Chix Attorney Serves on State Broadband Governing Panel
A lawyer from Chickasha is serving on a state board that is guiding the effort to get high-speed Internet service to rural Oklahoma. Amanda Mullins was unanimously elected vice chairman of the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board in the group's meeting this month. She was appointed to the post by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Mullins will work with Jim Meek who is the new chairman of the group. Meek is the treasurer and a director with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Mullins is a private practice attorney and is the attorney for the City of Chickasha. The website OK Energy Today quoted Mullins as saying ‘it’s an honor and a privilege to serve the board and the public during this exciting time of broadband expansion’. She said it will provide new access and opportunities that are vital to the state's future. The board is responsible for providing oversight of the state broadband office, hiring its executive director, and approving and overseeing the award of more than $1 billion in federal grants to Internet Service Providers which will develop the infrastructure needed to get reliable Internet service to under-served areas.
State Highway 19 Upgrades Expected to Start Next Year
Improvements along a stretch of the state highway between Chickasha and Lindsay are expected to begin after the first of the year. Jay Earp with the State Department of Transportation discusses the multi-million dollar project-
The contractor is Silver Star Construction Company of Moore and work is expected to begin in February. They'll be reducing some hills to make some additional passing lanes and there will be eight-foot shoulders on each side.
Talk Show Topics
Ray Walker, the director of the Medicare Assistance Program with the Oklahoma Insurance Department, is this week’s guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today, our guest is Pat Cunningham with the Grady County Historical Society and Museum. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, Oct. 20th
Consumer Spending in Grady County is Down
Consumer spending at Grady County retail outlets fell to its lowest level in nearly two years. Based on sales tax revenues returned to the county from the Oklahoma Tax Commission, it's estimated that consumer spending was $71.2 million for July. It was off more than 26 percent from June and down about 28.5 percent from July of last year. It's the lowest level for consumer spending since October of 2021. Grady County received just over $536,000 in sales tax revenue last month - sales taxes that were paid on the purchase of taxable goods and services in July. Here's how the sales tax revenue is allocated:
The Grady County Fairgrounds received $178,000;
Grady Memorial Hospital received $158,000;
Each of the seven senior nutrition centers received $13,000;
Each of the 20 fire districts received about $4,500;
Tuttle EMS received $16,000, and;
Rush Springs EMS received about $4,100.
Police Officer, Wife Receive New Home Heat, Air System
A veteran police officer who gives back to his community will be rewarded for his work. David Woods, who has been with the Duncan Police Department for 25 years, was selected as the winner of DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning and Lennox 'Feel the Love' program. David and his wife were among a number of families submitted as nominees to receive a free heating and cooling system for their home. A couple of years ago, Woods began a non-profit band called 'Von Hawks Rising' and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for children impacted by trauma and illness. David's wife is a nurse who recently lost her job due to a facility closure. The air conditioning system in their home recently went out and it was beyond repair. DeHart crews will be installing the new system in the couple’s Lake Humphreys-area home today.
Chix Antique Auto Club Fall Swap Meet Continues
There are a lot of treasures to be found at the Chickasha Antique Auto Club's fall swap meet that's underway. Mark Youngblood is from east Texas and has been restoring cars for 40 years. He has a few parts for sale and also some porcelain signs that enthusiasts may be looking for –
Literally hundreds of vendors have items to sell and trade. The swap meet is held on the auto club's 35-acre site next to the Grady County Fairgrounds. There are also indoor vendors and an arts and crafts show in the north exhibit building of the fairgrounds. The swap meet runs through tomorrow. Admission is free and paid parking benefits local charities.
Bigfoot Story Telling Tonight
The Legend of Bigfoot has provided some interesting stories throughout the years. Tonight, there's a program in Anadarko to provide some insight. The Delaware Nation will hold a Bigfoot Story Telling event at Randlett Park. Guest speakers include Bryan Terrell, a Cryptid Field Investigator; and Lauren Smith of Nite Callers Bigfoot Radio. There will be arts and crafts, a costume contest, vendors, food trucks and there is even a Bigfoot calling contest. That's all from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight.
Kids, Kites, and Frights Tomorrow
Tomorrow in Anadarko, the largest kites in the world will be featured in the annual Kids, Kites, and Frights event. There are numerous activities from arts and crafts, inflatables, live music, vendors, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating, and a pumpkin pie eating contest. Activities at the Anadarko Airport will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.37 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $92.38.
Natural gas is $2.96 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,995 and silver is $23.38.
Obituary
'Maggie' Griffith
Funeral service for Margaret 'Maggie' Smith, 68, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23rd at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked at C and R Print Shop, Walmart, and the USAO Bookstore. She also volunteered with Relay for Life and the Chickasha Animal Shelter.
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Thursday, Oct. 19th
Arrest Warrant Issued in Alleged Animal Cruelty Case
Grady County and state authorities are investigating a disturbing case of animal cruelty where several sheep were found dead and others kept in confined spaces. An arrest warrant was issued last week for 70-year old James Mclevaney of the Bradley area. KSWO-TV cites court records which indicate there were dead animals as well as more than two dozen sheep crowded into a space too small to hold that many animals. Grady County sheriff’s deputies and officials with the State Department of Agriculture are listed as investigating agencies. An employee of Mclevaney told officials that a water tank was not adequate for the number and type of sheep on the farm. Mclevaney is facing one felony charge of animal cruelty and nearly 30 misdemeanors for failure to keep animals in a suitable enclosure. Mclevaney reportedly told investigators that he wasn't legally required to contain the sheep nor dispose dead animals. Mclevaney faces up to five years in prison if convicted of the charges.
Silver Alert Issued for Missing Tuttle Woman
Authorities continue to ask Oklahomans to be looking a missing Tuttle woman. The Highway Patrol issued a Silver Alert for 74-year old Gail Loughridge. She was last seen at her home about 8:00 a.m. Tuesday. She drives a 2015 white four-door Kia Optima with Oklahoma tag No. JPD-671. She is Caucasian, 5'2'' tall, weighs 110 pounds, and has shoulder-length light brown hair. Officials say she experiences memory loss and has other signs of dementia. Anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1.
Chix Antique Auto Swap Meet Underway
Antique car and truck enthusiasts from across the country and around the world are converging on Chickasha over the next few days. The Chickasha Antique Auto Club's fall swap meet gets underway this morning. Yesterday was move-in day for many of the vendors who have parts, fully-restored vehicles, and transportation memorabilia for sale or trade. One of them is Bob Doucette and some of his friends from Pampa, Texas-
He also has a 1960 Chevy Impala muscle car, and older model Corvette, and antique tractors he's working on. There are hundreds of vendors at the swap meet which takes place on the auto club's 35-acre site just east of the Grady County Fairgrounds. There are also indoor vendors located inside the north exhibit building at the Fairgrounds. The swap meet runs through Saturday. Admission is free and paid parking benefits local charities.
New Events Added to Downtown Chix' Ne'ewollah Festival
Costumed characters from princesses and superheroes to ghouls and goblins will be invading dowtown Chickasha later this month for the annual Ne'ewollah Festival. The event is being expanded to include lots of carnival-type games, inflatables, obstacles courses, and pumpkin decorating. Also new will be a Civic Club chili cook-off. There will be a costume contest in front of the Washita Theatre and free hot dogs will be served. The event is hosted by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. Ne'ewollah will be Saturday, Oct. 28th from 4-7 p.m. in the 400 through 700 blocks of Chickasha Ave. See the chamber's Facebook page for information.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.32 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $91.50.
Natural gas is $3.06 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,962 and silver is $23.03.
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Wednesday, Oct. 18th
Fatal Rush Springs Shooting Still Under Investigation
In a KOOL-RANCH News follow-up from the past weekend, a fatal shooting that happened in Rush Springs is still under investigation. Grady County deputies were called to a home last Friday where a man had been shot to death and another man suffered stabbing injuries. The man who suffered the stabbing injuries is alleged to have fired the fatal shots at the other. The man who was stabbed was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. The case has been turned over to the district attorney’s office. District Attorney Jason Hicks tells KOOL-RANCH News that the investigation is on-going and he has not yet decided if formal charges will be filed or if the shooting will be considered as being in self-defense. Hicks said the man who died was shot three times - the stabbing victim suffered leg and arm injuries.
Two High School Football Coaches Face Charges
for Alleged Conduct Against Student-Athletes
Two longtime high school football coaches who are in the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame have been charged in connection with allegations that they harassed and bullied players. Ringling Coach Phil Koons was charged with a misdemeanor in Jefferson County District Court yesterday. Koons, whose coaching stops also include Tuttle, is accused of using 'profane, degrading, and derogatory language toward student athletes' between August of 2021 and Febuary of this year. The charge comes almost six months after the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation completed an inquiry into the allegations. If found guilty he faces up to a year in jail and a $500 fine. An attorney for some of the players who allege the mistreatment and who plans to sue the Ringling school district said the charge should disqualify Koons from coaching and teaching. Koons was initially suspended from coaching and from his high school principal duties but was later re-instated.
Kingfisher coach also charged
In a related story regarding alleged abuse from a coach, charges have been filed against long-time Kingfisher football coach Jeff Myers. Myers and three others have been charged with misdemeanors in connection with hazing allegations initially brought forth in February and March of 2022. A lawsuit filed in that case is awaiting a decision from the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
It Feels Like Summer, But Prepare for Winter
With afternoon high temperatures to be in the 80s over the next few days you may not be thinking about the cold weather Oklahoma is bound to have in the upcoming winter months. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson says now is the time to make plans for what to do should a winter snow or ice storm hit. Thompson said among the tasks to think of is to change out the food and water in your emergency storm supplies.
He said there is always a chance that power could be out for several days. Individuals who have portable generators should make sure they are operating correctly, and if you need to use them, keep them outdoors and away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide from getting into your home.
Painting Project to Benefit Chix School Foundation
If you're looking for some fall decor for your home or office, here's a way for you take part in a semi do-it-yourself project and help a non-profit group. The Chickasha Public School Foundation has teamed up with Carrie Chavers at the Chickasha Art Center to serve as a fund-raiser for the Foundation. You can paint your own Pumpkin Truck painting in the event this Thursday night. Chavers has drawn the outline of a pickup with pumpkins and fall decor in the bed of the truck and she'll show you how to paint it. The event will be this Thursday night, Oct. 19th at the Stage downtown between Brandi's Bar and Grill and The Flower Shop Winery and Pizzeria. The event will be from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $40 and some of the proceeds will be donated to the Foundation. Register on-line at TheChickashaArtCenter.com or call or text Chavers at 405-574-6689. Pre-payment is required.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.66 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $89.90.
Natural gas is to $3.08 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,957 and silver is $23.41.
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Tuesday, Oct. 17th
Film Rep Hopes 'Twisters' Movie Work Will Resume Soon
The filming of the Twisters movie in Chickasha has been delayed for more than three months because of the Screen Actors Guild of America strike in Hollywood. John Cowan is the site director for the film and gave an update at last night's city council meeting. He's hoping the strike will end soon.
In the meantime several blocks of the movie set at 17th and Minnesota remain fenced off.
Council OKs 'Negotations' for Public Safety Building
The city council gave city officials the go ahead to spend up to $1 million for a public safety and municipal services building. Following a 10-minute closed-door session as the Chickasha Municipal Authority (CMA) arm of the city, the panel voted unanimously to give City Manager Keith Johnson - who doubles as the CMA trust manager - to negotiate a contract with an unnamed individual or business. Johnson would not disclose what the purpose of the building would be.
City to get new street sweeper
It's been a few years since the City of Chickasha has had a street sweeper. Last night the council approved spending nearly $330,000 on a new machine to be purchased from an Oklahoma City firm. The city manager said the previous unit was damaged in a fire and that the city received an insurance settlement of some $118,000 which will go toward to purchase of the new one. It wasn't clear when the machine will be delivered.
Airport hangar projects approved
The council also gave its approval to award two contracts totaling more than $2 million to build new hangars at the airport. Diversified Construction was awarded a nearly $1.1 million contract to build a T-hangar, and W. L. McNatt was awarded a nearly $960,000 contract to build a couple of box hangars.
Laundromat re-zoning approved
The panel approved a request for businessman Bassm Alzoubi to re-zone some residential property to commercial use at 16th and Park Avenue to build a laundromat, a process that has taken several months to complete. The approval came after a public hearing in which no one spoke for nor against the issue. The city's Planning Commission recommended that the re-zoning be approved.
Plat for new housing development passes
The group also approved the preliminary plat for a new housing development along West Country Club Road. The plat is for seven lots on 4 1/2 acres to build some duplexes. It's to be called Haven Pointe and the developer is a Yukon firm, Remington Properties.
Changes to Business District Grant Agreement ok'd
The council also approved some revisions to the city's Central Business District Building Grant Agreement and Guidelines. The city manager said many of the changes are to bring clarity to the application process and the increase some reimbursement costs from $20 a square foot to $25 a square foot.
USDA Rep to Discuss Federal Grant Program
A representative from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be in Chickasha today to discuss how small businesses and agriculture operations can benefit from federal grants. Kenneth Corn is the state director for the USDA Rural Development Program and will be reviewing the Rural Energy for America Program. It's designed to assist operations in rural areas with energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy projects. Corn, who previously served as the city manager for Anadarko and as a state lawmaker will give his presentation at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.66 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $9 to $89.65.
Natural gas is $3.11 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,922 and silver is $22.88.
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Monday, Oct. 16th
Chix Airport Hangar Project May be Awarded
A contract to build some new hangars at the Chickasha Municipal Airport is among the items to be considered by the Chickasha City Council when the panel meets tonight. Officials are recommending a nearly $1 million contract to W.L. McNatt Company to build two box hangars subject to the city receiving a grant. The council will also consider buying a nearly $320,000 air street sweeper from J and R Equipment out of Oklahoma City.
Proposed Laudromat, New Housing Addition to be Considered
The group will hold a public hearing to consider a request from businessman Bassm Alzoubi to re-zone some property at 16th and Park Ave. from residential to commercial use to build a laundromat. Also to be reviewed is a preliminary plat for the Haven Pointe housing development on West Country Club Road. The applicant is Remington Properties from Yukon and is for 4 1/2 acres where 14 duplex units may be built. The council will also go behind closed doors to discuss the purchase or appraisal of real estate although there's no explanation of what that might be. Mayor Chris Mosley will sign proclamations for Code Enforcement Month in October and First Responder Appreciation Day Oct. 28th. The city council meets tonight at 6:30 at city hall.
Motorcyclist Hospitalized After Hitting Cable Barrier
A motorcycle rider was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after crashing her bike near Ninnekah last night. The highway patrol reports that 50-year old Laura Robinson of Duncan was northbound on U.S. Highway 81 when - for an unknown reason - she veered into the median and struck a cable barrier. She suffered head, neck, and limb injuries and was last in good condition. The accident happened just after six o'clock last night about two miles south of Ninnekah. Robinson was wearing a helmet.
Suspect Arrested for Trespassing on CHS Football Complex
A man who was asked to leave a Chickasha High School football game was later arrested and charged for trespassing. 29-year old Keith Wayne Dalton of Chickasha was asked to leave the football game on Friday, Oct. 6th. A probable cause affidavit from the Grady County Sheriff’s Office indicates that authorities were called out to Memorial Stadium on Monday, Oct. 9th to question a man who was in the bleachers watching some female athletes who were running and jogging. The man was told he could not be there due to safety concerns. The school resource officer who was also there identified the man has being the individual who was asked to leave the game the previous Friday. Dalton was arrested on a complaint of trespassing on school property after being forbidden. Prosecutors have charged him with a misdemeanor for interfering with school activities and his bond was set at $2,500. He's to announce his attorney this Wednesday and the case was placed on the Grady County Court misdemeanor disposition docket for this Friday.
Grady County Ag Producers Meet Tuesday Morning
Grady County agriculture producers will get the opportunity to hear from a rangeland ecology specialist from OSU extension. Dr. Laura Goodman will be discussing stocking rates and range management tomorrow morning at the Grady County OSU Extension Office. It is scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.69 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $90.89.
Natural gas is $3.24 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,929 and silver is $22.75.
