June 2026

The Canadian County District Attorney has filed formal charges against the man accused of killing four young people in a wrong-way collision on I-40.

Michael Salomon Rosario-Cruz, 26, faces four counts of second-degree murder, carrying a firearm while under the influence and transporting an open container of an intoxicating beverage. 

He is being held in the Canadian County Jail. 

Rosario-Cruz is charged in the deaths of Quincy Jones, 19, Haliegh Salazar, 18, and Brad Palmer, 18, all of El Reno and Kiercy Hickson, 20, of Stillwater. 

Several dozen well-wishers gathered Friday morning at the ICAN headquarters in El Reno to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network in Canadian County. 

ICAN Executive Director Matt Whetzel welcomed the audience that included District Attorney Tommy Humphries and Assistant DA Eric Epplin.

Board members and staff of ICAN as well as representatives from El Reno, Yukon and Mustang Chamber of Commerce joined in the celebration. 

OKLAHOMA CITY — A former school board member and a retired district superintendent are vying for the Democratic nomination to be Oklahoma’s public schools chief.

Democrats will choose between Jennettie Marshall, 67, and Craig McVay, 65, in the June 16 primary election for state superintendent. The winner will advance to the November General Election to face the victor of a seven-candidate Republican primary field.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Chase Johnson’s tenure as El Reno High School’s baseball coach got off to a fast start as the Indians jumped out to a 2-0 record in the Putnam City Summer League.

The varsity posted a 19-1 win over the PCO orange squad, while the junior varsity shut out the Pirates by a 10-0 margin.

El Reno’s varsity offense was led by Maddox Ferguson with a 3-for-3 effort and Austin Steffler’s 3-for-4 tally as the Indians belted out 13 hits.

Three of those were triples by Gage Lesperance, Austin Steffler and Ryker Crain.

The Oklahoma Legislature wants a dramatic turnaround in student literacy rates to rival the so-called Mississippi Miracle.

Now, every teacher of kindergarten through third grade, and every reading specialist, instructional coach and principal in elementary schools across the state find themselves on the frontlines of meeting a host of new requirements under the Oklahoma Strong Readers Act – and more importantly, will be trying to achieve measurable success where past efforts have fallen short.  

Born Feb. 11, 2008, in Oklahoma City, Brad D. Palmer passed away at age 18 on May 22, 2026. 

He attended El Reno Public Schools and recently graduated from El Reno High School. He was on his way to a bigger stage at college, where he was going to play football and further his education. 

Brad loved to play sports. Since he was little, his brothers were always on him to keep it up, and he did with football, basketball, powerlifting, and just a tad bit of wrestling. He was really starting to love the weight room as well as keeping involved with his friends. 

Ronnie Lynn Mauldin peacefully passed from this earth on May 30, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 27, 1952, to his loving parents, Jefferson Leon “Sparkey” Mauldin and Hattie Faye Mauldin. He was raised in El Reno, where he graduated from El Reno High School in 1971. He would proudly tell you that from kindergarten through his senior year of high school, he never missed a day of school.

Rebecca (Becky) Lee Beisel Slater, age 74, returned to her heavenly home on Friday, May 29, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with multiple health issues.    

Becky was born June 14, 1951, in Springdale, Arkansas, to David and Jean Ann Beisel.

She grew up in Tulsa and attended Tulsa Memorial High School and Oklahoma State University.  

It is with deep love and reverence that we announce the passing of Delvin Nelson Sr., who was born Nov. 1, 1948, and departed this life on May 30, 2026.

Delvin was a man of unwavering faith, strength and compassion. Born to Rosezelia Kearney Nelson and George E. Nelson Sr., he was raised with values that shaped a life defined by service, integrity and devotion to both family and God. 

LAWSUITS

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance Inc. vs. Landry Meschberger for $84,100.15 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Loan Depot LLC vs. Lori Sholer and Traci Sholer for $177,542.05 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees and foreclosure of mortgage on Lot 32, Block 30, Mustang Heights Addition Section 5.

Ashton Court Property Owners Association Inc. vs. Kevin Aniebok and Lorna Aniebok for= an amount in excess of $75,000 for alleged actual and punitive damages.