Over the next few weeks we will highlight some outstanding FFA Members. This week lets meet “Chickasha Future Farmer of the week," Greenhand, Claire Carver

 

Saturday, Sept. 1st

 

Police Stand-off Ends with Arrests

A tip about a stolen vehicle at a Chickasha motel leads to a stand-off between Chickasha police and a man who had an outstanding warrant. It happened Thursday night at America's Best Value Inn on the south side of Chickasha. Reports indicate that authorities spotted a man on a second floor balcony, and as they approached him he made a move toward his waistband that made police think he was armed. The suspect then barricaded himself in a room along with a female companion who also had an outstanding warrant. Unconfirmed reports are that a police tactical team shot tear gas into the room, which forced the two individuals out where they were arrested. In custody are 39-year old Gerald Lee Huggins and 33-year old Tabitha Horry. Huggins was wanted for a probation violation on a charge of felonious pointing of a firearm. Horry was wanted for non-payment of a fine related to a drug charge dating back to 2013.

 

Pair Nabbed for Having Stolen Vehicle

Minco police have made two arrests after finding two people with a stolen vehicle. No details are available but the Grady County Jail log indictes that authorities arrested 42-year old Christopher Sanchez and 36-year old Tammy Sanchez on complaints of possession of a stolen vehicle. They'll spend the long Labor Day weekend in jail, and could be arraigned on Tuesday, if prosecutors decide to file charges.

 

Threats Made Toward Apache Schools

In Caddo County this week, an increased police presence at the Apache High School after a student made threats. School officials say a male student posted a picture on social media posing with a gun and making threats. The student is not currently in class. Administrators did not believe it was a viable threat. The district did send messages to parents. While officials did not think it was a viable threat Apache police and Caddo County sheriff's deputies were brought in for enhanced presence for a couple of days.

 

State Auditor to Address Elected Official Overpayment Issue

The over-payment of salaries to Grady County elected officials will be front and center in a special meeting of Grady County Commissioners next week. State Auditor Gary Jones will address the commissioners as well as the county excise board next Wednesday. Jones was asked by district attorney Jason Hicks to discuss the issue with local officials. The meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5th. in Courtroom No. 1 at the Grady County courthouse. The meeting is open to the public.

 

Anadarko Purse Snatcher Sought

Anadarko police are looking for a purse-snatcher. A felony warrant was issued for the arrest of 28-year old Seneca Cozad. The Anadarko woman is being charged with robbery by force and fear. No details about the incident are available. If you have information regarding Cozad’s whereabouts you’re asked to contact Anadarko police or the Caddo County Sheriff's Office.

 

Friday Night Area High School Football Scores

Chickasha 28, Marlow 24

Blanchard 50, Elgin 13

Tuttle 26, Kingfisher 14

Anadarko 44, Lexington 8

Minco 14, Dibble 0

Alex 60, Laverne 30

Cyril 52, Corn Bible Academy 16

Carnegie 54, Mt. View-Gotebo 38

 

 

Friday, August 31st

 

High-Speed Pursuit Suspect Surrenders

A man who led Chickasha police on a pursuit that topped 100 miles per hour a few weeks ago is in custody. 44-year old William Earl Bitsche surrendered to authorities at the Grady County Jail just before noon Thursday. An arrest warrant had been issued for Bitche after a late-night chase earlier this month. Chickasha police were called to a home to investigate a report of domestic violence, when they allege Bitsche sped away from the area. The chase went to rural areas of Grady County to the Verden area and back. Two police cars were  damaged in the pursuit. Bitsche is charged with two felonies - assault with a deadly weapon and endangering others. He's also facing a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse. Prosecutors also want to revoke a suspended sentence Bitsche received after pleading guilty to a burglary charge stemming from an arrest back in 2015. He's being represented by attorney Bret Burns. Bitsche's bond is set at $40,000. A preliminary hearing conference is scheduled for Oct. 3rd.

 

Federal, State Agencies Discuss Chickasha Airport Upgrades

Chickasha city leaders spent a couple of hours yesterday with state and federal officials discussing the future development of the city's airport. Jimmy Pierre with the Federal Aviation Administration and Grayson Ardies from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission met with the city council, the airport advisory board, and local pilots. Ardies said local, state, and federal officials want to make the airport the best it can be for this area. The city has obtained numerous grants from the FAA for airport expansion and look to apply for additional grants. Some ideas for development include a longer runway, additional hangars, and the installation of  approach lights. Officials also discussed recruiting aviation-related industries to expand operations to the area, especially since there is an industrial park adjacent to the airport.

 

Motorcycle Rider Injured After Swerving to Avoid Livestock

A Cyril man is recovering after he crashed his motorcycle to miss a couple of cows on a county road. 44-year old David Hastings was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with leg, trunk, and internal injuries. He has been upgraded from serious to fair condition. The accident happened about 2:30 a.m. Thursday two miles north of Cyril. The highway patrol reports Hastings veered off the road when he saw the cows and ran into a ditch. He was wearing a helmet.

               

Need for Coffee Leads to Turnpike Crash

There were no serious injuries in a traffic accident on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike we told you about yesterday. Trooper Patrick Surber said there were actually two accidents that happened in the westbound lanes of the interstate near Mile Marker 90 about 6:30 a.m. Thursday. The first accident happened when a driver was reaching for his coffee. He lost control of the car and hit the center median and the vehicle became disabled. The second vehicle hit the first, then ran off the highway, rolled and landed upside-down. The driver was taken to the hospital where she was treated and released. Surber said she avoided serious injury because she was wearing her seat belt and the air bags in her car deployed. Surber said the first driver was given a ticket for inattentive driving. The names of those involved in the crash were not available. Surber said one was from Oklahoma City and the other from Tulsa.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. There is a big need for foster families throughout the state. Lourie Myers and Ethel Pennington with the Department of Human Services will have information on becoming a foster family on our KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, the topic is electric cars with Mark Faulkinberry of Western Farmers Electric Co-op. We have links to both programs elswhere on this website. You'll find them under the Community tab.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX tops $70 to $70.25 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.77.

Natural gas up slightly to $2.87 per million BTUs.

Gold climbs above $1,200 to $1,212. Silver is up to $14.70.

 

 

Thursday, August 30th

 

Crash Stalls Traffic on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike

Breaking news this morning, as a traffic accident on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike northeast of Chickasha is causing some problems. Both westbound lanes of the turnpike at Mile Marker 90 are shut down at this time. Emergency crews are on the scene. This is a couple of miles east of the EZ Go and the McDonald's on the turnpike. The accident is not affecting traffic headed to Oklahoma City. It's not known if there are any injuries.

 

Energy Sector Growth Continues

The growth is continuing for the energy industry in the Sooner State. A new report indicates an improvement in that sector from this same time a year ago. Matt Skinner is with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

 

                

                             

There are a number of high-producing wells in the SCOOP and STACK plays. Continental Resources is reporting one of them is producing more than 2,000 barrels of oil and nearly 10,000 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. It’s located near the small town of Fay, which is west of Watonga. Marathon Oil has a 1,000 barrel-per-day well about five miles north of Greenfield, which is between Hinton and Watonga. In the SCOOP, Contintental Resources has wells producing in southeast Grady County near Purdy. They are in section 30 of Township 3 North, Range 4 West. One of three wells in that section is producing 1,000 barrels of oil and 1,200 million cubic feet of natural gas daily. The other is bringing in about 750 barrels of oil a day. In other activity, the Corporation Commission approved two permits to drill in this region yesterday. One is in Grady County about five miles east-southeast of Tuttle in Section 15 of Township 9 North, Range 5 West. The other is in McClain County near the town of Cole, in Section 19 of Township 7 North, Range 3 West.

 

Domestic Violence Suspect Arrested After Hitting Woman, Teen

A Grady County man is jailed following a domestic violence incident in Tuttle. 41-year old Chun Zachary Lambert is being held on complaints of domestic violence and child abuse. Tuttle police were called to a home Tuesday afternoon, where it was alleged Lambert and a woman were arguing and that he hit her in the face. A 14-year old boy in the home tried to intervene, and authorities say Lambert punched him in the face, too. Lambert left the home in his vehicle, but police were able to track him down about two miles away. Lambert remains in the Grady County Jail, awaiting his initial appearance should prosecutors decide to file charges.

 

Credit Card Skimmer Found in Minco

In Minco, authorities say a credit card skimmer has been found at a convenience store. Police are advising residents and customers of the store to check their bank statements for suspicious purchases that may have been made between August 16th and August 29th. Authorities found the skimmers on the gas pumps at Mac's Corner  Store yesterday. Minco police posted the warning on its Facebook page. Officials say the skimmers have been removed and they are hoping to find the individuals responsible.

 

Caddo County Stock Show Exhibitors Prepare for Premium Sale

The top animals shown at the Caddo County Fair this week are heading to the premium sale next week. More than 60 4H and FFA students hope for top prices from the bidders. The grand champion market steer was shown by Tucker Freie of Ft. Cobb-Broxton 4H and the reserve grand belongs to Ryder Klaasen of Hydro Eakly FFA. Klaasen had the Grand Champion prospect steer while fellow Hydro-Eakly FFAer Skylar Sturgeon had the reserve. Grand champion heifer belongs to Cody Courtney of Ft. Cobb-Broxton FFA and the reserve was shown by Stetson Hall of Anadarko 4H. Stetson had the grand champion bred-and-owned heifer while the reserve shown by Jordyn Jackson of Anadarko 4H. Grand barrow was shown by Sage Smith of Hydro-Eakly 4H, and the reserve shown by Creden Woods, also of Hydro-Eakly 4H. Grand gilt honors went to Sierra Weathers of Hinton FFA with the reserve belonging to Tanner Vonallman of Lookeba-Sickles FFA. Grand market lamb was shown by Baylee Nix of Carnegie FFA and the reserve shown by Avary Bellamy of Ft. Cobb-Broxton FFA. Grand ewe lamb went to Baylor Pearson of Lookeba-Sickles FFA and the reserve went to Barrett Stinton of Binger-Oney FFA. Grand wether goat was also shown by Baylor Pearson of Lookeba-Sickles with the reserve weather goat shown by Addyson Schneberger of Carnegie 4H. Grand doe goat was shown by Karleigh Cooper of Lookeba-Sickles 4H and the reserve was shown by Kizer Schneberger of Carnegie 4H. The horse show for the Caddo County Fair will be this Saturday with registration at 8:00 a.m. and the show at 9:00 a.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX up to its highest price in August, to $69.51 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.14.

Natural gas is higher, to $2.89 per million BTUs.

Metals fall again. Gold down to $1,202 and silver down to $14.67.

 

 

Wednesday, Aug. 29th

 

Grady County Voters Split on Re-electing County Commissioners

One Grady County Commissioner is re-elected, while another is defeated in two very close races in yesterday's primary run-off election. District 3 Commissioner Ralph Beard edged challenger Lee Dorman by just 66 votes. District 1 Commissioner Windle Hardy lost his re-election bid to Michael Walker by only 80 votes. The unofficial tally in Beard’s win was 533 to 467. Beard was on edge since the news came out a couple of weeks ago about Grady County elected officials being overpaid. He felt voters might hold the commissioners accountable and vote them out of office.

 

                

               

Voters did opt for change In District 1 as Walker defeated the incumbent 1,233 to 1,153. Hardy, the current chairman of the county commissioners, will hold office until early January, until Walker takes the oath of office.

 

Ninnekah School Bonds OK'd in Close Votes

Ninnekah school patrons narrowly approved two school bond issues in yesterday’s special school bond election. Two proposals totaling $550,000 both received just enough votes for the 60 percent super-majority needed for passage. A $375,000 transportation bond passed by eight votes, 239 to 146; while a $175,000 plan for construction passed by 18 votes, 250 to 137. Some of the funds from the construction bond will remodel the high school science lab. Ninnekah Superintendent Todd Bunch said-

 

                

 

Other money from the construction bond will be used to install lights at the softball field. The transportation bond will allow the district to purchase three school buses and two people movers.

               

Grady County Lawmaker Wins GOP Labor Commissioner Bid

In other election results, State Rep. Leslie Osborn wins the GOP nomination for state labor commissioner. Osborn, who served northern Grady County in District 47 for six years, defeated Cathy Costello in the primary run-off election. Osborn picked up just over 52 percent of the vote. She'll face Democrat Fred Dorrell and Independent Brandt Dismukes in the general election in November.

 

Pioneer School Locked Down

Pioneer School was placed on lockdown yesterday when a man wanted for Grady County warrants ran from deputies. It happened about 2:30 p.m. when a deputy sheriff spotted the man walking near the school. The man ran to a nearby wooded area where law enforcement set up a perimeter. Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir did not believe the suspect was a serious threat to the school, but it was placed on lockdown as a precaution. Classes were dismissed at the usual time yesterday. The man managed to elude authorities. Weir described him as Caucasian, wearing black jeans with no shirt, short brown hair and perhaps a slight beard and mustache. If you know anything about this individual, you're asked to call the sheriff's office, or Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS.

 

National Tool, Equipment Chain to Open in Chickasha

A California-based discount tool and equipment retailer will be bringing a store to Chickasha. Harbor Freight, which has 900 stores nationwide, will be locating in the Chickasha Square Shopping Center near Atwoods. The firm will be leasing a 29,000 sq. ft. building and it will be one of the company's largest stores in Oklahoma, which includes locations in Lawton, Norman, and Oklahoma City. Developer Brannan Bordwine first made the announcement on Facebook last week, and a news release regarding the expansion was issued by the Chickasha Economic Development Council. Mayor Chris Mosley said landing a commitment from a national tenant like Harbor Freight is a huge win for the city. He said the investment shows the strength of the local economy. Bordwine said construction is expected to start this fall, with an opening date set for some time next year.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is down slightly to $68.53 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is down to $75.95.

Natural gas slips to $2.85 per million BTUs.

Metals were lower, gold down to $1,210 and silver dropped back under $15 to $14.77

 

 

Tuesday, August 28th

 

One Company Evacuated when Pickup Hits Gas Pipeline

 

         

 

Natural gas spews into the air yesterday when a pickup crashes into a high-pressure natural gas pipeline. One company was evacuated and nearby roads were closed to through traffic after the accident about 1:30 p.m. Monday. It happened next to Morris Motorsports at U.S. Highway 81 and Pikes Peak Road, the dividing line between the cities of Chickasha and Ninnekah. Workers at Signature Quarters were evacuated, while employees of Morris Motorsports were asked to move to the western part of their warehouse.  The Chickasha Fire Department was on standby until crews from Centerpoint Energy could arrive and shut down the line. Gusty winds help to disperse the gas which minimized the evacuation area. There was no fire and the driver of the pickup that hit the line was not injured.  We have video of the scene posted on our Facebook page.

 

Local Isssues to be Decided in Today's Primary Run-off Election

Oklahomans are heading to the polls today for the primary run-off elections. There are a couple of local elections, where some Grady County voters will be electing county commissioners. In District 3 which is the southern part of the county, Democrats will choose between current commissioner Ralph Beard and Lee Dorman. Neither were able to secure better than 50 percent of the vote in the June primary. Since there is no Republican candidate, the winner will be elected. It's a similar story in District 1 which is the northern part of the county. Current commissioner Windle Hardy and opponent Michael Walker are facing off. Neither received more than 50 percent in a three-person race back in June. And since there are no Democrats running, the winner will be elected. One other local election in Grady County is for Ninnekah school district patrons. They will decide two special bond issues. One would modernize the high school science lab and the other would allow the district to purchase school buses and people movers to transport students to and from extra-curricular activities. Those bonds total $550,000 and both require 60 percent super-majority to pass. Polls will be open until 7:00 p.m. tonight. We'll broadcast election updates regarding the county commissioner races and the Ninnekah school bond election after the polls close tonight.

 

Rotarians to Gives Bikes to Some Kids with Perfect Attendance

Kids in Chickasha schools have an incentive to attend classes this year. The Chickasha Rotary Club will be giving away a total of 32 bicycles to students who have perfect attendance during the four nine-week terms during the year. The program is known as Roll Call. One boy and one girl in grades three through six at Grand Avenue and Lincoln schools will receive a bicycle after each nine-week period. The names of all students who have perfect attendance the previous 45 days will go into a drawing. Rotary Club President John Gorton says research supports a strong link between attendance and student achievement and that students who are chronically absent in the third grade are less likely to be reading at grade level.  Gorton said the club will be tracking attendance numbers and hopes this unique program will reflect a positive change.

 

Soil Health Workshop Set

Area farmers can find out how to grow better crops with a workshop set at a Chickasha-area farm. The Grady County Conservation District and the local Natural Resources Conservation Service are partnering with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to hold the workshop at the Oscar Nelson sod farm on Friday. The workshop will include cover crops and incorporating grazing management techniques. Speakers will include soil scientist Greg Scott and soil health educator Blane Stacy, both of whom are with the Conservation Commission. There will also be a demonstration of a rainfall simulator. The program is this Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon and is open to the public. For information, contact the Grady County Conservation District or NRCS office.

 

Grady County Well Completions, Permits

Apache Corporation reported the completion of a couple of wells in Grady County. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports both are northwest of Alex in section 33 of Township 6 North and Range 6 West. Both were drilled to a depth of about 20,000 feet. The spud dates were January 9th and 10th. A permit to drill in Grady County was issued to Baker Brent Oil and Gas about four miles west of Pocasset in section 35 of Township  9 North and Range 8 West.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX had a slight gain, to $68.87 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is slightly higher, to $76.21.

Natural gas was down to $2.87 per million BTUs.

Gold is up $1,220 and silver is back over $15 to $15.06.

 

 

Monday, August 27th

 

Primary Run-off Elections Tomorrow

Oklahomans will head to the polls tomorrow for the primary run-off elections. Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians will be choosing candidates for governor to be on the general election ballot in November. The GOP has the largest ballot with candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor and inspector, and labor commissioner. Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy is on the GOP ballot for Lt. Governor. She was at the Grady County fair over the weekend, and says she's hoping for a good voter turnout to advance to the November election.

 

                

 

Murphy is facing Matt Pinnell for the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor. Also on the GOP ballot in Grady County in the northern district, county commissioner Windle Hardy, in a run-off over Michael Walker. On the Democratic ballot in the southern part of the county is county commissioner Ralph Beard, in a run-off with Lee Dorman. The winners of both will go on to serve as county commissioners. Also, Ninnekah school patrons will decide two bond issues totaling $550,000 for construction projects and transportation.

 

Grady County Deputies Earn Promotions

Two deputies earn promotions with the Grady County Sheriff's Office. Phillip McCarthy has been elevated to sergeant. McCarthy has worked in law enforcement off and on for 30 years, starting as an MP with the army. He also served as a federal police officer at Tinker Air Force Base. McCarthy started with Grady County as a reserve officer in 2010 and started full time the following year. McCarthy is one of two K9 handlers for the sheriff's office. Deputy Rex Brown has been promoted to corporal. He's been in law enforcement for 35 years. He previously served as police chief in Hobart and graduated from both the OSBI andFBI Academies. He also holds an advanced certification from CLEET with nearly 3,000 hours of training.

 

Grady County-held Properties to be Sold

A rare opportunity for Grady County residents as county commissioners will hold an auction of a number of properties in the county’s possession. The treasurer's office will sell nearly 70 parcels of land Wednesday morning. Properties will be sold as-is with properties sold to the highest bidder. Bidders will also be required pay for advertising and deed expenses. Deeds to the properties will be filed by the county clerk then mailed to the winning bidders after the sale. Winning bidders will not receive a warranty deed or an abstract – only a county tax deed. Bidders are asked to contact the treasurer's office today or tomorrow, or by early Wednesday morning before the sale time of 9:00 a.m. The auction will be held in Courtroom No. 1 at the courthouse. A complete listing of the properties can be seen at the treasurer’s office or this website: www.oktaxrolls.com

 

Tortured Syrian Journalist to Speak at USAO

He twice was detained and tortured, then forced to leave his home country of Syria. Qutaiba Idlibi will be the keynote speaker of USAO’S  7th annual Ableseon Religious Reconciliation Lecture next month. Idlibi’s theme is “Stories of Revolution, Religion, and Pre-War Syria”. Idlibi was denied a bachelor's degree in Damascus for his work as a citizen journalist. The program will be Tuesday, Sept. 11th, at 7:00 p.m. in the USAO Ballroom and is free and open to the public.

 

Energy and Metals

The price of crude oil on the NYMEX was up 5 percent last week, to $68.72 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude topped $75 and is up to $75.82.

Natural gas was down about 1 percent last week to $2.91 per million BTUs.

Metals had an up week as well. Gold is $1,210 and silver is $14.85.