family's fears to save his family, “I'm glad I can found the names of
bring up his siblings. eventually decided were verified when and also two people bring my mom down five men who weren't
Parthenia said to join the military Edward died during who almost drowned.” there and pay tribute included at the
Edward was especially to bring in more battle on April 16, Parthenia's to her brother.” original dedication,
close to her, the wages and provide for 1945. His ship was hit daughter feels the “I feel that and he found one
youngest sibling. them a better quality by a kamikaze plane, same way. Even Edward was a more name earlier
Edward took her of life. and he spent his last though Rita never got great brother and this year.
everywhere he went, “He said he wanted moments helping to the chance to meet he deserves to be a The new
always making sure to to be in the military rescue people from him, she too keeps his part of the memorial,” names include
look out for her safety so we wouldn't have to the water. Parthenia memory alive in her said Parthenia. Edward Roy Burton,
and well-being. suffer so much,” said said he was an mind. The rededication Thomas Gordon
Parthenia has one Parthenia. She said he athlete skilled in “I never got to meet of the stadium was Jackson, Gordon
story in particular saved the family by both basketball and him, but he's still my Brian Rukes' idea. Arthur Eichor,
that reminds her of entering the service. swimming, which hero,” she said. The discovery of a James Rene Duffield,
the kind of person he Edward was only gave him the edge he Other members decades-old article George William
was. She said when 16 when he joined needed to save at least of the Burton family detailing the original Crume, and Rukes'
she was a toddler, the Navy. His mother, two other servicemen were also in the memorial al d
dedication own great-uncle,
a fire started when Dorothy J. Slaten from drowning. military, including set Rukes es on a p
path Merlyn Dale Rukes.
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4A ◆ NEWS unday, uly 21, 2019 El Reno Tribune
remember the 44
Rededication of Memorial Stadium
Editor's Note: High school students
r bert e r in Brian Rukes' English class spent

months researching and writing
about the 44 men who attended
m r
El Reno Public Schools who served
during World War II and lost their
lives in service to their nation.
On Oct. 4, Memorial Stadium will
be rededicated with a monument
Biography written by Summer Camper paying tribute to these El Reno
Mr. Brian Rukes’ AP English 3 Class veterans. The Tribune is honored
to help share the stories of these men
and their families and to recognize
the students who worked to gather
the facts related to this important
piece of El Reno history.
R
obert Edgar was known as Bobby
Monday Jr., Lee. He was Robert’s
also known as nephew.
Bob, was an Aviation Donella was
Radioman First Class married to Stanley
for the U.S Navy E. Trotter before they
during World War II. were divorced on
A graduate of El Reno Sept. 7, 1945. She then
High School in 1936, remarried to Edward
he passed away on C. Smith on January
Nov. 11, 1944 due to a 9, 1947. He served two
head injury sustained years in the Army Air
in an earlier incident Forces.
while in the service. Helen B. Bardine, According to
He was 26 years old. Barbara Elizabeth Ihle Federal Census
Born Oct. 6, 1918, Crockett and James S. records and research,
Robert Edgar Monday Crockett. it is evident that
Jr. was son to Helen He was the brother Robert was the
Elizabeth (Watrus) of Byrdie Christine nephew to many aunts
Monday and Robert Monday (EHS Class of and uncles. On his
Edgar Monday Sr. 1938), Donella Monday father’s side his aunts
Furthermore, Robert (EHS Class of 1941), include: Mae Monday,
Jr. was the grandson and half brother to Mattie L. Monday,
to Christine “Tena” J. George Levoy Johnson Flora Monday who
Ihle Watrus and Peter (EHS Class of 1933). married Ota H. Ward,
B. Watrus, and James He was a younger Mae Monday (from a
C. Monday Sr. and Lou brother to George and previous marriage Earnest Monday and and 708 South Roberts. separation are not
Ella Dafft Monday. an older brother to of his grandma), and Delwin Ray Monday. They mostly stayed known to us. Then,
He was the great Christine and Donella. Rose Adams who was He had two aunts in El Reno during his on May 17, 1942 he
grandson to Margaret Christine married married to James C. on his mother’s side, life but made trips to married Bernice
Louise Scroggins LeRoy Beatty and Monday, his uncle. Maude L. Watrus and Kansas and Stratford, Nadine Oyler
Wood, T. Daft, J.G. had a son Robert His other uncles on D. E. Duffy, as well as Oklahoma to visit (EHS Class of 1938)
Watrus, who married Leroy Beatty, who his father’s side are three uncles, William family. He attended who would take his
J. Watrus, John B. El Reno’s Junior High name. They had a son,
Watrus and Lenard and High School and Coh Rockwell Monday,
Henry. The spellings was a reporter for born May 11, 1944. He
of their names may be the EHS Boomer, the was six months old
inaccurate. school’s newspaper. when his dad Robert
Robert Monday was He was a “charming passed. Coh passed
born in Hennessey young man with dark away July 26, 1980.
and moved to El Reno hair” as quoted in the After graduating
in 1930. His family 1936 class yearbook. from EHS, Robert
lived in many spots Robert Edgar Monday volunteered
throughout El Reno, Monday Jr. was for the military and
such as 312 South first engaged to enlisted at Wichita,
Macomb Avenue, 600 Blanche Bozeman Kansas. The records
Rock Island Street, 300 in September 1941. for the date of when
South Foster Avenue The terms of their he enlisted conflict.
The application for
13th Annual El Reno Community his headstone marker
said March 16, 1940,
Health & Information Fair but that was manually
corrected to read
March 19, 1940.
Thursday, July 25th However, another
source stated he
Jenks Simmons Field House enlisted March 18,
1940.
214 N. Country Club Rd. His brother George
LeVoy Johnson was
8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. also in the service,
a signalman first
Activities Will Include: class in the Navy. He
enlisted Dec. 9, 1941.
Robert was a part
• Athletic Physicals of the Navy as well,
and trained in Shields,
Must be approved by a parent/legal guardian. Children 18 & under must have shot
records present & parent/legal guardian, must have physical forms filled out before Lake County, Illinois
and at a Naval Radio
physical, you can print a copy at www.ossaa.com/OSSAAInfo.aspx,. School in San Diego
in 1940. Due to the
• Fire Department Mobile Fire Safety House EL RENO PUBLIC SCHOOLS military, he eventually
lived in Seattle,
• Foot Care Clinic • School Supplies Proficiency-Based Promotion Washington, and
also at 1611 Santa Fe
• ERPS Food Truck & Trailer Proficiency-based promotion provides the Avenue in Long
opportunity for students to move forward by Beach, California.
Inflatables • Cornhole & Much More! subject, course, and/or grade level based upon Robert Monday
was stationed on
their mastery of an examination. A score of the battleship U.S.S.
For more information, please contact Chris Lambakis, 405-308-2286 or 90% or higher must be met to be considered for Nevada at the time
Brooke Robertson at 405-262-1107. proficiency-based promotion and/or credit. of the Pearl Harbor
attack on Dec. 7, 1941,
Application forms to take the examination where he was
Sponsors of the 2019 Community Health & Information Fair
commended for
and more information are available at the bravery under fire.
BancFirst Heaston Church Superintendent’s office. Applications must be During the Japanese
received no later than noon on July 22, 2019.
Canadian County Health Interbank Turn to MONDAY, Page 5A
Department SSM Healthcare, El Reno TESTING DATE
Canadian Valley Technology Midfirst Bank Flooring
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Center OEMA 8:45 a.m.
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El Reno Fire Department
262-1260
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El Reno Tribune SUNDAY, AUGUST 11, 2019 • ELRENOTRIBUNE.COM • ONE DOLLAR
Tractor driving Our hero

event to start El Reno woman says older brother
John Matthews was the greatest
up county fair at everything he did during his life

By SHANE SMITH
war hero. During his
World War II career
The 65th annual Canadian County in the U.S. Army Air
“I thought he
Free Fair will run Aug. 21-24, but Forces, he became
was the greatest,
tractor drivers aren’t waiting. On known as John
and he thought I was
Aug. 20, the 4-H and FFA Tractor “Buck” Matthews.
the greatest.”
Driving Contest will take place at 3 p.m. The nickname even
So said Bonnie
at the county fairgrounds. Details about carried over to official
Matthews Wilds, a
the contest may be obtained by calling documents, and there
91-year-old El Reno
262-0155. was a special reason
woman who prides
Pre-entry for all fair exhibits can be for the name that
herself on her family,
done online at www.canadiancountyfair. clearly showed the
especially her older
com or by picking up a fair book and kind of person he
Bonnie Matthews Wilds, the sister of war hero John Matthews, brother.
submitting a written form before was — a defender,
holds up a photo of her brother along with a silver platter he won John Matthews
Friday, Aug. 16. Entry is open to all a fighter and a man
showing livestock. (Tribune photographer/Shane Smith) is rightly called a
residents of Canadian County at no of conscience.
charge. An electronic copy of the fair Once during the
book is available on the website with a service, so the story
complete schedule of events. goes, another military
man was being
Turn to FAIR, Page 6A bullied by other
soldiers. John
Matthews wouldn’t
have it. He stopped
the altercation, and
the bullied soldier
was left alone from
that moment on.
“He spoiled me.

He spoiled me
because he was
the oldest and I
was the youngest.
We were definitely
close.”
Bonnie Matthews Wilds
Sister of John Matthews
Amanda Groshong and Macy Robertson play a

Remember the 44
game on the midway during the 2018 county feature on Page 7A
fair. (Tribune photographer/Glen Miller) “I thought it was
so interesting that
the name stayed with
Plan to create county him,” said Bonnie.
Back to school
John, the oldest
Family Justice Center of five siblings, was
10 years older than
becomes a group effort Bonnie, the youngest.
Growing up on a farm
By CHRIS EVERSOLE
Yukon Review
El Reno Public Schools to begin classes Thursday in Okarche, the family
was very close, and
A Canadian County group is creating
By SHANE SMITH
ssmith@elrenotribune.com Free supplies Bonnie said the bond
a plan to help develop a one-stop center OK, kids, summer is over. between her and John
where victims of domestic violence Jackson Kremeier counts bags was especially strong.
El Reno Public Schools will
can receive help from multiple sources. of school supplies assembled by “He spoiled me,”
resume classes on Thursday, and
The center would provide a shelter El Reno's Blessing Baskets volunteers she said. “He spoiled
members of the administration
for victims, including children, as last week. Students from Banner, me because he was
say they are confident it will be
well as other services, said County Riverside, Maple, Darlington, Union City, the oldest and I was
a successful year for education.
Commissioner David Anderson. Okarche, Calumet and Hinton school the youngest. We were
According to Superintendent
“I take a lot of pride in the things districts were given free supplies. definitely close.”
Craig McVay, there aren’t many
we do well, but I also realize that we (Tribune photographer/Glen Miller) Life on the farm
big changes to the tried and true
need to do better on some things, like formula ERPS has employed over was important to
helping victims of domestic violence,” the past several years. John. Before the war,
Anderson said. all he wanted was to
Turn to SCHOOL, Page 6A
Turn to JUSTICE, Page 6A Turn to HERO, Page 8A
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EVERYTHING SCHOOL
El Reno Tribune Sunday, August 11, 2019 NEWS ◆ 7A
remember the 44
Rededication of Memorial Stadium
Editor's Note: High school students in
h r h r Brian Rukes' English class spent months

researching and writing about the 44 men
who attended El Reno Public Schools who
m tthe
served during World War II and lost their
lives in service to their nation. On Oct.
4, Memorial Stadium will be rededicated
with a monument paying tribute to these
El Reno veterans. The Tribune is honored
Biography written by Michael Beaver to help share the stories of these men and
Mr. Brian Rukes’ AP English 3 class their families and to recognize the students
Written Spring, 2019 who worked to gather the facts related to
this important piece of El Reno history.
J
ohn Richard accumulated so many he passed, and he
Matthews of them that they became an air cadet
was born stopped giving him in September of 1942
July 16, 1917, in any more. at Camp Gary in San
Okarche and passed By about 1937, the Marcos, Texas.
away Dec. 13, 1946, success John had in He also received
near Myrtle Beach, these competitions training at Cimarron
South Carolina. prompted him to Airfield southeast
His parents specialize in the study of El Reno, and at
were Mr. Clarence of the blood lines in the Army Air Force
C. Matthews and Mrs. pedigreed cattle. He bases at Enid and
Myrtle Matthews, was about age 20 at the Altus, Oklahoma.
and his siblings were time. Graduating with
Cecil, Iola, Della and One very interesting Class 44-E from
Bonnie Bell Matthews. note for Oklahomans Altus Army Air Base,
Steve Lucus and is that the Gaylords of he then received
Clyde Matthews were The Daily Oklahoman his wings and
his uncles. fame heard about commission as a
The family had John’s expertise and Lieutenant in the
a farm located in success in showing United States Army
Okarche, Route 3, cattle, so they hired Air Corps on May 23,
northwest of El Reno. him to train and show 1943. He then was sent
After attending their own cattle at overseas to England in
elementary school both the Oklahoma Oct. of 1943.
at the South Liberty and Tulsa State Fairs. At one point
School of El Reno, In late 1941, while John was in
Pi ct ur ed is the pl ane, Sm il ing J ac k , w hic h J ohn Ric hard M atthews flew w hil e bl inded.
John attended and the Japanese led training, he saw a
(Courtesy photo)
graduated from a surprise attack fellow airman being
El Reno High School at Pearl Harbor, bullied one day. John
with the class of 1934. destroying battleships intervened on his (Published in The El Reno Tribune, El Reno, Okla., August 11, 2019)
During high school, and other vessels and behalf and broke up
a pickup truck was killing more than 2,400 the disturbance. No EL RENO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
today announced its policy for free or reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program
his main mode of Americans. one messed with the (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), and the After-School Snack Program (ASSP).
transportation to This affected John airman again, John Local SPA officials have adopted the following household size and income criteria for determining eligibility:
and from school. His deeply. Since joining became known as
family also relates that the Air Corps in “Buck” as a result, and
his “cohorts” Olan particular interested the nickname stuck.
Tate and Glen Bright him, John took the
typically shared a ride written tests, which Turn to 44, Page 8A
with him in his truck.
In John’s life, he
developed a great
interest in Jersey
dairy cattle, and the
Matthews herd scored
highest in Canadian
County for butter fat.
John joined the 4-H
in which he showed
dairy cattle.
He did so well with 405-262-1463 320 S. Rock Island Ave.
this that he earned
multiple Champion www.rockislandcu.com
and first place
finishes. In fact, since
the prizes for winning
show competitions
were silver platters,
John eventually
Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced-
Flooring price meals. Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians. To apply
for free or reduced-price meals, households should fill out the application and return it to the school.
Additional copies are available at the principal’s office in each school. The information provided on
By Tony the application is confidential and will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and may be
verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials. Applications may be
Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic submitted at any time during the year.
Porcelain • Wood
For SFA officials to determine eligibility, households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Laminates • Remnants Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or Food Distribution Program
FREE ESTIMATES on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits must list the children’s names, a SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR
case number; and the signature of an adult household member. All children in households with any
306 W. Elm household member receiving benefits under assistance programs are eligible for free meals. Children
El Reno, OK in Other Source Categorically Eligible (i.e., children categorized as homeless, migrant, runaway, Head
262-1260
Start, Even Start, and foster children, if known) are also eligible for free meals. IF YOU DO NOT LIST
A SNAP, TANF, OR FDPIR CASE NUMBER, then the application must have the children’s names, total
household members, the amount of income each member received last month, the signature of an
adult household member, and the last four digits of the adult’s social security number or the mark the
box if he or she does not have one.
Foster children also categorically qualify for free meals/milk, regardless of child’s income. If you
have foster children living with you and you wish to apply for such meals or milk for them, please
complete the application as instructed.
ank u Under the provision of the policy Taylor Wedman will review applications and determine eligibility.
Parents or guardians wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request, either orally or in writing,
for a hearing to appeal the decision to: Craig McVay, 100 S. Bickford Ave. El Reno, OK 73036. The
school’s policy statement contains an outline of the hearing procedure.
at preci u mem rie

DIRECT CERTIFICATION: Any member of a household currently certified to receive SNAP, TANF, or
FDPIR benefits will be notified of the enrolled children’s eligibility and that the enrolled children will
be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the SFA that it chooses to decline benefits. If
SNAP, TANF, and FDPIR households are not notified by Taylor Wedman of their eligibility, they will
need to submit an application.
My deepest thank you for

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights
regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating
in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national
all the gifts, cards and those

origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or
activity conducted or funded by USDA.
present at my 100th birthday

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information
( e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State
or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech
celebration. I will always

disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally,
program information may be made available in languages other than English.
remember this occasion.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination
Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing __ cust.
html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit
your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1)mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
e, l
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
Be ie aug lin
(2)fax: (202)690-7442; or
(3)email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Each school and the office of the
SUPERINTENDENT has a copy of the policy which may be reviewed by any interested party.
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El Reno Tribune SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2019 • ELRENOTRIBUNE.COM • ONE DOLLAR
Demolition expected soon of tornado-destroyed motel

By RAY DYER 54, and his wife, The Diffee and Rick
rdyer@elrenotribune.com Bridget, 47, and Jones auto dealerships
Demolition crews are injured 29 others at the received damage, as
expected to soon finish Skyview Mobile Home did a used car lot run
the job Mother Nature Park, just to the west. by Jake Haller.
started May 25 when It then hit the motel City Manager
a tornado destroyed before crossing U.S. 81 Jeremy Frazier said
the American Value and inflicting great
Budget Inn. damage to the Frontier Turn to TWISTER, Page 8A
The EF-3 twister that Jeep-Dodge-Chrysler Rubble at the American Value
struck unexpectedly dealership as well as Budget Inn is expected to
just before 10:30 p.m. the Economy Express be cleared soon. (Tribune
killed Timothy Solis, Motel. photographer/Ray Dyer)
White stays in mayor's

race despite protest
E lection board denies f ellow candidate's claims
By SHANE SMITH candidacy, prompting a
ssmith@elrenotribune.com hearing that was held
El Reno Mayor Matt Thursday afternoon.
White will remain on Copelin, 62, said White
the Nov. 12 ballot after the is often “tagged” on social
Canadian County Election media by entities such as
Board denied a protest the public school district
from a fellow candidate for attending events.
who claimed White has He also complained
committed “unfair television commercials
campaign practices.” promoting El Reno and
Kevan B. Copelin
contested White’s Turn to MAYOR, Page 8A
C handler hired as Family

J ustice C enter proj ect leader
By CHRIS EVERSOLE
Yukon Review
District Attorney Mike

Fields has hired a woman
with 17 years of experience
as the project coordinator for
the planned Canadian County
Family Justice Center. Kristie
Chandler is the certification
program manager in the
Victim Services Unit of the
Honoring Old Glory Oklahoma Attorney General’s
Office.
Rafe Goucher (55), a senior lineman for El Reno High School's football team, carries the American “Kristie’s passion and
flag while leading teammates onto the field last week at Memorial Stadium. The Indians, 1-0, were experience make her the right
taking on Piedmont Friday night. El Reno returns home Sept. 20 to play Chickasha following a bye
week. (Tribune photographer/Glen Miller) Turn to CHANDLER, Page 9A Kristie Chandler
Raiding El Reno
Pictured is
the B-17
Texas Raiders
which will do
V intag e WWI I B - 17 o ut of Tex as to do fl yov er a flyover as
as part of M emorial Stadium R ededication part of the
Memorial
By SHANE SMITH Literally. Stadium
ssmith@elrenotribune.com On Oct. 4, Rededication
The effort to rededicate a B-17 WWII bomber Oct. 4.
Memorial Stadium in will fly over the (Courtesy
honor of the 44 El Reno stadium as part of the photo)
men who lost their rededication ceremony.
lives in service related to The aircraft, part of the
World War II has soared
to new heights. Turn to B-17, Page 9A
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El Reno Tribune unday, e te ber , 2019 NEWS ◆ 9A
B-17
From Page 1A
Commemorative Air
Force (CAF) will
make its run over the
stadium at 7 p.m.
After the
rededication flyover,
the B-17 will hang
around for several
days, offering
schoolchildren and
the public a chance
to inspect it and for
a price, fly in it, just
as brave American
military personnel did
so many years ago.
El Reno’s Memorial
Stadium was dedicated
to local soldiers who
gave their lives for
their country. Some
of the soldiers died
during the war, others
a few years later. They
all had two things
in common — they
served in the military
and they lived in The B-17 Texas Raiders in flight.
El Reno. (Courtesy photo)
At the original
dedication in 1949,
only 38 names were
honored. Research this memorial The bomber is July of 1945. Its last ceremony, people tour is $10 for adults,
by EHS teacher and ceremony unique one of 12,731 B-17s military assignment will get the chance $5 for children under
historian Brian Rukes, and unforgettable. originally built was at Naval Air to tour the inside 12 and $20 for a family
as well as his students, The B-17G Flying by the Air Force. Station Atsugi in of the bomber while of five or less. The
has revealed that six Fortress Bomber is These bombers were Japan, and was it’s stationed at the flights on the bomber
people were left off the named Texas Raiders. developed in the 1930s, acquired and named El Reno Regional start at $475.
original dedication. It has been restored undergoing numerous by the CAF in 1967. Airport. To register for
And so, Rukes, to period-specific design changes over The Texas Raiders And those willing a flight, call 1-855-
students and accuracy. A unit the years. There are was the first of these to pay will actually 359-2217 or visit
supporters set out of the CAF known less than a dozen of Flying Fortresses to be be able to fly in the B17TexasRaiders.org.
to make things right as the Gulf Coast these B-17s still flying, restored and serves as aircraft. For more
and thus was born Wing is responsible all for ceremonial and a flying museum to Tours of the Texas information about
the campaign to for the bomber’s educational purposes. those curious about Raiders will be offered the CAF, including
RemembER the 44. restoration, This particular U.S. military history. Oct. 5-9 from 10 a.m. to how to volunteer,
El Reno has asked maintenance and machine came off the For five days after 5 p.m., excluding flight visit commemorative-
the CAF to help make operation. manufacturing line in the Memorial Stadium times. Admission for a airforce.org.
Chandler The Vision

A broad group from
“I take a lot of
pride in the things
Centers in the
nation, conducted the
as well as making
the community
“The broad
base of support
Canadian County has we do well, but I also retreat and wrote the more aware of the is really impressive,”
From Page 1A been working over the realize that we need report. trauma that victims Fields said.
past year to create a to do better on some The benefits the experience and of the “This is
person at the right Family Justice Center things, like helping report cites include center’s services. our common
time to lead the — a one-stop center victims of domestic reducing the number The planning group problem, and we
project and make where victims of violence,” he said. of abuse incidents has formed four work all have a stake in
the Family Justice domestic violence Chandler will help and the amount of groups to implement finding solutions to
Center a reality in will be able to receive the group act on a human trafficking, the report. it.”
the months to come,” help from multiple strategic planning
Fields said in a news providers. report that is based
release. The center would on a vision that was
Chandler’s provide a shelter for created during a May
experience includes victims, including planning retreat.
working with
survivors of domestic
violence and sexual
children, as well
as providing other
services, said
The Alliance for
Hope International,
an organization that
Bringing Specialty
assault, collaborating
with other agencies
and law enforcement
County Commissioner
David Anderson.
has helped create
many Family Justice Heart Care to
and pursuing ways
to improve responses
to these problems.
the Community
Chandler’s previous
positions before
joining the attorney Vinodh
Jeevanantham, MD
Radwan
Kesserwan, MD
general staff included Cardiology Cardiology
serving as the chief
programs officer for Unique Gifts • Home Decor AVAILABLE SECOND
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“We know that
domestic violence SNAKESKIN IS IN!
only rises to the
level a community is SSM Health St. Anthony is pleased to
willing to tolerate,” announce new heart and vascular care for
Chandler said during El Reno and the surrounding communities.
the interview process.
“A coordinated
community response Interventional cardiologists, Dr. Vinodh Jeevanantham and Dr.
to family violence, Radwan Kesserwan, offer a wide range of services at the new
trauma and cardiology specialty clinic, including evaluation and treatment of
abuse establishes
a continuum of heart diseases and conditions.
care for victims
and accountability New handbags starting at $34.99 - Perfect for Fall! Dr. Jeevanantham, known as “Dr. Jeeva” to his patients, is board
for offenders in a certified in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, nuclear
community.
“The vision to cardiology and internal medicine. He completed his fellowship
establish a Family in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology at the
Justice Center is University of Kansas in Kansas City.
innovative and timely,
and firmly sends
the message that Dr. Kesserwan is board certified in cardiovascular disease and
domestic violence interventional cardiology. He graduated from medical school at
will not be tolerated
in Canadian County.”
Bridal Registry Lebanese University before completing an internship, residency and
Chandler’s salary Taylor Lee & Josh Robinson fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
will be $60,000. She September 21, 2019
will start Sept. 16. Both physicians are accepting new patients.
County Kaysi Morrison & Ty McKinney
commissioners October 19, 2019 Call 405-231-8761 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeeva.
budgeted $100,000 to
support the position. Madison Brown & Zachary Kouba Call 405-231-3841 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kesserwan.
November 1, 2019
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El Reno Tribune SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 • ELRENOTRIBUNE.COM • ONE DOLLAR
City closes unfit ER Council

apartment building condemns
Owners failed to repair number
Sunset site
House set vacant
of problems including elevator for four years with
By RAY DYER
tanks, correct no repairs made
electrical issues and
Earlier this year, clean the building, By RAY DYER
El Reno’s fire marshal which Lagaly said had rdyer@elrenotribune.com
told the owners of become “infested.” Four years is long

As many as 15 people were forced to find new housing after the city of El Reno
the Heritage Park Turn to CLOSED, Page 10A ordered the Heritage Park Apartments building closed. (Tribune photographer/Ray Dyer) enough to make home
Apartments, 405 W. repairs.
Watts, the elevator That was the
inside the building consensus of the
had to be repaired. El Reno City Council
It was not working. last week when it
Some disabled ordered a two-story
residents in the upper house on Sunset Drive
floors were basically condemned.
trapped. The elevator The vote was 5-0
was their only way and came after pleas
to enter or leave the from an attorney
building. representing the
property owner, as
well as a man who
“We try to give a said he was ready
property owner to tackle the job.
The house at 1119
time to make Sunset Drive is owned
repairs, we work in by an Oklahoma City
man who purchased
good faith. But two homes here in
after inspections in 2015 at a sheriff ’s sale.
One home was
April and June repaired within a year
revealed little effort
Turn to HOME, Page 12A
to make the
repairs, officials
were left with no County OKs
choice but to order largest budget
tenants out and the
doors locked...” in history, pay
raises expected
Memory box
Kent Lagaly
El Reno Fire Chief By TERRY GROOVER
Yukon Review
On Sept. 4, city Canadian County
officials declared the workers could see
building unfit to live Wright recalls father's life through photos, an increase in their
in and have ordered drawings, medals and newspaper clippings paychecks come
residents to find new January, after county
housing. By SHANE SMITH man, was born June officials gave tentative
Fire Chief ssmith@elrenotribune.com 28, 1944, two weeks approval to the largest
Kent Lagaly said Sometimes a parent after his father, Homer budget in county
the 50-unit apartment, will die before their Don Wright, was history.
originally built as child is born. The killed in World War II. The county excise
offices for the Rock child has no memory Though Gary doesn’t board, which met in
Island Railroad, of the parent because have any memories tandem with county
had about 15 residents they never met, and of his dad, he keeps commissioners and
still living there. it can be hard for the a box filled with other elected officials,
The building has recently gave its OK to
remember the 44
been ordered closed. a budget of more than
Residents have to be $31 million.
out before Monday, The budget must still
Sept. 16. child to determine pictures, drawings, be formally approved
The owners what type of person newspaper clippings by the commissioners
of the property, their mother or father and war medals. and the excise board.
Talala Properties, was. These help him The christening of the USS Golet in Wisconsin. That is expected to
have ignored orders Unless, that is, the to know the man he The sub was lost off the coast of Japan. Gary Don happen within the next
to not only repair parent was part of never met. two weeks, said County
the elevator but Wright, Homer’s son, holds a photo of his parents
a legacy. “There’s always the Clerk Sherry Murray.
to also properly Gary Don Wright, along with a picture drawn by his father.
install hot water a 75-year-old El Reno Turn to BOX, Page 11A (Tribune photographer/Shane Smith, above, Courtesy/top) Turn to BUDGET, Page 12A
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ber 17
th
El Reno Tribune unday, e te ber 1 , 2019 NEWS ◆ 11A
Box isn’t currently a

memorial for Homer
Don Wright, but Gary
From Page 1A hopes to change that
soon by contacting the
thought that things proper officials.
could have been “I think for the
different,” he said. grandkids and the
“I remember great-grandkids, it’s
believing as a going to mean quite a
child that he could bit to them, in time.”
be coming home any Even without a
day. I was told the headstone, Homer’s
submarine sunk, but I legacy carries on
thought he could have through his medals,
survived.” his artwork and his
Homer Don Wright descendants.
was born May 25, 1915, Gary met his first
to parents, Henry wife, Joy Oyler, and
and Ellen Wright. had three children,
He had five siblings, Mike, Susan and
Raymond, Cecil, Jamie. After Joy died,
Kenneth, Johnny and Gary married Patty
Ida. Homer attended Smith and took in
El Reno High School, her two children,
graduating in 1935. Gabrielle and
While there, he played Jeremiah, as his own.
basketball along with Combined, Gary has
Homer Don Wright, top
his brother, Cecil, eight grandchildren.
photo, in his class picture
and he also studied Gary has also
at EHS. Above, Wright and
mechanical drawing. honored his father by
his wife, Ardath. Below
During these classes, passing down Homer’s
is a watercolor portrait
Homer would middle name, Don,
of Wright in uniform.
sometimes draw for generations. One
(Courtesy photos)
pictures that reflected of these descendants,
his life. Subjects Garrett Don Wright,
included people, plays a fiddle that was
basketball and his Gary Don Wright holds up a picture of his parents and his father’s Purple Heart. owned by Homer, his
job as a newspaper (Tribune photographer/Shane Smith) great-grandfather.
deliverer. Gary said he
One of Homer’s and his family are
teachers would later “I remember believing as a child that he could be coming very excited about
teach Gary as well. the rededication
“She said that he ceremony at Memorial
was a good student, home any day. I was told the submarine sunk, but I thought Stadium. The
always one of the 44 El Reno men,
best boys about being he could have survived.” including Homer, will
polite and getting his be honored at the
work done,” said Gary. Gary Don Wright event for their service
After graduating, On his father during WWII.
Homer worked at the “I am very proud
Rock Island Railroad of the school and
before joining the the rest of the crew on Those reports were Early in his life, plaque at the El Reno of Brian Rukes for
Navy in 1940. In 1943, July 12, and the news false — there were no Gary thought that his Cemetery. He searched doing this,” he said,
he married a woman was relayed to the survivors from the father had died after numerous times but referring to the
from Dewey County Wrights by Homer’s Golet. he was born. He said never could find it. El Reno High School
named Ardath Gore. brother, Cecil. Nearly two years that his mother told Gary’s daughter later teacher who has
Ardath had lost her Initially, there was later, the Wrights him this due to her learned through spearheaded the
father when she was some misinformation were notified that sadness. the Internet that the project.
young. As a child, she going around about the Navy presumed “That’s what she Wright family had “It’s something I’ve
had helped raise her the attack. Radio news Homer to be dead wanted to believe,” asked for a plaque wanted done for a long
six siblings. reports claimed that along with the rest said Gary. but were denied by time.”
As Ardath stayed after being attacked, of the crew. Homer Gary was also the Navy since The celebration will
home and grew close the passengers of received the Purple told that his father Homer’s body wasn’t be held the evening of
to her in-laws, Homer the Golet made it Heart posthumously. had a memorial recovered. So there Oct. 4.
became a ship’s cook, to an island where He was also
traveling on multiple they survived “like awarded several other
submarines including primitive people medals during his
the USS Holland. It’s without any means of service, including
unclear whether communication with for the American and
Homer was a first-
or second-class cook,
as several documents
the outside world.”
Other reports
said they had been
the Asiatic Pacific
Campaigns. These
medals are still in the
Bringing Specialty
give conflicting
information.
Regardless, Gary
captured by the
Japanese.
possession of the son
he never knew. Heart Care to
said his father
had helped cook for
several important
the Community
war meetings, some
of them attended by
Vinodh Radwan
General MacArthur. Jeevanantham, MD Kesserwan, MD
According to Gary, Cardiology Cardiology
his father didn’t write
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The time came Interventional cardiologists, Dr. Vinodh Jeevanantham and Dr.
for Homer to travel Radwan Kesserwan, offer a wide range of services at the new
to Wisconsin and cardiology specialty clinic, including evaluation and treatment of
board a new ship, the
heart diseases and conditions.
USS Golet. Ardath
traveled to Wisconsin
to meet him before Dr. Jeevanantham, known as “Dr. Jeeva” to his patients, is board
departure, and it was certified in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, nuclear
there they conceived
a child, Gary. cardiology and internal medicine. He completed his fellowship
Months later, as in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology at the
Ardath was living in University of Kansas in Kansas City.
El Reno with Homer’s
parents, Homer’s sub
was lost. The Golet Dr. Kesserwan is board certified in cardiovascular disease and
had traveled near the interventional cardiology. He graduated from medical school at
coast of Japan, where Bridal Registry Lebanese University before completing an internship, residency and
depth charges sent
it to a watery grave. Taylor Lee & Josh Robinson fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
That was on June 14, September 21, 2019
1944. Both physicians are accepting new patients.
Gary was born Kaysi Morrison & Ty McKinney
exactly two weeks October 19, 2019 Call 405-231-8761 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeeva.
later.
Homer was reported Madison Brown & Zachary Kouba Call 405-231-3841 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kesserwan.
missing along with November 1, 2019
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El Reno Tribune
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2019 • ELRENOTRIBUNE.COM • ONE DOLLAR
Raise your
hand if you
think you
are safe
Calumet High School's
Jake Percival raises his
hand after making a
wide slide into second
base to avoid a tag
by a Santa Fe South
player. Percival was
called out on the play
but CHS rallied for the
win. See related story
on Page 3B. (Tribune
photographer/Glen Miller)
Matt White holds up the plaque awarded
Thursday night after he was named Mayor of
the Year by the Oklahoma Municipal League.
(Courtesy photo)
White earns
Mayor of the
Year laurels
El Reno's four-term leader
receives honor during annual
OML Conference in Tulsa
By RAY DYER
Matt White was named Oklahoma

Mayor of the Year by the Oklahoma
Municipal League.
The four-term El Reno mayor
received the honor at the annual OML
conference held this week in Tulsa.
White was named the state’s top
mayor for cities with more than 5,000
population.
A fourth generation native of
El Reno, White has served as mayor
since 2007. In that time, El Reno has
experienced record-setting growth.
Roots of valor
Last week it was announced El Reno’s
Above,
sales tax has increased by more than
Brian and
200 percent since 2010.
Charles Rukes
stand with Turn to MAYOR, Page 9A
Dale's foot locker
and hold up the
Blue Star flag
displayed by the Rukes family has a long tradition of serving
Rukes family
while Dale was our country with pride and patriotism
in the service.
Merlyn Dale By SHANE SMITH His knowledge spans
Rukes, right, in
ssmith@elrenotribune.com family history as well as
his flight suit. It’s well known that war history, and the two
(Courtesy photos) Brian Rukes, the man behind subjects are very closely
the RemembER the 44 project, connected.
is a teacher at El Reno High Charles fought in Vietnam,
School. so he knows about war. The
There’s a lot of information loss, the sacrifice, the courage
in his head, especially — the feel of it.
in regards to World War II, His connection with the
and he loves to share that military is deepened even
information with both further by the story of his
children and adults. What family, especially his uncle, El Reno Mayor Matt White and Oklahoma
some may not know, however, Merlyn Dale Rukes. Gov. Kevin Stitt listen to a question while
is that his father, Charles touring damage from the May tornado.
Rukes, is the same way. Turn to VALOR, Page 8A (Tribune photographer/Ray Dyer)
Sunday's Click on
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8A ◆ NEWS unday, e te ber 22, 2019 El Reno Tribune
Valor At left, a picture of

Dale’s plane, the Leapin
St. Nazaire. Dale was
in his main aircraft,
“I personally
think his parents
Liz. It was a B-17F a B-17F bomber known never wanted to give
From Page 1A bomber, and it was shot as Leapin Liz. They up hope. They didn’t
down by Germans on were hit by anti-aircraft want to believe he was
Merlyn, usually Jan. 3, 1943. Below, fire, and the plane dead.”
referred to as Dale, some of the 246 letters exploded 15,000 feet Dale’s death,
was born in El Reno sent by Dale Rukes to in the air, killing the though unimaginably
on May 26, 1920. his family throughout his occupants. tragic, also brought
His parents were service in WWII. Bottom Dale was reported his family a bittersweet
Charley Rukes and photo, the Leapin Liz missing in action, but gift — enough life
Pearl Loretta Rukes. on the runway in Bangor, there was some initial insurance money to
They were later Maine, in 1942 prior to confusion over what purchase a farm of
referred to by family going overseas. really happened. It was their own, comprised
as “Grandma and (Courtesy photos) hard to ascertain the of 160 acres.
Grandpa Charley.” circumstances miles That farm, located
Like many soldiers into the air, and the fate near Geary, is still
in the 44, Dale grew of the Leapin Liz was owned by Brian's dad,
up on multiple farms. uncertain. Charles.
The Rukes family Dale’s parents didn’t Throughout
moved around a lot, know what to think. his career, Dale
as they weren’t able to His mother, Pearl, even was decorated
afford owning their continued sending him numerous times,
own land. They lived in letters. In one of them, including medals for
many areas including sent in February, Pearl five combat missions
El Reno and Okarche, questioned how Dale as well as two clusters
as well as at the had recently been given for shooting down
Filmont Ranch in New a military award while aircraft. Videos of
Mexico. he was MIA. him and his plane,
During Dale’s “You were all over the Leapin Liz, can
school years, he was the radio and all the be found on YouTube
an athlete who raced papers again. It came in living color.
in track competitions. over the radio at 10:15 Charley Rukes
His determination Saturday night when passed away May 26,
throughout his life was we heard you were 1981. That day would
coupled with another awarded the Oak Leaf have been Dale’s 61st
character trait, one that Cluster. It nearly birthday. Charley’s
Brian and Charles can shocked us to death. wife, Pearl, passed
understand without Now, what we would away May 31, 1983.
having ever even met like to know is, where But before their
him. are you? How could deaths, their grandson
“He was someone they present that award had his own war
who was loyal,” said to you if you wasn’t experience.
Brian. “He didn’t want there?” In 1969, the nephew
to wrong anybody, and She had thought Dale never knew,
he always wanted to do that Dale needed to be Charles, joined the war
what was right.” present to receive the effort in Vietnam. He
Dale joined the war award in London. But volunteered and said it
effort on Jan. 9, 1942. this, unfortunately, was was the right thing to
He wanted to be in the not the case — the Air do.
Army Air Corps, and Corps, on Jan. 3, 1944, He also said
he got his wish as a said that Dale was his grandparents
tail gunner in the 358th presumed killed in equated his life
bomb squadron within action. path with that of Dale,
the 303rd bomb group. According to Brian, and he had heard
Also known as the soldier’s parents stories about his
“Hell’s Angels,” this had a hard time uncle for as long as
group of B-17’s was accepting the death he could remember.
a part of the 8th Air of their son. When a The importance of
Force. soldier was serving fighting for our country
Back then, there back then, his family was taught to him very
were only four major there were toward “If you were in the More bombing usually displayed a early.
air bombing groups, the end of the war. Air Corps back then, groups were added, but Blue Star flag. “It was just what
referred to as the It was risky business there was a very high the original ones were That flag was you do,” he said.
Four Horsemen of fighting in WWII, probability that you often outnumbered changed to a Gold Star One particular
the Apocalypse. There especially in the early were going to die,” said and outgunned. This flag if the soldier’s moment brought
were less bombers than years. Brian. was the case during a status was changed to his connection to
mission in France on deceased. But Brian the service and his
Jan. 3, 1943. said he has never seen family into focus.
Up to 40% Discount
Some of the 303rd a Gold Star flag for When Charles returned
were engaged with Dale, and he believes from the war, his
Germany, bombing the family may never Grandma Pearl thought
on New Homes Nazi U-boat pens at have changed it. of her son.
“Dale’s home,”
she said.
Charles said
that he had grown
especially close to
his grandparents,
partly because of
the loss they had
suffered in 1943. Brian
further explained this
connection.
“When my dad
was younger, he
spent tons of time
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said Charles. “They
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Charles spent
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El Reno Tribune WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2019 • ELRENOTRIBUNE.COM • ONE DOLLAR
Group El Reno to
focused rededicate
on city's Memorial
growth
By SHANE SMITH
Stadium
The city of El Reno School project turns
has some big plans on
the horizon. But if you into life-changing
listen to what some say,
those plans may end event for community
up becoming larger than The Memorial Stadium Rededication will be Friday before El Reno's game with Noble. At that time
the memorial honoring the 44 El Reno students to have lost their lives serving our country will be By SHANE SMITH
imagined. ssmith@elrenotribune.com
Last week unveiled. (Tribune photographer/Ray Dyer)
members of a steering What started as a high
committee focusing school project has been
A to Z on anti-bullying
on future growth transformed into a one-of-a-
met to brainstorm kind community-wide event.
about industrial and The rededication of the
commercial growth. El Reno High School Memorial
Made up of citizens, Stadium on Friday is likely
business owners and city something that will be
Pop-punk band shoots music video inside El Reno High remembered for decades to
Turn to GROUP, Page 6A come.
By SHANE SMITH Pop-punk band A to The schedule of events
ssmith@elrenotribune.com Z recorded a music alone ensures the ceremony
video at El Reno will attract people from all
Funding An anti-bullying
music video was
created at El Reno
High School. The
duo is comprised
over.
for family High School over the of Andrea Lopez “It will be a memorial like
weekend. and Zach Kampf.
An Oklahoma Below, Jonathan no other. It will be like
center gets band known as A to Z
received permission
Thompson, right,
and his crew go
through a camera
nothing people have seen
before. It tells their
attention
to make the video at
the high school, so on setup for the No
Bullies music video. stories, and people can
Saturday the school
was transformed from (Tribune walk away from it putting
By CHRIS EVERSOLE photographer/
Yukon Review Turn to VIDEO, Page 7A Shane Smith) faces to the names...”
Funding a Family
Justice Center will be Brian Rukes
El Reno High School teacher
tough, but the effort is
essential.
That’s what a group Brian Rukes, the El Reno
working on ways to fund High School English teacher
the project concluded who has spearheaded the
last week. project, said people from
“This is really hard,” Texas, California, Kansas and
said Assistant District other states plan to be here to
Attorney Tommy honor their fallen loved ones.
Humphries, who is On Friday evening,
helping coordinate the a memorial with the names
four work groups that and photos of all 44 men
are striving to create a from El Reno who died either
Family Justice Center. serving in World War II or
The center would later in circumstances related
provide a shelter for to their military service will
victims of domestic be unveiled.
violence in Canadian Rukes, his students and
County, including volunteers have been working
Turn to FUNDING, Page 6A Turn to MEMORIAL, Page 8A
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8A ◆ NEWS Wednesday, October 2, 2019 El Reno Tribune
Memorial
From Page 1A
on the project for well

over a year.
Prior to the
dedication, a number
of events are planned
on Friday to welcome
the families of the El
Reno 44. A luncheon
provided by Sid’s
Diner will be held at
the Jenks Annex.
Memorabilia from
the community and
the families of the 44
will be displayed.
Starting at 5 p.m.
outside Memorial
Stadium, live music
as well as photos and
mementos will be
available for viewing.
Rukes said the
memorial will be
unique, and it may be
different than people
expect.
“It will be a
memorial like no
other,” said Rukes.
“It will be like nothing
people have seen students, biographies El Reno school at and letting them They were joined navigator on a B-17 in
before. It tells their have been written, some point, had to know we still care. by Rodger Roblyer, an WWII. At Friday’s
stories, and people old articles have been have served in WWII, It’s a tragedy that administrator with ceremony, Rodger
can walk away from discovered and new and had to have died somewhere over 70 El Reno schools and will be in the bomber
it putting faces to information has sometime while in the years of time, the the son of legendary as it takes flight. He
the names. I’ve never been unveiled. Rukes service, even if it was names were forgotten. superintendent Leslie will be in the seat
seen a memorial learned through after the war. We want to make it F. Roblyer. corresponding to
monument quite like his research that 38 Rukes said when right. We want them The late Roblyer where his father sat in
this one.” names were honored the El Reno Board to be remembered actually served as the a similar aircraft.
The monument will in the original of Education heard for the sacrifice they
be unveiled at 6 p.m. memorial dedicated in about the omitted made. The families
At 7 p.m., just 1949. names, they sacrificed too, and we
before El Reno kicks The research immediately agreed want to acknowledge
off against Noble, a showed the memorial with the idea to them.”
massive B-17 Flying should actually include them in the Rukes said that
Fortress named Texas have 44 names. It is rededication. he can “see in their
Raiders will fly over unknown why exactly It is Rukes’ eyes or hear in their
the stadium. these names weren’t hope that the voice” how much the
This combat included. Rukes said entire community memorial means to
aircraft was built in that it may have been respects and admires the families.
the WWII era and has unintentional. He the lives of the 44. The event is
been restored by the said for at least some And that’s the purpose being made into
Commemorative Air of the names, it’s of this ceremony — an educational
Force. understandable that to honor the lives of experience for
From Oct. 5-9, they were overlooked all the El Reno men students. Students at
people will get the at the time. who fought in WWII Lincoln and Roblyer
chance to tour the “We have resources and died sometime who participated in
inside of the aircraft. available to us today during their military the project answered
Admission is $10 for that they didn’t have service. questions for the
adults, $5 for children back then. We can According to Rukes, media.
under 12 and $20 for a research, connect the most important
family of up to five. the dots and make a part of this whole
Especially brave souls
can purchase a ticket
to actually go for a
determination on who
meets the criteria.
They all deserved
saga is family —
especially those of the
44.
“MR.WALTER PLANT”
flight. That will cost to be included. If “We are honoring
$475. A representative we hadn’t done our the soldiers, but we ON TOUR
FREE CONCERT
from the CAF said homework, they may are also honoring
that spots are still have been left off the families as well
available for each of again, and that would
the eight-passenger have been tragic.”
flights. For each day, The criteria to be
flights and tours are
between 10 a.m. and
one of the 44 is as
follows: The soldier
Abominable PG NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH
(1:30*), 4:00*, 6:30, [9:00]
4:30 p.m. had to go to an Downton Abbey PG 500 N. REFORMATORY ROAD, EL RENO, OK
Rukes has lived and (12:45*), 3:45*, 6:45, [9:45]
breathed military
history for years. He
The Lion King PG
(12:30*), 3:30*, 6:30, [9:30] Sunday, OCTOBER 6, 2019 11:00AM
comes from a military
family, and his great
uncle was killed in
Catholic Joker R
(12:30*, 1:00*), 3:30, 4:00, 6:30,
7:00, [9:30, 10:00]
Radio
Ad Astra PG-13
WWII. This set the (1:15*), 4:15*, 7:15, [10:15]
Rukes family on a Rambo: Last Blood R
path to honor those (1:30*), 4:00*, 6:30, [9:00]
97.3
who have died serving Hustlers R
our nation. (1:15*), 4:15*, 7:15, [10:15]
After months of )LOPVVKRZLQJ
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by Rukes and his +RXU+RWOLQHĆ
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El Reno Tribune SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019 • ELRENOTRIBUNE.COM • ONE DOLLAR
Honor etched in stone

Above, the B-17
named Texas Memorial Stadium R ededication
Raiders slowly
drops out of the tak es fl ig ht with B - 17, monument
sky over the runway
at El Reno Airpark By SHANE SMITH unveiled to a crowd waiting
Thursday evening. ssmith@elrenotribune.com with baited breath. One
Its flight had been The Memorial Stadium of the most anticipated
delayed by weather Rededication Ceremony events of the evening
in Guymon. At right, kicked into gear on Friday. was the flyover by the
Brian Rukes looks After more than B-17G war bird, the Texas
over the side of 20 months of eager Raiders.
the monument at anticipation by virtually This WWII bomber,
Memorial Stadium all of the community, the restored and operated by the
Thursday night massively ambitious project Commemorative Air Force,
which shows the was finally finished. arrived in El Reno from
El Reno 44. (Tribune Families of the 44 Guymon Thursday evening.
photographer/ proudly discussed their Its landing at the El Reno
Glen Miller) lost loved ones, and the
memorial monument was Turn to MEMORIAL, Page 12A
E R mayor candidates
squa re of f in of rums
By RAY DYER On Tuesday
rdyer@elrenotribune.com evening, Oct. 8,
El Reno voters the El Reno
will have two Chamber of
opportunities this Commerce will host
week to hear the views a candidate forum at
of the four people
running for mayor. Turn to MAYOR, Page 11A
Students report fellow Road workers smooth out a new layer of asphalt over Miles Avenue and SW 25th in El Reno. (Tribune photographer/
Shane Smith)
classmate for making
threatening statements
An El Reno she seemed to say
City has fewer bumps in the road
student found herself these things in jest,
C rews beg in more than $3 mil lion in improv ements delayed by A pril's heav y rains
in hot water after but the repetition of By SHANE SMITH $3 million in Smith, assistant Waterlines
making threatening her statements led ssmith@elrenotribune.com improvements was director for Public were replaced
statements. them to report her Recent road work expected to begin as Works. He said the on Elm about 20
EHS Principal to school officials. to Elm Street and early as late April, main roads needed the years ago and the
Pat Liticker said Liticker said other areas of but heavy rains and work as a preventative road received an
three students police were called El Reno is part of a flooding pushed the measure. overlay a few years
reported the girl for and officers picked up comprehensive city start date back. “Elm Street hasn’t after that.
saying she wanted the student while she project that was Several roads on gotten work like this Elm and other
to shoot people on was in class at the approved by the city the improvements in 15 or 16 years, and streets have received
several occasions. council in March. list have waterlines it’s a major thorough-
The students said See THREATS, Page 11A The more than beneath, said Chris fare road,” Smith said. Turn to ROAD, Page 11A
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in Canadian County.
12A ◆ NEWS unday, October , 2019 El Reno Tribune
Memorial CAF feels that it’s

worth every penny to
preserve the history of
From Page 1A WWII.
“The CAF keeps
Airport a day before history alive in a way
the ceremony was a that couldn’t be done
momentous occasion otherwise,” he said.
in and of itself, as The bomber will be
a plane of that type available for the public
hasn’t visited El Reno to tour this week, and
in 26 years. brave souls can even
Texas Raiders go up for a flight.
has been touring the Both Rukes and
country all summer, representatives from
and its last stop before CAF said that safety
Oklahoma was in for the crew and
Colorado. the passengers is
of paramount
importance.
“I am extremely There remained lots
of preparation on
thankful for all Thursday evening,
from aircraft safety
support from so checks to checking up
on the monument.
many different That evening, Rukes
said, put everything
people. The project into perspective. so much for this. I
As he looked at the can't put into words
was so big, I tarp covering the how much it means.”
memorial, he realized Rukes thanked
absolutely could that the wait was everyone who helped
finally over. with the project,
never have done it “To me, it’s from city and school
surreal that all of officials to donors
on my own.” this is coming to a and T-shirt customers.
head — it’s actually He said he has feelings
Brian Rukes happening.” of thanksgiving,
El Reno High educator
RemembER the 44 is appreciation and
extremely important gratitude.
to Rukes, as it is to the “I am extremely
The plane is families of the fallen thankful for all
expensive to maintain, soldiers. support from so many
costing more than For the ceremony, different people. The
$2,500 in fuel per aerial they came from all project was so big, I
hour. over — Texas, Georgia, absolutely could never
El Reno High School California, Florida, have done it on my
educator Brian Rukes, Arkansas, Missouri, own.”
the man who Kansas, South Tours of Texas
spearheaded the Carolina, Colorado, Raiders will be
Remember the 44 New Mexico, Iowa and conducted Friday
project, said that the Montana. Some of through Wednesday
them were already from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
TRIBUNE PHOTOS staying in El Reno excluding flight times.
5
hotels on Wednesday Cost is $10 for adults
DIGITAL
COPY
$ night.
Rukes said that the
and $5 for kids under
12. To schedule a
value of honoring the flight, starting at $475,
LOCAL 44 and their families call 1-855-359-2217.
SPORTS is almost beyond El Reno schools
& NEWS comprehension. will have educational
“It blows me away trips to see the B-17
that so many people starting Monday for all
405-262-5180 have been willing to do grades.
Re -Elect
MATT WHITE
FOR MAYOR
Proven
Leadership!
Proven to
work for you! From top down: The B-17
Texas Raiders powers down
its engines after arriving
in El Reno. Brian Rukes
looks over one side of the
Memorial. This Twin Beech
“I’m proud to be from El Reno known as Little Raiders
is a support plane for the
and I’m proud of the work we B-17, which touched down
have done these past few years. I on the runway just after
am calling on you once again to 405-262-1463 320 S. Rock Island Ave. 5 p.m. Thursday. (Tribune
choose me as your mayor. photographer/Glen Miller)
Together, we can keep making www.rockislandcu.com
this the town we want it to be.”
~Matt White
EL RENO SMILE DAY SERVING OUR

COMMUNITY
Keep the
Change Fri., Oct. 25 th
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Going. Keep Receive an extraction,
El Reno filling, or cleaning!
First come, first served.
Growing!
Re -Elect
MATT WHITE
FOR MAYOR
VOTE NOVEMBER 12, 2019 Hosted at El Reno Family Dentistry - 1570 SW 27th St, El Reno
SPONSOR: Henry Schein
Paid by Re-elect Matt White for Mayor, Elisha White Treasurer 1815 S. Choctaw • El Reno, OK 73036
El Reno Tribune WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019 • ELRENOTRIBUNE.COM • ONE DOLLAR
Brian Rukes, left, and Elliott Robertson pull the tarp off the Memorial Stadium Monument as the crowd gathered for the rededication ceremony looks on at the double-sided tribute
to the El Reno students who paid the ultimate price for freedom. (Tribune photographer/Glen Miller)
El Reno remembers
Memorial Stadium rededicated to the 44 who paid the ultimate sacrifice
By RAY DYER and
SHANE SMITH
No way was Brian Rukes going
to allow the Memorial Stadium
Monument that was unveiled Friday
evening to wait another minute.
Unable to reach the top of the
memorial to flip the covering off
it, Rukes shimmied along a narrow
ledge on the front of the impressive
structure and reaching as high as he
could, flipped the cover over and off
the top of the monument.
The audience showed its approval
with resounding applause.
It was an emotional evening for
the El Reno High School English
teacher. For two years he had been
leading his students on a journey
to uncover and write about the lives
of people who had graduated from
EHS. Along the way, one of his
students discovered no one really Brian Rukes discusses the Memorial Stadium
El Reno High School graduate Jordan Duff plays Taps during the rededication project and the work his students did in
Remember the 44 ceremony. (Tribune photographer/Ray Dyer) Turn to 44, Page 7A researching it. (Tribune photographer/Glen Miller)
Sheriff says Pratt to be

immigration inducted
reform needed
By TERRY GROOVER
Yukon Review
into HOF
Immigration reform is By JOHN GREINER
Oklahoma Military HOF
needed. At least that is
what Canadian County Renowned Oklahoma
Sheriff Chris West told artist and El Reno native
Oklahoma lawmakers in Harvey Pratt, whose art
Washington, D.C. has comforted art lovers
West was one of 15 and crime victims, will be
Oklahoma sheriffs inducted into the Oklahoma
who were invited to Military Hall of Fame on
attend a conference last Oct. 26. The ceremony and
week sponsored by the banquet begins at 6:30 p.m.
Federation for American with a reception.
Immigration Reform A member of the Southern
(FAIR). Cheyenne Tribe, Pratt will
The organization be one of 11 Oklahomans
covered all of to be inducted during a
West’s expenses, banquet and ceremonies at
including airfare and the Embassy Suites Hotel in
accommodations. Norman.
An artist rendering of the National Native American Veterans Memorial designed by El Reno native and
Turn to WEST, Page 3A Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal member Harvey Pratt. (Courtesy photo) Turn to PRATT, Page 3A
Thursday's Inside Click on Instagram

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Tribune Corporation, El Reno, Okla. Colder in afternoon
Play the El Reno Tribune’s Annual
FOOTBALL CONTEST
2 ways to play Play the paper on pages 4A & 5A or at elrenotribune.com
El Reno Tribune Wednesday, October 9, 2019 NEWS ◆ 7A
44 El Reno sent its

brothers and sisters,
educational
experience for his
hundreds upon students that will
From Page 1A hundreds, to fight in remain with them
knew how Memorial harm’s way around throughout their lives.
Stadium got its name. the world. Earlier in the day,
After finding a “But before they families of the
clipping from the were soldiers, before El Reno 44 were guests
El Reno Tribune they were Airmen, at a luncheon inside
published in 1949, the before they were the Jenks Simmons
educational journey Sailors and Marines, Annex.
began to take on a they were football Tables with
new direction. quarterbacks. They WWII artifacts
The story said 38 were farmhands. and memorabilia,
men from El Reno They were oil field especially items
who died during roughnecks and they related to the 44 were
service in World War were college students. set up for people to
II were the genesis They were the sons browse. Pictures,
for the original El Reno High School students from Brian Rukes' class wait for their turn to read the of El Reno. They were drawings, clothing
dedication. But names of the 44. (Tribune photographer/Ray Dyer) sent to represent our and other items were
no one could find a nation thousands of displayed. Family
plaque at the stadium miles away on the members said they
that was said to have other side of the were grateful for
their names inscribed. globe. And a little the opportunity
It was then learned, more than four years to remember the 44
again through later, all but 44 of in this way.
research, that there El Reno’s sons would “I think it’s
were actually 44 men return. “ wonderful,” said
with ties to El Reno Rukes said El Reno Shirley Goleski. She
schools who deserved sent more than is the sister of Luther
to be memorialized. 1,300 residents to H. “Buddy” Smith Jr.,
And so, after serve during World who died May 20, 1944,
months of planning, War II. A legacy, as his bomber crashed
fundraising and the community into another while
prayer, Rukes and his remembers, on the runway.
students gathered demonstrated by “There aren’t very
with several hundred the response to the many of us World
people Friday night to stadium rededication. War II families left.”
rededicate Memorial “But I would argue Some of Smith’s
Stadium. there is one final siblings attended
Brooke Robertson, Above, a child points legacy,” Shanks said. along with a host of
community outreach at some pictures of “And it’s the legacy other family members.
director for El Reno Homer Don Wright. At that I see in the eyes A few of them said
Public Schools, right, dozens of people and the faces of the they were grateful
emceed the event. attended the memorial men and women, for Buddy, noting
Students who luncheon, and hundreds young and old, that that the crash that
researched and wrote would later join them at I see before me. claimed his life led
about the El Reno 44, the rededication. (Tribune You are that legacy.” to changes making it
as they have come to photographer/Shane Smith) School so bombers had to be
be known, read each Superintendent 500 yards apart on the
man’s name and the when they take their the men of the 44, you “But there’s another Craig McVay said he runway.
branch of the military last breath. And the immediately think of legacy of the 44 left taught Rukes history Other 44 families
in which they served. second, when the the impression they behind. One that was when his pupil was had similar feelings
Lt. Col. Theodore last person speaks made on the other side left in a small town in in junior high. McVay of gratitude, both
Shanks traveled from their name for the of the globe fighting central Oklahoma. quipped the roles for their deceased
Altus Air Force Base last time,” Shanks the Great War. They “In the 1942 should have been soldiers and for the
to take part in the said, addressing the were a unified force census, El Reno had reversed. people who put this
ceremony. audience. for good, fighting for a population of 10,078 El Reno Mayor project together.
“They say people “When you think the values that made people. That year, and Matt White praised
die twice. The first, about the legacy of our nation free. several years before it, Rukes for creating an Turn to 44, Page 8A
Music, food, wine and Harry Potter pop up this weekend

American Legion Then on Saturday, Vices will have day from 2 to 4 p.m., The Golden Girls of sandwiches and
will be offering some the OU/Texas watch similar parties all and open mic night El Reno, who are said ambience? Then
delicious food this party will be hosted at month, including a every Tuesday at 9 to be very, very funny. check out Our Glass.
Friday. At 7 p.m., 11 a.m. Tim Burton Night on p.m. And don’t forget The restaurant
the bar will serve an And don’t forget Oct. 18 and a Monster VFW Post 382 the main event on also serves as a
Early Bird Chicken McClurg and Muns Mash on Oct. 19, both The post is Saturday, Oct. 12 — venue, hosting live
Fried Steak Dinner. on Oct. 19 and a at 7 p.m. celebrating Halloween the DJVIBE Bboy music every Friday
Sides include Halloween party on And don’t forget with Wicked Battle. It’s a night of at 7 p.m.
mashed potatoes, Oct. 25. Vices karaoke party Wednesdays at 8 p.m. full-on break dancing, This Friday,
green and brown Vices on Halloween night, This is a chance for with beats provided by Our Glass welcomes
beans, salad, rolls and How about a little the first annual horror fans to watch DJVIBE. It’s a dancing Brent Krueger, a
dessert. magic? Hogwarts fans Scaraoke! Best their favorite movies contest, lasting from highly-sought-after
Legion members rejoice! On Friday, costume on stage while choosing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and studio musician with
who have paid their Oct. 11, Vices Bar wins a prize. the bar’s wide beer the winner will win a unique guitar style.
dues early will get the and Venue will host Vices features selection. a $150 cash prize. He has performed
meal for free, and it’s a Harry Potter Night. drink specials On Oct. 11 at 8 p.m., VFW will also with Toby Keith
$7 for everyone else. Patrons are every weekend — Karaoke Night with have a full-blown and many other
Also, the evening encouraged to dress $2 Naturdays on Richie Rodriguez Halloween party on artists, and he will
will be topped off up in their best Saturdays and yoga- will give patrons the Oct. 25. play an acoustic
by some live country wizarding garb. themed drinks on chance to sing their Our Glass set befitting of the
music by the Katie The event lasts from Yoga Sundays. favorite songs. And a Want some wine, wine bar's relaxed
Ballew Band. 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Happy Hour is every special appearance by craft beer, specialty atmosphere.
w e e k e n d f u n
S
The
R T
Out Post 34
STA Veterans Still Serving America!

October 11, 7 pm: Chicken Fried
E R E
Steak, $7/plate - Katie Ballew Band
H
HALLOWEEN PARTY
Call Shane Smith
October 25th - Music by Josh Meloy
405-262-5180 or
405-339-3641 to advertise American Legion Post 34
your weekend hot spot! 2101 Sunset Dr, El Reno, OK 73036
Our Glass VFW 382

Delicatessen 1515 S. Rock Island Ave.
ve.
And
Auxiliary
Live Music on
Weekends!
COSTUME CONTESTS!
Wine Lounge - Craft Beer - Art Gallery
Friday, Oct. 11th OCT. 11:
HARRY POTTER NIGHT, 7 PM
KARAOKE
Live Music Weekends! Saturday, Oct. 12th OCT 18:
TIM BURTON NIGHT, 7PM
Brent Krueger, Oct. 11, 7 pm DJ VIBE - DANCE BATTLE 9PM

PM
WINNERS GET A PRIZE!
OCTOBER 25: HALLOWEEN PARTY
Cali Sickler, Oct 12, 7 pm WICKED WEDNESDAYS IN OCTOBER HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY, 2 TO 4 P.M.
108 S. Bickford Ave., El Reno • 405-345-8151 Horror Movies 8pm • Drink Specials 1701 OK-66, El Reno • (405) 295-6426

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El Reno Tribune

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Kiley Ingram is the new

New look on history

of Normandy real people and people

ue to the Independence oliday

recognizing the names

Library positive change in

49761 and mention Lollies Night.

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OD OT creates of fice f or mass transit

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r bert e r in Brian Rukes' English class spent

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Tractor driving Our hero

up county fair at everything he did during his life

“He spoiled me.

Amanda Groshong and Macy Robertson play a

Check out our

h r h r Brian Rukes' English class spent months

at preci u mem rie

My deepest thank you for

all the gifts, cards and those

present at my 100th birthday

celebration. I will always

remember this occasion.

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Demolition expected soon of tornado-destroyed motel

White stays in mayor's

C handler hired as Family

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