Saturday, Jan. 27th
Regional Broadband Expansion Projects Approved
It was announced this week that the Oklahoma Broadband Office approved the very first projects to expand high-speed Internet to rural Oklahoma. We have some details of the number of households and businesses in the Grady and Caddo county regions that are included.
Grady County
More than 850 locations are included. Two projects have been awarded to Southern Plains Cable - one is for $2 million to get the service to 216 locations and the other is for $2.4 million to get the service to 179 locations. Dobson Fiber was awarded a $3.2 million project to run the service to 372 locations, and AMB Oklahoma ISP awarded a $260,000 contract to get high-speed Internet to 82 locations.
Caddo County
Southern Plains Cable was awarded a $1.6 million project to get broadband service to 29 locations, and AMG Oklahoma ISP awarded a $250,000 contract to assist 93 locations.
McClain County
CoxCom was awarded a $3.4 million project to assist 487 locations.
Garvin County
Dobson Fiber was awarded a $2 million project to serve 309 locations.
Anadarko K9 Officer Has Added Protection
A K9 officer with the Anadarko Police Department has some new life-saving gear. Officer Simba now has a bullet-proof vest. The department posted on its Facebook page that the vest was donated by Bradys K9 Fund, a group that is passionate about supporting the four-legged officers that work tirelessly to keep communities safe. The post indicates the fund was created by an 8-year old boy who felt K9 officers deserved to have body armor. Over the last five-plus years the fund has raised more than $1 million and has provided vests for 950 animals throughtout all 50 states.
PSO Seeks to Increase Power-Generating Efforts
Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is looking to add to its power-generating capability. PSO has issued a request for proposal (RFP) seeking additional generation resources. The RFP does not require the approval of the corporation commission. PSO is hoping to add up to 1,500 megawatts of additional power-generating capacity by the end of 2018. The RFP includes sources like natural gas, wind, solar, and energy storage proposals and they'll give special consideration to Oklahoma projects. Officials say the request will help maintain a diverse, balanced generation portfolio that will serve PSO customers for many years.
Vintage Toy Show Has Something for Everyone
Toy collectors will be gathering at the Grady County Fairgrounds today for the annual Southwest Oklahoma Vintage Toy Show. Since the first show held in the fall of 2022 it has grown to include more than 65 vendors this year. There will be numerous toys, action figures, trading cards, and comic books available for sale or trade. There will be Hot Wheels, Barbies, Cabbage Patch dolls, and Legos as well as model trains, Atari, Nintendo, and Sega gaming systems, and antiques. Grady County 4H will have concessions with home-made cinnamon rolls while they last, baked potatoes, chili, and desserts. The show is in the north exhibit building at the fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $3 and children 12-and-under are free.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is this week's guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today we have an edited version of Tuttle State Senator Lonnie Paxton’s presentation at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce this week. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, Jan. 26th
Gov. Stitt Continues Seeking Tax Cuts
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt continues his efforts to cut taxes in the Sooner State. The governor is calling legislators to the state capital for a special session next week to consider the plan. Stitt has been touting his tax cut plan to media outlets statewide and he spent some time with KOOL/RANCH News this week. Some lawmakers want to see how much money will be available for the next fiscal year before discussing tax cuts. The governor said that isn't an issue.
While the House of Representatives has supported the governor's efforts to reduce taxes senate leaders have balked at the suggestion. The governor said he wants the leadership to at least schedule a vote on the proposal but it doesn't appear likely that will happen.
Progress Made in Getting High-Speed Internet to Rural Areas
Improved high-speed Internet service to rural Oklahoma is another step closer to reality. The state broadband office yesterday authorized broadband infrastructure expansion projects in 57 counties. The counties weren’t named in a press release announcing the news. Officials say there are 142 approved projects that would include many areas that don't currently have broadband service. Grant funds of more than $370 million will be coupled with more than $90 million in matching funds from 31 Internet Service Providers that submitted approved proposals for the expansion. Officials say the projects approved are to be completed by the end of 2026.
Former Anadarko Mayor J.T. McCasland Passes Away
Former Anadarko Mayor and city councilman J.T. McCasland has died. McCasland, a life-long Anadarko resident, was 84-years old when he passed away Tuesday. He worked in the banking industry for 25 years and also served as the Caddo County Clerk for 12 years. Survivors include his wife of more than 62 years, Ginger; two sons and their wives and families. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27th at the First Baptist Church of Anadarko.
Man Now Considered Fugitive After Ditching Ankle Monitor
A Caddo County man is now considered as an escapee from the State Department of Corrections after taking off his ankle monitor. Authorities are searching for 35-year old Preston Lange of Gracemont who is on probation for having firearms after a former felony conviction. A warrant for his arrest was issued by Caddo County authorities earlier this week. KSWO-TV reports that Lange and hasn't been seen since Dec. 12th. The escapee charge carries a sentence of two to seven years in prison but because of previous convictions Lange faces six years to life behind bars.
Traffic Delays Expected Near Apache Y
Here's a traveler's advisory for Caddo County motorists who drive on State Highway 9 near the Apache Y. The highway will be narrowed to one lane just west of U. S. Highway 62 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Friday, Feb. 2nd for surface work and routine maintenance. Officials say the work will only take place if weather conditions are suitable.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.36 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.43.
Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,042 and silver is $23.08.
Obituary
Kathleen 'Denise' Tims
A graveside service for Denise Tims, 75, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27th at Fairlawn Cemetery. She owned and operated Jimmy's Cleaners for many years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Thursday, Jan. 25th
Proposed Chix TIF Districts Unveiled
The City of Chickasha's Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Committee saw two proposed such districts for the first time yesterday. The sites were shown during the inaugural meeting of the entire TIF committee which was organized just last month. The TIF No. 2 area makes up most of the downtown area – mainly from the leg lamp west to 6th Street and from Choctaw Avenue south to Iowa Avenue which would be part of a downtown re-vitalization effort. The TIF No. 3 district is along Highway 62 east to the H.E. Bailey Turnpike and Grand Avenue Extension from Highway 62 and south to near the city's sports complex. Nate Ellis of the Public Law Group that is helping the city with the plan said officials are proposing the installation of more than $22.5 million in water and sewer lines combined in those areas. It would include a new water tower to be located near the OSU Research Station. Ellis said the infrastructure would not be needed all at once and could be done in stages as development occurs. Ellis said the funding would come from added sales tax and property tax revenues that are realized with new development. He said the likely scenario would be that a developer would pay the initial cost of the infrastructure work and the city could reimburse the developer for a portion of the work once the funds from the TIF District are received. The 90-minute program can be viewed on the city's YouTube channel which can be accessed on the city's website: chickasha.org The next TIF committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 21st at 1:00 p.m. at city hall.
Man Nearly Released From Jail Faces Child Sex Crimes
A Blanchard man who was about to be released from a southeastern Oklahoma county jail is now facing dozen child sex crimes. KSWO-TV reports that 24-year old James Dalton Horne was serving time in the McCurtain County Jail for assaulting a police officer. He was scheduled to be released yesterday. However, a Grady County warrant for Horne’s arrest had been issued for charges that include rape, child abuse, and lewd acts with a child. It's alleged that Horne had been molesting children for the last five years.
Admitted Burglar Now Accused of Hit-and Run
A suspect who pleaded guilty to a number of car break-ins in Rush Springs last year is facing new charges after an alleged hit-and-run accident in Chickasha. 23-year old Robert Capone Clemons was initially arrested last summer for the auto burglaries which occurred last July. He was charged with six counts of felony third degree burglary. Clemons pleaded guilty to those charges in September and is scheduled to be sentenced in March. Last weekend, Capone was arrested in Chickasha in connection with a hit-and-run that occurred about 2 a.m. Saturday morning. The new charges are all misdemeanors which include leaving the scene of an accident, resisting, obstruction, and not having a driver’s license. He's out of jail after posting bond and his case is scheduled for a disposition docket Feb. 9th.
Chix Parks and Rec Board to Hold First Meeting
The City of Chickasha's new Parks and Recreation Board will hold its first meeting tonight. The panel will meet at Chickasha City Hall at 6:00 o'clock this evening and is expected to nominate and elect a chairman, vice chairman, and secretary.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.09 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $80.04.
Natural gas is $2.64 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,018 and silver is $23.01.
Obituary
Amy Williams
A memorial service for Amy Williams, 54, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27th at New Life Christian Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, Jan. 24th
State Senators Seek Change in Virtual Learning System
A couple of state senators want to limit the amount of time public school students spend at home with virtual learning. State Senators Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) and Kristen Thompsen (R-Edmond) say there is a lack of learning when students are at home. They've heard complaints that students are on-line for as little as 30 minutes during those days. Paxton said if students are getting little or no educational instruction on remote learning days, the state is ignoring its responsibility to students and abusing the trust of taxpayers. Thompson said as a mother of three children she's seen first-hand the lack of quality instruction that occurs on remote learning days. The senators have jointly filed SB 1768 that would only allow virtual learning days in the event of bad weather, staff shortages caused by illness, building maintenance issues, or if found necessary by school administrators. The bill also calls for school districts to provide a minimum of 5 1/2 hours of virtual instruction per day to Kindergarten through 8th grade students and six hours per day for high school students.
Assault Suspect in Custody
A suspect wanted for the alleged assault of a woman last month is in custody. 38-year old James Trent Canfield of Noble is accused of an assault that occurred at the Love's Travel Stop on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike northeast of Chickasha. Documents filed in Grady County District Court indicate authorities were summoned to the convenience store Dec. 23rd. The alleged victim told investigators that Canfield hit her, grabbed her hair, and slammed her head into the ground because she would be intimate with him and a partner before he was scheduled to go to court. Canfield fled the area on foot. A warrant was issued for Canfield’s arrest and he was taken into custody last week. He has been charged with a felony for domestic assault and battery and a misdemeanor for transporting an open container. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Grandfather Accused of Assaulting Teen Grandchildren
A Grady County man initially arrested on complaints of enabling child abuse has been formally charged with misdemeanors for domestic abuse. 73-year old Richard McCraw of Tuttle was arrested this past Sunday night. Tuttle police were called to the McCraw home to investigate a domestic violence complaint. Court documents indicate that three teenagers identified as McCraw's grandchildren were spending the weekend. The teens were outside burning brush when they were called inside to clean up a mess. McCraw is alleged to have assaulted the teens and even threatened to stab one of them. Prosecutors have charged McCraw with three counts of assault and battery and he remains in jail on a $5,000 bond.
Children's Book Authors, Illustrators to Have Meet and Greet
Young readers will get a chance to meet the authors and illustrators of books geared to young children and teens. The Chickasha Public Library will host a meet-and-greet story hour next month. Children's author Eileen Hobbs, teen author Aaron Allison, and comic book illustrators Charles Martin and Buck Berlin will be on hand for the program. The meet-and-greet will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8th beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.37 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.55.
Natural gas is $2.45 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,052 and silver is $22.86.
Obituary
Pamela Walker
A celebration of life for Pamela Walker, 68, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25th at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall. She worked for the Small Business Administration for many years. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chickasha Firefighters Association or Southwest Youth and Family Services.
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Tuesday, Jan. 23rd
State Senator Previews Legislative Session
State Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) spent some time in Chickasha yesterday discussing several topics in a noon meeting at the Chamber of Commerce. Paxton said he's unsure of Gov. Kevin Stitt's timing of a special session next week, ahead of the legislative session that will start Feb. 5th. Paxton said early budget projections show the state could be within $250 million of the current year's budget. But he warned that at the start of the 2023 session there was a big drop in anticipated funds.
Paxton said he has filed three of an estimated 20 tax cut bills at the state capital however whether any of them will be considered depends on the final numbers.
The final budget projection will be out in mid-February. Paxton serves on the senate's energy, telecommunications, and utilities committee and said lawmakers are working to improve Oklahoma's power grid to prevent what happened during Winter Storm Uri.
Tuttle state senator Lonnie Paxton.
Deputy to Present Program on Dangers of Fentanyl
The number of deaths from counterfeit pain pills laced with fentanyl has increased by a large margin over the last few years. In Oklahoma alone the most recent numbers show the number skyrocketed from 47 deaths in 2019 to nearly 300 in 2021. Grady County Deputy Jim Peek works with the Drug Enforcement Administration in the battle to get deadly drugs off the streets. Peek says has a program he presents to schools, civic groups, and churches across the state which warns of the dangers of the drug.
Peek will have a couple of programs in the area this week. One will be Thursday afternoon at Pioneer School and another Thursday night at the Chickasha High School auditorium. The Chickasha program starts at 5:30 p.m. and both are open to the public.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.19 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $80.06.
Natural gas is $2.42 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,046 and silver is $22.41.
Obituaries
Donald Nowlin
A graveside service for Donald Nowlin, 71, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25th at Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin. He was a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and also served in the Army, National Guard, and Army reserves. He also worked at Gabriel and Walmart. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Stuart Meltzer
Funeral service for longtime USAO professor Stuart Meltzer, 83, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25th at the USAO Alumni Chapel. He taught at USAO for more than 40 years and was active in the Chickasha Community Theatre. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the USAO Stuart Meltzer Scholarship Fund or the Chickasha Animal Shelter.
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Monday, Jan. 22nd
Slick Roads Lead to School Closings and Delays;
Some Government Offices Closed or Will Open Late
Freezing rain and drizzle overnight has created hazardous driving conditions throughout much of the state today. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory through noon due to slick roads. City streets are also slick this morning. Numerous school districts canceled classes or opted to have virtual learning. The Grady and Caddo County courthouses closed for the day while Anadarko City Hall opened an hour later and Blanchard City Hall announced it would open at noon. Waste Connections in Chickasha said trash pick-up all week will be delayed by one day, with Monday service on Tuesday and so on with Friday’s trash pick-up to be on Saturday. The Chickasha Police Department announced it would only answer calls for traffic accidents with injury. Police Chief G.G. Music said drivers involved in non-injury accidents should exchange information on their own.
State Rep Discusses Upcoming Special Session
Gov. Kevin Stitt has called for a special session next week ahead of the regular legislative session which begins in two weeks. The governor again wants to discuss tax cuts for Oklahomans. While the house of representatives has supported the governor's tax cut plans over the last several years the state senate has blocked the governor's efforts. State Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) says it’s no different this time.
Lowe says he is about to begin his fourth year at the state capital and during that time the governor has called nine special sessions. Among Lowe's work this session will be a follow-up to a task force he led last fall regarding the enforcement of regulations for commercial motor vehicles. He wants the Department of Public Safety to enforce those regulations.
State Not Quite Ready for Nuclear Power as Energy Source
Will nuclear power be a possible energy source in Oklahoma in the future? State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) held an interim study on nuclear energy last fall. While there are no immediate plans for the state to move in that direction he said the study was held mostly to gathering information.
He says nuclear power is now one of the safest and most reliable forms of energy production but that it’s also expensive. Boles said it doesn't make economic sense at this point to consider it for the near-term future.
OSU Extension, CV Tech Combine for Spring Courses
Grady County OSU Extension and Canadian Valley Technology Center are combining efforts to offer a few courses this semester. A food preservation class will provide information on canning, freezing, and dehydration. A money management course will help individuals with financial planning. It's open to anyone 16-and-older however teenagers 13-15 years old can also enroll but must be accompanied by an adult. There is also course on nutrition that will discuss the body's organs and their functions and the best foods to eat to feel your best. Contact the technology for more information.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.41 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.56.
Natural gas is $2.52 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,046 and silver is $22.32.
Obituaries
Larry Mann
Funeral service for Larry Mann, 70, of the Tuttle and Minco area will be this afternoon (Monday, Jan. 22nd) at 2:00 p.m. at Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle. He was a welder.
Richard Quillin
Funeral service for Richard Quillin, 55, of Chickasha will be held Tuesday, Jan. 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at Full Gospel Church. He was involved with the Salvation Army. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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