The man accused of killing four young people in a wrong-way collision on I-40 has been booked into the Canadian County Jail on multiple complaints, including second-degree murder. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement retainer has also been placed on him, authorities said.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported the developments, holding a press conference in Oklahoma City Wednesday morning.
Russell Cook stood quietly among the crowd at last week’s candlelight vigil for the four teenagers, three of those former El Reno High School students, killed in a head-on collision.
American Legion Post 34 Commander Michael Pruitt said just prior to Monday’s Memorial Day service, he was asked a question that gave him pause for just a moment.
“A man asked me, ‘Who should I thank for this,’ Pruitt said, addressing the audience in the pavilion at the El Reno Cemetery. Pruitt said the question caught him off guard, but then the answer became clear.
“Thank all of those who are buried over there with the American flag on their graves,” Pruitt responded.
ICAN received support recently when Pecina’s Mexican Cafe held a fundraiser for the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network.
Pecina’s raised more than $600 for the organization that provides support for victims of domestic violence.
Pictured are Javier and Rosalina Pecina along with Carolyn Husmann and Matt Whetzel of ICAN.
Diana Capps Hill, born May 14, 1946, passed away May 8, 2026, just shy of her 80th birthday, in her home in El Reno.
She left this world peacefully, surrounded by the comfort of her own home.
Diana is lovingly remembered by her family, including her two daughters, Kimberly Bentley and Darla Landers. She was a cherished grandmother to Tony, Brandon and his wife, Amanda, Danielle and her husband, Chad, and Anthony. Diana also had the joy of knowing her three great-grandchildren, Dylan, Chad and Aspen.
Members of American Legion Auxiliary Post 34 selected five outstanding young women to attend ALA Oklahoma Girls State this summer as delegates representing both their schools and Auxiliary Post 34.
Representing El Reno Public Schools are Bella Stevenson, Amy Puente and Ellie Shamblin, while Katelyn Rushing and KatyAnn Fuerst are representing Piedmont Public Schools.
In June, Tribal Nations from across the Northern Plains will gather in southeastern Montana to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, known to many Native people as the Battle of the Greasy Grass. Among those preparing for the historic gathering are the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, who are organizing cultural activities, educational programs, camp events and commemorative participation alongside the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and other allied Tribal Nations.
STILLWATER – The Rural Renewal Initiative Seed Grant Program invests in rural-focused research across Oklahoma, providing critical funds to enhance rural communities.
The seed grants are a way for researchers to address the grand challenges rural community members face, said Linnea Harvey, Rural Renewal Initiative coordinator.
A federal bill proposes cracking down on private equity firms control of youth sports and banning practices such as stay-to-play, where out-of-town teams’ participation in tournaments is contingent on booking certain hotels.
The West roster for the 2026 Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association’s Small School All-State Baseball Game will have five spots filled by players within a 25-mile radius of each other.
Calumet High School, which won the Class B title for both fall and spring, earned two first-pick spots in catcher Kingston Arnold and outfielder Kaleb Thiessen.
