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Today Let’s meet Canadian Valley Technology Center “Spotlight person of the week is Michelle Jezioro. Michelle is studying “Surgical Technology, at CV Tech. Tune in Friday the 29th, to KOOL 105,5 FM, (the 7AM and 8AM News) to hear the story.
Saturday March 30th
College Students Concerned About "Climate Crisis"
Some USAO students walked out of class yesterday, marching on city hall to demand the city take action on what the students called a "climate crisis." Scot Godfrey was the spokesman for three students who delivered a one-page letter with their concerns. Godfrey, Paddy Loyer, and Luke Williams say they are part of a student coalition that includes Chickasha high school students who are concerned about not only a climate crisis, but environmental damage done by oil companies. The letter calls for city government to recognize that the climate crisis is caused by human activity and is an immediate threat to society, and asks for the implementation of policies that encourage renewable energy industries in Grady County. The letter also calls for policies that hold oil companies accountable for the environmental damage they perpetrate, and that any funds generated by those policies to be used for the benefit of people affected by the harm done to the environment. Godfrey says he hopes the effort will encourage others with similar thoughts have their voices heard.
In a prepared statement, Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley said it's encouraging to see a group of students advocate for a cause they believe in. City Manager John Noblitt said he appreciates the interest and concern shown by the students, and that their letter will be shared with the city council. The students' actions have caused quite a stir after we posted a picture of them on our Facebook page. It has had more than 2,300 views and issue has resulted in numerous comments on both sides of the controversial issue.
Crash Hospitalizes Marlow Man
A Marlow man is air-lifted to a hospital when his car rear-ends a pick-up. 26-year old Jack Berry was flown to an Oklahoma City hospital after suffering internal and leg injuries. He was last in fair condition. The accident happened on State Highway 7 about five miles east of Lawton about 2:30 yesterday. The highway patrol reports that both vehicles were eastbound on the highway, when, for an unknown reason, Berry slammed into the pack of the truck. Berry was pinned in the car for about an hour. The driver of the pickup, 62-year old Elmer Harriage of Elgin, was not injured.
Chickasha Schools Announce District Teacher of the Year
An instructor at Grand Elementary is the Teacher of the Year for the entire Chickasha School District. Raylee Butler was selected for the honor. Butler has been at Grand for the last six years, where she leads the L.E.D. program for special needs students. L.E.D. stands for Learn from Yesterday; Endurance for Today; and Dream for Tomorrow. It helps the students to learn in a traditional classroom setting. Previous to teaching at Grand, Butler helped to develop the first autism-exclusive high school classroom in Edmond Public Schools. Butler was selected for the honor by a committee of teachers and administrators in the district. She is now eligible to compete for the State Teacher of the Year, the winner of which will be named at the State Fair of Oklahoma this fall.
Longtime Banker Celebrates Career
His banking career spanned four decades. Sam Griffin retired yesterday as the branch manager for the Chickasha location of MidFirst Bank. The financial institution was called the Oklahoma National Bank when Griffin started there in 1981. Many customers, friends, and former co-workers were on hand for a retirement reception yesterday. The new branch manager will be Heather Roehrwick, who has been at the bank for the last eight years.
Sheriff's Office Issues Most-Wanted List
The Grady County Sheriff’s Office has issued 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.
Friday, March 29th
Fire Burns Outside Oil Field Supply Company
A huge fire west of Chickasha kept a number of fire crews from several departments busy late Thursday afternoon. The fire erupted about 5:00 p.m. outside the Bri-Chem Supply Corporation, just west of 29th Street and Highway 62. High winds helped to fuel the flames. The company's website says it warehouses and delivers products used for cementing, completing, and producing oil and gas wells. Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles as firefighters from Chickasha and the Grady County Fire Departments worked to put down the flames. Chickasha Fire Chief Brian Zalewski said pallets of dry organic materials caught fire, and while they were flammable they were not toxic. Damage estimate was not available and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Victim Identified in Officer-Involved Shooting
The man shot and killed by Chickasha police Wednesday night had numerous run-ins with the law for several years. 47-year old Kevin Samuel Capers had been arrested for burglary, assault, and drug charges. Most recently, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor vandalism charge in 2015. Police were called to a Chickasha home Wednesday night, where it’s alleged Capers was threatening his girlfriend with a knife. As officers confronted Capers, police say he made threatening moves toward them with the knife. The officers have been placed on administrative leave while the shooting is being reviewed.
Women Get Tips for Careers, Families, Service Work
It is said that if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. That's certainly the case with Jill Castilla, an Edmond banker who was the guest speaker at the first-ever Successful Women Series hosted by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Castilla says you have to be focused and not let family, business, and community work interfere with each other.
About 70 people attended the program at USAO. The chamber will be holding one of these programs every three months.
Scouts to Compete in KidWind Challege
A team of Eagle Scouts from the area will put their knowledge of wind power to the test this weekend. The scouts will be among 50 students competing at the Oklahoma KidWind Challenge at the Science Museum of Oklahoma. Kyle Main of Minco, Falcon McDoulett of Tuttle, and Nash Tabor of Newcastle with Boy Scout Troop 4338 have been working on their project since last fall. All are seniors, and have been spending what little spare time they have designing and building mini wind turbines. In addition to school, they are already attending college classes or going to career tech and have jobs. Unfortunately, the team will be without Tabor for the competition. He suffered a serious spinal cord injury in a dirt-bike accident earlier this week. He has had surgery and is recovering in an Oklahoma City hospital. But he still has input on the project, and his two team mates are visiting with him in the hospital to continue trying to improve their work. Top placers at this weekend’s event will qualify for the National KidWind Challenge in Houston in May.
Local Banker Retiring
A longtime Chickasha banker is calling it a career. Sam Griffin, president of MidFirst Bank, is stepping down. A retirement reception for Griffin is being held at the bank from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. this afternoon.
Talk Show Topics
Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Jenna Cansler, Mary Kate Henson, Julia Cochran and Sarah Keef with Red Rock Prevention Services are this week’s guests on our KOOL Konversation. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson is this week’s guest on Real Estate Today with John Mosley. Find links to these program under the Community tab on this website.
Enrgy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $59.30 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is$67.10.
Natural gas is $2.71 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,296 and silver is $15.06.
Thursday, March 28th
Chix Police Involved in Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting
A domestic violence investigation by Chickasha police ends badly when officers shoot and kill a suspect. Officers were called to a home near Centennial Park at 7th and Texas just before 10:00 p.m. Wednesday. When police arrived they found a couple arguing, and officers made their way inside the home. The situation got worse, and authorities allege a man charged at them, and police used deadly force. The Oklahoma State Bureau of investigation has been called in to determine what happened. Neither the names of the victim of the fatal shooting nor the officers involved have been released.
Relatives Seek GoFundMe Donations for Crash Victim
The Lindsay woman who died when her car hit a semi last weekend was a young mother who worked two jobs while her husband went to college and watched their two little girls. Cassandra Steakley died in the crash that happened near Alex last Sunday morning. Cassandra's mother-in-law, Karen Thompson, has set up a GoFundMe account to help the young family with funeral expenses. Thompson says Cassandra worked at a couple of restaurants. Her husband Christian also worked and would care for their three-year old and 15-month old daughters. Christian is also attending economics classes at USAO. The post says like most young parents, Cassandra and Christian had financial challenges. The car Cassandra was driving was their only vehicle, so Christian has no way to make the trip from Lindsay to Chickasha. Thompson said for the first time ever, Christian is asking for help to pay for Cassandra's final wishes of being cremated and her ashes taken to the mountains in east Tennessee. In just a few days, the GoFundMe account has cleared $1,700. The family hopes to raise $2,000.
Woman, Child Hospitalized in Crash Near Apache
A toddler was one of two people injured in a traffic accident near Apache last night. A woman, believed to be the child's mother, and the child were both admitted in fair condition in a Lawton Hospital. 37-year old Amber McLure of Apache suffered arm and leg injuries. The unidentified three-year old girl suffered head and arm injuries. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 62 just south of the Caddo and Comanche county line about 6:15 p.m. Wednesday. The highway patrol reports that McClure became distracted and rear-ended a pick-up that was trying to make a turn. The driver of the pickup, 59-year old Robert Bernden of Marlow, was not hurt.
Early Voting Underway for City Council Elections
City council elections are coming up next week in several cities and towns. Early voting is getting underway in those elections. In-person, absentee ballots may be cast at the county election board in the county where your city or town is located. In Chickasha, there are two seats to be filled. There are three candidates running in Ward 4, including incumbent Jim Hopkins, Devin Gagliardo and Kelly Boyd. In Ward 2, incumbent Kimmie Loggins is being challenged by George "Buddy" Hector. Election board offices will be open until 6:00 p.m. today and from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. tomorrow. Regular precincts will be open next Tuesday.
Farm Restructuring Plans Due August 1st
Turning to farm news, officials with the farm service agency say this is a good time of year to notify them about any ownership changes on the farm. Anytime there is a change in ownership, or if leases take place, a farm reconstiution must be done. There four methods of farm re-constitution. Mark Jackson with the Grady County FSA office says the most popular is the cropland method.
Other options to reconstitute farms are the Estate method, the Designation by Land Owner method, or the Default method. Jackson says for the current year, farm combinations and farm divisions must be requested by the first of August.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $59.41.
London-based Brent crude is$67.83
Natural gas is $2.71 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,312 and silver is $15.24.
Wednesday, March 27th
Convicted Cop-Shooter Sentenced to 10 Life Terms
A Chickasha man is sentenced to 450 years in prison for shooting and injuring police officers. Alex Warren Klingler received 10 consecutive life terms yesterday. The sentence was handed down by Grady County District Judge Kory Kirkland. Last November, a jury convicted Klingler of 10 felonies in connection with the shooting which occurred in September of 2017. Klinger's attorney said he will appeal. Police were trying to serve a search warrant on Klingler’s home when he barricaded himself inside and shot several officers. District Attorney Jason Hicks said the sentence should serve notice that anyone who decides to harm an officer will be held accountable for their actions. Hicks also called the officers involved "heroes" and expressed his gratitude to them for putting their lives on the line. Klingler was convicted of charges of shooting with intent to kill against G.G. Music, James Weidenmaier, Eric Burkhart, Jason Myrko, Cliff Walker, and Derek Hunt. He was convicted of charges of assault with a deadly weapon and maiming against Sgt. Matt Schoolfield; and he was convicted of charges of assault with a deadly weapon against Colten Weger and Daniel Ramirez. Klingler will get credit for time served, which is about 18 months.
Deputy Nabs Wanted Man, Who's Now in More Trouble
A deputy sheriff with a keen eye arrests a wanted man and finds him with enough drugs to have felony distribution charges filed against him. Documents filed in Grady County District court indicate Deputy Jim Peek was servicing his patrol unit at Love's South in Chickasha early Monday morning when he saw the man ride up on a bicycle. Peek checked with dispatch and confirmed the man had a warrant for his arrest. The man had a sunglasses case that contained substances that tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine. The document indicates the man asked Peek to throw the drugs away because he was on probation. Instead, 40-year old Tyrus Jesus Gonzales of Cement was taken to jail. Gonzales had a 2015 warrant for order to appear on a felony bogus check charge. He was also on probation for a felony assault and battery conviction stemming from a 2016 arrest. Gonzales is being held on a $25,000 bond.
Is Route 66 Federal Grant Program Ending?
A federal grant program to preserve the historic Route 66 may be ending this year. The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program has issued what may its last call for grants that can be used to restore buildings and landmarks along the 2,400-mile route. The matching-grant program has been around for about 20 years but it is scheduled to end this fall. The Associated Press indicates there's no agreement in Washington, D.C. to extend it. Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe is co-sponsoring a bill which would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. It's a bi-partisan effort that would amend the National Trail Systems Act which is designed to help revitalize communities along the Route 66 corridor, dubbed The Mother Road. As it stands now, the current program is accepting grant applications through April 12th.
Chickasha School Foundation Schedules Annual Gala
The Chickasha Public School Foundation is preparing for its annual banquet and fundraiser. The Foundation continues to grow its endowment, which is now more than $1 million since it was created more than 30 years ago. Among the support the foundation provides for the district is annual grants to teachers, college scholarships for a number of high school seniors, and free school supplies all year for every student. This year's banquet will include a barbecue buffet dinner, live entertainment, and live and silent auctions. The theme for the banquet is "We Believe in the Purple and Gold." the fundraiser will be Tuesday, April 30th, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the USAO ballroom. Individual tickets are $35 and numerous sponsorship levels are available. For information, contact director Jen Jantzen through the foundation’s website: www.chickasha4kids.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $59.94 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $67.97.
Natural gas is $2.74 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,324 and silver is $15.45.
Tuesday, March 26th
9-1-1 Call Leads Police to Sexual Assault in Progress
Chickasha police arrest a man in connection with a violent sexual assault that occurred at a Chickasha home. Authorities say dispatchers received an open 9-1-1 call about 11:30 a.m. Saturday. A press release from police say they first believed they heard an argument between an adult and a child. The call was pinged to a home in the area of 10th and Frisco, and authorities began a house-to-house check. When officers got to a home in the 700 block of North 11th, they heard a muffled female voice calling for help. As officers beat on the door, the cries for help became more intense and the woman could clearly be heard in distress. Police broke down the door and found a nude male sexually assaulting the woman. Officers took the suspect into custody, and the victim received emergency medical treatment. The victim also told investigators then man held a knife to her throat. Police arrested 46-year old Anthony Paul Torralba, who has a lengthy criminal record. Yesterday, prosecutors filed charges of first-degree rape and forcible sodomy against Torralba. A judge set his bond at $250,000.
Community Mourns Death of Accountant Jimmie Johnson
Longtime Chickasha accountant Jimmie Johnson who also was an outstanding high school and collegiate basketball player and high jumper has died. Johnson passed away Sunday at the age of 73 following a lengthy illness. Johnson won a state high jump title in 1963 while at Duncan High School. He was also named Mr. Oklahoma in high school basketball that year. He then went to the University of Oklahoma where started for the basketball and track teams. Johnson was one of the first high jumpers to clear seven feet while at OU. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he served in the Army where he represented the Fourth Army in both sports for two years. After his military service he returned to OU to earn his accounting degree. Johnson coached numerous high school high jumpers, including 15 state champions. Johnson had been a 45-year member of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants. Survivors include his wife of nearly 50 years, Ruthie; a daughter, Alicia and her husband Bill; and one son, Austin. Funeral for Jimmie Paul Johnson will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Epworth Methodist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Solar Energy Losing Ground in Oklahoma
While oil and gas is tops in the energy sector in Oklahoma, there are alternative energy industries like wind and solar. But things aren't looking very good for the solar industry in the Sooner State. The website www.okenergytoday.com reported recently that solar lost several thousand jobs last year. The website also cites a report from the Journal Record. It indicates that while Oklahoma has the No. 6-ranked potential in the U.S. when it comes to developing solar power, the Solar Energy Industries Association indicates it is one of the worst for adding new solar capacity. The report says Oklahoma slipped from 31st in 2017 to 43rd last year in the installation of new solar projects.
Open Streets Program Set for First Weekend in May
With warmer weather finally here, many of us are heading outdoors to work in the yard, play with the kids at the park, or just walk around the block. Organizers are making plans to encourage us to be even more active. The third annual Open Streets program will be held in May. A number of groups are combing efforts to offer several activities in one place. Mary Kate Henson has worked on the project since its beginning a couple of years ago.
This is a free event and the community is welcome to walk, ride bikes, and roller skate. A number of groups will offer other activities and there will be demonstrations that include martial arts and Tai Chi. Food vendors will be on hand. Also that morning, the Chickasha Rotary Club will hold its annual 5K and fun run. Open Streets will be Saturday, May 4th in downtown Chickasha.
Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge has New Manager
There's a new manager leading the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, but he's not new to the refuge. David Farmer has been serving as the interim manager for the last six months, following the retirement of Tony Booth. Farmer has been with the refuge for three years, serving as deputy manager and chief law enforcement officer.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.82 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $67.21.
Natural gas is $2.75 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,320 and silver is $15.47.
Monday, March 25th
One Dead in Crash Near Alex
A Lindsay woman died in a terrible crash on a Grady County highway. 24-year old Cassandra Steakley died when her car hit a semi head-on near Alex. The accident happened just before 10:00 a.m. Sunday on State Highway 19 about a mile west of Alex. The highway patrol reports that Steakley was westbound on the highway when she crossed over the centerline and crashed into the semi. It took two hours for crews from the Grady County fire department could get her out of the wreckage. The driver of the semi, 42-year old James Bish, Jr. of Anadarko was not injured. The accident shut down Highway 19 for several hours.
New Deputy Chief on Board at Chickasha Fire Dep't.
The Chickasha Fire Department has a new deputy fire chief. Tony Samaniego has been on board for about a month. Samaniego spent nearly 14 years at the Newcastle Fire Department, and says he's been on the road a lot over the last seven years working with the Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training program.
Samaniego will be working with a new training coordinator with the fire department who is expected to be on board soon.
Chix Library to Close for New Door Installation
The Chickasha Library will be getting some new doors this week. But the library will have to close for a couple of days in order for the doors to be installed. The library will be open for its regular hours today, but it will be closed all day tomorrow and Wednesday. Director Lillie Huckaby says the library should re-open for normal hours on Thursday.
Rig Count Down in Oklahoma, Nation
The number of rigs drilling for oil and natural gas are down across the state and around the country. The count in Oklahoma was down two rigs to 109 this past week. That number is also down about 10 percent from the same time last year. Nationwide, the rig count is down 10 locations to 1,016 - which is a little higher than for the same time a year ago.
CV Tech Campus Director to Receive Leadership Award
A top award will be presented to the campus director of the Chickasha site of Canadian Valley Technology Center. Ronnie Bogle will receive an Outstanding Leadership Award from the Oklahoma Career Tech Equity Council. Bogle was selected for the honor for his support of what is known as the PIVOT work-prep program. It helps students to set and reach career goals. The award to be presented at this week's Making it Work Day awards program in Oklahoma City. Bogle has been an educator for 17 years and has been with CV Tech for 14 years.
Regional Youth Get Top Dollar at Stock Show
A couple of regional youth did very well at the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) this month. Farm broadcaster Ron Hays tells us-
The largest amount paid was $85,000 for the grand champion steer shown by Sierra Collins from Tillman County 4H. The Grand lamb sold for $15,000 which went to Lydia Stryka of Yukon. Overall, more than $1.2 million was paid to more than 200 youth who exhibited the top animals at OYE.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $59.04 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $67.03.
Natural gas is $2.75 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,323 and silver is $15.52
