Saturday, March 30th
Suspect in Custody After Alleged Hammer Attack
A Blanchard man is being held in the Grady County Jail on a $250,000 bond after being arrested on several complaints including hitting his wife in the head with a hammer. Grady County deputies arrested 48-year old Stephen Dwight Holsey late Thursday after responding to a domestic violence report in a rural area northeast of Blanchard. A probable cause affidavit indicates a juvenile in the home called 911 after his dad had come home intoxicated and became physically aggressive. Undersheriff Kori Brewer said the victim initially ran into a wooded area. He said the woman later called and said she was in a safe place. Holsey has been charged with assault and battery, having weapons, and reckless handling of firearms. Holsey was on probation after pleading guilty to a previous charge of having weapons after a previous conviction.
Oklahoma Among Nation's Top Renewable Energy Producers
The Sooner State is one of the top-producers of renewable energy in America. A study by Insider Monkey shows that Oklahoma ranks No. 6 in the country due mainly to wind power. The ranking is based on 2022 numbers which show Oklahoma produced just under 40 terrawatt hours of renewable energy - enough to fully power 2.8 million homes. Texas tops the list of renewable energy producing states at 139 terrawatt hours which can power nearly 10 million homes..
Holy City to Wrap Up This Year's Easter Pageant Programs
The Holy City of the Wichitas will hold its final performance of the season of its annual Easter Pageant tonight. This the 99th year for the pageant which is held at the Holy City near the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Admission is free however donations are welcome. The Holy City is a 66-acre replica of ancient Jerusalem. Paved parking is available and a free shuttle service is available at the refuge visitor center and Lake Elmer Thomas. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, sleeping bags, and coats and jackets. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed and food trucks will be on site. The pageant will begin about 8:30 and it runs about three hours.
Talk Show Topics
Zach Grayson, who will be Chickasha's next mayor and Erica Alexander, who will serve Ward 3 on the Chickasha city council, are this week’s guests on the KOOL Konversation. Both ran un-opposed for those seats. On Real Estate Today we have an exclusive interview with 4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore). Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, March 29th
State Panel Extends Application Deadline
for Some Drought-Related Cost-Share Projects
Oklahoma's Emergency Drought Commission has extended a deadline for property owners who are interested in applying for cost-share assistance for various projects. The deadline for practices related to water well drilling, pipeline, pumping plant, and water facilities have been extended to December 31st of this year. However, the website OK Energy Today reports the commission decided to maintain a June 30th deadline for pond-clean out practices. Producers who are unable to complete a project by that date will have priority during the next application period. Officials say if producers who have completed or are in the middle of those projects do not provide receipts by the June 30th deadline they will not be eligible for a reimbursement claim. State Climatologist Gary McManus attended the meeting and told the panel that while drought conditions are fading in the state that he is hesitant to say that the drought is over.
More Oklahoma Projects Approved for Federal Funding
In his stop in Chickasha this week Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) talked about some Oklahoma projects that will be receiving federal funds from the appropriations bills that were passed by Congress last week. He mentioned that nearly $2 million in funds will be for the City of Chickasha for projects to help minimize future flooding. Cole discusses some of the others-
He also said that Tinker Air Force Base and Ft. Sill also received funding for a number of projects.
Refuge Planning Another Prescribed Burn
Officials with the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge plan on having another prescribed burn. It will take place tomorrow if the weather is favorable. Officials say several roads will be closed and that signs will be posted. Roadways near the entry gate will close at sunset tonight and will be re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so. That is estimated to occur by 7 o'clock tomorrow night.
PSO Earns EPA Award
Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is being recognized by a federal agency. PSO was named an Energy Star Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence by the Environmental Protection Agency. PSO officials say the award reflects the long-lasting value and success of the utility's energy-efficiency programs. The award is presented to businesses and organizations which have demonstrated superior leadership and commitment for energy efficiency while at the same time helping to protect the environment.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.17 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $87.48.
Natural gas is $1.76 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,238 and silver is $24.92.
Obituaries
David Terry
No public service is scheduled for David Terry, 71, of Chickasha and formerly of Alex. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in combat in Vietnam where he was severely injured and awarded a Purple Heart. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Thursday, March 28th
Former Chix Resident Dies in Fatal Lawton Shooting
A deadly shooting at a Lawton convenience store claims the life of a former Chickasha resident. 25-year old Evan Jackson was one of two employees who were shot while working at the Stripes Convenience Store near E Avenue and Sheridan Road in Lawton early Sunday. KSWO-TV reports that the two men encountered an individual who had been banned from the store when the shooting occurred. Jackson died at the scene and his co-worker was taken to a hospital. A suspect is in custody. Jackson graduated from Chickasha High School in 2016. He was planning on attending a Harley-Davidson Mechanics training program in Arizona. He is survived by his fiancée Hannah and their three-month old son.
Suspected Speeder Arrested After Pursuit Tops 100 MPH
A Grady County man leads law enforcement on a pursuit that topped 100 miles per hour. Now he's facing charges of eluding and DUI. Tuttle police attempted to pull over a motorist for going 10 mph over the speed limit Sunday morning. Instead, the driver sped away and the chase was on. Court documents indicate the driver nearly crashed when his vehicle hit a dip in the road and he lost control, driving into on-coming traffic which caused a vehicle to run off the road. The driver eventually pulled over and arrested. He admitted drinking four or five beers and authorities found nearly 20 beers in the back seat. A field sobriety test showed the driver's blood-alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit. 20-year old Jacob Ignacio Gomez of Tuttle is now facing a felony charge of endangering others while eluding and a misdemeanor aggravated DUI municipal charge. He is out of jail after posting a $10,000 bond.
In-Person, Absentee Voting Underway
Early voting is underway for a number of municipal and school elections that are scheduled next week. Voters can cast ballots today and tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the county election board where they are registered to vote. Among the elections throughout the region are the Chickasha city council election, school board elections in Minco, Alex, Blanchard, Dibble, and Binger-Oney; and the Canadian Valley Technology Center school district. In Cement school district voters will decide a $4.2 million bond issue. Regular precincts will be open next Tuesday, April 2nd from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Chix Couple Preparing to Walk to Stillwater Again
Chickasha's Stewart and Beth Ann Meyer are gearing up for their annual walk to Stillwater. This will be the 24th year for the duo to take their annual 125-mile stroll to support Oklahoma's Special Olympics. It takes about a week for them to accomplish the task averaging about 25 miles a day. They'll be leaving on Friday, May 10th and will be arriving in Stillwater in time for the opening ceremonies of the games the next week. Since 2001 they have raised more than $200,000. In addition to the walk to Stillwater, the Meyers also hold their annual Craig Meyer Memorial Walk. That will be held Thursday, May 9th at the Chickasha High School football stadium. Registration for Craig's Walk is $30 with proceeds going to Oklahoma Special Olympics. For information call 405-226-2507 or e-mail: bam30meyer@aol.com
4Hers to Finally Get Excused Absences from Schools
Starting next school year, 4H students in Oklahoma will be able to get excused absences from school when they take part in approved 4H activities. Gov. Kevin Stitt yesterday signed HB 1006 into law. It's been a four-year effort for State Rep. Rick West (R-Heavener). 4Hers previously could not get excused absences for attending 4H events during school days because 4H is an OSU Extension program and not part of public school activities. The measure will allow 4H students to make up school work they missed while attending an activity recognized by the county 4H facilitator.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.35 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $86.09.
Natural gas is $1.71 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,216 and silver is $24.58.
Obituary
Evan Jackson
Funeral service for Evan Jackson, 25, of Lawton and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 2nd at Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, March 27th
Child Sex Crimes Suspect In Custody
Authorities have arrested a suspect wanted for child sex crimes. Grady County officials issued an arrest warrant for 30-year old Dalton Ralph Dorrough last October. Dorrough, who lists a Shawnee address, was wanted for two counts of lewd acts to a child under 12 years old. Grady County deputies booked Dorrough into the Grady County Jail last night. He could have his initial appearance on the charges in district court today.
Former Jail Inmate Sought for Alleged Assault on Officer
A Grady County Jail inmate is accused of assaulting a detention officer just days before the inmate was released. An arrest warrant has been issued for 26-year old Daniel James Thellis of Chickasha. He has been charged with a felony for assault and battery on a police officer. KSWO-TV cites court documents saying that a jailer was in front of Thellis' open cell trying to give him a cup of water and that Thellis refused several commands to move back so the door could be shut. A scuffle began and it's alleged that Thellis grabbed the officer's throat and threw the water at him. It was reported the incident happened Saturday, March 16th - two days before Thellis was released.
Women Accused of Neglecting Nursing Home Resident Charged
Two women accused of neglecting a nursing home resident are back on the streets after posting bond in connection with the formal charges they face. 38-year old Shelly Eaglin is charged with felonies of caretaker neglect, forgery, and use of a computer to violate state law. She posted a $15,000 bond. 34-year old Kimberly Eaglin faces a charge of felony caretaker neglect and she posted a $5,000 bond. Arrest warrants were issued for the two women last week following an investigation by the state attorney general's office and they were arrested late last week. It's alleged that a resident under their care suffered an injury when they did not check on him when they were employed at a Chickasha nursing home. Both are to be back in court May 4th to announce their attorneys and their preliminary hearing conferences have been set for May 24th.
Bill Would Ban Capital Punishment of Special Needs Students
There are still some Oklahoma public school districts which allow the corporal punishment of special needs students. Joe Dorman with the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy says his organization is urging state lawmakers to support legislation that would ban the practice.
Dorman said the bill is one of more than 200 pieces of legislation still under consideration at the state capital this legislative session that would be beneficial for children if approved.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.62 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $86.26.
Natural gas is $1.57 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,211 and silver is $24.64.
Obituary
Opal Capshew
Funeral service for Opal Capshew, 94, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 1st at Bible Baptist Church. She grew up in Minco and taught for more than 20 years at Sterling Public Schools. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, March 26th
Part of Chickasha to be Without Water Today
A Chickasha neighborhood will be without water today as crews work on some water lines. It's about a 10-square block area that includes an area from Henderson Street to 1st Street and from Ada Sipuel Avenue to Alabama Avenue. According to a post on the City of Chickasha's Facebook page, crews will be working on some water line improvement tie-ins. Water service is expected to be off until 5:00 p.m. today. Officials say the upgrades are being paid for with the help of Community Development Block Grants.
Federal Funds to Help Minimize Flooding in Chix
The City of Chickasha will be getting some federal funds which will be used to help minimize flooding. 4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) was in Chickasha yesterday and said the funds are included in last week's appropriations bills that were passed to avoid a government shut-down.
Cole said there were 12 basic bills approved over the last few weeks which will fund the government through September 30th. He said since it is an election year he believes Congress will have to pass another continuing resolution to fund the government until sometime after the November election.
USAO Seeks Federal Grant for Pedestrian Bridge
USAO is asking for a multi-million dollar federal grant to build a pedestrian bridge from the USAO campus over Grand Avenue. University President Kayla Hale says more than anything the $4.2 million project is a safety issue. During a special meeting tonight the Chickasha City Council will consider sending a letter of support of the project to Congressman Cole. In the letter, Mayor Chris Mosley writes that it would provide increased safety for students and student-athletes who need to cross the four-lane major artery to access baseball and softball fields and soccer practice fields that are separate from the main campus. It also states the bridge would improve campus and community wellness with the connection of sidewalks and trails on either side of Grand Avenue.
Council to consider ordinance to ban tobacco, e-cig products near parks
Also during tonight's meeting the panel will consider an ordinance which would ban the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products near schools, parks, and playgrounds. Prior to the council meeting the Planning Commission will also have a special meeting to hold a public hearing on the matter. If approved, current businesses that sell the items near those areas would be grandfathered in and not affected by the ordinance. The Planning Commission meets at 4:00 p.m. at city hall while the council will meet at 6:30 p.m..
Regional Prescribed Burn Association Meets Tonight
Agriculture producers interested in learning about controlled burns can get information in a meeting tonight. The Caddo and Grady County Prescribed Burn Association will meet at 6:30 tonight at the Grady County OSU Extension Office in Chickasha.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.95 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $86.75.
Natural gas is $1.61 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,215 and silver is $24.88.
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Monday, March 25th
Body Found in Vehicle Submerged in Anadarko River
Authorities in Anadarko continue their investigation of a fatality where an individual appeared to have driven a car into the water at Randlett Park. First responders were dispatched to a call of a submerged vehicle early Saturday morning. Reports indicated that they made several attempts to rescue a person trapped inside but were unsuccessful. The Anadarko Fire Department posted on its Facebook page that agencies first on the scene included Anadarko police, fire, and EMS and all went into full life-saving efforts and did not give up during a very difficult situation. Also responding were Anadarko emergency management and park employees, Caddo County sheriff's deputies, state troopers, Caddo County District two employees, and a wrecker service. Authorities have not yet identified the victim.
'Wanted' Former Nursing Home Workers Arrested
Two former employees of a Chickasha nursing home who were wanted for allegedly neglecting a resident in their care have been arrested. In a follow-up to a story we aired last week, we reported that arrest warrants were issued for 34-year old Kimberly Eaglin and 38-year old Shelly Eaglin both of Marlow after an investigation by the state attorney general's office. The pair were picked up by Stephens County authorities and booked into the Grady County Jail Friday night. The two were working for Shannon Springs Nursing Home when it is alleged they failed to check on a resident during their shift and the resident suffered an undetermined injury. Both are facing felony charges of financial abuse, and neglect or exploitation by a caretaker; while Shelly is also charged with forgery and falsifying computer records.
Oklahoma Congressman Schedules Chickasha Visit
4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) will be in Chickasha today. He'll be addressing business leaders at the Chamber of Commerce in a noon meeting and he'll be stopping by the KOOL/RANCH studios this afternoon. He's expected to discuss the passage of several appropriations bills late last week that helped to avoid a government shutdown. Cole may also discuss his announcement that he is running for the post of Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, a panel he's served on for 15 years.
LIHEAP Program Now Accepting Applications
Low income families needing help paying their utility bills can now apply for assistance through the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Oklahoma Human Services (OHS) office says households that have cut-off notices - or a written notice from their utility provider refusing to deliver additional fuel without additional payment may apply. If eligible, households can receive a one-time payment for the minimum amount required to resolve their crisis. Maximum monthly gross income is based on a sliding scale based on how many people live in the home. For a household of four the maximum monthly income is $3,250 per month. Applications can be made on-line at OKDHSLIVE.org
Citizens of Native American tribes may apply for state benefits or through their tribal governments but cannot receive help from both during the same fiscal year.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.63 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.43.
Natural gas is $1.66 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,191 and silver is $24.87.
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