Saturday, Nov. 2nd
Electric Vehicle 'Charging Network' Installation Underway
The Sooner State is among the nation’s leaders when it comes to the use and support of electric vehicles. Officials announced Friday that a statewide charging network will be in place by the first of the year to support the growing trend of electric vehicles. David Jankowsy is the founder and president of Francis Renewable Energy, the company installing dozens of charging stations right now.
Oklahoma Secretary of Energy Kenneth Wagner says he believes the effort will help the state lead the country in what he calls a 'low-carbon' economy which will create jobs and drive industry-related businesses to the region. A number of electric vehicles known as EVs were on display at the announcement held at Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman. It featured electric cars from Tesla, Nissan, and Chevrolet. Ford Motor Company displayed a proto-type of an all-electric F-150 pickup, and Ford is also developing a Mustang-inspired electric SUV.
Minco Man Faces Cattle Rustling Charges
A Grady County man is accused of cattle rustling. 64-year old Paul Dewayne Allen of Minco is facing felony counts of larceny of domestic animals and conspiracy following an investigation in Caddo County. The Lawton Constitution reports that a game ranger began looking into the alleged theft of a couple of calves from the Cogar area back in June. Allen had his initial appearance on the charges in Caddo County District Court this week. He was released on his own recognizance and is to be back in court in January for a preliminary hearing conference.
Okla. Judge Blocks State Law which Fines Railroads
An effort to prevent trains from blocking intersections in Oklahoma cities and towns has been derailed. A U.S. district judge issued a temporary injunction against cities and the state of Oklahoma which prevents the enforcement of a new law which just went on the books a few months ago. Judge Charles Goodwin of Oklahoma City granted the injunction sought by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad. The railroad filed a lawsuit against the State Corporation Commission and the cities of Edmond and Davis challenging the new law. The law called for railroads to be fined up to $1,000 if trains blocked an intersection for longer than 10 minutes without a good reason. Judge Goodwin sided with BNSF officials who said that federal offices have jurisdiction over railroads, not states and cities.
U.S. Sen. Inhofe Comments on ISIS Leader's Death
Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe praised the work of U.S. Special Forces in their recent mission which led to the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Inhofe serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Inhofe said President Trump called him at 3 o'clock in the morning to let him know about the success of the mission.
Inhofe said al-Baghdadi was responsible for killing thousands of innocent people.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Billy Elkins, Winona Simmons, and Randy Talley with Trinity Baptist Church are on our KOOL Konversation to discuss a new program called ACTS, which stands for Affirming Community Through Service. It’s a program to help low-income families and senior citizens with home maintenance projects. On Real Estate Today, our guest is Alex School Superintendent Jason James. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
High School Football Scores
Chickasha 29, Clinton 13
Anadarko 38, Elk City 10
Cushing 20, Blanchard 14
Weatherford 28, Newcastle 17
Tuttle 56, Harrah 7
Rush Springs 26, Walters 0
Dibble 33, Apache 14
Mannford 27, Bridge Creek 13
Lindsay 34, Dickson 0
Marlow 68, Bethel 34
8-man Football
Alex 64, Cyril 14
Snyder 58, Carnegie 26
Central High 32, Empire 28
Waurika 60, Bray-Doyle 0
Mt. View-Gotebo 34, Thackerville 8
Friday, Nov. 1st
Lack of Donations May Force Free Medical Clinic to Close
For 25 years, the Access Medical Clinic in Chickasha has provided free medical care to low income families. The clinic is in danger of closing due to a lack of funding. Volunteer doctors, nurses, and pharmacists treat about 700 patients a year who are individuals and families who have no resources to pay for routine health care. The clinic provides free medical care and prescription medication. The clinic provides about $500,00 in medical care each year on a budget of only $20,000. Several doctors and pharmacists volunteer their time at the clinic and nursing students at the Canadian Valley Technology Center also assist. Drs. Bruce Storms and Randy Jenkins are among those who volunteer. Many churches and the ministerial alliance are among those who regularly provide contributions. The main source of donations used to come from the local United Fund which is no longer in existence. If you'd like to help, contact Shirley Spina by calling 405-222-8594.
New Election Board Secretary Appointed
Grady County will soon have a new election board secretary. Katrina Hughes was appointed to the post by the State Election Board. Hughes will fill the post currently held by interim election board secretary, Denise Robinett. She filled the post after the previous election board secretary, JoAnne Hames, was fired. Hughes currently works for the Grady County treasurer's office and previously worked for local CPA Helen Garrison, and with Chickasha public schools as a payroll specialist and building secretary. Hughes takes over the post on Nov. 18th.
Sheriff's Office Updates 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.
Sex Offender Arrested for Living with a Minor
A convicted sex offender is back behind bars for allegedly residing with a child. 40-year old Michael Richardson of Rush Springs was convicted of three felony counts of lewd molestation out of Grady County back in 2006. Now, he's charged as a sex offender living with a child in Stephens County. The Lawton Constitution and KSWO-TV report that DHS requested a deputy conduct a welfare check, and found Richardson to be living in Marlow with a woman and her 8-year old son. If convicted, Richardson could be sentenced to three years in prison and up to a $3,000 fine. Richardson remains in the county jail in Duncan pending a $40,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference is has been scheduled next month.
Manslaughter Suspect Arrested
Now a follow-up to a story from earlier this week regarding a woman wanted in connection with a double-fatality accident. 32-year old Nina Holden is now behind bars in Lawton. Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Holden last week. She is charged with two counts of manslaughter in connection with the violent crash that occurred in September. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that Holden's blood-alcohol-content was more than three times the level considered to be under the influence. Investigators say Holden tried to pass a vehicle in a no-passing zone when she hit an on-coming vehicle head-on, killing two people.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $54.18 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $60.23.
Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,512 and silver is $18.08.
Thursday, Oct. 31st
Thieves Steal Car Left Running in Front of a Day Care
One person is behind bars and police are looking for several other persons of interest in connection with the theft of a car from a Chickasha neighborhood. It happened early Monday morning when a mom was dropping off her children at a day care in the Sleepy Hollow addition. The mom had left her car running while taking the kids inside when her car was stolen. A police affidavit indicates the woman called police and said her cell phone - which was still in the car - was pinging in the downtown area. Police located the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop. But the car sped away and headed east on U.S. Highway 62. A pursuit began, and speeds reached 125 miles per hour with the driver of the stolen car nearly causing several accidents. The driver eventually pulled over near the Tabler Y and she was arrested without incident. 23-year old Erica Marie Hafer-Seder of Oklahoma City told police that she had been with several other individuals. One of them threatened her if she didn't follow him to Oklahoma City. Prosecuters have formally charged Hafer-Seder with felony eluding and possession of stolen vehicle. She's also facing a misdemeanor drug charge. She remains in jail in lieu of a $30,000 bond. Anyone with information regarding the other persons of interest is asked to call Chickasha police or Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also leave anonymous tips on the Grady County Crimestoppers Facebook page.
Sales Tax Revenue Drops in Grady County
Grady County sales tax revenues dropped significantly from August to September of this year. Revenues in September were about $883,000, which was down 24 percent from August. That’s the lowest level since May of 2018. Here's how the county sales tax revenue is distributed: The Grady County Fairgrounds collected about $275,000; Grady Memorial Hospital received $244,000; each of the seven senior nutrition centers picked up about $20,000; the 20 fire districts received nearly $7,000; Tuttle EMS collected about $25,000; and Rush Springs EMS received a little more than $6,000. All of those projects were approved by Grady County voters.
Hallowe'en, Fall Festivals Listed
There are a lot of trick-or-treating and fall festival activities this afternoon and tonight for Hallowe’en. Hundreds of costumed characters will invade downtown Chickasha tonight for Ne'ewollah, where businesses will hand out treats from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There's a carnival at the YMCA, where Arvest Bank will serve free hot dogs. Food trucks will also be downtown. The costume contest will be at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Chamber of Commerce. Also downtown, The USAO Haunted House at the Art Wrecker Studio will start at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 and it's NOT recommended for children 12 and under. College Heights Baptist Church holds its fall festival with lots of games, activities and candy from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and USAO Student Services has a fall festival on the USAO oval with a costume contest, games, and treats. In Anadarko, about 40 businesses are participating in Safe Streets for trick-or-treaters. That's from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. this afternoon. A map is available on the Anadarko Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Need for Blood Donations Increases
Officials with the Oklahoma Blood Institute say there is a critical need for O-negative blood right now. There are blood drives in the area the next couple of days so if you are an eligible donor you're asked to roll up your sleeve. Grady Memorial Hospital is holding a blood drive TODAY until 4:30 p.m. and KOOL 105 and 106.1 The Ranch will hold a blood drive tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Chickasha YMCA. Schedule an appointment ahead of time on the blood institute’s website: www.obi.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.06 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $60.61.
Natural gas is $2.69 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,507 and silver is $18.10.
Wednesday, Oct. 30th
Suspect Arrested for Threatening Text Messages
We have new information about a story we first told you about yesterday, regarding a man arrested for computer fraud. 29-year old Timothy Tyler Cook of Guthrie was taken into custody after a warrant was issued for his arrest last week. A probable cause affidavit from the Grady County Sheriff's Office alleges that Cook was sending threatening text messages to an ex-girlfriend. On-line court records indicate that an emergency protective order was issued against Cook by a woman in the Blanchard area earlier this month. The woman provided the deputy with numerous text messages that Cook had sent her over the last several months. In recent text messages it's alleged that Cook threatened to kill the woman and himself. Cook is being held in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled for Dec. 4th.
Warrant Issued for Suspect in Double-Fatality Crash
An arrest warrant has been issued for a woman accused of causing a double-fatality car crash near Elgin last month. Comanche County authorities have issued the warrant for 32-year old Nina Holden. She's facing two counts of manslaughter. Investigators say that Holden's blood-alcohol level was 0.275 which is more than three times the level considered to be under the influence of alcohol.
Chickasha Schools Get New Buses
(EDITOR'S NOTE - An earlier version of this story had incorrect information regarding the monthly payments being made. We apologize for the msitake) Some Chickasha public school students are getting to ride brand new school buses. The district received five new 75-passenger school buses from the Summit Bus Company of Oklahoma City last week. Normally, a school district will put a transportation bond issue on a ballot for voters to decide, however, the school board went a different route to buy them. Interim superintendent Jennifer Stegman said-
The district is paying about $14,000 a month for the new buses, and while it’s not needed now each of them have air conditioning. The five buses that are being replaced did not have air. Each bus also has security cameras and two-way radios.
Chix Police Receive OneOK Grant
The Chickasha Police Department receives a grant to pay for some health and safety equipment. A First Responders grant from OneOK was presented to the department this week. The grant totaled more than $1,200. Officials say the money will be used to replace pads for the department’s Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) which are used to revive individuals who are having heart attacks.
Women Pilots to be Recognized
Thanks to the efforts of an early pilot from the region, women who enjoy soaring in the wild blue yonder will be recognized this week. Friday is the third annual Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day. The event is held in conjunction with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and numerous other groups. It's to promote Oklahoma's second largest industry and serves as an opportunity to encourage young girls and women to pursue careers in that field. The event recognizes the efforts of Chickasaw pioneer aviator Pearl Carter Scott of Marlow. She learned to fly at the age of 13 with the help of Wiley Post and became the youngest pilot in the U.S. at the time with her first solo flight in 1929. Friday’s event will be held at Will Rogers World Airport. The keynote speaker is Rear Admiral Peg Klein (Ret.) who spent 35 years in the Navy and currently serves as a dean at the U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island.
Marlow Water Skier Wins Gold at Senior Games
His age indicates he's a senior citizen but he's doing things that people much younger might do. 67-year old Mike Bray of Marlow has won a couple of gold medals for water skiing in the Senior Pan American Championships. Bray won gold for being part of Team USA’s top team and an individual gold medal. The competition was held in Peru recently, where he competed against skiers from North and South America. It's not the first time Bray has won gold a medal. He also won as a member of Team USA at last year’s Senior World Water Skiing Championship.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.64 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $61.59.
Natural gas is $2.59 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,492 and silver is $17.82.
Tuesday, Oct. 29th
Homicide Suspect Found Competent for Trial
It's been over a year since a man was found beaten to death and a woman severely injured outside a Caddo County home in Carnegie. A suspect in the case, Isaiah Redbird, has been found competent to stand trial in federal court in the Western District of Oklahoma. Redbird was arrested in Arizona about a week after the body of Byron Tongkeamah Jr. was found in September of 2018. A woman who was with Tongkeamah was found wandering the streets of Carnegie suffering from a severe head injury. Since the crime occurred on Native American Trust Land, the investigation has been handled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI.
Car-jacking Suspect Sought in Tuttle
Tuttle authorities are looking for a suspect who carjacked a vehicle near a Tuttle school Monday morning. The school was placed on lockdown after the car-jacking occurred about 9:00 a.m. The vehicle was found just a few blocks from the school. Investigators were able to find the car after pinging the victim’s cell phone which was still in the car. The victim was not hurt. A resident had heard the carjacker abandoned the vehicle because he didn't know how drive a car with a manual transmission. There were reports that the suspect may have been picked up by someone in a red car. Anyone with information about the carjacking is asked to call Tuttle police or Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also leave an anonymous tip on the Grady County Crimestoppers Facebook page.
Suspect Sought for Computer Crimes is in Custody
A man being sought by the Grady County Sheriff's Office for alleged computer fraud is behind bars. 29-year old Timothy Tyler Cook of Guthrie was booked into the Grady County Jail just before noon yesterday. A judge issued a warrant for Cook's arrest just last Thursday. After being arrested, Cook went before a judge for his initial appearance on the charge Monday afternoon. Cook remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.
Festival of Light is Hiring for Upcoming Season
If you're looking for a part-time job during the upcoming holiday season, Chickasha's Festival of Light has a number of jobs available. From security, to positions with the new ice skating rink, and park manager there are several spots to be filled. The festival opens Saturday, Nov. 23rd and will run through New Year’s Eve. Applications can be found on the website www.festivaloflight.org or you can contact the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce by calling 405-224-0787.
Salvation Army Accepting Angel-to-Angel Applications
The Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo counties is now taking applications from families who may need some help during the upcoming holidays. The Angel-to-Angel program offers needy families assistance in providing gifts for their children. Lt. David Brittle with the Salvation Army says there have been a lot of layoffs in the energy sector recently. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 22nd. Applications are available at the Salvation Army headquarters in Chickasha (open Monday through Thursday) or at Southwest Youth and Family Services offices in Chickasha and Anadarko. Applicants will need proof of residency, identification, and proof of income for one month.
Five Oaks Medical Group Hosts Trick-or-Treating Tonight
There are a few opportunities for youngsters to trick-or-treat before Hallowe'en night. The Five Oaks Medical Group in Chickasha will be doling out candy from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. this afternoon and tonight.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.81 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $61.57.
Natural gas is $2.44 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,494 and silver is $18 to $17.79.
Monday, Oct. 28th
Time to Prepare for Winter Weather
Early forecasts for winter weather in Oklahoma call for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson says no one really knows how bad the weather could get. Those in the business of letting us know about weather conditions can only give their best guesses about what will happen with any particular winter storm.
Thompson said now is a good time to change out the supplies in your disaster preparedness kit, including fresh water and fresh non-perishable food items and new batteries for flashlights. For those with generators, they need to be checked out to make sure they'll be in good shape if you need them. For winter weather preparedness tips, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website at www.fema.gov
Benefit For Firefighter's Family Successful
The life of a young volunteer Grady County fireman was celebrated over the weekend, as friends and supporters of Blaine Alexander gathered for a benefit barrel race. Alexander died in a traffic accident near Fort Cobb about a month ago in a non-fire related crash. Alexander enjoyed rodeos. Britney Volentine is a close family friend who said Blaine would take the shirt off of his back for anyone. She put the barrel race together to raise money for the family. About 30 barrel racers took part and they collected about $5,000.
Author Adds Local Flavor in New Book
Duncan, Oklahoma author John Dwyer's new book Mustang has a lot of regional flavor. As a matter of fact, Dwyer named one of the main characters in his new book after former Chickasha High School and OU basketball player, Bob Patton.
Dwyer will be in Chickasha next Monday to serve as guest speaker for the Grady County Historical Society's annual meeting and fund raiser. Contact Pat Cunningham at the historical society museum in downtown Chickasha for tickets.
AEP-PSO Optimistic About Future
The top brass of the parent company of Public Service Company of Oklahoma say things are looking good financially for the firm. Officials with American Electric Power (AEP) say their earnings have been boosted by renewable energy investments. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports that AEP is increasing its operating earnings guidance range for 2019 to nearly $4.25 per share. In Oklahoma, AEP has filed for approval of additional wind power. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has scheduled hearings for January of next year. Chairman and CEO of AEP, Nicholas Akins, said with the lowest unemployment rate on record in their territory and wages growing faster than inflation, it is an optimistic time for the company.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.66 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $62.02.
Natural gas is $2.30 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,508 and silver is $18.08.
