Saturday, March 2nd
Contractor Sought for Alleged Embezzlement
An arrest warrant has been issued for a man accusing of scamming Grady County residents out of tens of thousands of dollars. The warrant stems from an investigation by the state attorney general's office into allegations against 43-year old Dustin Lee Roberts. It’s alleged Roberts entered into contracts with several people and was paid for work he never started. KSWO-TV cites court documents indicating that projects included swimming pools and metal buildings between March of 2022 and October of 2023 totaling more than $140,000. Roberts is charged with three felonies including embezzlement and having a pattern of criminal offenses. The documents also indicate that Roberts never returned calls when the victims tried to contact him.
Man Back in Jail Hours After Being Released
A man who had been released from jail is back in custody just hours after being set free. 28-year old Colton Donald Kay of Lindsay was initially being held for public intoxication. On-line court records indicate that Kay was back in jail Thursday night accused of burglary. KSWO-TV cites documents filed in Grady County District Court saying a witness saw a man trying to break into his neighbor's home just outside of Chickasha. Grady County deputies were quick to respond and took Kay back to jail. He is now charged with a felony count of second degree burglary and faces up to three years behind bars if convicted. He remains in jail on a $10,000 bond.
Area Ranchers Unite to Help Fellow Ranchers Victimized by Wildfires
Grady County ranchers have organized an effort to help fellow ranchers in northwest Oklahoma who suffered losses in this week's wildfires. The Grady County Cattle Producers Association says there are many orphaned calves that need to be fed because the momma cows either died or suffered injuries which don't allow the calves to nurse. Past-president Katie Luttrell said they are collecting donations of powdered milk replacement, feeding bottles, and other items. The products can be purchased at any farm supply store and taken to the Chickasha Country Store where the items will be taken to the ranchers who need assistance. Monetary donations may be made to the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association and that can be done on-line at the website: www.okcattlmen.org
State House Passes Controversial Bill
The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved a controversial bill that supporters say would allow the state and not the federal government to have a say in the construction of new electric transmission lines - and that it would result in lower costs for consumers. However, opponents of HB 4097 said it would lead to increased rates. The website OK Energy Today reports the proposal would not require major utilities to go through the competitive bidding process for the projects. Supporters say would implement free market principles and assert states' rights in high-voltage transmission construction line and ownership. Among those opposed to the bill is AARP where officials say it is a rotten deal for residential utility customers and mandates an anti-competitive practice which would increase rates. The measure passed by a vote of 65 to 29 and now heads to the senate where it is being carried by Sen. Lonnie Paxton R-Tuttle).
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Ginna Waddell with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Foster Care program is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. State Sen. Darrell Weaver (R-Moore) is our guest on Real Estate Today. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, March 1st
Fewer Kids are in Foster Care but More Foster Homes Still Needed
Thousands of Oklahoma children are in foster care with the state Department of Human Services (DHS). And while the numbers are down over the last decade officials said there is always a need for foster homes. Ginna Waddell is a DHS foster care recruiter for southwest Oklahoma-
There are more than two dozen foster homes in Grady County and many care for children from other parts of the state. DHS tries to keep the children as close to their hometowns as possible. It can take several months for prospective homes to go through the application process, a background check, and training before being approved. For information on becoming a foster parent or parent, visit the website: www.okfosters.org
Chix Library Hosts Artifact Identification Program
If you have arrow heads, crude bone tools, or other artifacts you may have found and would like to get information about, officials with the Oklahoma Anthropological Society will be in Chickasha tomorrow to provide some insight. Mel Phillips is one of those who will be on hand to give their opinions on those items-
Phillips says the Oklahoma Archeological Society has identified nearly 300 historic and pre-historic sites in Grady County alone where items have been found. The program is free and will be held at the Chickasha Public Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow.
Jr. Livestock Show Brings Big Bids for Top Animals
The Grady County Junior Livestock Show wrapped up with the premium sale last night. The final numbers from the auction and the add-ons were not immediately available. Officials said they were still waiting for more add-ons to be contributed today. In the early bidding, the grand champion steer shown by Katlin Adams of Ampo brought in $4,250 but it was not the most money paid for an animal. The reserve grand champion steer shown by Madilyn Norvell of Ampo and the reserve grand champion barrow hog shown by Olivia Bradford also of Ampo both brought $5,000. Last year, the bonus sale brought a record $160,000 and add-ons of more than $150,000 were also a record.
Volunteer Fire Department Fundraisers Coming Up
Two Grady County volunteer fire departments will have fundraisers over the next few days. The Acme station west of Rush Springs will have a catfish and chicken strip lunch Sunday, March 3rd from noon to 3:00 p.m. The Friend Fire Station will have its annual community appreciation dinner Monday, March 4th at Friend School cafeteria. That will be a barbecue dinner and cake auction from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.26.
London-based Brent crude is $83.62.
Natural gas is $1.86 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,063 and silver is $22.90.
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Thursday, Feb. 29th
Drug Trafficking Suspect Pleads Guilty
A woman arrested nearly a year ago for drug trafficking pleads guilty. 29-year old Jessica Nicole Wright entered the plea in Grady County District Court last week prior to a jury trial that had been scheduled. Wright was arrested in March of 2023 after the Grady County Sheriff's Office received a tip that she was selling opioids laced with fentanyl out the motel room she was staying in. Wright was sentenced to 15 years in prison with seven years suspended and ordered to pay more than $500 in fines. She was also sentenced to a year in jail for pleading guilty to a felony drug possession charge and a misdemeanor for having drug paraphernalia.
Areas of Chickasha Without Water Today
Some Chickasha neighborhoods will be without water service for an undetermined amount of time today. The areas include the 100 through the 300 blocks of an area from Ada Sipuel Avenue to Tennessee Avenue, and the 300 blocks of Florida and Georgia Avenues. Crews are working on some water line improvements in that area. City crews are repairing water line breaks at 13th and Wisconsin and 17th and Dakota so homes in those areas may have low or no water pressure. Check the City of Chickasha Facebook page for updates.
Chix Schools Work to Increase Safety of Students, Staff
Chickasha public school officials have been working to improve security at all school sites. Today, high school students will be receiving identification badges that they will have to wear at all times on school grounds. They will also have to swipe the cards through an access panel located next to doors when they enter and leave the building. High school principal Debby Davis-
High school faculty and other employees have had their ID badges for about two months. Davis says there are plans to implement a similar system at the middle school.
Junior Livestock Show Closes with Bonus Sale Tonight
Today is the final day of the Grady County Junior Livestock Show at the Grady County Fairgrounds. In the beef show yesterday, Katlin Adams of Ampo had the grand champion steer and Madilyn Norvell of Ampo had the reserve grand. The grand champion county-bred steer was shown by Ladd Turner with the steer coming from Turner Farms. Ladd also had both the grand and reserve grand champion prospect steers. The grand champion heifer was shown by Raegan Wilburn of Tuttle and the reserve grand was shown by Kylie Callis of Minco. Callis also had the grand champion county-bred heifer. The buyers’ dinner gets underway at 5:00 p.m. with an awards presentation at 6:15 p.m. and the bonus sale at 6:30 p.m. with 125 animals being led through the show ring.
Anadarko Library to Join Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
The Anadarko Public Library will soon join the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program which will be available to all Caddo County residents. The program allows youngsters from birth to five years old to receive a free book in the mail every month. Parton launched the program through her Dollywood Foundation nearly 30 years ago and today the Foundation mails more than two million high-quality, age-appropriate books around the world every month. The kick-off for the program will be Saturday, March 9th from 9 a.m. to noon at the Anadarko Library. Parents and guardians can also register children on line at: www.imaginationlibrary.com
Children will begin receiving their books about eight to ten weeks after registration.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.54 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $83.68.
Natural gas is $1.88 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,039 and silver is $22.56.
Obituaries
Patricia May
A graveside service for Patricia May, 81, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 2nd at the Alex Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
James Garvin
No service is scheduled for James Garvin, 89, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, Feb. 28th
Burglary Suspect Jailed After Barricading Himself in RV
A Blanchard burglary suspect was arrested this week after holding law enforcement at bay. The incident happened Monday night with the Grady County Sheriff's Office reporting the suspect barricaded himself inside an RV. The sheriff's office posted information on its Facebook page saying the agency's SWAT team responded to a mutual aid call from Blanchard. The post indicates that at one point the suspect tried to start the RV but was unsuccessful. The suspect refused to follow the SWAT team's 'lawful direction' so the team entered the vehicle and took the suspect into custody without incident. The Facebook page has photos and a description of their work. The post does not identify the suspect. Formal charges have not yet been filed.
Mobile Meals to Shut Down; Other Groups Take Over
For more than four decades many homebound seniors in Chickasha have been able to get free meals delivered to their homes each weekday through a group called Mobile Meals. It's been announced that Mobile Meals will be shutting down however other groups will make sure the estimated 100 seniors being served will still be taken care of. The website Chickasha Today reports that all but three have been transferred to the Chickasha Senior Nutrition Center. The three who did not qualify due to age restrictions will be assisted by the Chickasha Soup Kitchen. Mobile Meals President Judith Jernigan said part of the reason they stopped was that meals had become too expensive. Mobile Meals had been getting contributions from churches, civic groups, businesses, and individual donors.
Grady County Junior Livestock Show Continues
The first two days of the Grady County Junior Livestock Show are in the books. Yesterday was a big day for Kobi Scroggins of Tuttle. Kobi had both the grand champion market lamb and ewe in the sheep show; and the grand and reserve champion doe goats in the goat show. McKenna Hurley of Alex had the reserve-grand ewe in the sheep show which included 58 market lambs and 16 ewes.
Goat Show
In the goat show, Kolton Kohler of Alex had the grand champion wether and Jack Ferrell of Ampo had the reserve-grand. There were 24 wethers and 14 does in the goat show.
Swine Show
The grand champion barrow was a spot Poland shown by Adi Brumley of Ninnekah and the reserve-grand was a hampshire shown by Olivia Bradford of Ampo. There were 164 barrows shown. The grand gilt was a cross shown by Hallie Herrel of Minco and the reserve-grand was a cross shown by Kennedy Clark also of Minco. There were 38 gilts shown.
Stock Show Judge Defines his Work
The judge for the first two days of the show was Mark Hoge from Illinois who teaches at Western Illinois University. He's been judging livestock across the country for many years and has judged at the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) in Oklahoma City. He described how he tells individuals without a livestock background what he does.
The beef show takes center stage at the junior livestock show today at the Grady County Fairgrounds.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.87 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $83.65.
Natural gas is $1.62 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,036 and silver is $22.51.
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Tuesday, Feb. 27th
Silver Alert Canceled for Missing Woman
A Silver Alert that was issued for a missing Dibble woman has been canceled. The Grady County Sheriff's Office issued the alert Monday morning for 74-year old Elizabeth Gerold who had last been seen leaving DJs Convenience Store at the Dibble Crossroads about 10:00 p.m. Sunday. Late last night the sheriff's office said she had been located and was OK but gave no other details.
Wildfire Threat to be at Extreme Level Today
The threat for wildfires will be at its highest level today as much of the Sooner State will see record-high temperatures and near gale-force winds. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Fire Warning from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-to-upper 80s with some 90-degree temps. There will also be sustained winds 20-30 miles per hour and gusts to 50 miles per hour. Humidity levels will be in the teens, vegetation is dry, and there has been little if any rain over the last couple of weeks. Grady County fire officials continue to ask residents to not burn anything, motorists towing trailers are urged to make sure tow chains will not drag the pavement, and smoking drivers are asked to not throw cigarette butts out the window. Anyone seeing smoke should call 9-1-1.
Firefighters squelch flames Monday
Several Grady County volunteer fire departments were summoned to battle a couple of grass fires yesterday. One was southwest of Rush Springs with the Acme, Bailey, Cox City, Farwell, and Ninnekah stations along with Marlow all dispatched to help Rush Springs. Crews were on that fire for about three hours. KWTV News 9 indicated a grass fire in the Amber area but no information was available on that blaze.
Grady County Junior Livestock Show Underway
The 89th annual Grady County Junior Livestock Show is underway. Goats and lambs will be weighed this morning with the shows later on this afternoon at The Grady County Fairgrounds. Several hundred animals will be led through the show rings this week with the top 125 animals going to the bonus sale Thursday night. Last year was a record year for the sale and add-ons with a combined total of nearly $313,000 paid out to the exhibitors. The sale brought in $160,000 and add-ons were $153,000. The buyers’ dinner will be Thursday night starting at 5:00 p.m.; the awards presentation at 6:15 p.m.; and the bonus sale starting at 6:30 p.m.
Time is now to Apply for Homestead Exemptions
Officials with the Grady County Assessor's office say property owners only have a couple of weeks left to apply for any property tax exemptions they may be eligible for in 2024. It's also time for those who have purchased a new home; opened a business; acquired or sold equipment for a business; acquired or sold farm equipment; or purchased or sold a mobile home to report those purchases. Homestead forms can be downloaded from the website www.okcountyassessors.org
Grady County Assessor Bari Firestone says March 15th is the deadline to apply for homestead exemptions. Also, seniors 65 and older and had a gross income of less than $90,000 in 2023 can have the market value of their property frozen. Military veterans who are 100 percent disabled and their unmarried widowed spouses can qualify their homestead property to be totally exempt from taxation (the disability must be service-related). For details on these programs and other information contact the assessor’s office at the Grady County Courthouse. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
USAO Hosts Hall-of-Fame Journalists
USAO is hosting a program which will discuss the evolving role of journalism in America. Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Famers Dick Pryor with KGOU radio and Ted Streuli with Oklahoma Watch will address the program called ‘Trust Me, I'm a Journalist’. They'll talk about where journalism started, where it is now, and where it's headed. It's a free program that will be held tonight in the USAO Regents Room. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the program starting at 7:00 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.58 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.53.
Natural gas is $1.66 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,046 and silver is $22.84.
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Monday, Feb. 26th
Silver Alert Issued for Missing Dibble Area Woman
(UPDATE, Tuesday, Feb. 27th - The Grady County Sheriff's Office has canceled the Silver Alert. Officials say she has been located and is OK)
The Grady County Sheriff's Office has issued a Silver Alert for a missing senior from the Dibble Area. Authorities are looking for 74-year old Elizabeth Gerold. She was last seen about 8:45 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25th when she left her home to go to DJ's Store in Dibble. She was driving a 2008 white Ford Crown Victoria with the numbers 750 on the roof. She is Caucasian, 5' 6" tall, weighs 135 pounds, and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a yellow long-sleeve shirt. She has scarring on her neck, face, and chest and has a tattoo of the Looney Tunes Tasmanian Devil on her right bicep. She does experience memory loss and takes medication. Anyone with information about her should call 9-1-1 or the Grady County Sheriff's Office at 405-224-0984.
Fire Chiefs Warn of Fire Danger
The fire chiefs for all of Grady County's volunteer departments are warning of the risk of wildfires over the next few days. The county fire department Facebook page say they have declared War Days today through Wednesday because of the very warm temperatures and high winds in the forecast. The declaration calls for three departments to automatically be called out for each fire. The post indicates that many firefighters will be at their regular jobs, so resources will be thin. There is not a burn ban, but the chiefs ask that residents not burn nor do anything to cause a spark. They say that should anyone see smoke, or a vehicle dragging a chain that could create sparks and start a fire to call 911. Several departments were called out to battle fires over the weekend.
Auto-Ped Collision Kills Caddo County Woman
A woman walking along a dark rural Caddo County last night died after being hit by a car. The highway patrol reports 45-year old Tisha Pickard of Apache was pronounced dead at the scene. It happened about five miles north of Apache on U.S. Highway 281 just after 9:15 p.m. The car was driven by 72-year old Charles Yeahquo of Apache. Neither he nor a passenger were injured. The highway patrol says the cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Correction to Child Sexual Assault Report
KOOL News has a correction to a story we aired last week concerning the child sexual abuse trial of Kenneth Clay Dietrich. We were wrong when we reported that Dietrich pleaded guilty. Dietrich, who was charged with three counts, was found to be guilty in a non-jury trial in front of District Judge Kory Kirkland. District Attorney Jason Hicks tells KOOL News that Kirkland found Dietrich guilty on two of the counts, while a third was demurred meaning there was not sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction. A representative of Dietrich's family said that Dietrich is planning to appeal the convictions.
Fire Fighters Concerned with New Training Requirements
We have more news about rural fire fighters today. Several rural fire coordinators met with state lawmakers last week over concerns about new mandatory training requirements. About a dozen coordinators met with State Representatives David Smith and Rick West last and a press release says it was a standing- room only meeting. Smith said fire officials are upset about some rumors they are hearing about what might be required of them from the state fire marshal regarding state laws. The lawmakers say they will facilitate discussion between coordinators, fire chiefs, and the state fire marshal so everyone can be on the same page about the new requirements. The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 13th in Room 450 at the state capital.
Volunteer Fire Departments Schedule Fundraisers
By the way, there are a several benefits for area fire stations coming up in the next few days. The Acme station west of Rush Springs will have a catfish lunch on Sunday, March 3rd to include not only catfish but chicken strips, fries and dessert. That will be from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Friend Fire Station will have its annual community appreciation dinner next Monday night, March 4th at Friend School cafeteria. That will be a barbecue dinner and cake auction from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Also, the Amber fire and police departments will have their annual Boots and Badges Community Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, March 9th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the AmPo High School Cafeteria.
Tribes Recieve Purple Heart Reservation Designation
The Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache tribes are being recognized as a Purple Heart Reservation, honoring those who were killed or injured during times of war. Kiowa Tribal chairman Lawrence Spottedbird said it took several years for the designation to be authorized. Spottebird said there are about 30 Purple Heart recipients who are citizens of the tribes who are alive today.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.49 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.62.
Natural gas is $1.60 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,041 and silver is $22.81.
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