June 2026

A delegation from Midleton, County Cork, Ireland, visited southeast Oklahoma this spring in an effort to establish a sister city partnership with the City of McAlester.

Councilor Rory Cocking represents the East Cork Municipal District Electoral Area in southern Ireland. Along with Councilor Ann Marie Ahern and East Cork director of services Eileen Coleman, Cocking toured the Choctaw Nation’s headquarters in Durant and other locations within the reservation.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma History Center Museum announced the opening of “Moments That Made US,” a special exhibition during the America250 commemoration that explores how generations of Americans have given meaning to the ideals set out in the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition is now on view at the Oklahoma History Center Museum at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.

STILLWATER – AI, no matter what industry one works in, it’s an acronym that’s heard a lot nowadays.

The use of artificial intelligence has surged in recent years, increasing from roughly half of organizations using it in 2023 to more than 70 percent in 2024, according to global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

I am a husband, a father of six, and a proud Kiowa. My family means everything to me. They have been my motivation to keep going during some of the darkest moments of my life.

LAWSUITS

Synchrony Bank vs. Leana Smith for $2,231.97 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Tanner Hamilton for $1,124.47 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Jason Grauberger for $4,284.46 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Brenda Crew for $4,243.84 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Rustyn Cook had the best meal of his life at Eskimo Joe’s in Stillwater and that happiness came from nothing on the menu at the world famous restaurant and bar.

While eating chili-cheese fries and a burger with his family, Cook’s father and El Reno head coach Russell Cook got a phone call neither son nor dad expected would happen.

“We were eating at a restaurant and then my dad got a phone call and he didn’t tell me who it was from,” said Rustyn.

Archie L. Jones went to be with the Lord on June 19, 2026, in El Reno, the same town where he was born Feb. 11, 1933.

A lifelong resident of El Reno, Archie was deeply committed to his community. He was a faithful member and deacon of New Hope Baptist Church, an enthusiastic member of the El Reno Cruisers car club, and a dedicated volunteer at both the Canadian County Historical Museum and the El Reno Heritage Express. 

A man of many talents, his passions included repairing and restoring classic cars, as well as gifted woodworking.

El Reno’s varsity and junior varsity softball teams have posted a 4-1-1 summer record going into the final week of June action.
 

El Reno High School suffered its first loss in the Putnam City Summer Baseball League by a 7-1 decision to the Guthrie Bluejays.

The setback dropped the Indians varsity squad to 3-1 on the summer and 2-1 in PCO league action.

El Reno had its troubles at the plate, going 4-of-17 (.235) with no extra base hits.

The Indians struck out nine times against three walks, two of those by Ryker Crain and one from Ayden Overholser.

Damein McKelvey paced the offense with a 2-for-2 effort as one of his singles plated Crain for the lone EHS run.

The Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field opened in October of 2025, less than a year ago. It’s already eyeing major expansion. 

At the June El Reno City Council meeting, the founder of the aviation museum, Tony Caldwell, said in the months since opening at El Reno Regional Airport, some 4,000 people have visited, representing 25 states and six foreign countries. 

Caldwell won the unanimous blessing of the council to move forward with expansion plans.