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Mollman Media News

2018 March 12th - 17th

News for March 12th - 17th

 

 

Saturday, March 17th

 

Texas Fugitive, Girlfriend Face Local Charges

We have an update to a story about the recent arrests of a Texas fugitive and his girlfriend at a Chickasha home. Robin Sean Davis and Angela Danielle Keller are now facing local charges in connection with the arrests. Davis and Keller were taken into custody after a tactical team made up of U.S. Marshals, highway patrol troopers and other law enforcement got word that the two were in Chickasha. Both were arrested without incident. Davis, who lists a Chickasha address, was wanted out of Cleburne, Texas for firearms charges. He's been charged in Grady County District Court with a felony of having a firearm after conviction, and a misdemeanor count of drug possession. Court documents indicate investigators found three loaded  weapons in the home, a partially-loaded magazine for a semi-automatic rifle, a number shotgun shells and a couple of bags of ammunition.  Court documents also indicate that Davis was convicted of firearms and drug charges out of El Reno in 2005. Davis could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on the most recent charges. He remains in jail in lieu of $30,000 bond. There's no word on his possible extradition to face charges in Texas. Keller, who lists a Cache address, is facing a felony count of harboring a fugitive and having firearms after conviction, and a misdemeanor for drug possession. She was convicted in Stephens County for drug possession in 2015. She remains in jail in lieu of $75,000 bond. She could also be sentenced to life in prison if convicted. Both are to announce their attorneys on March 28th with preliminary hearing conferences set April 4th.

 

New State Representative Sworn In

The newest member of the State House of Representatives takes his oath of office. Republican Brad Boles was sworn in to office at the state capital yesterday. He says he knows he’ll be facing some challenges.

 

                

 

The Marlow mayor won a special election for House District 51 last week. The region includes parts of Chickasha and eastern Grady County, as well as Marlow and parts of northern and eastern Stephens County. Boles takes the post previously held by Chickasha's Scott Biggs.

 

Pre-War Swap Meet Concludes Today

Antique auto enthusiasts from all over the world are in Chickasha this week, sifting through boxes of old car and truck parts, and sharing their favorite stories about their hobbies. Simply called the Pre-War Swap Meet, collectors and restorers come here every year, knowing this is one of the few swap meets anywhere with items specifically for the very early years of transportation, from 1890 through 1945. Gary Griffin from Oklahoma City has been a vendor at the pre-war swap meet since it started in 1980, and tells where he finds a lot of his items.

 

                

 

A number of fully-restored antiques will be bought and sold at the swap meet. More than 300 vendors are on hand at the event being held at the Grady County Fairgrounds. There's free admission. Another swap meet, which will feature any and all cars and trucks, will be in Duncan at the Stephens County Fairgrounds next weekend.

 

Shriner's Circus Headed to OKC; Tickets Available in Chix

It's almost time for the Shriner's Circus. It will be held in Oklahoma City March 22nd through 25th at the the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.  It's a great family entertainment activity, and most importantly, the proceeds benefit the Shriner's Hospital, which treats children suffering from debilitating illnesses for free. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children 12-and-under. Tickets are available locally from Carey Wilkerson by calling 405-274-4767.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Zelda McCall with the Oklahoma Blood Institute is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program on this website, under the Community tab.

 

 

Friday, March 16th

 

 

Wildfires Erupt in Region

Wind-whipped fires kept firefighters out for several hours in central Oklahoma yesterday. One was north of Alex, another west of El Reno around Calumet, and one in the Oklahoma City area. In Grady County, firefighters were summoned to the blaze that started five miles north of Alex about 2:00 p.m. Volunteer firefighters from the Naples, Bradley, Pioneer, Friend, Farwell, and Ninnekah departments beat back the flames. Grady County Fire Department spokesman Buddy Myers says no structures were lost. The fire threat will be extremely high again today for most of the state. Afternoon highs are expected to be near 80 and accompanied by very windy and dry conditions. The National Weather Service says critical fire weather conditions are expected starting about 11 o'clock this morning and running through 8 o'clock tonight. The agency says fire risk will also be high through the weekend and into the middle of next week.

 

Update on Officer-Involved Shooting

A Grady County deputy is on administrative leave following an officer-involved shooting. The shooting occurred at a Chickasha home late Wednesday night, and a man was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. His condition is not known. Sheriff Jim Weir tells us that two deputies went to serve a felony warrant at the home. The man they were looking for, Demon Reed, is reported to have gotten into his vehicle and drove down an alley. As one deputy tried to flag him down, Reed is alleged to have driven his vehicle at deputy, who fired several rounds and struck Reed at least one time. The deputy was not injured. The OSBI is heading up the investigation and will turn information over to the district attorney who will determine if the shooting was justified.

 

Injured Chix Police Officer Honored; Continues Recovery

Chickasha Police Sgt. Matt Schoolfield continues his recovery after being shot while on duty last fall. Schoolfield was honored by the Oklahoma City Thunder and corporate partner Enable Midstream yesterday in a ceremony at the police department. The company named Schoolfield a Safety Partner, and presented the Chickasha Police Department with a $1,500 check. Schoolfield said he's been blessed with all the support he's had since his injury, and has an optimistic outlook despite what doctors have told him.

 

                

 

Schoolfield said doctors say he may only regain 25 percent use of his right arm.

 

 

Time to hear about someone who doing some outstanding work with Chickasha Public Schools. Our Dennis Linam has the story.

 

                

 

Thanks, Dennis

 

GOP Lt. Gov. Candidate Visits Chickasha

Matt Pinnell, one of three announced Republican candidates running for Lt. Governor this year, spent some time in Chickasha yesterday. He's from the Tulsa area, and was the national state party director for the Republican National Committee, where he said he helped Donald Trump win the presidential election in 2016. Pinnell says he'll use his experience in marketing to help promote the state.

 

                

 

Pinnell also worked with Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, former U.S. Senator Jim Coburn, and former state attorney general Scott Pruitt.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.19 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.12

Natural gas is $2.68 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,320 and silver is $16.47

 

Thursday, March 15th

 

 

BREAKING - One Injured in Officer-involved Shooting

The OSBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in that occurred in Chickasha last night. Very little is known about the shooting right now. Chickasha Police confirmed that a Grady County Deputy Sheriff was involved. The shooting happened in a residential area near 6th and Tennessee Avenue between 11:00 p.m. and midnight.  A police spokesman said one person was taken to the hospital, but it’s not known if it is the deputy, and it wasn't clear how serious the injuries were. Listen to upcoming newscasts at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to get updates.

 

Woman's Death Ruled a Homicide

The death of a Caddo County woman has been ruled a homicide. A report from the state medical examiner’s office indicates Cindy Kaudlekaule died from blunt force trauma and asphyxiation. The body of the 30-year old Carnegie woman was found along a rural county road between Carnegie and Ft. Cobb last October. Officials did arrest a person of interest in connection with Kaudlekaule's death. 32-year old Byron Yeahquo was arrested in November for an un-related warrant, but has not been charged.

 

CHS Students Join National Walk-out

About 100 Chickasha High School students walked out of classes yesterday, to be part of a national effort supporting tighter gun control laws. The national walkout was held on the one-month anniversary of a tragic school shooting in Florida. Students were out of class for 17 minutes, which was one minute for every person who died in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman High School in Parkland, Florida.

 

Newest Chix School Board Member Takes Oath

The newest member of the Chickasha Board of Education has taken his seat. Zack McGill was sworn in to office during this week's school board meeting. McGill won a five-year term on the board, in a landslide victory over incumbent Julie Badgett-Sinn last month. The school board approved the resignation of Superintendent Emeritus Dave Cash, which was effective immediately. Cash had been on a leave of absence since last fall. Officials say his resignation ends any speculation that Cash may return to the district. In other action, the school board approved some minor contract revisions with interim superintendent Jack Herron, whose contract runs through June 30th.

 

Congo Creek Cleanout Underway

City of Chickasha work crews are spending a couple of weeks cleaning out a tree-lined creek in hopes of minimizing occasional flooding that occurs. The area being cleaned out is about a half-mile section of Congo Creek, starting in the 500 block of Grand Avenue and running behind the Southland Shopping Center to 4th and Tennessee Ave. Public Works Director Rob Camp says it's a project they started before, but ran into some difficulties.

 

                

 

Camp says the project won't completely solve the flooding issues that occur in the shopping center during periods of heavy rainfall, but hopes it will ease it somewhat. The project is expected to take up to three weeks.

 

Pre-War Swap Meet About to Open

Antique auto enthusiasts from around the world are heading to Chickasha this weekend for the 28th annual pre-war swap meet. Pre-War is prior to World War II. The event is considered by many to the world's largest swap meet of its kind, which focuses on the first 50 years of motorized transportation. Lyndon and Margaret Moore are from the Bootheel region of southeast Missouri, and are already here looking for some early bargains. It's the second year for them to be here. Mr. Moore says he's just looking to buy some things.

 

                

 

The meet was started in 1990 by the late Joe Ersland, and is continued by his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Susie Ersland. More than 350 vendors will be both inside and out at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Vendors can begin setting up this afternoon, with the actual swap meet set for Friday and Saturday. Admission is free.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $60.96 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $64.89.

Natural gas is $2.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,323 and silver is $16.51.

 

Wednesday, March 14th

 

 

House Fire Blamed on Unattended Space Heater

Thousands of dollars in damage occurs when fire races through a Chickasha home. Firefighters were dispatched to 520 South 2nd Street about 8 p.m. Tuesday. Thankfully, no one was home when the fire started. Crews spent about an hour knocking down the flames. Fire Chief Brian Zalewski estimated  damage at $30,000. Investigators traced the cause of the blaze to electric space heaters placed too close to combustible materials.

 

Insurance Commish Schedules Fraud Prevention Workshops

Insurance scams cost Americans millions of dollars every year and many times the victims are senior citizens. The Oklahoma Insurance Department will be holding some workshops throughout the state over the next several weeks to offer tips to keep seniors from falling for scams. Rochelle Covington with the state insurance department says representatives of other state agencies will also be on hand.

 

                

 

The workshops will cover Medicare Fraud, insurance fraud, investment fraud, and banking fraud. Upcoming workshops will be Wednesday, March 28th at the Tower Hotel in Oklahoma City; Wednesday, April 25th at Cameron University in Lawton; and Thursday, April 26th at Embassy Suites in Norman. The workshops are free, with registration and breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending about 12:30 p.m. Get more info on the Oklahoma Insurance Department website: www.oid.ok.gov

 

Woman Pleads Guilty to Incest

A Stephens County woman who pleaded guilty to incest is going to prison. 45-year old Patricia Spann admitted to marrying her daughter. Duncan police found out about the marriage from Department of Human Services. The agency learned of the marriage while checking on the welfare of a child. Spann was sentenced to two years in prison and eight months’ probation. She will have to register as a sex offender. Spann was also order to pay nearly $3,000 in fines and fees. The incest case against the daughter, Misty Velvet Dawn Spann, is set for a plea next week.

 

Occupational Therapy Ass't Open House Set in Ft. Cobb

The number of career opportunities in the health care field continues to grow. Among the fastest growing sectors is that of Occupational Therapy Assistant. One of the state's leading programs to train individuals in that field is at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center in Ft. Cobb. The program will hold an open house of its OTA program later this month. The training includes work in the classroom and clinical experience. Students who finish the program earn an Associate’s Degree in applied science. The open house will be on Monday, March 26th at 6:00 p.m. in building 300 on the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center campus. For information, contact Malissia Guthrie by calling 405-643-3213.

 

State Wheat Crop Reaches Critical Stage

Oklahoma's wheat crop could use some rain as the prime growing season is just getting underway. But producers could face other issues, including temperatures that may hinder plant development. Shiann Burns with Grady County OSU extension points to some OSU research.

 

                

 

The cool temps are what trigger plant development. While wheat will still grow if it doesn’t go through the vernalization process, it will not joint or produce a seed head.

 

CHS FFA'er Shows No. 2-Breed Champ at OYE

A Chickasha FFA student enjoys some success at the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Clay Grossnicklaus exhibited the reserve breed champion Simmental at OYE this week. “Waffles” was second best in the class which featured nearly 90 animals. The Oklahoma Youth Expo runs through Friday.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $60.71 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $64.64.

Natural gas is $2.78 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,324 and silver is $16.59.

 

Tuesday, March 13th

 

 

Chickasha School Superintendent to Resign

Dave Cash is resigning as superintendent of Chickasha Public Schools. The local board of education is expected to formally accept his resignation when the panel meets tonight. The resignation is effective today. Cash officially holds the title of Superintendent Emeritus. He was allowed to take a leave of absence last fall, to work with the company that promotes the Personalized Learning Curriculum he brought to the district two years ago. He was still being paid about $2,500 a month to serve as a consultant with the district. In January, the school board hired Jack Herron to serve as the district's long-term interim-superintendent, and stripped the $2,500 per month stipend being paid to Cash. The school board is also to consider a change to its contract with Herron, which runs through June 30th. The panel will go behind closed doors to discuss the proposed changes.  It's not clear what those might be. The school board meets at 6:30 tonight at the school administration building.

 

Food Truck, Food Handler Guidelines up for Discussion

Proposed new guidelines for food truck operators in the City of Chickasha will be reviewed by the city's Planning Commission today. The group will also consider new rules for food handlers. Public hearings on the proposals were held last month with no comments made on either. Also in today’s meeting is a public hearing regarding the placement of a mobile in a residential area on a tract of land greater than three acres. A second public hearing will be held to consider a use-on-review for a resident who wants to build an accessory building at 407 Flanders, which is larger than the maximum size allowed.

 

Man Survives Stabbing Attack

An Anadarko man is lucky to be alive after being stabbed more than a dozen times. He was fortunate to find a police officer washing his vehicle at a car wash near where the stabbing occurred. KFOR-TV reports the attack occurred late Friday night. Anadarko Police Lt. James Howard said the victim had significant wounds to his hands which were considered to be defensive wounds. Investigators followed a trail of blood which led them to a home where the stabbing is believed to have taken place. The report indicates they found the alleged weapon, a box blade, which had been taken apart. The blade was found in a toilet, and another part in the dishwasher. It's reported a suspect has surrendered to police, who claims the attack was self-defense. He said  the victim entered his home uninvited and intoxicated. Investigators said the suspect didn't appear to have suffered any injuries.

 

Apache Teen Advances on "American Idol"

A Caddo County teenager is headed to Hollywood. 17-year old Rissa Watson of Apache passed her audition in the new season of ABC's American Idol which was televised last night.  Watson nailed her performance of Adele's "When We Were Young."

 

                

 

Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie all voted for Watson to go to Hollywood for the next round of competition.

 

Class for Divorcing Parents Designed with Kids in Mind

One of the missions of OSU Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences programs is to provide families with information on effective parenting techniques. Many times there are parenting conflicts among divorcing moms and dads. Susan Routh with Grady County OSU Extension says one of their programs is designed to help make sure the children are the main priority

 

                

 

Contact the OSU extension office in your county for information about the Co-Parenting for Resiliency Program.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.36 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65 to $64.95.

Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,318 and silver is $16.52.

 

Monday, March 12th

 

 

 

USAO, Tech Centers Helpful to Expanding Companies

Among the top things companies look for when they consider expanding to new areas is the available workforce, and if employees will be able to perform the work required. Christy Elkins with Chickasha's Economic Development Council says USAO and the Canadian Valley Technology Center play key roles helping firms find qualified workers. Elkins says Optum Energy, a Houston-based company which expanded to the area last year, is just one of just several firms taking advantage of what the educational institutions offer.

 

                

 

Elkins says Optum Energy invested $50 million in the Chickasha community when it moved in to the former Delta Faucet plant last year. The company manufactures products that move crude oil more quickly through pipelines.

 

Community Theatre Upgrades Continue

About $200,000 in upgrades have been made at the historic Washita Theatre in downtown Chickasha over the last couple of years. It is now home of the Chickasha Community Theatre, a non-profit group which owns the building. A fire sprinkler system was installed last year, and it now has a new roof, thanks to generous patrons and numerous contributions. Susan Fagalde with the theatre says they are getting ready to start letting other groups to use the building.

 

                

 

Fagalde says the group now needs to repair the ceiling and make bathrooms accessible to disabled patrons. Some upcoming events at the theatre include an adult prom and a summer production of the Wizard of Oz.

 

Lt Dan Band to Perform at Ft. Sill Celebration

Actor Gary Sinise, known for his support of U.S. servicemen and women, will be back in the region next month to perform a free concert. Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band will perform at the Ft. Sill polo grounds next month. Sinise, known for his role as Lt. Dan Taylor in movie Forrest Gump, performs free concerts at military installations worldwide. Next month's concert will be his second show at Ft Sill. He and his band performed there two years ago. The concerts honor active-duty soldiers as well as veterans and first responders. The concert is part of a big weekend at Ft. Sill on April 6th and 7th, to celebrate the Henry Post Army Airfield's Centennial. The concert is Friday night, April 6th. Chris Bullard and Stolen Silver will open for the Lt. Dan Band. Then on Saturday, Ft. Sill will hold an air show which will feature numerous aircraft, including a couple of World War II era planes.

 

If Teachers Strike, Food Bank to Help Affected Children

While Oklahoma teachers threaten to strike if state lawmakers don't act on teacher pay hikes, another group is working to make sure children will get the nutrition they need should classes not be held. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma indicates it will work to pack and distribute family boxes of food throughout areas impacted by a teacher walkout. The Regional Food Bank serves schools in Grady, Caddo, and more than 50 other counties in central and western Oklahoma. In a press release, Regional Food Bank officials say if there is not a teacher walkout and schools do not close, donations will be used to support existing Food for Kids programs, which serves some 44,000 children every year. Contributions may be made on-line on the Regional Food Bank Website: www.regionalfoodbank.org/supportstudents

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $62.04 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.49.

Natural gas is $2.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,317 and silver is $16.48.

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