Saturday, Feb. 3rd
Mixed News for Oklahoma's Bank Account
Officials with the state treasurer's office say Oklahoma had an overall increase in tax revenue last month. A report on the website OK Energy Today shows more than $1.5 billion in taxes paid which is an overall increase of about 7 1/2 percent from December. The lion's share of that $1.5 billion came from corporate taxes at about $950 million. However, gross production taxes from the energy industry took a tumble. The $12.8 million figure was down about 12 1/2 percent from December. Taking a look at the bigger picture, total tax revenues for all of 2023 were just under $17 billion which was off about 3 percent from the 2022 calendar year.
Earthquake Rattles Central, Eastern Oklahoma
There was a whole lotta shakin' goin' on in central parts of the state overnight. An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 on Richter Scale rocked parts of Oklahoma about 11:30 p.m. The epicenter of the tremor was near Prague but it was felt from Chickasha to Tulsa and Tahlequah. A number of aftershocks have been shaking the ground since the initial earthquake.
Acclaimed Kiowa Author N. Scott Momaday Leaves Lasting Legacy
The literary world is mourning the death of Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Dr. N. Scott Momaday. A member of the Kiowa Tribe, Momaday passed away at his New Mexico home last month at the age of 89. He was the first Native American to win the Pulitzer. It came in 1969 for his book 'House Made of Dawn'. Momaday was born in Lawton in 1934 to Alfred Momaday, a Kiowa painter, and Natache Scott, a part-Cherokee writer. The family moved to a reservation in Arizona a year later and then to New Mexico in the mid-1940s where Momaday honed his writing skills. Kiowa Tribal Chairman Lawrence Spottedbird said Momaday's writing and life work have inspired other Kiowa citizens to write their own stories, and that he leaves behind an amazing legacy of story-telling that is unparalleled within the American Indian Community.
Talk Show Topics
Lilly Huckaby with the Chickasha Public Library and Angie Lewis with the Friends of the Library are on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today are Mike Sanders with the state broadband office and State Rep. John Echols, the majority floor leader in the state House of Representatives. Find podcasts both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Obituaries
Dana Stover
Funeral service for Dana Stover, 72, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5th at Sevier Funeral Home.
Bill ‘BJ’ Hartis
A memorial service for 'BJ' Hartis, formerly of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He worked the last few years in the oil and gas industry. Memorial contributions may be made to First Tee.
---
Friday, Feb. 2nd
Fugitive Injured, Hospitalized in Shootout with Police
Shots were fired at a Gracemont home last night where a fugitive was injured and flown to a hospital in a medical helicopter. Law enforcement surrounded the home to serve an arrest warrant on 35-year old Preston Lange. He was on probation for having firearms after a previous conviction and had removed his ankle monitor back in mid-December. Our partners at KWTV News 9 report that a tactical team from the Highway Patrol and U.S. Marshalls tried to take Lange into custody. It's reported that Lange fired a weapon at the officers who then returned fire. No officers were injured in the shootout and Lange's condition is unknown.
OSBI Looks Into Alleged Misconduct at Caddo County Jail
The OSBI has been called to investigate alleged misconduct at the Caddo County Jail in Anadarko. It's reported a jailer has been fired for having an inappropriate relationship with a female inmate. The inmate is reported to be Alysia Adams. She is charged with murder in connection with the death of four-year old Athena Brownfield of Cyril in January of last year. It's reported that Adams was moved to the Grady County Jail. The name of the fired officer has not been disclosed.
Rollover Crash Claims Life of Gracemont Man
A deadly crash in Canadian County claims the life of a Gracemont man. 39-year old Cody Hermann died in the accident that happened north of Cogar just before 1:00 p.m. Thursday. The highway patrol reports that Hermann's Jeep ran off a county road and rolled nearly two times, throwing Hermann out of the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Firefighters Beat Back Flames from Grass Fire
Grady County firefighters spent several hours battling a grass fire between Blanchard and Bridge Creek yesterday. Crews from Pocasset, Friend, Naples, and Alex were summoned to assist. No property damage was reported.
Optimists Host Annual Groundhog Day Event
A Groundhog Day tradition continues today. The Chickasha Optimist Club has its annual Pancake breakfast. They are serving pancakes and sausage, orange juice, milk, and coffee. Tickets are $7 each and kids five-and-under eat free. Pancake Day is going on at the First Baptist Church at 4th and Colorado until 1:00 p.m.
Bullock Memorial Center Fundraiser Tomorrow
A Chickasha group is marking two events in one with a benefit and program tomorrow. The Bullock Memorial Center will commemorate Black History Month and have its Martin Luther King fundraiser that was postponed last month due to cold weather. The MLK fish fry will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and tickets are $12. Following the fish fry there will be several guest speakers talking about how the community has impacted their success and how they are passing their values and what they've learned on to the next generation. Speakers include Chickasha high school teacher and coach, Cristie Oliver, minister Milton Bowens, Jr; Chickasha Police Lieutenant Traye Alexander; and retired fire fighter and businessman Bruce Alexander. The program will get underway at 2:00 p.m. and it is free and open to the public. The center is at 917 S. 1st.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.82 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.74.
Natural gas is $2.05 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,071 and silver is $23.30.
Obituary
Tommy Hackney
A graveside service for Tommy Hackney, 81, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He worked as a welder. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
---
Thursday, Feb. 1st
Hundreds of the State's Abandoned Oil, Gas Wells to be Plugged
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission will work to plug nearly 600 abandoned oil and gas wells in the state this year. The agency will use state and federal funds – the federal money is from the Biden Administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The 597 wells targeted are just a fraction of the number of abandoned wells in the state. The Southwest Ledger reports that plugging orders have been issued for nearly 1,900 other wells and there are more than 18,000 additional wells waiting to go through the legal process to get plugged. The Ledger cities corporation commission officials as saying it costs about $20,000 to plug each well.
Charges Against Former Apache Town Clerk are now Felonies
In Caddo County, the former clerk for the town of Apache accused of embezzling town funds is now facing felony charges. 45-year old Kelly Lunsford was initially charged with two misdemeanors following her arrest last September. The charges were upgraded to felonies in Caddo County District Court this week. Lunsford is accused of taking about $400 in city funds which includes $280 that a resident paid on a utility bill and another $108 that an individual paid for the impoundment an animal. Lunnsford is out of jail after posting a $5,000 bond. She is to be back in court March 8th for a preliminary hearing conference.
SUV Driver Critical After Crash
A Marlow woman was critically injured after the SUV she was driving ran off the road and hit an embankment. 53-year old Dallas Rose-Strutton was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head injuries after the crash. The accident happened just after 4:00 a.m. Thursday west of Elmore City in Garvin County. The highway patrol reports she was northbound on State Highway 76 and failed to stop at a stop sign at the T-intersection at State Highway 29.
Special School Bond Elections on Ballots This Month
Several school districts in the region have special bond elections scheduled in February.
Tuttle
Voters will decide two bond issues totaling about $1.3 million. The first is for nearly $1 million for constructing, equipping, repairing, and remodeling buildings. The second is for $250,000 to purchases buses and other school vehicles.
Ft. Cobb-Broxton
Voters will decide a nearly $21 million bond issue to renovate the elementary and middle schools both of which were built in the 1950s. The bond will also will include adding two new classrooms to house new art and music classes.
Central High
Voters will decide a more than $6 million bond issue to build a new Career and Technology Education Center. All of these special elections are scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 13th.
Chix Police to Take 'Plunge' for Special Olympics
Some Chickasha police officers will be taking a polar plunge for charity. The department has been challenged to raise $2,500 for Oklahoma Special Olympics. The plunge will take place Saturday, Feb. 10th at the Hurricane Harbor water park in Oklahoma City. The officers were challenged by Assistant Police Chief Daimon Alexander who has been a long-time supporter of Special Olympics. He was recently presented with the Tim Stafford Unsung Hero award for his work with the Law Enforcement Torch Run held every spring prior to the state Special Olympic Games in Stillwater.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.85 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.71.
Natural gas is $2.10 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,048 and silver is $22.75.
---
Wednesday, Jan. 31st
Onward Chickasha Project Continues Seeking Public Input
The Onward Chickasha project, an ongoing community involvement program to guide officials over the next 20 years, continues seeking public comment to assist with the effort. The latest phase concerns a Future Land Use Map which includes results from a previous community survey to develop three scenarios. Laura Bergey with Guernsey and Associates is the project manager.
The maps can be viewed on-line at the website www.onwardchickasha.org and users can post their opinions about them to help create a final proposal that will be considered later by the city council, the planning commission and other city officials. The maps can also be seen at Chickasha City Hall.
Filing Period For Chix City Council Begins Soon
The filing period for the spring Chickasha City Council election is next week. Positions for mayor and one seat in each of the four wards will be decided. There will be a new mayor as Chris Mosley has already announced he will not be running for a fourth term. Mosley has served six years at the post. Vice Mayor Zach Grayson, who serves in Ward 4, has already announced his intention to run for the post. In addition to Grayson's Ward 4 post, other seats up for election include Kea Ginn in Ward 1, Rick Croslin in Ward 2, and Dr. R.P. Ashanti- Alexander in Ward 3. The filing period is Monday, February 5th through Wednesday, Feb. 7th at city hall. The election will be held April 2nd.
Help Available For Communities to Apply for Federal Grants
Federal officials are encouraging rural communities to apply for grants to assist with infrastructure, energy, and conservation projects. However the application process can be tedious, challenging, and time-consuming. There is a new resource from the Center for Rural Affairs that can help grant writers with their efforts. The Grant Application Guide for Rural Communities is available. Officials say communities that invest in themselves can better keep and attract the people who energize communities and create new businesses. The center plans to host a webinar to walk communities through the guide and answer questions about grant applications. Officials can view and download the guide from the website www.cfra.org Officials will post information about the webinar when details are finalized.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.82 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.87.
Natural gas is $2.08 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,056 and silver is $23.24.
---
Tuesday, Jan. 30th
Police Name Chickasha's Most Dangerous Intersections
Chickasha police have identified the city's most dangerous intersections. The top two on the list are 4th and Grand Avenue and 4th and Choctaw Avenue. Authorities say officers worked 27 accidents at 4th and Grand last year. 23 of the 27 accidents did not involve any injuries. 4th Choctaw had 21 accidents last year and nine did involve injuries. Assistant Police Chief Daimon Alexander says the best way to avoid accidents is by paying attention to what's happening around you.
Alexander says nearly half of all intersection crashes are caused by inattentive drivers and pedestrians. He encourages drivers to stop when a traffic light turns yellow (instead of trying to beat the light) and to keep a safe distance between them and the vehicle in front of them. He recommends that pedestrians only use crosswalks and to not jay-walk. Other dangerous intersections include 4th and Minnesota, 1st and Grand, 16th and Grand, 17th and Iowa, and 8th and Missouri.
$1 Million Bond Set for Child Sex Crimes Suspect
A Blanchard man charged with a dozen child sex crimes was in a Grady County courtroom yesterday. 24-year old James Dalton Horne had his initial appearance on charges which include rape of a child under 14, lewd acts to a child under 12, and child sexual abuse. A judge set his bond at $1 million. Horne is to announce is attorney Feb. 8th with a preliminary hearing conference scheduled for Feb. 14th. Horne was booked into the Grady County Jail last Friday. He was transferred from the McCurtain County jail in southeastern Oklahoma where reports say he was serving a sentence for assaulting a police officer.
County Stop Sign Vandals Sought
Thousands of dollars in damage to stop signs in rural Grady County have authorities seeking information about the individuals responsible for the vandalism. District 3 County Commissioner Gary Bray said it’s been going on for the last year with many stop signs being shot or run over by vehicles. A photo of one stop sign shows about 30 bullet holes in it. Bray said the hardest hit areas have been near and south of Lake Burtschi and in the Alex area. Grady County Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. Call the Crimestoppers hot-line at 405-224TIPS and all information is kept confidential.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.78 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.40.
Natural gas is $2.49 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,053 and silver is $23.22.
Obituary
Carolyn Hunter
Funeral service for Carolyn Hunter, 87, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31st at First Christian Church. She was a teacher, a Girl Scout leader. and member of the Junior Social Workers where she was part of the group's first Spaghetti Day fundraiser. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grady County Historical Society.
---
Monday, Jan. 29th
Caddo County Authorities Seek Arson Suspect
A Cyril man is wanted for allegedly setting fires along some railroad tracks. An arrest warrant was issued last Friday for 31-year old Nickolas Blaine Toahty who also goes by Nickolas Klinekole. The warrant was issued at the request of the Cyril Police Department. Toahty is wanted for two felony counts of third degree arson and misdemeanor counts of obstruction and drug charges. The Lawton Constitution reports that Toahty escaped from police custody and disappeared on to Tribal trust land. On-line court records show that in 2021, Toahty pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of threatening violence and petty larceny. In 2011 he pleaded guilty to felony burglary.
Chickasha Storm Siren Testing Underway
For the last several weeks the City of Chickasha has been testing its storm sirens. Every Wednesday at noon (when weather allows) the sirens blare for about three minutes. Next week, the city will be doing more extensive testing and some maintenance work on the alarm system. Officials say on Wednesday, Feb. 7th they plan to sound the sirens for an extended period of time - between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Officials say they will delay that work if there is stormy weather forecast for that day.
Citizens Law Enforcement Academy set in Caddo County
Caddo County residents will have an opportunity to get an inside look at the law enforcement agencies that serve the area. A Citizens Police Academy will be offered this spring. It will include the Anadarko Police Department, Caddo County Sheriff's Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. It will include information on criminal, accident, and DUI investigations, use of force, Internet safety, and SWAT teams. The eight-week academy will be held at the Caddo County OSU Extension Office every Thursday beginning March 14th through May 2nd and will run three hours each week. Applications will be accepted through March 8th. For information contact Anadarko Police Chief Eric Harlan.
Mentors Sought for Chix Public School Foundation Events
The Chickasha Public School Foundation is looking for a few mentors for its annual program for 5th graders in Chickasha schools. Foundation Director Gab Shepard says each February the Foundation holds a Diamonds in the Rough program for girls and a Gentlemen of Distinction program for boys. The program was created to encourage students with their goals and education plans, help them see their potential, and motivate them to do their best. The program includes a catered lunch shared between mentors and students, an etiquette lesson, and a special guest speaker. The Diamonds in the Rough program will be Tuesday, February 6th and the Gentlemen of Distinction program will be Tuesday, 27th and both will be at the USAO ballroom. For information contact Shepard through the Chickasha schools administration office.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.01 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $83.55.
Natural gas is $2.17 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,045 and silver is $23.09.
Obituary
Marilyn Darnell
Funeral service for Marilyn Darnell, 85, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31st at College Heights Baptist Church. She was an elementary school teacher for nearly 40 years. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
