Saturday, Jan. 6th
Gov. Stitt Opts State Out of Federal Summer Food Program
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt recently announced that the state would no longer participate in a federal summer feeding program. The Oklahoman reported this week that Stitt said no impact is expected with his decision. He said students who qualify for free- and reduced-price meals already qualify for the Summer Food Service Program which provides free healthy meals and snacks in low-income communities. The group Hunger-Free Oklahoma says one in five Oklahoma youth qualify for food assistance. The three largest Native American tribes in Oklahoma said they would be helping their members. Officials with the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Cherokee tribes say they will offer the program to native and non-native children on their reservations. In a prepared statement, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskins, Jr. said that it's regrettable and bewildering that the state is abandoning federal funding and losing an opportunity to address child food insecurity.
Allsups to Add New Oklahoma Stores, Including One in Blanchard
If you've ever traveled in Texas you may be familiar with the Allsups convenience stores which are known for their deep-fried burritos. Officials with Yesway, which purchased Allsups in 2019, say they will be opening several new locations in Oklahoma over the next couple of years including one in Blanchard. The Oklahoman reports that the 50-year old company is expected to break ground on the Blanchard location next month. The store will be located near the U.S. Highway 62 and State Highway 76 junction. In addition to the Blanchard location the company is expected to build a huge store on I-35 in Thackerville just north of the Red River border. It will be a nearly 6,300 sq. ft. facility costing about $3 million. There are already Allsups stores in Altus, Frederick, Madill, and Guymon.
Merger of Two Energy Giants Anticipated
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Oklahoma's Chesapeake Energy Company and Southwestern Energy Company could announce news of a merger in the coming days. The website OK Energy today cites the report indicating that negotiations have been underway for several weeks. It's reported that the merger would create a nearly $17 billion company which would make it one of the largest natural gas producers in the U.S. The company would be larger than Chesapeake's closest rival EQT Corporation and could put the firm in a strong position to capitalize on global demand.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Steve Taylor with the Chickasha Soup Kitchen is this week's guest on our KOOL Konversation. And Jeanette Stanton with the Oklahoma Film and Music Office is the guest on Real Estate Today. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Obituaries
Katherine ‘Alice’ Roberts
Funeral service for Alice Roberts, 61, of Nichols Hills and formerly of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8th at Epworth Methodist Church. She was a court reporter and a massage therapist. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Frank Paritee, Jr.
Funeral service for Frank Paritee, Jr. is pending with Brown Thomas Funeral Home.
---
Friday, Jan. 5th
Biological Mother of Athena Brownfield
Waives Preliminary Hearing; Trial May Be Set
The biological mother of Athena Brownfield, the four-year old Cyril girl whose body was found buried near Rush Springs last January, was in a Caddo County Courtroom this week. Jasmin Brownfield was arrested last May on two charges of child neglect. While in court she waived her right to a preliminary hearing on those charges. It was nearly a year ago that Athena was first reported missing. The child’s body was found in a shallow grave in the Agawam area about two weeks later. KWTV-News 9 reports that a probable cause affidavit indicated that Jasmin left Athena and her sister in the care of Ivon and Alysia Adams in April of 2021. Prosecutors say Jasmin admitted having mental health issues and told investigators she didn't think she could care for the children. Documents indicate that Jasmin did not communicate with the Adamses to see how the children were doing or to provide them with any money. Jasmin remains in the Caddo County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 15th where she is to be arraigned on the two child neglect charges and a trial date could be scheduled.
Clues Sought in Gracemont Store Break-in
Investigators are reaching out for information about a Christmas Day break-in at a convenience store in Gracemont. The Caddo Nation Convenience Store was burglarized just before 5 a.m. A post on the Caddo County Sheriff's Office Facebook page indicates an ATM was damaged and several items were stolen. Authorities say it appears a four-door red pickup with a brake light out may have been used. There are several pictures of a masked individual and the pick up on the sheriff's office Facebook page. Tips can be called into the sheriff's office or shared anonymously on the Facebook page.
Chix Residents Urged to Be Aware of Possible Winter Weather
Chickasha officials are encouraging residents to prepare for wintry weather that is anticipated early next week. Emergency Management Director Edward Perez says a winter mix could begin Monday morning with freezing rain which may turn to a rain-and-snow mix that afternoon and continue into Tuesday. Perez said that residents should prepare for power outages and make sure electronic devices are fully charged in advance. He says to wrap exposed water pipes with insulation or towels to prevent freezing and that faucets be allowed to slowly drip. He also recommends winterizing your home and to ensure windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent drafts. When going outdoors dress in layers and limit outdoor exposure in the coldest temperatures. And he says to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbors and make sure that outdoor pets have adequate shelter and warmth.
Minco Voters to Decide if Town Hall Posts Should be Appointed
Voters in Minco will go to the polls in a special election next week to decide if two town hall posts should be appointed rather than elected. There are two separate issues on the ballot. One asks if the town council should appoint the clerk-treasurer and the other asks if the council should also appoint the police chief. Minco voters can vote ahead of Tuesday's election by visiting the Grady County Election board office in Chickasha today for in-person, absentee voting until 6 p.m. Otherwise regular voting precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9th.
Caddo County has New Election Board Secretary
There is a new election board secretary in Caddo County. Chelsea Bassham of Anadarko was appointed to the post by the state election board this week. Bassham spent the last four years teaching at Yukon Public Schools.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.19 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.59.
Natural gas is $2.82 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,047 and silver is $23.20.
---
Thursday, Jan. 4th
Woman Sentenced for Role in Selling Fatal Pill
An Anadarko woman will serve more than 10 years in prison for selling a fentanyl-laced pain pill that killed a man. 21-year old Alyssa Marie Nimsey entered a blind guilty plea to second degree murder in Caddo County District Court yesterday. The Lawton Constitution reports that Nimsey was originally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 22-year old Colton Wright of Cement. It's been nearly three years to the day that Wright died after taking the fatal pill. Nimsey was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison followed by eight years’ probation. Previously, 26-year old Sentrell Damone Johnson also of Anadarko pleaded guilty to second- degree murder for selling the counterfeit Oxydone tablet to Wright. Johnson received a 10-year prison sentence to be followed by 10 years' probation.
New Duplex Addition Near USAO Approved
The final plat for a new housing addition was approved by the Chickasha City Council this week. The panel signed off on a 4 ½ acre plot for what will be the Haven Pointe Addition. It's in the area of 22nd and Nevada Avenue which is a couple of blocks north of Grand Avenue in the Sparks Second Addition. Remington Properties out of Yukon is the developer. Plans are to develop seven lots with a duplex on each lot.
Sewer plant to get new pump
The council also approved the purchase of a more than $77,000 pump for the waste water treatment plant. Public Works Director Jim Crosby says it’s one of several pumps that eventually will need to be replaced. The bid from Edwards Equipment Company was the only bid of the three submitted that met specifications.
Sealed bids to be accepted for airport ag lease
The council also approved going out for sealed bids for the agriculture land lease at the Chickasha Airport. There are two separate tracts - one is for nearly 400 acres and the other for just over 120 acres.
Parks and rec, library board members named
The panel appointed several residents to the newly formed Parks and Recreation Board. They are Jim Gleckler, George Hector, Jeanne Mather, and Parker Denton. The council also appointed Shelby Hurst to the Library Board.
Council discusses city manager's work
The council also spent nearly an hour behind closed doors for an evaluation of City Manager Keith Johnson. The council took no action and made no comment after returning to open session.
Soup Kitchen Able to Buy Building it has been Leasing
Officials with the Chickasha Soup Kitchen say they were able to reach their fund-raising goal and purchase the building they have been leasing. Steve Taylor is the vice moderator for the Soup Kitchen board. The group began their campaign in early November of raising some $150,000 to purchase the building at 6th and Pennsylvania Ave. The group raised about $50,000 and Taylor said an anonymous donor came forward to contribute the remaining funds needed. Taylor said all the paperwork has been signed and the building is theirs. The soup kitchen feeds up to 100 people per day Monday through Friday. It's run entirely by contributions with no state or federal funds or grants. Individuals from more than 20 churches, civic groups, and businesses contribute or volunteer their time each month.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.70 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.25.
Natural gas is $2.67 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,055 and silver is $23.20.
---
Wednesday, Jan. 3rd
Chix Police Give Update on Missing Person
It's been more than four months since the disappearance of Richard Houston. The 46-year old was last seen Aug. 31st near Life Skills Institute and relatives filed a missing persons report with Chickasha police in mid-September. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) was called in to help with the investigation but there has been no word of his whereabouts. Chickasha Police Chief G.G. Music discussed the investigation during last night's city council meeting. He said at one point a K9 alerted officials to some potential evidence in the north part the city.
Music said the creek was too wide and too deep to go into so officials decided to build a dam and pump the water out of that area. It took several days and a lot of manpower to get that done but in spite of the efforts, no evidence was found.
Police chief issues commendations to those helping in the search
Music presented a number of civilian commendations to city employees and others who helped with that effort. Public Works employees recognized were Cliff Bayne, Dylan Byfield, Errick Peterson, and James Adamson. Also Jesse Ortiz, Marcus Brown, Robin Underwood, Senior Operations Manager Omar Fierro, and Public Works Director Jim Crosby. Others were Michael Whitaker with A.C. Owen Construction and Jacob Lowery with Mathews Trenching. Houston's sister, Kimberly Adair, was on hand to help present the commendations. Music asks anyone with information about Richard Houston to call the Chickasha Police Department.
Chix Council Again Postpones Purchase of Fire Trucks
The council again put off immediate plans to purchase a couple of new fire trucks. The panel followed the recommendation of City Manager Keith Johnson to reject all the bids submitted for a 100-foot ladder truck and an engine/pumper. Johnson said the more than $2.5 million price tag for the two trucks is pricey and he wants to wait a few more months to see what the kind of financial shape the city will be in-
Johnson said leasing the trucks is an option being considered.
Roy's Barbecue Re-opens
A once-popular Chickasha barbecue restaurant is re-opening today. Roy's Barbecue is now under new ownership. Rooster Cogburn has spent the last 13 months remodeling the restaurant which was previously owned by Roy and Clara Bryant for decades. Cogburn said they are using the same recipes as the Bryants and is offering homemade cobbler and ice cream today.
Obituary
David Glass
Funeral service for David Glass, 71, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5th at Sevier Funeral Home. He started roofing when he was 13 but he was known for his golf game. He was a former champion of the Washita Valley Golf Tournament and held the course record at the Chickasha Golf and Country Cub for many years.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.38 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $75.89.
Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,061 and silver is $23.61.
---
Tuesday, Jan. 2nd
Chix City Council to Again Discuss Buying New Firetrucks
Should the City of Chickasha spend more than $2.5 million on a couple of new fire trucks? The city council will consider their options during the group's first regular meeting of 2024 tonight. The proposal was first brought to the panel in November but officials delayed any action on the purchase of a new 100-foot ladder truck as well as a new engine/pumper. City officials are recommending that the council reject all the bids received for both vehicles.
Other items of discussion
The council will also hold a public hearing to consider the final plat for the Haven Pointe residential addition at 22nd and Nevada for applicant Remington Properties. The council will also consider appointing a number of individuals to the newly-formed Parks and Recreation Board, and go behind closed doors to discuss the annual evaluation of city manager Keith Johnson. Also, police chief G.G. Music is to present some citizen commendations. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall and the meeting can be viewed on the city's YouTube channel which is available on the city’s website. The meeting will also be televised on Optimum Cable Channel 3.
Longtime Grady County Clerk Betty Ballard Dies
Former Grady County Clerk Betty Ballard has passed away. She was 95 years old. She worked for Grady County for more than 25 years - first in the treasurer's office and then for more than 22 years as county clerk. She also worked at Oklahoma National Bank where she was the first woman to be named an officer. In 1981, she was named Woman of the Year by the American Business Women's Association. Funeral mass was held this morning at Holy Name Catholic Church. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Chickasha Mobile Meals or the Chickasha Nutrition Center.
Ex-con Back in Jail After Incident at Convenience Store
A Chickasha man is facing felony charges of domestic violence and for running into a pedestrian with his pick-up. 25-year old Jarrett Michael Price is facing the charges in connection with an incident which occurred at Love's North on December 14th. A probable cause affidavit filed by Chickasha police indicates a witness saw Price choking a woman in a physical confrontation. The witness intervened and he was also attacked by Price. Price then got into his truck and struck a pedestrian in the parking lot. Neither the witness nor the pedestrian were seriously hurt. Authorities found Price's pick up in a nearby neighborhood but Price had fled the area. An arrest warrant was issued and Price was picked up last week. He has been charged with felonies which include strangulation, assault with a dangerous weapon, and leaving the scene of an accident. Officials also want to revoke his probation after he pleaded guilty to several previous run-ins with the law. They include one in 2020 for aggravated assault and battery and two in 2017 including eluding and possessing a weapon after former conviction. He remains in jail on a more than $300,000 bond. He is to have a McGirt Hearing in Grady County District court on Jan. 19th.
Obituaries
Zoey Grissam
Funeral service for Zoey Grissam, 7, of Verden will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3rd at the Verden School gymnasium. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Tami Ford
Funeral service for Tami Ford, 63, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 4th at the First Baptist Church of Chickasha. She and her husband Rick owned and operated an energy company. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.65 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.05.
Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,075 and silver is $24.12.
Monday, January 1st
No news due to the holiday.
---
