Saturday, April 6th
Trio Inducted into Chix Schools Hall of Honor
The work of several past educators and administrators for Chickasha Public Schools was heralded last night at the Chickasha Public School Foundation annual gala. Harly Day who was a teacher, coach, and principal; Jim Glaze, who was a teacher, coach, and superintendent; and Judy Duprez who was a long-time high school English teacher were all inducted into the school district's Hall of Honor last night. Officials also named middle school teacher Greg Gibson as the District Teacher of the Year; and Alice Ketchum was named Support Employee of the Year. She has held several posts with the district for 28 years mostly in the central kitchen prior to her retirement in January.
Nine Candidates File for Grady County Offices
Grady County Republican voters will be choosing four elected county officials in the coming months. No Democrats came forward to run for the offices during the three-day filing period which ended yesterday. Three candidates filed for District 2 county commissioner as current commissioner Kirk Painter will be on the ballot with Ruth Bingham and Garland Terry. Sheriff Gary Boggess will face Jeff Franklin; County Clerk Jill Locke will go head-to-head with Neva Ford; and a new court clerk will be elected with Mica Selzer Hackney and Carolyn Bowens running for the post. Current Court Clerk Lisa Hannah will be retiring this year. The primary election will be June 18th.
Caddo County
In Caddo County, Republicans will decide who will serve as sheriff. Incumbent Spencer Davis will face Brynn Barnett of Carnegie in the June 18th primary. Three incumbents ran unopposed for their jobs - District 2 Commissioner Jeff Bowen, County Clerk Rhonda Johnson, and Court Clerk Patti Barger.
State Capital Filings
At the state capital, three Grady County Republican state lawmakers ran un-opposed for their seats. District 56 State Representative Dick Lowe of Amber and District 51 State Representative Brad Bowles of Marlow will stay in office for two more years (through the end of 2026); and District 23 State Senator Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle will serve his third and final term which will run through 2028.
Motorcyclist Injured Avoiding Animals
A Marlow motorcycle rider is hospitalized after crashing his bike while trying to avoid some animals. 44-year old Jimmy Burch suffered head and external injuries in the crash that happened in far southeastern Oklahoma near Poteau just before 1 o'clock this morning. He was not wearing a helmet. The Highway Patrol reports that Burch was taken to a hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas where he was admitted in stable condition.
Grass Fire Shuts Down Turnpike
A grass fire along the H.E. Bailey Turnpike shut down the interstate yesterday. The blaze erupted near Mile Marker 68 about 12 miles southwest of Chickasha just before 4:30 p.m. The highway was closed for about 90 minutes and re-opened about 6:00 p.m.
Traveling Art Exhibit Opens at Jacobson House Native Art Center
The works of Native American artists across the country are on display in a traveling exhibit in Norman. More than 30 artists are featured in the exhibit that is underway at the Jacobson House Native Art Center. A formal opening of the exhibit called 'Collective Wisdom' was held last night. During the opening the lifetime contributions of Caddo and Potawatomi artist Jeraldine 'Jeri' RedCorn were honored. Her work is displayed in the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Museum of History, and is on permanent display at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. The exhibit runs through Aug. 2nd
Talk Show Topics
Diane Hugar with the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes will discuss the tribes Alzheimer's Disease Program Initiative. On Real Estate Today are Erin Glass and Kelly Davis with the South Central Oklahoma Workforce Board. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, April 5th
More Candidates File for Grady County Government Offices
Thursday saw two more candidates come forward to run for Grady County government offices in day two of the filing period. County Clerk Jill Locke filed to run for re-election as a Republican. She is being challenged by Republican Neva Ford who filed on Wednesday. Also yesterday, a third candidate entered the race for District Two County Commissioner. Ruth Bingham, who works in the county treasurer's office filed as a Republican. Bingham joins current commissioner Kirk Painter and Garland Terry both of whom also are Republicans. There were no additional filings for sheriff where current Sheriff Gary Boggess and challenger Jeff Franklin have both filed as Republicans. There were also no additional filings for court clerk where Carolyn Bowen and Mica Selzer Hackney have filed as Republicans.
Caddo County
There were no new filings in Caddo County. Sheriff Spencer Davis and challenger Brynn Barnett have both filed as Republicans. District 2 Commissioner Jeff Boren, Court Clerk Patti Barger, and County Clerk Rhonda Johnson have all filed un-opposed to this point. Today is the final day for candidates to file for county, state, and federal offices.
Chix Public School Foundation Annual Event is Tonight
Former Chickasha school administrators and teachers will be honored tonight at the Chickasha Public School Foundation Purple and Gold Gala. Three new members will be inducted into the Hall of Honor. Harly Day was a principal, teacher, and coach who spent more than 50 years in education. Jim Glaze was a first a teacher and a coach then served as principal and superintendent. He spent more than 30 years in education and all were in the Chickasha school district. Also being honored will be long-time high school English teacher Judy Duprez who also served as an adjunct professor at USAO. The site teachers of the year will be recognized with one of them to be named District Teacher of the Year; a support employee of the year will be announced; and new members of the Chickasha Athletic Hall of Fame will be named. The gala will be tonight at the Grady County Fairgrounds.
Solar Eclipse Anticipation Grows
Excitement continues to build about the solar eclipse that will take place on Monday. A small part of Oklahoma will get to experience a total eclipse of the sun. Grady County 4Her Shane Williamson has information about the eclipse in this region and some interesting facts about solar eclipses.
Williamson says you should not look directly at the eclipse as it could damage your eyesight. There are specialized glasses available or a welding helmet would also provide suitable protection.
Youth Rodeo Associations Compete in Chix
Nearly 200 high school and junior high school rodeo-ers will be working to improve their skills at the Grady County Fairgrounds this weekend. Members of the Oklahoma High School and Junior High School Rodeo Associations will start arriving this afternoon with competitions to be held tomorrow and Sunday. This is the third of four spring competitions for the groups. They have had previous events in Ardmore and Guthrie and they will wrap up the regular season at Weatherford in a couple of weeks. Junior high association members will return to Chickasha May 16th-19th for their state finals and high school association members will be back May 28th through June 2nd for their state finals.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.15 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $88.92.
Natural gas is $1.86 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,312 and silver is $26.90.
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Thursday, April 4th
'Pinged' Stolen Truck Leads to Drug Suspect Arrests
Rush Springs police arrest two people after finding a stolen pickup and discovering they had illicit drugs. 28-year old Michael Brown and 44-year old Melissa Grantham, both of Rush Springs, were taken into custody late Monday. KSWO-TV cites court documents that say authorities pinged the truck to a home in Rush Springs. Officers went to investigate and found the truck in a barn in what might be considered a chop-shop operation as the truck had been dismantled. Both suspects were said to have had pills laced with fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. Both have been formally charged with trafficking and having a stolen vehicle with bond set at $150,000 each. If convicted Brown faces 24 years to life in prison; while Grantham faces seven years to life behind bars.
Races Form in First Day of Filing for County Offices
Races for three Grady County offices developed in the first day for candidates to file for public offices yesterday. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess and challenger Jeff Franklin both filed as Republicans; District 2 Commissioner Kirk Painter and challenger Garland Terry both filed as Republicans; Mica Selzer Hackney and Carolyn Bowen filed as Republicans for court clerk (incumbent Court Clerk Lisa Hannah is retiring); and Neva Ford filed as a Republican for county clerk. Incumbent County Clerk Jill Locke has announced she's running for re-election but has not yet filed.
Caddo County
There is also a race for sheriff as Sheriff Spencer Davis and challenger Brynn Barnett of Carnegie have both filed as Republicans; District 2 Commissioner Jeff Boren has filed for re-election as a Democrat; County Clerk Patti Barger has filed for re-election as a Democrat; and County Clerk Rhonda Johnson has filed for re-election as a Republican. The filing period runs through tomorrow.
Chickasha Police to Offer Citizens Academy
The Chickasha Police Department will host another citizens’ police academy. The 10-week program will offer attendees a better understanding of police training, procedures, and philosophy through both classroom and hands-on training. The free academy will begin Thursday, May 2nd and runs three hours each week. A background check will be required of all applicants. Applications are available on the City of Chickasha's website: www.chickasha.org or they can be picked up at the police department.
USAO Hosts Spring Triad; Including Chalk Art, Droverstock
It's a huge day at USAO as hundreds of high school and middle students converge on campus for several events the university calls the Spring Triad. Officials are expecting some 500 students from 40 schools for the Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival. There are several age divisions including one for college students, non-students, and adults who can purchase a 10’ X 10’ square on the Oval. There are two judges who will select one entry as a best-in-show which will win a $250 top prize They will also select ‘Judges’ Favorites’ each of which will receive $100. In addition to the chalk art festival there is an academic competition and for the first time high school juniors have been invited to tour the university. Later today, the annual Droverstock festival and concert will get underway. It opens with activities and vendors including a mechanical bull and inflatables at 4:00 p.m. The concert starts at 6:00 p.m. with five bands scheduled to play. There is no admission to attend any activities although food trucks will charge for their products.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.43 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $88.92.
Natural gas is $1.84 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,312 and silver is $27.16.
Obituaries
Douglas Unruh
Funeral service for Douglas Unruh, 61, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 8th at Plainview Mennonite Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Sundra Lee Brookshire
A memorial service for Sundra Lee Brookshire, 81, of Edmond and formerly of Chickasha will be held by the family at a later date. She worked in the medical field and was co-owner of a laboratory. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, April 3rd
Chickasha City Council Election Results
One Chickasha city council representative wins re-election and two new councilors will take office as a result of yesterday's city council elections. Ward 1 Councilwoman Kea Ginn was elected to a second-term by defeating David Lucas, 444 to 256. For the Ward 2 post Charlie Burruss outlasted Daniel Terry by three votes, 363 to 360 in the unofficial results. Terry said he will not ask for a recount. For the Ward 4 office, John Smith defeated two opponents. Smith collected 404 votes (57 percent); Eric Anderson received 256 votes (36 percent); and Isaac DeLeon received 46 votes (6.5 percent).
School Board Elections
At Alex, Kelby Ketchum defeated Jonathan Mills 125 to 23. At Minco, Jared Rumley defeated Mike Herrel 168 to 155. For District 6 of the Canadian Valley Technology Center, Dean Riddell wins re-election by defeating Cotton Ruzicka 3,123 to 1,860. At Blanchard, Barry Carpenter won over Cindy Spaulding, 236 to 147; at Dibble, Stephen Swaim defeated Sheri Phillips, 51 to 39; and at Binger-Oney, Cameron Stephens defeated Gary Farrow, 66 to 50.
Cement School Bond Issue Passes
Less than 75 voters cast ballots in the Cement school bond election but it passed overwhelmingly. The $4.2 million proposal received nearly eight out of every ten votes, 57 to 16. The bond will be used to build a kitchen and cafeteria addition which will double as a community storm shelter. There will also be a window replacement project at school sites.
Filing Period Opens for County, State Offices
The filing period for county and state offices gets underway this morning. In most counties the offices of sheriff, county clerk, and some county commissioner seats will be up for grabs. In Grady County, Sheriff Gary Boggess has announced his intention to run for the post he was appointed to last year. He is expected to be challenged by 30-year law enforcement veteran Jeff Franklin. District 2 County Commissioner Kirk Painter is running for re-election and is expected to be challenged by long-time businessman and rancher Garland Terry. Incumbent County Clerk Jill Locke is running for re-election and is expected to be challenged by Neva Ford. Filings at the county level take place at county election boards.
State offices
At the state level, State Representatives Dick Lowe (R-Amber) and Brad Boles (R-Marlow) and State Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) are all expected to run for re-election. Filing for state office takes place at the state election board. The filing period runs through Friday.
Oil Site Crew Helps Nap Suspected Thief
A Chickasha man is accused of stealing copper from a Caddo County oil and gas location. 51-year old Lonnie Hatfield was arrested after workers at the site saw a man taking the copper and followed him as he drove away from the site. The workers called deputies who were able to catch up to the driver identified as Hatfield. Hatfield has been charged with grand larceny, conspiracy, and entering with intent to steal. His bond was set at $5,000 and a preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled for May 13th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.15 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $88.92.
Natural gas is $1.86 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,291 and silver is $26.37.
Obituaries
Gary Gwatney
A private memorial service will be held for Gary Gwatney, 69, of Blanchard. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Darrell Hickman
Funeral service for Darrell Hickman, 65, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 4th at the Ninnekah Church of Christ. He owned and operated a dozer company. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Vern Wilkerson
A memorial service for Harry 'Vern' Wilkerson, 93, of Tuttle will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 4th at the Tuttle Methodist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
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Tuesday, April 2nd
Chix Council OKs Flood Prevention Project
Last night, the Chickasha City Council approved spending more than three-quarters of a million dollars on a flood-prevention project. The panel approved spending $755,000 to purchase some property behind the Homeland Grocery store for a water retention structure. Assistant City Manager Rachel Bernish-
Bernish said the city had budgeted $500,000 for the project. The balance will be paid for with revenue from oil and gas leases.
Police Chief Gives Annual Report
Chickasha Police Chief G.G. Music gave his annual report of the department to the council. Music said officers responded to more than 13,000 calls in 2023. He praised the officers for their work and gave special recognition to the department's dispatchers.
Music also said the Animal Control Division processed nearly 1,000 animals last year and had a more than 90 percent live-release rate. He said more than half of the animals went to spay and neuter clinics.
Some Municipal and School Elections are Today
It's Election Day for some Oklahomans. There are municipal and school board elections throughout the region. In Chickasha, voters will be selecting three city council members. In Ward One, incumbent Kea Ginn faces David Lucas; in Ward Two Daniel Terry faces Charlie Burrus; and in Ward Four three candidates are on the ballot – Ron Smith, Isaac DeLeon, and Eric Anderson. All Chickasha voters will cast ballots in each of those races. There are school board elections in Alex, Minco, Blanchard, Dibble, and Binger-Oney; and for Office No. 1 for the Canadian Valley Technology Center board of education. Cement school district voters will decide a $4.2 million bond issue. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.71 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $87.42.
Natural gas is $1.83 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,277 and silver is $25.70.
Obituary
R.L. Fikes
A private memorial service will be held for R.L. Fikes, 87, of Chickasha. He worked for Chickasha Ford and Charles Allen Ford for more than 30 years. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Monday, April 1st
Chix City Council to Consider Flood Prevention Project
The Chickasha City Council, acting as the Chickasha Municipal Authority tonight will consider purchasing a couple of lots in the Woodlands Section Two development to be used for water retention. The proposed payment of $750,000 is to a group called the Chickasha Development Company.
Payments recommended for sewer line projects
The Municipal Authority will also consider paying more than $450,000 to Matthews Trenching for a couple of sanitary sewer line replacement projects. One is along U.S. Highway 81 and another is near 16th Street and U.S. Highway 62.
Airport projects also to be reviewed
Construction is underway on some new hangars at the airport. During the Airport Authority portion of tonight's meeting the panel will consider paying more than $83,000 to Diversified Construction of Oklahoma for a T-Hangar project. The council will also consider applying for a more than $430,000 grant from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission which would be used to build two 75' x 75' hangars.
Other topics
The council will also consider selling surface rights only on several lots throughout the city. There will also be a presentation of the 2023 annual report from the police department. The council meeting will get underway at 6:30 tonight at city hall. The meeting will also be available on the City's YouTube channel which is available on its website, and will be televised on Optimum Cable Channel 3.
Grant to Help USAO with STEM Programs
A grant from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma will help USAO with its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs. The Masons provided a grant of more than $15,000 to purchase a new telescope for astronomy events; fund STEM workshops for middle school students which will cover topics like robotics energy, human health, and horticulture; and a summer camp for junior high students that will focus on healthy meals and stress relief. The university is currently working with teachers in several area school districts to provide STEM workshops at their schools.
Deputies Help Retrieve Pet Snake
A couple of Grady County deputies were summoned to a unique call last week. It seems a pet snake managed to get out of its enclosure in a Blanchard area home. The snake was a non-venomous Ball Python about 4 1/2 feet long. The snake was found inside the home and it took about 25 minutes for the deputies to retrieve the pet. A photo of the deputies with the reptile is posted on the Grady County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
Dan Stein to Address Grady County Agriculture Producers
Grady County agriculture producers meet for their first April meeting tomorrow morning. The speaker will be Dan Stein who is an OSU Extension animal breeding and reproduction specialist. The meeting will get underway at 7:00 a.m. at the Grady County OSU Extension Office.
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 $2,272 and silver is $25.20.
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