Saturday, July 24th

 

Search Continues for Missing Anadarko Woman

The search for a missing Anadarko woman is expanding. Today is day three of the search for 55-year old Dawn Sherrill. She was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and had surgery just a few weeks ago. She left her home in her boyfriend's pickup Wednesday night and hasn't been seen since. KFOR-TV reports that pilots from the Chickasha Wings Flying School were part of an air search yesterday. Pilot Brandon Albert said three pilots covered about 900 square miles over the region and they'll be out again today. Sherrill's son Dylan told KFOR that he's worried and is hoping that someone knows where she might be.

 

              

 

Dylan said his mother could be disoriented or confused after having brain surgery and she's supposed to go to the doctor Monday. Dylan says he has reached out to mail carriers, sanitation workers, and wind farmers to be on the lookout in rural areas and he's also reached out to Ft. Sill for help. Dawn Sherrill could be driving a 2007 red Ford F-150 pickup with a smoker in the back. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Caddo County Sheriff's office or local  law enforcement.

 

Caddo County Livestock Killed; Reward Offered

Ranchers in Caddo County are reporting that their livestock are being killed and properties vandalized over the last few weeks. Many reports are from the Ft. Cobb and Broxton area. In addition, a new wind farm under construction in the region has also been victimized by theft and vandalism. Residents in the area are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. A post on the Caddo County Sheriff's Office Facebook page says tips can be submitted on the agency's website:

www.caddocountysheriff.com

 

City of Chix Seeks Code Enforcement Officer

The City of Chickasha is in search of a new Code Compliance Officer. Responsibilities include inspecting residential, commercial, and industrial properties in need of cleaning, clearing, alterations, or remodeling. The candidate will also enforce property maintenance codes, inspect structures for safety violations, and provide guidance to citizens on codes and general appearance questions. The officer also investigates citizen complaints to determine if there are health or safety hazards and nuisances. A complete job description and applications are available on the city's website: www.chickasha.org

 

Grady County Sheriff Updates Wanted List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has updated its list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here's Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett.

 

              

 

If you have information regarding any of these individuals you’re asked to contact the sheriff's office by calling 405-222-5085.

 

Obituary

Donald Habener

Funeral service for Donald Habener, 65, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 27th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Friday, July 23rd

 

Silver Alert Issued for Missing Anadarko Woman

The search continues for a missing Anadarko woman who recently had brain cancer surgery. The Caddo County Sheriff's Office has issued a Silver Alert for 55-year old Dawn Sherrill. She was last seen at her home south of Anadarko Wednesday night. Sherrill's son, Dylan, tells KFOR-TV that doctors found masses on his mother's brain just a few weeks ago.  One mass was removed and another was inoperable. Dylan said shortly after his mother's diagnosis, he took her car keys away because driving would be too dangerous. But Dawn left Wednesday night in her boyfriend's dark red, 2007 Ford F-150 pickup with Oklahoma tag number DLN-579. It has a smoker in the back and a black tailgate. Authorities say Dawn could be anywhere in the Anadarko, Carnegie, Apache, Fletcher, Elgin or Lawton area. Dawn Sherrill is Caucasian, with brown hair past her shoulders and wears glasses. She was last wearing tan Capri pants, and a smokey-gray scrub top that says Anadarko Vet - a top she wears at her work at a local veterinary clinic. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Caddo County Sheriff’s office or local law enforcement.

 

Minco Man Wanted for Child Molestation

Caddo County authorities are looking for a Minco man alleged to have molested two young girls. An arrest warrant has been issued for 59-year old Warner Watt who is facing felony charges of lewd molestation. The Lawton Constitution cites Caddo County court documents indicating Watt told the children's parents that he was drunk on moonshine and got “handsy” with the girls who are 10- and 14-years old. Watt faces up to 25 years in prison on each felony lewd molestation count if convicted.

 

Chix Police Officer Commended for Life-Saving Skills

A Chickasha police officer is credited for her life-saving skills. According to a post on the Chickasha Police Department Facebook page, Officer Kristen Thomas was dispatched to a call about an unresponsive person on Sunday, July 11th.  Thomas began live-saving measures which included CPR. The post says that Thomas' quick thinking, calm demeanor, and decisive actions saved the life of the individual.

 

D'town Chix to Host 'Christmas Cool Down' and Block Party

The Leg Lamp has returned to downtown Chickasha to highlight the city's Christmas in July retail promotion. The 40-foot tall leg lamp received international attention last fall with mostly rave reviews about the iconic lamp featured in the holiday movie, The Christmas Story. The lamp is part of a Christmas Cool Down and Block Party that will be held downtown tomorrow night. It's a free event that will be held at the Rock Island Railroad Depot starting at 5:00 p.m. with kids activities which include inflatable slides, arts and crafts, and face painting and food trucks will be on hand. At 6:00 p.m. there will be free Jungle Ice Snow cones with the Summer Santa Snow Cone Social, and free photos with Summer Santa. A free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. with Billy Davis and the Band of Brothers opening before the featured duo of Maggie McLure and Shane Henry, also known as The Imaginaries. A short fireworks show will follow the concert. Officials encourage those who plan on attending to bring lawn chairs.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Ahsha Morin with The Red Cord, southwest Oklahoma's anti-human trafficking group, will be on our KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today, guests are Verden School Superintendent Mickey Edwards and Alex School Superintendent Keith Weldon. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.91 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.79.

Natural gas is $4.00 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,801 and silver is $25.26.

 

Thursday, July 22nd

 

Arrests Made in Connection with Multi-County Crime Spree

A lengthy investigation by the Grady County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies has helped officials solve a multi-county crime spree. The crimes include identity theft, forgery, eluding, and porch piracy. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess issued a press release saying the investigation had been on-going for several months and credits the work of Deputy Stacy Carpenter. Carpenter worked with the Grady County Fugitive Task Force and officials from Moore, Del City, Midwest City, and Shawnee. The investigation led to arrest warrants being issued for Nicole Stowers of Del City and Michael Ramsey of Shawnee.  Authorities arrested Stowers last week while she attempted to elude police in Moore. Stowers is in the Grady County Jail pending a $100,000 bond and Ramsey is currently in the Pottawattamie County Jail. Both are also being held in connection with similar crimes in Canadian County.

 

The Red Cord Sets 'Stop (human) Trafficking' NOW Event

A southwest Oklahoma group is leading the battle against human trafficking.It's called The Red Cord, a non-profit group whose mission is to help victims trying to escape their captors and to educate law enforcement, first responders, and teachers to recognize warning signs of human trafficking. Ahsha Morin with The Red Cord says-

 

              

 

The Red Cord will hold its third annual Stop the Traffic Night of Worship, or, Stop the Traffic NOW program in Lawton next week. It is a free, family-friendly event with live music from local worship bands, face-painting, sno-cones and inflatable games for the kids. The event will be Friday, July 30th at Lawton's Elmer Thomas Park and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For information visit the website www.theredcord.org or see the Red Cord on Facebook or # Stop Human Trafficking

 

Protesters March on Kiowa Tribal Complex

A protest was held at the Kiowa Tribe Complex in Carnegie yesterday as members of the tribe’s executive and legislative branches disagree over the use of COVID-19 funds. A group estimated at between 100 and 150 people - including three trbial legislators - marched through Carnegie and to the Kiowa Complex, which was closed to the public. The Lawton Constitution reports that members of the legislative branch say that Chairman Matt Komalty is violating the tribe’s constitution under his plan to spend nearly $51 million in ARPA COVID-19 funds. Legislator Anita Johnson says the funds cannot be distributed without first being approved by a vote of tribal members. Komalty was out of town and not available for comment. The newspaper reported that a second protest is to be held in the near future at the Bureau of Indian Affairs Headquarters in Anadarko.

 

E-Sports, Skeet Shooting to be Offered at Chix High School

Students at Chickasha high school will have a couple of new extra-curricular activities to take part in during the upcoming school year. The board of education has approved E-Sports and clay-target shooting programs. E-Sports is a video-game competition that is growing in popularity among public schools, and a number of Oklahoma school districts already have organized teams. Chickasha will take part in The Western Oklahoma E-Sports League with competition to start this fall. Regarding the clay-target shooting program, the school district's resource officer, Deputy Mark Ingram with the Grady County Sheriff's Office will direct the program. It will be part of the Oklahoma Scholastic Shooting Sports Program and the Oklahoma State High School Clay Target League. The shooting sports season will begin after archery season ends.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.30 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.23.

Natural gas is $3.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,800 and silver is $25.13.

 

Wednesday, July 21st

 

Arrests Made After 125 mph Pursuit

A woman and a man were taken into custody following a high-speed chase through parts of two counties on Tuesday. The chase began in Mustang in the noon hour and ended just north of Chickasha about 1:15 p.m. Authorities say the pursuit began after a woman was accused of writing a bad check at a bank in Mustang. The pursuit went west out of Mustang and into Union City, then south on U.S. Highway 81 through Minco. Union City police, Grady County sheriff’s deputies, and state troopers were all part of the pursuit with speeds reaching 125 miles per hour. Our partners at KWTV-News 9 and helicopter pilot Jim Gardner had live coverage of the pursuit. The car veered into oncoming traffic several times forcing a number of cars and trucks off the highway. The pursuit came to an end just north of the Chickasha airport after authorities deployed stop sticks which disabled the vehicle. With guns drawn authorities removed a female driver and a male passenger without incident. The names of the two individuals were not immediately available.

 

Nathan McCalla Joins Chix Planning Commission 

A new member has been appointed to the City of Chickasha's Planning Commission. Nathan McCalla will serve the remaining months of an unexpired term on the panel which runs through June 30, 2022. Mayor Chris Mosley nominated McCalla to fill the vacancy left after Marilyn Feaver stepped down from the post. The city council unanimously approved McCalla's appointment this week.

 

Open Streets Program set for September

The city council also approved a request to hold an annual Open Streets program. Normally held in the spring, the event was canceled last year and this past spring due to the pandemic. The request came from the YMCA which has served as one of the main sponsors of the event for the previous three years. Open Streets is a family-friendly event designed to get people outdoors and encourage physical activity. The event will be held on Saturday, September 11th along Chickasha Avenue from the Rock Island Railroad Depot to 3rd Street. Individuals are encouraged to bring their bicycles, roller skates, and skateboards, and about two dozen vendors will be on hand. The event will run from about 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

 

Misty McClellan Joins American Red Cross Staff

The newest member of the American Red Cross that serves central and southwest Oklahoma is looking forward to her new duties. Misty McClellan was named the region’s executive director earlier this month. McClellan previously served as the director of alumni services at the University of Science and Arts. McClellan will be in many communities to discuss the work of the Red Cross.

 

              

 

She said many local volunteers deploy to national emergencies including disasters following hurricanes that occur this time of year.

 

Rep. Boles Appointed to Hydrogen Task Force

State Representative Brad Boles has been appointed to serve on a state task force. The Marlow Republican is serving on the Hydrogen Production, Transportation, and Infrastructure Task Force. Boles said the hydrogen industry has the potential to be a multi-billion dollar industry for the state, but right now there is not a lot of working knowledge of that sector. He said the task force wants to create a positive business atmosphere where Oklahoma can be a national leader in that area. He said it will allow lawmakers the chance to learn more about hydrogen and how it could be utilized to create new jobs and diversify the state's economy.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.42 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $69.35.

Natural gas is $3.88 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,305 and silver is $25.23.

 

Tuesday, July 20th

 

Home Invasion Suspect Shot by Homeowner

A man suspected of a home invasion is hospitalized after being shot by the homeowner, after authorities say the suspect broke in to confront his estranged wife. The break-in occurred before dawn on Saturday, July 10th at a home east of Chickasha near Cimarron Trailers. In a press release issued by the Grady County Sheriff's Office, authorities were dispatched to a 9-1-1 call to investigate a report that a man shot an intruder. Chickasha and Ninnekah police and Grady County sheriff's deputies all responded and an OSBI crime scene investigator was also summoned. Authorities reviewed video from a doorbell camera system that showed a man ring the doorbell and repeatedly tried to turn the knob on the door, which the homeowner said he had locked. The suspect broke the front door glass and reached through to unlock the door to get inside. A woman inside said she heard the glass breaking and told the unidentified home owner that someone had just broken in and the homeowner got a handgun from a nightstand drawer. The intruder forced a bedroom door open and the homeowner fired one shot and the suspect fell onto the hallway floor, and was held at gunpoint until authorities arrived. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess identified the suspect as Blake Hill who was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he is in serious condition this morning. Details of the investigation have been turned over to the district attorney's office and no formal charges have yet been filed.

 

Update on Grady County Courthouse 'Wet Well'

Now an update to a story we aired yesterday about work being done at the Grady County Courthouse that should prevent future issues of sewage back up in the building. Work crews are installing what amounts to a super-sized septic tank. The tank is 16 feet tall and four feet in diameter and will be buried on the west side of the courthouse. It will be made of concrete and will have a capacity of about 1,250 gallons of sewage. We initially reported that northbound traffic on 4th Street would be closed off, but emergency management director Dale Thompson said that likely won't happen. However, the breezeway area between the courthouse and the jail will be inaccessible. The “wet well’ as officials call it is similar to a lift station which will pump the sewage into the city's sewer lines. Officials will be also able use a septic tank service to remove the sewage. The $300,000 project is expected to take about two weeks to complete.

 

Waste Connections has New Bulk Pick-up Days in Chix

Chickasha residents now have new bulk pick-up days for large trash items they want to get rid of. Waste Connections, the city's private trash contractor, made the changes last month. For residents who have their trash picked up on Mondays, the bulk pick up is on the first and third Monday's of the month. For those who have trash service on Tuesday, the bulk pick up service is the first and third Wednesdays of the month. For customers whose normal trash pick-up day is Wednesday, the bulk service is the 2nd and 4th Mondays. And for customers with a Thursday service, bulk pick up is the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Calendars that show the new service days can be picked up at city hall. Waste Connections will pick up as much as two cubic yards of bulk items each day which can include appliances, furniture, and mattresses. They will pick up limbs but they must be cut, then tied and bundled in less than 4-foot lengths. They will not pick up hazardous materials, liquids, tires, batteries or paint. Call Waste Connections for info at 405-222-0109.

 

Chix City Council Revises Sidewalk Ordinance

to Allow for Crosswalk Murals Downtown

The Chickasha City Council has approved some changes to the city's sidewalk ordinance which clears the way to improve crosswalks in downtown Chickasha. The panel unanimously approved the change following a three minute public hearing during last night’s council meeting. Jim Cowan with the Economic Development Council was the only person who addressed the council during the hearing, saying the changes will help the city match similar codes in cities like Ardmore. Cowan hopes to take advantage of grants to paint murals in the city's downtown crosswalks which he says would trigger more economic development in the area. Cowan is hoping some of the work can be completed prior to the Rock Island Arts Festival and the State Food Truck Championships which will be held the first weekend in October.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.42 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $68.62.

Natural gas is $3.78 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,817 and silver is $25.22.

 

Monday, July 19th

 

Project Underway to Prevent Raw Sewage

from Backing Up into Grady County Courthouse

Grady County Commissioners recently approved a nearly $300,000 project they hope will put an end to the sewer back-up problems that caused the Grady County Courthouse to close for nearly two weeks. Commissioners approved a bid from H and H Plumbing and Utilities of Oklahoma City to install what is called a wet well, which will hold waste water from the courthouse before it is pumped into the city's sewer system. The project will include the installation of a grinder to break up debris into small particles which is expected to prevent the sewage from back-flowing into the courthouse. The wet well will be placed on the west side of the courthouse off of 4th Street so northbound traffic on 4th will be blocked off for about two weeks. Individuals needing to access the courthouse should use 3rd Street to get to the courthouse parking lot. Signage is expected help guide traffic in that direction.

 

Chix City Council to Consider Agreements

with Lawton and OU Police Departments

The Chickasha City Council will discuss a couple of agreements for the police department tonight. One is a memorandum of understanding with the Lawton Police Department regarding the use of Lawton's police academy. The other is a memorandum of understanding with the University of Oklahoma and the university's police department. The council will hold a public hearing regarding the revision of city ordinances as they pertain to decorative sidewalks, discuss some changes for the use of the city's sports complex by various leagues, and consider adopting an agreement with an E-Sports group called Mission Control to create a video gaming network. The panel will also go behind closed doors to discuss the status of negotiations with both the Chickasha Fraternal Order of Police and the Chickasha Firefighters Association, as well as memorandums of understanding with the two unions that address confidential employee matters. The group will also discuss the ongoing lawsuit filed against the city by the firefighters. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Heat and Air System Upgrades on Agenda

for Anadarko School Board Special Meeting

A bid for the continued heating, ventilation, and air conditioning replacement plan for Anadarko schools will be considered by the Anadarko school board in a special meeting tonight. The panel will meet to review Phase Two of the program - with alternates - and assign the bid packages to general contractor Joe Hall.  The meeting will be held at the Anadarko school administration building at 6 o'clock tonight.

 

KOOL-RANCH Hosts Community Blood Drive

KOOL-RANCH radio stations will be hosting another community blood drive with the Oklahoma Blood institute tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m. An OBI bloodmobile will be at the YMCA parking lot at 7th and Chickasha Ave. Donors will get a free t-shirt and a mini-health check. Call George Plummer at the KOOL-RANCH business line at 405-224-150 for an appointment however, an appointment is not needed.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.81 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.59.

Natural gas is $3.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,803 and silver is $25.40.

 

Obituary

Lillian Steelman

A wake service for Lillian Steelman, 72, of the Amber-Pocasset area will be at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 20th at Holy Name Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 21st at the church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ampo School Library.

Saturday, July 10th

 

Motorcyclist Critically Hurt in Crash

A Ninnekah man is hospitalized in critical condition after being injured in a motorcycle accident. 40-year old Brandon Mann was initially taken to Grady Memorial Hospital then air-lifted to an Oklahoma City Hospital. The accident happened just after 9 o’clock last night about a mile east of Ninnekah near the intersection of Peach Street and County Street 2860. The highway patrol reports that Mann failed to stop at a stop sign, laid his bike down, and was thrown from the bike. He was not wearing a helmet. The trooper on the scene reported there was an odor of alcohol at the scene.

 

Man Faces Firearms Charges After Argument over Truck

A Rush Springs man is charged with shooting with intent to kill following a dispute over a pickup. 64-year old Albert Leon Brookshire was arrested Monday afternoon after a confrontation at his home. A Rush Springs police affidavit indicates two men had gone to Brookshire's home to get a pickup that one man said belonged to him. Brookshire told authorities it was his pickup and that the other man hadn't paid for it. Brookshire had a gun and claimed he fired a warning shot at the two men and told them to get off his property. The two men went to the Rush Springs EMS building and called police. Authorities initially arrested Brookshire on a complaint of firing a weapon inside the city limits. Prosecutors have charged Brookshire with felonies that include shooting with intent to kill and pointing a firearm. Brookshire had a previous conviction for drug possession. He is out of jail after posting a $75,000 bond and is to announce his attorney on July 29th with a preliminary hearing conference set for Aug. 11th.

 

DHS: Beware of Text-Messaging Scam

Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) officials are warning of a text messaging scam falsely claiming that individuals may have been selected to receive $500. A press release from DHS says the text message specifically mentions the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Social Security (SSI). The message is coming from a random number, telling individuals that they have been randomly selected to receive the money, and asks individuals to click on a hyperlink. They are then taken to a website which appears to phish for personal information including Social Security numbers and banking information. Officials say to delete the text. Individuals who have gone to the link should contact their bank and take steps to address possibly identity theft - including freezing their credit - and to contact credit reporting agencies such as Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego is on our KOOL Konversation program and District 3 Grady County Commissioner Ralph Beard is on Real Estate Today. We have links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Margaret Thornton

Funeral service for Margaret "Nanny" Thornton, 84, of Marlow will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 12th at Vimy Ridge Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral Home in Marlow.

Jessie Bennett

Funeral service for Jessie Bennett, 95, of Ninnekah will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 13th at Ninnekah First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Friday, July 9th

 

Grady County Courthouse Re-Opens

Grady County Commissioner Ralph Beard says the county courthouse is open today but that the cleaning needed due to a massive sewage back up in the building's basement is continuing. The courthouse has been closed for almost two weeks after last month's heavy rains caused sewer lines to back up. Beard said crews thought they had the problem taken care of several times but raw sewage continued to seep into the building causing a terrible odor to emanate to all three floors of the courthouse causing several people to become ill. Beard said at one time, there was at least 12 inches of raw sewage in Judge Joseph Young's courtroom in the basement. Beard said over the last couple of days a commercial cleaning company has been brought in and that crews have disinfected every room and are running a disinfectant through the heat and air system. While the courthouse will be open to the public only the first and second floors will be accessible with the basement closed off. The county commissioners have hired an Oklahoma City firm under an emergency request to install some one-way valves on the sewer line which are designed to prevent sewage from backing up. That company was scheduled to start today. Beard said the county's insurance company is going to send out an adjuster to determine how much damage has been done.

 

Ninnekah Residents Meet to Support

Alleged Victims of Girls Basketball Coach

In Ninnekah, Grady County sheriff's deputies met with concerned parents, educators, and supporters of teenaged girls alleged to have been molested by girls basketball coach Ron Akins. In a meeting at the community center, organizers told our partners at KWTV-News 9 that they wanted to offer resources and encourage individuals to speak out at the next school board meeting which is Thursday, July 15th. Parent Shelby Ross said they wanted to show the victims that they believe them and they will do everything they can to lift their voices. Ross said had Akins been given more power there would be a lot more victims and they probably wouldn't have heard about it for years. No one from the Ninnekah school district was invited to the meeting. Organizers said they wanted to create a safe place to meet. Akins has been charged with four felonies after being accused of molesting and sexting players. He has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the court case. A post on the Ninnekah schools website indicates the district has made arrangements for licensed professional counselors to be available Monday, July 12th to speak with any student or adult who wants to talk.

 

City of Chix Won't Spray for Mosquitos

The City of Chickasha will not be spraying for mosquitos. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley says the city doesn't have the equipment or chemicals needed to do so. Mosley said one chemical alone costs $80 a gallon and estimates it would cost about $20,000 for what they would need and the equipment costs about $8,000. The Mayor also said that the weather has to be just right in order for the fogging to work. It can't be too windy, or too humid, and they can't spray if there is rain. Mosley said he talked to Anadarko City Manager Kenneth Corn about borrowing that city's sprayer but they are using it over the next couple of nights. Mosley said he’s not aware of too many Oklahoma communities that still spray for mosquitos and that the only ones he is aware of are Anadarko and Lawton.

 

Science and Arts Alumni Director Accepts Red Cross Post

The director of Alumni and Community Relations at the University of Science and Arts is beginning a new chapter in her life. Misty McClellan is now the Chapter Executive Director of the Oklahoma and Kansas region of the American Red Cross. The Lawton Constitution reports that she will work with communities to build connections and administer any services that may be needed. McClellan said she wants people to know that Red Cross is more than just medical services. She said the new post checks off all the boxes of what she wants to do with her life and that it is the perfect opportunity for her.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.94 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.12.

Natural gas is $3.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,804 and silver is $26.12.

 

Obituary

Janice Haney

Funeral service for Janice Haney, 55, of Amber will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 10th at the First Baptist Church of Pocasset. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, July 8th

 

Chix Inks Deal with New EMS Billing Contractor

The Chickasha City Council gave its approval to contracting with a new company that is expected to improve the city's EMS billing services and collections. The council approved a new contract with a firm called Quick Med Claims which Fire Chief Tony Samaniego says could bring in an additional $100,000 to the city. Samaniego also said the firm’s rate is lower than the current contractor - just 4.95 percent compared to a 6 percent rate with the previous contractor. Samaniego said Quick Med Claims has worked well for cities like Anadarko and Ponca City and has a good track record of working with Native American tribes.

 

$300,000+ Payment to Chix A 'Mistake'

Now an update to a report we had yesterday about the Chickasha City Council giving back more than $330,000 that officials believed was from one of the city's Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts. Vice Mayor Zach Grayson told the Chickasha Express-Star that it was an accidental payment from Grady County. Grayson was quoted as saying the funds were designated as ad valorem taxes which actually go to school districts. Grayson said the city council was simply giving back money that wasn't the city's in the first place. Grayson said the city was only supposed to receive a percentage of that money which is then passed on to TIF District developers as a partial reimbursement for the costs of building within the TIF district.

 

Suspect Accused of Terrorizing Neighbors

A Caddo County man is accused of terrorizing his neighbors. 43-year old David Keith Gonzalez of Ft. Cobb had been arrested and charged with intimidating a witness and violating a protective order after the neighbors reported several perceived threats from Gonzalez. The Lawton Constitution reports that a woman asked for protective order against Gonzalez last month and while doing so, he took of photo of her at the hearing. Gonzalez is alleged to have continued to intimidate and harass the couple, to include shining bright lights into their home and playing predator phone calls on a loudspeaker in the middle of the night. Gonzalez had his initial appearance on the charges in Caddo County District Court earlier this week and a judge set his bond at $40,000. If convicted of the felony for intimidating a witness Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in prison.

 

Anadarko to Fog Neighborhoods for Mosquitos Again

Mosquitos have been a big problem over the last few weeks as a result of all the rain we’ve had. At least one community in the area will be going through neighborhoods with fogging machines in an attempt to reduce their numbers. The City of Anadarko has already been through neighborhoods once and announced on its Facebook page that crews will be fogging again tonight.  The post indicates they typically spray at night because that's when the mosquitos are most active. It does say that the spray is only effective in open areas and does not do as well in areas with trees, bushes, or tall grass. The chemical kills the pests on contact but does not kill larvae in water. Officials ask residents to dump any stagnate standing water, dump and re-fill bird baths and non-treated swimming pools with fresh water often, and keep grass mowed. They also urge residents to have their porch lights on when they spray saying the lights encourage the mosquitos to be active and fly into the fog. There's no word if the City of Chickasha will be spraying for the mosquitos. We'll contact city hall today to find out.

 

4th Generation Joins Sevier Funeral Home

A longtime Chickasha business will continue with a fourth generation of a local family joining the company. Austin Kile is now working with his grandfather Larry Sevier at Sevier Funeral Home. Kile recently graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma and earned his funeral director’s and embalmer's licenses. Sevier Funeral Home opened as the Chickasha Funeral Home in 1941 by Jodi and Virginia Sevier (Larry's parents and Austin's great-grandparents). The late Todd Sevier, Larry's son and Austin's uncle, also worked at the funeral home. Larry will continue as the licensee-in-charge and Austin's father, Jeff Kile, will continue serving as the office manager at both the Chickasha and Tuttle funeral homes.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.20 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.43.

Natural gas is $3.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,811 and silver is $26.13.

 

Wednesday, July 7th

 

Permit for Cell Phone Tower Denied

The Chickasha City Council unanimously voted against issuing a special use permit to build a cell phone tower in a residential area. Following a 24-minute public hearing during last night’s city council meeting, the council voted to deny the permit for Branch Communications. The company wanted to build a 150-foot tower near 9th and Dakota Ave. that would have been used by Verizon to improve cell phone coverage in the area. Officials said they looked at other proposed sites and believed they were not feasible. Many of the same residents who spoke out against the project at a city council meeting last month were back to let their feelings be known. Mary Francis Hathaway was one of them.

 

              

Troy Williams with Branch Communications said the county assessor told them property values should not fall as his company and Verizon combined were going to invest nearly $500,000 at the site.

 

              

 

In the end, the council voted 8-0 to deny the special use permit. Mayor Chris Mosley was absent from the meeting which was conducted by Vice Mayor Zack Grayson.

 

City Council Pays Back TIF Funds

The Chickasha City Council also settled a dispute over the amount of money the city received from one of its Tax Increment Finance districts. After about a 30-minute closed-door meeting City Councilman David Sikes made the motion to approve turning over more than $300,000 to the county.

 

              

 

It wasn't clear what error may have occurred that forced the council to make that decision. It was a unanimous vote of the council to make that payment.

              

Chix Ward 3 Meeting Scheduled

Residents in Chickasha's Ward 3 will be able to meet their council representatives and other city officials to discuss concerns as well as ideas about making the city a better place to live. The third of four Ward meetings this year will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 12th at city hall. Ward Three council representatives Dr. R. P. Ashanti-Alexander and Oscar Nelson will be on hand. Residents can e-mail questions to info@chickasha.org or bring them to the meeting. Similar meetings have already been held for residents in Wards 1 and 2 while residents in Ward 4 will have their meeting next month.

 

Cong. Lucas Co-Sponsors Broadband Expansion Plan

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas is co-sponsoring a bill in the nation's capitol to expand rural broadband service for rural states like Oklahoma. It's the Broadband for Rural America Act designed to bridge the digital divide nationwide by providing more than $7 billion for USDA broadband connectivity programs. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports that Lucas said the act provides important investments to USDA broadband programs which will in turn provide critical modern infrastructure to countless rural communities. The Broadband for Rural America Act would authorize $3.7 billion per year for critical rural broadband programs, including the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program, the Middle Mile Broadband Program, and the Innovative Broadband Advancement Program; it would target limited resources so assistance is focused on the most rural and least-connected residents, which are often the most expensive to connect; and it would promote borrower accountability and protects taxpayers with new tools to ensure promised services are delivered to rural communities.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.37 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.53.

Natural gas is $3.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,807 and silver is $26.52.

 

Obituary

Billie Jean Griffin

A memorial service for Billie Jean Griffin, 94, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 31st at First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, July 6th

 

Public Hearing Tonight for Proposed Cell Phone Tower

A plan to erect a cell phone tower in a Chickasha neighborhood is getting some push back by residents in the area. The Chickasha City Council will hold a public hearing on the controversial issue tonight. Branch Communications wants to build the tower near 8th and Dakota Ave. Several residents spoke against the proposal at the June 21^st city council meeting while developers were also on hand to support the project. The city's Planning Commission voted against the project earlier this year. The council is also to discuss a proposed Emergency Operations Plan and an agreement between Emergency Medical Services and the Grady EMS District Board of Trustees. The panel will also have a closed-door session regarding an investigation into the city's Tax Increment Finance District payments. The council meets tonight at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Courthouse Continues Dealing with Sewer Back Ups

The Grady County Courthouse will be closed again today. The courthouse has been dealing with sewer back-up issues for over a week. The county emergency management office sent out a text last night saying the office would be closed today. This morning's regularly scheduled county commissioners meeting has been moved to the Grady County Fairgrounds community building at 9 a.m. In the meantime some meetings that were scheduled tomorrow at the courthouse have been canceled. The county excise board and the tax roll correction board meetings that were scheduled for tomorrow have been called off and have not yet been re-scheduled.

 

Sheriff's Office Hopes to Add New Investigator

A new fiscal year is underway for city, county, and state governments. July 1st is when those offices begin with new budgets for the next 12 months. Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir, whose budget is the largest of the departments at the county level, is asking commissioners and the excise board for a budget increase in order to hire a new employee.

 

              

 

Weir said over-worked employees probably don't do as good a job as they could and that it's fair to the public to hire a new investigator as some cases don't get as much attention as they should.

 

Area Lawmakers Honored by Children's Group

State Representative Cindy Roe (R-Lindsay) is among several lawmakers named Children's Legislators of the Year. The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) recently announced that Roe and other lawmakers had made the group's Honor Roll for supporting children's issues at the state capitol. In a press release issued by OICA, Roe said there is no more important role of government than to protect and nurture children. Other regional state lawmakers recognized for their work for kids were Rep. Sherrie Conley (R-Newcastle) awarded with a Special Attention Award and Sen. Jessica Garvin (R-Duncan) who was named one of the Freshmen Legislators of the Year. The OICA is led by former state representative Joe Dorman of Rush Springs. He said he is already working with lawmakers on measures to consider for the 2022 legislative session.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.27 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.11.

Natural gas is $3.70 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,806 and silver is $26.76.

 

Obituaries

Albert Darnell

 A graveside service for Albert Darnell, 86, of Chickasha will be at 2 o'clock this afternoon (Tuesday, July 6th) at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Linda Jansen

A graveside service for Linda Fay Jansen, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 7^th at the Erin Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. She owned and operated Lee's Beauty School.

Saturday, July 3rd

 

END-DUI Campaign Underway

As the nation celebrates Independence Day, Oklahoma law enforcement agencies will be working to make highways and lakes safer. The Oklahoma Highway patrol's END DUI team is partnering with a number of agencies throughout the state with high visibility patrols and to conduct sobriety checkpoints. Officials say five people died on state highways during last year’s July 4^th weekend and four of them were involved in either alcohol or drug-related crashes. OHP says a DUI conviction can cost a driver up to $10,000. Officials ask those who chose to drink this weekend to have a designated driver, call a friend or family member or call a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft.

 

World War I Traveling Museum is Back on Tour

A traveling museum featuring artifacts from the first world war will be on display at this weekend's Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration in Marlow. It will be the first time in a year-and-a-half for the World War I 100th anniversary mobile museum to visit communities. Curator Keith Colley tells the Lawton Constitution he's really stoked to get back on the road. Colley's collection includes uniforms, binoculars, television sets, typewriters that soldiers used to write letters on to send home, and even bi-planes. There's information about Alvin York, the most decorated soldier of the war, and Jacob "Pappy" Stevens who served as a runner. “Pappy” actually ran messages to the general in the middle of battle. Colley says he started the museum to help Alzheimer's patients, taking them items that they could see and feel for mental connectivity. The museum is open all day today during Marlow's Old Fashioned Independence Day celebration and will be open tomorrow and Monday from 1-5. Admission is free. Other 4^th of July events in the region include Apache’s Freedom Festival starting at 5 o’clock tonight and there will be fireworks only in Chickasha’s Shannon Springs Park tomorrow night (Sunday, July 4^th)

 

Muscle Car Ranch Hosts 'BliserFest'

Chickasha's Curtis Hart is a resilient individual. While his annual TwisterFest music festival at the Muscle Car Ranch was rained out last week, he has another event this 4th of July weekend which has a much better weather forecast. Hart calls this event the BlisterFest. Hart has a number of bands from the Austin, Texas area coming in which include Ramsay Midwood who has written a song about the county seat of of Grady County.

 

              

 

All the bands will play at the Trail Boss Amphitheatre. Tickets are $10 per day and there is plenty of RV and primitive camping available on the 82-acre Muscle Car Ranch. For information on the bands performing, see Curtis Hart's Facebook page.

 

 

Friday, July 2nd

 

Child Molesation Charges Filed Against Ninnekah Man

The Grady County District Attorney's Office has filed formal charges against a Ninnekah man for alleged child molestation. 41-year old Clay Dietrich, a former reserve police officer, is facing three charges of child sexual abuse. A judge set Dietrich's bond at $250,000 and he remains in the Grady County Jail. Dietrich is to announce his attorney July 15th and with a preliminary hearing conference scheduled July 28th.

 

Courthouse Flooding Issues Persist

The Grady County Courthouse will be closed again today. Officials are battling flooding problems from backed up sewer lines because of all this week’s rain. Other than a few hours on Monday the courthouse has been closed all week. And with next Monday being a holiday because of the Independence Day weekend the courthouse is not scheduled to re-open until next Tuesday.

 

Semi Fire Shuts Down Highway

A semi on fire shut down U.S. Highway 81 near Minco last night. No details are available other than the OHP said traffic was shut down just before 10:00 last night. The fire occurred three miles south of Minco at CR 1220. The highway was closed for about an hour and a half and re-opened about 11:30.

 

Regional Independence Day Celebrations

There are a number of 4th of July celebrations in the region this weekend. Tonight in Blanchard there's live music, kids games, and fireworks behind the Sonic Drive In. All the activities start at 6:00 p.m. Tomorrow in Apache, the chamber of commerce is hosting a Freedom Fest which gets underway at 5:00 p.m.  with activities downtown, including awards for the best patriotic display, activities for the kids, and fireworks. And Sunday evening Chickasha's 4th of July fireworks will be held at Shannon Springs Park.

 

Marlow Teen's Artwork Wins Award

A Marlow teenager will have a piece of her artwork on display in Washington, D.C. Alayna Hill was named the winner of the Congressional Art Competition for Oklahoma's District Four. That's Congressman Tom Cole's district. Hill's submission called Still Life in Graphite was among more than 100 entries submitted by high school students throughout Cole’s district. Hill's entry done with a No. 2 pencil will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building. A reception for all top prize winners will be held later this year in the nation's capitol.

 

Community Blood Drive Today

KOOL/RANCH radio stations and the Oklahoma Blood Institute are holding a community blood drive today. Before heading out on your Independence Day weekend celebration we ask that you take a few minutes to help the blood institute re-stock their shelves. Officials say a blood emergency is still in effect. The OBI bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot across the street from the stations at 7th and Chickasha Avenue from 12:30 to 5:30 today. No appointment is needed.

 

Propane Prices May be Higher This Winter

While air conditioners are hard at work keeping us cool this summer not too many people are thinking ahead to next winter. But there is speculation that propane prices could be higher. Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission says that summer propane prices are climbing which experts say is unusual. Skinner discusses reasons why propane prices are on the rise.

 

              

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir and the sheriff’s office public information officer Lisa Hatchett are this week’s guests on our KOOL Konversation. Find a link to teh program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.23 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.11.

Natural gas is $3.66 per million BTUs.

Gold is 1,783 and silver is $26.25.

 

Thursday, July 1st

 

Reserve Cop Arrested on Child Molestation Complaint

A reserve officer for the Ninnekah Police Department is arrested on a complaint of child sexual abuse. 41-year old Kenneth "Clay" Dietrich was arrested by Grady County authorities Tuesday night. Dietrich is being held in the Grady County Jail and is accused of rape and child sexual abuse. No formal charges have been filed at this time. Ninnekah Police Chief Scott Miller said Dietrich had been an unpaid reserve officer for about 18 months. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess said that a 14-year old girl and her mother filed a report alleging that the sexual abuse occurred several times over the last six months.  Boggess said that Dietrich has turned in all of reserve officer certifications.

 

County Courthouse Closed A 4th Day

Ongoing plumbing issues have forced officials to close the Grady County Courthouse again today. Heavy rains from this past weekend are to blame as several offices were flooded. Officials say the problems are the result of a small sewage line that can't handle the volume of waste water from the courthouse and the jail. There is only a 4-inch sewer line in place and some officials say it needs to be replaced with an 8-inch line.

 

City of Chix has New Finance Director

A new finance director is on board at Chickasha City Hall. Cindy Rogers begin her new duties this week. She previously served as the vice president and chief financial officer at the Oklahoma State Fair for 16 years. As a Certified Public Accountant, Rogers has also worked in finance with a social services non-profit organization. Rogers has extended family members who live in the Chickasha area. In a prepared statement Rogers said there is a great team in place at city hall and she's excited to be part of it. Mayor Chris Mosley said that Rogers has a long track record of establishing solid financial standards. He also said her experience with help city officials understand the city's true cost of services, assist with accurately setting rates, and that she will continue to improve the transparency of the city's financial records.

 

Chix Public Schools has New Enrollment Office

Public schools statewide are in the midst of preparing for the new school year that will be starting in August. The Chickasha Public School district has opened a new site that will be used for many student services. The district will be in an office building at 7th and Kansas Avenue which is across the street from the post office. Superintendent Rick Croslin said that's where Mona Greenfield, who was recently named the district's student accounting, assessment, and communications coordinator will be.

 

              

 

Chickasha schools are scheduled to open Thursday, August 12th.

 

Study Requested to Remove Grocery Sales Tax

Should state officials eliminate Oklahoma's sales tax on groceries? A state lawmaker has filed an interim study request to consider the issue. House Minority Leader Emily Virgin (D-Norman) wants to examine the benefits of ending the tax. She says doing so would keep money in the pockets of low- and middle-income Oklahomans. Virgin also said many parents are stretching every dollar in order to feed their children and they shouldn't have to calculate a cut for the state in their grocery bills. Oklahoma is one of just 13 states to impose sales taxes on groceries. Virgin said if 37 states can fund their governments without a tax on milk and bread then Oklahoma can, too. She said the measure has bi-partisan support of lawmakers and voters.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.47 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.13.

Natural gas is $3.65 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,776 and silver is $26.37.

 

Obituary

Billie Marie Hayes

Funeral service for Billie Marie Hayes, 83, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 2^nd at First Christian Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, June 30th

 

Coach Faces Four Felony Counts of Child Sex Crimes

A girls basketball coach accused of having inappropriate contact with players is charged with four felonies in connection with the allegations. Grady County prosecutors have charged Ninnekah coach Ron Akins with two counts of rape by instrumentation and two counts of sexual battery. A judge set bond at $100,000 and Akins is to announce his attorney July 15^th with a preliminary hearing conference set for July 28th. Akins was arrested last Friday after a former player came forward with the allegations. Ninnekah schools have placed Akins on administrative leave. In a prepared statement, Superintendent Todd Bunch said the district is cooperating with law enforcement and will take appropriate steps based on the results of the investigation.

 

Sewer Problems Close County Courthouse Again

The Grady County Courthouse is closed again today due to sewer back-up issues related to the heavy rains over the last few days. The courthouse closed at noon on Monday and officials tried to open the doors yesterday but sent employees home. Several meetings scheduled at the courthouse this week have been cancelled and rescheduled as emergency meetings. Those included a joint meeting with county commissioners and the excise board. Others are individual meetings of the commissioners and excise board. All of the canceled meetings have been rescheduled for tomorrow morning and will be held at the district attorney's office across the street.

 

Leg Lamp Named State's 'Outstanding New Attraction'

Last year's Christmas Leg Lamp promotion in Chickasha lands a top award for the city's Economic Development Council. It received a Redbud Award from the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association as the state's Outstanding New Attraction during an awards ceremony in Edmond yesterday. The 40-foot tall inflatable leg lamp was the brainchild of Tim Elliott and the Economic Development Council and drew attention from around the world. The EDC's Hometown Christmas music video with the Imaginaries and a short film produced about Chickasha's home town charm were also nominated for Red Bud awards.

 

State Rep Named to Energy Council

State Representative Brad Boles has been appointed to an international energy panel. The Marlow Republican will be working with the Energy Council which is a non-partisan legislative group formed to promote a balanced national energy strategy and related environmental policies. Boles, who serves as chairman of the house energy and natural resources committee, was appointed to the council by house speaker Charles McCall. Boles says he's spent much of his career away from state government focused on energy and that he's honored to have been selected to serve. The Energy Council also works to promote an understanding of energy and its role in the global economy and also gives legislative policy makers a chance to learn even more about energy issues.

 

DHS Accepting LIHEAP Applications

Low-income families needing help to pay for summer cooling bills can now apply for assistance on-line through the state Department of Human Services (DHS). It's known as LIHEAP or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. DHS receives federal funds for LIHEAP. Eligible households that already receive DHS assistance are pre-qualified and won't have to apply. Native American families may apply with either DHS or their tribal program but not both. The program assists families with one month of their cooling expenses. The website to apply is: www.okdhslive.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.98 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.76.

Natural gas is $3.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,758 and silver is $25.94.

 

Obituary

Diana Cooper-Freeman

Funeral service for Diana Francis Cooper-Freeman, 51, of Lawton will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 2^nd at the New Hope Church of God in Christ in Lawton. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, June 29th

 

State Fire Marshall Investigates Blaze

at Home of Coach Accused of Child Sex Crimes

State officials have been summoned to investigate a suspicious fire that destroyed the home of a girls basketball coach who was arrested last week on allegations that he molested players. The Friend Volunteer Fire Department was paged about 7:00 a.m. Monday to the home of Ron Akins. The home was a complete loss. Akins was arrested last Friday night after a former player alleged that he had been inappropriate with her and other girls. Akins remains in the Grady County Jail on complaints of rape and sexual battery. Prosecutors have not yet filed any formal charges.

 

Courthouse Re-opens After Being Closed Monday Afternoon

The Grady County Courthouse closed its doors Monday afternoon after heavy weekend rains caused some plumbing problems. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said several rooms in the basement flooded and were being cleaned and sanitized. The courthouse did open for business at its regular time today.

 

Chix Sees Increase in Home Construction

There has long been a need for newer homes in Chickasha. Building contractors are working on a number of projects to address that need. Mayor Chris Mosley discusses some of them.

 

              

 

Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley.

 

Area Blood Drives Scheduled to Deal with Blood Emergency

In response to Oklahoma's blood emergency the Oklahoma Blood Institute has scheduled a number of blood drives in the region. On Thursday, July 1^st the Friend community will have a blood drive at Sharon Baptist Church from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Friday, July 2nd KOOL/RANCH radio stations will have a community blood drive from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot across the street from the radio stations at 7th and Chickasha Avenue. On Tuesday, July 6th Southern Plains Medical Center in Chickasha will have a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Also on Tuesday, July 6th the City of Tuttle will have a blood drive at city hall on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City Hall.  On Wednesday, July 7th, the annual Boots and Badges blood drive for Grady County law enforcement and fire fighters will be at the Grady County Fairgrounds from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Friday, July 9th in Anadarko, Western Farmers Electric Co-op will have a blood drive from 7:30 a.m. to noon. To find a blood drive in your area visit the website: www.obi.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.91.

London-based Brent crude is $74.68.

Natural gas is $3.62 per million BTUs

Gold is $1,770 and silver is $26.06.

 

Obituaries

Anna Jenell Campbell

Funeral service for Anna Jenell Campbell, 88, of Tuttle will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 1st at Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

Roger Wagner

A graveside service for Roger Wagner, 78 of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 2nd at the El Reno Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Monday, June 28th

 

Coach Arrested on Rape, Sex Complaints

Ninnekah girls basketball coach Ron Akins has been arrested on complaints of rape and sexual battery. Akins was arrested by Grady County sheriff's deputies Friday night and booked into the county jail. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess told KFOR-TV that a former student told investigators that Akins had been inappropriate with her and that deputies found enough evidence to talk to the coach but that he would not speak with them. A former team member told KFOR that she was not surprised about the arrest. She said Akins would make comments about them and about their bodies and even talk about the women he was dating or sleeping with. She said she and her friends didn't come forward earlier because they were scared what would happen if school officials didn't believe them. She is encouraging others who may have been victims to tell their truth. Boggess says anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office by calling 405-222-5085.

 

Search for Chix City Manager Continues

The search for a new Chickasha city manager continues. Mayor Chris Mosley has been filling in as the acting city manager for about five months since previous city manager John Noblitt stepped down in January. The city has hired a search firm to find some candidates and Mosley says they have narrowed down the list.

 

              

 

Interviews could begin soon and a new city manager could be on board by the end of the summer.

 

Anadarko Residents Warned of 'Fake' City Facebook Page

Officials in Anadarko say residents should beware of a fake City of Anadarko Facebook page that has been created. On the city's official Facebook page a post indicates that a scammer created the fake page and that users should not accept a friend request and to never give out personal information. Officials urge users to report the fake page to Facebook as a fraud and delete the message.

 

Amber Alert for Missing Moore Children Canceled

That Amber Alert issued over the weekend for two missing children from Moore has been canceled. Authorities say the six-year old girl and the two-year old boy were found in Jenks Saturday afternoon. The children were with their grandmother Twila Brinlee who failed to return them to their parents Friday. They were found at a motel next to a restaurant where an alert worker saw a woman with two children and notified authorities. The children have been reunited with their father and Brinlee was taken to the Moore police department.

 

Chix 'Christmas in July' Promotion Begins Thursday

A major summer promotion involving Chickasha merchants will get underway this week. Christmas in July begins Thursday with a month-long campaign designed to increase sales at retail outlets. It’s a joint effort of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council. Cassandra Ersland with the chamber of commerce says among them is a scavenger hunt with an interesting twist-

 

              

 

Individuals can take a selfie with the character and get their name in a drawing for $50 in gift cards from the participating merchants. The 160-foot tall Christmas tree at Shannon Springs Park will be lit up all month and the Chickasha Community Theater will show free Christmas movies every Thursday night at 7 p.m. The first movie will be shown this Thursday, July 1st and will be The Grinch with Jim Carrey. Starting July 22nd the inflatable leg lamp will be standing at the depot downtown (weather permitting) and on Saturday, July 24th there will be a free concert at the depot downtown featuring The Imaginaries along with Billy Davis and the Band of Brothers. For information about Chickasha's Christmas in July celebration visit the chambers website at www.chickashachamber.org

 

Energy and Metals              

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.05 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.18.

Natural gas is $3.50 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,778 and silver is $26.21.