Sat, Oct. 19th
Public Comment Sought on Mt. Scott Access
There are concerns about the safety of visitors at Mt. Scott due to the increased use of the roadway by motorists, bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. At one point officials with the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge tried to limit hiking up the roadway to the early morning hours, asking them do to so before 9:00 a.m. but that wasn't working out for a number of reasons. One park official said they are committed to keeping Mt. Scott accessible, yet safe to the public. An open meeting regarding the issue will be held at the Lawton Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 30th at 6:30 p.m. Officials will also accept written comments through November 15th. Get information on the Wichita Mountains Facebook Page or e-mail comments to: wmr_publiccomment@fws.gov and add the comment “Mt. Scott.”
Tribal Groups Receive Federal Grants
Several Native American tribes based in Oklahoma have received federal grants to combat violence, help crime victims, and support youth programs. The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded more than $270 million to tribes across the country. In Oklahoma, eight tribes will share in more than $8.5 million in grants. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe gets the largest grant at more than $2 million; the Chickasaw Nation and Kaw Nation both receive more than $1.5 million; the Comanche Nation, and Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe get grants of more than $1 million; The Otoe-Missouria Tribe gets more than $500,000; and the Citizen Pottawatomi Nation and the Tonkawa Tribe both receive nearly $200,000 in grants.
Groups Seek to Make Holidays Happier for Needy Youth
A lot of groups are already thinking about how to help needy families and children during the upcoming holidays. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services will once again be joining forces will several organizations to make sure foster children have some happiness during that time. Starting November 1st, you're asked to check out the websites of the partnering agencies to help to fill wish lists of foster kids. The suggested spending limit is $75 per child. The groups working with DHS include the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy; Citizens Caring for Children; and the Citizens Advisory Board of Cleveland County. DHS also says the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy is seeking donated warehouse space to process and distribute the children's wish lists. The group, headed by former Rush Springs State Representative Joe Dorman, is seeking a 35,000 sq. ft. building with loading docks, public access, and daily volunteer access from mid-November to the end of December. Contact Dorman via e-mail at jdorman@oica.org Several other regional groups which help children and families in the area include the Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo counties and Santa's Workshop.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Anadarko City Manager Kenneth Corn is this week's guest on our KOOL Konversation. He'll be discussing the upcoming Kids, Kites, and Frights events and the reason that Anadarko voters will be going to the polls next month. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, guests include Dave Rowland and Scott Smith with the Oklahoma Manufacturers Alliance, and Dick Lowe with Canadian Valley Technology Center's Business and Industry Services division. We have links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Friday, Oct. 18th
Driver Charged for Using Pit Maneuver on Motorist
A Chickasha driver is behind bars after authorities say he used a TVI, or a Tactical Vehicle Intervention move on a vehicle because he was mad at his parents. Authorities arrested 25-year old Zachary Ervin last weekend. Officers were summoned to a multi-vehicle accident near 11th and Grand Sunday afternoon. One woman was taken to the hospital after she says an SUV hit her vehicle, which made her car spin around and crash. The driver of the SUV was still on the scene as his vehicle crashed as well. Officers identified the driver as Ervin who told police he was angry at his parents - so he decided he would pick a car and perform the pit maneuver which he saw on TV. Ervin was taken to jail and prosecutors have charged him with a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon. Ervin remains in the Grady County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Ervin was arrested earlier this year for using a 2 X 4 to cause massive damage at a Chickasha convenience store which was shown on video surveillance on Oklahoma TV stations. Ervin pleaded guilty to a felony charge of malicious injury to property in connection with that incident and received a six-year deferred sentence. Prosecutors now want to accelerate that deferred sentence.
Anadarko Drinking Water Just Misses EPA Mark
Tests run on Anadarko's drinking water supply indicate the water has a slightly elevated level of Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) which the federal Environmental Protection Agency says may cause health problems. The results are from water samples taken during the 12-month period from July of 2018 to June of 2019. Anadarko water users are being sent postcards in the mail describing the issue. The notice indicates the TTHM levels were barely over the standard set by the EPA at .081 milligrams per liter. The standard is .080 milligrams per liter. The notice goes on to say that the situation is not an emergency but that very young children, the elderly, and those with severely compromised immune systems may be at risk. Those invididuals should get advice from their health care provider on whether to drink the water. Water treatment officials say they have taken action to correct the problem by installing a mixing system to cut back on water age and detention time in the tower.
Poker Run Scheduled for Martin Family
Friends of the family involved in a fatal motorcycle crash continue to help raise money for the growing expenses the family members are faced with. A poker run is scheduled tomorrow to help the Martin family. Four members of the family were on an outing over the Labor Day weekend when they crashed. The accident claimed the life of Bobbi Jo Martin. Her husband, Jack and cousins Jimmy and Sabra Martin suffered serious injuries. The poker run will start at Good Time Charlies with the first bike out at noon and the last bike out at 1 p.m. There are stops in Chickasha, Ninnekah, Anadarko, Cement, and Rush Springs. The last bike should be back at Good Time Charlies by 6:00 p.m. Saturday night.
Sheriff's Office Posts Wanted List
The Grady County Sheriff's Office has issued an updated 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.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $53.93 per barrel.
London-based Brent Crude is $59.91.
Natural gas is $2.32 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,493 and silver is $17.50.
Thursday, Oct. 17th
Regional Manufacturers Get State Update
There are more than 3,400 manufacturing companies in Oklahoma which help to export more than $6.5 billion in Oklahoma-made products each year. Dave Rowland with the Oklahoma Manufacturers Alliance says his group is working to keep manufacturers on the cutting edge of technology. Rowland was in Chickasha yesterday to address a group of manufacturing and business representatives and talked about what some of the products are used for.
Rowland said robotics is a big trend in manufacturing right now and while many fear that robots are taking jobs away from people that the opposite is actually true. He said while manufacturing in America is in a recession, Oklahoma is considered to be in a growth-neutral stage, however some companies are not hiring nor investing as much as they were a year ago.
Mobile Home Leveled by Fire
Fire destroys a mobile home southeast of Chickasha. The fire was reported about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday just south of Union Hill Electric. Ninnekah, Grady County, and Chickasha fire crews were dispatched as the trailer was fully engulfed in flames. No one was home when the fire started as the mobile home had been vacant and uninhabited for some time. Neighbors say it had been severely vandalized over the last few months. Fire crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to a couple of nearby homes and no evacuations were needed. Officials were unable to determine how the fire started.
Chickasha Antique Auto Swap Meet Underway
Antique auto enthusiasts around the world are making their way to Chickasha this week for one of the largest auto parts swap meets of it’s kind in the southwest part of the country. This is the 51st year for the fall swap meet hosted by the Chickasha Antique Auto Club. Hundreds of vendors from across the country set up shop for the weekend to swap and sell parts and even fully restored vehicles. Many will tell you the best part about the event is swapping stories about the work they've put in to rebuilding an old car or truck and for many it has taken several years to do so. The swap meet runs through Saturday. It's just east of downtown Chickasha at the Auto Club's land next to the Grady County Fairgrounds, and there are vendors indoors and out at the fairgrounds, too. Admission is free. There is a charge for parking which benefits local charities.
Bigfoot Story Telling Event Set in Anadarko
The legend of Bigfoot surfaces from time to time and there's a program in Anadarko tomorrow where believers can gather and hear more about the legend and share stories of supposed encounters. The Delaware Nation will host an afternoon and evening of activities at its annual Bigfoot Storytelling event. Guest speaker Pete Buffalohead with the Native Oklahoma Bigfoot Research Organization will discuss the group's recent work. Sonny Allen with the Delaware Nation says there have been reports of local sightings of Bigfoot.
There will be arts, crafts, and food vendors. There's a costume contest for kids, an adult Bigfoot costume contest, and a Bigfoot Calling Contest. Admission is free and it will be held at Anadarko's Randlett Park from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. For information, contact the Delaware Nation's Cultural Preservation Office by calling 405-247-1024.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $53.36 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $59.42.
Natural gas is $2.30 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,488 and silver is $17.43.
Wednesday, Oct. 16th
Health Insurance Open Enrollment Underway
The open enrollment period for individuals to sign up for health insurance plans for next year through the Affordable Care Act has begun. Over the next six weeks, individuals and families have some decisions to make should they choose to get coverage. If you currently have a marketplace plan and don't select a new coverage, you'll be automatically re-enrolled in your current plan. However a report from Kiplinger's indicates you should shop around as premiums, provider networks, and drug coverage can change. If you have Medicare, there are also some decisions to make. Ray Walker is the director of the Medicare Assistance Program, which is part of the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
The open enrollment period runs through December 7th. The Medicare Assistance Program is free, and you can call a toll-free number: 1-800-763-2828 any time of day or night. You can also check out the website: www.map.oid.ok.gov
'Great American Shakeout' Set for Thursday
Once a year, emergency managers across the country ask Americans to take part in an event designed to protect themselves should an earthquake occur. It's called The Great American Shake Out. The idea is to practice a drill officials have developed to prevent or minimize injury. The drill is called “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”. “Drop” where you are and onto your hands and knees. That protects you from being knocked down. It also allows you to crawl to shelter if it’s nearby. “Cover” your head and neck with one arm and hand, then crawl under a sturdy desk or table, or to an interior wall away from windows. “Hold On” until the shaking stops. The drill will take place at the same time all across the country at 10:17 a.m. Thursday. Participating groups are asked to register on-line on the website: www.shakeout.org. You're asked to Drop, Cover, and Hold On for one minute. Some businesses and organizations may have more extensive drills that can last an hour or even all day.
USAO Prof Schedules STEM Day for Girls
More and more women are entering science and technology career fields. Over the last several years there has been a more concerted effort to introduce elementary and middle school girls to STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.) USAO professor Jeanette Loutsch is once again offering an introductory one-day program for 5th and 6th grade girls called Women in Technology and Science Day. A number of workshops will be held and the students will participate in a number of hands-on projects designed to encourage students to explore those career fields. The Women in Technology and Science Day will be held Saturday, November 2nd at USAO from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is only $5 and the students should bring a sack lunch. Contact Loutsch at USAO for more information by calling 405-574-1325.
CHS Marching Band Earns Top Rating at Competition
High school marching bands throughout southwest Oklahoma were in Lawton yesterday for one of the OSSAA regional band competitions held each fall. 25 bands from Class 2A, 3A, and 4A schools were part of the competition held on the football field at Cameron University. Bands weren't necessarily competing against each other, but against a scorecard from judges who awarded ratings of one through five, with one being the best or a 'superior' ranking. Among the competitors was the Pride of Chickasha High School marching band. Coach Kent Barker said they were awarded a Superior rating. Bands will have additional OSSAA competitions after the first of the year, including one for concert band, and another for sight-reading which is playing music they have not seen before.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $52.81 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $58.74.
Natural gas is $2.34 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,485 and silver is $17.27.
Tuesday, Oct. 15th
Man Dies in Fatal Crash Near Rush Springs
A Rush Springs man has died in a late-night crash in southern Grady County. 35-year old Kyle Gene Gifford died in the crash which happened about 1/2 mile east of U.S. Highway 81 on CR 1590. That's two miles north of the Grady and Stephens county line. The accident happened about 11:30 p.m. Monday. The trooper investigating the crash says Gifford's pick up ran off the road and hit a tree. The trooper also reported that Gifford may have been drinking.
Drug Arrests in Anadarko
A number of drug-related arrests were made in separate investigations by Anadarko police in the last week. The information and photographs of confiscated items are posted on the department's Facebook page. The post indicates 28-year old Jeremy Harrison of Anadarko was arrested early Wednesday, Oct. 9th after officers responded to a disturbance at a home. Officers arrested Harrison for trafficking after allegedly finding nearly 50 grams of meth. Harrison served some jail time just last year for pleading guilty to drug and assault and battery charges. Prosecutors have now charged Harrison with trafficking in Caddo County District Court. He remains in jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond. In a second incident, three people were arrested late last Friday after a teenaged driver was pulled over for speeding. Officers allegedly found numerous drug and drug items in the car. 23-year old Emalia Ailana Trevino and two unidentified 16-year olds were taken into custody on complaints ranging from not having a driver's license, to intent to distribute, conspiracy, and child endangerment. Prosecutors have not yet formally charged Trevino.
Chickasha Group Sells Land Near City Airport
A Chickasha city panel has agreed to sell two large parcels of land to a real estate development company. The Chickasha Industrial Authority (CIA) authorized the sale of nearly 240 acres to Oklahoma-based Chickasha Real Estate Holdings, LLC. The sale price of $1.75 million was approved following a lengthy closed-door meeting last week. While three city council members are on the authority's board of trustees, it is an independent arm of the city council. City Manager John Noblitt said the transaction did not have to be approved by voters. The property is just west of the Chickasha airport which was developed as an industrial park several years ago, however there has not been any development there. The CIA met in an emergency meeting Monday to consider selling an additional 80 acres to the company. However, it was determined that the property is part of a buffer zone for the airport and the Federal Aviation Administration won't allow development in that area. An attorney representing the real estate company said they had a client interested in the property but did not identify the firm.
Regional Unemployment Steady
Grady County's unemployment rate was steady from July to August at 3.1 percent. The most recent report from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission shows the jobless rate held steady for three straight months. The August percentage was up slightly from August of 2018 when it was 2.8 percent. The state agency reported nearly 27,000 Grady County residents were employed in August - with about 825 unemployed but seeking a job through that agency. In Caddo County, month-to-month unemployment was down from 3.9 percent in July to 3.6 percent in August. In Stephens County, unemployment was steady at 4.4 percent; Garvin County dipped from 3.2 percent to 3.1 percent; and McClain County was steady at 2.7 percent. Statewide unemployment for August was 3.3 percent.
Performing Arts Series Slated for USAO
The annual Davis Waldorf Performing Arts Series at USAO is about to begin another season. Kicking off the season and in time for Hallowe'en is a performance of Dracula from Push Intimate Theatre. It features a combination of acrobatics, dance, and mime. The performance is suggested for adults only. The show is Thursday, Oct. 24th at 7:30 p.m. at Davis Hall Theatre. Season tickets for the series are available. Individual show tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the USAO business office or at the door. For a complete schedule of the 2019-20 season visit: www.usao.edu/dwpas
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $53.59 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $59.35.
Natural gas is $2.28 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,496 and silver is $17.70.
Monday, Oct. 14th
Chix Works to Change Perception of 'Code Enforcement'
Over the last four years property owners with overgrown grass and other eyesores in Chickasha neighborhoods would get a visit from a Code Enforcement Officer from the city’s police department. City officials have decided that the approach wasn't working very well so they have changed the name and the department from which the officers will be working. ‘Code Enforcement’ is now knowns as “Code Compliance’ and the division has been moved from the police department to the Community Development Department. City Planner Gene Winsett said the move is an attempt to have a kinder, gentler approach to ask property owners to keep their property mowed and within city guidelines.
Code Compliance will be under the direction of Building Inspector Darren Martin. Officials will have two new code compliance officers who will look for properties that are out of compliance. Anyone can report an overgrown or unsightly property by using the Request Tracker link on the city's website, www.chickasha.org or by contacting the Community Development Department at city hall by calling 405-222-6010.
Drivers Hospitalized After Separate Weekend Accidents
There were two weekend traffic accidents where drivers were hospitalized after running off the road and hitting a tree. On Sunday, a crash near Anadarko injured 64-year old Cliff Wall Jr. of Del City. He suffered head, trunk, and internal injuries and was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was last in fair condition. That accident happened at 4:15 p.m. Sunday about 3 1/2 miles east of Anadarko on U.S. Highway 62. The trooper on the scene was still investigating what caused Wall to veer off the highway. Wall was wearing his seat belt. The other crash happened late Friday night east of Minco. 31-year old Whitnie Goodman of Minco was trapped in her car for about an hour after the accident. She suffered leg and internal injuries and was also air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and was last in fair condition. That accident happened about 11:30 p.m. Friday about three miles east of Minco and about a mile north of State Highway 37. Goodman was not wearing her seat belt.
CIA Proposed Land Sale Delayed Due to Lack of Quorum
A special emergency meeting was scheduled for the Chickasha Industrial Authority this morning to discuss the potential of sale of land near the Chickasha airport. On the agenda was the discussion and possible sale of surface rights on 320 acres of land just west of the airport and possible action on an incentive agreement with a company called Newco (not the name of the company). The authority held a lengthy behind-closed-doors meeting about the issue last week. There was not a quorum for this morning’s meeting, and it was recessed until enough members would be available, perhaps as early as this afternoon.
State Manufacturing Group Leader Sets Chix Meeting
The president and CEO of a new manufacturing group will be in Chickasha this week to discuss ways to help Oklahoma's manufacturing sector. Dave Rowland with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance will discuss industry news, trends, and development. The meeting will be Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on the Chickasha Campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center. Individuals and groups who would like to attend should RSVP the Chamber of Commerce today. Tickets for chamber members are $30 and tickets for prospective chamber members are $40.
SCOOP, STACK 'Congress' Scheduled for December
A December conference for the oil and gas sector will focus on events impacting work in central and northwestern Oklahoma. The second annual SCOOP and STACK Water Management Congress is set for Dec. 11th and 12th in Oklahoma City. Topics include produced water re-use, recycling case studies, seismic regulations, water quality for completions, and treatment technologies. Information about the Water Management Conference can be found on-line: www.okenergytoday.com
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $54.70 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $60.51.
Natural gas is $2.21 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,499 and silver is $17.66.
