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Mollman Media News

2019, Dec. 16th-21st

Saturday, Dec. 21st

 

Sharing a Christmas Wish

We wanted to share a story from an individual who hopes that a local family can celebrate Christmas, and that the story will inspire anyone who hears it to help others who face challenging times. The writer wants to remain anonymous, and asks those who are impacted by his story to help where help is needed. While this story is of a Chickasha family, the author says there are needy families everywhere facing difficult situations. The author writes that the truth lies within the reality of a world where the joy of Christmas that most people experience, is sorely lacking for this family. Jane, (not her real name) is a mother of two boys, ages 10 and 3, who has endured difficulties throughout her life. Jane suffered a stroke several years ago, and is partially paralyzed. She cannot drive a car. She was in an abusive relationship with the children's father who spent time in prison and is no longer in the picture. The family may also be homeless soon, as the homeowner recently told Jane of their intent to sell the house they live in. The author says he wants to send a message than can permanently change the circumstances for Jane and her children, who are deserving of better opportunities in life. The author hopes the story will begin a chain-reaction of giving - for this family and others like them. The author has reached out to several churches and businesses, and some have come through with help. The Salvation Army and Santa's Workshop have been informed about this family. The author's wish is that Jane and her sons receive an abundance of gifts so they will never again have to worry about a lonely Christmas tree with no presents. He’s hoping his wish will go viral, and it has already been shared in Florida, Louisiana, and North Dakota. If you can help, reach out to the Salvation Army by calling 405-224-5647, or contribute to similar programs that help needy families around the world.

 

Pickup Strikes Utility Pole; Hundreds without Electricity

A driver is injured when her pickup runs off the road and hits a utility pole. 49-year old Christine Cogburn of Cement was taken to the hospital after the crash which happened just before 7:00 a.m. Saturday. The crash happened just west of Norge near State Highway 92 and CS 2800. The accident resulted in hundreds of PSO customers being without electricity for a few hours. PSO reported 409 customers without power after the accident happened.

 

Chix School Board Close to Naming Superintendent

A new superintendent for Chickasha schools could be hired in a couple of weeks. School board president Zack McGill said the panel interviewed three finalists behind closed doors in a lengthy special meeting in Oklahoma City Thursday. McGill said each interview lasted about an hour-and-a-half. The candidates presented a 100-day plan they would implement should they be hired. McGill said the panel is unanimous on one of the candidates, and that a special board meeting will be held on Monday, January 6th to offer a contract to that candidate. McGill said if all goes well, the new superintendent would be on hand for a meet-and-greet at the school board’s regular meeting which is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 13th.

 

Chix Interim School Superintendent Out of the Hospital              

Chickasha's interim superintendent, Jennifer Stegman, is out of the hospital and recuperating from injuries she suffered in an automobile accident last week. McGill said that Stegman is temporarily in a wheelchair after undergoing surgery for a fractured hip. McGill said she is in good spirits and able to do some work from home. He said it could be several weeks before she's able to get back into the office.

 

Church to Distribute Gifts Sunday

A Chickasha church will be distributing gifts to children. The Fellowship of American Indians Church will have presents for all children, from infants through 17 years old. Tewanna Edwards with the church says it’s open to everyone, and there is no paperwork to fill out. An out-of-state church helping is the Leatherwood Baptist Church of Anniston, Alabama. The gift-give-away will start at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, December 22nd the Fellowship of American Indians Church at 1217 West Frisco Avenue.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Skip Hamill with the Holy City of the Wichitas is our guest on The KOOL Konversation. And on Real Estate Today with John Mosley, our guests are Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley and City Manager John Noblitt. We have links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Earl Samuel Cox, Jr.

Obituaries today include 92-year old Earl Samuel Cox, Jr. formerly of Verden. He passed away recently in Fresno, Calif. There will be no public service, but viewing will be at McRay Funeral Home on Sunday, December 22nd from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

 

Bob Brown

Funeral for 62-year old Bob Brown of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December. 26th at the First and Georgia Church of Christ. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Friday, Dec. 20th

 

Officer Cleared in Shooting

(EDITOR'S NOTE - This is a correction to the story previously published on this page. We mistakenly ireportted it was a fatal shooting, when it was not. We apologize for the error).

A police officer in Blanchard was justified in his actions when he shot and injured a domestic violence suspect earlier this month. The McClain County District Attorney's office has ruled that Officer Steve Wallis will not face any charges. Wallis was dispatched to check out a domestic violence report the night of Dec. 4th. KOCO TV reports the victim, Robert Rains, opened the door and had a gun in his hand. He fired one shot and the officer returned fire, injuring Rains. Blanchard Police Chief Stacey White was quoted as saying it's always unfortunate when an officer has to use deadly force.

 

Driver Critical After Crash

The driver of a pickup who crashed into the Little Washita River bed near Ninnekah yesterday is fighting for his life today. 34-year old Justin Tune of Chickasha was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after the crash which happened on U.S. Highway 81 just south of Highway 277 Thursday morning. Tune is in critical condition this morning. The highway patrol reported that Tune was northbound on the highway when he fell asleep behind the wheel. He ran off the road, went airborne and struck a concrete bridge abutment. His pickup overturned and landed upside down in the riverbed. Passers-by who saw the accident helped to get Tune out of the pickup.

 

Dry Conditions, Wind Lead to Grass Fires

Some structures were damaged in grass fires that flared up around the Grady County area yesterday. Some structures burned in the Blanchard area and firefighters were summoned to the Rush Springs area as well. Gusty winds helped to rapidly spread the flames on the extremely dry vegetation. There has been little to no rain in the region this month providing dangerous fire conditions. Fire danger will be elevated again today, as winds will be gusting up to 25 miles per hour.

 

Anadarko Police Seek Another Missing Teen

The Anadarko Police Department is sharing information about another missing teen from their community. 14-year old Mya Stumblingbear was last seen this past Tuesday. She's Native American and a photo shows her with long, straight black hair with a light complexion. Anyone with information about Mya Stumblingbear is asked to contact the Anadarko Police Department by calling 405-247-2411.

 

Angel-to-Angel Program Helps More than 600

Christmas will be better for more than 250 families in the Grady and Caddo county areas. The Salvation Army’s Angel-to-Angel program distributed numerous gifts, clothing, and bicycles. On Wednesday, the gifts were distributed in Caddo County through Southwest Youth and Family Services in Anadarko. Thursday, the gifts were distributed in Grady County at the John Holt Auto Group dealership in Chickasha. Lt. David Brittle with the Salvation Army says the Strike Pipeline Company donated dozens of bicycles.  More than 600 children were part of the Angel-to-Angel program this year. Among other acts of kindness here before the holidays, the Grady County Sheriff's Office and Homeland combined efforts to provide almost 500 food bags to Grady County students who are part of the Regional Food Bank back-pack program.

 

Mt. Scott Road Re-opens

Here’s some good news for visitors to Mt. Scott. The road to the top of the mountain has re-opened. It's been closed for more than a year after heavy rains washed out several sections of the road, making in dangerous for motorists. The Lawton Constitution reports that contractors for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge have been working to stabilize the road and its drainage system. Refuge employees and volunteers have also helped to clear brush and critical drainage areas of debris. Operating hours will be from sunrise to sunset. The refuge has modified the use of the roadway to try and protect those who want to walk up the road.

 

USMCA Finally Approved                             

Congress has finally approved the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. After getting overwhelming approval in the U.S. House of Representatives, it now goes to President Trump for his approval. Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe said it’s a good agreement for all three countries.

 

              

 

In a prepared statement, 4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole said that since the U.S. trades with Mexico and Canada more than any other countries, it’s appropriate to strengthen the relationships and modernize the out-dated terms of trade.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.22 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.54.

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,481 and silver is $17.09.

 

 

Thurs, Dec. 19th

 

Driver Hurt After Truck Lands Upside-Down in River Bed

A pickup runs off the road and crashes into a riverbed this morning. Ninnekah police and fire departments were dispatched to the accident just south of U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 277 at the Little Washita River Bridge just before 7:30 a.m. Passers-by helped the driver out of the pickup. The unidentified driver was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with unknown injuries. Reports indicated the driver may have fallen asleep and ran off the road.

 

4 of 5 Anadarko Assault Suspects in Custody

A man who was brutally beaten at an Anadarko home is recovering from his injures and four suspects are behind bars, with authorities seeking a fifth suspect. Authorities were summoned to the emergency room at the Anadarko hospital last Thursday night where a man was unresponsive, suffering from head and rib injuries. He was transferred to an Oklahoma City hospital for treatment. The Lawton Constitution reports that those in custody are 30-year old Malcom Joseph Wahnee and 18-year old Laura Bell Cozad, both of Anadarko, and 38-year old Steven John Medrano and 35-year old  Kelly M. Klinkole, both of Ft. Cobb. All are charged with crimes which include robbery, aggravated assault, and assault with a deadly weapon. Bond for each is $75,000. An arrest warrant has been issued for 29-year old Lonnie Lane Klinekole of El Reno, who is wanted for assault and/or battery with a dangerous weapon.

              

Caddo County Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

A Cyril man pleads guilty to manslaughter in connection with a fatal traffic accident. Tyler Bain entered the plea in Comanche County District Court yesterday for his role in the crash that happened near Fletcher in January of 2017. Bain was accused of being high on methamphetamine when he tried to pass a car and struck another vehicle head-on, which resulted in the death of Doug Cottrell.  Bain was sentenced to 25 years in prison with 13 years suspended, meaning he'll serve at least 10 years before he's eligible for parole.

 

Chix Schools Robotics Team Gets 3rd Place at State

The FIRST Lego League Robotics Team at Chickasha’s Lincoln School did well at the state FIRST Lego League competition in Tulsa last weekend (FIRST is an acronym which means ‘For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology’). The Purple Peeps as the team is known earned third place in the Innovation category. Coach Brandon Willis said it means the students’ overall ideas were innovative and they showed great teamwork. There were 50 teams competing in four categories, including innovation, core values, robot design, and robot challenge.

 

Grady County Fairgrounds Work Recognized

We recently told you about the Grady County Fairgrounds being recognized for its work at the International Association of Fairs and Expos in San Antonio, Texas. The convention was attended by officials from fairs and expos from across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. The Grady County Fairgrounds entered several competitions for the first time. They were in a division for fairs with attendees of less than 100,000 people. Grady County picked up a first-place award for a photo submitted from the Grady County Fair Horse Show. The photo was taken by fairgrounds marketing director Jamie Jones which was a picture of Spencer Biggs and her horse Suddenly Irresistible. The fairgrounds also was runner-up in a category explaining how Kid's Day at the county fair teaches children about agriculture.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $60.93 per barrel.

London-based Brent Crude is $66.17.

Natural gas is $2.29 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,477 and silver is $16.97.

 

Obituaries

Leon Osborn

Funeral for 80-year old Leon Osborn of Tuttle will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20th at the Tuttle Church of Christ. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

Betty Pritchett

Funeral for 70-year old Betty Pritchett of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20th at Sevier Funeral Home of Chickasha.

 

'Big Rusty' Corley

A memorial service for 49-year old Russell "Big Rusty" Corley, Sr. of Tuttle will be at 1:00 p.m.  Saturday Dec. 21st at Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

 

Wednesday, Dec. 18th

 

Crash Victim Hospitalized in Critical Condition

A woman was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital in critical condition following a traffic accident near Verden Tuesday. 32-year old Sherri Thrash of  Anadarko suffered head, trunk, and internal injuries in the crash that happened west of Verden on U.S. Highway 62 just after 5:00 p.m. The highway patrol reports that Thrash was westbound on the highway, when a pickup pulled out of a private drive onto the highway and hit Thrash's car. The driver of the pickup, 60-year old James Booth of Blanchard, was not hurt.

 

Alex Woman Dies in McClain County Crash

The woman who died in a traffic accident northeast of Lindsay earlier this week was from the Alex area. 76-year old Mary Ann Chappel died in the accident that happened near the small town of Payne in eastern McClain County. Chappel died when her SUV was hit by a pickup driven by a Blanchard teenager. Chappel worked for A and A Tank Truck Services in Lindsay. Funeral service is pending with a Maysville Funeral home.

 

More Interviews Set for Chix School Sup't. Candidates

A second round of interviews with candidates seeking the Chickasha schools superintendent's post will be held tomorrow. The Chickasha Board of Education will have a closed-door meeting with an unknown number of finalists, selected from a first round of interviews last week. The interviews will be held in Oklahoma City at the office of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association starting at 7:15 a.m. Thursday.

 

Inhofe Supportive of Trump as Impeachment Looms

Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe continues supporting President Trump. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach Trump today. Inhofe and his colleges in the Senate would hold the trial on the charges sometime after the first of the year, but Inhofe tells KOOL/RANCH News that he believes Trump is innocent.

 

              

 

Inhofe also talked about the legislative approval of the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. The measure has been passed by the senate and the house, and has been sent to the president for his expected approval.

 

Alex School Precinct to Close for Feb. 11th Election

A precinct in the Alex school district will be closed for the February, 2020 school election. Banner Baptist Church, 13635 Highway 76 - which is Precinct No. 5 in McClain County – only has about 40 registered voters. Officials with the McClain County Election Board say state law indicates a school district can close a precinct if it has fewer than 100 voters. Voters in that precinct will receive an application for absentee ballots from the McClain County Election Board. Those applications will have to be filled out, signed, and returned by Feb. 5th, before the school election on Feb. 11th. Any registered voter in Precinct 5 of McClain County who believe they are in the Alex school district - and hasn't received an absentee ballot application - should contact the McClain County Election Board.

 

Chix Businessman Helps Schools, Fire and Police Depts.

A Chickasha businessman comes up big to help local schools and the fire and police departments. John Holt of the John Holt Auto Group has donated $5,000 to each recently. Holt said he is alive thanks to first responders after he had a medical emergency last January. He said they do so much for the community that goes un-noticed.

 

New Dean of Admissions in Place at USAO

USAO has named a new dean of admissions and recruitment. Sheppard McConnell is now in charge of leading USAO's recruitment efforts and increasing potential students’ awareness of USAO's programs. A press release from the university shows that McConnell previously served as director of admissions at East Central University in Ada. He also spent time at OU as assistant director of prospective student services. McConnell earned both his bachelor's and Master’s degrees from OU. He and his wife Megan have two children.

 

Energy and Metals              

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $60.94 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.10.

Natural gas is $2.32 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,483 and silver is $17.11.

 

 

Tuesday, Dec. 17th

 

One in Custody After Police Pursuit

A Chickasha police pursuit lands a man in jail. Information from the Chickasha police blotter indicates that the pursuit occurred Sunday afternoon in the area of the 500 block of South 6th. We don't have all the details but the suspect reportedly drove off the roadway and was arrested after the vehicle became disabled. Prosecutors have formally charged 18-year old Yoni Duran Blanca of Anadarko with a felony for eluding and endangering others. He remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of $35,000 bond.

 

Crash Kills Woman, Injures Teens

A woman has died and several teenagers were injured in a crash that happened northeast of Lindsay yesterday. The highway patrol reports that 76-year old Mary Ann Chappel, whose hometown was not available, died in the crash which happened near the small community of Payne. That's northeast of Lindsay on Highway 59B. Two 17-year old Blanchard teenagers and a 17-year old from Washington in the other vehicle suffered minor injuries. The accident happened about 12:30 p.m Monday on Sate Highway 74 east of Payne. The Highway Patrol reports that a pickup driven by one of the teenagers failed to stop at a stop sign and hit Chappel’s SUV.

 

Salvation Army Angel Program Short of Donations

With about a week to go before Christmas, officials the Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo Counties say they could still use contributions to help with the group's Angel-to-Angel program. Lt. David Brittle says there were more than 600 children between the two counties in the program, and that about 200 Angels were not picked up. He says he'll have to use funds from the kettle drive to purchase gifts for those youth, which takes funds out of the Salvation Army’s operating budget for next year. The angel distribution in Caddo County will be tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec. 18th) at Southwest Youth and Family Services in Anadarko. The distribution in Grady County will be Thursday, Dec. 19th at the John Holt Auto Group in Chickasha. Brittle did say that contributions at the Salvation Army kettles were running a little ahead of last year. They set a goal of raising about $68,000 this year, and that through the weekend they needed about $20,000 to reach that goal. The kettle drive runs through next Tuesday, December 24th which is Christmas Eve.

 

Movie Makers Spending More Time in Oklahoma              

More and more Hollywood movie producers are finding that Oklahoma is a good place to film. Chickasha's Reagan Elkins is working with the Oklahoma Film and Music Commission and has assisted with movies which include actors Matt Damon and Bella Thorne. Elkins says the Sooner State provides a variety of locations suitable for what producers and directors are looking for.

 

              

 

Elkins says the Film and Music Commission provides a 30 percent rebate to production companies that use local resources when filming in Oklahoma.

 

Chix School Board Meeting Dates, Times to Change

The Chickasha Board of Education is changing its meeting days and times for 2020. The meetings are being moved from the second Tuesday of the month to the second Monday. The meeting times will be a little earlier, starting at 6:00 p.m. The change will be effective with the first meeting of 2020 which is Monday, Jan. 13th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $60.21 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $64.34.

Natural gas is $2.34 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,484 and silver is $17.13.

 

Obituaries

Richard Jones

Obituaries today include 61-year old Richard Jones of Chickasha. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19th at Full Gospel Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Donnie Mathews

Funeral for 62-year old Donnie Mathews of Chickasha will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19th at Ferguson Funeral home.

 

 

Monday, Dec. 16th

 

New Chickasha Construction Projects Steady

New construction in Chickasha for November continued at a steady pace for the latter part of 2019. The city’s Community Development Department approved 11 permits totaling just over $1.3 million. It’s the third straight month where the combined total of commercial and residential construction projects were at least $1 million. A permit for the new Burger King restaurant totaled $750,000. Other commercial building permits approved included $130,000 for CMS Willowbrook for work at 117 S. 4th Street; an $8,000 permit for the Grady County Historical Society Museum; and a couple of $5,000 permits for Bordwine Development on Pikes Peak Road. In residential construction, two permits were approved for new homes. Timber Ridge Custom Homes was approved for a $250,000 home in the 3200 block of Pondridge Road. Steven and Sue Graham were approved for a $130,000 new home in the 1400 block of North 16th Street. Through the first 11 months of the year, new construction in Chickasha is close to $13 million.

 

Grady Memorial Hospital's New 3D

Mammagraphy  Machine Gets Rave Reviews               

Grady Memorial Hospital's new three-dimensional mammography machine has been in operation for some time now. Hospital administrator Kean Spellman said it's getting good reviews from patients.

 

              

 

The machine cost a little more than $300,000. A fund-raising effort to buy the machine was kicked off last year with a $50,000 challenge grant from the First National Bank and Trust. An additional $150,000 was collected because of that grant and other fundraisers, and The Grady Memorial Hospital Foundation provided the final $100,000. Spellman also said hospital officials just opened the bids on the proposed construction of the new pediatrics unit that will be built over the next year. Spellman hopes the construction can start early in 2020.

 

Arrest Made in Rush Springs Auto Break-in

A Chickasha woman is facing misdemeanor drug and vandalism charges after being arrested in connection with the break-in of an automobile. 40-year old Amanda Marie Conaway was arrested by a Grady County deputy after someone allegedly saw her breaking into a car at a home outside Rush Springs. Authorities were called to the home last Wednesday and the deputy located the suspect hiding in a car she and another suspect allegedly drove away in. Documents filed in Grady County District Court indicate the deputy found Conaway with marijuana and she also told the deputy she had some methamphetamine in her bra, which was found when she was booked into the Grady County Jail. Conaway is out of jail after posting a $2,500 bond.

 

New Firm Celebrates 40th Overall Year in Business              

The City of Chickasha helps to celebrate a milestone anniversary for one of the city's newest companies. LiquidPower Specialty Products, Inc. (LSPI) is celebrating its 40th year in business. LSPI recently expanded operations to Chickasha, locating in the former Delta Faucet building. The company manufactures materials which move oil and gas through pipelines faster. Michael Brown is the Chief Executive Officer for LSPI. In a press release he said the company offers the most robust portfolio of patented flow-improver technology. A statement from the City of Chickasha says LSPI is the global leader in the science and application of drag reduction, and has been recognized as a top ten best place to work by the Houston Business Journal and a top 20 workplace by the Houston Chronicle.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $60.07 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.22.

Natural gas is $2.29 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,481 and silver is $17.11.

 

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