Saturday, Jan. 20th
Air Force Veteran is Chickasha's New Emergency Management Director
The City of Chickasha now has its own emergency management director. Edward Perez has been on the job since the first of the year. He's a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and has lived in the area for about 2 1/2 years. He says he's getting adjusted to the post with a lot of help.
Shae Mortimer is the public information officer for the city. Perez also said he’ll be working with Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson. Perez and his wife have four children and they live in the Ninnekah area.
City of Anadarko Warns of Utility Bill Scammers
The City of Anadarko is warning residents about a scam concerning telephone calls asking individuals to pay their utility bills. Officials say scammers are asking for payments related to water usage overage and meter issues. Officials say the city will not make phone calls requesting payment. Officials encourage anyone who may receive such a call to simply hang up. Representatives say customers can always call city hall to get the status of their utility bills at 405-247-2481
Bill Would Require VPO Defendants to Wear Ankle Monitors
A state lawmaker wants to put more teeth in Oklahoma’s victim protective orders (VPOs). State Sen. Darrell Weaver (R-Moore) would like to see VPO defendants wear ankle monitors ahead of their trials. And, he'd like to see repeat offenders held in jail without bond until their trials. Weaver has filed Senate Bill 1710 regarding the added measures. In a prepared statement, Weaver said VPOs are critical tools for safeguarding individuals from potential or further harm. He said the bill would provide an additional layer of protection for victims who have been through violence or trauma. If signed into law it would also require the defendant to pay for the costs related to the GPS device and monitoring.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. The City of Chickasha's new Emergency Management Director, Edward Perez and public information officer Shae Mortimer are on our KOOL Konversation. Real Estate Today guests are State Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) and State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow). Find podcasts of both programs on this website under the Community tab.
Obituary
Mildred Blacksher
Funeral service for Mildred Blacker, 81, of Cement will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24th at Calvary Baptist Church. She worked at a nursing home, USAO, and Grady Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Friday, Jan. 19th
Chickasha Mayor Says Area Planning for Growth
with Anticipation of a National Indian Hospital
Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley says the city and others in the region are preparing for huge project which will impact the area. Mosley said the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations and the federal Indian Health Services are looking to build a huge national hospital for Native Americans in the Newcastle area. Back in 2020, Congressman Tom Cole wrote that he was eager for the project to get off the ground and that it would greatly improve the health and well-being of Indian Country for years to come. Mosley says the hospital would employ thousands of people and that many would likely live in Chickasha. Mosley talks about the local impact.
Mosley said many have already checked out the community.
On-line information we've been able to track down is that the hospital is expected to be a 1 million sq. ft. facility and would be one of five such facilities across the country with others in Washington State, North Dakota, and two in Alaska.
Kidnapping Suspect Out of Jail after Bond Reduced
A Cyril man arrested for alleged violent crimes while on meth is back on the streets after his six-figure bond was reduced by 75 percent. 41-year old William Lee Black had his initial appearance on charges in Caddo County District Court this week. Prosecutors charged him with kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, domestic abuse, and pointing a firearm. The Lawton Constitution reports the crimes were committed against his girlfriend. A judge initially set bond at $100,000 but it was reduced to just $25,000 and Black has bonded out. He is to be back in court March 28th for a preliminary hearing conference. Black previously pleaded guilty to drug and firearms charges stemming from an arrest in 2017 where he received a one-year suspended sentence.
USAO Student to Attend Leadership Academy
A USAO student has been selected to take part in a state leadership program. Chloey Orosco will represent the university at the 2024 George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy. Students selected for the program show strong leadership qualities, high academic achievement, and participate in meaningful community involvement. Students attending the academy will have access to professional workshops on expanding personal skills and understanding leadership and networking opportunities. Orosco is a senior majoring in English with an emphasis on literature and plans to pursue a master’s degree in library science after graduation.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.08 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.10.
Natural gas is $2.70 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,031 and silver is $22.92.
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Thursday, Jan. 18th
One Hospitalized Following Semi, Dump Truck Crash
A crash involving a semi and a dump truck closed U.S. Highway 81 north of Chickasha most of the day yesterday. The accident happened about 5 a.m. near Highway 81 and Giles Road which is three miles south of Pocasset. The highway patrol reports a semi driver hauling mud rear-ended the dump truck. Sources tell RANCH news that the dump truck turned onto the highway from a county road in front of the semi near a hill prior to the crash. The semi-driver identified as 24-year old Zane Foix of Foster, Oklahoma had to be extricated from the cab by the Chickasha Fire Department. He was taken to an Oklahoma City Hospital and admitted in stable condition with a broken leg, and head and arm injuries. The driver of the dump truck, 71-year old Curtis Jackson of Chickasha, was not hurt. The highway was not re-opened until just before 6 o'clock last night.
Caddo County Man Accused of Ramming Car, Hitting Cop
A Caddo County man is facing several charges for allegedly running his car into another vehicle, a trailer, and punching a police officer. The incident happened at Walmart in Anadarko early Tuesday. KSWO-TV cited Caddo County court documents indicating the man rammed into the car of a store employee while she was in the car taking a nap. It's reported the man also hit a trailer before driving off. Anadarko police managed to locate the suspect and he got out of his vehicle and struck an officer. Arrested was 73-year old Bill Parton of Apache. He's been charged with a number of felonies and misdemeanors including reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, assault on a police officer, resisting, and attempting to elude. He's facing more than 10 years behind bars if he's convicted.
Blood Donors Needed Following Cold Weather
The recent cold snap has put a damper on recent blood drives. Officials say they need 1,200 units of blood each day to supply hospitals throughout the state. Christi Chambers with the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) says blood has a limited shelf life-
Chambers encourages donors who may only give once a year to do so more often. Each unit of blood saves the lives of three people. There are a couple of Chickasha community blood drives coming up in the next few weeks. The OBI bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking on Saturday, Jan. 27th and on Saturday, Feb. 10th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. To find an upcoming blood drive in your area visit the website obi.org By the way, January is national blood donor month which recognizes and celebrates those who donate.
State Senator Schedules Chickasha Chamber Program
The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will host State Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) on Monday. Paxton is expected to preview the upcoming legislative session which will be getting underway in a couple of weeks. Paxton’s committee assignments include education, energy and tele-communications, agriculture and rural affairs, natural resources and regulatory services, and veterans and military affairs. The program is for Chamber members however seating is limited and individuals should RSVP the chamber to get a seat. The program will get underway at noon on Monday, Jan. 22nd.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.56 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.88.
Natural gas is $2.87 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,013 and silver is $22.74.
Obituary
David Milliken
A celebration of life for David Milliken, 63, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19th at Southwest Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Ireland Funeral Home in Moore.
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Wednesday, Jan. 17th
Semi Crash Closes Highway North of Chickasha
U.S. Highway 81 north of Chickasha is closed due to an accident involving a semi. The accident is at Giles Road six miles north of Chickasha. The accident happened just before 5:00 a.m. There's no word on injuries.
Chix Water Treatment Plant Compared to Old Car
The Chickasha City Council heard an update on the plans to build a new water treatment plant last night. Officials from Freese and Nichols, LLC - the engineering, planning, and consulting firm hired by the city to work on the project - spent about 20 minutes discussing concerns about the current water plant. Jason Cocklin said that while officials with USW - the contractor operating the plant - are doing as good as they can with the plant in its aging condition - it is time to build a new one.
Cocklin said that there are plans to use some of the current equipment and buildings in the construction of the new plant.
Bids to be taken to remove unsafe docks at Lake Chickasha
The council approved going out for bids to remove dilapidated docks at Lake Chickasha and the purchase of two new trucks for the meter fleet at a cost of just over $73,000. The group also approved the surplus of a 2014 Ford F150 truck. The panel made two appointments - Daniel Terry to the Chickasha Industrial Authority and Brandi Whitehead to the Board of Adjustments.
Former Lawton Mayor and Coach Cecil Powell Dies
Cecil Powell, the brother of the late Chickasha High School and USAO Hall of Fame baseball coach L.J. Powell has died. Cecil was a high school baseball and basketball coach in Lawton and was named coach of the year in both sports. He would go on to serve as the Mayor of Lawton from 1998 to 2004. Powell was 91 when he passed away Monday. He was born in Mt. View in 1932. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and served during the Korean War. Funeral service will be at 10:0 a.m. Thursday, January 18th at St. Pauls United Methodist Church in Lawton.
DEA Agent to Host Program on Dangers of Deadly Fentanyl
A program discussing the dangers of counterfeit drugs laced with fentanyl will be held at Chickasha High School next week. Grady County Deputy Sheriff Jim Peek, who works with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will present the program on Thursday, Jan. 25th at 5:30 p.m. at the Chickasha High School gymnasium. The program is free and open to the public.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.40 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.29.
Natural gas is $2.90 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,025 and silver is $22.94.
Obituaries
Sherri Schoolfield
Funeral service for Sherri Schoolfield, 75, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19th at Trinity Baptist Church. She was a Registered Nurse. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Felicia Mulvaney
Funeral service Felicia Mulvaney, 58, of Blanchard will at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse.
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Tuesday, Jan. 16th
Chix Water Treatment Plant Presentation to be Held
The firm assisting the City of Chickasha to design and build the city's new water treatment plant will give a presentation during tonight's city council meeting. Officials with Freese and Nichols will provide the update. Chickasha voters approved a 1 1/2-cent sales tax last year to pay for the estimated $70 million facility. Mayor Chris Mosley said it will take several years before the plant will be built.
The council is also expected to purchase a couple of regular cab Chevy 1500 pick-ups from state contract for the meter fleet at a cost of just over $73,000 for the two vehicles; and solicit bids to remove several dilapidated docks at Lake Chickasha. Sealed bids will be accepted through Feb. 16th at 1:30 p.m.
Council reps to be appointed to Parks and Rec Board
The panel will also consider appointing councilmen Brian Gerdes, Kelly Boyd, and Dr. R. P. Ashanti-Alexander to the Parks and Recreation Board. The group will also consider approving downtown grant qualifications for a company called Anautics, Inc. for the new Luigi's Restaurant under construction at 117 N. 2nd, the former location of Roberto's Mexican Restaurant. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall and the meeting can be accessed on the city's YouTube channel available on the city's website and televised on Optimum Cable Channel 3.
Second Caddo County C-Store Break-in Suspect in Custody
Both suspects accused of breaking into a Caddo County convenience store last month are now in custody. Authorities arrested 18-year old Hennesy Largent last night and she was booked into the Grady County Jail. KOOL/RANCH news reported yesterday that the Caddo County Sheriff's Office was looking for Largent who they say one of the suspects connected to the Christmas morning break in at the Caddo Nation Convenience Store in Gracemont. Arrest warrants were issued last Friday for both Largent and Jarret Michael Price for second degree burglary and vandalism. We've learned since yesterday that Price was already in the Grady County Jail after being arrested two days after Christmas on Grady County charges of robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.68 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.29.
Natural gas is $3.31 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,043 and silver is $23.17.
Obituaries
Eva Fikes
A graveside service for Eva Fikes, 86, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18th at Fairlawn Cemetery. She worked at a Ft. Sill commissary for many years and also at Dunn's and Homeland. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Brenda Rogers
Funeral service for Brenda Rogers, 70, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25th at Full Gospel Church. She worked at Head Start and was a cook at USAO and the hospital. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Monday, Jan. 15th
Officials Deal with Fires, Power Outages in Frigid Temps
Grady County fire crews were called out to a structure fire in the Rush Springs area early Sunday. The Rush Springs and Farwell volunteer fire departments were first to respond and Ninnekah firefighters were asked to assist. The air temperature was 4 degrees at the time. A post on the Grady County Fire Department Facebook page said the fire was out by the time Ninnekah arrived however they stayed to help with overhaul and salvage operations. No details about the fire were available.
Much of Amber without power last night
More than 110 PSO customers in Amber were without electricity just after 7:30 last night. At about the same time scanner reports indicated there was a downed power line which sparked a grass fire about four miles west of Amber. It wasn't known if that was why power was out. Power was restored and PSO’s website is not showing any power outages throughout the Grady or Caddo county areas this morning. There are no electric co-op member power outages in the immediate area although about 52 CK Energy customers are without power in Canadian County and there is only one member without electricity in Comanche County.
One of Two Gracemont Burglary Suspects in Custody
(EDITOR'S NOTE - This story is an edited version of a previous story that included erroneous information about the suspect's arrest. We apoligize for and regret the error)
One suspect is behind bars and authorities are searching for another in connection with the Christmas Day break-in of a Gracemont convenience store. An arrest warrant for 25-year old Jarret Michael Price of Chickasha was issued last Friday. The sheriff's office posted the information on its Facebook page that Price has been charged with a felony for second-degree burglary and a misdemeanor for vandalism. Authorities also have issued an arrest warrant for Hennesy Yates – also known as Hennesy Largent in connection with the break-in. Investigators say she is known to frequent the Chickasha, Cyril, and Lawton areas but they say she could be anywhere. Her photo is posted on the Caddo County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Authorities say to call any law enforcement agency with information and that she should not be approached.
One of Two Gracemont Burglary Suspects in Custody
Caddo County authorities have arrested one suspect and are searching for another in connection with the Christmas Day break-in of a Gracemont convenience store. Authorities arrested 25-year old Jarret Michael Price of Chickasha last Friday. The sheriff's office posted the information on its Facebook page. Price has been charged with a felony for second-degree burglary and a misdemeanor for vandalism. He is in the Caddo County Jail and is could have his initial appearance on the charges in Caddo County District Court as early as tomorrow. Authorities also have issued an arrest warrant for Hennessy Yates – also known as Hennessy Largent in connection with the break-in. Investigators say she is known to frequent the Chickasha, Cyril, and Lawton areas but they say she could be anywhere. Her photo is posted on the Caddo County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Authorities say to call any law enforcement agency with information and that she should not be approached.
The Nation Recognizes Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday to recognize the slain civil rights leader. All federal and state offices are closed as are banks, the post office, Chickasha City Hall and the Grady County Courthouse. A number of schools including Chickasha are closed for the holiday but not all schools were out. One Chickasha activity that was scheduled for today has been postponed. Chickasha’s Bullock Memorial Center MLK Fish Fry has been re-scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3rd.
Obituaries
Odessa John
A memorial service for Odessa John, 103, of Wichita, Kansas and formerly of Chickasha and for her late husband Conway was held Saturday, Jan. 13th at Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Relief Fund.
Johnathan Lewis
No service is scheduled for Johnathan Lewis, 60, of Tuttle. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.68 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.29.
Natural gas is $3.31 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,058 and silver is $23.39.
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