Saturday, March 16th
Biological Mother of Athena Brownfield Appears in Court
Several legal proceedings regarding the death of Athena Brownfield took place in an Anadarko courtroom this week. On Wednesday, a murder trial was scheduled Sept. 23rd for Alysia Adams who pleaded not guilty to murder in connection with Athena's death. Yesterday, Athena's biological mother pleaded not guilty to child neglect charges. Jasmin Brownfield is facing two such charges for alleged mistreatment of Athena and Athena's five-year old sister. Investigators say that Jasmin told them that she and the children's biological father did not believe they were adequate caregivers and left the children with Alysia and Ivon Adams in 2021. It's alleged that Jasmin didn't check on the girls, provide any child support, nor inform anyone about any custody changes. Jasmin Brownfield's trial has also been scheduled to start Sept. 23rd.
Kasey Alert Issued for Missing Duncan Man
A Duncan man is missing and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has issued a Kasey Alert asking for assistance in finding him. 62-year old Jerry Wayne Buono was last seen the morning of Thursday, March 7th and was reportedly walking to a family homestead in Louisiana. A Kasey Alert is similar to a Silver Alert for missing seniors and an Amber Alert for missing children. Due to a medical issue, Buono's case is considered urgent. He is a citizen of the Comanche Nation, 6' 2" tall, weighs about 350 pounds, with long, black hair, brown eyes and a slight beard and moustache. He was last seen wearing a dark gray jacket, blue jeans, and white shoes. Among the agencies assisting with the search for Buono are the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW) and the Duncan Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to reach out to MMIW, Duncan police, or the highway patrol.
Report Shows Energy Industry's Impact on State Economy
A new report indicates the state's oil and gas industry was responsible for 22 percent of the state's economic activity in 2023. The website OK Energy Today cites the report from the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board. The report shows oil and gas contributed more than $55 billion to the state's Gross Domestic Product last year and that the industry contributed a record of nearly $3 billion in total taxes. Oil and natural gas provided more than $145 million to school districts and $177 million to county roads and bridges. The industry employs more than 200,000 workers with $31 billion in household earnings.
Final Day of Pre-War Swap Meet Underway
The search is on for hard-to-find parts for antique car enthusiasts. The 34th annual pre-war swap meet continues today at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The event is limited to transportation-related items dating before World War II and the first 50-years of the automobile which was first produced in 1895. There are even fully restored vehicles available. The swap meet is open to the public and today is the final day of the event.
Cars and Coffee at the Leg This Morning
Another auto-related event is underway this morning. The monthly Cars and Coffee at the Leg features some of the 'newer' classics, including muscle cars, custom builts, pick-ups, motorcycles, ATVs, and Utes. Cars and Coffee at the Leg is a free event held the third Saturday of every month, downtown Chickasha at the leg lamp from 8 to 11 a.m. There's free coffee and donuts while they last.
Talk Show Topics
Ward Two Chickasha City Council candidates Daniel Terry and Charlie Burruss are guests on the KOOL Konversation. There are two segments on Real Estate Today. One is with Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson and City of Chickasha Emergency Management Director Edward Perez; the other is with Lisa Johnson with the Chickasha Adult Basic Education program. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Obituaries
Wanda Tannehill
Funeral service for Wanda Tannehill, 83, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 18th at Ferguson Funeral Home. While growing up she helped her mother operate a nursing home, and she also worked at the Chickasha Mattress Factory, Hermetic Switch, and Baggett's Machine Shop.
Donna Ladd
Funeral service for Donna Ladd, 72, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 19th at Sevier Funeral Home.
Maria Lasseter
Funeral service for Maria Lasseter, 77, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 22nd at Sevier Funeral Home. She owned and operated Mert's Bridal Shop.
---
Friday, March 15th
Two People Injured in Pickup Rollover
Two people were hospitalized after a pick-up ran off the road and overturned near Minco. The crash happened just before 9:00 p.m. Thursday about four miles west of Minco on State Highway 152. A passenger, 41-year old Benjamin West of Yukon suffered a head injury, and the un-named 16-year old girl who was driving suffered head, arm and leg injuries. Both were admitted in stable condition. The highway patrol reports that the teen-aged driver fell asleep at the wheel. Both occupants were pinned inside the truck for about 20 minutes before being freed by the Minco fire department.
Water Line Work on Highway 81 Bypass Project
to Create Water Outage For One Area Next Week
An area west of Chickasha that has city water service will be without water on day next week. Contractors will be tying in water lines associated with the U.S. Highway 81 bypass project. City officials say the area affected is along Frisco Ave. from 29th Street west to CS 2810 - and from just south of U.S. U.S. Highway 62 to just south of Frisco. The work will take place Tueday, March 19th beginning at 8:00 a.m. and will take most of the day.Officials anticipate that the outage will impact homes in the area but wanted to make businesses aware as well. The exact date has not been set but will be announced as soon as it’s known. The city has also posted information on its website: www.chickasha.org where there is a link at the top of the home page which has a photo of the area that will be affected.
County Firefighters Urge Residents to Register Storm Shelters
Officials with the Grady County Fire Department are encouraging property owners who have storm shelters and safe rooms to register them with the county. Officials say it would help first responders to find you if are trapped inside following severe weather. The registration is free. Go to the website: www.gradycountyok.com and scroll down to find the Register Safe Room link. It asks for your address, how many people may use it, and a specific description of where it is located. You can even provide a photo, and the latitude and longitude. Officials say this is property owners outside the Chickasha city limits.
Naples Fire Department community appreciation day set
Another Grady County volunteer fire department will host a community appreciation event soon. The Naples Fire Department will have a fish fry on Sunday, April 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They will have fish, chicken strips, French fries, hush puppies and dessert. There will also be a silent auction.
'Darko Police to Dispose of Found, Unclaimed Property
The Anadarko Police Department will soon be disposing found or unclaimed property, and even contraband items that the department has collected over the last several months. Police Chief Eric Harlan said depending on the value, the property will either be destroyed or sold using an on-line auction system. The items have been collected over the last 120 days. Anyone with questions can send an e-mail to: drichardson@cityofanadarko.org
'Passion Play' Set for Holy City of the Wichitas
The Holy City of the Wichitas has been preparing for its annual Easter Pageant. This will be the 99th year for the event said to be the longest running Passion Play which tells the life story of Jesus Christ. A dress rehearsal is scheduled for tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. and organizers are extending an invitation to those with disabilities to attend. Performances will be held Saturday, March 23rd and Saturday, March 30th also at 8:30 p.m. The Holy City of the Wichitas is just north of Lawton near the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.26 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.42.
Natural gas is $1.74 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,174 and silver if $25.29.
---
Thursday, March 14th
Murder Trial Date Set for Alysia Adams
Caretaker Alysia Adams pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in Caddo County District Court in Anadarko yesterday. Adams was one of the individuals responsible for the welfare of 4-year old Athena Brownfield in 2022. The Cyril four-year old was reported missing in January of that year and her body found buried near Agawam a few days later. District Judge Kory Kirkland set the case on a felony disposition docket August 14th and a trial date Sept. 23rd. Adams is being held in the Grady County Jail in Chickasha. She has been held there after allegedly being intimate with a Caddo County Jail staff member. Adams’ husband Ivon is scheduled to be arraigned on a murder charge next month.
Victims Injured in Separate Crashes with Semis Perish
Two people who had been hospitalized after being hurt in separate traffic accidents involving semis have died. The highway patrol reports that Wanda Tannehill of Chickasha and Mindy Cates of Cyril passed away from injuries as a result of the accidents. Tannehill was hurt in an accident south of Pocasset Friday, March 8th. Cates was injured in a crash that happened south of Cyril the night of Monday, March 4th.
Motorcycle Crash Sends Driver to Hospital
A motorcycle rider was seriously injured in weekend crash near the Chickasha sports complex. 39-year old Levi Eden of Norman was airlifted to an Oklahoma City hospital following the accident that happened Saturday night. Sources say he was last in intensive care. Police say that Eden was traveling at an unsafe speed and ran off the roadway. He was not wearing a helmet.
Meet-Greet with Chix City Council Candidates is Tonight
Chickasha residents can talk to all the candidates running for city council in a meet-and-greet format tonight. The Chickasha Lions Club is hosting the informal event at the Canadian Valley Technology Center. All candidates are expected to be on hand including Zach Grayson who ran unopposed for Mayor; Ward One candidates Kia Ginn and David Lucas; Ward Two candidates Daniel Terry and Charlie Burruss; Ward Three candidate Erica Alexander, who ran unopposed; and Ward Four candidates John Smith, Isaac DeLeon, and Eric Anderson. The meet-and-greet will run from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The city council election is Tuesday, April 2nd.
Church Hits Big Number in Food Bank Effort
A Chickasha church reaches a big milestone in a years-long effort to help hungry families in the region. Southern Oaks Church of Christ has a free food pantry every Thursday evening. The program is nearly 20 years old and for about the last 10 years they've been getting semi-truck loads of food twice a month from the Regional Food Bank. Coordinator David Boiles says this week's delivery hit the 2 million pound mark. The trucks deliver 6,000 pounds or more of food each trip. Boiles says they serve much of Grady County and even a couple of Caddo County communities.
Boiles says families can get food once a month and they provide food to 75 or more families each week. Patrons do have to fill out a short form once a year. The pantry is in the 100 block of South 5th Street and is open Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Boiles says there is also a free clothing closet next door that is open on Tuesday of each week.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.72 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.03.
Natural gas is $1.66 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,174 and silver is $25.24.
Obituaries
Margaret Walker
Funeral service for Margaret Walker, 76, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was a nurse and also managed the Cement Senior Citizens Center. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Starri Briscoe
A graveside service for Starri Briscoe, 62, formerly of Chickasha was held at the Ninnekah Cemetery Tuesday, March 12th. She was an LPN and worked at the veteran's hospital. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.
---
Wednesday, March 13th
Woman Accused of Child's Death to be in Court Today
A woman charged with murder in connection with the death of a child in her care is due in court today. Alysia Adams is to be arraigned on a murder charge in Caddo County District Court. Adams is one of two people authorities say is responsible for the death of four-year old Athena Brownfield...the Cyril girl first reported missing in January of 2022 and whose body was found buried in the Agawam about two weeks later. Adams was initially charged with child neglect, but prosecutors filed a murder charge against her earlier this year. Today will be the first day that Adams will formally hear about the murder charge. Adams has been in jail since being arrested in connection with Athena's death. Her husband, Ivon Adams is also charged with murder. He arraignment will be held next month.
Apprenticeships May Assist with Skilled-Labor Shortage
An effort to help companies fill skill gaps in Oklahoma's labor force will soon get underway. Several state agencies and the Canadian Valley Technology Center (CV Tech) will hold a program for companies to create registered apprenticeships. The State Department of Commerce; the South Central Oklahoma Workforce Board; and Oklahoma Works will have information. Officials say apprenticeships allows individuals to both receive training and work at the same time, and allows employers to 'grow their own' employees. The program will be Wednesday, April 17th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at CV Tech. It's for community leaders and economic development and workforce development professionals. To register, contact Erin Glass by e-mail: erin@scworkforceboard.org
USAO Names New Chief Financial Officer
USAO has a new chief financial officer. Nick Hathaway was recently named Vice President of Business and Finance. A university press release says Hathaway is the founder and CEO of Brio Data Group and pioneered workforce engagement through cutting-edge data analytics and artificial intelligence. He previously served as executive vice president at OU and as special assistant to president. Hathaway also spent time as a press secretary in the U.S. Senate. He currently serves as a board member for the Oklahoma City National Memorial. USAO President Kayla Hale said Hathaway's experience, visionary leadership, and commitment to innovation align perfectly with USAO's mission.
Tattoo Artists Earn Recognition
Several of Chickasha's premier tattoo artists brought home some top honors from the Homeward Bound Tattoo Expo in Tulsa this past weekend. From Downtown Tattoo, Garrett Hall had three first place and three second place awards and was named Best in Show; Greg Martinez was third in the dark-horror category; Lisa Boyd was third in the floral category; and Jayden Wahsabaugh brought home two first place and one third place award.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.56 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.92.
Natural gas is $1.71 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,163 and silver is $24.45.
Obituaries
Phyllis Russell
Funeral service for Phyllis Russell, 90, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 16th at the Verden Baptist Church. She ran the Tiger's Den in Verden for many years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Aletha Terry
Funeral service for Aletha Terry of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 18th at Middleberg Baptist Church. She worked as a telephone operator, sold shoes at Williams Shoes and worked for State Farm insurance agents in Chickasha and Lindsay. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
---
Tuesday, March 12th
Active-Shooter Drill Set for Grady Memorial Hospital
Multiple law enforcement groups will converge on Grady Memorial Hospital next week to test their response to an active shooter situation. In a press release from the Department of Public Safety officials say the training is crucial for enhancing the safety of the state's health care facilities. It's part of what's called the Active Threat Integrated Response Course for hospitals. The drill is included in a 24-hour course that takes place over several days which combines lectures and hands-on training that expose participants to realistic scenarios. This will be the first such drill at a hospital for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The exercise will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 22nd and will include all employees at the hospital, The Grady County Sheriff's Office, Grady County Emergency Management, Chickasha police and fire, and the Department of Homeland Security. Residents in the area may hear simulated gun fire and several helicopters will be in the air. Chickasha High School which is nearby will not be in session as it will be Spring Break. Officials say this exercise will be used as a model for similar drills across the state.
Bill Limiting Foreign Investment in U.S. Farmland Signed into Law
Third District Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Cheyenne) has had his Agricultural Risk Review Act signed in to law. The website OK Energy Today reports President Biden recently signed HR 3378 which protects U.S. farmland from foreign ownership especially Communist China. Lucas said with an increasing amount of potentially hostile foreign investment in U.S. farmland, protecting America's agriculture industry becomes more and more paramount to our national security. The act includes having the U.S. Ag Secretary serve as a permanent member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States for any transactions related to the purchase of land, bio-technology, or other purchases related to the ag industry.
'Bill the Banker' Has Died
Longtime area banker Bill Graves has died. Known as ‘Bill the Banker’ he spent 30 years in the industry. Graves was 87 when he passed away on Sunday. He worked for Chickasha Bank where he served as vice president and senior loan officer with many years at the Cement location. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years, was a deacon and Sunday School director at Ninnekah First Baptist Church, and served with the Chickasha Lions Club. He was also a big OU football and softball fan. Funeral service for Bill Graves will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 15th at the Ninnekah First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Absentee Ballot Requests Due Soon
Voters who would like absentee ballots mailed to them prior to the upcoming April 2nd elections need to get requests in to their county election board offices soon. There are numerous city and town council elections, school board elections, and special bond issues on ballots throughout the region. The deadline to request absentee ballots is 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 18th. The easiest way to request an absentee ballot is to go to the Oklahoma Election Board website to fill out an application: www.oklahoma.gov/elections
Voters may also visit the election board office in the county where they are registered to vote to fill out an application.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.93 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.21.
Natural gas is $1.76 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,181 and silver is $24.62.
Obituaries
Winnie Janes
Funeral service for Winnie Janes, 93, of Chickasha was held at 10:00 a.m. this morning (Tuesday, March 12th) at Sevier Funeral Home.
Jimmy Browning
Funeral service for Jimmy Browning, 82, of Amber will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran, worked in hardware sales, and raised cattle on the family farm.
Wanda ‘Nadine’ Morris
A graveside memorial service for 90-year old Nadine 'Mimi' Morris of Ninnekah will be held by the family at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. She worked at the Grady County Courthouse and owned and operated a home day care. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to a church or local charity.
---
Monday, March 11th
Assault Suspect Arrested; Already on Probation for Previous Crimes
A Grady County man already serving probation for convictions of violent crimes was arrested last week for allegedly strangling his mother. 46-year old Chad Tylor Watts of Tuttle was taken into custody after county deputies were called to the home of Watts' parents last Wednesday night. A probable cause affidavit said that Watts becomes violent when he drinks and that he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The suspect was said to be headed to Oklahoma City. Authorities issued an alert for police there to be on the lookout for him and officials pulled him over on a traffic stop, placed him in custody and he was then taken to the Grady County Jail. Watts has been charged with a felony for domestic assault and battery. He is on probation after a 2021 conviction for assault and battery and a 2022 conviction for animal cruelty. Watts remains in jail on a $200,000 bond.
Chix Schools, USAO Consider Concurrent Enrollment
A proposed agreement between Chickasha Public Schools and USAO is being considered for USAO to offer concurrent enrolment and dual-credit opportunities for Chickasha High School students. A memorandum of understanding will be considered by the school board tonight. If approved, students would not be charged tuition or fees to participate in the courses. Students would be responsible for the costs of textbooks and materials. The two schools would work together to minimize any student costs. The proposal calls for courses to be taught either by USAO faculty or qualifying Chickasha school teachers, with Chickasha teachers to receive professional development to ensure the courses meet the standards and rigor expected by both schools. The Chickasha board of education meets at 6'oclock tonight at the school administration building.
Anadarko Teacher in the Running For State Teacher of the Year
An Anadarko teacher is one of the nominees to be Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. Laura Powell has been teaching high school English for more than 10 years. She says it’s quite an honor to represent Anadarko schools. The ten finalists will be interviewed over the next several weeks and a winner will be announced in July.
Duncan Museum Honors Rush Springs 'Spirit Rider'
There's quite a tribute for a Rush Springs man who now has a statue in his honor at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan. The statue was recently unveiled in honor of Raymond Rust who passed away last year. Rust was an accomplished spirit rider and the statue will allow children to saddle up and even lasso a roping dummy. Rust’s daughters Renee Hoover-Payton and Tammy Filipo say Raymond grew up on a horse and tell KSWO-TV that he loved to rope calves and steers. Their brother Rusty followed his father's passion which included competing as a spirit rider at Oklahoma State University.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.01 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.08.
Natural gas is $1.81 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,186 and silver is $24.56.
Obituary
Gwen Cox
Funeral service for Gwen Cox, 95, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 15th at Epworth Methodist Church. She taught school in Grady and Caddo counties and was a first-grade teacher in Chickasha schools for 25 years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
---
