Today we close out the Chickasha Future Farmer of the week with President Blake White and FFA Reporter Cody Bell closing out the year.

 

Monday, Dec. 17th

 

Consumer Spending Still Healthy in Grady County

A lot of money continues being spent at Grady County retail outlets. Consumer spending in September topped $123 million. That number is based on the sales tax revenue collected by the county last month. While consumer spending was down about 7 percent from the previous month it was an increase of 80 percent compared to September of 2017. Grady County sales tax revenue in November – which was collected on consumer spending in September – was $927,000. County sales tax revenue topped $1 million in each of the two previous months. Here's how the county sales tax revenue is distributed, with each one approved by county voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds collected nearly $309,000; Grady Memorial Hospital received more than $273,000. Each of the 20 fire districts in the county receive more than $7,700 and each of the seven senior nutrition centers collects about $22,000. Tuttle EMS picks up about $28,000 and Rush Springs EMS collects more than $7,000. The county’s use tax collections for November was $275,000 up from $92,000 in November of 2017. Use taxes are paid on Internet purchases.

 

City of Chickasha Consumer Spending Also Good              

In the City of Chickasha, consumer spending for September was estimated at just under $30 million. That's steady from the previous month, and up about 30 percent compared to September of 2017. The city collected about $1.1 million in sales tax revenue in each of the last couple of months. Chickasha’s use tax collections for last month were $85,000 which is down from $120,000 from November, 2017.

 

Former State Lawmaker Prepares for New Post

Former State Representative Leslie Osborn, who will be the state's next labor commissioner, has spent the last few weeks learning the ins and outs about the agency she'll soon be leading. Osborn served 10 years in the State House of Representatives in District 47 which included parts of Grady County. Osborn was elected Labor Commissioner last month. Osborn says she asked the current deputy labor commissioner Jim Buck if she could shadow some of the employees at the agency to learn what they do.

 

               

 

Osborn will be sworn into office on Jan. 14th.

 

DHS Now Accepting LIHEAP Applications On-Line

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services has $10 million available to help low income families pay home heating bills this winter. The money comes from the federal government for DHS' Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). DHS is now accepting applications on-line. Eligible households already receiving public assistance have already been notified by mail that they qualify, and those families will not have to apply. Any households which are not pre-authorized but receive help from DHS can apply on-line at www.okdhslive.org Only one LIHEAP payment per household is allowed each year. A news release from DHS says Native American families can apply for tribal programs but cannot receive help from both the tribal program and DHS. Applicants for LIHEAP must provide an ID, Social Security number, income verification, and the most recent heating bill for their home.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down Friday to $51.20 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude was down to $60.28.

Natural gas was down to $3.83 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,243 and silver is $14.70.

 

 

Saturday Dec. 15th

Former Louisa, Virginia man was charged in his wife’s death after interstate 44 accident last week. Kool News Reported the Dec. 5th fatal car and semi accident, where 29 year old Ashley Pugh, of Bumpass, Virginia, died at mile marker 90 of I-44. Where A Chevy Cavalier carrying the Pughs,’’ and a semi-truck were both eastbound, and the car struck the tractor-trailer. The driver of the car, Shawn Pugh, 37, also of Bumpass, was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, treated and released. Shawn Pugh was arrested on warrants from Louisa, VA. for multiple charges. The strange thing about this tragedy was…According to Det. Chuck Love of the Louisa County, VA. Sheriff’s Office, some Warrant charges may be dropped against Shawn Pugh, because Ashley Pugh, who died in the I44 crash, was the victim in the pending charges against her husband.

 

According to THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Oklahoma is still trailing behind neighboring states in per-student spending.

The National Center for Education Statistics report shows that Oklahoma's annual expenditures were nearly $1.3 billion, below the regional average for the 2015-16 school year,The region of  Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas, spent an average of roughly $9,900 per student, but Oklahoma lagged behind by about $1,800. And according to the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, Even after Adjusting the figures to include the $480 million increase in state funding this year It still puts Oklahoma behind about $1,100,. State superintendent, Joy Hofmeister has asked lawmakers to approve a $440 million… increase in the education budget for 2019.

 

Holiday Dress-Up Week.

According to the Grand Avenue Calendar Next week you will see students having their Holiday Dress-Up Week. Monday is Grinch Day so they’ll wear green or dress like a Grinch; then each day through Friday they will dress for the Holla—Day. To see what they’re wearing each day go to the school calendar at chickasha.k12.ok.us

 

Insurance on the Oklahoma exchange

Oklahomans have until the end of the day to buy insurance on the exchange and Oklahomans who don't sign up will have to find another form of coverage, or go without for 2019. People who still want to sign up need to create an account on HealthCare.gov and collect documents of any family members to be covered, and your last year’s income. Then estimate next year's income. For a family of four, estimates between $25 thousand and $100 thousand, would have at least one option for a plan with no premiums. But remember, The lowest-premium plan may not work for you because of other out-of-pocket costs like deductibles,.

 

A Grady County Native is the new Oklahoma’s Secretary of Agriculture.

Governor-elect Kevin Stitt has selected Blayne Arthur as member of his cabinet. Arthur is the executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, and From 2011 through 16 was the Deputy Commissioner of Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. Arthur grew up in Grady County, and graduated from Chickasha High School; furthering her education at Oklahoma State University, with a degree in agriculture economics. In 2016 She received the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association - Distinguished Service Award, and in 2017 received the Significant Women in Oklahoma Agriculture award.

 

Here are some local events you may want to go to.

 

*Santa will be stopping in town at PetSense this afternoon, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Bring your pets and kidos to meet Santa, and get some great holiday pictures. Donations for Second Chance Animal Sanctuary a non-profit shelter and is completely dependent upon donations.

 

* Free Luncheon

Michigan Avenue Baptist Church are having a free luncheon at 728 W. Michigan Ave., immediately following Sunday morning services. Those who attend services will also receive Christmas gifts. Transportation is available by texting (405) 822-0111.

 

Nationwide Bomb Threats Included Several In Oklahoma.

Law enforcement agencies across the country have responded to a wave of bomb threats sent to businesses by email Thursday. Stating “"a person carried an explosive device into the building where your business is conducted." Going on to ask for payment of 20, thousand bitcoin to not detonate the explosive. The Oklahoma City Police Department has investigated many bomb threats made across the metro, and Edmond PD says at least five threats were reported, but none were credible Local officials say the threats are all connected to the nationwide investigation, and the FBI is now assisting; Believing the emails may be a hoax, and were "meant to cause disruption and/or obtain money." But the FBI is asking the public to be vigilant.

7 flu deaths in Oklahoma So far,

The Oklahoma State Department of Health, has announced the death of another person from the flu, bringing the total to seven this season. All were 50-years-old or older, and since Sept. 1^st over 150 were hospitalized. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus which is spread by coughing, sneezing or touching a surface handled by others. So please ask your doctor if you require a vaccination.

 

 

Friday Dec. 14

 “Oklahomans have until Saturday to buy insurance on the exchange

Grady County Native selected as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Agriculture

Governor-elect Kevin Stitt has selected Blayne Arthur as member of his cabinet as Secretary of Agriculture. Arthur, the executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, and From 2011 through 16 was the Deputy Commissioner of Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. Arthur grew up farming wheat, horses and cattle in Grady County, and her mother, Dr. Peggy Clark, was a veterinary medical officer for the USDA. Arthur graduated from Chickasha High School and furthered her education at Oklahoma State University, earning a degree in agriculture economics. In 2016 She received the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association - Distinguished Service Award, and in 2017 received the Significant Women in Oklahoma Agriculture award.

 

Here are some local events you may want to go to.

 

Santa spoted.

Santa will be stopping in town at PetSense on Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m in the afternoon.

Bring your pets and kidos to meet Santa, and get some great holiday pictures. Donations for Second Chance Animal Sanctuary a non-profit shelter and is completely dependent upon donations.

 

Free meal and gift.

Michigan Avenue Baptist Church are having a free luncheon at 728 W. Michigan Ave., immediately following the morning services. Those who attend services will also receive Christmas gifts. Transportation available by texting (405) 822-0111.

 

Nationwide Bomb Threats Included At Least 10 In Oklahoma.

Law enforcement agencies across the country have responded to a wave of bomb threats

 sent to businesses by email yesterday. Stating “"I write to you that my recruited person carried the explosive device into the building where your business is conducted." Going on to ask for payment of 20, thousand bitcoin to not detonate the explosive. The Oklahoma City Police Department has investigated at least 10 bomb threats made across the metro, but none were credible. Edmond PD says at least five threats have been reported. Local officials say the threats are all connected to the nationwide investigation, and the FBI is now assisting believing the emails may be a hoax, and were "meant to cause disruption and/or obtain money." But the FBI is still asking the public to be vigilant.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health, has announced the death of another person from the flu, bringing the total to seven this season. All were people 50-years-old or older, and 5 of the deaths occurred in Northeast Oklahoma, one in the Southwest and one in Tulsa County. Since Sept. 1^st  approximately 152 were hospitalized this season. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus which is spread coughing, sneezing or touching a surface handled by others. So please ask your doctor if you require a vaccination.

 

Obits:

Graveside service for Jimmy Dean Dorman will be 2:30, Saturday, at Rush Springs Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home. He was raised in Rush Springs and later moved to Chickasha, he worked for Triad Energy as a field supervisor for 15 years. Condolences may be made to the family at www.sevierfuneralhome.com.

 

Graveside services for Frankie Lou Greaves, of Chickasha, OK will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Saturday, at 2PM. Pastor Kim Hayes will officiate. Frankie and her husband Byron operated a dairy farm in Chickasha, Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery after a graveside service under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, Dec. 13th

 

Blayne Arthur to Serve as Next State Ag Commissioner

Grady County has plenty of representation at the state capital but there will soon be a direct link right to the governor's office. Blayne Arthur will be serving as the next state agriculture secretary. Gov.-elect Kevin Stitt made the appointment this week. Arthur will be the first woman to serve the post. She is no stranger to the department though. Arthur was the deputy state agriculture secretary for a time, before she took her current post as director of the Oklahoma 4H Foundation. Arthur says she's looking forward to returning to the agency.

 

               

 

Arthur is married to Jarrod Arthur of Chickasha. She is the daughter of David Spencer and the late Peggy Clark of Chickasha.  Her maternal grandmother is Mary Spurlin, and her aunt is former State Representative Susan Winchester.

 

Teen Was Headed to School When Fatal Crash Occurred            

The teenager who died in a traffic accident near Lindsay will be laid to rest on Monday. 17-year old Lauren Delarosa-Hull was on her way to school Tuesday morning when the crash happened south of Lindsay. Lindsay High School principal Chuck Karpe said Lauren was a home-school student, but  she would ride the Lindsay school bus to the technology center in Wayne every morning where she was taking cosmetology classes. Karpe said Lauren had a number of friends in the Lindsay school district and knew many teachers. She even gave a presentation about the technology center to the Lindsay board of education recently and she worked at a couple of downtown businesses. Lauren was on track to graduate in the spring. The funeral for Lauren Delarosa-Hull will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17^th at the Smith and Turner Mortuary in Yukon.

 

Woman Hospitalized After Car Hits Tractor

A woman is hospitalized after her car runs off the road and hits a tractor. 54-year old Renee McCain suffered arm and internal injuries in the crash that happened near Ninnekah Tuesday afternoon. She was last in fair condition. The accident happened about four miles west of the junction of Highways 81 and 277. The state trooper at the scene said that McCain failed to go around a curve, ran off the road and hit a fence, then re-entered the highway and went into a slide before hitting the tractor. McCain was wearing her seat belt and the airbags in the car did deploy.

 

New X-Ray Machine to be Installed at County Courthouse  

It may soon be easier to get through the security checkpoint at the Grady County Courthouse. County commissioners have approved the purchase of an X-ray machine. The winning bid of just over $24,000 was awarded to Pemica, Inc. The company is based in Florida but also has operations in several states including Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The company's website says they've been providing scanners and various hazardous material detection systems for jails, government offices, and airports for the last 18 years. There's no word on when the new X-ray machine might be installed.

 

Man Accused of Burglary,Theft in Two Counties               

A man who just received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to burglary and grand larceny charges in Garvin County is now facing similar charges in Grady County.  28-year old Jerry Brewer of Lindsay has only been on probation for a few weeks after pleading guilty to charges stemming from his arrest in September. Now he's facing similar charges in Grady County. Authorities allege he was responsible for the theft of a pickup and a travel trailer from the Bradley area which occurred back in September. Grady County investigators were notified by Garvin County that they had a possible suspect -  identified as Brewer - in the Pauls Valley jail.  On-line court records indicate Brewer pleaded guilty to the Garvin County charges on November 5th. An arrest warrant for the Grady County charges was issued Nov. 16th, and he was booked in the Grady County Jail earlier this week. Brewer bond is set at $8,000,

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down to $51.15 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude was down to $60.15.

Natural gas was down to $4.13 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,246 and silver is $14.80.

 

 

Wednesday, Dec. 12th

 

Driver Avoids Serious Injury After Stray Bullet Hits Car

An odd story today about a Chickasha man who says a stray bullet hit his car while he was driving down the highway. Gene Diaz said he was a split-second away from being hit by the bullet. Instead, after the bullet entered the passenger side of his car, it hit the steering column. Hot pieces of shattered metal fell and hit his leg and Diaz did suffer some burns. He told KFOR-TV that it felt like someone poured hot oil on him. Grady County Deputy Sheriff Phillip McCarthey say the incident happened at night, and that the bullet may have come from someone illegally hunting deer, coyotes, or wild hogs. Investigators don't have any leads and are asking anyone who may have information about the incident to contact the sheriff’s office by calling 405-222-5085. In the meantime, Diaz says everyone who handles a firearm should have gun safety training.

 

Lindsay Teen Dies in Near Head-on Collision              

Sad news to report out of Lindsay, where a teenager lost her life in a near head-on collision. The accident happened about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, on State Highway 76 about three miles south of Lindsay. We don't know the name of the girl, who was only 17. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol does not release the names of juveniles who are involved in traffic accidents. The OHP reports the teen was northbound on the highway when her car crossed the center line and collided with a southbound pick-up. The driver of the pick-up, 31-year old Justin Murphy, and a passenger, 35-year old Renoldo Flores, who are both from Texas were not hurt.

               

Man Charged With Assault in Golf Club Attack

A Blanchard-area man is charged with felony assault for allegedly breaking a man's arm with a golf club. 55-year old Jerry Lynn Buchanan has been formally charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in Grady County District Court. Buchanan was arrested late last week after a deputy sheriff was called to Grady Memorial Hospital to investigate an assault complaint. A man suffered a broken arm after being hit several times with a golf club. Buchanan told investigators he was defending himself when he and the victim got into a scuffle. Buchanan suffered minor head injury that did not require medical treatment. Buchanan remains in the Grady County Jail pending a $100,000 bond.

 

GPS Aids Police in Finding Stolen Car

A GPS tracking device leads police to a stolen car, and authorities arrest the driver on a number of complaints. A woman called Chickasha Police last week to report that her car was stolen. Authorities called the dealer where the car was purchased. Thanks to the satellite technology, the car was detected a couple of hours later in the area of 29th Street and Highway 62. The man driving the car said he had just borrowed it, and was about to return it. Police also found items in the car that were reported stolen in a previous burglary. Authorities arrested 19-year old Dalton Cordell Null of Chickasha and he has been formally charged with felonies of unauthorized use of a vehicle and possession of stolen property. Null remains in jail on a $25,000 bond.  Null had been arrested for burglary about a year ago and was scheduled to enter a plea on the charge next month.

 

Inhofe Tells How Funding for Border Wall is Possible

Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe says President Trump does have a plan to come up with the money he's requesting to build a wall to secure the nation's border with Mexico. Inhofe says the Joint Committee on Taxation has evaluated The Wall Act, which has been sent to the president.

 

               

 

Inhofe said the bill would not impact legal immigrants who have been approved to receive tax credits.

 

FSA County Committee Election Results

Ag producers throughout Oklahoma cast ballots last month in their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee elections. Mark Jackson with the Grady County FSA Office has the results for both Caddo and Grady counties.

 

               

 

The members will serve three-year terms on their county committees beginning January 1st.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was up to $51.65 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude rose to $60.20.

Natural gas was down slightly to $4.40 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,249 and silver is $14.74.

 

 

Tuesday, Dec. 11th

 

 

CHS Locked Down for Drug Search; Nothing Found

Chickasha school officials and Grady County law enforcement say no contraband was found during a random search at Chickasha High School yesterday. A lockdown was put in place Monday morning as a Grady County deputy sheriff and his drug dog searched a few classrooms and went through the parking lot. Deputy Phillip McCarthey and his partner Ice performed the search. Officials say while Ice had several hits on backpacks and vehicles, nothing was found. High School Principal Rhonda Snow described the situation as a ‘regular’ lockdown, where classes continued normally, but students were not allowed to leave the campus. Snow said there is a higher-level of lockdown status which she called "lockdown-plus" which is one where the school takes precautions for potential intruders.

 

Southern Plains Med Center Expands to Pauls Valley              

The Pauls Valley area was devastated with the closing of the hospital in that community a couple of months ago. However some medical services are resuming in Pauls Valley this morning, as Southern Plains Medical Center will be working with some doctors in that area to establish a clinic. Southern Plains CEO Len Lacefield said they will initially partner with Drs. Tammy Jarvis and Susan Jones. Lacefield said Jarvis was left without an office when the hospital closed.

 

               

 

Lacefield said Southern Plains is also working to offer laboratory and radiology services. He said they are also working with the City of Pauls Valley to try and re-open the hospital on a limited basis.

 

CHS Activity Center May Get New Name

The Chickasha High School Activity Center, which includes a 1,200-seat sports arena and a 1,000-seat auditorium, could bear a new name soon. The board of education will consider naming the activity center after someone in the community. Superintendent Jack Herron would not release any names being considered.  He did say a list of possible candidates was compiled by school and community leaders for the board to review. The school board meets at 6:30 tonight at the school administration building.

 

 Planning Commission to Hold Public Hearings              

A number of public hearings are scheduled for the City of Chickasha's  Planning Commission today. One is a request is to re-zone a former church at 2902 Country Club Road from residential to general commercial use. Another is to consider approval of an alternate exterior facade for the proposed USAO softball facility improvements. Another hearing is to consider a one-chair home beauty salon at 505 S. 22nd Street. The group will also hold a hearing on a request to vacate an alley in the 400 block of West Missouri for the planned Domino's Convenience Store that has been approved for that site. The Planning Commission meets at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon at city hall.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX fell to $51 a barrel yesterday.

London-based Brent crude dropped to $59.97.

Natural gas was up to $4.54 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,252 and silver is $14.70.

 

Monday, Dec. 10th

 

Missing Elderly Blanchard Man is Found

A Silver Alert issued for a missing Blanchard senior citizen has been canceled. The McClain County Sheriff’s Office had issued the alert for 85-year old Walter Heironimus. Authorities said he had left his home in his pick-up Sunday morning and didn’t return. Our partners at KWTV News 9 are reporting that Heironimus was located sometime last night, but it wasn't clear where or when he was found. Reports indicate that Heironimus is OK and was to be reunited with his family.

               

City Sales Tax Revenues Grow               

Sales tax revenues are soaring in the region and the energy industry is the main factor. For the City of Chickasha, sales tax revenues have been right around $1 million each month for 2018. City Manager John Noblitt says it's a big help in taking care of some financial concerns he's faced in his nearly two years on the job.

               

 

Noblitt is projecting the city will collect about $12 million in sales tax revenue this year.

 

Chickasha School Board Candidate Withdraws

One of the candidates who filed for Chickasha school board last week has withdrawn her candidacy. Ginny Howell has decided not to run for the post she was appointed to earlier this year. That means Cara Gerdes, the only other candidate to file for that ofice, will serve the remaining years that are left in that post. Howell tells KOOL/RANCH News that she talked to Gerdes about her reasons for wanting to serve and that their ideals are very similar. Plus, Howell said Gerdes does have children attending Chickasha schools. Gerdes will take over Howell's post after the school election in February.

 

Thieves Burglarize Volunteer Fire Department

Investigators are still looking for individuals who burglarized the Porter Hill volunteer fire department over the weekend. Thieves broke in Friday night and stole several thousand dollars in bunker gear, life-saving equipment, and radios. One firefighter called the thieves low-lives, and that the individuals must be in sad shape to steal from a fire department. An on-line fund-raiser is underway to help replace the equipment.

 

Grady County OHCE to Provide Holiday Dinner to Veterans

The Grady County DAV chapter will hold a Christmas dinner for all military veterans and their families this coming weekend. Grady County OHCE will prepare the meal, and welcome all veterans to stop by and enjoy the food and fellowship. The dinner will be held Saturday, December 15^th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the DAV headquarters at 6th and Chickasha Avenue.

 

Caddo County Ag Programs on the Horizon

There are a number of programs for livestock and grain producers in the Caddo County area scheduled in the next few weeks. Cattle producers will meet Monday, December 17th for a program with OSU Livestock Specialist Marty New. He will discuss winter supplements for cattle. That's a 6:30 p.m. meeting. The next morning, at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 18th, OSU Grain Marketing Specialist Kim Anderson will provide some updates. Also coming up, all current restricted-use pesticide licenses will be expiring at the end of the month, so there are a couple of training programs on the calendar. One will be held in Hinton on Thursday, December 20^th at noon at The Hot Spot, and one will be held Thursday, January 3rd at 2:00 p.m. at the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center in Ft. Cobb. Packets are $20. For information on these programs contact the OSU Extension Office in Anadarko.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was up last week to $52.61 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude was also up to $61.67.

Natural gas was up Friday but down for the week to $4.49 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,252 and silver is $14.64.