News

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.