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Mollman Media News

2019, Feb. 11th - 18th

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Today Let’s meet Canadian Valley Technology Center “Spotlight person of the week’” Leesa Williams. Leesa Is a Junior at Amber / Pocasset, and is studying Graphic Design at CV Tech.

Tune in Friday the 15th, to KOOL 105,5 FM, (the 7AM and 8AM News) to hear her story.

 

 

 

Monday, Feb. 18th

 

Semi Involved in Fatal Crash

One person has died and another is hospitalized after a weekend crash involving a semi and a passenger vehicle near Tuttle. Authorities have not yet identified a woman who lost her life.  Injured was 25-year old Jonathan Kyle Jones of Lindsay who was initially hospitalized in critical condition. Jones has been upgraded to serious condition this morning. Jones and the woman were both in a vehicle that collided with the semi. It wasn’t clear who was driving. The driver of the semi, 27-year old Dalton Charles Galliton of Randlett, was not injured. The accident happened just after 11:00 p.m. Friday on Highway 92 just southwest of Tuttle. The highway patrol is still looking into what happened. The accident blocked the highway for more than five hours.

 

Alleged Intruder Shot, Hospitalized

Also in Tuttle, the OSBI is looking into the shooting of an alleged intruder. No details are available, but KOCO-TV reports that an unidentified individual was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. Officials have not said how serious the injuries are.  Tuttle police were called to a home to investigate just before 9:00 a.m. Sunday.

 

Binger Man's Death Considered a Homicide

The death of a Caddo County man is being called a homicide. The body of 57-year old Randy Joe Gathers of Binger was found in his home Saturday morning. Binger police were asked to do a welfare check on Gathers after he hadn't been seen for some time.  The OSBI has been called in to lead the investigation. Authorities did not release any information about how Gathers may have died. Officials are asking anyone with information to call the OSBI Tip Line at 800-522-8017 or e-mail information to tips@osbi.ok.gov

 

Amber Police Officer's Condition Upgraded

An Amber police officer hospitalized after a shootout in Del City last weekend is improving. Marvin Ashe was working security at a store in Del City. He suffered a serious arm injury and was also shot in the stomach in a confrontation with a shoplifting suspect. We checked this morning, and Ashe has been upgraded from critical to serious condition.

 

Chickasaws May Help Fund Chickasha Street Upgrades

The City of Chickasha may get some help from the Chickasaw Nation to pay for street improvements. The city council tonight will discuss a possible Memorandum of Understanding with the tribe to add the streets to the Tribal Transportation Program of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Tribal officials may provide funding for upgrades under a separate agreement if money is available. City Manager John Noblitt said the tribe would not be taking the streets into tribal trust and they would not be identified as tribal land. The city would still have to maintain the streets. The council will go behind closed doors to discuss an economic development proposal which could include the transfer of property, financing, or the creation of a proposal to entice a company to remain or locate in the city. The panel will also review an ordinance regarding the city's ban on smoking in public places. The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, or TSET, is recommending some changes that could allow the city to be eligible for up to $120,000 in grants. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.25.

Natural gas is $2.62 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,324 and silver is $15.78.

 

 

Saturday, Feb. 16th

 

Father, Son Perish in Train-Truck Collision

Tragedy in Ninnekah, as a father and son have died after their truck is hit by a train. Max and Pat Thomas were killed in the crash that happened in Ninnekah about 9:30 a.m. Friday.  Ninnekah Police Chief Scott Miller said that Pat Thomas was driving the one-ton truck west on Peach Street. The truck was hit by a southbound Union Pacific train pulling 117 cars. Miller said it wasn't clear how fast the train was going. The truck was pushed about a half-mile down the tracks. Miller said there are no signal lights or crossing arms at the crossing.  The accident closed the road into Ninnekah for several hours.

 

Man Faces Assault, Maiming Allegations

A Chickasha man is jailed on a six-figure bond after police respond to an assault complaint. 37-year old Trent Proctor was taken into custody when officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of South 22nd about 3:30 a.m. Friday. Details of the arrest weren't immediately available. Proctor has been charged with felony counts of assault and battery with a deadly weapon and maiming. His bond was set at $100,000.

 

Valentine's Day Assault Suspect in Custody               

Police arrest another man in a separate assault complaint, this one involving gunfire. Officers were called to a home near 9th and Minnesota about 8:30 p.m. Thursday. A police affidavit indicates that a couple were arguing over the suspect's drinking, and that he threw a Valentine's Day gift at her. The couple got into a scuffle, both suffered minor injuries, and she left the house and got into her car.  The suspect is alleged to have gotten a pistol and shot the bumper of the car with the woman inside. The woman was not hit by the bullet. In custody is 47-year old Darrin Travis Bradley. He has been formally charged with a felony for having a firearm after conviction, and a misdemeanor for assault and battery. He remains in jail on a $20,000 bond.

 

Two Hurt in Turnpike Crash

Two people are hospitalized after their SUV crashes on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. 79-year old James Frazier and 72-year old Linda Mason, both of Oklahoma City were taken to a Norman hospital where they were admitted in good condition with head and trunk injuries. The accident happened about 2:30 a.m. this morning on the H.E. Bailey Spur on-ramp at the junction of Highway 4. Their vehicle ran off the roadway and hit the guardrail.

 

Firefighters Gather for Annual Training               

Firefighters throughout southwest Oklahoma will gather for wildland fire training today. It's a program named for a Rush Springs fire fighter who lost his life battling a wildfire. The Destry Horton Wildland Training School will be held at Ft. Sill this weekend. This is the 8th year for the program. About 200 professional and volunteer firefighters participate in the training which includes 12 workshops. Horton died battling a wildfire near Marlow in 2006. He was employed as a Chickasha firefighter and volunteered on his day off when he suffered critical burns. He battled his injuries for several weeks before he died in an Oklahoma City hospital. Officials say southwest Oklahoma could see heavy smoke coming from the east part of Ft. Sill as part of the training today and tomorrow.

 

Sheriff's Office Warrant List

Each week, the Grady County Sheriff’s Office issues a list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here’s Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett.

 

               

 

If you have information regarding any of these individuals, you’re asked to contact the sheriff’s office by calling 405-222-5085.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Former State Representative Joe Dorman is now with the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. He's on our KOOL Konversation program to discuss the group's work.  On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, we'll visit with Stacy Cramer Moore with the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan. We have links to these programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

 

Friday, Feb. 15th

 

BREAKING-

Two people have died in a train-truck collision in Ninnekah. The accident happened about 9:30 a.m. Friday at the railroad crossing near Dell and Peach Streets.

 

City of Chickasha Brings on New Public Works Director

A new director for the City of Chickasha's public works department is on the job. David Buchanan has more than 20 years’ experience in the public works field. He’s spent the last eight years in Bethany working in numerous areas, with the last two as public works director. Buchanan will also have Parks and Recreation, including the city's sports complex under his watch. He previously worked in Georgia for 13 years before moving to Oklahoma. The Chickasha post has been vacant since Rob Camp stepped down last spring. Steven Adams had been filling in as interim public works director. Buchanan’s employment was posted on the city’s Facebook page and it said that he and his team have been tackling projects submitted by the public on the city's website. That includes cleaning debris from the city's storm drains. Anyone can suggest ideas for public works or any department on the Request Tracker link on the city’s website, www.chickasha.org

 

New Grocery Store Sets Grand Opening

The long wait for Chickasha's newest grocery store is about to come to an end. The new Aldi's store is scheduled to have its grand opening next week. The store has been remodeling the former Staples store for about the last year. The doors will open next Thursday, Feb. 21st, and the first 100 customers will have a chance to win Aldi's gift cards valued up to $100. The store is known for its organic foods and low-priced produce. The store will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

More from the Southwest District Livestock Show

About 240 cattle were shown at the Southwest District Livestock Show yesterday. 27 market steers were led through the ring, with Hayden Taliferro of Sterling showing the grand champion. He picked up the top prize of $1,000. William Hasenbeck of Elgin had the reserve and Avery Smith of Yukon, the bronze. There were 31 prospect steers, with Cooper Cummins of Hollis exhibiting the grand champion and collecting $500. Tommy Glover of Elgin had the reserve and Taylor Glover, also of Elgin, had the bronze. There were 185 heifers, with Cody Courtney of Ft. Cobb-Broxton taking the grand champion honors and a $1,000 check. Cara Cummins of Hollis had the reserve and Ciera Collins of Frederick had the bronze. The swine show is underway today with more than 1,400 animals pre-registered. It will take two days to parade all those animals in front of the judge. The Chickasha FFA is live-streaming the show at www.livestream.com/chickashaffa

Also at the stock show yesterday, Jerry Arthur was recognized for his many years of service on the stock show’s board of directors.

 

GOP Precinct Meetings, County Convention Scheduled

Grady County Republicans will be meeting for their precinct meetings and county convention next week. They will be electing state and district committee members, and will also elect county delegates to the state convention which will be held in April. The precinct meetings and county convention will be next Thursday, Feb. 21st at 6:30 p.m. at Canadian Valley Technology Center.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was up to $54.41 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude was up to $64.57.

Natural gas was down slightly to $2.57 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,321 and silver is $15.68.

 

 

Thursday, Feb. 14th

 

Regional Consumer Spending is Down Slightly

Consumer spending throughout Grady County in December was down from what was a real good month in November. It's estimated that $116 million in taxable goods and services were purchased in the final month of 2018. That was down about 12 percent from November, though it was an increase of about 10 percent from December of 2017. We get a good idea of the consumer spending when we see the county’s sales tax revenue each month. For February (which represents December consumer spending) the county received nearly $870,000. Then, we use a simple math formula which includes the county's three-quarters of a penny sales tax. In addition to the sales tax revenue, the county's use tax collections, which are paid on Internet purchases, were up from $120,000 in February of 2017 to $185,000 this February. For the City of Chickasha, consumer spending in December was estimated at $29 million. The city collected more than $1.1 million in sales tax revenue from its sales tax rate of 3.75 cents on the dollar. The city's use tax collections were also significantly higher, from $54,000 in February fo 2017 to $126,000 this month.

 

Former State Lawmaker Leads Child Advocacy Group

After spending a dozen years in the state legislature, former State Representative Joe Dorman of Rush Springs now serves as director of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. It's a non-profit group with a mission to be a voice for Oklahoma youth. Dorman says they were able to get a lot of things done at the state capital last year.

 

               

 

The institute has been around for more than 30 years. Dorman says they will have a child advocacy day at the state capital on May 8th. Dorman will be our guest on our KOOL Konversation program this weekend.

 

Chix City Hall Skeds Ward 2 Meeting

Chickasha residents living in Ward 2 will have an opportunity to meet with their council representatives and other city officials. It's part of a continuing series by city officials to hear concerns of constituents. The meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 26th at 6:30 p.m. at city hall. Ward Two council representatives Joe Molder and Kim Loggins, and city manager John Noblitt are expected to be on hand. Residents can e-mail questions ahead of time to info@chickasha.org. The meeting is expected to last about an hour. Similar meetings for residents in Wards 3 and 4 will be held in the coming months. A previous meeting has already been held for Ward 1.

 

SCOOP, STACK Prompt Multi-Billion Dollar Merger

All the oil and gas activity in central Oklahoma is responsible for two big companies joining forces-

 

               

 

That's Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

 

Southwest District Livestock Show Continues

Day two of the Southwest District Livestock Show is underway. It's the cattle show, with about 300 head expected to go through the show ring at the Grady County Fairgrounds. There were about 300 animals in the sheep show yesterday. Colt Randall of Canute had the Grand Champion wether and picked up a $1,000 check. Kyra Elliott of El Reno had the reserve grand, and Kailen Urban of Mt. View-Gotebo had the bronze. For the ewes, Sayde Allen of Beckham County 4H had the grand champion and earned a $500 prize. Jack Thomas of Western Oklahoma Christian School had the reserve and Luke Thomas, also of Western Oklahoma Christian had the bronze. In the goat show yesterday, there were about 250 animals. Emry Lee of Elgin had both the grand and reserve wethers, picking up $750. Hadley Cooper of Ampo had the bronze. Grand and reserve grand champion doe goats were shown by Caden Church of Sentinel, who also collected $750. Madison Church of Sentinel had the bronze. All the stock shows can be viewed at the following link: livestream.com/ChickashaFFA

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil in the NYMEX was up to $53.90 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude was up to $63.61.

Natural gas was down to $2.57 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,309 and silver is $15.55.

 

 

Wednesday, Feb. 13th

 

Laurie Allen Elected to Chickasha School Board

Chickasha voters put a new face on the local school board. Laurie Allen picked up more than two out of every three votes in a three-candidate race for the board of education. With less than 1,000 voters participating, Allen collected 68 percent of the vote, defeating former school board member Dr. Bruce Storms and former school employee, Tim Miller. In the unofficial returns, Allen received 651 votes; Storms, 271; and Miller, 24. Allen's election means there will be three entirely new members on the five-member school board. Robyn Morse and Cara Gerdes ran unopposed for two other posts on the panel.

 

Ninnekah Voters Select Delanie Berry for Board of Ed

In Ninnekah, voters also put a new officer on the school board. Delanie Berry picked up 69 percent of the vote. She defeated incumbent Dale Thompson and Naomi Dietrich. With less than 200 voters casting ballots, Berry received 124 votes; Dietrich, 29; and Thompson, 27.

 

Candace Downey to Serve on Dibble School Board              

In Dibble, Candace Downey picked of 54 percent of the vote to win a seat on the school board. Downey collected 59 votes; Gene Shiflett, 29; and Harold Ledgerwood, 21.

 

Run-off Needed for Newcastle School Board Post

In Newcastle, the incumbent school board member will have to go to a run-off. Gary Knowles drew two challengers, but none of the three candidates received a majority of votes. Tyler Riddle was the top vote-getter with 257 tallies, or 43 percent. Knowles received 233 votes, or 39 percent. The third candidate, Jeff Dingee, received 102 votes or 17 percent. The run-off will be held in April.

 

Ampo Voters OK Big Bond Issue 

Amber-Pocasset voters gave their stamp of approval to a more than $24 million bond issue to build a new high school and junior high, and upgrade security throughout the district. The measure received 67 percent approval, 203 to 101. Superintendent Jerime Parker was pleased with the outcome, saying he's proud of the Ampo school district stake-holders and their commitment to the students. The bond issue will stretch over 17 years, and Parker hopes construction can begin later this fall. It will be a couple of years before the 22 new classrooms for the high school and junior high will be completed.

 

Lindsay Voters Narrowly OK Bond Issues

In Lindsay, two bond issues totaling about $1.5 million narrowly get the 60 percent super-majority needed for passage. A $1 million bond issue for technology upgrades passes by six votes, 366 to 234, or 61 percent approval. A $500,000 bond issue to purchase school buses passed, 378 to 225, or 63 percent approval.

 

Teen Speaks of Boyfriend's Death

The two main suspects accused of the shooting death of a Chickasha teenager are still on the run. Today, Trey Adams girlfriend is talking about that tragedy that occurred just a couple of weeks ago. 16-year old Rachel Simons tells our partners at KWTV News 9 that she hopes the two young men accused of killing Trey are brought to justice. Simons and Adams just learned that she was pregnant, and the two were planning their engagement. She talks about the horrific discovery the morning of Trey's death.

 

               

 

The OSBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest

of Dmillion Williams and Malcomb Jackson.

 

Southwest District Livestock Show Underway

A lot of livestock will be moving through the Grady County Fairgrounds show arena the next few days. The Southwest District Livestock Show begins today, with about 1,000 youth from 14 counties hauling their cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats to the area.  It's believed to be the largest youth stock show next to the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Nearly 1,500 swine have been pre-entered, nearly 300 sheep and 300 head of cattle, and 250 goats. The sheep and goat shows are both today. The youth are competing for top prizes of $1,000. The Chickasha FFA will live stream each of the stock shows over the few days on Facebook. Do a Facebook search for Chickasha FFA Booster Club to find the link.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was up to $53.10 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is up to $62.42.

Natural gas was higher, to $2.69 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,313 and silver is $15.57.

 

 

Tuesday, Feb. 12th

 

Amber Police Officer Injured in Shootout Still Critical

An off-duty Amber policeman, working security at a store in Del City, remains in critical condition after being injured in a shootout with a shoplifting suspect last weekend. 51-year old Marvin Asche was shot in the stomach and the elbow, and sources say he has already had one surgery. Asche is the assistant police chief at Amber, and was one of two law enforcement officers involved the shooting at a Wal-Mart in Del City Saturday night. The shoplifting suspect died after being shot by an unidentified Del City police officer who was called to the scene. The officer was shot in the leg and was treated and released from a hospital. The suspect, 25-year old Gabriel Lane Carter, had an outstanding felony warrant. The Del City officer was placed on administrative leave.

 

Chickasha School District Receives Delayed Funding 

The Chickasha school district has received nearly $2.2 million that it was owed from Grady County. A computer glitch in the county treasurer's office is blamed on sending money meant for the district to the county's general fund for three straight months. Treasurer Robin Burton and treasurer’s clerk Ruth Bingham hand-delivered a check to the school district yesterday. Burton addressed the issue with county commissioners Monday morning, and says she will try to make sure the error doesn't happen again.

 

               

 

Chickasha School Superintendent Jack Herron was asked if the school district missed any payments because of the shortage.

 

               

 

The county agreed to pay any interest-income lost because of the mistake. That amount has not yet been determined and will be paid at a later date.

 

Late Payment, Supe's Contract On School Board Agenda

Herron is expected to discuss the payment error during tonight's meeting of the Chickasha school board. The panel is expected to go behind closed doors to discuss a revision of the superintendent's contract. The change would add new language that the current and future superintendents be required to notify the board of any employment outside the superintendent's work. That was one of the recommendations from a recent state auditor's report, after previous superintendent Dave Cash worked for a company while also employed by Chickasha schools. The school board is also to look at a proposal to pay employees twice a month instead of once a month, which would begin next school year if approved.

 

Annual School Elections Underway

A lot of Oklahoman's are going to the polls today in the annual school elections. Voters in Chickasha will decide among three candidates for Office No. 2 on the school board.Tim Miller, Laurie Allen, and Bruce Storms are running. There's also a school board election in Ninnekah, where incumbent Dale Thompson has two challengers in Delanie Berry and Naomi Dietrich. In Dibble, three candidates are on the ballot - Harold Ledgerwood, Gene Shiflett, and Candace Downey. Amber-Pocasset voters will decide a $23.4 million bond issue to build new high school and junior high classrooms and fund improvements in security at both the Amber and Pocasset schools. Lindsay voters are deciding two bond issues totaling $1.5 million for technology and transportation needs. Polls will be open until 7 o'clock tonight. A reminder for Grady County voters in Precinct No. 11 who previously voted at Aggreko Cooling Towers. That precinct has been changed to Grand Assembly of God in Chickasha, just east of 4th and Almar Drive. We will have special election coverage after the polls close tonight.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down to $52.41 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude was down to $61.51.

Natural gas was up a bit to $2.64 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,316 and silver is $15.81.

 

 

Monday, February 11th

 

Breaking -

The Assistant Police Chief of Amber is critically injured in a weekend shootout at a Del City Wal-Mart. Marvin Asche was shot in the torso and an elbow during the confrontation. Ashe was working as a security guard at the store when he and a Del City police officer were confronted by a shoplifting suspect, when gunfire erupted. The suspect died in the shootout. The unidentified Del City officer was treated and released for his injuries.

 

Chickasha Schools Expect Big Check Today

A $2 million error that negatively impacted the Chickasha Public School District the last few months should be corrected today. We reported last week that a mistake in the Grady County Treasurer's Office withheld $2.2 million in ad valorem tax revenue that should have gone to Chickasha schools. After school officials asked the treasurer's office to look into the matter, it was determined that the funds were mistakenly put in the county budget. Records show the school was shorted more than $300,000 on November 30th, more than $1 million Dec. 31st, and another $700,000 on Feb. 1st. Treasurer Robin Burton has apologized for the error, and will meet with county commissioners this morning to tell what happened. A check is expected to be delivered to Chickasha schools this afternoon.

 

Public Hearings Set for Chickasha Housing Plans

Public hearings regarding a new Chickasha housing addition, the construction of new duplexes, and the city's mobile vendor ordinance will be held by the city’s Planning Commission tomorrow. One hearing is to discuss the final plat of the Shadow Valley development near 25th and Country Club Road, and one is for the final plat for duplexes proposed near Valley View Theater and Atwoods. The Planning Commission will meet at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at city hall.

 

School Elections set Tomorrow

Annual school elections will be held tomorrow. In Chickasha, three candidates are on the ballot for Office No. 2. Bruce Storms, Tim Miller and Laurie Allen are on the ballot. There are also school board elections in Ninnekah, Dibble, and Newcastle. There are school bond elections at Amber-Pocasset and Lindsay. At Amber-Pocasset, voters will decide a $23 million bond issue to build new high school and junior high classrooms. In Lindsay, there are two bond issues totaling about $1.5 million for technology and transportation needs. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow. Here’s a reminder for Precinct No. 11 voters in Grady County. Voters who previously cast ballots at Aggreko Cooling Towers will now go to Grand Assembly of God in Chickasha, which is just east of 4th and Almar.

 

County Road Near Ninnekah Re-Opens

Motorists in the Ninnekah area are again able to use Sooner Road south of State Highway 19. County Commissioner Ralph Beard said crews have finished installing a new tin horn on Sooner Road between Quail and Old Fred Roads. Rains washed out the roadway underneath the old tin horn. Beard said the new tin horn is 120 feet long and 42 inches in diameter.

 

Holy City Prepares for Annual Passion Play

The Holy City of the Wichitas is preparing for its annual Easter pageant. The 66-acre park just north of Lawton has served as host for a live performance of the Resurrection of Christ every year since 1926. Skip Hamill is director of the board of trustees for the Holy City.

 

               

 

Rev. Charles Watson of Chickasha has been part of the Passion Play every year for the last 40-plus years and will be part of the cast again this year. They are looking for volunteers to be part of the pageant. The first practice is Sunday, Feb. 24th at 2 p.m. The pageant will be held on Saturday, April 13th and Saturday, April 20th at 8 p.m. For information, go to the website, www.holycityofthewichitas.com

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $52.72 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.10.

Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,310 and silver is $15.71.

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