Saturday, Jan. 13th
Arctic Air Arrives; Wind Chill Warning Issued
That polar air that has been discussed for the last week has arrived in Oklahoma. The National Weather Service has now issued a wind chill warning for much of the state which is in effect through noon Tuesday. Officials say dangerous wind chills of 15- to 25-below zero can be expected especially during early morning hours. The wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little has half an hour. High temperatures today will be in the mid-20s and morning lows through Tuesday will be in the single digits accompanied by gusty north-northwesterly winds. Some areas could see snow Sunday and Sunday night and roads could become slick and hazardous.
Chickasha Officials Say Call 911 Only in an Emergency
Officials with the City of Chickasha have issued recommendations on when to call the city if there are some water issues. Officials say to always call 911 for emergencies that require police, fire, and EMS assistance. For non-emergency issues including water flowing into streets or water meter leaks call the non-emergency dispatch line at 405-222-6050. For matters that don't require immediate attention like potholes and code violations individuals are asked to report them by using the Request Tracker link on the city's website at Chickasha.org.
County Commissioners Schedule Special Meeting, if Needed
The frigid weather has Grady County Commissioners considering their options for their regularly scheduled meeting next week. The group has scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday morning in case the weather gets bad. The panel's regular meeting is set for Tuesday morning as the courthouse will be closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. day on Monday. If officials decide to close the courthouse Tuesday that would force them to cancel that meeting. If the courthouse will be open Tuesday, the commissioners will meet and the special meeting Wednesday morning will be canceled.
Turnpike Closes After Brakes Catch Fire on Semi Trailer
A semi-trailer's brakes caught fire on the H.E. Bailey turnpike last night forcing officials to close the highway for a couple of hours. It happened in the east bound lanes near mile marker 93 west of Bridge Creek just after 7:30 p.m. The highway patrol reported that the interstate was re-opened just before 9:45 p.m. There were no reports of injuries.
Shoplifting Suspect Arrested Again
One of three suspects accused of shoplifting more than $2,000 in items from the Chickasha Wal-Mart store nearly a year ago is back in custody. 41-year old Crystal Villanueva Huerta of Lindsay was booked into the Grady County Jail Thursday afternoon. A warrant for Huerta's arrested was first issued last February in connection with the theft which occurred on Jan 27th of last year. Huerta was wanted for grand larceny, unauthorized use of a vehicle, knowingly concealing stolen property and obstructing an officer. On-line court records indicate that she pleaded guilty to the charges in March and was released on her own recognizance. She was a no-show for her sentencing in April and another warrant was issued for her arrest in July. She skipped out on another sentencing date was scheduled in October. Two other suspects have also been charged. 50-year old Gene Richardson of Oklahoma City has a preliminary hearing conference scheduled at the end of this month. 38-year old Sharee Hicks, also of Oklahoma City has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley is on the KOOL Konversation. Real Estate Today guests are Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin, Operations Director Dan Turner, and Director of Personnel and Student Services Pam Ladyman. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, Jan. 12th
Polar Air to Impact Oklahoma for Several Days
A blast of arctic air has dropped temperatures into the teens this morning and with gusty winds the wind chill factor is in the single digits. And while there will be high temperatures in the 40s this afternoon they will be dropping to dangerous levels this weekend. The National Weather Service has posted a wind-chill watch for much of the state starting tomorrow night and running through early Tuesday morning with wind chills forecast to be 10- to 20-degrees below zero. Saturdays high temps in the region will be in the upper-20s with highs Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday dropping into the teens. Actual morning lows are expected to be between zero and five-below zero Monday and Tuesday. Very little snow is expected with this polar air that will be around through early Wednesday morning.
Utilities Issue Advisories During Cold Spell
Several utility groups have issued warnings about the extended frigid conditions. The website OK Energy Today reports that the Southwest Power Pool has declared several advisories for energy operators throughout the Midwest. Officials do say they are projecting to have sufficient capacity to meet anticipated energy demands. However, the cold weather early next week could create a higher than normal risk of outages. There are reports that there could be some rolling blackouts.
Tips to Help Prevent Water Pipes from Bursting
Officials urge residents to take precautions to make sure water pipes don’t freeze and burst during the extended cold spell. Wrap exposed pipes with towels or heat tape which is available at most hardware stores. Also, open indoor water faucets slightly to allow a small stream of water about the size of a pencil lead, and open cabinet doors underneath sinks to allow warmer air inside.
Arrest Warrant Issued after Razor Attack
Chickasha police are looking for a suspect who allegedly stabbed a man with a razor. An arrest warrant has been issued for 57-year old Eddie Nixon. A Grady County judge issued the warrant yesterday for a charge of assault with a deadly weapon. KSWO-TV cites court documents indicating that the victim was stabbed in a confrontation that erupted because he was too loud. If found guilty Nixon faces 20 years to life in prison due to previous convictions. He received a one-year suspended sentence for pleading guilty to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in 2017. He was sentenced to four years behind bars after pleading guilty to a felony assault charge in 2021 that stemmed from an arrest in 2018.
Suspect Arrested for Having Drug Items; Assaulting Officer
An Anadarko man is facing charges of having drug items and assaulting an officer. 25-year old Christopher John Vasquez was arrested by Anadarko police Tuesday night after they made a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle. KSWO-TV reports a K9 officer alerted police of possible contraband. A probable cause affidavit indicates that Vasquez, a passenger in the vehicle, had 20 syringes in his pocket and a loaded weapon under the seat. While being booked into the Caddo County Jail it’s alleged Vasquez struck an officer in the face with his elbow. He faces eight years to life in prison due to previous felony convictions. He's currently on probation after pleading guilty to an assault charge in 2018; and he was awaiting a preliminary hearing conference on charges of obstruction and eluding after an arrest just two months ago. A judge set bond at $20,000 in connection with the new charges.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.02 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.41.
Natural gas is $3.10 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,050 and silver is $23.20.
Obituary
Theresa Clift
Funeral service for Theresa Clift, 67, of Cement will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13th at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Thursday, Jan. 11th
Chix Firm Again Named a Top Workplace in the State
A Chickasha company has once again been named one of the top firms to work for in Oklahoma. Willowbrook, formerly CMS Willowbrook, was listed as the 4th-best company to work for in the mid-size business category in a survey conducted by the Oklahoman. It's the fifth straight year for Willowbrook to make the list. Officials say the company's commitment to its employees' satisfaction and growth was recognized through feedback received from its workforce. Summer McClure with Willowbrook said the award is a testament to the efforts put forth by their team members day in and day out. Willowbrook CEO Carey DeHart said he's proud of everyone and that they enjoy working together and doing their best for their clients and each other. Willowbrook is a full-service construction company with more than 150 employees and has offices in Chickasha, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. The firm is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Kiowa Tribe Receives Opioid Settlement Funds
The Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma has received funds as part of a settlement with opioid manufacturers. The Kiowas are among numerous tribes across the country that filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of the drug - claiming they knew opioids were more addictive than had been stated. A federal judge recently ruled in favor of the tribes. KSWO-TV reports that the Kiowa Tribe has received $2 million from the Tribal Abatement Fund Trusts. Charles Nestell, director of the Kiowa Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (KADAP), says there are plans for a facility that will offer treatment for those with addiction and mental health issues. Nestell also said they are also looking at ways to treat opioid use disorder, support those who are in recovery, and connect individuals to the help they need.
Chix Schools' Resource Officers Name 'Golden Donut' Winner
Grady County deputies who serve as resource officers for Chickasha Public Schools have come up with a unique award. It's called the Golden Donut Award. Resource officers Mark Ingram and Brad Mills came up with the idea for a traveling trophy which celebrates faculty and staff members who go above and beyond for the safety and security of the district. This month the award goes to Operations Director Dan Turner. A media release on the school district’s website says Turner was instrumental in coordinating the installation of a new camera system, keyless card entry, security vestibules, and upgrading public address systems at each school. They said Turner's pro-active approach, grant-writing, and resourcefulness has transformed the district's security landscape.
Obituary
Norman Wood
A memorial service for Norman Wood, 72, of Verden will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home in Chickasha. He was a farmer and rancher and served more than 20 years on the Verden School Board.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.37 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $76.80.
Natural gas is $3.04 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,036 and silver is $23.34.
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Wednesday, Jan. 10th
Minco Voters OK Council Appointment of Town Officers
Minco voters narrowly approve propositions to allow the city council to appoint both the city clerk/treasurer and the police chief. Unofficial results from yesterday's special election show that voters approved allowing the council to appoint the clerk-treasurer post by five votes, 66 to 61. Voters decided to allow the council to appoint the police chief, 68-61. Previously, the two posts had been elected positions.
Former VFW Commander Pleads Guilty
to Stealing Thousands from the Post
A former commander of a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of wire fraud. 65-year old Michael Colley of Marlow, who ran the Duncan VFW post, was accused of embezzling more than $40,000 from the post between January of 2018 and June of 2021. Media reports cite information from the Western District Court of Oklahoma indicating that Colley was charged with wire fraud in September of last year. He admitted making more than 30 unauthorized withdrawals for personal use with many of them taking place at Oklahoma casinos. Formal sentencing will be held at a later date where Colley faces up to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
State Film Office Holds Workshop in Chickasha
Chickasha is one of just two Oklahoma communities selected to host workshops that will be led by the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. Representatives will have the workshop today at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce to provide local officials with information to help them be prepared when film representatives come to town. Jeannette Stanton is the director of the film and music office-
The only other Oklahoma community selected to host a workshop is Owasso. Chickasha is a certified film-friendly city with the state office. All or part of at least two movies have been filmed here within the last few years. Most recently it was the Twisters sequel which completed filming just last month. In 2021 "A Cowgirls Song" was filmed in the Chickasha area. Officials are anticipating that another movie could be filmed in the area this summer.
Chick Library Hosts Financial Literacy Program
A series of free financial literacy programs are being offered by the Chickasha Public Library. The series is led by Leslie Sledge who is a certified financial counselor and credit restoration specialist. She will lead discussions on the principles of building a strong financial house with an emphasis on worthiness, debt elimination, saving, and saving for retirement. Upcoming programs will be held Tuesday, Jan. 16th; Tuesday, Jan. 23rd; and Tuesday, Feb. 6th at 6 p.m. at the library.
Imagination Library program successful
Also at the library, officials say the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program has had a lot of success. Adopted in the fall of 2022, officials say more than 1,100 children throughout Grady County have registered to get a free book mailed to them every month. The program was created by the legendary country singer nearly 20 years ago in honor of her father who could neither read nor write. It’s for children through the age of five years old. The Imagination Library is a world-wide program and has had more than 2.8 million children participate. The Friends of the Chickasha Library helps provide funding for the local program and they welcome contributions. Parents, grandparents and guardians can sign up children at the library or can enroll on-line at: imagination library.com
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.24 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.59.
Natural gas is $3.19 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,041 and silver is $23.19.
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Tuesday, Jan. 9th
Task Force Recommends Pay-Per-Mile Road Tax
An Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) task force is recommending that state lawmakers implement a voluntary program where drivers would be taxed on the number of miles they drive, instead of paying fuel taxes. The Road User Task Force recommends that legislation be passed next year to create a full-scale pay-per-mile program. Officials say the proposal could be a solution to offset declining fuel tax revenues which have occurred due to vehicles becoming more fuel-efficient and the increasing popularity of electric and hybrid fuel cars and trucks. The Oklahoman reports the task force conducted a six-month pilot program last year where nearly 450 volunteers from 63 counties were recruited to take part. A little more than half of them reported mileage through a GPS-enabled device that took into account out-of-state mileage. Others submitted photos of their odometers each month. The pilot program indicated the average monthly invoice was just over $10 based on a fee of one cent per mile. If approved the program would not start until 2027 or later. ODOT officials say implementing a voluntary program at first would help them streamline the process before any consideration would be given to make the program mandatory.
Bill Would Remove Tag Agent Requirement
to Deny Car Registrations if Turnpike Toll is Owed
Among the hundreds of bills to be considered by state lawmakers during the upcoming legislative session is one that would prevent state officials from denying Oklahomans the opportunity to renew their vehicle registration if they have unpaid turnpike tolls. State Rep. Annie Metz (D-Norman) says she's heard from frustrated individuals who have gone to the tag office to renew their tags, only to find out that they have a minimal amount of unpaid tolls. Metz says its inconvenient for those who may take off work to stand in line at the tag office, only to be told they can't update their registration because they may owe a couple of dollars in toll fees. She says at that point a person has missed work for nothing and are driving without proper documentation. She says lawful drivers mean safer roads and that it is a common-sense adjustment for working families.
Accident Closes I-44 Briefly
A traffic accident on the H.E. Bailey turnpike shut down an eastbound lane of the interstate early this morning. It was a single-vehicle accident that happened around mile marker 96 near the State Highway 4 junction about 4:45 a.m. No information was available.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.77 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $76.12.
Natural gas is $2.98 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,040 and silver is $23.30.
Obituaries
Dennis Akins
A come-and-go celebration of life for Dennis Akins, 76, of Chickasha will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He worked for many body shops and restored hot rods and classic cars.
Danny Johnson
A graveside service for Danny Johnson, 89, of Ninnekah will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. He was a carpenter and a builder and worked for the U.S. Postal Service. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Jimmy Yoder
Funeral service for Jimmy Yoder, 92, of Fletcher and formerly of the Chickasha area will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11th at First Baptist Church of Chickasha. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, a teacher, and a computer analyst. Arrangements are with McCray Funeral Home.
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Monday, Jan. 8th
One Hospitalized After Turnpike Crash
A strange accident southwest of Chickasha this weekend sent the driver of one car to a hospital. The crash happened on I-44 near mile marker 70 about 5:45 a.m. Sunday. The highway patrol reports that 53-year old Shannon Helton of Lawton was eastbound when she swerved to avoid hitting a pedestrian on the shoulder – then struck a car that was upside down in the roadway. Helton was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was admitted with back injuries. There was no information about how the other car flipped upside down. Two unidentified people who were in that vehicle were not seriously hurt.
Suspect Enters Plea for Possessing Child Porn
A Chickasha man pleads guilty to possessing child porn. 23-year old John Wesley Burns, II entered a blind plea to the charge in Grady County District Court last week. Burns was arrested in October of 2022. That was nearly a year after court documents indicate the sheriff's office received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Burns had uploaded a photo onto a Snap Chat account. Burns was sentenced to 90 days behind bars followed by nearly 10 years’ probation.
Firm to Pay Off Unpaid Lunch Debt at Chix Schools
Several thousand dollars’ worth of unpaid school lunches in the Chickasha school district will be paid for. The Chickasha board of education is expected to accept a contribution from Camino Natural Resources tonight which will erase more than $8,300 in outstanding lunch payments.
New playground equipment to be purchased
The panel will also consider spending more than $640,000 to install new playground equipment with field turf at Lincoln, Grand, and Bill Wallace schools. Funds for the equipment were part of the last bond issue.
Non-school employees to get paid for working some school events
The panel is also to consider approve paying non-school employees who work in a non-certified position $12 an hour during athletic events or in maintenance. The panel is also to consider a proposal to increase the pay of support personnel who also work at athletic events from $10 to $12 an hour.
High school staff to be recognized
The school board will also recognize two high school staff members as the Chicken Express Employees of the Month. They are teacher and coach Chris Pechl as the certified employee and Teresa Russell as the support employee. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building. A podcast of the meeting is available on the school district’s YouTube channel which can be accessed on the district's website.
Bullock Memorial Center to Host MLK, Jr. Day Events
A Chickasha group will hold a couple of events next week to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Bullock Memorial Center will host the events on Monday, Jan. 15th which is Martin Luther King Day. The day will start with a fish fry lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The cost is $12 per person. Following that will be a free program featuring speakers who will talk about how the community has impacted their success and how they pass their values and what they have learned on to the next generation. Speakers are Chickasha police Lt. Traye Alexander; Chickasha High School teacher and coach Cristie Oliver; minister Milton Bowens, Jr. with Shepherd Street First Christian Church; and retired Chickasha firefighter and businessman Bruce Alexander. The public is welcome to attend both events. The Bullock Memorial Center is at 917 S. 1st.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.81 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.76.
Natural gas is $2.89 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,032 and silver is $23.11.
Obituaries
Katherine ‘Alice’ Roberts
Funeral service for Alice Roberts, 61, of Nichols Hills and formerly of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. this morning (Jan. 8th) at Epworth United Methodist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Charley Cockrum
Funeral service for Charley Cockrum, 93, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9th at the Main Street Church of Christ in Alex. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Frank Paritee, Jr.
Funeral service for Frank Paritee, Jr. is pending with Brown Thomas Funeral Home.
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