Saturday, Sept. 23rd

Couple Pleads Guilty to Profiting from International Scheme

A Tuttle couple has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to an international scheme where they made millions off of pirated telephone system software. The Oklahoman reports that Raymond Bradley Pearce and Dusti Pearce conspired with a New Jersey man to commit wire fraud which involved generating and then selling stolen software licenses. The licenses had a retail value of more than $88 million. The software was used to unlock features of a popular telephone system used by thousands of companies around the world. That licensing system has since been de-commissioned. The couple was accused of using their illegally-gained profits to buy large quantities of gold bullion and other valuables. The Pearces agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They face up to 20 years in prison and must forfeit a money judgement of at least $4 million as well as gold, silver, collectible coins, crypto-currency, and a vehicle. Full restitution must also be paid to their victims.

Congressman Frank Lucas Works to Miminize

Impact of Foreign Investment in U.S. Farm Land

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Cheyenne) hopes his recent efforts will help to better scrutinize foreign investment into U.S. agriculture. A house committee recently passed Lucas's Agriculture Risk Review Act. It calls for adding the nation's ag secretary as a permanent member of the House Committee on  Foreign  Investment in the United States.  A report on the website OK Energy Today indicates that currently the secretary and ag department can be designated as a lead agency for transactions on a case-by-case basis. The panel reviews transactions related to the purchase of agriculture land, ag bio-technology, or other purchases related to the ag industry. Lucas said the move is long overdue.

Obituary

Elaine Tanos

A memorial service for Beth ‘Elaine’ Tanos, 72, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked as a loan officer and served on the board of directors for the Chickasha Senior Nutrition Center.  Memorial contributions may be made to the nutrition center.

High School Football Scores

Weatherford 35, Chickasha 15

Blanchard 46, Harrah 13

Tuttle 30, Bethany 10

Bridge Creek 27, Classen SAS 7

Anadarko 62, Mannford 22

Minco 45, Cashion 0

Dibble 82, Wynnewood 17

Ringling 14, Rush Springs 6

Apache 49, Mangum 29

Hinton 36, Christian Heritage Academy 7

Hobart 56, Carnegie 24

Laverne 50, Alex 0

Cyril 28, Hollis 20

Ryan 52, Mt. View-Gotebo 6

Lindsay 60, Comanche 7

Marlow 22, Pauls Valley 7

Elgin 54, El Reno 21

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Friday, Sept. 22nd

Chickasha Man Reported Missing

Authorities are asking for assistance in finding a disabled Chickasha man who has not been seen nor heard from in more than three weeks. 46-year old Richard Clarence Houston - whose right leg is amputated below the knee - was last seen on Thursday, August 31st around the post office in the 700 block of Kansas Avenue. Houston's photo is posted on the Chickasha Police Department's Facebook page.  He is Caucasian, about 5-feet-5-inches tall, and weighs about 300 pounds. The photo shows him with short brown hair with a brown mustache and a short goatee. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chickasha Police Department by calling 405-222-6050 or any local law enforcement.

Grenade Found Near Chickasha Home

There were media reports that a grenade was found in a Chickasha neighborhood last night. KFOR TV reported that the Chickasha Police Department requested help from the highway patrol bomb squad. It was not immediately known if the grenade was live. The grenade was found in the area of Country Club Road and Flanders Drive some time before 8 p.m.

Grady County Consumer Spending Down Slightly

Consumer spending in Grady County was down slightly to end the first half of the calendar year. It's estimated that spending for the month of June was just under $9.7 million - which was off about 5.2 percent from May. June was the second highest month for consumer spending in the first six months with May holding down the top spot. The June number was more than 15 percent ahead of the same period in 2022. We estimate consumer spending when we see sales tax revenue for the county. The county received about $727,000 in sales tax collections in August which represents the purchase of taxable goods and services from June.

How is the sales tax revenue spent?

Here's how the sales tax revenue is distributed. The Grady County Fairgrounds received $242,000; Grady Memorial Hospital, $214,000; The 20 Grady County Fire Districts shared $121,000 with each one getting $6,000; the seven Senior Nutrition Centers shared $121,000 with each one getting $17,000; Tuttle EMS collected $23,000; and Rush Springs EMS received $5,500.

City of Chickasha numbers

For the city of Chickasha, sales tax revenues for August were just over $1.1 million which were paid on just over $29 million on the purchase of taxable goods and services at Chickasha retail outlets in June.

Tribes Consider Coalition to Create Broadband Service Firm

Officials with The Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma are gathering with leaders of other tribes to form a coalition in order create their own broadband service provider. Kiowa Tribal Chairman Lawrence Spottedbird says the coalition could pool federal money and state funds to establish their own internet company. Spottedbird said the Kiowas have struggled to attract a reliable and affordable provider because of the tribe's small population. He has reached out to the Comanche and Caddo Nations as well as the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe. He said he didn't want to overlap into the other tribes' plans but did want to coordinate and cooperate with them in order to enhance and support each other. Spottedbird said they hope to form the coalition soon and have a grant application ready by the end of January.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.63 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.60.

Natural gas is $2.84 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,944 and silver is $23.94.

Obituary

Nolan Rogers

A graveside service for Nolan Rogers, 67, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Thursday, Sept. 21st

Ninnekah School District Voters to Decide Bond Issues

Proposals to build a new gymnasium and make some improvements at the Ninnekah High School and purchase some new buses for the school system will be decided by Ninnekah school district voters next month. The two bond issues total nearly $20 million. The first proposal is a nearly $19.6 million plan to build a new gymnasium in phases and the second is a $400,000 transportation bond. Officials say property taxes would not increase if the bond issues are approved. The special election will be on Tuesday, Oct. 10th.

Speakers Set for USAO's Social Justice, Racial Healing Center

A prison-reform advocate along with an author who was a finalist for the National Book Award will be keynote speakers for a USAO event next month. Both will be addressing a program hosted by the Ada Lois Sipuel-Fisher Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing. Prison-reform advocate Reginald Betts is a poet and legal scholar who earned a Masters in Fine Arts Degree after serving more than eight years in prison for an armed car-jacking when he was 16. He founded an organization called Freedom Reads which gives prison inmates access to books. The other keynote speaker will be Arlie Hochschild, professor-emeritus of sociology at the University of California-Berkley. Hochschild has written nine books including Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right, which was a finalist for the National Book Award. The event is part of the Sipuel-Fisher Center's Building Bridges 2.0; Liberty, Justice, and Equality program Oct. 23rd through 25th.

Theatre Group to Celebrate Anniversary of Re-organization

The Chickasha Community Theatre is gearing up for its final show of the year. Rehearsals recently began for The Sound of Music which will be performed over two weekends in November. The theater is also preparing to celebrate the 30th anniversary year of its re-organization. It was originally active from about 1968 to 1976. Fast forward 18 years to 1994 where supporters came together to re-start the theatre and it’s been going strong ever since. Kristy Jarnagin was among those helping to provide new life to the group. She serves on the governing board and still performs occasionally. With the help of numerous donors and fund-raising campaigns Jarnagin says there have been a lot of improvements made to its home - the historic Washita Theatre downtown.

The group has already announced its 2024 schedule which can be seen on its website. There is one event at the theatre prior to The Sound of Music. There will be an evening of ghost stories during the downtown Fright Night which is set for Friday, Oct. 13th.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.28 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.52.

Natural gas is $2.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,944 and silver is $23.47.

Obituaries

Richard Souders, Jr.

Funeral service for Richard Souders, Jr., 58, of Pocasset will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22^nd at the First Baptist Church of Mustang. He worked for Delta Airlines and for the City of Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Joy Bollman

Funeral service for Joy Bollman, 85, of Chickasha and formerly of the Alex and Blanchard area will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26th at Epworth Methodist Church. She was a volunteer at Grady Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, Sept. 20th

Two Injured in Separate Traffic Accidents

Two people were hospitalized following separate traffic accidents early Tuesday morning. 26-year old Emily Johnston of Newcastle was hurt when she crashed her Jeep near the junction of U.S. Highway 62 and the Alex Highway just after 5 a.m. That was before a thunderstorm moved through the area. The highway patrol reports that Johnston tried to pass a vehicle and didn’t have sufficient clearance. She swerved to avoid oncoming traffic, left the highway, and rolled three times. Johnston was last in fair condition in an Oklahoma City hospital.

One critically hurt in multi-vehicle crash

One person suffered life-threatening injuries in an accident on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike southeast of Chickasha about 6 a.m. Tuesday - which occurred after a storm moved through that area.  A pick-up ran off the highway and hit a legally-parked car that had its emergency flashers on. The pick-up then was hit by a semi. 36-year old Johnathan Price of Princeton, Missouri was a passenger in the pick-up. He was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was last in critical condition. The driver of the pick-up, 40-year old Michael Frakes of Lawton was treated and released from a hospital. Two people in the car - 51-year old Donald Tharp of Apache and 48-year old Johnny Fields, Jr. of Fletcher - were also hospitalized briefly but were treated and released. The driver of the semi was identified as 49-year old David Evans of Norman who was also treated and released.

Cancer Survivor Urges Congress to Support Research for Cure

A three-time cancer survivor is spending some time in the nation's capitol this week advocating on behalf of the American Cancer Society. As a young man, Howie Jackson of Chickasha survived two bouts with leukemia and earlier this year he won a battle with prostate cancer. For the last several years he has been going to Washington, D.C. to encourage Congress to support funding to help find cures for cancer.

Jackson’s work in Washington started in 2010. His efforts include supporting local Relay for Life campaigns which raise funds for the American Cancer Society to support ongoing cancer research.

Chickasha Fall Clean-up Campaign Begins

Chickasha residents are encouraged to do some fall clean up this week. The city's public works headquarters will be accepting all kinds of trash, limbs, furniture, appliances, and any unwanted items that may be cluttering up yards, garages, and sheds. There will be large roll-off dumpsters at public works, which is on Genevieve Street north of the animal shelter. Shae Mortimer with the city says residents will have to show they live in the city limits in order to use the free service.

Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. There is a separate area for limb and brush disposal and it does not have to be cut down to a smaller size. Refrigerators and window air conditioning units will have to have the Freon removed by a certified technician and individuals will have to show that documentation in order to drop them off. Items that won't be accepted include tires, batteries, motor oil, paint, or items considered to be hazardous materials.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.20 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $94.34.

Natural gas is $2.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,953 and silver is $23.56.

Obituary

Billy Bob Tryon

Funeral service for Billy Bob Tryon, 76, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21st at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, Sept. 19th

Changes to Planned Downtown Chix Park Approved

The Chickasha City Council put its stamp of approval on changes to the proposed downtown park being planned near the Rock Island Railroad Depot. Pat Brooks with the Chickasha Community Foundation outlined the changes in a 20-minute presentation during last night’s city council meeting. Brooks said among the most noticeable changes is a mini-train which will circle the six-acre park. There will also be a train station, playgrounds, pickleball and sand volleyball courts, and an area to show outdoor movies. There is also a large stable for developer Chet Hitt to keep his Town's End draft horses in.  Hitt plans on offering wagon rides during special events. Brooks said another round of fund-raising for the park will begin soon and they are hoping to begin construction on some of the projects by this time next year. Further down the road there could be an area for a carousel and perhaps a community flower and/or vegetable garden. The park will be open year-round and will be locked at night.

New city park regulations approved

The council approved changes to a couple of city ordinances which may be targeted at the homeless. The council established hours at city parks to be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and that no overnight camping will be allowed. Police could give a ticket to anyone violating the new rules. It wasn't clear what the fine might be but most tickets cost about $175. The new regulations would not impact camping or overnight stays at Lake Chickasha. Another ordinance change prohibits trespassing and illegal entrance on public or private property. Emergency clauses on all of the changes were approved meaning they will go into effect as soon as they are published.

Chicken limit established; roosters banned

The council also approved a limit on the number of chickens or other fowl a household could have. Officials say residents can have a maximum of five chickens but it bans roosters. Residents must get a city permit and have annual inspections. The permit fee would benefit Animal Control.

USAO Board of Regents Has New Face

The newest regent for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) has taken her oath of office. Sulphur pharmacist Amanda Conley took her seat on the panel recently. She was appointed to the post by Gov. Kevin Stitt and the state senate approved the appointment. Her term is for seven years and she takes over the post previously held by David Ferrell. The Conley family has been in the cattle business for five generations. She works as a contract pharmacist for the Chickasaw Nation and she also currently serves as a board member for Arbuckle Memorial Hospital.

University gets more national publicity

In other university news, USAO has been named a top-20 public liberal arts university by U.S. News and World Report for the second straight year.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.48 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $94.43.

Natural gas is $2.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,956 and silver is $23.59.

Obituaries

James Odom

Funeral service for James Odom, 95, of Amber will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 21st at the First Baptist Church of Amber. He was rancher and dairy farmer and spent many years on the Amber-Pocasset school board. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Amber.

Dellas Anderson

A memorial service for Dellas Anderson, 91, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23rd at the First Baptist Church of Chickasha. He was a U.S. Army veteran and worked for the Soil Conservation Service for nearly 40 years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s International.

John Periman

A memorial service for John Periman, 88, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25th at First Baptist Church of Chickasha. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, was a store manager for Humpty Dumpty and Dunn’s, and sang bass with the church choir and barbershop quartets. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Monday, Sept. 18th

Two Critically Injured in Weekend Accident

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is still investigating a weekend crash which critically injured two young women. An un-named 16-year old from Chickasha and 22-year old McKayla Rodriguez of Alex were in a small SUV which was involved in a collision with a pick-up about four miles west of Marlow. The accident happened just after 4 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Both were air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. Details of the crash were not reported. The pick-up was driven by 33-year old Eldon Nihipali of Marlow who was not hurt. The OHP reported that seat belts were being used in both vehicles.

Violent Threat Issued Toward Friend School

Friend School officials say classes will be held today as usual today after the school received a violent threat. A post on the Grady County Sheriff's Office Facebook page - attributed to Friend Superintendent Trevor Rogers - says a student made the threat after school last Friday. Rogers says the school's new resource officer and the sheriff's office were notified. Rogers said patrons should rest assured that the situation was thoroughly investigated and addressed effectively in conjunction with state and federal laws.

Chix Sewer Line Replacement Cost Increases

The price tag for repairing a sewer line just west of downtown Chickasha is getting more expensive. The city council tonight will consider some added costs to the project that is near 16th Street and U.S. Highway 62 (Choctaw Avenue). Officials say they have to move the sewer line 20 feet west of the original location. While digging to install the new line it was discovered that there was an existing pipeline in that same area that could not have been found in the original work plan. The additional materials will add $27,000 to the cost of that project.

Ordinance proposed to limit number of chickens at households

The council will also consider some changes to city ordinances including one that pertains to having chickens and other fowl in the city limits. The proposal calls for a maximum of five birds per household and roosters would not be allowed. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

Lincoln School Sets Conferences, Book Fair, Fund Raiser

Lincoln Elementary School will have parent-teacher conferences after school both today and tomorrow. There will also be a special fund-raiser and scholastic book fair during those times. Conferences will run from 3:45 to 7:15 today and tomorrow afternoon. The fund raiser is with Nothing Bundt Cakes out of Norman which will be giving some proceeds of their sales to the school. The scholastic book sale will be held at the library.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.77 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.93.

Natural gas is $2.64 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,984 and silver is $23.43.

Obituaries

Loretta Burton

A graveside service for Loretta Burton, 86, of Alex will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19th at the Alex Cemetery. She worked at Grady Memorial Hospital and the highway department. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Kevin Quillin

Funeral service for Kevin Quillin, 53, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19^th at Full Gospel Church. He owned and operated Chickasha Upholstery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Natalie Pearson

Funeral service for Natalie Pearson, 72, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22nd at Abundant Life Christian Church in Lawton. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Saturday, Sept. 16th

Admitted Killer Sentenced for Death of his Father

A man who admitted killing his father with a cinder block has been sentenced to 25 years behind bars. A federal judge sentenced Phillip Keith Ray, 45, to 300 months in prison this week. Ray pleaded guilty to second degree murder a year ago. The fatal attack occurred at a Chickasha home in October of 2021. The victim's body was found in the backyard of a home in the 900 block of South 13th Street. The case was heard in federal court as Ray is a member of the Comanche Nation and the crime occurred within Native American territory.

Oklahoma Song Writer Phil Sampson Dies

Oklahoma song writer Phil Sampson has died. Many say Sampson was one of Oklahoma's finest song-writers. He was best known for writing the No. 1 hit single "I Loved 'Em Everyone" released by T.G. Sheppard in 1981. Sampson was 80 years old when he passed away in Lawton last week from complications after a fall. Sampson grew up around the Chickasha area before he and his wife Susan settled in Lawton. In the 1960s he played the folk coffee house circuit. He then spent some time in California then returned to Oklahoma and began playing in a new bar in Medicine Park run by Vietnam veterans. He is survived by two brothers including Gary Sampson, a retired Chickasha school teacher and Kent Sampson of Stillwater; and one sister Mary Ann Lombard of Massachusetts. Funeral service for Phil Sampson was held today (Saturday, Sept. 16^th) at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lawton.

Wildlife Refuge Hosting Elk Tours

Among the fall programs to enjoy at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife refuge are their bugling elk tours. The tours are offered every weekend through Oct. 22nd. These are 3-hour bus tours which go through the special use area of refuge during the height of the elk mating season. Members of the Friends of the Wichitas serve as guides for the tours. Most are in the evening beginning about 5 p.m. but there will be two morning tours available, at 6:30 a.m. Saturday Sept. 23rd and again on Saturday, Oct. 7th. The tours are free but reservations are required and can be made by calling the refuge. Children must be at least eight years old.

Talk Show Topics

Kristy Jarnagin with the Chickasha Community Theatre is on the KOOL Konversation and Sue Getman with the Chickasha Area Arts Council is on Real Estate Today. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

Obituaries

Loretta Burton

A graveside service for Loretta Burton, 86, of Alex will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 19th at the Alex Cemetery. She worked at Grady Memorial Hospital and the highway department. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Natalie Pearson

Funeral service for Natalie Pearson, 72, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 22nd at Abundant Life Christian Church in Lawton. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

High School Football Scores

Chickasha 31, Anadarko 8

Minco 67, Merritt 24

Blanchard 34, Shawnee 31

Guthrie 20, Tuttle 3

Bridge Creek 42, Western Heights 12

Newcastle 69, Woodward 7

Alex 42, Maysville 16

Tipton 46, Cyril 0

Hinton 55, Carnegie 20

Apache 26, Ringling 0

Mt. View-Gotebo 32, Hollis 14

Marlow 27, Perkins-Tryon 21

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Friday, Sept. 15th

Man Dies After Tree Falls on Him

A worker at a moto-cross track died in a tragic accident this week. The Grady County Sheriff's Office reports that 23-year old Tracy Farrow was using a front-end loader to clear out some trees at the track about two miles south of Rush Springs. A large tree rolled off the bucket and fell on to Farrow. Undersheriff Kori Brewer said a bike rider who discovered the accident called it in. It happened about 3:30 Wednesday afternoon.

Suspect Faces Murder Charge After Fatal Crash

A murder charge has been filed in connection with last weekend's traffic death of an Anadarko woman. 35-year old Billie Butler died in what was reported as a single vehicle accident last Saturday night. She was described as a passenger in an SUV that crashed but no driver was listed. Anadarko police say they were able to identify the driver as 45-year old Justin Chase Milford. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was taken into custody at a Cyril home on Monday. A probable cause affidavit from Anadarko police says that an officer pulled the vehicle over for an expired tag. The vehicle then pulled away from the officer which led to a short pursuit. As the SUV approached a bridge on Highway 281 – the officer said it appeared that Butler was trying jump out. About the same time, the driver did jump out of the moving SUV and was able to elude authorities on foot. The SUV drifted toward the bridge and Butler became pinned between the SUV and the bridge where she died from her injuries. Milford has been charged with first degree murder and eluding and he remains in the Caddo County Jail with bond set at $800,000. Milford also has outstanding warrants out of Grady County including a felony for unauthorized use of a vehicle following an arrest just last week, and for a misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension following an arrest in July.

Driver Hospitalized Following SUV Rollover

An Amber man is hospitalized after his SUV crashed. 59-year old Steven Mackey was injured in the accident that happened just before noon yesterday. The highway patrol reported that Mackey's SUV ran off the road and rolled onto its top, pinning Mackey inside for an undetermined amount of time. He was wearing a seatbelt and the airbags did deploy. He was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was last in fair condition with head, trunk, and internal injuries.

Anonymous Donor Pays for New Swings in Chix Parks

A couple of Chickasha parks have some new playground equipment thanks to an anonymous donor. Parks and Recreation Director Spencer Winzenried said a contributor who wished to remain nameless gave the city $5,000 to purchase the equipment. Winzenreid said swings have been installed in Austin Park (which is near the Canadian Valley Technology Center) and at the 12th and Alabama Avenue park. The metal-framed swing sets are about eight feet tall and 32 feet wide and wood chips have been added for safety. The swings were installed at no cost thanks to CMS Willowbrook Development. Winzenreid said the swing sets could use some specialized swings for disabled children. He said they cost about $500 each and is hopeful another donor or donors would provide those funds.

Winner Announced in Chix PD Rib Cook-off

There's a new barbecue rib champion at the Chickasha Police Department. Lt. Traye Alexander was named the champion of the this week’s cook-off. A panel of four judges selected one of two of Alexander's entries as the winner. There were a total of eight entries in the competition. It was the first time for Alexander to win the cook-off after finishing runner-up several times. The defending champion was Lt. Lauren Jewell who was also among the competitors. The police department holds cooking challenges at different times throughout the year and sometimes has a chili cook-off.

Monthly Cars and Coffee at the Leg is Tomorrow

Classic and antique cars, truck, motorcycles, street rods, custom builts, ATVs, and UTVs will be on display in downtown Chickasha tomorrow morning. It’s Cars and Coffee at the Leg which is held the third Saturday of every month. It is not a judged show and no membership is required, so anyone who wants to show off their vehicle is welcome. Contact Brad Bates by calling 405- 426-7041 for information. There's free coffee and donuts for everyone. Cars and Coffee at the Leg runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in downtown Chickasha.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.16 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.70.

Natural gas is $2.71 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,939 and silver is $23.38.

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Thursday, Sept. 14th

Chickasha Officials Respond to Water Complaints

Chickasha residents have been complaining about brown and smelly water recently. City officials blame the issue on an increase of manganese in the water supply coming from the Ft. Cobb Reservoir. The spike in manganese is a problem experienced in many Oklahoma communities this time of year. It typically occurs in late summer and some websites attribute the problem to reservoir water ‘turning over’ – where mineral-rich water at the bottom rises to the top and enters distribution lines. The city issued a prepared statement which says the contractor of the city's water treatment plant (USW) indicate manganese has not reached unsafe levels. USW representatives say their on-going testing shows the water is safe to drink and to use. City crews are flushing the city's water lines by opening fire hydrants throughout the city in an attempt to get the affected water through the system faster. The statement said that manganese is a naturally occurring mineral and is found in small amounts in the human body which supports bone and tissue health. However, websites indicate that exposure to high levels of manganese can affect the nervous system and damage kidneys.

More Info Released About Marijuana Grow Facility Break-in

We have more details about the arrest of a suspect alleged to have been involved with the break-in of a marijuana grow facility east of Chickasha earlier this week. The suspect, 24-year old Billy Eugene Thomas, is said to be part of an Oklahoma City gang. The Grady County Sheriff's Office posted information about Thomas’ arrest on its Facebook page. The post showed several bags that officials say contains 140 pounds of marijuana deputies recovered that Thomas and others allegedly stole from the facility then threw out of a car during a high-speed pursuit with law enforcement. Investigators are looking for two other suspects. Thomas has been charged with felony counts of burglary and drug possession. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

Electric School Buses Now Part of Chix Schools Fleet

Chickasha Public Schools now have some electric school buses in its fleet. Three buses arrived yesterday after being trucked in from Springfield, Illinois. Chickasha schools received a federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to purchase five EV buses at a cost of $375,000 each. The school district's Director of Operations Dan Turner says they want to see if using electric buses will save the district money on fuel and maintenance costs.

The buses are much quieter than a standard gasoline or diesel bus. They will be used for in-town routes only. Turner said among the interesting features is that when buses are plugged in for re-charging, data is sent to a California firm showing if the bus is having any problems. That firm can contact an Oklahoma City company which will send a technician to Chickasha make repairs.

Carnegie Man Hospitalized after Crash

A Caddo County man was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital in a medical helicopter after being injured when his pickup ran off the roadway. 76-year old Michael Dietrich of Carnegie was last in stable condition. The accident happened just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday on State Highway 58 about eight miles south of Carnegie. The highway patrol said Dietrich veered off the highway, drove through a fence, and came to rest on an embankment. It wasn't immediately known what caused Dietrich to run off the road.

Downtown Tattoo Earns Some Top Awards at Conference

KOOL-RANCH radio and Mollman Media send a shout out to Downtown Tattoo in  Chickasha which had another great showing at this year's Texas Tattoo Conference in Paris, Texas recently. They had four first-place finishes including the most realistic tattoo, the best large black-and-gray tattoo, the best small black-and-gray tattoo, and the best black piece.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.52 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $91.88.

Natural gas is $2.68 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,929 and silver is $22.87.

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Wednesday, Sept. 13th

Voters Reject CV Tech Bond Issue; Elect New Minco Mayor

Voters in more than 100 precincts across four counties turned down that massive $75 million bond proposal for the Canadian Valley Technology Center school districts in yesterday's special election. The voting was split nearly 50-50. Of the more than 5,000 ballots cast 2,556 were ‘no’ votes and  2,508 were ‘yes’ votes. The plan needed a 60 percent super majority for passage.

Plan supported in Grady County

Grady County voters overwhelmingly supported the plan with nearly three of every four of the more than 1,000 voters who cast ballots said yes. The unofficial count was 671 ‘yes’ votes and 379 ‘no’ votes.

Canadian County voters opposed the plan

However, nearly 55 percent of the more than 3,900 Canadian County voters rejected the measure.  There were 2,104 ‘no’ votes and only 1,735 ‘yes’ votes.

Oklahoma and Caddo County voters liked the bond

150 voters in Oklahoma County gave just under 60 percent approval to the plan (91 ‘yes’ votes to 62 ‘no’ votes) and in Caddo County there were 15 votes cast with 8 ‘yes’ votes and 7 ‘no’ votes. Officials were hoping to make $25 million worth of improvements at the Chickasha campus and build a $50 million public safety training facility at the El Reno campus.

Hollandsworth to be next Minco mayor

Voters in the town of Minco have elected a new mayor. Long-time city councilwoman and vice mayor Susan Hollandsworth won by just 18 votes over challenger Dena Sanford. The unofficial tally shows Hollandsworth collecting just over 53 percent of the vote, 157 to 139. Hollandsworth will be sworn in during a future town council meeting and will take over the post previously held by Keith McMullen. McMullen stepped down earlier this year after a majority of the town council slashed the budget for the Minco police department.

1 of 3 Suspects in Custody for Marijuana Grow Facility Burglary

One suspect is in custody and authorities are looking for two others in connection with the break-in of a marijuana grow facility in the Tabler area. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess said deputies were dispatched to investigate some suspicious activity just after midnight Tuesday. Authorities encountered a vehicle which began to speed away and the ensuing pursuit topped 100 miles per hour. During the chase the suspects threw numerous bags of marijuana out of the car. The vehicle became disabled when a tire blew out and three individuals got out and fled on foot. Authorities captured 24-year old Billy Eugene Thomas who his being held in the Grady County Jail on complaints of burglary and eluding. Boggess said officials at the grow facility believed about 150 pounds of product were stolen.

Rock Island Weekend Expected to Draw Thousands to Chix

We are about two weeks away from one of the biggest weekends of the year in Chickasha. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce is calling it The Rock Island Weekend with Bites, Bikes, and Art Vibes. The three-day event will be in downtown Chickasha from Friday, Sept. 29th through Sunday, Oct. 1st. It includes the 15th annual Rock Island Arts Festival hosted by the Chickasha Arts Council. The festival will take up the 400 and 500 blocks of Chickasha Avenue all three days. Saturday will be a huge day with the Chamber's Oklahoma Food Truck Championship. More than 30 food trucks will line the 100 through the 300 blocks of Chickasha Avenue competing for a $10,000 grand prize. Also Saturday, the annual Rock Island Ride bicycle tour will be held which is an event that has drawn more than 300 riders in recent years. Also Saturday, the Together We Heel walk against domestic violence hosted by the Grady County Coordinated Community Response Team and the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN).  Visit the website: www. visitchickasha.com/rock-island-weekend

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.84 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $92.06.

Natural gas is $2.74 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,933 and silver is $23.18.

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Tuesday, Sept. 12th

CV Tech Bond Issue; Minco Mayoral Election on Ballots Today

There are special elections in some but not all areas of the state today.  Voters in 14 school districts within the Canadian Valley Technology Center service areas are casting ballots on a $75 million bond issue. If approved, funds will pay for an estimated $25 million in improvements at the nearly 60-year old Chickasha campus; and a $50 million stand-alone public safety training facility at the El Reno campus. Some of the updates on the Chickasha campus could include major renovations to existing buildings; more focused points of entry for safety and security; a storm shelter to meet growth; additional parking, and new space designed to meet an increase in demand for workplace settings which include electrical,  cosmetology, and hospitality fields. If approved, property taxes would increase about $30 per year on a $100,000 home. The bond issue needs a 60-percent super-majority from voters throughout Grady, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties to pass.

Two candidates vie for Minco Mayor

In Minco today, voters are electing a new mayor. Susan Hollandsworth and Dena Sanford are on the ballot. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.

Minco School Superintendent Discusses Proposed Bond Issue

Also in Minco, school superintendent Kevin Sims discussed details of a nearly $23 million bond proposal announced last week. Sims aired about a 25-minute video on the school district's Facebook page yesterday to outline the plan designed to build a new football stadium and track. Sims said the current facilities are outdated and while the district has about 100 students who run track - the district doesn't even have a track. Sims said it is one phase of future projects planned for the district.

Sims said the next project would be a new show barn for the agriculture program. If approved, property taxes for Minco school district patrons would increase about 4 percent - or about $40 per year on a $100,000 home. Voters will decide the issue in a special bond election in November.

Chix Planning Commission to Hold Two Public Hearings

Public hearings for a re-zoning application to build a new laundromat and approval of an over-sized structure already built will be held by the Chickasha Planning Commission today. Bassm Alzoubi is asking to re-zone some property at 16th and Park Avenue from residential-use to general commercial-use. The oversize building request is for Jim and Denise Gerlach at 820 East Choctaw. The Planning Commission meets at 4 o'clock this afternoon at city hall.

Grady County DAV Chapter's Monthly Meeting Tonight

Grady County Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 17 will hold its monthly meeting tonight. There will be an ice cream social so members are encouraged to stop in, visit with their fellow veterans, find out what's going on, and help plan for upcoming events. The meeting will get underway about 6 o'clock tonight. DAV Chapter 17 meets the second Tuesday of every month at the DAV Center downtown Chickasha at 6th and Chickasha Avenue.

Gov. Stitt Calls Another Special Session for Tax Cut Talks

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has called for a special session of state lawmakers to consider his on-going effort to cut taxes, and to increase transparency in the state budget process. In a prepared statement, Stitt said he's calling on lawmakers to put Oklahoma on a path to zero income tax and give Oklahomans a much-needed tax break. The agenda calls for lawmakers to consider a trigger law mandating that if a state or federal court finds some individuals who - due to  their race, heritage, or political classification don't have to pay a state tax - then no Oklahoman would have to pay that tax. The agenda also calls for a measure to increase budget transparency to ensure Oklahomans and their elected representatives have the ability and opportunity to see how their tax dollars are being spent. Twice before, the governor has been unable to get his tax cut proposals through the legislature in either regular or special sessions. The special session is scheduled to start October 3rd.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.29 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.64.

Natural gas is $2.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,941 and silver is $23.31.

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Monday, Sept. 11th

Chix Schools to End Shooting Sports Program

A clay-shooting sports program that began in Chickasha Public Schools last year is being closed down. Tonight, the Chickasha school board will act on a recommendation from Superintendent Rick Croslin to eliminate the program. Croslin said the reason is for safety concerns. The school board is being asked to transfer funds collected for the shooting sports program to the girls' power-lifting program.

Soccer coaches to teach an hour a day

The panel will also consider boys’ soccer coach Damon Mantooth and girls’ soccer coach Jimmy Hampton for part-time teaching positions for one hour each day.

Lease change for old Intermediate School proposed

The board of education will also consider a contract change with the Washita Valley Community Action Council's (WVCAC) lease of the former Intermediate School. The council leases the building from the school district for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The WVCAC is asking to add another building at that site to the lease. If approved, WVCAC would be responsible for all utilities, maintenance, repair of water, sewer, and gas lines; heat and air units; and the fire control system.

Bill Wallace employees to be honored

The school board will also recognize a couple of Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center employees. Teacher Tonya Yokum was named the district's certified employee of the month and Flor Zubiate is the support employee of the month. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the School administration building.

Fatal Weekend Crashes Remain Under Investigation

Women dies in Anadarko accident

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) continues an investigation into a fatal crash that happened in Anadarko Saturday night. 35-year old Billie Butler of Oklahoma City died in the single-vehicle accident that happened 1/2 mile north of Anadarko on Highway 281 just before 11:00 p.m. Saturday. Butler was listed as a passenger in the SUV and investigators were trying to determine if she was the driver. Highway 281 was closed for more than 3 1/2 hours after the crash.

Motorcyclist dies in Fletcher crash

The OHP is also still investigating a fatal crash between a pickup and a motorcycle that happened in Fletcher early Saturday morning. 38-year old Gilbert Crow of Oklahoma City was pronounced dead at the scene. Crow was riding a motorcycle that was involved in a collision with a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. The truck was driven by 46-year old Randy Herring of Apache. Neither he, nor a passenger identified as 32-year old Jessica Dacus of Fletcher, were hurt.

Minco School District Voters to Decide Athletic Complex Bond

Minco school district patrons will be asked to approve a multi-million bond issue to build a new athletic complex. If approved, the nearly $23 million proposal would allow the district to install a new turf field for the football program and other improvements. The measure will be on a special election ballot in November.

Cattle Producers Announce Youth Steer Contest

Grady County youth who show cattle are being encouraged to take part in a performance steer contest. The program is hosted by the Grady County Cattle Producers Association. Youth will enter a calf in the program next month and raise the animal over the next several months. Officials with the cattle producers say it is a great way for the youth to learn about beef production. Cash prizes will be awarded in the spring. Entries need to be submitted by Oct. 15th and it is limited to 25 contestants. Contact the Grady County OSU Extension Office for information by calling 405-224-2216.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.51 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.65.

Natural gas is $2.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,949 and silver is $23.39.

Saturday, Sept. 9th

Doctor Dies While Fighting Fire at his Home

Longtime family practice doctor Gayle Bounds has died. Bounds passed away while fighting a fire at his home southwest of Dibble. Grady County Undersheriff Kori Brewer said deputies and the Grady County Fire Department were dispatched to the Bounds’ home about 5 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Brewer said that a fire got out of a burn pit and was approaching the family home. Brewer said that Bounds suffered a medical episode while fighting the fire. No one else was home at the time. The home was not damaged. Brewer said the state medical examiner will determine the doctor's cause of death.

OHP Investigates Fatal Fletcher Crash

Authorities are investigating a deadly crash in the Fletcher area this morning. We don't have any details other than two vehicles were involved and that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol  shut down traffic near Northeast  120th Street and King Road just before 3:30 this morning.

Details Emerge Regarding Arrest of Caddo County Pursuit Suspect

KOOL-RANCH News has updated information about the arrest of a Caddo County man after a pursuit this week. We reported that 45-year old Evan McElhaney was being held in the Caddo County Jail on a $500,000 bond after being charged with multiple felonies. KSWO-TV cites court documents which indicate authorities were called to the Crows Roost area at Ft. Cobb Lake Tuesday morning to investigate a man who was believed to be intoxicated and shooting at several homes. As officers surrounded McElhaney's home and waited for the arrival of a Special Response Team, McElhaney sped away in his pick-up. He initially managed to elude authorities, however he was located several hours later and led authorities on a pursuit but they were able to get him stopped and take him in to custody. McElhaney is facing charges which include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, shooting with intent to kill, running a road block and eluding.

Benefit Car Show Helps Tuttle Teen Battling Rare Illness

The Tuttle community is rallying behind a teenager battling a rare form of Parkinson's Disease for which there is no cure. Hunter Edge has been in a Houston hospital for several months and is under-going experimental treatments which have already cost several hundred thousand dollars. Hunter is the son of Dusty and Lindsay Edge and family friend Jason Johnston has put together a car show today to help the family pay for the mounting medical bills. Members of the Tri City Cruisers and the Thursday Night Cruisers of Mustang are hosting the car show today at Coal Creek Winery. More than 40 trophies will be awarded, food trucks will be on hand, and proceeds from the day will go to the Edge family.

Ft. Sill Soldiers Complete Basic Training

Nearly 400 Ft. Sill soldiers were recognized for completing their basic training this week. Soldiers from Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Division; and Fox Battery, 1^st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery Division were commended for their work and will now head to various advanced training schools.

High School Football Scores

Chickasha, idle

Anadarko, idle

Bridge Creek, idle

Tuttle 35, Noble 7

Piedmont 21, Blanchard 7

Newcastle 35, Plainview 21

Minco 33, Apache 23

SW Covenant 55, Alex 0

Mt. View-Gotebo 38, Cyril 6

Lindsay 38, Atoka 7

Marlow 42, Comanche 6

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Friday, Sept. 8th

Cyril Home Invasion Suspect Arrested

An alleged gunman is facing a half-dozen felony charges after a recent break-in at a home in Cyril. 48-year old John Raymond Moore is facing the charges in Caddo County District Court. KSWO-TV points to court documents which allege Moore broke into the home, pointed an assault rifle at two people and threatened to kill them. Moore told investigators that he made the threats because one of the victims was telling lies about him. Moore is facing charges which include burglary, having a firearm after former felony conviction, and disrupting an emergency phone call. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years in prison. His bond was set at $25,000.

Another Caddo County Pursuit Leads to Arrest

Caddo County authorities recently found themselves in a high-speed pursuit for the second time within a week. The most recent chase led to the arrest of a Ft. Cobb man. Evan McElhaney is facing felony charges which include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, shooting with intent to kill, endangering others while eluding, and avoiding a road block. Those charges have also filed in Caddo County this week. No details of McElhaney's arrest were available. His bond was set at $500,000. Just last week, Caddo and Grady County authorities were involved in the pursuit of a suspect who stole a pickup from Cement. Adam John Sherwood is facing multiple charges in connection with that pursuit.

Early Voting Ends Today for CV Tech, Minco Elections

Early voting resumes today for a couple of special elections set for next week. Voters in the Canadian Valley Technology Center's sending school districts in Grady, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties are deciding a $75 million bond issue. Proceeds would be used for safety and security improvements and new classrooms at the Chickasha campus and the contruction of a public safety training facility in El Reno. Also, Minco voters will be electing a new mayor. Voters can cast in-person, absentee ballots until 6:00 p.m. today at the county election board office where they are registered to vote. Regular precincts will be open next Tuesday, Sept. 12^th from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Pirates, Glass Blowers Join Chix Art Walk Tonight

Downtown Chickasha will be alive tonight with the monthly second Friday art walk. Numerous artisans, bands, and performing artists will be scattered along Chickasha Avenue from the Leg Lamp to the Chickasha Area Arts Council and the Chickasha Art Center, as well as Shakespeare Wine Company on Kansas Avenue. Coordinator Dana Helms says pirates will be roaming throughout the venues. Helms says the event has grown ever since the first art walk in February.

There are a couple of glass blowers, live music will be at the new Wild Ox Axe Throwing venue, the Rock Island Candy Company, the Petroleum Building and the Leg Lamp. A food truck will be available and a local nursery will have plants and flowers. Hours for the art walk have been extended this month and will run from about 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.87 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $89.92.

Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,948 and silver is $23.36.

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Thursday, Sept. 7th

State Attorney General Says Fentanyl Battle Must Continue

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says the state needs to continue its never-ending battle against the deadly drug Fentanyl. The topic was among the issues Drummond addressed during a presentation at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Drummond said the process to put the deadly drug into a pill is inexpensive. The pill looks like prescription Oxycotin which can be sold on the street.

Drummond puts a lot of blame on Chinese drug cartels saying they know that Fentanyl is fatal but that they consider the deaths collateral damage so they can make huge profits.

Drummond said federal officials say that Oklahoma is Ground Zero for much of the drug trade in the country.

Chix Police Department Introduces New Officers

We have some background information on Chickasha's newest police officers who took their oaths of office at this week's city council meeting. Two of them are military veterans.

Trenton Freeman

Freeman is a 2018 graduate of Chickasha High School then enlisted in the Marines. After serving four years he joined the department last year. He has already completed his CLEET training.

Martin Amerson

Amerson graduated from Rush Springs High School and joined the Army where he was stationed at Ft. Sill. He served as a HIMARS crew member and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel.

Jonithan Horse

Horse graduated from Amber-Pocasset and also attended Canadian Valley Technology Center. He previously was an Animal Control Officer for the city. Amerson and Horse will begin CLEET training next month.

Anadarko Library Hosts Senior Diabetes Series

Senior adults in the Caddo County area who suffer from diabetes can take advantage of a short-term weekly program to learn more about their disease and how to manage it. The Anadarko Public Library is partnering with the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative to offer the course. The program is called Diabetes and Beyond which is designed to provide seniors and their caregivers with self-management information to improve their quality of life. There is information on how diabetes affects the body, how to monitor changes, meal preparation, and encouraging family involvement. The free program is held at the library every Wednesday at noon through Oct. 11th. Instructors are provided by the OU Health Sciences Center.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.54 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.60.

Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,945 and silver is $23.42.

Obituary

Brenda Rodgers

Funeral service for Brenda Rodgers, 67, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Friday, Sept. 8th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was a homemaker.

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Wednesday, Sept. 6th

TIF District Proposals to go to Chix Council Work Session

The Chickasha City Council delayed action last night on hiring a law firm to help the city develop what's known as Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts. City Councilman Kelly Boyd said a previous TIF district didn't work out as well as officials had hoped.

City Manager Keith Johnson said hiring a law firm would not necessarily mean that a TIF district is inevitable but the firm would provide guidance along the way.

Johnson said there is early discussion about two potential TIF districts. The council will have a future work session to get more details about the proposals.

Chix Police Department has Three New Officers

Three new officers for the Chickasha Police Department were sworn in during last night's council meeting. Martin Amerson, Jonithan Horse, and Trenton Freeman all took oaths to protect and serve. All grew up in and around the Chickasha area.

Former Chix Fire Chief to be Laid to Rest Today

Former Chickasha Fire Chief Brian Zalewski will be laid to rest today. Zalewski was 50-years old when he passed away last week. A funeral service will be at 2 o'clock this afternoon at Chickasha's Bible Baptist Church. The service will be led by Chaplain Kim Hayes and Fire Chaplain Richard Prather. Burial will be in the Westview Cemetery west of Rush Springs.

Okla's Attorney General to be in Chickasha

Attorney General Genter Drummond will have a stop in Chickasha today. Drummond will have a noon meeting at the Chamber of Commerce.

Gala to Honor USAO's Feaver, Hale

The current president and the immediate past president of USAO will be recognized at the Oklahoma History Center. A green-and-gold gala will be held to salute recently retired President John Feaver to celebrate his legacy and many decades of service to the university. New USAO President Kayla Hale is the first female president of the university which is historically known for being a women's college until the 1970s. The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 16th at the Oklahoma History Center with a cocktail hour and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. Cocktail attire is required. Individual tickets are $150 and tables for 10 are $1,000. Other sponsorships are also available. Tickets can be purchased on-line at: usao.edu/gala

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.69 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.04.

Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,951 and silver is $23.73.

Obituaries

Bob Cantrell

A private service was held recently for 83-year old Bob Cantrell. He spent several years at Friend School as superintendent, principal, teacher, and coach and he also worked for Chesapeake Energy. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

Jackie Keen

A private graveside service will be held at a later date for Jackie Keen, 70, of Tuttle. She was a homemaker, loved to cook, loved her rescue dogs, and was a big Beatles fan. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Kellie Keeler

A memorial service for Kellie Keeler, 61, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, Sept. 5th

Chix City Council to Formally Adopt Sales Tax Hike

Chickasha voters overwhelmingly approved an increase in the city's sales tax last month with the proceeds to be used to build a new water treatment plant. Tonight, the Chickasha City Council will consider a resolution to formally adopt the 1 1/4 cent sales tax increase which will go into effect Jan. 1st. The overall city sales tax will increase just 1/2 of one percent as a current sales tax expires Dec. 31st.

Panel to discuss OKC law firm to help form TIF district

The panel will consider an agreement with a law firm to help create a tax increment finance (TIF) district within the city. The proposal is with The Public Finance Law Group of Oklahoma City,

Pact to build new hangar at the airport to be reviewed

During the Municipal Airport Authority segment of tonight's meeting the group will discuss a proposed contract with Diversified Construction of Oklahoma to build a new 10-unit T-hangar at the airport at the cost of $1.2 million and consider accepting a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for $600,000. The panel will also consider going out for bids to design a couple of box hangars.

Sports complex concessions expected to remain with current vendor

Back to city council business, the group is expected to again award concessions at the city's sports complex to JW Concessions. Three bidders were seeking the contract however JW Concessions was the only one to supply all the information needed in the request for proposals. JW Concessions has had the contract for the last five years. The company will pay the city 25 percent of its earnings.

Cable permit agreement, homecoming parade to be considered

Also to be considered is a five-year cable permit agreement with Cebridge Acquisition, L.P. The council is expected to approve a request from the Chickasha High School student council to hold the annual football Homecoming parade downtown on Friday, Oct. 6th.

County Road Improvement Project Keeps Expanding

A proposal to make improvements to a Grady County road has grown to nearly four times its original price tag. Officials have been working for several years to upgrade what's known as Amber Road which is CR 1280 between Amber and Pocasset. County Commissioner Kirk Painter says there have been a lot of changes made to the proposal.

Painter is hoping the project could start sometime in early 2025.

Caddo County Fair Premium Sale Tonight

The premium sale for the animals shown during last week's Caddo County Fair will be held tonight. Tucker Freie of Anadarko had the grand prospect steer; Walker Maxwell of Hinton at the grand market steer; Reagan Bickerstaff of Anadarko had the grand barrow; Ashlyn Maddox of Hydro-Eakly had the grand wether lamb; and Jennica Williams of Ft. Cobb-Broxton had the grand wether goat. Nearly 60 animals will be sold tonight at the Caddo County Fairgrounds in Anadarko.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.55 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.84.

Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,956 and silver is $23.87.

Obituaries

Mark Hale

A graveside service for Mark Hale, 68, of Chickasha was held at 10:00 a.m. this morning (Monday, Sept. 5^th) at the Pioneer Cemetery. He worked for the railroad, in the oilfield, and as a truck driver. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Pamela Ratliff

Funeral service for Pamela Ratliff, 64, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 6th at Sharon Baptist Church. She worked at Grady Memorial Hospital for more than 30 years. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Princeton Awbrey

Funeral service for Princeton Awbrey, 33, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 6^th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Monday, Sept. 4th

No news due to the Labor Day holiday.

Saturday, Sept. 2nd

Obstetric Services May Return to Grady Memorial Hospital

Grady Memorial Hospital and the hospital foundation are beginning a multi-million dollar fund-raising campaign to bring obstetric services back to the hospital. The hospital's OB-GYN services were shut down a few years ago which forced expectant mothers to go to Oklahoma City, Duncan, or Lawton hospitals and doctors to get pre-natal care and have their babies delivered. Beth Malone is the Chief Nursing Officer at the hospital.

Malone says the hospital has plans to remodel three or four rooms on the second floor of the hospital into an obstetric suite that will meet state department of health standards. The suites would also allow the hospital to hire a couple of OB-GYN physicians. Details of a $6.5 million fund-raising campaign are expected to be announced soon. Malone said the target date to open the obstetrics area is early 2025.

Arson Suspect Claimed Space Aliens Started Fire

A Caddo County man claimed aliens were to blame for a grass fire at Ft. Cobb State Park last month. An arrest warrant has been issued for 42-year old Steven Jeffrey Curnett who is facing a felony charge of third degree arson. Authorities were dispatched to the park the evening of Monday, Aug. 21^st to investigate a suspicious grass fire.  KSWO-TV cites court documents which indicate Curnett said he was swimming with his alien friends - and the fire started when they left in their spaceship. Investigators went to Curnett's Hydro home a few days later to ask him more questions. At that time he said the fire began when he threw his glass marijuana pipe in the grass. Curnett also allegedly admitted to setting another fire because the first one was not burning very good. When asked why he started the fires Curnett said he liked watching them. If convicted Curnett faces up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Talk Show Topics

Chickasha High School Principal Debbie Davis and Middle School Principal Tori Weber are on the KOOL Konversation program. On Real Estate Today guests are Grady County Commissioner Kirk Painter and Beth Malone who is the chief nursing officer at Grady Memorial Hospital. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

Obituary

Pamela Ratliff

Funeral service for Pamela Ratliff, 64, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 6^th at Sharon Baptist Church. She worked at Grady Memorial Hospital for more than 30 years. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Friday, Sept. 1st

Retired Chix Fire Chief Brian Zalewski Passes Away

The Chickasha community as well as fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and emergency medical groups across the state are mourning the death of former Chickasha Fire Chief Brian Zalewski. Zalewski passed away Wednesday night. His death attributed to a heart attack. He was in his early 50s. Current Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego worked with Zalewski for nearly two years.

The Chickasha Police Department posted on its Facebook page that Chief Z was a great man and that his passion for serving others was inspirational and will live on as his legacy. A statement issued by Heartland Medical Direction officials says Zalewski dedicated himself to serving his community and extended unwavering assistance to those in need. The statement also indicated that Zalewski was honored as a true hero at a First Responder Night at UCO and that he epitomized kindness, humility and dedication. Heartland officials also said his commitment had no limits and that he became an integral figure in the emergency services landscape in Oklahoma. Zalewski spent about 15 years with the Chickasha Fire Department retiring in 2020. Later that year he was hired as a reserve deputy with the Grady County Sheriff's Office. He also was a paramedic, flight nurse, and instructor. Chief Z is survived by his wife Kim and their adult children. A funeral service will be announced at a later date.

Anadarko Firefighter Faces Child Sex Abuse Allegations

An Anadarko firefighter is in custody for alleged child sexual abuse. 37-year old David Hadrava was arrested this week following an investigation by the Caddo County Sheriff's Office. On-line court records show that Hadrava has been charged with six felonies including four counts of sexual abuse to children under 12 years old. Hadrava, who listed a Hinton address, remains in the Caddo County Jail on a $600,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference has been set for November.

Hiking Restrictions Implemented at Wildlife Refuge

Officials at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge have implemented some restrictions on hiking due to extreme heat. Officials say they have had a number of heat-related search-and-rescue missions recently. They say the hot weather and rugged terrain pose a safety risk not only to visitors but emergency response crews as well. Starting today, hiking is only allowed from sunrise to 10:00 a.m. All visitors must be off the trails and the Mt. Scott roadway no later than 10:00 a.m. The restrictions are in place until further notice. Refuge roads will be open to motorized vehicles and bicycles for wildlife observation and photography.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.63 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.86.

Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,970 and silver is $25.01.

Obituary

Clyde Gene White

Funeral service for Clyde Gene White, 82, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 5th at Grand Assembly of God Church. He was a manager for the C.R. Anthony Company and also owned the Ranchwood Motel in Rush Springs. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Thursday, Aug. 31st

Many Mourn Death of Cleveland County Deputy Sheriff

Numerous law enforcement agencies are reaching out to the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office and the family of a deputy sheriff who was allegedly shot and killed by her husband. Jordan Cannon died early Wednesday morning. Her husband, Vaughn Cannon - also a deputy sheriff - was arrested in connection with Jordan's death. The Chickasha Police Department and the Grady County Sheriff's Office posted messages on their Facebook pages. Chickasha police extended their deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and community of the Cleveland County sheriff's office. The Grady County Sheriff's Office asked for prayers for Jordan's son, her parents, and her work family. Jordan was recognized as an outstanding officer and while she loved her work, she also enjoyed inter-acting with citizens. Prior to her work in Cleveland County she worked at the Okarche Police Department. A candlelight vigil will be held at 8 o'clock tonight at the Cleveland County Courthouse.

Domestic violence runs rampant in Oklahoma

Cannon's death brings to light the issue of domestic violence. Oklahoma is said to have the most domestic violence cases in the country (according to Domestic Violence Intervention Services). The state is third in the number of domestic violence homicides. The Young Women's Christian Association reported there were more than 43,000 domestic violence cases in Oklahoma last year which led to nearly 1,000 arrests. 

ICAN program helps domestic violence victims 

A number of Grady County groups join forces each year to battle domestic violence. The Grady County Coordinated Community Response Team includes the district attorney's office, sheriff's office, and police departments which combine efforts to support The Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN). ICAN offers a 24-hour crisis line and provides emergency shelter and other services for victims and their children.  The response teams' Together We Heel walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 30th which will be during the Rock Island Arts Festival. Supporters are asked to wear high heels for a half-mile walk which will be held downtown Chickasha. Last year the walk raised more than $20,000 for the ICAN program. Domestic violence victims needing immediate help can call the crisis line at 405-222-1818. To support the Together We Heel Walk contact ICAN director Matt Whetzel by calling 405-224-8256.

USAO Hosts Meet-and-Greet for Students Tonight

USAO students are back in class this week and there is a big event for them in downtown Chickasha tonight for the community to welcome them. The university is holding a street-and-greet event. It will be a festive atmosphere with music, vendor booths, inflatables, and food trucks. There will be commercial booths, non-profit organizations, and other groups sharing information about the services available to students while they are here. USAO's Art Wrecker studio which is downtown will have a number of activities. It will be held in the 200 block of Chickasha Avenue from 6 to 8:30 tonight and it is free and open to the public.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.63 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.86.

Natural gas is $2.80 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,971 and silver is $24.93.

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Wednesday, Aug. 30th

Pursuit Suspect Faces Numerous Charges

Adam John Sherwood, the man accused of stealing a pickup and leading law enforcement on a back-roads pursuit last week, is facing several felony charges. Sherwood was arraigned in Caddo County District Court Monday on eight charges ranging from auto theft and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon to endangering others while eluding and having a pattern of criminal offenses. Sherwood is being held in the Caddo County Jail on a $250,000 bond. The chase took place last Wednesday when its alleged Sherwood stole a pickup from a Cement convenience store. The chase began after Grady County deputies were called to an area near Pioneer School to check out a suspicious vehicle. Authorities say Sherwood led Grady and Caddo County deputies and state troopers on a pursuit through the back roads of Grady and Caddo counties at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Authorities managed to take Sherwood into custody southeast of Anadarko. Officials say Sherwood may also face charges in Grady County though none have been filed at this time.

Embezzlement Suspect Worked for State Rep's Company

A suspect is charged with embezzling more than $1 million from a company owned by a state representative. Darren Wayne Alaniz is facing six felony counts of embezzlement for allegedly taking funds from a firm owned by State Representative Brad Boles of Marlow. The charges were filed in Stephens County after Boles realized that Alaniz was receiving unauthorized W-2 payments from Philtek Services. Alaniz worked for the company for five years and stepped down in July of last year. Court documents say Alaniz was authorized to submit and review all of the company's employee payroll information, including his own. Alaniz was paid a combination of regular pay, bonuses, and expense reimbursement during the time the alleged embezzlement took place. The unauthorized payments continued until Alaniz' manager credentials were revoked by company owners.

'Onward Chickasha' Survey Continues

Officials are continuing to work on a long-range plan to take Chickasha into the middle part of the 21st century. The Onward Chickasha project is an 18-month effort to develop a proposal to create a path of community improvements. Officials continue to encourage residents to take part in an on-line survey to offer guidance as to what improvements should be made. The current phase of the project is the Visual Preference Survey and users are asked to select the kind of housing construction they like, commercial development, parks and recreation, transportation, and infrastructure. Residents can go to the website onwardchickasha.org to take part in the survey.

Caddo County Fair Concludes

Most of the events for this year's Caddo County Fair wrap up today. There is the apple pie contest and voting for the quilt block challenge ends this afternoon. Also today will be the drawing for last year's quilt block. All the still exhibits will be released this evening. The horse show will be tomorrow night with the premium sale for the top animals exhibited in this week’s stock shows set for next Tuesday.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.16 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.49.

Natural gas is $2.56 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,965 and silver is $24.99.

Obituary

Judy Sullivan

A private graveside service will be held at a later date for Judy Ann Sullivan, 80, of Chickasha. She worked in auto sales for more than 35 years including for Ferguson Buick-Pontiac, Lacefield Chevrolet, and the John Holt Auto Group. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, Aug. 29th

Teen Suspect Connected to Minco School Threat Arrested

Minco schools brought in extra security yesterday after a TikTok video threatened violent acts against the school. Superintendent Kevin Sims says he was notified by parents Sunday night about the threat. It indicated that something could happen yesterday and at the next home football game. Sims reached out to Deputy Chris Velarde who was just hired as the district's resource officer. Velarde and other investigators quickly had a 14-year old suspect in custody. Sims said the teen lived in Minco but was not a student there. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess said the teen was taken to the Grady County Jail and was being held on a complaint of domestic terrorism. The teen went before a judge yesterday afternoon who ordered the youth be held in a juvenile detention facility until his next court appearance which is scheduled for Sept. 12th. Sims said school officials will be looking at protocol as it relates to attending athletic events. The next home football game is Sept. 15^th and Sims said they'll be stepping up security.

Sims thanked the sheriff's office and other law enforcement for their quick response to the threat.

Grady County Consumer Spending Surges

Consumer spending at Grady County retail outlets hit its highest level in more than two years this past May. It's estimated that more than $10 million in taxable goods and services were purchased that month. That's the highest level since before 2021. Consumer spending was up 14 percent from April and up 9.7 percent from May of last year. We estimate consumer spending when we see the sales tax revenues for Grady County. The most recent report from the Grady County Clerk's office shows the county received $780,000 as a result of the county's 3/4ths of a penny sales tax. The areas which benefit from the sales tax include the Grady County Fairgrounds which received $260,000; Grady Memorial Hospital received $230,000; the 20 county fire districts shared $130,000 so each one received about $6,500; the seven senior nutrition centers also shared $130,000 and each one received $18,000; Tuttle EMS collected $24,000; and Rush Springs EMS received $6,000.

Warrant Issued for Tuttle Arson, Burglary Suspect

Grady County authorities are looking for a woman suspected of arson. A warrant for the arrest of 62-year old Kathleen Annette Raiden of Tuttle was issued yesterday. On-line court records indicate she's facing three felony charges which include 4th degree arson, second degree burglary, and malicious injury to property. KSWO-TV cites documents which allege Raiden broke into a Tuttle home back in May and caused about $4,000 in damage. She's also accused of pouring paint thinner around the home and turning on a gas stove in an attempt to start a fire.

Cement to Hold Jesse James Festival

The legendary tales of Jesse James will come back to life in Cement next week for the annual Jesse James Festival. The town has a Jesse James Museum and Visitors Center which is open year-round. The Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 9th and will include a wild west show, live music, food trucks, and a car show. Also, the Cement Volunteer Fire Department will hold a benefit hamburger and hot dog dinner that day at the fire station and will accept donations.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.10 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.42.

Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,951 and silver is $24.71.

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Monday, Aug. 28th

Biker Hospitalized After Crash

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is still investigating a crash that sent a motorcycle rider to the hospital. 31-year old Michael Bailey of Marlow was last in stable condition in an Oklahoma City hospital. The accident happened just before 4 o'clock (Sunday) afternoon five miles east of Duncan. The trooper investigating the accident said it wasn't immediately clear what might of caused Bailey to crash. The trooper also said Bailey was not wearing a helmet.

Chix Soup Kitchen Looks to Purchase Rented Building

Officials with the Chickasha Soup Kitchen are undergoing a campaign to purchase the building the group is currently leasing. The soup kitchen, which started as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich ministry out of a cooler at First Christian Church, is now serving 200 or more people a day five days a week at a rented building at 6th and Pennsylvania Ave. The building has a fully-equipped kitchen with a large dining hall and bathrooms which are accessible for the disabled. The group is governed by a 10-member board which raises about $75,000 a year which helps pay for the lease, utilities, equipment, and food. Officials say making the current facility a permanent location would provide stability for clients and volunteers. The kitchen is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible. For information reach out to the soup kitchen by calling 405-999-5761.

Chix Library Touts Success of  Dolly Parton Book Program

More than 1,000 free books have been mailed to children in the Grady County area over the last year. The books are part of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. While the program has been around for nearly 30 years the Chickasha Library joined the program about a year ago. Jana Dabney is with the Friends of the Chickasha Library.

Parents can visit the Chickasha library to sign up their children and again there is no cost to families. The state department of libraries provides some of the funding to be part of the program and Dabney says the Friends of the Library kicks in about $1,000 a year.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.83 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.48.

Natural gas is $2.54 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,941 and silver is $24.57.

Saturday, Aug. 26th

Sheriff Warns of Scam Calls

Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess warns residents of a telephone scam where individuals are posing as representatives of his office. Boggess has received complaints from individuals who are getting recorded messages telling recipients there is an urgent matter and that they should call. Boggess says the number provided is not the sheriff's office number and urges anyone who receives such a call to ignore it and report call to the sheriff’s office.

Grady County Fair Ends Today

Today's the last day of the Grady County Fair and also the day with the most activities. Fair princess Kelsi McCarthey of Tuttle will be busy overseeing many of the activities which include the afternoon stock shows, the pet show, and the 4H and FFA tractor driving contest. The carnival opens at noon and the tractor pull will have one more session at 7:30 tonight.

Cake Show and Auction

Mindy Walker had the grand champion entry in the senior division with her Orange Juice Bundt Cake. Karen Osborn had the reserve with her Italian Cream Cake. In the junior division, Delse Bradford had the grand champion entry with her Chocolate Sheet Cake and Shelby Kelsey had the reserve with a Coconut Cream Cake. The top selling cake was Kelsey's Coconut Cream Cake which brought $375. Next was Osborn's Italian Cream Cake which brought in $350. Walker's Orange Juice Bundt Cake brought $300 and Bradford's Chocolate Sheet Cake brought $200.

State DEQ Seeks Input on Grant for Climate Pollution Plan

The State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is reaching out to Oklahomans to put together a plan to reduce climate pollution. Oklahoma received a $3 million federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to implement the first phase of a long-range plan to deal with the issue. The DEQ will meet next week to review information about the grant, the state's plan and goals for public  engagement, discuss projects or program idea submissions, and deadlines. The meeting will be held Wednesday, Aug. 30th at 1 p.m. at the DEQ office in Oklahoma City.

Tarantulas May be On the Move

A late-summer phenomenon is getting underway in some areas. It's the annual tarantula mating season and they can occasionally be seen in massive numbers crossing state roadways. The mating season runs from late August through October and the spiders can move in such large numbers that they look like brown streams of water crossing the roadway. The tarantulas can be four to five inches long from the tips of their legs and weigh between one and three ounces. They are found in southwestern states and in Mexico. The Oklahoman cites information from OSU Extension indicating that the Oklahoma Brown Tarantula is typically a docile creature and sometimes kept as a pet. Their venom can be toxic to small animals but does not pose a significant threat the humans. When threatened they may stand on their hind legs and display their fangs as a warning, but they rarely bite unless they are provoked. There are natural ways to repel tarantulas without killing them. You can use cinnamon or essential oils or eco-friendly pesticides. Keep your home clean and get rid of insects that attract spiders. You can also use a jar, a glass, or a spider trap and move the spider to another area.

Talk Show Topics

Drew Cooper with the Chickasha Public Library and Jana Dabney with the Friends of the Library are guests on the KOOL Konversation. And on Real Estate Today guests are Brent Greenwood, Eric Singleton, and E.J. Sweetley with the Oscar Jacobson House Foundation at OU which supports Native American artists. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

High School Football Scores

El Reno 64, Chickasha 24

Minco 47, Dibble 26

Empire 16, Rush Springs 14

Tuttle 41, Cache 7

Bridge Creek 42, Lexington 0

Newcastle 34, Weatherford 14

Lone Grove 35, Anadarko 20

Cyril 52, Corn Bible Academy 6

Texhoma 50, Carnegie 6

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Friday, Aug. 25th

Medical Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing

An air ambulance which was transporting a stabbing victim to a hospital made an emergency landing near Dibble yesterday. Media reports indicated the patient became combative and the pilot made the decision to land the chopper near the Dibble Crossroads early Wednesday morning. KOCO-TV reported the patient woke up during the flight and started kicking which caused some damage inside the chopper. McClain County Sheriff Landy Offolter said the unidentified patient may have become disoriented and scared. After landing, the patient was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital. The circumstances regarding the stabbing victim were not provided.

Suspect Faces Drug Distribution, Rape Charges

A Chickasha man on probation is back in jail and facing life in prison if convicted of new alleged crimes. 53-year old Elvis Derr was arrested this week for separate charges of drug distribution and rape. Court documents indicate Grady County sheriff's deputies worked with a confidential informant to purchase about $100 of methamphetamine from Derr earlier this week.  He was also charged with rape by instrumentation in connection with an August, 2021 investigation where the victim alleged Derr molested her after he put drugs in a drink. The victim underwent an exam at the hospital where doctors obtained DNA samples. Derr wasn't swabbed for DNA evidence until March of last year - and it wasn't until May of this year that the OSBI released the DNA report from the victim. The DNA was traced to Derr and a second unknown assailant. Derr is being held in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Grady  County Fair Continues

Here's what's happening at the Grady County Fair today. The north exhibit building opens at 10 o'clock this morning with all of the still exhibit displays, the vendor booths, and the OHCE food counter with Indian Tacos and sanwiches. OHCE will also be serving home-made meals for lunch and supper next door in the Community Building. The swine show will be at 5:00 p.m.; the carnival will open at 6:00 p.m.; and the first of two tractor pull performances will be at 7:00 p.m. (A second tractor pull will be tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m.). Tomorrow is the big day for activities. Check the Grady County Fairgrounds and Events Center Facebook page or website for the schedule.

City of Chix Schedules City-Wide Clean Up

The City of Chickasha will hold a fall clean-up campaign next month. Residents, property owners and businesses will be able take advantage of a free service to get rid of debris and unwanted items. The clean-up will be held Sept. 20th through 23^rd which is the week before The Rock Island Arts Festival, the Rock Island Ride, and the Oklahoma Food Truck championship where thousands of visitors are expected to be in town. The debris and unwanted items can be taken to the city's Public Works Headquarters where large roll-off dumpsters will be available. There will also be a separate area for a limb drop-off. Gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and then 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, the 23rd. Items which cannot be accepted include hazardous materials, pesticides, paint, motor oil, batteries, or tires. Appliances will be accepted, although refrigerators and window air conditioning units will have to have Freon removed by a technician and individuals will have a show a certificate that the refrigerant has been removed. Participants will have to show a utility bill or other identification showing they are residents inside the city limits. Questions can be directed to city hall or by sending an e-mail to: info@chickasha.org.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.05 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.36.

Natural gas is $2.52 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,944 and silver is $24.58.

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Thursday, Aug. 24th

Pursuit Suspect in Custody

Several law enforcement agencies were involved in a pursuit of a stolen pick-up yesterday. The pursuit began about 8:30 a.m. near Pioneer School after Grady County deputies were called out to check on a suspicious person. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess said an individual was going door-to-door saying he was associated with Capt. Jim Peek who is a DEA agent with the sheriff's office. Deputies found the pickup and were notified it had been stolen from Cement earlier in the morning. The pursuit went through the back roads of Grady and Caddo counties at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Law enforcement involved included Cement police, Caddo County deputies, and state troopers. At one point the suspect rammed into a deputy's SUV and officials fired shots at the pick-up but no one was hit or injured. At one point, the suspect got out of the truck and tried to steal a vehicle from a farm. The suspect was captured after a short foot pursuit southeast of Anadarko. The entire chase last about 30 minutes. In custody is 33-year old Adam John Sherwood who has had recent addresses in Cement and Ft. Cobb. He was taken to the Caddo County Jail in Anadarko where he is being held on complaints of eluding police and assault and battery with a deadly weapon. He may also faces charges in Grady County. The OSBI was called in to help with the investigation as it involved an officer-involved shooting.

Grady County Fair Opens

The 108th Grady County Fair begins today. The north exhibit building at the Grady County Fairgrounds is open with all the still exhibit items on display and many of the commercial vendors offering their wares. Entries for the cake show will be taken from noon to 2:30 today, which will be followed by the difficult task of judging the tasty entries. The goat show is this afternoon, with the cake auction right after the opening ceremonies at 6:00 p.m. During the opening, fair honorees Rufus and Peggy McMahan will be recognized for their many years of service. The carnival opens at 6 o'clock tonight and there will be live music with Tim Brauer and the First Look Band. OHCE groups will serve homemade lunches and dinners in the community building today, tomorrow, and Saturday at noon and Indian Tacos in the north exhibit building. The fair runs through Saturday.

USAO Students Return

In addition to all the activity at the fair USAO is welcoming students back to campus. Welcome Week activities are getting underway. Signs are posted throughout the campus with welcoming messages and there are activities which serve as ice-breakers for new students to meet and network with their peers and other students. Students can participate in a scavenger hunt, a glow party, and a battle of the boats. Move in day is tomorrow so motorists who use 17th Street through campus will need to be extra alert for students moving into their dorms. Northbound traffic on 17th Street between Grand and Alabama Avenues will be closed to all non-university traffic from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow.  The university will hold a street-and-greet event in downtown Chickasha next Thursday night and encourage businesses, and civic and non-profit groups to set up booths to show students what is available in the community.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.89 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.21.

Natural gas is $2.50 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,947 and silver is $24.54.

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Wednesday, Aug. 23rd

Child Porn Suspect in Custody

A Chickasha man is behind bars after a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with a child porn investigation. 38-year old Michael Elton Morgan was booked into the Grady County Jail on Monday. Morgan was wanted for allegedly uploading more 100 images and videos of child porn to Facebook.  He had his initial appearance in Grady County District Court yesterday and was formally charged with aggravated possession of child porn and  violating a state law with a computer. His bond was set at $250,000 and his next court date is Sept. 13th for a preliminary hearing conference.

Dad Arrested for Allegedly Harboring Fugitive Son

The father of a Caddo County man arrested for theft and deception is also now in some legal trouble. 74-year old Phillip Bailey was arrested for harboring a fugitive - after his son was found at Phillip Bailey's Apache home. Zachry Bailey was recently arrested for his alleged connection to crimes in several states. KSWO-TV reports that Apache police became aware that Zachry may be staying with his father. Investigators paid a visit to Bailey's home when they saw a new car in the driveway. Phillip Bailey told officers his son would soon turn himself in. But Zachry emerged from the home and taken into custody. Phillip Bailey was arrested on the harboring a fugitive charge on Monday and had his initial appearance in Caddo County District Court yesterday. He was released on a $20,000 bond. Phillip Bailey is currently on probation after pleading guilty to a 2019 felony bogus check charge out of Grady County where he was given a six-year deferred sentence.

New State Veterans Affairs Director in Place

The state Department of Veterans Affairs has a new director. Retired Navy Rear Admiral Greg Slovanic was elevated to the post after being appointed as interim director earlier this year. He spent 34 years in the Navy; held four command assignments; and served in combat deployments to Vietnam, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also oversaw intelligence activities, special access programs, critical infrastructure, and sensitive activities as Chief Operating Officer and Chief management officer for the Navy. He also served as co-chair for the design and building of the USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Opera Singer to Perform in her Hometown

Chickasha native Madelyn Roberson, a talented opera singer, will be performing in her hometown. Roberson, a 2018 Chickasha high school grad, is returning from a year at the Royal Northern College of Music in the United Kingdom. She'll be performing at St. Luke's Episcopal Church as part of the church's 130th anniversary arts series. Roberson made her stage debut with the Chickasha Community Theatre when she was five years old and began studying classical vocal performance at OU when she was 15. It is a free concert which is open to the public and will be followed by a reception. The concert will be Saturday, Sept. 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.35 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.03.

Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,931 and silver is $24.10.

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Tuesday, Aug. 22nd

Suspect Arrested for Alleged Child Sex Crimes

A Blanchard area man is accused of child molestation. Grady County deputies arrested 43-year old Justin Eugene Cowen over the weekend.  Media reports cite court documents which indicate a child came forward and said that Cowen began touching her inappropriately when she was eight years old and that the molestation continued for several years. A warrant for Cowen's arrest was issued Friday and he was booked into the Grady County Jail Saturday night. At his arraignment yesterday a judge set Cowen's bond at $500,000. Cowen could be sentenced to four life terms if he's convicted. A preliminary hearing conference is set for Sept. 13th.

Arrest Warrant Issued for Suspect in Child Porn Case

Authorities are looking for a Chickasha man they say shared dozes of videos and images of child porn on a social media site. An arrest warrant was issued last Friday for 38-year old Michael Elton Morgan. The warrant is for felony charges of aggravated possession of child porn and committing state computer crimes. The warrant was issued after a nearly year-long investigation which began when authorities were notified that Morgan allegedly uploaded child porn from his electronic devices to Facebook. It's alleged that there were several reports indicating that the IP address of the location the material was sent from was traced to Morgan.

Lindsay Shooting Suspect Arrested

The Oklahoma State Bureau of investigation (OSBI) is investigating a shooting that occurred in Lindsay over the weekend. The Garvin County Sheriff's office asked the state agency to get involved after a man was critically wounded in his own home.  The investigation led authorities to 65-year old David Towler of Lindsay. He's been charged with three counts of shooting with intent to kill and first degree burglary. The motive of the break-in and shooting was not disclosed with the information which was posted on the OSBI Facebook page. Towler is being held in the Garvin County jail on a $500,000 bond.

Ninnekah Woman Wins Statewide Award

A Ninnekah woman picks up a state award. Peggy Castleberry was named the Cattlewoman of the Year at the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association state convention recently. Castleberry has a long history with the Oklahoma Cattle Women (OCW) as well as the Grady County Cattle Women. She served two terms as the southwest district director and also spent time as OCW vice president of education. She has assisted with the state's Ag in the Classroom project which provides ag resource kits and books to schools; and she spearheaded an annual Read a Book a Week program where members read ag-related books in classrooms. Castleberry says she and her husband Kirk have been working on their ranch for more than 50 years

Chix Schools Seek Hall-of-Honor Nominees

Chickasha public schools are looking for candidates to be considered for enshrinement in the district’s of the Hall of Honor. Candidates must have been a graduate (out of school for 10 years), a former employee, or community supporter of the district. Candidates must have contributed to the welfare of humanity to an unusual degree, brought unusually positive attention to the school district, or modeled the highest personal and professional qualities for students. Nominations need to be submitted by November 1st. Inductees will be announced early next year with the induction ceremony next spring at the annual Chickasha Public School Foundation Gala. Applications are available on the Chickasha Public Schools website.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.72 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.46.

Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,932 and silver is $23.81.

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Monday, Aug. 21st

Pursuit Vehicle, AC Projects on Chix City Council Agenda 

The Chickasha city council will discuss buying a pursuit vehicle for the police department when the group meets this evening. The group will consider the purchase of a 2023 Dodge Durango from Bob Howard Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge from a state contract at a cost of more than $42,000. Councilors will also consider several upgrades to the SUV including more than $20,000 in equipment from Metro Emergency Outfitters (also from a state contract) and a more than $7,000 camera system from Watchguard Motorola.

Two sites targeted for AC upgrades

The panel will also consider installing a new 3-ton heat-and-air unit for the bath house at Shannon Springs Park and a 3 1/2 ton system for the large concession building at the sports complex.

Extension of Railroad Depot Lease Proposed

The council will consider extending a lease with downtown developer Chet Hitt for the Rock Island Railroad Depot. During the municipal authority section of tonight's meeting, the council will consider a 30-year lease agreement with It's a Hitt Corporation. Hitt wants use the depot as a special events venue. If approved, the lease would go into effect Sept. 1st. The proposal calls for a rental fee of 5 percent of the gross revenue earned from any special event rental. The corporation would pay the utility bills and any real and personal property taxes or any taxes levied in lieu of real property taxes.

Large Grant Proposed for work on Another Historic Site

The council will also consider issuing up to a $160,000 incentive grant to a developer making upgrades to a downtown building. A company called Open Skies Group out of Texas is renovating an historic building in the 600 block of Chickasha Avenue. The firm has owned the building for nearly two years. Plans are for that building to also host special events including weddings, parties, and meetings. The firm plans to spend more than $480,000 on renovations. Officials with the city’s Economic Development Council say the project fits within the scope of the grant program and recommends the council approve the request. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

Almost Time for the Grady County Fair

Grady County Fair week is here! It's a three-day event this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and is a free fair as admission and parking are free at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Tonight is the fair princess and little miss competitions however winners won't be announced until after the opening ceremonies Thursday evening. Still-exhibit entries will be accepted tomorrow afternoon. Fairgrounds marketing director Jamie Jones talks about one of the new events this year.

Another new event is the mullet contest. There will be over 100 commercial vendors, a carnival, a tractor pull, and numerous other activities.

Chamber of Commerce Staff Named Top Young Pros

A couple of staff members of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce are among the top young professionals in the state.  Cassie Poole and Logan Lassley were recipients of the honors from NexGen's Under 30 Program. Poole is the chamber's marketing director and was the winner in the Non-Profit category. Lassley is the chamber’s Tourism and Festival of Light Director and picked up the award in the Tourism category. Chamber president Jim Cowan said their achievements, along with their contributions to establishing a young professionals network, exemplify the chamber's commitment to cultivating an environment where emerging talent can shine.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.25 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.80.

Natural gas is $2.55 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,917 and silver is $23.21.

Saturday, Aug. 19th

State Broadband Office Works to be more Transparent

Efforts to increase the transparency of efforts to get high-speed internet service to rural Oklahoma are underway. The Oklahoma Broadband Office has introduced a new inter-active on-line map which details the availability of the service. Broadband office director Mike Sanders says it is a way for individuals to track improvements once federal grant funds are provided to the state. The website OK Energy Today reports the state map offers information and functions that are not available in either of two maps overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The state office map shows internet service availability in state legislative and congressional districts. It allows users to search addresses; view served, underserved, and unserved locations; see reported internet speeds by location; and see areas that are getting upgrades through federal grants. The state broadband office map and both FCC maps can be viewed on the website: map.broadband.ok.gov

Teens Face Charges for Alleged Church Break-in

Two teenagers are facing burglary charges for allegedly breaking into a Chickasha church. Brayden Scott Miller of Chickasha and Deacon Everett Craddock of Ninnekah – both 18 years old - were arrested by Chickasha police Thursday afternoon.  KSWO-TV cites Grady County court documents which indicate the burglary occurred in June. The arrest affidavit indicates both teens admitted to breaking a window to get inside the un-named church. The youth said they thought the building was empty and wanted to explore. Video surveillance showed two masked men going through the church. It wasn't clear how investigators identified Miller and Craddock as the suspects. Both are charged with second degree burglary. Craddock is being held on a $25,000 bond and Miller is being held on a $15,000 bond.

Native American Artists Sought for Norman Art Show

A call is going out to Native American artists to apply to take part in a fall exhibit in Norman. The Jacobson House Native Art Center will have a juried art show which will run during much of September and the first part of November. The exhibit is simply called 21st Century, and there is an open call for artists which runs through Aug. 30th. Artists should be 21 years old, a current resident of Oklahoma or Indian Territory, and be a member of one of the 39 federally and state-recognized tribes in Oklahoma. Most art mediums qualify. Artists whose works are accepted will be notified by Sept. 3rd if they are selected, and those artists will receive a one-year patron-level membership with the Oscar Jacobson Foundation. The opening reception will be Sept 8th and the show will run through Nov. 11th. For information contact the Jacobson Native Art Center in Norman by calling 405-366-1667 or visit the website: jacobsonhouse.art

Blanchard Bluegrass Festival Resumes Tonight

The distinct sounds of banjos, fiddles, and guitars and unique harmonies of bluegrass music is wafting through Blanchard this weekend. The Blanchard Bluegrass festival opened at Lions Park last night and continues this afternoon and will wrap up this evening. It's a free event and individuals should take lawn chairs and blankets – and also sunscreen as the sun and heat will impact festival goers in the early hours. Some of the groups include Honey Creek Pass; Bazemore Bluegrass; Cynthia Ridge; and Riley Gilbreath at Lone Star Blue. Other groups include The Horn Family; Southbound Mule, and Graystone Bluegrass. Food trucks and t-shirt vendors will be on hand.  The festival resumes at 4 o'clock this afternoon.

Obituary

Betty Pruitt

Funeral service for Betty Pruitt, 94, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 21st at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was a teacher for Ninnekah and Tuttle schools.

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Friday, Aug. 18th

Former Coach Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Crime Charges

Former girls basketball coach Ron Akins pleaded guilty to a number of sex crimes in Grady County District Court yesterday. Akins was charged with 10 felonies including rape, attempted rape, and lewd or indecent acts to children under 16 years old. During the 15-minute hearing Akins told District Judge Kory Kirkland that he entered the plea because he was guilty. Two victim impact statements were submitted. One was read by Assistant District Attorney Morgan Lankford written by a victim who was a 13-year old 8th grader at Friend School when Akins forced himself on her several times. Now 28 years old, she said she suffers from deep emotional scars that she will carry with her the rest of her life.  Akins received sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years in prison on the 10 counts and will serve them concurrently. After prison, the now 56-year old Akins will serve 25 years of probation and will have to register as a sex offender.  An attorney for the victims said a federal lawsuit also filed in connection with the case could go to trial in late December or early January.

Teens Charged with Theft from Tuttle Middle School

Some Tuttle teenagers are facing charges after breaking into the Tuttle middle school and stealing some laptops and computer monitors. Our partners at KWTV News 9 report that the break-in took place last month - but investigators had little information to go on as the individual seen on video surveillance wore a mask. Police got a break in the case when a teacher was able to buy one of the laptops from a suspicious Facebook profile. Authorities said the seller was a middle school student who implicated two other students. They said they decided to break in to the school because they were bored. All but one of the stolen items has been recovered. Two of the teens will go through the Grady County juvenile court system and the other was turned over to tribal authorities.

Proposed PSO Rate Increase Discussion Continues

Now a follow-up to a story we had earlier this week about the state corporation commission considering a rate hike request from Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO). The agency took no action on the proposal this week as commissioners say they are taking the matter under advisement. The website OK Energy Today reported that an administrative law judge initially recommended the panel approve the rate increase. Corporation Commission Chairman Todd Hiett called it a complicated issue. A representative of the Oklahoma industrial Energy Consumers, one of several groups still opposed to the increase, called it a mess. Officials with the American Association of Retired Persons are okay with the $155 million rate hike request, saying the organization is looking out for its customers.

Longtime Chix Business Woman Succumbs to Pneumonia

Longtime Chickasha businesswoman Lynette Johnson has passed away. Johnson and her husband Bill were the owners and operators of Johnson's Wrecker Service for many years. She also was a director for Mary Kay Cosmetics and was awarded the company's prized pink Cadillac. Johnson died August 4th at the age of 92 from pneumonia. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon at Bible Baptist Church. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Shriner's Hospital or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Cars and Coffee at the Leg Event is Tomorrow

Car, truck, and motorcycle enthusiasts will unite tomorrow morning for the monthly Cars and Coffee at the Leg gathering. Anyone with a classic car, truck, bike, muscle car, modified, street rod, UTV or anything with two, three or four wheels are invited to take part. It's not a car show, just an opportunity for enthusiasts to show off their vehicles and talk about their hobbies. It's free and open to the public and there is free coffee and donuts while it lasts. It's from 8 to 11 tomorrow morning at the Rock Island Railroad Depot and the leg lamp downtown Chickasha.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.12.

Natural gas is $2.62 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,923 and silver is $23.14.

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Thursday, Aug. 17th

Former Coach Expected to Plead Guilty to Child Sex Crimes

Ron Akins, the former Ninnekah and Friend girls basketball coach charged with committing sex crimes against his players, is expected to plead guilty to those allegations today. Akins was arrested more than two years ago after players accused Akins of raping and molesting them. One of the alleged victims said she took complaints of Akins to law enforcement in 2015 when she was 13 years old but no action was taken until other victims came forward years later with similar stories. 14 victims eventually came forward to say Akins raped or molested them. Akins is formally charged with 10 felonies. Akins waived his right to a jury trial recently and is to appear in court this afternoon to enter a guilty plea. Our partners at KWTV News 9 report that Akins could be sentenced to 15 years in prison which would be followed by 25 years of probation. Victim impact statements are also expected to be read in court today.

Chix Educational Leaders Provide Updates in Forum

Leaders of Chickasha’s three educational institutions discussed their missions during an education forum hosted by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Chickasha school superintendent Rick Croslin, USAO President Kayla Hale, and Canadian Valley Technology Center Superintendent Gayla Lutts all addressed the forum held at USAO. All spoke of their efforts to prepare students for their futures. Croslin gave an update on the improvements going on at the high school football field and other projects that are part of a bond issue approved by school district voters last year.

Hale, who just began her presidency at USAO earlier this month, said there is a record number of incoming freshmen this year and many of them are the first in their families to go to college. She wants to provide support for them.

Lutts discussed the technology center’s efforts to offer courses to get students prepared to enter the labor force to fill the numerous openings available in critical career fields including nursing, heat and air, and others. She also touched on the $75 million bond issue that will be decided in a special election next month. If passed the proposal includes about $23 million in upgrades at the Chickasha campus and the construction of a $50 million public safety training facility at the El Reno campus.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.38 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.45.

Natural gas is $2.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,927 and silver is $23.07.

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Wednesday, Aug. 16th

CV Tech District Voters to Decide Bond Issue

Voters in parts of Grady, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties will go to the polls next month to decide a huge bond issue for the Canadian Valley Technology Center district. It's a $75 million proposal which officials say will benefit the Chickasha and El Reno sites. Superintendent Gayla Lutts said the Chickasha campus would get some extensive improvements as many buildings are almost 60 years old. At El Reno the proposal would build a stand-alone public safety training facility. If approved, there would be slight increase in property taxes. Ad valorem taxes on a $100,000 home would increase about $30 per year. The special election is scheduled for September 12th and the proposal needs a super-majority of 60-percent approval to pass. If approved the new tax would begin after a current bond issue is paid off next year.

Lawmakers Want AG Opinion Regarding

County Sales Tax for Rural Ambulance Service

A couple of state lawmakers in the region want Oklahoma's attorney general to provide an opinion regarding the distribution of county sales tax revenue to support private companies which provide a public service. The question relates to a proposition approved by Garvin County voters in 2021. It called for the county to  set aside sales tax funds for ambulance service in areas that did not previously have those services.  State Rep. Cindy Roe (R-Lindsay) and State Sen. Jessica Garvin (R-Duncan) want the attorney general to comment. Roe said constituents didn't realize that private ambulance services would NOT be allowed to tap into that sales tax fund. She says sales taxes which have been collected for those services remain untouched - even though there is a dire need for them in rural areas. Roe said there are similar situations in other counties. Garvin said she and Roe are working with district attorneys to come up with a solution and that Oklahomans should not have to worry about losing life-saving services over a technicality.

Chix Firefighters Hold Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness

Chickasha firefighters are having a fund-raiser to aid in breast cancer awareness. The firefighters are teaming up with Wing Ts for a pink t-shirt campaign. Captain Jimmy Blue said firefighters have traditionally worn pink duty shirts during October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and that they wanted to do something different.

The t-shirt design includes the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon and the Chickasha firefighters logo. Proceeds from t-shirt sales will benefit the local Second Base Savers which is a breast cancer awareness group.  T-shirts can be purchased at Wing Ts through Aug. 25th. Blue said orders have to be turned in early because there is a big demand for pink t-shirts this summer due to the success of the Barbie movie.

FFA Groups Receive STEM Grants

A number of regional FFA programs are the recipients of STEM grants from Public Service Company of Oklahoma and its parent company American Electric Power. More than $35,000 in grants were awarded to state FFA chapters. Among the regional chapters receiving grants are Carnegie, Fletcher and Elgin. The grants ranged from $300 to $2,500 and are for science, technology, engineering, and math projects. Since 2018 the AEP Foundation has awarded nearly $210,000 to Oklahoma FFA chapters.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.99 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.89.

Natural gas is $2.66 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,937 and silver is $23.10.

Obituaries

‘Gene’ Howard

A graveside service for Eugene ‘Gene’ Howard, 95, of Marlow will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 18^th at the Marlow Cemetery. He worked in the oilfield and was a truck driver. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

‘Sue’ Fogle

Funeral service for Suzette ‘Sue’ Fogle, 67, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 19th at Vimy Ridge Baptist Church in Rush Springs. She was a drilling consultant for her family's oilfield company. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, Aug. 15th

Chix Has Lots of New Construction for First Half of the Year

More than $9 million in construction projects were approved within the City of Chickasha for the first half of this year. Reports from the city's Community Development Department show that 82 building permits were approved between January and June. 21 of those were in the commercial sector including both new and remodeling projects. 61 were either new home construction or residential remodeling projects. The value of new construction is actually much higher than the $9 million figure. Many of the projects listed on the reports do not show their estimated values. The monthly building reports can be seen on the City of Chickasha's website.

Suspected Impersonator Arrested

A Caddo County man is in custody for impersonating a doctor, a police officer, and stealing a vehicle. Media reports cite court documents from October of last year which allege Zachry Brent Bailey of Apache tricked a man into giving Bailey his vehicle. The Apache Police Department first investigated the case and a warrant had been issued for Bailey’s arrest. Reports also say Bailey is tied to a case in Texas where he was found driving a used police car and may have been preparing to impersonate an officer. Some media outlets have compared Bailey's actions to those depicted in Leonardo de Caprio's movie, ‘Catch Me if you Can.’

Veterans Groups to Provide Info at CV Tech

Military veterans and their families needing help obtaining benefits or other assistance will be able to meet with a number of veteran-related service groups in one location next month. Canadian Valley Technology Center will host a one-day event which will feature the state department of veterans affairs; VA medical services; VA Behavioral Health Services; Women's veterans services; and legal and educational services. The Grady County DAV Chapter 17 will be on hand as will as representatives from the VFW and American Legion. Veterans should mark their calendars for Thursday, Sept. 7^th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the program to be held on the Chickasha campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center.

Philanthropist Kay Neill-Wint Passes Away

Chickasha native Kay Neill-Wint has died. She was a corporate lawyer in California, owned and managed a famous Hollywood night club, and returned to her hometown of Chickasha where she was a philanthropist and supported numerous community projects. Neill-Wint was 76 years old when passed away last week following complications from neck surgery. After her career as a lawyer she purchased and managed The Hollywood Palace which had hosted numerous television shows over the years and became one of Hollywood's best live music venues. She received the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year award in 1991. Kay married Phil Wint in 2002 and the couple later moved to Chickasha. She served on the board of directors for the Grady County Historical Society, was a member of the Salvation Army advisory board, and the USAO Foundation board of trustees. She and Phil helped to establish USAO's Neill-Wint Center for Neurodiversity which helps students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25th at Chickasha's First Christian Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to USAO's Neill-Wint Center for Neurodiversity.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.51 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.21.

Natural gas is $2.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,935 and silver is $22.55.

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Monday, Aug. 14th

State Panel to Continue Proposed PSO Rate Hike Discussion

For about the last year a rate hike request for Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) has been under scrutiny. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has been wrangling with PSO since a nearly $295 million rate increase was introduced last fall. The proposed rate hike has been revised downward to nearly half that amount which is now at $155 million. The website OK Energy Today reports that an administrative law judge is recommending that the rate hike be approved. If the commission approves PSO customers would see a nearly $3.60 per month increase in their bills. The rate hike has the support of the commission's public utilities division, the state attorney general, and AARP. Several groups opposed the agreement including the Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers, the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma, The U.S. Department of Defense, The Alliance for Electrical Restructuring, and Wal-Mart. The commission will discuss the increase in a meeting tomorrow.

Union Contract Discussions Set for Chix School Board

Contracts with the three labor unions within the Chickasha school district will be considered by the board of education tonight. Contracts with the Chickasha United Teachers Association, the Chickasha Association of Support Employees, and the Chickasha Organization of Professional Administrators will be reviewed. For the teachers union, officials say they have negotiated raises and an additional year to the pay scale which would increase teacher salary costs by $1.3 million. For support employees, a negotiated agreement includes a 75-cent per hour raise and also adds a year to the salary schedule adding an additional $400,000 to the total support employee salary expense. Officials are recommending a $34 per day raise and adding another year to the pay scale for administrators which would increase the salary costs for that area by $210,000. The panel will also consider a bond bid package from CMS Willowbrook at a cost of nearly $912,000 to handle the construction management for projects at Lincoln Elementary, the middle school, and Grand Elementary. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building.

Record Melon Highlights Rush Springs Festival

A new record was set at the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival on Saturday. The heaviest watermelon checked at 225 pounds which breaks the previous record by 11 pounds. The monster was grown by Garen Bratcher who said the melon almost didn't make it through the season.

The melon breaks the previous record of 214 pounds of a melon grown by the Miller family in 2012. The Bratchers have been growing watermelons since the 1940s

Duncan Bypass Improvements Begin

Motorists traveling in the Duncan area will have some road construction work to contend with over the next few weeks. The Duncan Bypass will be narrowed to one lane in some areas due to a resurfacing project. Overland Corporation was awarded the $4 million work order by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission. The project is getting underway this morning and traffic will be down to one lane for about the next six weeks. It includes the bypass from just east of U.S. Highway 81 to Elk Avenue, intersections at Highway 81, Bois D'arc Road, Beech Avenue, and Elk Avenue.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.19 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.81.

Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,946 and silver is $22.77.

Saturday, Aug. 12th

Earthquake Shuts Down Well

Drilling on a well near Union City was temporarily shut down this week due to an earthquake. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission implemented its earthquake mitigation plan Thursday morning following reports of a tremor registering 2.2 on the Richter scale which was followed by a series of smaller aftershocks. The plan is implemented when earthquakes top 2.0 on the Richter Scale. The website OK Energy Today cited reports from the Oklahoma Geological Survey which indicated the tremor was among four recorded in the previous 24 hours. The strongest was about six miles northwest of Union City and the epicenter was about one mile west of the El Reno Airport. The well being drilled by Paloma Resources reportedly ceased operation for about six hours.

Rush Springs Watermelon Festival Underway

The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival will officially get underway a little later this morning. However, some early risers have already made their way to the area for both a 5K and 10 run. The 10K runners have just taken off from Jeff Davis Park and will run a route which includes much of the downtown area, out to the high school football field and back to the park. The opening ceremonies will get underway at 9 a.m....and that’s when most of the estimated 125 arts and crafts and food vendors will open their areas for business. The watermelon barn will open at 10 a.m. as local growers compete for the top prizes including the largest watermelon. The prize melons will be auctioned off this afternoon. An estimated 50,000 pounds - or 25 tons of watermelon - will be sold or given away today. The watermelon is free after 4 p.m.

Talk Show Topics

Liz Taylor and Shelby Kelsey with the Grady County 4H program are guests on the KOOL Konversation. Real Estate Today guests are Sheppard McConnell, USAO vice president for enrollment management, and USAO Drama Professor Katie Davis. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

Obituary

Oleta Brown

A graveside service for Oleta Brown, 93, of Tuttle was held at 10:00 a.m. today (Saturday, August 12^th) at the Ninnekah Cemetery. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

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Friday, Aug. 11th

Grady County Deputies Earn Promotions

Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess held ceremonies this week to promote a number of deputies. In the patrol division, Brittany Mayer was promoted to master sergeant. In the communications division, Josh Huffines was promoted to captain and division commander; Amanda Cox was promoted to lieutenant and commander; and Kayla Briley was promoted to sergeant. In the school resource division, deputy Perry Settle was promoted to lieutenant and supervisor. The promotions were posted on the sheriff's office Facebook page.

Funeral Set for Chickasha's First Black Police Officer

Chickasha's first black police officer has died. Theodore Ligons passed away this week at the age of 85. He also worked as the city’s street superintendent from which he retired. Ligons was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean Conflict. His mother Ethel purchased the first truckload of bricks used to build Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Funeral service for Theodore Ligons will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Rush Springs Set for 78th Watermelon Festival

The town of Rush Springs is ready for the thousands of visitors who will be coming to town for the community's annual watermelon festival. The event is all day tomorrow at Jeff Davis Park just east of the downtown area. The annual rodeo kicked things off last night and there will be a second go-round tonight. That's following the parade that will be held at 5 o'clock. There are 10 growers in the area vying for bragging rights over this year's crop. Lillian Ball is this year's watermelon queen. She says growers will be trying to break the record of the heaviest watermelon.

The day kicks off with 5K and 10K runs; there are more than 100 arts, crafts, and food vendors; there is a car show, a carnival, and live music and entertainment. Throughout the day, 50,000 pounds of watermelon will be sold or given away. Watermelon is free after four o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

Morning of Prayer to be held at Grady County Courthouse

A number of Grady County and Chickasha leaders will be meeting for a morning of prayer to ask for spiritual guidance and support for government, schools, community service organizations, and families. Christian leaders in these areas have been meeting about once a month to pray over the sectors. The group will be meeting on the south steps of the Grady County Courthouse at 7 a.m. next Thursday, August 17th, and invite the public to join them. Among them are Grady County District Judge Kory Kirkland, who will have an introduction and prayer for the church; District Attorney Jason Hicks will pray for government; Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess will pray for law enforcement; Chaplain Luke Harris will pray for the military; Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley will ask for guidance for community service organizations; and Minco school superintendent Kevin Sims will cover education. Michael Butler with Chickasha's First Baptist Church will pray for revival in the community; Ryan Posey will cover business and commerce; Rewa Blackstar with Wee Care Learning Center will pray for families; and track coach and electrician Shevon Blair will pray for student-athletes.

Second Friday Art Walk is Tonight

This is the second Friday of August which means it’s time for the second Friday art walk downtown Chickasha. Local artisans will be located throughout the downtown area with their art on display. Among the new events are a John Wayne impersonator and a chainsaw art specialist on the west end. The art walk is along Chickasha Avenue from the Leg Lamp and railroad depot area to near 7th Street to include the Chickasha Art Center. It also includes part of Kansas Avenue to include the Shakespeare Wine Company. The art walk is from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. tonight.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.82 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.40.

Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,949 and silver is $22.76.

Obituary

Joe Slawson

Funeral service for Joe Slawson, 67, of Rush Springs will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 16^th at Vimy Ridge Baptist Church in Rush Springs. He served as a Grady County deputy sheriff from 1999 to 2005.

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Thursday, Aug. 10th

Area Schools Begin New Year

Today is the first day of classes for many, but not all schools in the region. Chickasha Public Schools is among them and has 175 class days scheduled over the next nine months. As students return to the classroom there has been a last-minute change at Grand Elementary where students and parents will see a familiar face back in the principal's office. Kathy Wenzel was named interim principal just this week. For the last several years she served as the assistant principal at Bill Wallace and prior to that she was the principal at Grand. Wenzel will fill the post which was previously held by Dereth Harrison. Harrison was just hired by Ninnekah schools to be the elementary school principal there. Wenzel is among the most veteran of teachers and administrators for Chickasha. She is in her 32nd year in education with all of them being with the Chickasha school district. She has worked at virtually every school site either as a teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Blanchard Driver Hospitalized After Accident

An SUV crash in McClain County sends a Blanchard woman to the hospital. 65-year old Tammy Durgen suffered head and neck injuries in the accident and was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was last in good condition. The accident happened just after noon Wednesday on State Highway 39 north of Purcell. The highway patrol reports that Durgen's SUV ran off the highway, hit a culvert, then came to rest against a utility pole. The trooper indicated that speed may have been a factor. Durgen was wearing her seat belt.

Suspect Arrested for Alleged Truck Theft

A Chickasha woman was arrested and charged for allegedly stealing a truck. 40-year old Jessica Renee Trent was taken into custody by police after the victim reported his truck was taken without his permission this past Sunday. Officials were summoned to a home in the 600 block of North 2nd Street about 4 o'clock that afternoon to take the report. A witness said they saw Trent take the truck. A few hours later, police spotted the vehicle at the Dollar General Store at 6th and Grand and found Trent inside the store where she was arrested and taken to the Grady County Jail. A probable cause affidavit indicates Trent told the officer she took the truck to get some drinks and that she probably should have taken the truck back sooner. Trent has been charged with a felony for possession of stolen vehicle. She remains in jail in lieu of a $10,000 bond.

Suspected Reckless Driver Accused of Assaulting Cop

A Tuttle woman was arrested and charged for allegedly assaulting a police officer. Tuttle police arrested 42-year old Susanna Dawn Shelton-Parker last weekend after an officer responded to a report of a reckless driver who had parked her pickup at the Sonic Drive In. A probable cause affidavit indicates the officer pulled her over as she left the drive in and that while he was talking to her she appeared to be intoxicated. Shelton-Parker became combative and began slapping the officer when he asked her to get out of the truck. The officer said he had to tase her to get her to comply. Shelton-Parker was eventually arrested and taken to the Grady County Jail. She has been charged with a felony for assault and battery on a police officer, and misdemeanors for threatening an officer and municipal DUI. She remains in jail on a $15,000 bond.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.40.

London-based Brent crude is $87.55.

Natural gas is $2.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,952 and silver is $22.85.

Obituary

Mark Johnson

A private service for Mark Johnson, 72, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. He worked at Land of Lakes and was a preacher at the Called Out Full Gospel Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, Aug. 9th

Chix Voters OK Sales Tax to Fund Water Treatment Plant

Chickasha voters gave a landslide approval to sales tax that will fund the construction of a new water treatment plant for the city. The proposal for a 1 1/4 cent sales tax received nearly 94 percent of the total votes in a low turnout yesterday. The final tally was 1,206 to 81. That's an unofficial count until it is certified by the election board on Friday. The nearly 1,300 votes cast is only about 16 percent of the number of registered voters in the city. The sales tax will go into effect January 1st. The city’s sales tax rate will only increase by one-half of one cent as a current 3/4ths of a penny sales tax will expire December 31st.  Mayor Chris Mosley says much of the sales tax revenue will pay for about a $70 million, 30-year loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to build the plant.

Officials estimate that the sales tax could bring in about $4.5 million a year with $3 million of that going to loan payments. Mosley talks about what the remaining $1.5 million per year could be used for.

Other capital improvements could include the purchase of fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars. Mosley said it will be a long process to build the new plant. Engineering is just starting and that will take a year. It will take at least another two years to build the plant which means it could be 2027 at the earliest that the plant will begin operations.

Carnegie Voters OK PSO Franchise Extension                              

The town of Carnegie also had a special election yesterday. Voters gave near unanimous approval for Public Service Company of Oklahoma to continue its franchise agreement for another 25 years. The measure received 60 of the 61 votes cast.

State Highway 19 Upgrades Approved

The State Transportation Commission awarded a contract this week to widen State Highway 19 between Chickasha and Alex. The panel awarded a more than $50 million contract to Silver Star Construction Company. It will start about five miles southeast of the Highway 19 and 81 junction then go east nearly 8 ½ miles. Work is expected to start later this year. Once completed State Highway 19 will be a super two-lane roadway with eight-foot wide shoulders from Chickasha eastward to the Washita River Bridge west of Lindsay.

Suspect in Custody After High-Speed Chase in Verden Area

Verden police arrest a man following a pursuit that reached 100 miles per hour through parts of rural Grady and Caddo counties. 42-year old Mikel Charles Frazier of Ponca City was taken into custody after last Saturday’s chase. A probable cause affidavit indicates Verden police attempted to pull over a pickup speeding through town. The driver sped away and failed to stop at stop signs and at one point put children's lives in danger. The pursuit ended when the truck blew a tire. Frazier tried to make a run for it but he was quickly detained. Frazier has been charged with felonies which include endangering others while eluding and possession of a stolen vehicle. He remains in the Grady County in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.92 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.17.

Natural gas is $2.78 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,959 and silver is $22.79.

Obituary

Janet Stewart

Funeral service for Janet Stewart, 74, of Duncan will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11th at the First Baptist Church of Duncan. She was a teacher and a homemaker. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, August 8^th

Injured Chix Police Officer has Badge Retired

In a ceremony that many believed was long overdue retired Chickasha Police Sgt. Matthew Schoolfield had his badge retired last night. The ceremony was during last night's Chickasha City Council meeting. Police Chief G.G. Music said Schoolfield was part of the police department's Special Response Team (SRT) that attempted to issue a search warrant on Sept. 17th, 2017. Music said a gun battle ensued with more than 200 rounds being fired and Schoolfield suffered several gunshot wounds. Following a long recovery Schoolfield returned to work and honorably retired in March of 2020. In last night's meeting Music said-

Several members of that SRT team were and others who worked with Schoolfield were on hand for the presentation. A proclamation issued by Mayor Chris Mosley noted Schoofield's more than 12 years of service, commitment, dedication, heroism, and suffering great physical loss. Schoolfield’s badge No. 319 will never be issued again.

Chix Voters to Decide Sales Tax Issue

Chickasha voters go to the polls today to decide on a sales tax proposal that would pay to build a new water treatment plant. The proposal calls for a permanent 1 1/4 cent  sales tax which officials say would not only pay for the $74 million plant, it would also provide funding for various capital improvement projects including street and water line repairs and needed equipment for police and fire. If the sales tax is approved, it would result in just a 1/2 of a penny net increase in the sales tax as a current 3/4 of a penny tax expires at the end of the year. If the sales tax does not pass the city's water users will see their rates rise 82 percent in order to pay for the project. Polls are open until 7 o’clock tonight.

Carnegie Has Special Election

There is also a special election in Carnegie today, where voters will decide on a 25-year extension for Public Service Company's franchise agreement.

Chix City Council Tidbits

The city council approved a payment of nearly $288,000 to a contractor for the recent repairs made to the storm drain and intersection at 14th and Missouri damaged during heavy rains in June. The panel also approved a request by Brannan Bordwine to rezone several acres on West Country Club Road from agricultural to residential use. The panel also approved a number of oil and gas leases to Petroven. The leases total about 40 acres and range in size from less than one-half acre to 31 acres. The panel also approved a request to waive the competitive bidding process and purchase 25 new AR-15 platform police rifles at a cost of nearly $79,000 from Ares State Armory. The panel also authorized the purchase of 10 new Glock 9mm with night sights for the police department totaling just under $5,000 from H and H Shooting Sports.

Chix School Teachers Challenged to Find 'Amazing' Things

Chickasha school teachers have been challenged to find something amazing to talk about every day during the upcoming school this year. During the opening convocation for the district’s teachers yesterday, officials asked them to find 175 amazing things about the district. That’s one for every day of the school year. Guest speaker was Dr. April Grace, former Shawnee school superintendent who was the state school superintendent of the year in 2021. Gab Shepard with the Chickasha Public School Foundation reminded teachers that the classroom closet is open and that most of the school supplies students need can be picked up. She also said that the foundation issued more than $40,000 in teacher grants last year and that applications for this year's grants will open this week. In the spirit competition among each school site Lincoln School was declared the winner and will get to be the home for the large ‘Cluck’ Norris Fightin' Chick mascot. Chickasha school students return to class on Thursday.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.94 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.34.

Natural gas is $2.72 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,969 and silver is $23.22

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Monday, Aug. 7th

Chix Police Officer to Receive Retirement Badge

Years After Being Injured in Shootout 

A Chickasha police officer severely injured in a shootout will finally get his retirement badge. Sgt. Matthew Schoolfield was among several law enforcement personnel injured while trying to execute a search warrant at a home in September of 2017. Schoolfield was shot six times. Chickasha Police Chief G.G. Music recently discovered that Schoolfield never received his retirement badge - but that will change tonight as Schoolfield is expected to receive the badge during tonight's Chickasha City Council meeting.

Storm Drain, Street Repair Project Payment to be Considered

The council is expected to approved the payment of the emergency storm drain and road repairs made to the intersection of 14th and Missouri which were completed this past week. Mayfield Construction, now doing business as Bear Creek Construction, bid just under $290,000 for the project.

Resident Wants Agriculture Property Re-zoned

Also on the agenda is a public hearing to consider a request from Brannan Bordwine to re-zone several acres west of 25th and Country Club Road from agriculture to residential use. The Planning Commission has recommended that the re-zoning be approved.

Fire Department Seeks New Truck

The group will consider purchasing a new squad truck for the fire department. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego is asking to buy a Dodge Ram 2500 from Emergency Vehicle Sales and Service of Oklahoma. The purchase price of just under $83,000 is expected to be reimbursed by the Grady County 522 EMS District.

Oil and Gas Leases to be Considered

The council will also consider approving a number of oil and gas leases with Petroven totaling nearly 40 acres in the city limits.

Hallowe'en Events up for Discussion

The panel will also consider requests from the chamber of commerce to hold a walking Hallowe'en costume parade downtown on Friday, Oct. 13^th and the annual Neewollah Festival downtown on Saturday, Oct. 28th. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

Back-to-School Time;  Info for Chix Public Schools

Students will be returning to area classrooms this week  including those in Chickasha Public Schools. Teachers return today with their opening convocation at 9 o'clock this morning at the high school activity center. Classes begin Thursday.

High School

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can pick up their class schedules this morning between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. or this afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Freshman preview is tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at the high school activity center auditorium.

Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center

Meet-the-teacher night at Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center will be tomorrow afternoon and evening. Kindergarten is from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and first grade is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Lincoln School

Lincoln School  meet-the-teacher is tomorrow evening 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Grand Elementary

Grand Elementary meet-the-teacher is Wednesday, Aug. 9th 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

School Times Changing

There are new start times at each school this year so students and parents are urged to get those new times before Thursday.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.82 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.24.

Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,969 and silver is $23.46.

Obituary

Regina Mitchell

Funeral service for Regina Mitchell, 70, of Ninnekah was held at 10:30 this morning (Monday, August 7^th) at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was a home-maker and bookkeeper for her husband Harry's diesel truck repair service.

Saturday, Aug. 5th

Regional Oil and Gas Well Update

We have some updates on oil and gas well production reports to share today. Four Garvin County wells on a single pad are jointly bringing in more than 3,600 barrels of oil and more than 10,000 metric cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas per day. They are the Torero wells drilled by CPRP Services of Oklahoma City and are in the Woodford Formation of the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province (SCOOP). They are in Section 30 of Township 3 North and Range 3 West a few miles south of Lindsay near the town of Purdy. They are drilled to a true vertical depth of more than 11,000 feet with total drilling at more than 23,000 feet.

Twin Wells Producing East of Chix

Camino Natural Resources has a couple of wells on a single pad in Grady County jointly producing nearly 900 barrels of oil and more than 4,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. They are the Shockey and the Golden Driller wells in section 36 of Township 7 North and Range 7 West about a mile east of Chickasha. They are in the Springer and Woodford formations in the SCOOP and were drilled to a true vertical depth of about 14,000 feet with total drilling at more than 25,000 feet.

American Indian Exposition Wraps up This Weekend

The American Indian Exposition in Anadarko wraps up today. Among the activities are a 5K run this morning, a softball tournament which runs through tomorrow, as well as primitive and traditional bow shooting competition. There is a parade through downtown at 10 o'clock this morning. Indian horse relay racing runs through tomorrow with championships Sunday afternoon. Tonight at the Caddo County fairgrounds it’s the men's dancing competition including the national fancy dance special. Head singer is John David Ballard.

City of Newcastle Building New Sports Complex

Construction is underway on a new sports complex for the City of Newcastle. The complex is being built near State Highways 76 and 130 which is just west of the city near Jack's Corner. Architect drawings show seven baseball and softball fields. They plan to include adding turf to some of the natural grass fields as well as walking trails, picnic areas, and 500 parking spaces. Our partners at KWTV New 9 say Newcastle received a $1.2 million grant last year to help pay for the project.

Church Hosts Back-to-School Bash for Chickasha Students

This is the last weekend of summer vacation for students in a number of school districts. Among them are students in Chickasha public schools who will return to classrooms next Thursday, Aug. 10th. To help get them ready Michigan Avenue Baptist Church is hosting its annual back-to-school bash and resource fair from 9 a.m. to noon today. They'll be giving away more than 400 backpacks along with school supplies and personal care items. Free haircuts and sports physicals will be available and community service organizations will be on hand. Students must be accompanied by parents. Families are asked to park at the Canadian Valley Technology Center and the Towns End bus will shuttle families to and from the church. They will be serving lunch and snow-cones. Teachers are welcome and each will receive a free goodie bag and t-shirt and can enter a drawing to win cash prizes. Teachers can also submit a list of their classroom needs. By the way, parents of Chickasha students will not have to purchase most school supplies. The Chickasha Public School Foundation provides many of the supplies needed throughout the year in all grades but there are a few exceptions.

Chix PD Hosts Ice Cream with a Cop

Also today, Chickasha police will have Ice Cream with a Cop. Officers will be on hand at Chickasha's Dairy Queen and free junior ice cream cones will be served to kids 12-and-under from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Kendra Gift and Dena Craig with the Southwest Oklahoma Development Authority are on our KOOL Konversation program. Jamie Jones from the Grady County Fairgrounds is our guest on Real Estate Today. Podcasts of both programs can be found under the Community tab on this website.

Obituary

Regina Mitchell

Funeral service for Regina Mitchell, 70, of Ninnekah will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 7th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was a home-maker as well as a  bookkeeper for her husband Harry's diesel truck repair service.

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Friday, Aug. 4th

Transformer 'Tumble' Explained

A 63-thousand pound transformer fell off a flatbed trailer in downtown Chickasha created some excitement last week. The incident happened about 8:30 last Wednesday morning, July 26th. It shut down traffic on 4th street for about six hours. The Southwest Ledger reports the transformer was en route from Houston to Oklahoma City. Ledger reporters say they talked to truck driver who was northbound on 4th street when he saw an SUV driving through the intersection and he hit the brakes on the big rig. When he did, the weight of transformer shifted and it broke five chains that were supposed to keep the transformer on the trailer. There were no injuries. Two cranes from an Oklahoma City firm were called in to lift the 31 1/2 ton transformer back on to trailer. A hazardous materials crew from an environmental clean-up company out of Wayne brought bags of safety solvent to soak up non-toxic mineral oil which spilled out of the unit. No street damage was reported but a curb had a large chunk taken out of it. The unidentified driver told The Ledger he was ticketed for having an unsecured load. The fine is $174.

'Reservation Dogs' Actor Back Home in Caddo County 

There was a big turnout in Anadarko last night for the re-opening of McKee's Indian Store. The Caddo Nation recently purchased the store in an attempt to begin a resurgence of business to downtown Anadarko. Many of those attending turned out to see teenage actor Lane Factor, who plays the role of Cheese on the hit FX series Reservation Dogs. Factor, who just recently turned 18, is a member of the Caddo Nation and was chosen as this year's Celebrity Indian of the Year for the American Indian Expo. He talks about his early acting success and hopes it’s something he can keep doing:

Reservation Dogs is in its third and final season. Factor says his immediate future is unclear because of the current actor's strike.

Monster Trucks to Feature Teen Driver 

Monster trucks return to the Grady County Fairgrounds this weekend. And a 14-year old girl will be driving one of them. Faith Phreed is among the youngest monster truck drivers in the world. Phreed drives the truck known as Animal House. She's following in the footsteps of her father Shane who has been driving monster trucks for years. He's driving Robo Machine, War Wizard, and Monster Mutt. There will be three shows over the next couple of days. The first is 8 p.m. tonight and there are two shows tomorrow. The first will be at 3 p.m. and the second at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available at the gate.

Chix Public Pool Closing Soon 

The swimming season will be ending soon at the Chickasha municipal swimming pool at Shannon Spring Park. Lewis Knisley with the YMCA which manages the pool says the pool will have its regular hours through next Wednesday, Aug. 9th which will be the final day for open swimming. The pool will be open for limited hours on Saturday, Aug. 12th and Aug. 19^th from 10-6 for limited pool parties. Contact the YMCA for information.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.55 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.14.

Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,968 and silver is $23.59.

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Thursday, Aug. 3rd

City of Chix Officials Update Infrastructure Work

A water line break discovered in the north part of Chickasha early Wednesday has been repaired. City crews spent most of the day repairing the break at 10^th and Illinois. That's north of the Chickasha Public Schools administration building across from Line Creek. The break caused several areas to have no or low-water pressure most of the day. Repairs were completed by 5:00 p.m.

North Side Water Line Flushed Overnight

City officials also indicated that a fire hydrant would be opened overnight near 11th and Frisco to remove air from the line. Water pressure could be low in that area this morning but is expected to return to normal later today. 

14th and Missouri Intersection to Re-open Tomorrow

City officials also indicate that the intersection of 14th and Missouri will be re-opening tomorrow. The intersection has been closed since mid-June after part of the intersection collapsed following heavy rains. Nearly $300,000 in repairs were completed last week and officials are just waiting for the concrete to cure. The intersection will re-open at 7:00 a.m. Friday.

Two Candidates File for Minco Mayor Post;

Town's Former Police Chief Files to Serve Again

Two candidates have filed to run for Mayor for the town of Minco. Dena Sanford and Susan Hollandsworth both submitted formal documents to run for the post in the three-day filing period which ended yesterday. There is now a two-day withdrawal and protest period for candidates to withdraw their names, or for anyone wanting to challenge their eligibility and qualifications. One candidate filed for the vacant police chief position. Former Minco Police Chief Neal Locke filed for the post. The special election is scheduled Sept. 12th.

Early Voting Begins for Special Elections in Chix, Carnegie

Early voting is underway in some areas that are having special elections next week. That includes voters who live in the Chickasha city limits who will decide if a 1 1/4 cent sales tax should be approved to pay for the construction of a new water treatment plant. If approved there would be a net increase in the sales tax of one half of one percent. A current sales tax will expire December 31^st and the new tax would take effect January 1, 2024. There is also early voting for residents living in the town of Carnegie to cast ballots regarding the extension of the PSO easement agreement. Voters can cast ballots early at the county election board offices where they are registered. Early voting is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow. The actual election is next Tuesday, Aug. 8th.

American Indian Expo Continues

Today is Day Two of the American Indian Exposition in Anadarko. Among the highlights is a grand opening reception at the re-opened McKee Indian Store downtown. The Caddo Nation recently acquired the store which has historically served as a supplier of arts and craft items for Indigenous artists and traditional Indigenous clothing. Caddo Nation Chairman Bobby Gonzalez says Native Americans make up more than 70 percent of the population in Anadarko but there are very few businesses owned and operated by Indigenous people or tribes. He hopes to change that by working to revitalize Anadarko's Main Street area. The store also includes the Susan Peters Gallery. Peters is known for discovering the original Kiowa Six artists. Wikipedia indicates that she was honored by the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians in 1954 and is enshrined in the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame. She passed away in 1965 at the age of 91. Among those expected to attend is actor Lane Factor who is known for his role as Cheese in the FX hit show Reservation Dogs. The reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight.

Salvation Army Holds Sign-ups for Shoes, Socks, Skivvies

The Salvation Army serving Grady and Caddo counties will have sign-ups this week for families wanting to apply for the Shoes, Socks, and Skivvies giveway. In Anadarko families can register at 515 West Garrett between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. Grady County families can sign-up Saturday, August 5^th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Chickasha Salvation Army at 2402 S. 16th. Families must Provide children’s ID’s; proof of need (such as pay stubs or SNAP letter); children's birth certificates; shot records or school records; and child's clothing sizes.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.49 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.20.

Natural gas is $2.47 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,968 and silver is $23.61.

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Wednesday, Aug. 2nd

Athena Brownfield Autopsy Report Unveiled

An autopsy conducted by the state medical examiner's office indicates that Athena Brownfield died from pneumonia and malnutrition. Athena was the four-year old Cyril girl who was first reported missing in January. Her body was found buried in the Agawam area about a week later. Athena was reported missing after her 5-year old sister was found wandering in the street by a mail carrier. Shortly after being reported missing the childrens' care takers, Alysia Adams and Ivon Adams were arrested. Ivon is charged with felonies of murder and child neglect - Alysia is charged with two counts of felony child neglect. Both have preliminary hearings set in Caddo County District Court in Anadarko on Oct. 4th.

Grady County Courthouse Re-opens Today

The Grady County Courthouse will be re-opening this morning. The courthouse was closed Monday after a water line that is part of building’s large air condition units ruptured and flooded a couple of offices. County Commissioner Kirk Painter said contractors were quick to respond to make repairs and finished work earlier than anticipated. He said the county has annual contract with Streets, LLC out of Oklahoma City which is a commercial plumbing and mechanical needs firm. Painter said workers were on-site within an hour of being called Monday morning. The estimated cost of repairs was not immediately available. Painter said there is some water damage in Judge Gina Lowe's courtroom on the second floor and well as in Assessor Bari Firestone's office on the first floor.

New USAO President Has Active First Day

USAO's new president spent her first official day on campus yesterday with the university's senior leadership team discussing the start of school which is just a few weeks away and writing thank you notes to donors. Kayla Hale takes the reins of the presidency from long-time president John Feaver who recently retired. Hale previously served as a vice president for the University of Tulsa. She has been in Chickasha several times over the last few weeks getting familiar with the community and is looking forward to get the university more involved in the area.

She also plans to open the president's home on campus to be used as another location for chamber of commerce and business leaders to hold meetings and will be inviting students and faculty to the home.

Filing Period Ends Today for Minco Special Election

Prospective candidates for the mayor and police chief positions in Minco have one more day to file for the upcoming special election. As of late yesterday the only candidate to file is acting-mayor Susan Hollandsworth. She was named acting mayor following the resignation of previous mayor Keith McMullen in June. Former police chief Joshua Fletcher also resigned but no candidates have yet filed for that post. Hollandsworth has served on the Minco council for about 15 years and is a life-long Minco resident. Candidates have to file their declarations of candidacy at the Grady County Election Board by 5 o'clock this afternoon. The special election is scheduled for Sept. 12th.

American Indian Expo Returns

After a three-year absence the American Indian Exposition returns to Anadarko today. The expo was put on hold during the pandemic. The four-day event opens with a parade through downtown Anadarko followed by activities at the Caddo County fairgrounds. This marks the 88th anniversary of the first Indian Expo which features ceremonies and cultures from the 15 Native American tribes in Oklahoma. There are a number of arts and crafts and food vendors, a 5K run, and more. The expo runs through Saturday. See the American Indian Expo 1935 Facebook page for information.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.37 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.91.

Natural gas is $2.56 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,985 and silver is $24.42.

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Tuesday, Aug. 1st

Grady County Courthouse Closed for Repairs

(Update- Repairs have been completed as of Tuesday afternoon. The courthouse will re-open at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 2nd)

The Grady County Courthouse is closed as repairs to a broken water line are underway. The break was discovered as workers arrived Monday morning. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said a water line from a large air conditioning unit ruptured in the attic above the top floor of the building which caused some damage in at least two offices below. Thompson said crews will have to replace about a 20-foot section of the water line and will also have to remove some asbestos discovered in the historic courthouse. While the courthouse is closed all other county offices will be open.

Break-in Reported at Chix Public Works Headquarters

Chickasha police are investigating a break-in that occurred at the city's Public Works Headquarters. Police Chief G.G. Music said authorities were notified of the break-in the morning of Saturday, July 22nd. Music provided no details about the incident other than to say it is still under investigation.

City of Chix has Record Month for Sales Tax Collections

A new report shows that the City of Chickasha had a record month for sales tax collections. The July sales tax report from the Oklahoma Tax Commission shows the city collected nearly $1.4 million in sales tax revenues. That's a more than 17 percent increase from June and a more than 24 percent increase from July of 2022. In his recent media column Jim Cowan with the city's economic development council said while inflation is a factor in the increase - consumer spending actually out-paced inflation. That $1.4 million in sales tax revenue indicates that more than $37 million was spent on taxable goods and services at Chickasha retail outlets. At the county level Grady County coffers collected more than $780,000 in sales tax revenue. That represents nearly $105 million in consumer spending county-wide during that same period.

Grady County 4Hers do well at State 4H Roundup

Grady County was well represented at the state 4H Roundup in Stillwater last month. 22 members attended the three-day event and several brought home some of the top awards. Sage Payne won first place in the communications contest with her Animal Science Digital Presentations and Alexandraya Brown was runner-up. Georgia Nelson won first place in the Plant and Natural Sciences Digital presentations. County 4Hers took the top two spots in the Food Showdown. The team of Kenlynn Chaney, Katie Jones, and Shane Williamson won the event and will represent Oklahoma at the National 4H Food Showdown. Alexandraya Brown, Haden Shipley, and MJ Shipley were runners-up. Caden Cowell was a winner in the talent contest with his vocal work in performing arts. Cowell, Makenzie Clodfelter, and Mesa Payne were all selected to perform prior to the honors night assembly. Four members were selected to attend the National 4H Congress in Atlanta this fall. Charramaiyne Brown, Kenlynn Chaney, Maggie Evans, and Abby Pettijohn will be taking the trip. One 4Her was elected to a state office. Shelby Kelsey will serve as the state vice president during the upcoming school year. Collectively, Grady County 4Hers received $6,000 in college scholarships.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.80 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.43.

Natural gas is $2.26 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,993 and silver is $24.65.

Obituary

Terry Woolridge

No service is scheduled for Terry Woolridge, 62, of Medicine Park and formerly of Minco. He was a machinist and a welder. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or any medical research foundation.

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Monday, July 31st

BREAKING-

The Grady County Courthouse is closed through Wednesday, August 2nd due to a  water line break from an air conditioning unit that runs through the attic. All ofther Grady County offices will remain open. The courthouse is scheduled to re-open Thursday, Aug. 3rd at 8:30 a.m.

Admitted Drug Trafficker Sentenced 

An admitted drug trafficker who pleaded guilty to distributing drugs laced with fentanyl will spend 20 years in prison. Last week 34-year old Garrett John David Woodle of Purcell pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury. The information is posted on the Grady County Sheriff's Office Facebook page and cites an announcement by U.S. attorney Robert Troester. Woodle had been the subject of a joint investigation by the Grady County Sheriff's Office and the sheriff's office Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Capt. Jim Peek last September. A federal grand jury returned a four-count Super-ceding Indictment against Woodle in May. The indictment indicated that Woodle provided fentanyl to an individual who overdosed. The victim survived after getting two doses of Narcan and other medical treatment. As part of the plea agreement federal prosecutors agreed to not advocate for more than 20 years in prison.

Former USAO Regent Passes Away

Longtime USAO regent David McLaughlin has died. The successful Oklahoma businessman spent ten years on the panel. Outgoing USAO President John Feaver writes that McLaughlin's service is unmatched and that was a great human being who went to extraordinary efforts to improve the lives of everyone he came in contact with. His family contributed to a number of USAO projects including the construction of the classroom at the university’s habitat area which is dedicated to his wife Jean. Other projects include upgrades to the university's athletic facilities (the soccer field is named in his family’s honor) and providing student scholarships.

Chix Chamber to Celebrate Centennial 

Officials with the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the organization's 100th birthday tomorrow. The chamber was created August 1st, 1923 although various groups doing similar work began prior to the turn of the 20th century. A come-and-go birthday open house will be held at the chamber from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. tomorrow which will include inter-active exhibits featuring the chamber's journey. It will also be a day filled with networking and other opportunities for chamber members which now total about 375. In addition to celebrating the chamber's achievements the group looks forward to an even brighter future.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.58 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.99.

Natural gas is $2.64 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,995 and silver is $24.43.

Obituaries

Elbert Bottoms

A graveside service for Elbert Bottoms, 91, of Chickasha was held at 10:00 a.m. today (Monday, July 31^st) at Laverty Cemetery. He served in the National Guard, was an electrician, and worked for Maremont. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Karliene Spradlin

A graveside service for Karliene Spradlin, 89, of Ardmore and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 1st at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Sidney Henderson

A graveside service for Sidney Henderson, 66, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 4th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Thursday, July 20th

Caddo County Teen Pleads Guilty to Shooting Father

A Cyril teenager who pleaded guilty to shooting his father may be able to avoid serving any time behind bars. 18-year old Lance Moore was arrested in October of last year following a confrontation with his father. At the time he was charged as a youthful offender. Moore initially pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of shooting with intent to kill this past April and the case was set to go to trial in September. Moore changed his plea to guilty earlier this month. On-line court records indicate that if he successfully completes a juvenile offender program the charge will be dismissed - otherwise he could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. He's to be back in court next month to give a progress report.

Chix City Council OK's Cost Increase for Repair Project

The Chickasha City Council this week approved a change order for the street and storm drain repairs underway at the intersection of 14th Street and Missouri Avenue. The panel approved an additional $9,200 for the project. Authorities said they were going to have to remove debris which was blocking water from flowing through the drain was damaged during heavy rains this spring. Officials say somehow a utility pole was one of the items washed into the drain. Authorities believe it came from an area a couple of blocks away in a previous storm.

Residential Day Care Approved

The council also approved a use-on-review request to operate a home daycare in a residential area. Following a brief public hearing which included comments from applicant Kelsea Dobbins, the panel approved the request for the daycare in the 900 block of South 13th Street.
Panel Postpones Action on Grant Request for Downtown Eatery

The panel took no action on awarding a central business district building grant to a downtown restaurant. Officials with Roberto's Tex-Mex Cantina had applied for a $12,500 grant to assist with recent electrical and plumbing upgrades. Chickasha Economic Development Director Jim Cowan said the reason for no action taken was because the issue was worded incorrectly on the agenda. He said the restaurant has checked all the boxes required to be eligible for the grant and expects the council to approved it at a later date.

FEMA OKs Disaster Assistance for Some OK Counties

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Gov. Kevin Stitt's request to provide federal disaster aid to help with recovery efforts in several counties following spring tornadoes and thunderstorms. Stephens and Comanche counties are among the 19 counties approved for FEMA funds to clean up and recover from storms which battered the state between June 15th and 18th. The assistance is for municipalities, counties, electric co-ops  and others and will provide re-imbursement for debris removal, infrastructure and utility repairs, and other costs related to recovering from those storms.

Elgin Mayor Announces Run for State Senate

The Mayor of Elgin announces he'll be a candidate for a vacant seat in the state senate. J.J. Francais, who is also the vice president of Hilliary Communications, says he's tossing his hat into the ring to fill the District 32 seat relinquished by former State Senator John Montgomery. Montgomery recently stepped down after being named president of the Lawton-Ft. Sill Chamber of Commerce. The Lawton Constitution cites a press release from Francais that he is a conservative Republican and his platform includes fighting crime and battling inflation, and that government should empower its citizens rather than restrict their liberties. A special election will be held Oct. 10th.

Grady County 4H Volunteer Honored at State Conference

A Grady County 4H leader is recognized for her work. Angie Young leads the 4H program in Verden and was named the County 4H Volunteer of the Year. She was honored for her efforts at the state 4H Parent and Volunteer Board conference held in Stillwater recently.  Grady County 4H educator Liz Taylor served as a presenter at the event. Young said the conference was a great experience and enjoyed the 'hands-on' workshops including one which focused on wildlife activities. She plans to incorporate the program into her Verden 4H group and in after-school and classrooms for school enrichment programs.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.35 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.46.

Natural gas is $2.60 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,024 and silver is $25.44.

Obituary

Donna McBride

Arrangements for Donna McBride, 63, of El Reno are with Sevier Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, July 19th

Downtown Chix Sees Increase in Visitors

The number of people visiting downtown Chickasha over the first six months of this increased nearly 40 percent compared to 2022. Chickasha Economic Development Council director Jim Cowan points to foot traffic analytics from Placer Labs. It shows there were more than 560,000 visits to the downtown area from January through June of this year.  That's a 39 percent increase over the same period last year. The study indicates that the busiest month during that period was in March when more than 100,000 visits were recorded. Cowan says a lot of the increase is due to the Leg Lamp and new businesses which have opened over the last year and a half. Cowan said they expect the number to grow even more as new entertainment venues like ax throwing and an escape room will be opening over the next few months. The area surveyed is from 1st to 6th Street on both sides of Chickasha and Choctaw Avenues and part of Kansas Avenue. It does not include visitors going to the Grady County courthouse.

New Lincoln Principal Excited About Role

The new principal at Chickasha's Lincoln Elementary School is looking forward to the next step in her career. Angie Morgan steps into the principal's role after five years as assistant principal. She is a career educator with more than 25-years in the classroom, first with Anadarko Public schools then with Chickasha where she taught elementary education. She has this message for parents regarding the upcoming school year:

She thanks her mentor, Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander, who just retired as Lincoln principal. She says she learned patience from Dr. A and to not overreact to situations. A new assistant principal for Lincoln is expected to be named before the start of school on Aug. 10th.

Barricaded Anadarko Suspect Formally Charged

The man who was arrested after barricading himself inside an Anadarko home last week has been formally charged with a felony and two misdemeanors in connection with the incident. 43-year old Jeremy Janmohammadi had his initial appearance in Caddo County District Court on Monday. He's been charged with a felony for having a firearm after former felony conviction, and misdemeanors for obstructing an officer and outraging public decency. He was relesased from jail after posting a $5,000 bond. The incident occurred last Friday, when utility workers were working in an alley behind the home. Janmohammadi came out and brandished a weapon and cursed at the workers, who called police. A probable cause affidavit indicates authorities found a BB gun inside the home. Janmohammadi was convicted of drug trafficking of drug trafficking out of Grady County 2021 where he received a five year suspended sentence.

Filing Dates Set for Minco Mayor, Police Chief Posts

The resignations of the mayor and the police chief in town of Minco means a special election will be held this fall to fill those positions. The filing period for candidates wanting to run for those posts will be held Monday, July 31st through Wednesday, Aug. 2nd. Candidates will be able to file their declarations of candidacy at the Grady County Election Board in Chickasha from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each of those days. Forms may be downloaded from the state election board website at www.oklahoma.gov/elections or they may be picked up at the election board office at 315 Pennsylvania next to the Grady County Emergency Management Office. The special election will be held Sept. 12th.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.75 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.63.

Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,019 and silver is $25.24.

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Tuesday, July 18th

Chickasha Officials Name Engineering Firm

to Design New Water Treatment Plant

The Chickasha City Council gives city manager Keith Johnson the approval to negotiate a contract with an engineering firm to design the city's new water treatment plant. City officials recommended that the Oklahoma City firm of Freese and Nicholes be used to design the $74 million plant. Officials from the city and the firm held a walk-through of the plant yesterday. Johnson said it’s possible that some of the equipment in the current plant could be used in the new facility.

Details of the contract are expected to available at a later date. City voters will go to the polls Aug. 8th to consider a sales tax proposal to fund the construction of the new water plant.

Hollywood Strike Impacts Local film Production

The Screen Actors Guild strike in Hollywood is impacting film work going on in Chickasha, El Reno, and other Oklahoma communities. Crews working on sets for the Twisters film have had to postpone their work. John Cowan is the set director for the work underway in Chickasha. Last night the city council approved an extension of the film time through August 4^th last night. Cowan said the streets around 17th and Minnesota will be temporarily re-opened.

Cowan said they will bring in a professional street sweeper to make sure nails would be picked up so the risk for flat tires should be minimal.

No Action Taken After Discussion of Purchase or Appraisal Property

After a 30-minute closed-door session, the city council took no action following a discussion regarding the purchase or appraisal of real property. The location of the property was not revealed.

More Drug Arrests Made in Ongoing Fentanyl Probe

Three people, including a teenager were arrested early yesterday as drug agents converged on a Chickasha home. Captain Jim Peek, a DEA agent with the Grady County Sheriff's Office, said a SWAT team of 12 to 15 officers served a search warrant on a home in the 1200 block of South Shepherd about 6:30 Monday morning. The team included state troopers and members of the District Attorney's Drug Task Force. Arrested was 42-year old Byran Latoure Blakes, also known as 'Kuda,' who is being held on complaints of trafficking and having firearms. Also arrested was Taylor Meade who had warrants for her arrest for grand larceny and assault and battery out of the Chickasaw Nation. Peek said the search warrant was issued after a confidential informant allegedly purchased 30 pills which included some laced with Fentanyl. The 16-year old was released by DHS to a relative.

Two Critical After ATV Crash

An ATV crash leaves two men fighting for their lives. 42-year old Garrett Dantzler of Blanchard and 40-year old Francisco Preciado of New Mexico were taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where they were admitted in critical condition. The accident happened about 6 o'clock Monday morning on Pendergraft Road and CR 1210 just west of Newcastle. The highway patrol reports the ATV was going too fast to turn on to the roadway causing the ATV to tip over and hit a railroad tie then landed upside down. Neither man was wearing a seatbelt or helmet. It wasn't immediately clear who was driving the ATV.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.15 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.50.

Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,966 and silver is $25.15.

Obituaries 

Linda Gladden

Obituaries today include Linda Gladden, 77, of Chickasha. She worked at Gabriel and Maremont and as a Certified Nurse Assistant. No service will be held. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Monday, July 17th

Cost Increases for Intersection Repair

The work to make emergency repairs to the intersection at 14th and Missouri is becoming a little more costly. Tonight, the city council will consider a change order with Mayfield Contracting to add more than $9,000 to the project in order to clean out the storm drain. Officials say items like power poles and other materials are completely blocking the drain and preventing water from flowing.

City Manager to Negotiate With Firm for Water Plant Project Design

The council is also to consider giving city manager Keith Johnson the authority to negotiate with engineering firm Freese and Nicholes out of Oklahoma City. The negotiations will center around a statement of qualifications and a request for a feasibility study on the proposed water treatment plant improvements project.

Daycare Operation to be Considered

The panel will also hold a public hearing to consider a use-on-review for applicant Kelsea Dobbins to operate a home daycare in the 900 block of South 13th. The planning commission is recommending the approval of the proposal.

Downtown Resturant Seeks Grant for Upgrades

Also to be discussed is a proposed grant to help a downtown restaurant with improvements. The panel will consider awarding a grant to Roberto's Tex-Mex and Cantina up to $12,500 to assist with electrical and plumbing upgrades. Owners are planning on spending about $275,000 for improvements to the restaurant. The Economic Development Council is recommending the grant be approved. The group will also go behind closed doors to discuss the purchase or appraisal of real property. However, a description of the property was not listed on the agenda.

Historical Panel to Consider Sign Permits

The city's historic preservation committee meets this afternoon to consider several sign permits in downtown Chickasha. One is for Wild Ox Axe Throwing at 3rd and Chickasha Avenue; one for Oklahoma Human Services at 323 Chickasha Avenue; and one for Jay's Jewelry at 4th and Chickasha Avenue. 

Minco School Year to Begin August 17th

Classrooms will be opening in less than a month for many public schools. Minco students will return on Thursday, Aug. 17th. Superintendent Kevin Sims says there will be 15 new employees in the district this year. Sims also says an individual bequeathed a lot of money to the district. He tells how they'll use some of those funds - 

Sims said there have been a lot of students who transferred into the district for the upcoming school year. Average daily membership is right 600 students.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.42 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is  $78.50.

Natural gas is $2.54 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,962 and silver is $25.09.

Saturday, July 15th

Anadarko Stand-off Ends Peacefully; Suspect in Custody

Law enforcement agencies were summoned to an Anadarko home yesterday where a man pointed a gun at utility crews working near his home. The incident led to a stand-off where it was reported the suspect barricaded himself inside his home in the area of Southwest 2nd Street and Alabama Avenue. The Caddo County Sheriff's Office and state troopers were called in to assist. The suspect kept law enforcement at bay for about two hours. Our partners at KWTV-News 9 reported the suspect attempted to escape out of a back window of the home but he was quickly taken into custody.  Authorities arrested Jeremy Jonhammadi who was taken to the Caddo County Jail on unspecified complaints. Formal charges could be filed on Monday.

Driver Hospitalized Following SUV Crash

A driver had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after his SUV crashed and rolled between Verden and Anadarko. 34-year old James Parrot suffered head and trunk injuries and was last in stable condition. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 62 five miles east of Anadarko about 3:30 yesterday afternoon. The highway patrol reports that Parrot was westbound at a high rate of speed, veered off the highway, drove through the median and hit a guard rail on the other side of the highway, then flipped end-over-end twice. The trooper investigating the crash said there was an odor of alcohol inside the SUV.

Woman Arrested for Alleged Threat with Broken Lamp Bulb

A Ninnekah woman is out of jail on bond after being charged with attacking a man with a broken heat lamp bulb. Ninnekah police arrested 25-year old Esperanza Ramirez Machen after they were called to a home Wednesday afternoon to investigate a domestic disturbance. The alleged victim said he and Machen were arguing when she broke a heat lamp bulb and threatened to stab the victim with the broken end. A probable cause affidavit indicates that the suspect admitted threatening the victim but did not intend to hurt him. Machen is facing a felony count of domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and was released after posting a $15,000 bond. She is to return to court August 2nd.

Suspect on Probation Back in Custody After Short Chase

A man who recently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug charges is in more touble with the law after leading a deputy on a short vehicle pursuit through a Chickasha neighborhood. 47-year old Donald Muerice Long, III of Ninnekah was arrested late Thursday night. A Grady County deputy tried to pull Long over for not having a valid tag on his vehicle. A probable cause affidavit indicates that Long did not stop for several blocks until he pulled into the driveway of a home near 12th and Kansas. While questioning Long the deputy saw marijuana and drug items in the vehicle. The deputy was also notified that Long did not have a valid drivers licence and that he had an oustanding warrant through the city of Ninnekah. He was taken to the Grady County Jail and prosecutors charged him with misdemeanors which include eluding, drug possession, and not having a license. He remains in jail pending a $5,000 bond. This past March, Long pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug charges after being arrested by a state trooper. He was sentenced to a year in jail with all but 25 days suspended.

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day!

Tomorrow (Sunday, Jan 16th) is National Ice Cream Day. Braum's stores throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Missouri are celebrating with special sales on ice cream cones and frozen yogurt cones. As many of you know, the Braums family farm is just outside of Tuttle - but what you may not know is that all of Braum's ice cream and baked goods are also made there. Braums is one of the largest dairy operations of its kind in the world where crews milk 800 cows every 32 minutes.

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. On our KOOL Konversation, Lt. Bobby McFarland with the Salvation Army serving Grady and Caddo counties is our guest. On Real Estate Today is Minco School Superintendent Kevin Sims. Find podcasts of both podcasts under the Community tab on this website.

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Friday, July 14th

New Chix Leaders Discuss City's Future

New USAO president Kayla Hale and downtown Chickasha developer Chet Hitt join forces in a social media video discussing plans to unite the Grady County Fairgrounds and the Rock Island Railroad Depot. A more than two-minute video is posted on the USAO Facebook page with Hitt welcoming Hale to Chickasha and promoting two proposals. The first is to build a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks which runs between the two sites and the second is to construct what would be called the Drover Hotel.

Hitt talked about the proposal to have the university and hotel incorporate culinary and hospitality programs. Hitt continues work to build a distillery and renovate the former Savoy 1902 hotel into a barbecue restaurant. Hale was recently named the new president of USAO and will assume her duties on August 1st.

Grady County Fair Set Aug. 24th-26th

The 108th Grady County Fair will be here before you know it. The fair will be a three-day event running Thursday, Aug. 24th through Saturday, Aug. 26th. The theme this year is "The Place to be in 2023”. It will include the usual events like stock shows, a cake show and auction, a pet show, live music, and dozens of commercial vendors. Of course there will be a carnival and for the second straight year, a tractor pull with ear-splitting, high horse-powered tractors. Grady County OHCE will be serving their home-cooked meals and concessions to include sandwiches and Indian tacos. A couple of new events are a cornhole tournament and a mullet contest.

Downtown Chix Art Walk Tonight

The monthly art walk in downtown Chickasha will be held this evening. It's held the second Friday of each month and artists from all mediums will have items on display and for sale. It encompasses the area from the leg lamp and the Rock Island Depot to the Chickasha Art Center near 7th and Chickasha and the Shakespeare Wine Company near 6th and Kansas. Coordinator Dana Helms says at least one area community is envious.

The art walk is from 5 to 8 tonight. To enhance activities on the west end area Shakespeare Wine Company will have free hot dogs and water while Downtown Scoops and Jungle Ice food trucks are expected to have cool treats available.  For information check out the Chickasha Art Walk Facebook page.

Fairgrounds Hosts State 4H Horse Show

The Grady County Fairgrounds is hosting the Oklahoma 4H Horse Show this weekend. About 100 youth from across the state are competing. The show coordinator is Kris Hiney who is an Extension Equine specialist with Oklahoma State University.

Winners this weekend can go on to compete in the National 4H Horse Show. This is the third straight year for the event to be held in Chickasha. The show runs through tomorrow and admission is free for spectators.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.89 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.36.

Natural gas is $2.55 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,960 and silver is $24.95.

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Thursday, July 13th

Chix Voters to Decide How to Pay for Water Treatment Plant

The City of Chickasha has been ordered by the state department of environmental quality to make upgrades to the city's water. Chickasha residents will go to the polls next month to consider how to pay to build a new water treatment plant that has an estimated price tag of $74 million. Residents will decide if the city's sales tax should be permanently increased to pay for it. Otherwise, Mayor Chris Mosley says the city's water customers will see a huge increase in their water rates.

The tax increase would also help pay for additional street repairs as well as police and fire equipment. Voters will go to the polls August 8th to decide the sales tax issue which would go into effect the first of the year if it's approved. Details of the proposals are on the city’s website: chickasha.org

Onward Chickasha Project Seeks More Community Input

The firm leading the Onward Chickasha project has introduced the next part of its effort to get community input regarding the future of the city. Participants can now take part in a visual preference survey. It includes a number of images of potential development and design alternatives and asks individuals to choose the ones they like best. The information will be used to get an overall idea of what homes, stores, offices, and streets should look like. The Onward Chickasha project is an 18-month effort to get input from the community regarding the next 20-30 years of development in the city. For information visit the website: Onward Chickasha.org

New Principal Named for Lincoln School

Chickasha school officials have hired a new principal for Lincoln School but it's someone who has been with the 4th and 5th graders for some time. Angie Morgan, who previously served as the school’s assistant principal, was named to the post by the Chickasha school board this week. She is a life-long educator with more than 30 years in the field including 17 of those years with Chickasha schools. She taught at teaching at Lincoln, Grand, and the former Southwest Elementary school. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from USAO and a master's in education from Southwestern Oklahoma State. Morgan will assume the role previously held by Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander who retired from the district at the end of this past school year.

New Anadarko School Board Member Sworn In

A vacant post on the Anadarko School Board has been filled. Paul Tointigh has the story.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.75 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $80.11.

Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,964 and silver is $24.42.

Obituaries

Richard Welch

No service is schedule for Richard Welch, 85, of Chickasha. He was a life-long printer and established Richard's Printing Company. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Nelda Ross

Funeral service for Nelda Ross, 95, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 15^th at the Verden First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, July 12th

Deputy Killed in Accident to be Laid to Rest

Grady County Deputy Sheriff Chase Stinson will be laid to rest tomorrow. Stinson died in a weekend motorcycle accident in Norman. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning at the First Baptist Church of Blanchard. His body was escorted home yesterday by a number of law enforcement personnel. Stinson had an early interest in law enforcement in the Explorer program when he was a student at Blanchard High School. He was part of the Lions football and wrestling teams and graduated in 2015. He worked for the Blanchard Police Department for five years and worked with the sheriff's office for about three years and was the school resource officer at Bridge Creek. He also was a firearms instructor with CLEET.

Salvation Army, Utilities Join Efforts 

to Provide Summer Cooling Assistance 

Summer time temps are returning to the region and that means air conditioners will be kicking in to high gear. That can put a toll on needy families struggling to meet their summer cooling needs. The Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo counties is working with some utility companies to ask their customers to add a little extra to their monthly payments to help those in need. July is Home Energy Aid month, and utility companies like PSO, OG&E, and Oklahoma Natural Gas will match some of those donated funds. Last year, more than $530,000 in utility assistance was provided statewide to nearly 2,400 households and over 10,000 individuals through this program. Utility customers can submit monthly contributions simply by checking a box on their utility bill. Contributions may also be made at the Grady and Caddo County Salvation Army headquarters at 2402 S. 16th in Chickasha.

USAO Environmental Studies Students Serve Summer Internships

A number of environmental science students majoring in environmental studies at USAO are getting some real-world experience in summer internships. Savanna Rivera, who is also working a double major in psychology, is interning at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory in California. Devonian Locke of McAlester is interning at an independent, research-based non-profit in Boston; Yeishka Reyes of Puerto Rico is interning with a pharmaceutical company in her home country; and Bea Bourland of Mustang is interning with the Oklahoma Water Survey in Norman. Dr. Rachel Jones says summer research positions are a great way for students to prepare for post college-career options, and for students to get exposure to a wider set of opportunities.

Chickasha Grad Scores Post With Texas Tech

A Chickasha high school grad will be working with a Big 12 conference basketball team this year. Chris Nottingham has was recently named video coordinator for Texas Tech. Nottingham held a similar position at Baylor when the Bears won a national championship and two Big 12 titles. Nottingham talks about his role with Texas Tech.

Nottingham earned both a bachelor's and master's degree at Baylor.

Obituaries 

Seth Hoover

Funeral service for Seth Hoover, 29, of Cement, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 14th at Laverty Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Lila 'Jill" Clark

Funeral service for Jill Clark, 76, of Oklahoma City, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 14th at Chickasha's First Christian Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.83 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.40.

Natural gas is $2.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,940 and silver is 23.37.

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Tuesday, July 11th

Grady County Deputy Dies in Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident claims the life of a Grady County deputy sheriff. Deputy Chase Stinson died early Sunday morning while riding motorcycles with his brothers in Norman. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says they were riding in the area of I-35 and Lindsay Street when Stinson hit the curb of the on-ramp to I-35. That made him lose control of the bike and it crashed into a concrete wall. Stinson was just 26-years old. He had only been with the sheriff's office for two years starting as a courthouse deputy and this past year he was the resource officer for Bridge Creek schools. Prior to that he spent five years with the Blanchard Police Department. Stinson leaves behind his wife Maria and their three-year old daughter. More than 180 comments have been posted on the sheriff's office Facebook page regarding Stinson's death. A funeral service has not yet been announced.

Bradley Community Under Voluntary Boil Order

Customers of Grady County Rural Water District Three in the Bradley area are under a voluntary boil order. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said there was a 4-inch water line break on Saturday and crews spent much of Saturday making repairs. When they turned the water pressure back on the water line broke again causing all the water to drain out of the tower. Officials brought in some potable and non-potable water for customers until the line could be fixed again. Thompson said the Oklahoma Rural Water Association helped with repairs on Sunday.  District Supervisor Jamie Mainka said the voluntary boil order will be in effect until they get two consecutive clear water samples.

Rush Springs Burglary Suspect in Custody

A burglary suspect is in the Grady County Jail after being arrested in connection with a number of break-ins in Rush Springs. 23-year old Robert Capone Clemons was arrested by Rush Springs police Saturday morning. KSWO-TV cites court documents alleging that Clemons broke into several vehicles and took items that included boxes of ammunition, knives, a wallet, and even a couple of vapes. Prosecutors have charged Clemens with six felony counts of counts third degree burglary and  he remains in jail on a $20,000 bond.

Contractor Seeks Zoning Change to Build Homes

A local contractor goes before the Chickasha Planning Commission today for a public hearing to request a zoning change for some property in the southwest part of the city. Brannan Bordwine is asking to re-zone a couple of acres of agriculturally-zoned property to residential use in order to build some homes. The property is in the 2300 to 2500 blocks of Country Club Road.

Home day care operation approval sought

The Planning Commission will also have a public hearing regarding a use-on-review request to operate a home daycare in the 900 block of South 13th Street. Kelsea Dobbins is the applicant.

Chix Police Department Offers Sign-on Bonuses

The Chickasha Police Department is now offering sign-on bonuses of up to $10,000 for certified applicants who join the force.  The department's Facebook page indicates that non-certified applicants who are hired are eligible for up to a $6,000 sign-on bonus. Benefits include 10 paid holidays per year, paid vacation, sick leave, personal days, and paid training. Uniforms and equipment are provided and there is college tuition reimbursement assistance. Candidates can apply on-line at chickasha.org/jobs or applicants can send an e-mail to:

recruiting@chickashapd.org.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.99 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.69.

Natural gas is $2.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,943 and silver is $23.42

Obituary

Faybell ‘Fay’ Buchanan

A graveside service for Fay Buchanan, 85, of Verden will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 12th in the Verden Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Monday, July 10th

Truck Driver Dies in OKC Crash

A truck driver from Cement died after he was thrown out of his semi and pinned underneath when the big rig crashed last night. 29-year old Seth Hoover died in the accident that happed just after 8:00 p.m. near I-44 and I-240 Oklahoma City. The highway patrol reported that Hoover was northbound on I-44 when the truck went into a broad slide on a curve and rolled over onto its side. Hoover was ejected from the cab and pinned under the wreckage for nearly two hours. The trooper investigating the crash said Hoover was traveling at an unsafe speed. The semi's airbags did deploy but and Hoover was not wearing his seat belt.

More Changes Requested With CHS Upgrades

Another change-order is being requested in connection with the installation of the new field turf on the football field and related construction at Chickasha High School. The board of education will consider a more than $7,000 revision in the contract in order to improve water drainage along John Cowan Drive. The proposal from Field Turf USA includes removing an obsolete tin horn which blocks proper water flow and re-grading the roadway ditch. It also includes soil stabilization, installing manholes, junction boxes, storm drainage and concrete work, and sod or hydro-seeding. The school board will also consider an agreement with Canadian Valley Technology Center to provided advanced math and science classes, memorandums of understanding with the Delta Community Action Foster Grandparent program, and the South Central Oklahoma Workforce Board. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building.

Library to Host Job Fair 

There are dozens of employment opportunities in the Chickasha area. The Chickasha Library will be the site of another hiring event this Friday, July 14th with companies seeking military veterans. Among the companies and groups on hand will be Grady Memorial Hospital, the City of Chickasha, Wal-Mart, Amazon, Cherokee Temps, and Express Employment Services. The job fair will be from noon to 3 p.m. with the first hour reserved for veterans and their spouses including active or transitioning service members, and those serving in the guard or reserve. The event will be open to the public from 1-3 p.m. 

Indian Expo Returns After Hiatus

The Anadarko American Indian Exposition is returning. It will be the first expo to be held since the pandemic. The last was held in 2019. This will be the 88th expo with many activities to take place at the Caddo County Fairgrounds. The expo began in 1935 to promote and retain Native American cultural life, art, and hand-made crafts. Officials have announced that Lane Factor of television series Reservation Dogs is this year's Celebrity Indian of the Year. The expo will be August 2nd through the 5th. Tanner Mahseet is the chairman of this year's expo.

OSU Extension to Offer Grilling Tips

It's grilling season and some people have the knack to always prepare the perfect cut of meat. If your barbecuing skills could use some improvement, Grady County OSU Extension is offering some help. Emma Lewis is the summer intern for the extension office.

Lewis will lead a lunch-and-learn program tomorrow to pass along some tips about beef selection and cooking and will even have some samples. The program is from 12 to 1 tomorrow at the Extension Office. If you are unable to attend the office has free booklets available.

Energy and Metals 

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.86 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.47.

Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,928 and silver is $23.24.

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Saturday, July 8th

'Wanted' Suspect in Custody After Pursuit

A wanted Minco man is in custody and facing a several charges after a pursuit in Caddo County. 22-year old Williams Alan Hatcher of Minco is facing multiple felony charges in connection with the incident. The Lawton Constitution cites Caddo County court documents that indicate it took place Thursday, June 29th. A Hinton police officer made a traffic stop on Hatcher at the Sugar Creek Casino. The officer discovered that Hatcher had outstanding warrants and Hatcher sped away. The pursuit went in to a rural area where Hatcher is alleged to have driven through the fence and yard of a home where a man, his children, and pets were playing. The chase came to an end when Hatcher crashed in a bar ditch and was arrested after a short foot pursuit. Hatcher is charged with felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, endangering others while attempting to elude and some misdemeanors. His bond was set at $100,000.

Suspect Arrested for Alleged Rape of Teen

An Anadarko man is accused of raping a teenaged girl after he had her eat edible marijuana. 21-year old Toby Olen Coley was arrested after a six-month investigation by Anadarko police and the district attorney's office. The Lawton Constitution cites court documents indicating that the 17-year old victim alleged Coley raped her in August. She also claimed Coley sexually assaulted her several months before after they had been drinking. The victim's mother filed the report last December. Coley told investigator's the report was false, and he refused to take a lie detector test because he didn't do anything wrong. Coley is being held in the Caddo County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Coley is charged with felony rape and a misdemeanor for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Talk Show Topic

State Senator and author Darrell Weaver is this week's guest on our KOOL Konversation. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.

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Friday, July 7th

Rush Springs Driver Air-Lifted After Crash

A driver had to be air lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after being thrown out of his pick up after it ran off the road and crashed. 35-year old Robert Wilkinson of Rush Springs suffered leg injuries in the crash and was last in fair condition. The accident happened about 12:30 yesterday afternoon just southeast of Chickasha near South Mockingbird Road and Quail Lane. The trooper dispatched to the crash said that Wilkinson failed to go around a curve, ran off the road and rolled, ejecting him from the truck. The trooper said Wilkinson was not wearing his seat belt.

Port-a-Potty Arrestee Back in Custody 

After Being Accidentally Released From Jail 

The man arrested after locking himself in a port-a-potty this week is back in custody after he was inadvertently released from jail. We reported yesterday that Shawn Lang of Duncan was arrested after a call came in about a suspicious person being on some property in Rush Springs. Lang locked himself in the port-a-potty and officers sprayed pepper spray through the vents to get him out. He then fought with officers before they were able to take him in to custody. KSWO-TV reports that a clerical error led to Lang's release. The station reported that law enforcement officials worked with Lang's family to convince him to turn himself back in. Lang is not facing any additional charges. He is facing a felony charge of assault and battery on a police officer and misdemeanors which include resisting arrest, drug possession, trespassing, and disturbing the peace.

State Senator-Author Publishes Book

About Dealing With Child's Cancer Death

An Oklahoma State Senator who at one time led the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and is in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame is now a published author. Republican Darrell Weaver of Moore is in his second term serving district 24. The Comanche native is a Christian author who recently released his second book 'The Ashley Weaver Story: A John the Baptist Moment.' It was written about his teenaged daughter who died of brain cancer when she was 15 years old. The book was released just ahead of would have been Ashley's 35th birthday. Weaver said it was difficult for him and his wife Dr. Kim Weaver to deal with their daughter's death and wanted to share their experiences to help others dealing with the deaths of loved ones.

Weaver will have a book signing at the Weaver Clinic in downtown Chickasha at 512 Chickasha Avenue from about 10:00 a.m. to noon and books will be available. Copies of his first book 'Undercover Drug Agent: A Walk of Faith' will also be available. Both can be purchased on Amazon.

New Anadarko School Board Member to be Sworn In  

An accountant and financial advisor will be joining the Anadarko school board. Richard Ross was appointed to the panel to fill the remaining months of a vacant Ward 3 seat. The school board approved the appointment held this past Wednesday. Ross is set to take his oath of office at the regular Anadarko school board meeting on Monday. Superintendent Jerry McCormick said Ross previously worked at Western Farmers Electric Co-op and serves on the Anadarko Public School Foundation. Ross will serve out the remaining few months of the term in Ward 3 which runs through June 30, 2024. He will have to run for the post next year should he want to remain on the board.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.80 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.52.

Natural gas is $2.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,921 and silver is $22.90.

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Thursday, July 6th

Semi Driver Hospitalized After Near Head-on Collision

Two semis were involved in a near head-on collision south of Anadarko and one of the drivers was hospitalized with trunk injuries. 51-year old Mario Watson of Chickasha was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City Hospital where he was admitted in stable condition. A passenger, 59-year old Timmy Manning of Cyril, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was treated for head and trunk injuries and released. The other truck driver, 40-year old Phillip Stroll of Elgin, was not injured. The accident happened about 11:00 a.m. Wednesday on State Highway 8 about three miles south of Anadarko. The highway patrol reports that Watson was traveling at an unsafe speed and ran off the highway - over-corrected - and struck the other semi, then Watson's semi rolled onto its side. The trooper said neither Watson nor his passenger were wearing their seatbelts while Stroll was buckled up.

Child Hospitalized After Crash Near Tuttle

A three-year old girl was one of four people taken to a hospital following a near head-on collision near Tuttle Tuesday night. The accident happened about 8:00 p.m. near State Highway 4 and Fox Lane. The highway patrol reports that a northbound vehicle driven by 21-year old Alyssa Todd of El Reno turned in front on an oncoming vehicle driven by 35-year old Alicia Strause of Roosevelt. The child was in the Strause car, and the girl was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted in good condition. Strause was not hurt. Todd and a passenger, 22-year old Greyson Barker of Yukon were also taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. Todd suffered leg and internal injuries and was admitted in stable condition while Barker was treated and released.

Suspect Arrested After Barricading Himself in Port-a-Potty

A port-a-potty was the scene of a brief standoff between a man and Grady County deputies this week. A probable cause affidavit indicates authorities were called to the Rush Springs area at 789 State Highway 17 to investigate a suspicious person on Monday. The individual had locked himself inside the port-a-potty. Deputies sprayed pepper spray through the vent which forced the man out. A brief scuffle ensued and the man twice kicked a deputy in his chest. Deputies eventually subdued the suspect and he was taken to jail. In custody is 46-year old Sean Dwayne Lang of Duncan. He's been charged with a felony for assault and battery on an officer and a number of misdemeanors including resisting arrest, possession of meth, and public intoxication. His bond was set at $50,000.

Rush Springs Woman Charged After Bizarre Incident

A follow-up today on the woman who tried to drive off in a Rush Springs police officer's cruiser. 21-year old Rochelle May High of Rush Springs is facing several charges in connection with the incident. It happened last Saturday night after Sgt. Stephen Fish pulled High over and discovered she didn't have a driver's license. High was handcuffed and placed in the back of the cruiser - but she managed to get out of the cuffs, climb over the back seat, and tried to drive off. Media reports indicated that Sgt. Fish attempted to stop her from driving away but was dragged a few feet after grabbing the door handle. Pastor Tom Handke with the Rush Springs Assembly of God Church and other good Samaritans witnessed the incident and ran to help. The cruiser came to a stop after hitting a retaining wall at the church. Fish suffered some scrapes and bruises but no serious injuries. High was eventually arrested and taken to the Grady County Jail. She has been formally charged with felonies for assault on an officer and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon as well as numerous misdemeanors. Her bond is set at $125,000.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.79 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.65.

Natural gas is $2.66 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,924 and silver is $23.32.

Obituaries

Hada Terrell

Funeral for Hada Terrell, 81, of Tuttle will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 8th at Sevier Funeral Home in Tuttle. She was a machinist, a mail carrier, and delivered newspapers. She was the sister of Ealmer Klippel who served as a Grady County Commissioner for several years.

Conway Hubbard

Funeral for Conway Hubbard, 77, of Oklahoma City will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 8th at the Divine Wisdom Worship Center in Midwest City. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, July 5th

City of Chix Provides Details of Sales Tax Election

For Water Treatment Plant, Capital Improvements

Chickasha residents will go to the polls in 32 days to consider a sales tax proposal that - if passed - would pay to build a new $74 million water treatment plant.  Officials have posted extensive information on the city's website about the history of the current plant and why a new plant is needed. Officials say the more than 70-year old plant is past its useful life and is at risk of catastrophic failure. The Department of Environmental Quality has told city leaders that one way or another, a new plant needs to be built.  The City has published information on its website that officials hope may answer questions that residents may have about the upcoming sales tax election.

Sales tax proposal details 

Voters will decide if a permanent 1 1/2 percent sales tax should be implemented to pay for the facility as well other capital improvements. Officials say a current 3/4 of percent sales tax expires at the end of the year. If approved, the overall sales tax would increase by 1/2 of 1 percent. The increase is expected to bring in more than $4.5 million per year with $3 million each year to pay for a loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to build the plant.  About $1.5 million per year would be used for capital improvements including a new fire station, a new firetruck, and equipment for the fire and police departments; street repairs and construction; and construction or relocation of water and sewer lines associated with the Highway 81 Bypass. If the sales tax doesn't pass, water rates will increase by more than 80 percent in order to pay only for the water plant and that no funds would be available for the capital improvement projects. The information can be found on the city's website: www.chickasha.org

The election is set for Tuesday, Aug. 8th.

Watchdog Group Questions Supreme Court Justice's Actions

Over Wife's Ownership Connections to Grady County Oil and Gas Lease

A tract of land in Grady County is at the center of an ethics controversy surrounding a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The website OK Energy Today posted information first published by The Intercept which indicates Justice Samuel Alito has a conflict of interest regarding rulings in favor of the oil and gas industry and against the Environmental Protection Agency.  The report indicates that Alito's wife owns part of a section of land near a Minco-area oil and gas lease. The Intercept reports that Alito's wife agreed in June of last year to lease 160 acres to Tulsa-based Citizen Energy and that she would receive a 3/16ths royalty. The report indicated that if any oil and gas were discovered and produced, it could amount to a small fortune for the Alito family. An official with a watchdog group called the Revolving Door Project said 'there need not be a specific case involving the drilling rights associated with a special plot of land for Alito to understand what outcomes in environmental cases would buttress his family's net wealth.'

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.79 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.65.

Natural gas is $2.71 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,936 and silver is $23.09.

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Tuesday, July 4th

No news do to the holiday.

Monday, July 3rd

Rush Springs Officer Uninjured After Bizarre Incident

A Rush Springs police officer avoids injury after a suspect he detained tried to run him over with the officer's patrol car. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says deputies and state troopers were called to assist the officer Saturday afternoon. A woman had been detained and handcuffed for an unknown reason and she managed to slip out of the handcuffs and tried to steal the officer's vehicle. Boggess said she tried to run the officer over and then hit the car she was initially driving, then crashed into a retaining wall at the Rush Springs Assembly of God Church. State troopers worked the accident and the sheriff's office is working the criminal part of the incident. Boggess did not name the officer involved. The woman was taken into custody on complaints of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and eluding.

Trio Arrrested After Alleged Illegal Marijuana Found

Three people are in custody after a deputy attempted to serve tax documents on a marijuana grow operation. Sheriff Boggess said Deputy Larry Schones went to the facility but no one responded. Schones then went to a Chickasha home at 125 Ruskin Place where he detected a strong odor of marijuana and saw in plain sight several pounds of suspected illegal marijuana. A request for a search warrant was approved and the sheriff's office narcotics division was summoned. The deputies confiscated about 35 pounds of illegal weed which was believed to have a street value of about $35,000. The suspects were arrested on complaints of trafficking and maintaining a residence for keeping or selling drugs.

Chix Officials Consider Location for Third Fire Station

Chickasha city officials are looking at opening a third fire station. The city council tonight will consider the city's annual contract with the Grady County 522 EMS District. The city is expected to receive more than $576,000 from the district. In addition, the city will ask the district for $750,000 for capital improvements to help the city purchase the Chief Fire and Safety buildings in the 300 block of Washington Avenue. The council will also consider purchasing a battery-operated Jaws of Life tool for the fire department for just under $40,000.

Oil and Gas Leases May be Awarded

The council will also consider awarding a couple of oil and gas leases. One is for 300 acres at Lake Chickasha to Todco Properties and the other is for 40 acres in Section 4 of Township 6 North and Range 7 West in Grady County to Camino Natural Resources.

City Pool to be Evaluated; Should it be Repaired or Replaced?

The council will also consider contracting with a company to evaluate the swimming pool at Shannon Springs Park. The pool is about 40 years old and Parks and Recreation Director Spencer Winzenreid said it’s becoming more time-consuming and expensive to open the pool every year. Winzenreid is a proposing an inspection of the pool by a firm called Paddock Enterprises of Oklahoma City after the swimming season ends. If the $9,500 cost of the evaluation is approved it would include estimated costs of  renovations and estimated costs of a new pool. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

Holiday Hours Differ for City, County Offices

Chickasha City Hall and all city offices are open today but will be closed for the 4th of July tomorrow.  The Grady County Courthouse is closed today as work crews are re-tiling the courthouse vestibule, and will also be closed tomorrow for the holiday. The courthouse will re-open on Wednesday.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.70 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.26.

Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,920 and silver is $22.97.

Saturday, July 1st

Town Halls Set for Chix Sales Tax Proposal

Chickasha city officials will hold several town hall meetings over the next few weeks to answer questions about a proposed sales tax plan that would pay to build a new $74 million water treatment plant. Officials have proposed a 1 ¼  cent sales tax. If approved, it would replace a 3/4 of a penny sales tax which will be expiring this year with the result being an increase of 1/2 of one cent. The first meeting will be Monday, July 24th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at city hall. The second will be Thursday, July 27th from 6 to 8 p.m. at city hall. The third will be Saturday, July 29th from 8 to 10 a.m. at the library; and the 4th will be a virtual zoom meeting on Tuesday,  Aug. 1st from noon to 1 p.m. Voters will decide the sales tax proposal in a special election on Tuesday, Aug. 8th.

Fireworks and the 4th of July Illegal in Many Cities

America will be celebrating its 247th birthday next week. The 4th of July weekend is here and with it the opportunity to purchase and shoot fireworks. It is illegal in many cities and towns to shoot fireworks within the city limits and that includes Chickasha. The fine for anyone ticketed for doing so is $174. Officials with the police department say it has been several years since anyone was given a ticket. The last was in 2019 and before that, 2014. Generally, officers will simply issue a warning if they are called to look into a fireworks complaint.

Well completions

Marathon Oil reports a location bringing in about 1,100 barrels of oil and 1,100 Mcf of natural gas per day southwest of Lindsay. It's the Dean Well in section 30 of Township 4 North and Range 4 West five miles southwest of Lindsay in Garvin County. True vertical drilling depth was 11,000 feet and total drilling was more than 21,000 feet.

EOG Resources

A report on the Candi Well four miles northeast of Blanchard. The well is in Section 23 of Township 8 North and Range 4 West in McClain County and was bringing in just over 200 barrels of oil and 150 Mcf of natural gas per day. True vertical depth was nearly 9,300 feet and total drilling was more than 20,000 feet. EOG also filed a completion report on the Wilson Well two miles south of Newcastle in Section 4 of Township 8 North and Range 4 West also in McClain County. It was producing 320 barrels of oil and nearly 300 Mcf of natural gas per day. True vertical depth is 9,600 feet and total drilling was nearly 20,000 feet.

Citizen Energy of Tulsa

Two wells on a single pad southwest of Mustang. The Walther wells are in Section One of Township 10 North and Range Six West in Canadian County. They were producing about 420 barrels of oil and nearly 1,200 Mcf of natural gas per day. True vertical depth was 9.400 feet with total drilling at more than 17,000 feet.

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Friday, June 30th

State Receives Federal Broadband Expansion Funds

$1.2 billion. That's the budget for the state broadband office to build a statewide network to provide high-speed internet service to all corners of the Sooner State. Much of the money are federal funds from what's called the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program (BEAD). The Oklahoman reports that the Biden administration announced that nearly $798 million in BEAD grants will be provided to Oklahoma. The funds are part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act approved by Congress in 2021. The state broadband office received another $400,000 in grants which provides the remaining portion of the budget. Internet service providers who agree to provide internet service at affordable prices will be able to apply for the grant funds through a competitive process to build networks capable of providing higher uploading and downloading speeds. The state office also plans to spend some of the money to support programs to train a workforce to help the providers install and operate the networks to make sure broadband expansion is done effectively and efficiently. State officials expect to receive about 20 percent of the BEAD funds within a year and the remainder over the following three years.

Regional July 4th Celebrations

There will be several opportunities over the next few days to enjoy professional fireworks displays for the 4th of July. They start tonight with Anadarko's Honor America celebration. Activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Randlett Park. There are games and activities, more than a dozen food trucks, other vendors, and live music. The fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m. and our sister station New Country 985 will broadcast patriotic music in synch with the show. Monday night, Blanchard will hold its Independence Day celebration behind the Sonic Drive In. There will also be family-oriented games, live music, and fireworks. In Chickasha, a new event will be held Tuesday morning July 4^th. It’s called the Stars and Handlebars Parade. It is open to families, individuals, and groups who would like to dress up and decorate their bicycles and ATVs in red, white, and blue and ride through Shannon Springs Park. A small fee benefits USO Oklahoma. Advanced registration is requested on the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce website by Monday, July 3^rd. Participants can also register at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the park with the parade starting at 10 a.m. The Chickasha fireworks show will be at the park Tuesday night. Marlow will also have its big 4th of July celebration on Tuesday with a downtown parade at 10 a.m. followed by activities at Red Bud Park.

Chix Community Theatre Has Final Weekend of Shrek, Jr.

The Chickasha Community Theatre's presentation of Shrek, Jr. hits the stage for three more performances this weekend. There are performances at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night with a final matinee performance Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Advanced tickets may be purchased at Jay’s Jewelry or tickets will be available at the door.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.70 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.26.

Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,911 and silver is $22.63.

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Thursday, June 29th

Onward Chickasha Open House Tonight

The latest information regarding a plan to guide the City of Chickasha to the middle part of this century and beyond can be reviewed tonight. The Onward Chickasha project will have an open house at Chickasha City Hall this evening. The Oklahoma City-based engineering and architectural firm of Guernsey Consultants has been hired by the city council to do a detailed survey which will take about a year-and-a-half to complete. The study is still in its early stages. Guernsey representative Laura Bergey says tonight's open-house will allow individuals to review and discuss the work done so far and provide input on a preliminary draft of the community's vision and goals for the future. The open-house is a come-and-go event in the first-floor lobby of city hall from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight. Other information is available on-line at: OnwardChickasha.org

Bucket Truck Fire Slows Turnpike Traffic

A commercial truck fire slowed traffic on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike yesterday. It happened just before 1:00 p.m. in the west bound lanes of the interstate near mile marker 97. The driver was able to pull the bucket truck onto the shoulder of the highway forcing officials to close the outside lane for about 45 minutes. The highway patrol and several other first responders were summoned. No details about the incident were available. The truck remained on the shoulder until crews returned to remove it just after 6:30 last night. Traffic was again narrowed to one lane and it took crews three hours to remove the truck.

Life Skills Institute Works to Rebuild Lives

Chickasha's Life Skills Institute (LSI) has a mission of providing a way for men and women facing hardships to get on their feet and improve their lives. Director Zack Bowles says it's for those who are experiencing financial devastation, addiction, homelessness, or other issues and help guide them to independent living. It is a faith-based program and just like the name implies LSI provides life skills training and work-readiness programs which can last from one to two years. Individuals can work and do have to pay for their stay however they can qualify for some one-time assistance after successfully completing the program.

Bowles says the monthly fee is income based and daily meals are provided. Residents are also encouraged to take part in community service projects. Life Skills Institute recently received an ARPA grant of $900,000 from Grady County Commissioners to help build a new women's dormitory which is under construction.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.56 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.03.

Natural gas is $2.66 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,913 and silver is $22.97.

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Wednesday, June 28th

Crash Sends Blanchard Man to Hospital

A Blanchard driver was hospitalized after two pick-ups collide between Chickasha and Dibble yesterday. 60-year old Michael Lamb was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital by Chickasha EMS with unknown injuries. He was admitted in stable condition. The accident happened at the junction of State Highway 39 and the Alex Highway, which is CS 2940. The highway patrol reported that Lamb failed to yield from a stop sign, and was hit by an eastbound pickup driven by 67-year old Ronald Smith of Purcell. Neither Smith nor an unidentified 16 year old passenger were injured.

Repairs to Chix Intersection Underway

Looks like repairs to a busy Chickasha residential intersection are getting underway. A backhoe is now on site at 14th and Missouri, where crews have to replace storm drain pipes and repair the roadway.

Chix Schools Enrollment Scheduled 

Chickasha school officials are getting things ready for enrolling students for the upcoming year. According to the district's website, enrollment will be on-line. That process will start in just two weeks, on Wednesday, July 12th.  This will be for first-time students, or, students who are returning from out-of-district or home-school situations. That will include students who did not finish out last year, and pre-kindergarten students. For students who have applied for a transfer, officials ask that they not start the enrollment process until they have been notified that the district has space available. For information, contact the Chickasha Schools Enrollment Center at 7th and Kansas Avenue, downtown.

Ag Dealership Partners With Investment Firm 

One of Chickasha's leading farm tractor and machinery dealerships is continuing to make improvements. Parallel Ag, which purchased Livingston Machinery Company a couple of years ago, has partnered with a private equity firm to assist with the dealership’s growth. Midwest Growth Partners (MGP) is now on board to bring additional capital to the company. MWG has experience in advancing what it calls the endless economic potential of America's smaller communities. Parallel Ag president Shawn Skaggs says MGP is a good match for them.

Skaggs said the Chickasha dealership has been able to add equipment to the shop area which has helped their technicians become more efficient. There are also have to remodel. Parallel Ag also been able to open dealerships in Lubbock, Texas and Liberal, Kansas. 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.70 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.26.

Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,915 and silver is $22.91.

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Tuesday, June 27th

County Fairgrounds Hosts Youth Brangus Show

Another national livestock show is underway at the Grady County Fairgrounds this week. It's the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association. Some 250 youth from across the country will be showing about 550 head of cattle. Briana Hicks is the president of the group.

Hicks is 22 years old and recently graduated from Texas A and M with a bachelor's degree in animal science and plans on continuing her education to get a master's degree in ag leadership. The show runs through Saturday and there is no cost to attend any of the activities.

Fire Hydrant Flushing to Affect Chix Neighborhood

Parts of Chickasha may experience low water pressure over the next few days. Crews with USW, the  private contractor for the city’s water services, will be flushing some fire hydrants. The area affected is north of Frisco Avenue between 6th and 16th Streets.

Repair on Rain-Damaged Intersection Delayed

City officials were hoping that work to repair the 14th and Missouri intersection would start last week however the effort has been delayed. Public Works Director Jim Crosby said the firm hired for the project said a trailer had broken down and they were making repairs yesterday. In an e-mail, Crosby tells KOOL News that they could be moving equipment in today to begin work. The intersection has been closed for more than a month after heavy rains damaged the storm drain pipes underneath the streets.

Grady Courthouse to Close July 3rd and 4th

Grady County employees will be getting an extra day off next week in addition to the July 4th holiday. County Commissioners decided to close the courthouse on Monday, July 3^rd to re-tile the courthouse security vestibule. That project is expected to take four days to complete and it's hoped crews can start Saturday and be done by the end of the day Tuesday. The courthouse will re-open for business as usual on Wednesday, July 5th. The weekly county commissioner's meeting normally held on Monday will be at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 5^th.

CV Tech Students Do Well at National Event

A number of students from the Chickasha campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center placed in the top 10 in national competitions recently. Lindsay Palesano, Terrie Clark, and Ashley Keeton finished second in creative problem solving for post-secondary students in the Future Health Professionals Division; top-10 placers were Hannah Turner, in post-secondary nutrition; and Kylie Childress in post-secondary medical law and ethics. Trenton Rippey placed third in secondary prepared speech in pre-engineering for Skills USA. Trinity Badillo, Payton Morgan, and Mia Pecina in the business office class placed third in the post-secondary small business management division of the Business Professionals of America.  Rippey was also one of four state officers from the Chickasha campus at the national conference. The others were Zoey Howry, Abby James, and Yesenia Ramirez.

Chix Resident Accepted in to Leadership Oklahoma

A Chickasha resident has been selected to take part in the next Leadership Oklahoma program. Jim Cowan, the president of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and director of the Economic Development Council has been accepted into the program. He'll be among 50 participants who will spend one day a month over the next several months visiting several communities. A press release indicates participants will have engaging discussions, work on collaborative problem-solving, and get a better understanding of the social, environmental, and economic challenges facing the state.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.37 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.18.

Natural gas is $2.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,932 and silver is $23.13.

Obituaries

Terry Morgan

A memorial service for Terry Morgan, 55, of Chickasha, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 30th at Faith Latino Church in Oklahoma City. He was the kitchen manager for Hutch's and previously was the store manager for the Chickasha Travel Plaza. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Ronnie Thomas

A private memorial service for Ronnie Thomas, 61, of Chickasha will be held by the family at a later date. He worked for the City of Chickasha's water maintenance department. Arrangements are also with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Monday, June 26th

Pilot Makes Emergency Landing in Field 

The pilot of a small airplane was forced to make an emergency landing in a field near Rush Springs over the weekend. This happened about 2:15 Saturday afternoon. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says the unidentified pilot had just left the Lawton airport and was experiencing some problems and was looking for a place to land. Boggess said the pilot thought about trying to land on Highway 81 but found a field just south of Rush Springs and was able to land safety. The pilot was the only occupant of the plane and he was not hurt. The only information available about the plane was that it was a four-seater. The landing was made in a field two miles south of Rush Springs near CS 2820 and CR 1560.

Chix PD Recieves Grant to Offer Mental Health Counseling for Staff

We reported last week that a grant for the Chickasha Police Department will provide mental health counseling for police personnel. Police Chief G.G. Music was on our KOOL Konversation program over the weekend and said the counseling is not just for the police officers on the street.

The $4,000 grant from the Oklahoma Electric Co-op Round-up program will pay for 400 hours of counseling.

Open House for Onward Chickasha Survey Set

The on-going work of a firm putting together a 20-30 year plan for the city of Chickasha has re-scheduled an open house that was postponed earlier due to weather concerns. The most recent information of the Onward Chickasha project will be on display later this week. The Guernsey Engineering firm out of Oklahoma City is leading the effort. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley said it is a detailed plan, with officials seeking community input about the city's future.

This week's open house will be Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 at Chickasha City Hall.

Soldiers Return From Overseas Deployment

A welcome home ceremony held over the weekend for a number of Ft. Sill soldiers who returned from a lengthy deployment. Members of the First Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Division spent nine months in Europe assisting NATO. The soldiers spent time in Germany, Poland, and Estonia. Battalion Commander Emilian Tellado said it was not standard work for the troops. He said what they did made an impact on Europe and their work will always be remembered.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.16 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.85.

Natural gas is $2.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,941 and silver is $23.03.

Saturday, June 24th

Energy Firm Touts High-Producing Well

An Oklahoma energy firm is pleased with the initial output of a McClain County well. EOG Resources, which is based in Houston but has an office in Oklahoma City, reports a well near Newcastle is producing 1,000 barrels of oil and nearly 1,300 Mcf of natural gas per day.  The  Warhawk Well is in Sn section 7 of Township 9 North, Range 4 West a few miles northwest of Newcastle. It is in the Woodford formation of the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province (SCOOP). The well was drilled to a true vertical depth of nearly 9,000 feet. It took about four months to drill the well. It was spudded in January and completed April 25th.

State rig count steady; nation's count declines

Oklahoma's rig count held steady over the last week. There are 42 active drillings operating which is down from 60 rigs working at this same time last year. Nationwide the rig count stands a 682 which is off six from last week and down from 753 a year ago.

Chix Rodeo Now Set for Tonight and Tomorrow Afternoon

Rain postponed the opening of the annual Chickasha rodeo last night. Officials with the Chickasha Rodeo Foundation say there will still be two performances. Tonight's rodeo will get underway as scheduled, with Grand Entry at 8 p.m. and the winner of the queen contest will be announced. The second performance will be at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. For those who purchased advance tickets, they can be used at either performance. Also, The Chickasha Rodeo Parade will take place as scheduled this afternoon in downtown Chickasha, starting at 4 o'clock.

Thousands of Ladybudgs Released into Duncan Community Garden

Here's an interesting story out of Duncan. Thousands of ladybugs have been released into the city's community garden -12,000 of them! While most bugs are considered pests and nuisances, ladybugs actually serve as an organic pesticide. Sheila DeCarlo is the manager of Duncan's Think Ability Garden.  She tells The Duncan Banner that the ladybugs eat the eggs of aphids, spiders, and whiteflies which do a lot of damage to vegetable plants. She says ladybugs take to plants with a little bit of water on the leaves. And, like most creatures including humans, they don't like being in the heat of the day, so they try to find a place to hide from the sun.

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Chickasha Police Chief GG Music is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. And Zack Bowles, director of the Like Skills Institute is the guest on Real Estate Today. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

Obituary

Marilyn Hudson

Funeral for Marilyn Hudson, 80, of Edmond and formerly of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Friday, June 23rd

Broadband Listening Tour Continues 

Officials with the Oklahoma Broadband Office continue their work to get information about high-speed internet deserts in the Sooner State. Representatives are criss-crossing the state holding listening tours to hear from residents about their issues with slow internet. Mike Sanders is the director of the state broadband office. He told members of the state broadband commission this week that it will be several months before a statewide map will be available showing which areas have the biggest need for the service. He estimates there are nearly 800,000 Oklahomans who have inadequate connectivity to the world wide web.

Saddle Up for the Chickasha Rodeo

Grab your jeans and cowboy hats and ride out to the annual Chickasha rodeo this weekend. The Chickasha Rodeo Foundation presents its 84th annual rodeo at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Cowboys will try to tame the rough stock with bronc busting and bull-riding, and will work to beat the clock and other contestants in speed events that include barrel racing, calf-roping, steer wrestling and team roping. The rodeo is both tonight and tomorrow night, with the Grand Entry starting at 8:00 p.m. both nights. The rodeo parade will wind down Chickasha Avenue at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

'Christmas in July' to Feature New Parade

The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council are getting ready for the annual Christmas in July celebration. A new event is called The Parade of Stars and Handlebars, which is a patriotic parade that will be held the morning of Independence Day, July 4th. It is a family-oriented event inviting residents to ride their bicycles and ATVs through Shannon Springs Park. The event is open to families and any groups or clubs. There is a registration fee with proceeds benefitting USO Oklahoma. Fees are $10 per person or family and $25 for groups. Participants can register on-line by Monday, July 3rd at chickashachamber.com or, register the morning of Tuesday, July 4th at 9 a.m. in the front parking lot of the park. The parade will start at 10 a.m. All entries will receive coupons for a free snow cone from Jungle Ice Fun Zone. Later that night will be the annual fireworks display at the park.

Patriotic Groups Unite

A couple of national patriotic groups are joining efforts to promote their missions of supporting military veterans and families. The Patriot Guard Riders and Wreaths Across America have signed a memorandum of understanding to build stronger awareness for their missions while supporting events across the country. The Patriot Guard Riders is a national non-profit group founded in 2005 and there are members in all 50 states. The group supports first responders as well as military veterans. Wreaths Across America was founded in 2007 and is known for its annual wreath-laying ceremony each year. Their mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach future generations the value of freedom. This year, the annual wreath-laying ceremony will be Saturday, December 16th.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.51 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.14.

Natural gas is $2.61 per million BTUS.

Gold is $1,927 and silver is $22.55.

Obituaries

Shannon Cooper-McAlester

Obituaries today include 43-year old Shannon Cooper-McAlester of Oklahoma City. Funeral will be held at 11:30 next Tuesday morning, June 27th at Western Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Thursday, June 22nd

Verden Police Arrest Suspected Drug Traffickers

Two suspected drug traffickers are behind bars after Verden police noticed a couple of suspicious vehicles in town. This happened just after midnight Tuesday when an officer saw a car and a motorcycle driving around town. The vehicles pulled over at the water department and the officer went to talk to them. A post on the Verden Police Department's Facebook page indicates the officer detected an odor of marijuana in the car and the driver indicated it was not hers, but it belonged to the man on the motorcycle. He did not have his medical marijuana license with him. Following a routine check, both individuals had had their driver's licenses suspended. It was also found that the car had a false license plate. The officer then saw the motorcycle rider toss a bag near the front tire of the car. The bag contained drugs which field tested positive for meth and Fentanyl. Authorities arrested 48-year old Daniel Clay Mahan and 36-year old Kristi Skinner, both of Oklahoma City. The social media post indicates that Mahan has a lengthy criminal record, including convictions of drug charges and assault with a deadly weapon. Both suspects were booked into the Grady County Jail on complaints of aggravated trafficking. Mahan has had his initial appearance and he remains in jail on a $100,000 bond. Skinner has not yet been formally charged.

Mental Health Grant Approved for Chix Police Department

Police officers and other first responders often find themselves in dangerous and even deadly situations. There has been a concerted effort to help them deal with the mental strain of their occupations. This week, the Chickasha City Council signed off on a grant which will pay for mental health counseling for police officers. Police Chief G.G. Music requested a $4,000 grant from Oklahoma Electric Co-op's Operation Round-up grant program. It will pay for mental health counseling services for not only police officers but also their family members. Music detailed several incidents that officers have had to deal with over the last several years: a teenager killed by his neighbor; a woman stabbed to death by her husband; an officer-involving shooting where more than 200 rounds were fired and an officer was permanently disabled; and several Fentanyl related deaths and overdoses.

More from this week's city council meeting

Chickasha city hall will be getting some upgrades on its fire protection system. The city council this week accepted a nearly $26,000 bid from Alpine Fire Protection of Yukon to make the improvements. The council also approved the city’s annual contract with the Grady County Criminal Justice Authority which operates the Grady County Jail to house individuals arrested by Chickasha police. Also approved was the declaration of a number of items at the city animal shelter as surplus and the authorization of the city manager to dispose of the items. Some of the inventory includes traps that don't work, damaged fiberglass cat kennels; office equipment, and non-working exit signs.

Visitors Center to Open Downtown Chix

Downtown Chickasha will soon have an official visitors center. The city council, under its municipal authority title, approved a lease agreement with the Chickasha Community Foundation and Whitney Palesano. Palesano and her family will operate the center which will be known as Downtown Mercantile. The store will be located in the renovated Freight Building near the leg lamp. Palesano, who works for the Chamber of Commerce, will keep her post with the chamber while also operating the visitors center.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.53 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.12.

Natural gas is $2.60 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,936 and silver is $22.88.

Obituary

Deena Jamison

A private memorial service will be held for Deena Jamison, 59, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, June 21st

Chix Council OK's Intersection Repair; Work May Start Soon  

Chickasha officials say work to repair a damaged intersection could start as early as this Friday. The city council last night approved a nearly $288,000 bid from Mayfield Contracting of Clinton to repair the intersection of 14^th and Missouri which has been closed since it was damaged after heavy rains earlier this spring. Public Works Director Jim Crosby told the council that the company estimates that it may only take about three weeks to make repairs.

Water distribution upgrade approved; state asked to provide more funds

The council also approved a nearly $570,000 bid to upgrade the water distribution system east of 4th and Missouri, although the approval is subject to the availability of funds. The bid went to Marsau Enterprises of Enid. KOOL/RANCH News reported yesterday that the city was reaching out to the state  department of commerce asking the agency to increase a Community Development Block Grant the city is getting to help pay for the project as the estimated cost of the work was about $200,000 more than estimated. The city does have to provide some matching funds, and the council did approve providing an additional $25,000 in order to receive an additional $180,000 from the department of commerce. The state panel will meet next week to consider the request.

Airport project to lift off

The council also approved a nearly $600,000 project for the city's airport. The council awarded a nearly $466,000 contract to Tri City Seal to rehabilitate runways and taxi-ways. The panel also approved a grant application from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission to help pay for much of that work.

Panel OK's zoning exemption for animals

The city council did a complete 180 on a previous decision about a zoning exemption to allow horses and goats in the city limits. After denying the exemption last month, the panel voted 6-0 to authorize the move. In a public hearing last night applicant Roosevelt May said they had resolved some differences with neighboring property owners who initially protested the plan, saying the animals would be kept in the back of the seven-acre lot in the 2400 block of S. 24th. He said the family's two daughters are barrel racers and that the horses would be well taken care of. No one spoke against the exemption during the hearing.

No action taken on EDC issue

The council went behind closed doors to get at update from the city attorney regarding the Chickasha Economic Development Council and its use of taxpayer funds. The panel met for an hour and a half in executive session and made no comment other than to say no action would be taken at this time.

Grow Facility Goes Up In Smoke

Fire caused heavy damage to a marijuana grow facility northeast of Chickasha earlier this week. The fire was called in just before 5 o'clock Monday morning at what used to be the pro shop at the former Riverbend Golf Course. The Chickasha fire department was initially called out, then volunteers from Amber, Friend, and Naples were dispatched. Grady County Fire Chief Rodney Gregory says the 5,000 sq. ft. metal building sustained about $20,000 in damage. It was unclear how much of the marijuana was destroyed. He said the fire may have been sparked by an electrical short. Gregory said crews were on the scene for about two hours. Gregory also said crews responded to a grass fire southwest of Pocasset just before noon Monday. Gregory said a burn pile got out of control on CR 2810 west of Highway 81. Pocasset was dispatched and Chickasha was called to assist. Crews were on the scene about an hour. About a half-acre of grassland was scorched.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.38 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.90.

Natural gas is $2.49 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,943 and silver is $23.31.

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Tuesday, June 20th

Chix Officials Ask for More Grant Funds for Water Line Replacement

A few months ago, Chickasha officials announced an effort to improve part of the city's water distribution system. Water lines and fire hydrants in the neighborhood east of 4th and Minnesota need to be replaced. The city has already been approved for a Community Development Block of Grant to help pay for the project. However, the lowest of three bids received was more than $200,000 higher than engineers estimated. Officials are asking the State Department of Commerce for additional funds. While the original construction budget was estimated at $331,000 - the lowest of three bids received was more than $537,000. In a letter from Mayor Chris Mosley to the commerce department dated June 2nd, he's asking for an additional $180,000 and said the city would provide an additional $25,000. Mosley said they could consider slimming down the project, but that it is not a good alternative as existing waterlines are subject to frequent breakages and are undersized. Mosley is expected give an update on the request for additional funds during tonight's city council meeting.

Another public hearing set for request to have horses and goats in the city limits

The council will also hold a second public hearing regarding a special zoning exemption to allow horses and goats in the city limits. The request from Davina and Roosevelt May would allow the animals on seven acres of property in the 2400 block of South 24th. Last month the council unanimously voted against the request after some neighbors protested. The proposal went back to the city's planning commission which recommended the exemption be approved, as it did the first time it was considered.

'Twisters' crew asks for more street closings

The film crew building sets for the filming of the Twister sequel is asking the city for additional street closures next month. Dirt Road Films is requesting that 17th Street between Iowa and Dakota Avenues, and Minnesota Avenue between 16th and 18th Streets be closed from July 1st through July 14th. Upwards of 500 people have been working in the area over the last few weeks.

Resolution to pass new fiscal year budget to be discussed

The council will also consider a resolution to approve the city budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which will start July 1st. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

Businessman, Civic Leader Ron Saxon Dies

Longtime homebuilder and pilot Ron Saxon has died. Saxon was a crop duster who would eventually be involved with the Civil Air Patrol. He opened a real estate office and began building homes in the early 1970s. He served on the Chickasha City Council and the Chamber of Commerce. Saxon was 80 when he passed away last Saturday. Survivors include his wife, Dayliene; and their two sons and their families. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 22nd at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Chix Group Wins State Tourism Awards

Chickasha's Economic Development Council (EDC) picked up some top honors at the State Department of Tourism's Redbud Awards.  The EDC won the Merit Award for Outstanding New Attraction for the permanent Leg Lamp in downtown Chickasha. The panel also won for Outstanding Media Coverage for the Nov. 5^th grand opening celebration of the leg lamp. News of the leg lamp spread across the country on radio and TV stations and newspapers. The Redbud Awards recognize state tourism attractions, and destination market organizations for their efforts to serve and promote the state's tourism industry.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.78 per barrel.

London based Brent crude is $76.61.

Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,964 and silver is $24.30.

Obituaries

Doris Miller

A graveside service for Doris Miller, 82, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 21st at Fairlawn Cemetery. She was a lab tech for American Optical.  Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral home.

Connie Painter

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for Connie Painter, 60, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Monday, June 19th

Chix Gets One Bid to Repair Storm-Damaged Intersection

Chickasha city officials are recommending that a Clinton company be awarded a contract to repair the intersection of 14th and Missouri which nearly collapsed following heavy rains earlier this spring. The city's engineering firm is recommending a bid from Mayfield Contracting. It's a nearly $288,000 bid and was the only one that was received. The city council declared an emergency to repair the intersection which has been closed since the damage occurred. Officials said it was apparently due to the failure of the storm sewer system underneath the intersection. Public Works Director John Crosby said parts of the drain underneath both 14th Street and Missouri Avenue will likely have to be replaced. The proposal is on the agenda for tomorrow night's city council meeting.

Verden School Superintendent Discusses Upcoming School Year

Summer vacation for most schools is reaching its halfway point. In Verden, Superintendent Mickey Edwards says teachers will report on Monday, August 7th with the first day of classes on Thursday, August 10th. Edwards says they will have 165 days of instruction. For the first semester, classes will be held Monday through Friday. After the first of the year, they'll have school just four days a week.

Edwards is hoping construction on the new security vestibule at the high school could begin this fall. Voters approved a $675,000 bond issue for the project which Edwards says could begin in October with a completion date perhaps by the end of the school year.

No Tuition, Fee Increases at USAO for Coming Year

USAO students won't be facing tuition or fee increases for the upcoming school year. University regents unanimously voted to keep costs at their current levels. On average, an Oklahoma resident taking 15 credit hours at the university can expect to pay about $4,100 per semester or about $8,200 for the year. President John Feaver said it is the university's duty to ensure that a quality college education remains accessible and affordable for all. First-time students who will be attending full time have the option to  pay slightly higher costs and lock in that rate for four years.  Students taking 15 credit hours per semester would pay about $4,700 for each term.

Maloney, Richie Take Top Honors at Juneteenth Barbecue Cook-off

We have some follow-up to this past weekend's Juneteenth Celebration at Chickasha's Washita Valley Park. The winners of the barbecue cook-off competition were Phyllis Maloney for her ribs and Terry Richie for his chicken. Both received a $100 cash prize and a medal. The top three placers in the rib division were Maloney in first; Terry Richie in second and Carl Johnson in third. In the chicken division it was Richie in first; Phyllis Maloney in second and Edith Givens in third.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.78 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.61.

Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.

Gold $1,962 and silver is $24.29.

Obituaries

Becky Stephenson

Funeral service for Becky Stephenson, 58, or of Rush Springs was held at 10:30 this morning at the Southern Oaks Church of Christ. She was the postmaster at Alex for many years. Arrangements were with McRay Funeral Home.

Louis Bryant

Funeral service for Louis Bryant, 83, of Oklahoma City will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 24th, at the First Baptist Church in Snyder. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Saturday, June 17th

Former Jailer Sentenced for Inmate Assault

Former Grady County jail employee Johnnie Drewery will himself serve some time behind bars. Drewery was recently sentenced after pleading guilty to a federal charge of civil rights violations. The incident occurred in July of 2020 when Drewery and other jailers were placing an inmate in a holding cell when the inmate spit on Drewery. The Southwest Ledger cited court documents indicating that Drewery screamed for the cell door to be re-opened and that he rushed in and repeatedly punched and kneed the inmate. The inmate suffered a fractured rib. Drewery pleaded guilty to the federal charge in January of 2022. A federal judge recently sentenced Drewery to 30 days in jail on weekends, perform 104 hours of community service, and four years’ probation.

SCOOP Well Completions

Completion reports have been filed on a few more oil and gas wells in the SCOOP region. CPRP Services of Oklahoma City show nearly 1,500 barrels of oil and nearly 1,600 Mcf of natural gas per day being produced from two wells on a single pad in McClain County south of Dibble. The Guinness wells are in the Woodford formation in Section 29 of Township 6 North Range 4 West and were drilled to a depth of nearly 12,000 feet. CPRP also reported production of 2,300 barrels of oil and more than 3,000 Mcf of natural gas per day for two Dogfish Fed wells in Section 6 of Township 5 North Range 4 West, also in the Woodford formation. Those wells were drilled to a depth of more than 11,000 feet.

Chickasha, Nation Commemorate Juneteenth

Chickasha and communities across the country are celebrating Juneteenth this weekend. Juneteenth, which is officially called Juneteenth National Independence Day, marks the day that the last of enslaved African-Americans received word of their emancipation following the Civil War. While President Abraham Lincoln freed slaves in in Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it wasn't until June 19th, 1865 that Major General Gordon Granger notified those still enslaved in Texas that they were free. Chickasha Juneteenth activities include a parade with opening ceremonies at Washita Valley Park at 11 o'clock. Mayor Chris Mosley will read a proclamation and guest speaker is Dr. Tonnia Anderson with the Ada Sipuel-Fisher Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing at USAO. Activities at start at noon with live music, lots of activities for the kids, free food, and vendors will be on hand.

Talk Show Topics

Jim Cowan with the Chickasha Economic Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. Verden School Superintendent Mickey Edwards is our guest on Real Estate Today. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

Obituary

Becky Stephenson

Funeral service for Becky Stephenson, 58, of Rush Springs will be held at 10:30 a.m.  Monday, June 19th at the Southern Oaks Church of Christ in Chickasha. She was the postmaster at Alex for many years. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Friday, June 16th

Consumer Spending on the Rise

Cash registers at Grady County retail outlets have ringing a lot more over the last couple of months. Consumer spending for the region in March was estimated at $92.5 million - and that's the third straight monthly increase. The number is about 3.1 percent higher than February but it was off a fraction from March of 2022 by less than 1 percent. The $92.5 million figure is the largest since September of last year. We estimate consumer spending when we see the sales tax revenue for the county. The April amount was about $694,000 which represents the taxable goods and services purchased in February. Here is a breakdown of where the sales tax money goes. The Grady County Fairgrounds received $231,000; Grady Memorial Hospital received $205,000; the 20 county fire districts shared $116,000 and each one collected $5,800; the seven senior nutrition centers also shared $116,000 and each picked up more than $16,000; Tuttle EMS collected $21,000 and Rush Springs EMS received $5,300.

Chickasha Consumer Spending 

The most recent numbers for the city of Chickasha show consumer spending from March which was estimated to be $32 million. That number is based on city sales revenues in May which were just over than $1.2 million.

Lawton, Duncan Evaluating Storm Damage

Officials in Lawton and Duncan are tallying up damage from strong storms which moved through those areas last night. Large hail and 70 mph winds were reported in Lawton and Public Service Company of Oklahoma reported as many as 17,000 customers without power in those regions. PSO officials also said the utility sustained substantial damage to its power grid including transmission structures, broken poles, cross arms, and downed wires.

Onward Chickasha Program Rescheduled 

The Chickasha area managed to avoid much of the severe weather which pummeled parts of central and southwest Oklahoma last night. But the threat of bad weather forced officials to postpone the open house for the Onward Chickasha long-range planning meeting. Officials have re-scheduled the program for Thursday, June 29^th between 5:30 and 7:30 that evening at Chickasha City Hall.

Chix Public Pool Opens Today

After some delays the public swimming pool at Chickasha's Shannon Springs Park will be opening today. The pool will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. today and tomorrow and will be closed Sundays (except for parties). The regular hours for the pool are Monday through Friday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The pool is operated by the YMCA. Corbin Lee with the Y says they have a staff of 12 including the lifeguards who undergo 36 hours of training.

YMCA members get to swim free all summer long. Admission for non-YMCA members is $5 per person. The pool does offer private parties seven days a week. Swimming lessons for children are available and there are several two-week sessions throughout the summer with the first session starting Monday. Reach out to the Y for information about the parties and swimming lessons.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.62 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.67,

Natural gas is $2.53 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,976 and silver is $24.09.

Obituaries

Ruby Howard

No services are scheduled for Ruby Howard, 74, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

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Thursday, June 15th

'Onward, Chickasha' Open House Tonight

Chickasha residents can meet with city leaders and the engineering firm putting together a plan to guide the city into the middle part of the 21st century tonight. There's an open house at city hall which will be another opportunity for residents to submit ideas. Laura Bergey is with the Guernsey Engineering firm which is leading the project-

There will be informational displays and opportunities to discuss the work done so far in the come-and-go event. The open house will be in the lobby of city hall from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. tonight.

Chix City Council to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Budget

Also tonight, the Chickasha City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed city budgets for the upcoming fiscal year which begins in just a couple of weeks. The public hearing will be part of a special city council meeting which will get underway at 6:30 tonight in the city council chambers at city hall.

Chickasha Hosts Mayors Council Conference

Mayors from communities across the state are meeting in Chickasha today and tomorrow. The Mayors Council of Oklahoma is holding its annual conference at USAO. Amber Mayor Craig Parham is the current president of the council and says the conference has been instrumental in helping him make his community better.

Mike Fina is the executive director of the group-

Holt is the mayor of Oklahoma City and Bynum the mayor of Tulsa.

Cyril Honors Memory of Athena Brownfield

The community of Cyril has memorialized Athene Brownfield, the four-year old reported missing in January and her body found at a farm several miles from her home. A granite bench with her photo, some butterflies, and an inscription was unveiled at the Cyril Town Plaza. The inscription etched into the bench reads: 'Little Sister' Athena Alexandria Brownfield. There are no footprints too small to leave an imprint on this world. Sweet little Athena, taken from us too soon, your smile was contagious. Your laugh could fill a room. When God was searching for the most beautiful angel, He found you. Love conquers all, our shy butterfly, now resting in the arms of Jesus, dancing in the sky.' Authorities arrested her caretakers in connection with Athena’s death. Ivon Adams is charged with murder and child neglect. Alysia Adams is charged with two counts of child neglect. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in October.

Anadarko Seeks Vendors for 'Honor America' Celebration

With the 4th of July quickly approaching there are a lot of communities marking the holiday with Independence Day events. In Anadarko, the Anadarko Chamber of Commerce will once again host its Honor America Celebration. It will be Friday evening, June 30th at Randlett Park. There will be family-friendly fun and games, food trucks and vendors, and fireworks at dusk. Organizers are looking for vendors and food trucks to take part. Contact Alicia White with the chamber by June 23^rd for the details. Information is available on the Anadarko chamber's Facebook page.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.27 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.20.

Natural gas is $2.34 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,946 and silver is $23.49.

Obituaries

Steven Verhines

Obituaries today include 66-year old Steven Verhines of Chickasha. He was a teacher at Friend School. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 21st at Friend School Auditorium. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America or Chisholm Trail Hospice.

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Wednesday, June 14th

Doctors Save Life of Child who OD'd; Two Suspects in Custody

A 9-month old baby who officials say overdosed on opioids is expected to be okay after doctors gave the child Noxalone. And two people are in jail charged with child neglect for allegedly allowing the overdose to occur. Chickasha police were dispatched to the emergency room at Grady Memorial Hospital Sunday afternoon. The child was brought in because he was having difficulty breathing and turning blue. A probable-cause affidavit indicates that hospital staff believed the child was experiencing an opioid overdose and gave the child Noxalone, or Narcan, which saved the child's life. Doctors found a piece of burnt foil inside the child's mouth, which is alleged to have been used by someone who ingested drugs. Officers believed that a two-year old in the home may have placed the foil in the baby's mouth. Authorities arrested the child's mother, 21-year old Lauren Elizabeth Lane, and her brother, 20-year old Jason Cordova Lane after finding drugs in their home. Both have been formally charged with felony child neglect and misdemeanor drug charges with bond set at $100,000 each.

Suspect Arrested in Connection with Gun Theft

Chickasha police made quick work of a recent burglary that took place at a veteran-owned company. Saturday, officers were dispatched to the Two Vets Clothing Store in the 1400 block of South 4th Street to investigate a report of a firearm being stolen. And one of the store's owners, Army reserve veteran Zach Grayson, was holding the suspect until police arrived. A probable cause affidavit indicates that video surveillance showed the suspect putting a pistol in his pocket and leaving the store. The suspect returned a few minutes later and attempted to take another pistol and that's when Grayson, Chickasha's vice mayor, stopped the man and called police. Authorities say the suspect was living in a home a few blocks away so officials obtained a search warrant and found the first pistol that was stolen. Authorities arrested 31-year old Theodes Shells on a complaint of grand larceny. Authorities later found out that Shells was listed as sex offender out of Lubbock, Texas after being convicted of aggravated assault on a child in 2012. Authorities say there is no record of Shells completing any type of sex offender registration as required by law. Shells is in the Grady County Jail on a $150,000 bond and is facing felony charges of grand larceny, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and failure to register as a sex offender.

Blanchard Voters Approve New Hotel-Motel Tax

Voters in Blanchard overwhelmingly approved a new hotel-motel tax in yesterday’s special election. The measure passed with more than 70 percent of the vote. Just over 300 ballots were cast with the unofficial vote being 217 to 92. The 5 percent tax will be placed in a special tourism fund and used to encourage, promote, and foster tourism.

Minco Proposal Fails by Single Vote

In Minco, however, a similar 5 percent hotel-motel tax failed by one vote. The measure needed a simple majority to pass but the unofficial vote was tied at 42-42.

Nation Celebrates Flag Day

Today is Flag Day - set aside to commemorate the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. The flag was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777 while the Revolutionary War was still in progress. KenLynn Chaney with the Grady County Rock Island 4H Club has a few guidelines to follow when flying the flag.

There are a couple of locations where tattered flags can be taken so they can be properly retired. They are the Grady County Veterans Memorial at Shannon Springs Park and the boy scout headquarters at 18th and Iowa Avenue. The boy scouts will occasionally have flag retirement ceremonies.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.42 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.29.

Natural gas is $2.34 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,963 and silver is $23.96.

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Tuesday, June 13th

USAO Regents Name New President

USAO will begin a new era this summer. The board of regents has announced that Dr. Kayla Hale has been named the university's next president. Hale will be the 13th president for the University and will take the helm from retiring president John Feaver in August. Hale comes from the University of Tulsa, where she has worked for 25 years and most recently served as vice president of university advancement and alumni engagement. She has 35 years’ experience in higher education advancement. Hale says among her initial goals is student recruitment.

Hale is a USAO alum and attended in the early 1980s. She said Feaver was her history professor. She says she's worked a lot with Feaver in recent years at the state level to enhance the efforts of Oklahoma's colleges and universities. She will be USAO's first female president. Feaver is retiring after being with the university for more than 40 years which includes more than 20 years as president.

Minco, Blanchard Voters to Decide Hotel-Motel Tax Issues

Voters in Minco and Blanchard head to the polls today for special elections. Those casting ballots will decide if the communities should implement hotel-motel taxes. Both communities are seeking a 5 percent hotel-motel tax to be charged to individuals who rent hotel or motel rooms. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.

Public Hearing Set for Special Zoning

to Allow Horses, Goats in Chix City Limits

A request for a special zoning exemption to allow horses and goats in the Chickasha city limits will again be addressed by the city’s planning commission this afternoon. A public hearing will be held on the matter regarding property in the 2400 block of South 24th Street. The Chickasha City Council recently denied a request for the exemption which is being sought by Davina and Roosevelt May. The planning commission will also hold a public hearing to consider a request for an exemption to the city's facade requirements on an oversized building. That request is for applicant Jim Camp on Mockingbird Lane.

ODOT Schedules Transporation Needs Surveys

Improving the transportation needs of those with disabilities, senior citizens, and low-income families is a goal of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). Officials will have a series of regional meetings over the next couple of weeks to get public input on what officials call the 2023 Coordinated Transportation Plan. Oklahomans can take part in an on-line survey as well as a series of virtual meetings. The central region virtual meeting will be on Thursday, June 22nd with the southwest region virtual meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 28th. The on-line survey can be found at surveymonkey.com

Additional information is available on-line at oklahoma.gov/odot

Chix Tattoo Parlor Earns National Awards

A Chickasha business picked up a number of awards for its work. Garrett Hall of Downtown Tattoo received the awards at the National Tattoo Arts Festival in Oklahoma City this past weekend. Awards included best large black and gray tattoo; best small black and gray tattoo; best large color; and best cover up. Downtown Tattoo is at 421 Chickasha Avenue.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.12 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $71.84.

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,976 and silver is $24.25.

Obituary

Jo Ann Polly

A gathering of friends of Jo Ann Polly, 86, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 16^th at the Cowboy Church in Apache. She worked for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission offices in Chickasha and Anadarko. Memorial contributions may be made to breast cancer research. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Monday, June 12th

Onward Chickasha Update Set Thursday

The most recent work of an engineering firm which is generating a 30-year plan for the City of Chickasha will be on display this week. Officials with the Guernsey Engineering firm of Oklahoma City will present a draft of a community vision statement and have an update of an on-going survey which is gathering ideas for the city's long-range plans. Laura Bergey is one of the Guernsey officials leading the project.

A come-and-go open house will be held Thursday evening in the lobby of Chickasha City Hall from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

State Mayors' Conference in Chickasha This Week

Mayors from communities across the state will be meeting in Chickasha this week. The Oklahoma Municipal League will hold its annual Mayor's Conference. Some officials will be arriving as early as tomorrow as board meetings for the Mayors Council of Oklahoma and the Municipal League will be held at Canadian Valley Technology Center. By the way, the president of the Mayors Council is Mayor Craig Parham of Amber. In his welcoming address on the municipal league's website, Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley says the city is a great example of how a future-focused community can collaborate to inspire change. He says the city has made changes over the last couple of years to its internal processes and have partnered with the business community for positive impacts on the city.

Chix School Board to Discuss 2023-24 Budget

A preliminary budget for next school year is among the issues to be reviewed by the Chickasha school board tonight. Officials say the district has received a record level of gross production revenue this year although officials say that will impact state-aid chargeables. Officials also say new state laws regarding teacher pay raises will mean that the district will have to shell out an additional $1 million for teacher salaries. The state will provide additional funds for those raises but it's not clear how much. The additional funding does not include raises for support employees. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building.

Teens Injured in Caddo County Crash

Several teenagers avoided serious injury when the car they were riding in ran through a T-intersection and crashed through a fence in Caddo County. The accident happened in Eakly just before 3 o'clock Sunday morning. One of the six teenagers crammed into a 2017 Dodge Challenger was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City Hospital with leg injuries. She was admitted in good condition. Three of the teens, including the 16-year old driver, were taken by private vehicle to an Oklahoma City hospital and all were treated and released.  The teens were all 16-18 years old and were from Carnegie, Mt. View, Tuttle, and Mustang. The highway patrol reported the driver's condition was apparently normal and cited inattention inside the vehicle as the cause of the accident.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.17 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.79.

Natural gas is $2.25 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,980 and silver is $24.38.

Obituaries

Mary Belle Carr

Funeral service for Mary Belle Carr, 89, of Alex was held at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon at the Alex Church of Christ. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

Karen Cox

A private graveside service was held for Karen Cox, 76, of Tuttle. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

Saturday, June 10th

Proposed PSO Rate Hike Still Pending

A proposed $155 million rate hike for Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is still under consideration. Earlier this spring, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission sent a proposed agreement regarding the rate hike to an administrative law judge who has yet to make a decision. The website OK Energy Today reports that this week the commission considered an option which would have allowed the panel to rule on the matter without the judge's ruling. But officials decided they did want to hear from the judge who spent three days in a hearing with PSO and various groups that both supported and opposed the increase. Commission Chairman Todd Hiett said he's opposed to the settlement agreed to by PSO, the commission's public utilities division, Attorney General Gentner Drummond, and AARP. The commission had scheduled a hearing on the matter next month but now it may be mid-August before that happens and a ruling may not be made until September at the earliest.

Chickasha Dog Park Gets Formal Ribbon Cutting

A formal ribbon cutting and grand opening for the City of Chickasha's dog park was held yesterday. The Susan Dale Badgett Memorial Paws Park was formally christened as members of the Badgett family, city leaders, and others joined the celebration. Gail Ulrich of Gordonville, Texas is one of Susan's sisters. She said after Susan died of liver cancer in 2019 they wanted to do something special for her and that a dog park was the perfect choice.

The park has been open for about a year. It includes of number of benches which have the names of several of her golden retrievers etched in them. The Badgett family donated $100,000 to the city to create the dog park which is in the middle of town at Centennial Park. There are separate sections for large and small dogs and the family plans to add additional agility equipment in the future.

SCOOP Well Completion Report Filed

An Oklahoma energy company filed a completion report on a well in the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province (SCOOP) region. Continental Resources filed the paperwork on a well in southern Garvin County south of Elmore City bringing in about 255 barrels of oil and nearly 400 Mcf of natural gas per day. It’s the Highlands Well in section 13 of Township 1 North and Range 2 West in the Woodford formation. The spud date was October of 2022 and it was drilled to a true vertical depth of nearly 13,000 feet.

Talk Show Topics

Dr. Tonnia Anderson with the Ada Sipuel-Fisher Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing at USAO will talk about the upcoming commemoration of Juneteenth. State Rep Dick Lowe (R-Amber) and State Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) are on Real Estate Today.  Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

Obituaries

Mary Belle Carr

Funeral service for Mary Belle Carr, 89, of Alex will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 12th at the Main Street Church of Christ in Alex. She and her husband L.B. owned and operated a dairy farm and ranch. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Karen Cox

A private graveside service for Karen Cox, 76, of Tuttle will be held at a later date. She worked at Tinker Air Force Base for many years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

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Friday, June 9th

Death of Convenience Store Clerk Under Investigation

Authorities are looking into the death of convenience store clerk who died on the job early Thursday. Chickasha police were summoned to the Love's Country Store on Choctaw Avenue just after 7 o'clock yesterday morning. The day crew coming on shift called to report their co-worker was unresponsive in the bathroom. In a press release, authorities say they discovered the body of 32-year old Jessica Poteet. Video surveillance shows Poteet putting a sign on the front door about 4:00 a.m. indicating that she was going to clean the bathroom. The video shows Poteet going into the bathroom alone. Authorities have not indicated how Poteet died. The police department, the District Attorney’s Task Force, and the state medical examiner's office are all part of the ongoing investigation.

Suspected Drug Dealer Arrested

At about the same time authorities were investigating Poteet's death the Grady County Sheriff's Office and DEA agents arrested a suspected drug dealer across the street. Sheriff Gary Boggess said agents set up the sting operation in the parking lot of Null's Used Tires. No additional details were provided.

New Police Chief Appointed in Minco

Officials in Minco have appointed a new police chief. The town council named Frederick Johnson as the new chief during a special meeting last night. Johnson was named the town's top cop following the resignation of previous chief Josh Fletcher earlier in the week. Fletcher stepped down after the council slashed the police department's budget by half.  Several other officers also resigned.

Governor Signs School Safety Bills

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a number of bills into law this week including several which are designed to improve security in public schools. One measure requires school districts undergo a risk assessment and another will have them hire resource officers. State Representative Dick Lowe (R-Amber) helped to author the legislation. All public schools would have to undergo an initial risk and vulnerability assessment from the Oklahoma School Security Institute or a national qualified assessor by July of 2026. Districts will be required to have the assessments every five years. Also, a three-year pilot program for school safety provides districts with more than $95,000 a year for each of those years to hire resource officers or make necessary security upgrades. The bills go into effect next month.

Shannon Springs Park Swimming Pool Opening Soon

City officials also say they are almost ready to open the public swimming pool at Shannon Springs Park. The pool has been undergoing some repairs over the last couple of months and officials began filling the pool yesterday. We’ll pass along information about the pool opening and summer hours when that information is provided. The pool is managed by the YMCA.

Downtown Chickasha Art Walk Tonight

Downtown Chickasha will be active tonight as the monthly downtown art walk will take place. A number of downtown businesses and venues will be open after hours hosting local artists. Among them will be a go-kart re-furbisher who will be at the leg lamp. The art walk extends from the railroad depot and the leg lamp along Chickasha Avenue to 6th Street and a number of stores and venues on side streets will also be open. There will be live music at the Stage behind Brandi's and the Flower Shop Winery and Pizzeria and at the Shakespeare Wine Company. The art walk runs from 5 to 8 o'clock tonight. The art walk is held the second Friday of each month.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.29 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.96.

Natural gas is $2.35 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,977 and silver is $24.45.

Obituary

Junior Crumm

A private graveside service for Junior Crumm, 93, of Chickasha will be held by the family at a later date. He was a long haul truck driver. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Thursday, June 8th

Woman Arrested for Alleged Child Neglect, Drug Complaints

A Chickasha woman is in custody for alleged child neglect and living in a home where drugs are used and sold. Authorities arrested 66-year old Devenua Burgess late Monday. A probable cause affidavit from the Grady County Sheriff's Office indicates that officers were called to the Burgess home to do a welfare check on an infant and to notify Burgess that she had an outstanding warrant dating back to 1996. It’s alleged that a five-month old infant had been left alone on several occasions and that the child had fallen off a bed. It was also alleged that individuals smoked crack around the child. Authorities said they found crack cocaine in some lip balm tubes. Burgess is facing felony charges of child neglect and maintaining a home for keeping or selling drugs. She remains in the Grady County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

Part of Action Movie Sequel to be Filmed in Chix

Many motorists have seen some construction going on in a Chickasha neighborhood and have been curious as to what is being built. We can now officially report that a film production company is working on some sets for the sequel to the 1996 movie ‘Twister’. The construction is going on in the area of 17th and Minnesota Ave. The Chickasha City Council this week approved some street closures for Dirt Road Films, LLC associated with the movie ‘Twisters’. Officials say Chickasha is able to host the project since the Oklahoma Department of Commerce has named Chickasha a film-friendly city.  Crews told the city’s Community Development Department there will be two or three days of filming sometime between June 19th and June 26th. The original film starred Helen Hunt and the late Bill Paxton. Part of that movie was filmed in Wakita, Okla. The website Collider reports that there's no official word if Hunt will appear in the sequel. The website Imdb lists the stars of the sequel as Katy O'Brian, Kiernan Shipka, and Daisy Edward-Jones. The director is Lee Isaac Lang and writers are Michael Crichton and Mark Smith. The projected release date is the spring of 2024.

Leadership Chickasha Program Accepting Applications

A popular program to develop future community leaders is making plans for its next class. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its upcoming Leadership Chickasha series. Students meet once a month from September through March to learn the ins and outs of city and county governments, the Chickasha school district, Canadian Valley Technology Center, and USAO, and develop leadership skills. The classes are all day on Thursdays of each month. The 2023-24 class will be limited to 25 members. For information contact the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce.

State Job Search Office Opens in Anadarko

Anadarko now has a local office for job seekers. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) has opened several community outreach offices in communities that do not have workforce offices and Anadarko is among them. Officials are at the Anadarko Public Library every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. OESC officials say it should be easier for individuals and companies to do business with the agency as people don't always have the means to drive out of town for help. For Anadarko area residents the nearest OESC office is about 20 miles away in Chickasha.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.53 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.95.

Natural gas is $2.33 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,961 and silver is $23.78.

Obituaries

Judy Kauley

Funeral service for Judy Kauley, 76, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 9th at the First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Linda Thomas

Funeral service for Linda Thomas, 74, formerly of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 13^th at the Northeast Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, June 7th

Chix Mayor Discusses Joint Street Upgrade Pact with County

The Chickasha City Council this week approved an agreement with Grady County officials to assist with some road and street upgrades. Mayor Chris Mosley said the city and the county previously joined efforts to make improvements on Pikes Peak Road from 4th Street to 16th Street. Mosley said the county has resources that the city doesn't.

The areas targeted for repairs are 29th Street north of U.S. Highway 62 and north of the railroad tracks; Cottonwood Street from 4th Street east to the railroad tracks; and 4th Street north of the Grady County Courthouse from the first set of railroad tracks and north to the stop sign.

Demand for Foster Homes Soars

The number of children in foster care in Oklahoma is alarming. There are more than 6,500 children in foster care in Oklahoma and less than 2,500 foster homes to care for them. In Grady County, there are nearly 120 children in foster care and only 22 foster homes available. Ginna Waddell with the OK Fosters program through the Department of Human Services is seeking families to assist kids in foster care, so they can stay within their local community.

For information about becoming a foster family, visit the website ok fosters.org

Grand Opening Set for Badgett Dog Park

The City of Chickasha will have an official grand opening for the city's dog park later this week. The Susan Dale Badgett Memorial Paws Park opened last summer. The Badgett family contributed $100,000 to build the facility which has separate sections for large and small dogs. Residents are encouraged to bring their dogs to the park for the event. There will be bags full of treats for the dogs and dog owners can register to win a dog grooming gift certificate. There will be a couple of food trucks for humans, and appropriately one of them is Dogg-n-It. Uptown Scoops will also be there. The grand opening will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m.  There ceremony will be held at the corner of 7^th and Idaho Ave.

Church to Celebrate 130th Anniversary

A Chickasha house of worship is celebrating its 130th anniversary. St. Luke's Episcopal Church will have an open house this Saturday with a come-and-go reception from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. It's one of the city's oldest churches - opening in 1893 just a year after Chickasha was founded. The first Baptism took place in April of that year. The church has the distinction of being the oldest church building in the city, having been in continuous service since it was built in 1900.  It's the second oldest Episcopal Church building in Oklahoma. One of the highlights of the day will be the opening of a time capsule that was buried nearly 40 years ago in 1986. The church is located at 6th and Kansas Avenue.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.74 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.29.

Natural gas is $2.26 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,960 and silver is $23.70.

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Tuesday, June 6th

G.G. Music Named New Chickasha Police Chief

Chickasha officials kept things in-house when hiring the city's new police chief. G.G. Music who has served as interim police chief over the last five months had the interim tag removed from his title during last night's city council meeting. City Attorney Amanda Mullins gave Music his oath of office-

Music has been with the department for 23 years.

Council approves Henry Argo Resolution

Also during the meeting, the council unanimously approved a resolution commemorating the life of 19-year old Henry Argo, a black man who was killed by a white mob in 1930. The resolution was issued to acknowledge the historical significance of the event as an unjust instance of mob violence against Black people in American history and to condemn racial discrimination. It is said that the attack was the last public lynching in Oklahoma.

Police Union Contracts OK'd

The council also approved contracts with the Fraternal Order of Police Local 129 following an 18-minute closed door meeting. The contracts for the current and the next fiscal year received unanimous approval.

Mineral Rights Leased on Numerous City-owned Sites

The council also held auctions for a number of oil and gas leases at nearly 40 sites within the city limits. Among the largest leases approved was one for the mineral rights on about 300 acres of city-owned land around Lake Chickasha. The only bid submitted was for $500 an acre and a 3/16th royalty for three years from a firm called ToddCo. That will give the city an upfront payment of $150,000.

Day Care Center, Re-zoning Requests Approved

The panel also approved a use-on-review for a day care at 1128 S. 5^th Street for Kimberly and Terry Cole. The group also approved a re-zoning request for Mike McGill and OK Carpet at 15^th and Missouri to re-zone a small piece of property from residential to commercial use to expand his store.

Minco Police Chief and Several Officers Resign

Turmoil in Minco as the police chief and several police officers walk off the job. The Minco-Union City Times posted the news on its Facebook page. The paper indicates that Police Chief Joshua Fletcher resigned during last night's city council meeting. In his resignation letter Fletcher said the city has become a toxic and hostile place to work and that he is resigning due to massive budget cuts to the department. He said the cuts will cause the department to be overworked, under-trained, and poorly equipped and that he cannot approve or be complicit in the poor decisions being made by the Minco City Council. The resignations leave just one police officer on duty. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess told our partners at KWTV-News 9 that deputies will respond to calls in Minco if there is a life-threatening situation. In addition to the officers leaving, the newspaper also reported that the city council recently fired its city attorney and that Mayor Keith McMullen resigned after serving in that capacity for the last eight years.

Hiring Events Scheduled

A couple of hiring events are to be held in Chickasha this week. The State Department of Corrections will hold interviews for a number of positions open at the Great Plains Correctional Center in Hinton. The openings include corrections officers, nursing staff, food service, and construction and maintenance personnel. That will be held at the Oklahoma Works office downtown at 205 Chickasha Avenue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow.

Friday job fair to give early preference to military veterans

On Friday, a number of companies and even the City of Chickasha will be on hand for a community hiring event and will be giving a preference to military veterans. Loves, Amazon, American Tissue of Oklahoma City, and Express Employment will also be on hand. The event is being hosted by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) and will be held at the Chickasha Library Friday, Nov. 9th from noon to 3:00 p.m. The first hour-and-a-half is set aside for veterans then will be open to the community from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Job seekers are encouraged to dress ready to interview and bring resumes.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.15 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.71.

Natural gas is $2.24 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,978 and silver is $23.67.

Obituary

Bonnie Carter

A private memorial service for Bonnie Carter, 80, of Chickasha will be held by the family at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Monday, June 5th

City, County to Consider Agreement for City Street Repairs

A joint agreement between the City of Chickasha and Grady County Commissioners to repair several Chickasha streets will be considered by the city council tonight. It calls for repairs on North 29th Street north of the railroad tracks; Cottonwood Street from 4th Street east to the railroad tracks; and North 4th Street from the first set of railroad tracks and north to the stop sign. The agreement is to run through next June.

New police chief expected to be sworn in

A new police chief for the City of Chickasha is expected to be sworn in during tonight's city council meeting. There's no word on who the new chief is. G.G. Music has been serving as interim chief for the last five months. The council approved a separation agreement with previous Chief Kathryn 'Dee' Rowell this past January. Rowell was the city's first female police chief, coming to Chickasha after several years with the Ft. Worth, Texas police department. She spent nearly four years at the post.

Resolution to commemorate life of lynching victim to be considered

The panel is also to consider a resolution to commemorate the memory of a man who died in what is believed to be the last public lynching in Oklahoma. The resolution would commemorate the memory of Henry Argo and condemn racial discrimination. Argo, a Black man, was just 19 years old when was shot and stabbed to death by a white mob in May of 1930. The resolution is to honor the life of Argo who was a victim of racism; acknowledge the historical significance of the event as an unjust instance of mob violence against Black people in American History; and condemn those who participated in or who aided and abetted the unlawful violence. It would also encourage education about Argo's legacy, including the horrors of the violence itself and the history of racism that fueled the violence. The city council meets tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Train Derailment Investigation Underway

Authorities are investigating a train derailment that happened in Marlow yesterday. About a dozen cars left the tracks near Highway 29 and Railroad Street near several homes...but none were damaged. Grain and flour spilled out of several cars and blocked a number of intersections. Fortunately no one was hurt. Union Pacific crews were sent to assess damage and look into what happened.  Marlow Police Chief Jason Miller tells our partners at KWTV News 9 that railroad officials sent 10 semis full of large equipment to clean up the mess.

Agencies Working to Help Inmates Find Jobs Upon Release

A couple of state agencies are working together to help those convicted of crimes to find jobs after they leave prison. The state Department of Corrections and the Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation board recently hosted a Fair Chance Hiring Event. Corrections officials took a number of currently incarcerated men and women who are nearing their release dates to the job fair.  Employers from dozens of industries had one-on-one discussions with candidates, reviewed resumes, and conducted interviews. Inmate Troy Henning said it was a major boost. He said not a lot of people will give you a second chance. He said it gives them hope, a fighting chance, and an opportunity to return to society and live a real life.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.74 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.13.

Natural gas is $2.17 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,960 and silver is $23.56.

Obituaries

Barbara Morris

Funeral service for Barbara Morris of Ninnekah will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 6th at Bible Baptist Church. She and her husband Junior owned and operated a dairy farm which is still in the family. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Maria Del Rosario Alvarez de Gonzales

Funeral service for 70-year old Maria Del Rosario Alvarez de Gonzales of Anadarko is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Saturday, June 3rd

State Budget Approved Without Governor's Signature

The State of Oklahoma's $13 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year will become law without the signature of Gov. Kevin Stitt. The governor has 10 days in which to sign off on bills approved by both the house and senate but that didn't happen. In a prepared statement, the governor said lawmakers relied on one-time revenue to support recurring costs that exceed recurring income by about $220 million. They also used about $2 billion of the state's rainy day fund - reducing the state's savings account to $4.2 billion. The governor said those moves were neither sustainable nor fiscally-wise. He said because of objections to the unique process by which the bill made its way to his desk that it will become law without his signature.

Wings and Wheels Air Show, Car Show Headlines Weekend Events

Organizers are hoping Mother Nature cooperates for the 5th annual Wings and Wheels Air Show and Car Show today. The event will be held at the Chickasha Airport and will feature a number of flying acts and a huge car show. The car show has been a big hit with more than 50 classic cars and trucks, muscle cars, and antiques entered in previous years. Registration for the car show begins at 8 a.m. and there is no fee to enter. More than a dozen trophies will be awarded. Free airplane rides for kids 8-17 will be from 9 to noon, weather permitting. There are lots of kid-friendly activities as well and several food trucks will be on hand. The air show is scheduled to start at noon. Admission and parking are free.

Elks Lodge kids fishing derby also going on

Also this morning, The Chickasha Elks Lodge will hold its annual kids fishing derby at Shannon Springs Park. The pond was stocked with 2,000 pounds of catfish yesterday with many of them at least 12 inches long. Laforge Enterprises provides the fish every year. Registration starts at 8 o'clock this morning and fishing will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Among the prizes are three lifetime fishing licenses each worth $400. One will be given away in each of three age divisions.

'Stamp Out Hunger' Food Drive Successful

Oklahomans in central and Western Oklahoma came through in a big way in last month's Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Officials with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma say the agency received more than 547,000 pounds of food and more than $70,000 as a result of the effort.  The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is a national program put together by the National Association of Letter Carriers in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service. The food drive is held the second Saturday each May. All donations remain within the more than 200 communities served by the Regional Food Bank including many in the Grady and Caddo county area.  Officials say the drive helps to keep the shelves of emergency food banks stocked through the summer. Since 1992 the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has collected more than 13 million pounds of food and raised more than $10 million to fight hunger in Oklahoma.

Ninnekah Fire Department to Hold Community Appreciation Meal

The Ninnekah Volunteer Fire Department will hold its community appreciation dinner tomorrow. Fire fighters will be serving free barbecue sandwich meals with dessert and drinks. Donations are welcome. There will be a number of silent auction items as well. It will be at the Ninnekah School cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow.

Obituary

Syble Harris

Funeral service for Syble Harris, 92, of Chickasha will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 5th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Friday, June 2nd

Child Sex Crimes Suspect Surrenders

A Caddo County man charged with numerous sex crimes against children voluntarily surrendered to authorities this week. 42-year old Kelly Ryan Lee of Carnegie, charged with seven felony counts of child sexual abuse, turned himself in Wednesday. An arrest warrant for Lee was issued last Friday following an investigation by the Caddo County Sheriff’s Office. One of two alleged teenaged victims came forward last month saying that Lee assaulted him and another teenaged boy several times between November of 2020 and November of 2022. Lee is out of jail after posting a $35,000 bond. He is represented by attorney Keenan Haught of Hinton. A preliminary hearing conference is set for August. 4th.

State National Guard Troops Head to U.S.-Mexico Border

National Guard troops from Oklahoma and several other states will soon be headed to the U.S.-Mexico border in an attempt to prevent illegal immigrants from getting into the United States. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is among governors from a dozen states from Arizona to Florida who are sending a combined total of about 1,200 troops to the border. In a prepared statement, Stitt said it is in the best interest of Oklahoma and the nation to take decisive action to address the federal government's utter failure to secure the southern border. Stitt did not say how many of the state’s 2,500 National Guard troops would be dispatched. U.S. Border patrol facilities have reported record numbers of detainments as thousands of people flee violence and poverty in countries around the world.

Air Show, Car Show set at Chickasha Airport Tomorrow

High-flying daredevils and formation flyers are among the acts that will take to the sky over the Chickasha airport this weekend. The 5th annual Wings and Wheels Air Show and Car Show is set for tomorrow. Among the acts is the husband-and-wife team of Kyle and Liz Franklin with Franklin’s Flying Circus. They perform at airshows all over the country. Kyle is a third-generation pilot who has been around planes his whole life. He’s been performing professionally for more than 25 years starting when he was 17 years old. Franklin talks about their plane.

The couple actually assemble and dis-assemble the plane before and after every show. Activities at the airport begin at 8:00 a.m. with the car show. There are a lot of kid-friendly activities, free airplane rides for children 8 to 17 years old from 9 a.m. to noon, and the air show will run from about noon to 2 p.m. Numerous food trucks will be on hand. Admission and parking are free.

High School Rodeo State Finals in Chix This Week

Teenaged rodeo competitors are spending a few days in Chickasha for the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association state finals. From bull riding and barrel racing, to goat tying and team roping, competitors are working to collect enough points in each event to qualify for the National High School Rodeo later this summer. Camree Slavin leads the boys’ all-around standings by more than 20 points over Dessa Hext. Heston Harrison leads the girls’ all-around competition by 24 points over Hazen Parks. The rodeo runs through Saturday evening at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The final go-round will be Saturday night with the Grand Entry at 5:45 p.m. followed by the finals at 6 p.m.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.10 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.68.

Natural gas is $2.16 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,997 and silver is $24.03.

Obituaries

Christopher Crawford, Jr.

A graveside service for Christopher Columbus Crawford, Jr., 88, of Hollis will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 3^rd at Fairmount Cemetery in Hollis. He was a U.S. military veteran. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Thursday, June 1st

Chix School District Shuts Down E-mail Scam 

Chickasha school officials say they were recently notified about an e-mail account that may have been compromised.  A post on the district's Facebook page indicated that several unauthorized e-mails were sent asking recipients to click on links and attachments to provide log-in information for various accounts. Officials say they immediately disabled the account once it was discovered. The post indicated that the district will never ask for log-in credentials or other sensitive information in an e-mail. They urge individuals to take extra precaution when receiving suspicious e-mails and that it’s good practice to never open attachments or click on any links you weren't expecting to receive. They recommend changing passwords immediately if you think an account has been compromised.

Contractor Still Sought to Repair Chickasha Intersection

Chickasha city officials are trying to expedite work at a busy residential intersection damaged by recent rains. But they are running into some problems that are hampering their efforts. Heavy rains last month led to the damage at 14th and Missouri. That intersection has been closed as the pavement buckled and caused serious damage. While the city council declared an emergency and waived bidding requirements, City Manager Keith Johnson said they have not been able to find any contractors willing to take on the project. He said many of them have larger projects they are working on. Officials say even after they find a contractor it will take several weeks to make repairs. It's estimated the cost could  surpass $200,000.

Routine Maintenance to Impact H.E. Bailey Traffic

Here is a traffic advisory for motorists on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike through Chickasha. The turnpike will occasionally be narrowed to one-lane through the weekend and into early next week for routine maintenance. Tonight, southbound traffic will be affected from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. Friday morning. Southbound traffic will again be affected from 7:00 p.m. Sunday to 7:00 a.m. Monday. Then northbound traffic will be affected from 7:00 p.m. Monday to 7:00 a.m. Tuesday.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Kiowa Author

to be Honored at Oklahoma History Center

A renowned author of the Kiowa Tribe will be honored in a legacy reception at the Oklahoma History Center tonight. N. Scott Momaday was the first indigenous writer to win a Pulitzer-prize. Momaday is known worldwide as a poet, novelist, artist, teacher, and story-teller. His works celebrate and preserve American Indian heritage. His novel 'House Made of Dawn' won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1969. He later received a National Medal of Arts from President George W. Bush in 2007. Among those at the ceremony will be Kiowa Tribe Chairman Lawrence Spottedbird.

Spottebird will have the welcoming speech and Kiowa Tribe Vice Chairman Jacob Tsotigh will serve as master of ceremonies. The Black Leggings Color Guard will also be part of the program. Momaday, who lives in New Mexico, will not be able to make the trip but several family members will be in attendance.

Grady County Commissioners Set Surplus Sale

Grady County officials have scheduled the annual sale of surplus equipment no longer needed by various departments. Among the items up for grabs are a 1995 Ford F-350 brush truck; a 2014 Ford F-250 4X4; a rescue boat; a skid steer; an air compressor; and a lot of tires. A lot of office equipment will be on the auction block including computers and computer equipment; copiers and printers; a desk; chairs; and book cases. The surplus sale will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds Thursday, June 15th starting at 9 a.m. Contact the Grady County clerk's office for a detailed list.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.09 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.66.

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,977 and silver is $23.52.

Obituary

Carolyn Kay Tramell

Funeral service for Carolyn Kay Tramell, 82, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 2nd at Ferguson Funeral Home. She owned and operated Carolyn Kay's Flower shop for more than 30 years.

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Wednesday, May 31st

Proposed City of Chix Budgets Unveiled;

Public Hearing Scheduled Later this Month

More than $36 million is proposed for the upcoming fiscal year for the three entities within the City of Chickasha. In a special meeting last night, the city council reviewed the budget suggestions for the City of Chickasha, the Chickasha Municipal Authority, and the Chickasha Airport. The total $36 million proposal for 2023-24 is a slight increase over the current fiscal year. For the City of Chickasha, leaders have proposed increasing the general fund spending from $21.2 million to $21.4 million. Officials are projecting a slight increase in sales tax revenue for the coming year - from about $15 million to $15.3 million. City Manager Keith Johnson said the budget includes full staffing for the police department although that won't happen right away. The department has had a shortage of officers for a couple of years. The proposed police department budget includes funding for 28 patrol officers, four detectives, and administrative staff.

Slight increase proposed for CMA; slight decrease for Airport

For the Municipal Authority, the proposed spending plan grows from $15 million to $16.5 million. The proposed budget for the airport is lower - from $1.5 million to $1.2 million. Johnson said they hope to have the nearly 180-page budget posted on the city's website today for public viewing. The council is expected to hold a special meeting June 15th which will include a public hearing on the proposed budget. The spending plan must be finalized by June 20^th for the fiscal year which begins July 1st.

City of Chix to Acknowledge Deadly 1930 Lynching

Today is a dark day in the history of Chickasha. It was May 31, 1930 that a black man was killed in what is believed to be the last public lynching in Oklahoma. 19-year old Henry Argo was accused of attacking a white woman and her child. It's reported that as many as 2,000 people may have stormed the jail where Argo was being held. The National Guard had been called in to subdue the crowd but was unable to do so. Argo died after being shot in the head and stabbed but no one was ever arrested or held accountable for his death. City Councilman Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander has been working for several years to have city officials admit that an injustice occurred in Argo’s death.

The city council is expected to adopt a resolution noting the tragic event during a regular meeting scheduled Monday, June 5th.

Caddo County Child Sex Crimes Suspect Sought

Authorities are looking for a Caddo County man wanted for multiple counts of child sex crimes. Last Friday a judge issued an arrest warrant for 42-year old Kelly Ryan Lee of the Carnegie area. The warrant was issued following an investigation by the Caddo County Sheriff's Office. One of two alleged victims came forward earlier this month saying the Lee assaulted him several times between November of 2018 and November of 2021. Lee is facing seven felony counts of child sexual abuse.  A photograph of Lee was posted on the sheriff's office Facebook page. The post also indicated that Lee may be driving one of two vehicles - a dark gray GMC four-door pick up with an OU tag on the front - or a blue, two-door Pontiac. He may be pulling a small bumper-pull travel trailer as he is known to frequent area lakes. Authorities say Lee should not be approached and anyone with information about him is asked to reach out to local law enforcement.

Charges Filed After Man Shoots at Neighbor

A Chickasha man accused of shooting at his neighbor is facing two charges in connection with the incident. 46-year old Jonathan O’Neal Bridges was arrested at his home last Friday night after police responded to a shots-fired call near 6^th and Illinois Ave. No one was injured. Bridges is already on probation after pleading guilty to a drug charge stemming from a 2015 arrest. He now is facing a felony charge of possessing a firearm while on probation and a misdemeanor for the reckless handling of a firearm. His bond was set at $25,000.

Hit-and-Run DUI Suspect Arrested, Charged

Tuttle police arrest a suspected drinking driver following a hit-and-run that happened Monday night. It happened on State Highway 37 about three miles east of downtown Tuttle. Assistant Police Chief Michael Scott said the suspect ran a stop sign at Cemetery Road and broadsided an east-bound pickup. The suspect drove away but a witness called police and followed the vehicle for about a mile before police pulled him over. 22-year old Brian Shane McConnell of Tuttle reportedly told police he had three or four beers and refused to take a field-sobriety test. McConnell has been charged with a felony for leaving the scene of an injury accident and a misdemeanor for DUI. His bond was set at $100,000. The driver of the pick-up that was hit suffered a minor shoulder injury and refused medical treatment from paramedics.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.46 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.54.

Natural gas is $2.33 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,975 and silver is $23.36.

Obituaries

Jean Vonzell Johnson

Funeral service for Jean Vonzell Johnson, 67, of Anadarko will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 3rd at the First Baptist Church of Anadarko. Arrangements are with Brown Thomas Funeral Home.

Kathy Spivey

A memorial service for Kathy Spivey, 64, of the Chickasha and Amber area will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 3rd at the Dibble Middle School Gymnasium. She was an advocate for people with disabilities and worked with boards under three governors to promote equality for all.

Justin Powell

A memorial service Justin Powell, 41, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday June 5^th at Sevier Funeral Home.

Juanita Hicks-Brown

Funeral service for Juanita Hicks-Brown, 90, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 10th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, May 30th

Memorial Day Ceremony Honors

Military Personnel Who Died in Service

A ceremony paying respect to those who died during active duty in the U.S. military was held in Chickasha on Memorial Day yesterday. The forecast for rain and the showers that did fall prior to the ceremony forced officials to move the program from the Grady County Veterans Memorial at Shannon Springs Park indoors at the Chickasha Elks Lodge. Sherri Lewis with the Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee said the ceremony honors the millions of fallen and injured military personnel and the thousands who are still considered missing.

The names of the more than 160 Grady County individuals who died while serving their country were read aloud. Guest speaker Zach Grayson, a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, urged individuals to contact elected state and national officials to urge lawmakers to support legislation which ensures that wounded veterans receive their disability benefits.

Chix City Council to Consider Extending Deadline

for Firms to Submit Qualifications for Water Plant Design

At Chickasha City Hall officials are asking to extend a deadline related to construction plans of the city's proposed multi-million dollar water treatment plant. It's among several topics to be discussed in special meetings of the Chickasha City Council and the municipal authority tonight. Officials have been asked to extend a deadline for engineering firms to submit requests for qualifications that want to participate. The original deadline was May 19^th but officials are asking to extend it until Friday, June 9th. Firms are being asked to submit designs for a more than $70 million water treatment plant. The State Department of Environmental Quality issued consent orders in December of 2021 directing the city to deal with a number of deficiencies at the plant which is about 60 years old.

Budgets and MOU with Caddo Nation discussions also to be held

The council will also discuss proposed budgets for the municipal authority and the airport authority for the upcoming fiscal year which begins July 1st. The panel will also consider a memorandum of understanding with the Caddo Nation for a mutual aid partnership when it comes to emergency management assistance. The special meetings will get underway at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

State Lawmakers Pass Record Budget

Oklahoma state lawmakers wrapped up the 2023 legislative session as required last week. They passed a record budget of nearly $13 billion with education and teachers being among the big winners. Lawmakers added $625 million to the education budget with about $285 million of that going for teacher pay raises. Public school teachers will receive raises between $3,000 and $6,000 based on years of experience. They'll also get six weeks paid maternity leave which is a first.

Lawmakers Over-ride Some Gubernatorial Vetoes

State lawmakers over-rode more than a dozen gubernatorial vetoes. Among them are those which will continue state funding for the Oklahoma Education Television Authority (OETA) for public television and one that will provide protections for Native American students who want to wear tribal regalia at public school graduation ceremonies.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.67 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.95.

Natural gas is $2.18 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,971 and silver is $23.37.

Saturday, May 27th

Authorities Investigate Separate 'Shots Fired' Reports

The Memorial Day weekend got off to a bizarre start as officials were called to investigate reports of shots fired in both Chickasha and Alex. In Chickasha, Police Lt. Gillian O'Brien says authorities were dispatched to the neighborhood at 6th and Illinois about six o'clock last night where there was a report of one man shooting at another man from his backyard. Authorities arrested 46-year old Jonathan Bridges who was taken to the Grady County Jail on complaints of having a firearm while on probation and reckless conduct with a firearm. Bridges was on probation after pleading guilty to a drug charge stemming from an arrest in 2015. No one was injured in the shooting.

Second incident occurred in Alex

Grady County deputies were summoned to a home in the Alex area to investigate a shots fired report. Sheriff Gary Boggess tells KOOL-RANCH News that there was an argument and that one person fired shots into the air. No arrests were made and no one was injured.

Tire Blowout Sends Chix Driver to the Hospital

A Chickasha driver is hospitalized after a tire blew out on his pickup while driving down the turnpike. 43-year old Curtis Reece suffered trunk and internal injuries in the accident that happened near mile marker 98 on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital and admitted in good condition. The accident happened about 11:30 Friday morning in the eastbound lanes of the turnpike near the State Highway 4 junction. The blowout caused the truck to run off the highway and hit a culvert. Reece was wearing a seat belt.

Memorial Day Ceremonies Include 'TAPS Across America'

Many Americans will set aside some time this weekend to honor those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms Americans treasure.

KOOL-RANCH radio stations will be joining thousands of radio stations across the country to participate in the TAPS Across America event at 3:00 p.m. Monday.

Grady and Stephens County Programs Scheduled

There will be a number of organized Memorial Day programs in local communities. One will be at the Grady County Veterans Memorial at Chickasha's Shannon Springs Park at 11 o'clock Monday morning. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the Chickasha Elks Lodge. In Stephens County, the Stephens County Honor Guard, AMVETS, VFW, DAV, and the American Legion will have several joint services. The first will be at the Comanche cemetery at 10 a.m.; followed by a program in Duncan at Memorial Park north of the Earl Halliburton Memorial at noon; with a final program at the Marlow Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

Report: Oklahoma Leads Country in Drone 'Preparedness'

There's a new report that shows Oklahoma is tops in the nation when it comes to preparedness for the drone industry. OK Energy Today cites the study from George Mason University. Officials say the No. 1 ranking is due to the leading efforts of OU, OSU, and the University of Tulsa. All are leaders in national efforts investing in Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility research and development which is designed to strengthen economic and national security. OSU established its Unmanned Systems Research Institute in 2015 and just recently launched the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education. Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas - who chairs the house Science, Space, and Technology Committee - has written a bill called the National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility and Research Act. The measure was passed out of that committee. He said it would provide for a coordinated Federal effort to accelerate the U.S. leadership in drone technology. Lucas said the U.S. is already dangerously behind China when it comes to the production of drones. The drone technology market was $5 billion in 2018; is expected to grow to more than $60 billion by 2025; and to more than $115 billion by 2035 which could create more than 250,000 jobs.

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. On the KOOL Konversation our guest is Ginna Waddell with the Department of Human Services OK Fosters program. On Real Estate Today our guests are Shae Mortimer with the City of Chickasha and Mitch Williams with Chickasha Wings talking out the Wings and Wheels Air Show and Car Show at the Chickasha Airport next week. Find podcasts of both programs under the community tab on this website.

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Friday, May 26th

Effort to get Resource Officers in All Public Schools Underway

Improving safety in Oklahoma schools was the primary focus of a couple of bills passed by state lawmakers this year. HB 2903 and HB 2904 create a pilot program for school safety and provided more than $95,000 to every Oklahoma school district for School Resource Officers (SRO). Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess tells KOOL-RANCH news he'll be asking county commissioners for a budget increase of some $650,000 in the upcoming fiscal year to initially pay for the salaries of seven new deputies who will be assigned as SROs, as well as purchase vehicles for them. Boggess said the school districts would re-imburse the county for the salaries. State Representative Dick Lowe (R-Amber) was one of the authors of the legislation. He said parents want their children to be safe at school and that the bills represent an investment in school safety for school districts of all sizes. School resource officers will have to take active-shooter emergency response training from CLEET.

Burglary Suspect was on Probation for Previous Crime

A suspect is charged with burglary after allegedly kicking in the door of a Chickasha home. 37-year old Bryson Scott Johnson of Alex was arrested by Chickasha police last week after authorities were called to a home in the 300 block of South 6th Street to investigate a possible burglary in progress. A probable cause affidavit indicates an officer saw Johnson walked out the back door of the house. When asked if he was supposed to be there and he told the officer that he had permission to be there. The resident, who had gone next door after hearing a loud bang on her door, told investigators Johnson did have not permission from her to be there. Johnson is said to have admitted to kicking in the door and he was taken into custody. Johnson has been charged with a felony count of first degree burglary. He is currently on probation after pleading guilty to a felony assault with a deadly weapon charge in connection with a 2018 arrest after an incident in Bradley. Johnson is being held in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Broadband Office 'Listening Tour' in Chickasha Tonight

Today's the day that officials with the Oklahoma Broadband Office will be in Chickasha as part of its statewide listening tour. Director Mike Sanders and his staff are making several stops over the next few weeks to get information about the lack of high-speed internet in rural areas. He said the need was really brought to light about three years ago.

Officials with the state broadband office will be at the Chickasha Public Library tonight from 4:30 p.m. to about 8:00 p.m.

Special Olympics Benefit Walk Again Successful

A big milestone was reached for Stewart and Beth Ann Meyer this year. Every May for the last 23 years the couple and a team of supporters walk 125 miles from Chickasha to Stillwater to raise money for Oklahoma Special Olympics. Beth Ann shared on her Facebook page that the team raised more than $13,000 this year and that their total contributions since the first walk have topped $200,000. Beth Ann said they’ll be adding to that total when they re-schedule Craig’s Walk which had to postponed because of weather conditions.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.83 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.26.

Natural gas is $2.31 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,965 and silver is $23.23.

Obituary

Carl Douglas ‘Doug’ Schnider

Funeral service for Doug Schnider, 67, of Tuttle will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 30th at Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle. He was a self-contracted house painter and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

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Thursday, May 25th

New Phase of 'Onward Chickasha' Survey Underway

The firm gathering input to guide the City of Chickasha into the middle part of the century and beyond is still in the early phases of its work. Called the Onward Chickasha program the group gathered information earlier this year on what residents and other stakeholders thought were important issues to consider. Now the group has created what it calls a 'visual preference survey'. It shows images of potential development and design alternatives and is now asking participants to choose the ones they like best. The input will lead to policy-making and create a consensus of what homes, stores, offices, and streets should look like. The new survey is posted on the website: www.onwardchickasha.org

Minco and Blanchard Voters to Decide Hotel-Motel Taxes

Voters in Minco and Blanchard will be going to the polls next month to decide if hotel and motel taxes should be implemented. Both communities are proposing a 5 percent excise tax for hotel and motel users. The Minco proposal calls for the proceeds to go into the city's general fund and each year the city council would determine how to use those funds. In Blanchard, the proposal calls for the proceeds to go into a Blanchard Tourism Revenue Fund to encourage, promote, and foster tourism in Blanchard. The issues will be decided in special elections which are scheduled Tuesday, June 13th.

Dep't of Corrections to host Hiring Event for Hinton Prison

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) has a number of job openings at the Hinton prison. The agency recently re-opened that facility after a contract with a private firm operating the Sayre prison was not renewed. In addition to the need for corrections officers, there are numerous other positions available including LPNs and RNs, construction and maintenance, food service, and lab technicians. ODOC officials will be holding a hiring event in Chickasha looking for candidates in a couple of weeks. It will be held at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Office on Wednesday, June 7th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office is located in the commercial building downtown Chickasha at 2nd and Chickasha Avenue. Candidates must be at least 20-years old, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and pass a background check and drug screening.

Rush Springs Community Names Watermelon Festival Queen

There's new royalty in Rush Springs. Lilly Ball will be the queen of this year's Watermelon Festival. She was one of three candidates in the running for the post and was selected by the community this past weekend. The 17-year old will be a senior at Rush Springs High School this fall where she is a three-sport athlete in softball, track, and basketball. She's also in FFA and on the yearbook staff. She hopes to earn a scholarship to play softball or run track in college. Her parents are Daniel and Lindsay Ball. The watermelon festival will be held the second Saturday in August.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.34 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.36.

Natural gas is $2.40 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,981 and silver is $23.24.

Obituaries

Melvin Judkins

A graveside service for Melvin Judkins, 87, formerly of Newcastle was held at 10:00 a.m. this morning (Thursday, May 25^th) at Resthaven Cemetery in Oklahoma City. He was the head of the maintenance department at Newcastle Public Schools and at one time served on the school board there. He was also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

Ricky Peterman

A graveside service for 52-year old Ricky Peterman will be held at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon (May 25^th) at Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Jody Jacques

Funeral service for Jody Jacques, 48, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 26th at Bible Baptist Church. He was a scrub tech, a musician, and a U.S. Navy veteran.

Joe Griffin

A graveside service for Joe Griffin, 85, of Blanchard was held earlier this week. He worked for Western Electric in Oklahoma City and was a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, May 24th

Suspected Drug Trafficker Arrested After Traffic Stop

A joint investigation by the District Attorneys Drug Task Force, DEA agent Jim Peek with the Grady County Sheriff's Office, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics led to a traffic stop on a motorist at the Campus Corner Convenience Store at 16^th and Grand Ave. in Chickasha Monday night. A probable cause affidavit indicates that a K-9 officer was brought in and alerted officers that drugs may be in the vehicle. Authorities say they found more than 1,000 grams of drugs which field-tested positive as methamphetamine and other drugs which field-tested positive as Fentanyl. Authorities arrested 48-year old Jerrod Alan Halbrooks of Elgin. Prosecutors have charged him with one felony count of aggravated trafficking with bond set at $500,000. He's to announce his attorney June 1st and a preliminary hearing conference is set for June 7th.

Shop Fire Totals Building, SUV

Fire destroyed a metal shop building west of Chickasha Monday afternoon. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said fire crews were dispatched to the blaze just before 5 p.m. with Verden and Pioneer volunteer departments and Grady County Fire Chief Rodney Gregory called in to assist. Samaniego said the fire damaged about 60 percent of the 2,500 sq. ft. building along with a Cadillac Escalade SUV that was inside. Officials say the fire may have been started from an acetylene torch. Total damage was estimated at about $200,000. There were no injuries and crews were on the scene for about two hours.

Suspect Arrested After Body Found at Wildlife Refuge

A suspect is in custody in connection the death of a woman whose body was found in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The FBI arrested Tevin Semien on a pre-meditated murder complaint. He was taken to a Texas jail. KSWO TV reports that federal court documents show that authorities searched the victim's home in Lawton and found evidence of a violent struggle and that the victim's car was missing. Texas authorities found the suspect driving the victim's car in Dallas on Sunday and a high-speed pursuit began. The chase ended when the car was driven into a lake. Semien was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. Semien reportedly admitted killing the victim with a brick. Authorities have only identified the victim by her initials.

Cyril Mail Carrier Earns USPS Hero Award

The letter carrier who discovered a little girl wandering the streets of Cyril which led to the discovery of a child's body has been recognized for her efforts. Maci Myers has been presented a Postmaster General Hero Award which is one of the most prestigious honors issued by the United States Postal Service. Myers discovered the five-year old girl in January which led to the investigation into the death of four-year old Athena Brownfield. Athena's body was found buried on a farm in Agawam about a week later.

State Broadband Office 'Listening Tour' in Chix Friday

Here's a reminder that representatives of the Oklahoma Broadband Office will be in Chickasha this week. It's part of a statewide 'listening tour' as officials gather information about the needs of high-speed internet in rural areas. The information will be used to develop a five-year plan for the state to have improved broadband service. Residents, business owners, school and town leaders, tribal groups, and non-profits are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be at the Chickasha Public Library Friday night from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 pm. Participants can register in advance and get more information on-line at: www.oklahoma.gov/broadband

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.91 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.84.

Natural gas is $2.32 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,994 and silver is $23.37.

Obituaries

Mignonne McDaniel

A graveside service for Mignonne McDaniel, 64,  of Oklahoma City and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 26th at Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Dennis Wilkerson

A memorial service for Dennis Wilkerson, 71, of Cyril will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was the Chief of the Anadarko Fire Department for many years.

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Tuesday, May 23rd

Fugitive On the Run for Years is in Custody

Royce Lee Jarnagin, one of the top 10 most wanted fugitives in Grady County, is behind bars. Jarnagin was arrested at a Chickasha home last night after authorities received a tip regarding his whereabouts. Jarnagin had been eluding authorities for six years. A warrant was issued for his arrest in March of 2017. He was wanted for domestic assault and battery resulting in great bodily harm and for failure to appear. Grady County deputies surrounded a home in the 1500 block of South 20th just after 6 p.m. Monday and Jarnagin was arrested without incident. Jarnagin could have his initial appearance on the charges in Grady County district court today.

Exploitation Suspect to Enter Plea

An Anadarko woman accused of taking advantage of an elderly person will be entering a plea in connection with her arrest. An arrest warrant was issued for 45-year old Jenna Sue Johnson last September for the alleged exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult. Johnson waived her right to a preliminary hearing and is expected to enter a plea in front of District Judge Kory Kirkland in Caddo County District Court on July 5th.

Veterans Group to Hold Memorial Day Ceremony

Memorial Day weekend is just ahead. It marks the unofficial start of summer and many families across the country will take advantage of a three-day weekend since Memorial Day is a national holiday. Memorial Day is always the last Monday of May and it is set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. There will be a formal ceremony at the Grady County Veterans Memorial in Shannon Springs Park on Monday, May 29th. The Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee holds the first of two ceremonies at the memorial each year on Memorial Day. The other is Veterans Day in November. Guest Speaker will be Chickasha City Councilman and Vice Mayor Zach Grayson. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves and served two tours in Iraq. The ceremony will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the memorial which is on the west side of Shannon Springs Park. In case of inclement weather the ceremony will be held at the Chickasha Elks Lodge, 1818 W. Country Club Road.

4Her Has Tips for Stressed Teens

There is a study which indicates nearly half of all teenagers experience consistent stress. Pressures in school, work, relationships, peer pressure, and even poor time management are some of the reasons. Maggie Evans with the Grady County Rock Island 4H Club has some recommendations on how teens can deal with stress.

She also says that teens should find someone to talk to about their stressors whether it’s a parent or trusted relative, teacher, or a pastor. She says if stress or anxiety disrupts daily activities than individuals should seek the help of a counselor.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.99 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.99.

Natural gas is $2.40 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,974 and silver is $23.26.

Obituary

'Berniece' Steelman

A celebration of life for Julia 'Berniece" Steelman, 103, was held at 10:00 a.m. this morning at Sevier Funeral Home. She and her husband Elmer founded Steelman's Decorating in downtown Chickasha in 1960.

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Monday, May 22nd

Motorcyclist Dies in Ninnekah Crash

A motorcycle rider died when his bike ran off the highway and crashed in Ninnekah over the weekend. 52-year old Ricky Peterman of Lexington died in the crash that happened just before 7:00 p.m. Saturday. Ninnekah Police Chief Scott Miller cited witness reports which indicated that Peterman was southbound on U.S. Highway 81 near Quail Road at a high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the roadway.

Suspect in Fake Shots-Fired Call at Tech Center Pleads Guilty

A report of a gunman firing shots at the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center in Ft. Cobb in February had that campus on lockdown for several hours. Numerous law enforcement authorities on campus for a training session that day spent several hours searching for a suspect. It turned out the report was fake and authorities eventually arrested 34-year old Donald Steve Tee Jr. of Ft. Cobb as a suspect. Tee pleaded guilty to a felony charge of a terrorism hoax in Caddo County District Court earlier this month. Formal sentencing is set for June 22nd.

Investigation Continues into Body Found at Wildlife Refuge

Officials still have not released the name of a woman whose body was found in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge last week. A passer-by found the woman's body under a blanket last Wednesday. Officials say they 'believe' they know who the woman is based on tips received from the public which led to the search of a home in Lawton where the woman may have lived. The FBI and the OSBI are jointly investigating the case. Authorities have not yet said how the woman may have died. At last report authorities said they were still trying to notify next of kin.

Chickasha Firm Employee Named a Top Young Achiever

A state publication recognizes a young professional working for a Chickasha-based firm. Bryan Miles, Director Operations of Willowbrook Development Company's Tulsa Office, was among a number of individuals selected by the Journal Record as being an Achiever Under 40 years old. Awards are presented to individuals who focus on making Oklahoma a better place to live. Miles has worked in construction management for 20 years. Among projects he's worked with include those for Bixby and Tahlequah Public Schools, OSU, Tulsa Tech, Connors State College, the Oklahoma Military Department, and the city of Pryor.

Artscope Summer Camp has Openings

Summer vacation is here and there are a number of activities to keep kids busy. The Chickasha Area Arts Council is once again holding its Artscope camp. This is the 25th year for Artscope which offers a number of courses for young artists in visual arts, music, theatre, and dance. Co-directors are Emily Hector-Godwin and Jeanie Lee. Artscope runs for two weeks from June 5^th through June 16^th at USAO from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Cost is $195 per student. Registration is still open and students can sign-up on-line at www.chickashaarts.org

Funding for Artscope is provided by community donors, the Chickasha Area Arts Council, The Oklahoma Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and USAO.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.55 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.58.

Natural gas is $2.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,001 and silver is $24.06.

Saturday, May 20th

USDA Program May Interest Rural Electric Co-ops

A new USDA program offering loans and grants to electric coops to help them upgrade their systems is a topic of interest for the general manager of the Oklahoma Rural Electric Cooperatives Association. Chris Meyers tells OK Energy Today that co-ops will take a hard look at the program offering more than $10 million to boost clean-energy systems in rural areas. Meyers said there is always growth on the system and a need to replace aging infrastructure. He added that with the push toward electric vehicles and other issues they are going to need substantial investments in both rural and urban power grids. Called The NEW Empowering Rural America program (NEW Era), Meyers said it appears that the program is primarily in support of renewables and carbon reduction but there is room for projects that would make the transmission system more efficient and/or resilient.

PSO Agrees to Lower Rate High Request

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) has agreed to lower a rate increase request by half its original amount. After several months of negotiations PSO officials agreed to lower its request from nearly $300 million to $155 million. Ok Energy Today reports that PSO reached the agreement with the state attorney general's office. A joint stipulation and settlement agreement were filed earlier this month by the attorney general, AARP, and the Public Utilities Division of the Corporation Commission. The proposal will be heard by an administrative law judge next week. Under the original request, residential customers would have seen monthly bills increase more than $14 per month. Under the agreement the increase would be about $3.60 per month. PSO said the need for the increase was driven by the cost of replacing outdated grid infrastructure, investments in renewable wind generation assets, the rising cost of doing business, meeting evolving customer needs such as EV charging stations, and transitioning away from coal.

Oil and Gas Well Activity

We have a number of oil and gas well completion and production reports to pass along.  Continental Resources filed reports on a number of wells in Grady and Garvin counties. A couple of wells south of Alex are the Silver Stratton Wells in Section 7 of Township 4 North and 5 West in the Woodford Formation. Combined they were producing about 1,100 barrels of oil and nearly 18,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. In Garvin County, Continental reported five wells on a single pad north of Hennepin producing more than 3,300 barrels of oil and more than 5,000 Mcf of natural gas daily. They were drilled to a true depth of more than 12,000 feet. Continental also reported two wells on a single pad near Ratliff City producing about 1,400 barrels of oil per day. They are the Moonraker Wells in Section 33 of Township 1 North and Three West. The wells were drilled to a true depth of nearly 8,000 feet. EOG Resources reported on the Galaxy Well north of Minco. It's in Section 24 of Township 10 North and 5 West. It was producing more than 460 barrels of oil and 300 Mcf of natural gas at a true vertical depth of 8,900 feet.

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. On our KOOL Konversation our guest is Mike Sanders who is the director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office. On Real Estate Today our guest is Zach McGill who is Vice President of Engineering with HSI Sensing.  Find podcasts of both programs under the community tab on this website.

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Friday, May 19th

Chix Voters to Decide Sales Tax Plan

to Build New Water Treatment Plant 

Chickasha voters will decide if a city sales tax should be implemented in order for the city to build a new water treatment plant. In a special meeting last night the Chickasha City Council set the election for August 8^th. The measure calls for a 1 1/4 cent sales tax to cover the estimated $73 million price tag of the facility. Mayor Chris Mosley said a current 3/4 of a cent sales tax expires in December. So if the sales tax proposal is approved there would a slight increase in the local sales tax rate to 4 1/4 percent starting January 1, 2024.

DEQ Issued Mandate for Plant Improvements

Mosley said they have spent the last 18 months working with Municipal Finance Services and the Public Finance Law Group to develop a plan. That became necessary when the State Department of Environmental Quality issued the city an order to make improvements to the city's drinking water.

The city can apply for bonds from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to pay for the project. The sales tax would be used to pay off the bonds.

City Water Rates Would Increase Dramatically if Sales Tax Doesn't Pass

However, OWRB representatives said the city had to have a contingency plan in place if the sales tax measure doesn't pass. The council last night also approved a resolution to dramatically raise water rates should voters say no to the sales tax increase. Officials say water rates would increase more than 80 percent. The average household using 5,000 gallons of water per month currently pays $34 a month - which would go up to nearly $62 per month - and that doesn't include costs for sewer and trash pick-up services that are also on monthly utility bills.

Officials: Sales Tax is the Best Option

Officials say the sales tax rate is the better option as out-of-town shoppers would help pay for the project. A 4.25 per cent sales tax rate would still keep Chickasha in the middle of the pack of similar sized cities. Blanchard and Purcell are at 5 percent; Tuttle, Pauls Valley, Weatherford, and Clinton are at 4.5 percent; and Newcastle is at 4 percent. The combined total for city, county, and state sales taxes would put Chickasha at a 9.5 percent rate.

Emergency Repairs OK'd for Chix Intersection

The city council also approved an emergency to make repairs to a storm damaged intersection. The intersection of 14th and Missouri Avenue was heavily damaged during torrential rains that occurred last weekend. The emergency means that the city does not have to go out for bids to make repairs. Public Works Director John Crosby says he’ll be working over the next week to find potential contractors and estimates the cost could top $200,000. He estimates crews will have to replace about 50 feet of storm drains in each direction and replace several man-holes. He's hoping to start work in about 30 days and anticipates it would take two months or longer to make the repairs.

USAO Regents Narrow List of Presidential Candidates

The USAO Board of Regents has narrowed its list of potential candidates to be the university's next president. The panel spent several hours interviewing candidates on Wednesday. Officials say 12 candidates applied and that the regents have whittled the list down to four finalists. There will be another round of interviews some time over the next couple of months. Current president John Feaver will be retiring December 31st after leading USAO for more than 20 years and being affiliated with the university since the early 1980s.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.86 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.86.

Natural gas is $2.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,986 and silver is $23.83.

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Thursday, May 18th

Chix City Council to Consider Sales Tax Election

The Chickasha City Council will hold a special meeting tonight to discuss scheduling an election asking city voters to increase the city's sales tax rate. Proceeds from the increase - if approved - would help pay for the construction of a new water treatment plant and various infrastructure repairs. During tonight's meeting, the council will consider asking voters to approve a 1.25 percent sales tax rate with the proceeds dedicated to those projects. Mayor Chris Mosley said a current 3/4ths of a penny sales tax being used for capital improvements is set to expire at the end of the year. If voters approve the new rate, the sales tax rate would increase from its current 3.75 percent to 4.25 percent. The proposal calls for the special election to be held August 8th. Earlier this week, the council approved going out for bids to find an engineering firm to design the new water treatment plant. The estimated price tag for a new plant is $73 million and officials said they also will attempt to get state and federal funds to help pay for the project.

Council expected to approve emergency for street repair project

The council will also consider a recommendation to declare an emergency to repair a storm-damaged intersection. Officials want to waive the competitive bidding requirements normally needed for such repairs. However, they say it's critical to the lives and health of residents and if not approved could lead to the destruction of property and cause economic loss the city or its inhabitants. The damaged intersection is at 14th and Missouri Ave. Tonight's special meeting will get underway at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

Chix City Hall to Update Utility Software;

No In-person or On-Line Payments Available Friday

In other news from Chickasha City Hall officials say they will be updating software for utility accounts tomorrow - and they won’t be unable to open or close any accounts while that work is being done. They also won't be able to accept in-person or on-line payments. Officials say customers can use a drop-box in the alley next to city hall or use the kiosk inside the Homeland grocery store to make their payments. The on-line system is expected to be back in operation on Saturday and in-person payments are anticipated to resume on Monday. Officials say customers who are facing a possible cut-off of services have another couple of days to make a payment. That has been extended to next Tuesday, May 23rd.

Chickasha School Year Comes to an End;

Long-time Employees Are Recognized

Today is the last day classes for students in Chickasha Public Schools. A number of staff members were recognized for their long tenure with the district this week. Johnny Riley has been a bus driver 35 years. Those with 30 years of service include Glena Brock at Grand Elementary; Charlotte Tapp at the middle school; and Renee Stallings at Bill Wallace. Those with 25 years of service include the husband and wife team of Zach and Angela Widener. Zach is a high school teacher and Angela is a high school librarian and the cross country and tennis coach. Those honored for 20 years of service include Adult Education teacher Angie Humphrey and triplets Jamie Saunier, Kristen Saunier, and Rachelle Saunier who work in transportation and maintenance. By the way, graduation ceremonies for high school seniors will be tomorrow night at 7 o'clock at the high school activity center. For those unable to attend it will be available on the school district's YouTube channel.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.42.

London-based Brent crude is $74.17.

Natural gas is $2.34 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,999 and silver is $23.68.

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Wednesday, May 17th

More County Illegal Grow Operations Shut Down;

Sheriff Steps up Efforts to Eliminate Illicit Drug Trade

Illegal marijuana growing facilities in the Alex and Rush Springs areas were shut down yesterday. Local, state, and federal agencies were involved in the raids according to a post on the Grady County Sheriff's Office Facebook page. Sheriff Gary Boggess says it’s part of his work to get illegal drugs out of the area. That includes drug traffickers who are bringing in deadly Fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics which kill thousands of people around the country every year.

The work is the primary responsibility of Capt. Jim Peek who works with the Drug Enforcement Administration. He is commissioned to work nationwide but his primary focus is the Grady County area. In addition to drug investigations he has a presentation which he gives at area schools and civic groups which shows the dangers of Fentanyl.

If you're group would like to schedule a program with Capt. Peek you can reach out to the sheriff's office by calling 405-224-0984.

Suspect Accused of Cattle Rustling

A Caddo County man is charged with cattle rustling. 31-year old Joshua Milton Bybee of Apache is accused of stealing several cows and a calf from a neighbor and selling them at a livestock auction. On-line court records show that Bybee is facing five felony charges of larceny of domestic animals and a misdemeanor for obtaining cash and merchandise by bogus check or false pretenses. He is out of jail after posting a $7,500 bond. He's to be back in court June 29^th for a preliminary hearing conference.

State Broadband Office Begins 'Listening Tour'

Officials with the Oklahoma Broadband Office are criss-crossing the state on what they call a 'listening tour'. They are getting public input to help develop a plan to get high-speed internet service to rural Oklahoma. It's called the ‘Let’s Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour’. Mike Sanders is the director of the office and says the number of Oklahomans who don't have access to high-speed internet is staggering.

Sanders will be in Chickasha next week as part of the listening tour. He'll be at the Chickasha Public Library on Friday, May 26^th at 4:30 p.m. Those wanting to attend are asked to register in advance by going to: oklahoma.gov/broadband/outreach

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.86 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.02.

Natural gas is $2.38 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,989 and silver is $23.85.

Obituary

Lois Snodgrass

A graveside service for Lois Snodgrass will be held at 2:00 p.m. today (May 17^th) at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, May 16th

Grady County Sees Consumer Spending Increase

Consumer spending throughout Grady County in the most recent reporting period was the highest it's been in about five months. It's estimated that the February number topped $89.5 million. That's an increase of 14.8 percent from January and the best since last September. We estimate consumer spending when we see the sales tax revenue for the county. The April sales tax collections of $672,000 comes from the purchases of taxable goods and services made in February. Here's a breakdown of where that money goes which were all approved by county voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds collected $224,000; Grady Memorial Hospital received $198,000; the 20 fire districts equally shared $112,000 so each one collected $5,600; the seven senior nutrition centers also shared $112,000 so each received $16,000;  Tuttle EMS picked up $21,000; and Rush Springs EMS collected $5,000.

Chix School Superintendent Joins City Council

The Chickasha City Council now includes two administrators from Chickasha Public Schools. Superintendent Rick Croslin joined the panel last night. The council unanimously approved Mayor Chris Mosley's recommendation for Croslin to fill a vacant Ward 2 post. Croslin then took his oath of office and joined the panel for the rest of last night's meeting. He'll hold the office through April of next year. Croslin joins Lincoln School Principal Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander who also serves on the council.

Panel approves going out for bids to design new water treatment plant

The council approved going out for bids to find an engineering firm to design a new water treatment plant. The plant would increase the city's water treatment capability from 4 1/2 million gallons to six million gallons of water per day. Estimated cost of the facility is about $73 million. The panel also approved the purchase of a new $112,000 truck to clean out sewer lines.

Zoning exemption for goats, horses in city limits denied

A proposal for a special zoning exemption to allow horses and goats on property in the city limits was unanimously turned down by the council. Davina and Roosevelt May were seeking the exemption to allow the animals on about 7 1/2 acres of property in the 2400 block of S. 24th. Despite a planning commission recommendation to approve the exemption the council denied the request after some neighbors argued against part of the proposal during a public hearing.

Retired fighter recognized; 4th of July parade OK'd

The council also recognized the service of firefighter John Marshall Clift. Mayor Mosley presented Clift with a retirement watch for his 25 years of service. The council also approved a 4th of July parade to go through Shannon Springs Park to be held prior to the annual fireworks display. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will organize the parade to include decorated ATVs, motorcycles, and bicycles.

Grady County VFW Faces Crossroads in Meeting

An important meeting will be held for military veterans tonight if they want to keep the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post from closing. Grady County VFW Post 11201 will have an election of officers and if there aren't enough veterans to fill every office the post will have its charter revoked. VFW is for any veteran who has served in a war zone whether they saw combat duty or not. Tonight's meeting will be held at the Grady County Veterans Center downtown Chickasha at 6th and Chickasha Avenue starting at 6:30 p.m.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.11 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.17.

Natural gas is $2.38 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,014 and silver is $24.06.

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Monday, May 15th

Chix City Council to Seek Bids to Design New Water Treatment Plant

The Chickasha City Council is expected to approve going out for bids to find an engineering firm to lead the work to design a new water treatment plant. A feasibility study is available for potential firms to review. The move should take place tonight during a regularly scheduled city council meeting. The existing water plant treats about 4 1/2 million gallons of water per day. The project calls for the new facility to process up to 6 million gallons of water per day. The estimated cost of the new plant is $73 million with potential funding sources being local funds in addition to state and federal aid.  Interested firms are to submit proposals by May 19th.

School superintendent recommended to fill empty council seat

Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin may have some extra duties soon. Mayor Chris Mosley is recommending that Croslin fill a vacant seat on the city council. The seat has been empty since Nate McCalla stepped down from his Ward 2 post earlier this year. The council will vote on the recommendation tonight.

Officials recommend truck purchase to clean sewer lines

The council may also purchase a used sewer jet and flusher truck to clean out city sewer lines. Officials are recommending a 2015 Ford F-450 diesel truck from J and R Equipment of Oklahoma City at a cost not to exceed $112,000. It's a diesel truck which has equipment that can clean lines blocked by tree roots, grease, sludge, rags, and foreign objects. Officials say the truck would be easier to drive and maneuver than a current 16-year old truck which is constantly in the shop. Officials say it costs $3,000 a week to rent smaller models which are in high-demand and that it is hard to find companies to respond to calls in a timely manner.

Local Companies Approved for Dep't of Commerce Program

Several area firms have been approved to participate in a state program that will help them expand their operations. They are taking part in the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP) through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The agency received more than 220 applications after opening the program earlier this year. 178 were approved for a combined total of more than $13 million in assistance. The program will make monthly cash payment awards to companies in the form of payroll tax rebates to help them grow and boost business expansion investments in the state. To receive an award the applications had to be innovative projects which would expand the capabilities of existing companies and lead to supply chain resiliency or be designed to target new markets. Companies were required to have a minimum annual payroll of $625,000 and a minimum capital investment of $50,000. Regional companies approved include HSI Sensing of Chickasha for $150,000; Taylor and Sons Pipe and Steel of Chickasha for $135,000; Rivers Edge Countertops of Newcastle for $40,000; and Matador Foods of Blanchard for $24,000. Department of Commerce officials say every dollar in OIEP funding is leveraging more than $7 in private sector funds.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.04 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.17.

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,020 and silver is $24.22.

Saturday, May 13th

Weather Service Works to Determine Tornado Count

Officials with the National Weather Service are working to confirm how many tornadoes may have touched down in this spring's most recent outbreak. Officials began surveying 13 areas of damage where twisters were reported Thursday night. One of them was near the town of Cole, which was just hit by an EF-3 tornado last month that caused massing destruction and killed three people. Weather service crews are looking through data from possible tornadoes near Ninnekah, Rush Springs, Dibble, Tuttle, and Bridge Creek. There was significant damage in downtown Noble. Authorities have not yet released the ratings on Thursday night's twisters.

Spotter Sees Twister Near Alex

Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said a storm spotter in Alex reported a weak tornado touched down briefly, spinning up some hay in a field. Thompson said no significant damage was reported from tornado warnings that were issued in Rush Springs or Ninnekah. There were damage reports in the Dibble area in McClain County.

Two Suspects Arrested in Connection with Lawton Break-in

Suspects from Chickasha and Cement have been arrested in connection with a burglary in Lawton. Christopher Warren Marker of Chickasha and Ester Knight of Cement, both 34, were reportedly caught in the act of breaking into a wrecker company. Both have been formally charged in Comanche District Court with burglary and knowingly receiving, concealing, and/or with holding stolen property. Knight's bond was set at $50,000 and Marker's bond was set at $10,000.

State Gets Millions in Fed Funds to Build EV Charging Network

Oklahoma has received millions of dollars in federal funds which will be used to build an electric vehicle (EV) charging network. Officials with the State Department of Transportation (ODOT) will hold a meeting later this month to explain how it intends to use the $66 million over the next five years through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program (NEVI).  The website OK Energy Today reports the funding for the first year is nearly $23 million which will be used to start construction of charging stations along interstate highways. ODOT is mobilizing business leaders, manufacturers, contractors, vendors, and other interested parties to join efforts to bring EV charging stations to the Sooner State. The state agency will be releasing a Request for Proposals or RFPs for stakeholders to review. Companies will be able to receive up to 80 percent of their costs to build, operate, and maintain compliant EV charging stations. There will be a virtual Zoom meeting on Tuesday, May 30th for those interested in getting details. The RFPs are expected to be posted in July with proposals to be submitted in September and selected proposals to be awarded funding in October.

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess and Capt. Jim Peek with the Drug Enforcement Administration are on the KOOL Konversation program. On Real Estate Today, guests are broker Suehzen Mosely with Century 21/Mosley Real Estate and staff members Kayla Quillin, Maddie Mosley, and Blair Schoppa. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

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Friday, May 12th

Tornadoes Again Strike Central Oklahoma

Another round of severe weather last night had the National Weather Service issuing several tornado warnings. There were reports of more damage in the small town of Cole which was which was hit by an EF-3 tornado last month. A tornado in downtown Noble caused structure damage and downed power lines. Officials in McClain County set up a command post in Goldsby to assist.

Several Grady County Tornado Warnings Issued

Several tornado warnings were issued in Grady County as the massive storm system continued to build. The first was issued just east of Tuttle which was followed by warnings for storms south of Ninnekah and in Rush Springs. There were no immediate reports of damage. The threat for severe weather will continue tonight and through the middle of next week as weather forecasters say thunderstorms could bring baseball sized hail, 80 mile per hour winds, locally heavy rain, and tornadoes.

State Dep't of Corrections Re-Opens Hinton Prison

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is re-opening the prison in Hinton. The Great Plains Correctional Center had been closed for about two years after a contract with a private operator was not renewed. The prison is within the district served by State Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber). In a prepared statement, Lowe said it's great to see the facility back up and running and that it will bring a number of jobs back to Caddo County. Corrections officials say the decision to re-open the Hinton facility was made after a contract with a private firm operating the prison in Sayre was not re-newed. Employees at the Sayre prison will have the opportunity to make the transition to Hinton. Officials have begun moving inmates from Sayre to Hinton and the facility is expected to be fully operational by July 1st.

Letter Carriers to 'Stamp Out Hunger' with Food Drive

Letter carriers in local neighborhoods are joining fellow carriers across the country for a nationwide food drive. The National Association of Letters Carriers hold their Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive the second Saturday in May every year to re-stock local food pantries. Postal patrons should have received a plastic bag in the mail this week as well as a post card to remind them of the food drive. Postal customers are asked to put non-perishable food items in the bags and place them next to their mail boxes tomorrow and they'll be picked up when mail is delivered. Donation boxes are also located in many post offices for those who have post office boxes. The drive is supported by the Regional Food Banks of Oklahoma.

Lots to do in Chickasha This Weekend

(EDITOR'S NOTE - The Extreme Monster Truck Spring Nationals scheduled for the Grady County Fairgrounds this week have been postponed until August. For those who purchased tickets in advance, those tickets will be honored at the August show)

There is a lot of activity in and around Chickasha over the next several days. The Chickasha Antique Auto Club continues its spring swap meet just east of the Grady County Fairgrounds. There is also an arts and crafts show piggy-backing with the swap meet in the north exhibit building at the fairgrounds. There are also town-wide garage sales all weekend.

Monthly Art Walk on Tap

Also scheduled tonight is the monthly art walk in downtown Chickasha held on the second Friday of each month. Dozens of artists will display their works with many businesses open after hours. There will also be performing artists ranging from musicians, to belly dancers, to glass blowers. It costs nothing to take the family for a walk downtown to enjoy the art and interact with the artisans.  That will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. weather permitting.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.87 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.98.

Natural gas is $2.19 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,008 and silver is $23.94.

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Thursday, May 11th

'Suspicious' Fire Destroys Vacant Commercial Building

A fire that destroyed a vacant warehouse near downtown Chickasha yesterday remains under investigation. The blaze destroyed a building that was previously used by the Stephens Oil Company in the 500 block of North 6th Street. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said a 9-1-1 call alerted authorities to the fire about 12:30 yesterday afternoon. The metal building was nearly fully engulfed when firefighters arrived. Samaniego said their efforts were hampered because none of the three nearby fire hydrants were fully functional. So they called in support from the Grady County Fire Department with Ninnekah and Friend volunteer departments sending in tankers to provide water to help douse the flames. Samaniego said the building had been vacant for years. The 3,000 sq. ft. building was a total loss with the value estimated upwards of $45,000. Samaniego said the cause of the fire is suspicious in nature. Building owners said that they have had issues with transients going in and out of the building. Crews were on the scene for more than three hours.

OHCE Groups Celebrate Their 'Week'

Oklahoma Home and Community Education groups across the state are marking OHCE week. There are OHCE groups in every county and there are about 3,000 members statewide. There are six OHCE groups in Grady County with a combined membership of more than 100 women and men. Each holds monthly educational meetings and discuss the needs of the communities they serve. Coming up this summer, Grady County OHCE will hold a ‘Kitchen Basics for Youth’ class. Tammy Watts reviews the course.

She said the final day of the program there will be a food showdown competition. Classes will be held each Tuesday and Thursday in July at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Contact the Grady County OSU Extension Office for information by calling 4054-224-2216.

Obituary

Mary Wood

A memorial service for Mary Wood, 100, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 15^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, May 10th

CV Tech School Board sets Multi-Million Bond Issue Election

Voters in Grady and Canadian counties will decide a multi-million dollar bond issue for the Canadian Valley Technology Center school district later this year.  A $75 million bond issue will be on ballots. Superintendent Gayla Lutts says among the improvements will be safety and security upgrades for the Chickasha campus and improvements and expansion of  the first responder program at the El Reno campus.

The special bond election will be on ballots in September.

Antique Auto Swap Meet About to Begin

Vendors for this weekend's Chickasha Antique Auto Club's spring swap meet will be arriving today. The spring swap meet attracts thousands of visitors around the world looking for hard-to-find parts or even fully restored vehicles. While the vendors will be arriving today the swap meet won't officially open until tomorrow and will run through Saturday. Most of the vendors will be on the 30-plus acre site owned by the antique auto club just east of the Grady County Fairgrounds. Other vendors will be located on the fairgrounds property in the north exhibit building where there will also be an arts and crafts show Friday and Saturday. Admission to the swap meet is free while paid parking will benefit local charities. In support of the swap meet there will be town-wide garage sales and residents will not have to get permits from city hall.

Chickasha Altrusa Group Honored at District Convention

A Chickasha group receives some recognition at a multi-state meeting.  Altrusa International of Chickasha was presented with a Distinguished Service Award at the Altrusa District 8  conference in Tulsa recently. Members of more than 100 Altrusa clubs from Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas attended. The award was issued for the Chickasha group’s work with the Chickasha GED Awards and Reception program for issuing scholarships and awards to graduating GED students for more than 20 years. The local group won first place in membership growth and placed third in the district display competition. Altrusa President-elect Cassie Poole was presented with the Rising Star in Leadership award; Laura Wijkowski was inducted to serve on the district board; Christy Clift was inducted as first vice governor for the district; and Altrusa Foundation president-elect Sarah Davis was recognized as the district's newest member.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.71 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.44.

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUS.

Gold is $2,038 and silver is $25.81.

Obituary

Albert Parker

A graveside service for Albert Parker, 85, formerly of the Bradley area will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 15th at the Alex Cemetery. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, May 9th

OHP Continues Investigation of Fatal Crash

The highway patrol is still investigating a fatal crash that occurred just outside Ninnekah yesterday. A semi and an SUV collided at the intersection of U.S. Highways 81 and 277 just after 4 p.m. Killed in the crash was 48-year old David Boyd of Ft. Smith, Arkansas who was the driver of the SUV. A passenger, 53-year old Lisa Boyd also of Ft. Smith, was taken to a Norman hospital by Chickasha EMS where she was treated and released. The driver of the semi, 55-year old Anthony Phillips of McLoud, was not injured. A portion of Highway 81 was shut down for about four hours after the crash.

Suspects Formally Charged After Drug-related Arrests

Four people arrested in Chickasha for drug-related crimes last week were formally charged in Grady County District Court yesterday. Traydon Sledge, Sandra Robinson, Kristi Robinson, and Cameron Mitchell were all arrested last Friday following an investigation by the Grady County Sheriff's Office and Drug Enforcement Adminstration. 31-year old Traydon Sledge was charged with distribution and his bond set at $175,000. Prosecutors also filed a motion to revoke his probation from a previous guilty plea of a drug charge stemming from a 2014 arrest. 59-year old Sandra Robinson was charged with distribution and maintaining a place for keeping or selling drugs with her bond at $100,000. Sandra’s daughter, 34-year old Kristi Robinson was charged with felony child neglect and misdemeanor drug charges with bond set at $50,000. 24-year old Cameron Mitchell was charged with two misdemeanor drug charges and his bond was set at $2,500.

Anadarko Boil Order issued After Water Line Repair

Residents in Anadarko are encouraged to boil their tap water following repairs of a water line break. The break was discovered last week on Central Boulevard near East 3rd Street. City Manager Richard Rogalski said crews initially tried to patch the ruptured pipe but were unsuccessful. They spent all day Monday replacing a five-foot section of the 12-inch diameter pipe and much of the city had no or low water pressure. The cost for parts and a new valve was about $4,000.  Rogalski said the state Department of Environmental Quality issued the voluntary boil order to run for 48-hours or until they get two consecutive negative tests for bacteria.

Public Hearings on Tap for Chix Planning Commission

Public hearings for a zoning exemption to allow horses and goats in one Chickasha neighborhood and use-on-review permit for a home day care in another will be held by the Chickasha Planning Commission this afternoon. Davina and Roosevelt May want to have horses and goats at their home in the 2400 block of South 20th. Terry and Kimberly Cole are asking for a use-on-review for a day care in the 1100 block of South 5th Street. Another public hearing will be held for a rezoning request for Mike McGill to expand his OK Carpet Store at 15th and Missouri.

Construction Impacts Highway 9 Traffic Near Ft. Cobb

Here’s a traffic advisory for motorists in Caddo County. Portions of State Highway 9 between Ft. Cobb and the Apache Y will be closed intermittently due to ongoing highway construction. There could be delays and congestion and officials with the state department of transportation suggests motorists find an alternate route. ODOT also says motorists should be aware of lane shifts through the summer while the construction project is underway.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.16 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.01.

Natural gas is $2.24 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,036 and silver is $25.82.

Obituaries

Mack Alexander

Funeral service for Mack Alexander, 61, of Norman and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 11th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Delores Austin

Funeral service for Delores Austin, 84, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 13th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Monday, May 8th

Sheriff's Office, DEA Make More Drug Arrests

Armed with arrest warrants, law enforcement officials rounded up of several more suspected drug dealers late last week. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess said deputies and agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made a number of arrests in Chickasha during pre-dawn hours Friday. Boggess posted information on the sheriff's office Facebook page that four individuals were arrested on drug charges which include distribution of Fentanyl near a school, conspiracy to distribute controlled and dangerous drugs, maintaining a dwelling to distribute drugs, drug possession, and child endangerment. Boggess identified the suspects as Traydon Sledge, Sandra Robinson, Kristi Robinson, and Cameron Mitchell. All are expected to have their initial appearances on the charges in Grady County District Court today.

Anadarko Water Line Break May Leave City Without Water

The City of Anadarko could be without water for much of the day. A broken main water line was discovered late last week and authorities say they'll begin repairs this morning. Officials announced on the city's Facebook page that much of the community may have no or low water pressure for six to eight hours. Officials say if that happens that the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will require a boil order for 48 hours. The Facebook post indicates that individuals who have questions can call water plant supervisor Kim Goodin, 405-933-4655.

Chickasha School Classes End Soon; Officials Plan for Summer School 

There are just two weeks of classes remaining in the school year for Chickasha Public Schools. Graduation is set for Friday, May 19th. Tonight, the Chickasha school board will consider a proposal for summer school for students in the middle school, Lincoln, Grand, and Bill Wallace schools. Summer school for Grand and Bill Wallace will be June 5th through 29^th while it will be different for Lincoln and Middle School students. The plan is to hold summer school for just one week in late July as a 'jump start' to next school year which will begin in early August. That will be a four-day program to run July 24th through 28^th, pending school board approval.

Officials seek additional funds for new athletic projects

The school board will also consider a change-order for the construction underway for the new track-and-field competition area and the new football field. Officials are asking for an additional $10,000 to purchase covers for the sand pits to minimize wind erosion and to prevent weed and grass from growing. The funds would also be used to purchase some coverings for the new track that is being installed around the football field. They would help protect the track surface from damage by the cleats of football players who walk across the track. The funds would come from the bond issue passed last fall the fund the projects.

Employees to be cited for going 'Above and Beyond' their duties

The panel is to recognize a number of employees as going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty or what officials call the ABCD awards. They are Melissa James at Bill Wallace; Anita Nacoste-Wilkins at Grand; Michelle Fowler at Lincoln; Kendra Curtis at the middle school; Pam Brandt at the high school; Cindy Ferguson at the adult learning center; Evelyn Taylor-Griswold in child nutrition; Jeff Kinsey in maintenance; Mike Minard in transportation; and Patty Balinger at the administration office. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.34 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.30.

Natural gas is $2.14 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,031 and silver is $25.87.

Saturday, May 6th

Broadband Service Expanding in Rural Areas

There is some progress regarding the expansion of broadband service in Oklahoma. 100,000 Oklahomans who previously did not have access to high-speed internet are now connected to the World Wide Web. A group called the Cooperative Broadband Coalition made the announcement this week. KOKH-TV reported that the group's chairman said that 10 electric co-ops with fiber subsidiaries are seeing expansion rates as high as 52 percent in rural areas - collectively adding about 2,000 subscribers each month. It was noted that having broadband service helps people get connected to tele-medicine, virtual learning, and allow them to work at home. A state broadband office has been created to assist with the expansion of broadband service to rural areas.

More on PSO's Plan to Use Green Energy to Produce Electricity

We have another follow-up regarding the corporation commission's approval of Public Service Company of Oklahoma's (PSO) plan to purchase wind and solar farms. The massive $2.5 billion effort will allow PSO and its parent company American Electric Power (AEP) to slowly reduce its dependence on natural gas to power its electricity production - and at the same time lower the monthly bills of consumers. The website OK Energy Today reports that Corporation Commission chairman Todd Hiett praised the plan, saying it's one of the most well-structured settlements he has seen and believes it has adequate protection for rate payers. He said it sets up a framework that protects consumers and at the same time meet the needs of the company for capacity. Commission member Kim David said she appreciates the fact that PSO's parent company wants to be green and that there are tax credits available for green energy generation - adding that she appreciates the fact that future project requests will include other sources of energy in addition to solar and wind. There will be a temporary increase in monthly bills in 2025. It's estimated that the average PSO residential household using 1,100 kilowatt hours of electricity per month will pay about $2 a month more. In 2026 rates are projected to drop about $2.65 per month which would be about 65 cents less per month than current costs.

Additional Grady County FFAers Awarded at State Meeting

A few more Grady County FFA students were recognized for their achievements at the state FFA convention in Tulsa this week. Amanda Richardson and Allyson Arthur of Chickasha and Aaron Chestnutt of Rush Springs were all noted for their accomplishments. Richardson earned first place in the Agriculture Communications Proficiency Award area and received a $1,000 scholarship. Arthur earned a second place in the Agricultural Processing Proficiency Award area. Chestnutt won the talent show competition which had more than 50 participants. It's the third straight year for Chestnutt to take part in the talent show. He plays guitar harmonica, and sings - ala Bob Dylan. He covered the Zach Bryan song Something in the Orange. He's hoping to perform at the National FFA Convention this fall.

Talk Show Topics

Tammy Watts with Grady County OHCE is this week’s guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today guests are from Canadian Valley Technology Center including Superintendent Gayla Lutts, Chickasha Campus Director Ronnie Bogle, and Marketing Director Kathy Knox. We have podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

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Friday, May 5th

Biological Mother of Athena Brownfield Arrested

There is a new development regarding the investigation into the death of Athena Brownfield. She's the four-year old girl from Cyril who was reported missing earlier this year and her body found buried in the Agawam area. The OSBI arrested Brownfield's biological mother, Jasmin Brownfield yesterday. Details of her arrest were not available, but there are reports she was taken to the Payne County Jail. Brownfield is facing two charges of child neglect by abandonement in Caddo County. Athena Brownfield was first reported missing in January. Her five-year old sister was found wandering in a Cyril neighborhood when a letter carrier reported the child was alone. That led to a week-long search for Athena and the arrests of two people who were supposed  to be taking care of the children. Ivon and Alysisa Adams were both taken into custody. Investigators allege that Ivon beat Athena to death and then buried the body.  Ivon Adams is facing a murder charge and is being held in the Caddo County jail without bond. Alysia Adams is jailed on two counts of child neglect in Caddo County. They have preliminary hearing conferences later this month.

Corporation Commission OKs PSO's Renewable Energy Project

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission gives PSO approval to move forward with a nearly $2.5 billion purchase for a renewable energy project. PSO is working to purchase three solar farms and three wind farms located in Kansas and the Texas Panhandle. The move is expected to provide PSO with nearly 1,000 megawatts of power production capacity. Just last week, Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond announced a settlement between PSO and a number of groups supporting the project. Gentner said it offered significant protections for PSO customers. Initially, PSO consumers will see their bills increase about $2 per month beginning in 2025 but they would drop about $2.60 per month in 2026.

Earthquake Recorded in Grady County

Some of the rumbling and shaking some Grady County residents may have experienced Thursday morning may not have been from thunderstorms that moved through the region. An earthquake was recorded in the Pocasset area. The Oklahoma Geological Survey indicates that a minor tremor was recorded about 6:38 a.m. It intially registered 3.2 on the Richter Scale but was revised downward to 2.7. The epicenter was about four miles west-northwest of Pocasset at a depth of about three-and-a-half miles. There was no word of damage.  A number of area residents reported to the geological survey that they felt the tremor. Others who may have felt the quake are asked to report their experiences on the website: www.earthquake.usgs.gov

Andarko to Host 2nd Annual First Responder Day

First responders from across the state will be in Anadarko tomorrow for a meet-and-greet with residents. The Anadarko Police Department and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 118 are serving as hosts. There will be a helicopter, K-9 officers, and taser demonstrations and others. Kid-friendly activities include a bounce house and face painting, and free hot dogs, ice pops, and chips. The free event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. tomorrow at the Anadarko Police Department.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.56 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.50.

Natural gas is $2.10 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,045 and silver is $26.17.

Obituary

Herbert Chasten

Funeral service for Herbert Chasten, 89, of Chickasha and formerly of Ft. Cobb will be held Thursday, May 11th in Rose Hill, North Carolina.  Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Thursday, May 4th

Some Opposed to Add Chisholm Trail to National Trail Program

A plan developed by the National Park Service would designate the Chisholm Trail and the Great Western Trails in the central plains region as National Trails. But the proposal is facing some Oklahoma opposition. Some of those against the plan say it would put privately-owned property under government control - and landowners who agree to allow easements along the trail would be subject to being told how they can use their land. The two trails were largely used in the late 1800s for cattle drives that ran from San Antonio, Texas to Kansas and Nebraska. In Oklahoma, the Chisholm Trail runs roughly along U.S. Highway 81. A feasibility study and an environmental assessment for the project was completed in May of 2019. Grady County Commissioners recently voted to not support the proposal.

Youth Rodeo State Finals in Chix This Weekend

Youth rodeoers from Oklahoma and nearby states are headed to Chickasha this weekend for the state finals of the Heart of Oklahoma Youth Rodeo Association. Some members come from as far away as Mississippi. Riders ages 19-and-under will compete in the season finale. Members compete about once a month from August through April of each year accumulating points in each event in hopes of making it to the state finals. Competitions this year have been in Woodward, Shawnee, Duncan, and Chickasha. There are four different age groups in events that include barrel racing, break-away roping, team roping, tie-down calf roping, and steer stopping. More than 170 youth will compete in events at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Check-in is today with the Grand Entry kicking off the event tomorrow morning. Rodeo events are scheduled Friday and Saturday and there will be a Cowboy Church Sunday morning, followed by an awards ceremony.

YMCA's Open Streets Returns for 6th Year

Downtown Chickasha will again be a hub of activity this Saturday for the 6th annual Open Streets campaign. Open Streets is part of an international campaign to encourage families to be active and live healthy lives. More than 30 vendors will have booths with various activities like jump rope, hula hoop, corn hole and others. Among the most popular areas will be inflatable water slides. The Chickasha Fire Department and Grady County Sheriff's Office will have touch-a-truck events and several food trucks will be on hand. Chickasha Avenue will be closed to through traffic from the railroad depot from 1^st through 3^rd Streets. Activities are all free although food trucks will charge for their products. Open Streets will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

FFAers Recognized at State Convention

Some regional FFA students are making things happen at the state convention this week. Clara Duncan of Chickasha was named the new state FFA reporter and the Amber-Pocasset chapter won the Sweepstakes Award. It's the 19^th time since 1992 that Ampo won the award by compiling the most points collectively out of some 275 single-teacher chapters in career development events. Billy Scott is the ag teacher for Ampo FFA.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.60.

London-based Brent crude is  $72.33.

Natural gas is $2.17 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,046 and silver is $25.90.

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Wednesday, May 3rd

State Marks Anniversary of May 3rd Tornadoes

Today is the 24th anniversary of the May 3rd, 1999 tornado outbreak in Oklahoma. One of the largest and deadliest tornadoes that Monday night caused death and destruction along a nearly 40 mile path through central Oklahoma. One of the first tornadoes touched down east of Apache and levelled a home south of Verden and caused significant damage at the Chickasha airport. A few minutes another twister first touched down near Amber at 6:23 p.m. and grew to a powerful EF-5 tornado with wind speeds of more than 300 miles per hour. The twister destroyed a mobile home park in Bridge Creek where four people died then moved on to the Moore and Oklahoma City areas causing widespread distruction. Wikipedia reports the twister was on the ground for nearly an hour-and-a-half and killed 36 people and injured hundreds more. Nearly 10,000 homes and apartments, 260 businesses, 11 public buildings, and seven churches were either destroyed or damaged resulting in an estimated $1 billon in damage. 

Chix City Council Schedules Special Budget Work Session

With just two months left in the fiscal year for city, county, and state governments, the push is on for officials to finalize budgets for the 2023-24 fiscal year which starts July 1st. The Chickasha City Council will hold a work session this weekend to discuss budgets for it’s three branches of city governments including all the departments at city hall; the Chickasha Municipal Authority; and the airport. The work session will be at city hall at 10:00 a.m.  Saturday, May 6th and is open to the public. A final budget proposal will undergo a public hearing during a regularly scheduled council meeting with a final budget to be approved prior to June 30^th.

Chickasha's Juneteenth Celebration Returns

For the first time in four years, Chickasha will have a Juneteenth celebration. Juneteenth marks the anniversary of when slaves in the south first heard the news that they were free. It came more than a year and half after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in June of 1863. The celebration will be a two-day event on Friday June 16th and Saturday, June 17th. Friday evening at Washita Valley Park there will be a barbecue cook-off, an outdoor movie, and family-friendly games. Saturday morning there will be a parade, followed by opening ceremonies at the park at 11:00 a.m. with live music, food, and more games that afternoon. For more information see the Chickasha Juneteenth Celebration Facebook page.

Chickasha Clean-up Campaign Underway

The City of Chickasha will hold a city-wide clean-up campaign for the rest of the week. There will be one site for residents to take debris and unwanted items. Roll-off dumpsters will be at the Public Works Headquarters on Genevieve Street north of the Grady County Fairgrounds and the city's animal shelter. The site will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, tomorrow, and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Users will have to show a utility bill from the city. They will not be accepting motor oil, paint, hazardous chemicals or materials, or tires.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.32.

Natural gas is $2.21 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,024 and silver is $25.59.

Obituaries

Jason South

A memorial service for Jason South, 56, of Chickasha will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10^th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a well-known hairdresser.

Peter Richardson

Funeral service for Peter Richardson, 49, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Hebert Chasten

Funeral service Hebert Chasten, 89, is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, May 2nd

FEMA Opens Disaster Asssistance Centers

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened disaster recovery centers in McClain and Pottawatomie counties to help survivors and all those affected by the tornadoes and severe weather that swept through those areas April 19^th and 20^th. The McClain County site will be at the Cole Community Center and will be open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Storm victims will be able to apply for assistance, learn the status of FEMA applications, and get help to understand any letters they may have received from FEMA. There will be information about the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance loan program and officials will provide referrals to other agencies that may offer assistance. Storm victims don't have to visit a disaster recovery center to apply for help. Officials say the fastest and easiest way to apply is by going to the website:

www.disasterassistance.gov

Proposed TIF District Comes Under Fire

A proposal to create what's called a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District is being considered by a city panel. Such a district can be formed to help provide tax relief to developing businesses in a designated area. The plan being considered by The Chickasha Industrial Authority (CIA) came under some criticism during last night's city council meeting. Torry Wise said there are already measures in place that can help with business development.

The CIA discussed the idea in a recent meeting but took no action.

RV Park Expansion Approved

The council approved the expansion of an RV park in the city limits. The panel ok'd the plan for the Pecan Grove RV Resort located on Almar Drive between 4th and 9th Streets. The council first approved the re-zoning of a residential area to commercial use for the expansion then approved a use-on-review permit. Both had been recommended by the city's planning commission. The expansion will allow park owners Glen and Gina Snedeker to add 14 more spaces which will bring its total number available to 124.

Lake Chickasha-area Mineral Rights to be Auctioned

The council also approved scheduling an auction for the mineral rights on about 460 acres of city-owned property at Lake Chickasha. The auction will be held during a future council meeting.

Cost for Airport Fuel Pump Project Increases

The group also approved an increase in the price for upgrading and replacing fuel pumps at the Chickasha Airport. Last month, the panel approved spending up to $50,000 but that was increased to a cost of $55,000.

No Action Taken on 'Pending Investigation' of EDC

The council spent just over an hour in a closed-door session to discuss a pending investigation of the Chickasha Economic Development Council in regards to use of taxpayer funds. The council took no action on the matter.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.54.

Natural gas is $2.32 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,994 and silver is $25.00.

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Monday, May 1st

Lake Chickasha Mineral Rights to be Discussed

Auctions for the mineral leases of about 500 acres of land around Lake Chickasha will be considered by the Chickasha City Council tonight. There is a 360-acre tract and a 130-acre tract available. If approved, the leases will be put up for sale at an auction to be held during a future meeting.

Panel to consider RV Park Expansion Plan

The council will hold a couple of public hearings to consider a re-zoning request for the expansion of an RV park. Glen and Gina Snedeker are looking to expand the Pecan Grove RV Resort. The first public hearing is to consider rezoning property at 402 West Almar Drive from residential to commercial use. The second public hearing is to consider a Use on Review permit to allow for the expansion. This would be phase five of the park.

ODOT Grant to Help Make Improvements to City Park

The council will also consider an agreement with the state Department of Transportation (ODOT) to upgrade the walking trails at Shannon Springs Park. The city has been approved for an 80-20 matching grant with ODOT to make the improvements. The total cost of the proposal is just over $1.8 million with the city's share to be about $360,000.

Executive Session Set to Discuss 'Pending investigation' of EDC

The council will go behind closed doors to discuss what officials say is a 'pending investigation' into the Chickasha Economic Development Council in conjunction with the use of taxpayer funds, including funds dispersed pursuant to grants.

Bids for Water System Upgrades to be Sought

In the Chickasha Municipal Authority section of the meeting the panel will consider advertising for bids for water distribution upgrades for a section of town east of 4th Street between Missouri and Alabama Avenues. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

USAO Professor to Discuss Research in Europe

A USAO professor will be presenting an original research paper in Germany. Dr. Zach Simpson, professor of religion and philosophy will discuss his research at the Institute for American Religious and Philosophical Thought in Berlin June 12^th-15^th. A press release from the university indicates it is part of a larger research project which examines how western ideas of individuality evolved and what they might mean for society. The theme of the conference focuses on borders and boundaries and welcomes scholars with inter-disciplinary backgrounds to discuss their work.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.78 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.54.

Natural gas is $2.41 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,994 and silver is $25.38.

Obituary

Loretta McGill

Funeral service for Loretta McGill, 69, of Rush Springs will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 2^nd at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was a beautician and cared for individuals with disabilities.

Saturday, April 29th

Rural Lawmakers Work to Build a Better Future for Non-Urban Regions

New policies, procedures, and laws to help spur development in rural Oklahoma are always being considered at the state capital. But there are several factors involved that no one can control including the economy, federal environmental policy, and the weather. The Oklahoman reports that state lawmakers in rural areas gather weekly to discuss issues. State Senator Darcy Jech (R-Kingfisher) whose district includes Caddo County leads a group of rural senators. They agree that agriculture and oil and gas production are at the top of the list but are difficult to manage. Among the areas that are key for the long-term include broadband service. Officials say the service is not just for cell phones. It's needed for modern irrigation systems, fire management, and business needs. Workforce development is also critical. While career-tech centers are doing what they can, Gov. Stitt this year formed the Workforce Transformation Task Force to come up with recommendations. Lawmakers are also considering a bill which would create an Oklahoma Workforce Commission. Health care is also important as officials say there has been a shortage of health care access in rural areas over the last three decades. Economic development is another area of concern. Last year, rural state lawmakers were able to get $250 million in Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity funds approved in an attempt to get new projects started.

Weekend Fundraisers

Juneteenth

There are a couple weekend fundraisers designed to support some good programs and allow individuals to stay out of the kitchen. Today, Chickasha's Bullock Memorial Center will hold a baked-potato fundraiser to support the Juneteenth Celebration which will be held in mid-June. Chickasha hasn't had a Juneteenth celebration since before the pandemic. It runs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Bullock Center at 917 S. 1st. The donation is $10 per person.

Naples Fire Department

Tomorrow, the Naples Fire Department will hold its community appreciation fish fry. It is free and open to the public but donations are welcome. In addition to the fish fry there will be a silent auction. The event will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday, April 30^th). The Naples Fire Department is on the Alex Highway north of State Highway 39.

Talk Show Topics

Candace Smith and Bud Andrus with the Chickasha Antique Auto Club are guests on the KOOL Konversation. Spencer Wizenried, the director of the City of Chickasha’s Parks and Recreation Department is this week’s guest on Real Estate Today. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

Obituary

Loretta McGill

Funeral service for Loretta McGill, 69, of Rush Springs will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 2nd at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was a beautician and cared for individuals with disabilities.

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Friday, April 28th

Attorney General Approves Agreement Allowing

PSO to Pursue Purchase of Wind and Solar Farms

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and its parent company American Electric Power (AEP) get to move forward with plans to purchase a number of wind and solar farms. If approved, the purchase is expected to eventually lower utility costs for consumers – however that would occur after a brief increase in rates. Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond approved a settlement agreement with PSO allowing the utility to continue efforts to purchase three wind farms and three solar farms. If approved, it is expected to provide nearly 1,000 additional megawatts of power production capacity to the utility. The combined cost of the farms is $2.5 billion. If approved by the Corporation Commission the purchase would increase monthly bills by about $2 per month in 2025, but the following year utility bills would go down about $2.60 per month. The acquisition is also expected to allow PSO to provide more power in times of need.

Efforts to Record Histories of Indigenous Peoples'

Experiences in Abusive Boarding Schools Gets Support

A national project to record the oral histories of survivors and descendants of Native Americans who suffered abuse while attending federal boarding schools as children is expected to begin soon. The Interior Department has announced a partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities to document the experiences of thousands of Native American, Alaska native, and Native Hawaiian students. Many of the boarding schools were said to have sought to 'civilize’ Indigenous students through abusive practices. The Oklahoman reports that the National Endowment for the Humanities has contributed $4 million to the project and will look for other ways to support research, educational programming, and gatherings.

Remains Found in Duncan Identified as Missing Woman

Skeletal remains found in Duncan have been identified as a woman who went missing last summer.  84-year old Margie Pickens was reported missing from her home last June and that began a weeks-long search effort throughout the Duncan area. The Duncan Banner reports the Duncan Police Department confirmed remains found in a field by a utility worker last week were those of Pickens. Foul play is not suspected but the state medical examiner's office will determine her cause of death.

Retiring USAO Prez to Salute Final Graduating Class

This will be a special weekend for USAO's spring graduates as well as university president John Feaver. This will be the final commencement for Feaver who is retiring at the end of the year. Feaver has spent more than 20 years leading the university and said he is proud to have been part of the history of the univeristy and all the changes that have taken place during his tenure. Weather permitting, commencement will be outdoors on the oval tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. The state chancellor for higher education, Allison Garrett, will deliver the commencement address.

4H'er Says Humans, Horses Have A Lot in Common

Did you know that horses have many of the same qualities as humans? Mesa Payne with the Grady County 4H Horse Club says horses are family-oriented, thrive in social settings, and can even suffer from lonliness. Also-

She also said riding horses strengthens a person’s core, trunk, coordination, and balance.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.37.

Natural gas is $2.36 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,992 and silver is $25.12.

Obituaries

Kenneth Pogue

Funeral service for Kenneth Pogue, 85, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 28^th at Sevier Funeral Home.

Billy Hare, Jr.

Funeral service for Billy Hare, Jr., 57, of Ninnekah will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 1st at Ferguson Funeral Home. He owned and operated an oilfield disposals company.

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Thursday, April 27th

Big Sign-on Bonuses Offered to New Oklahoma Teachers

State School Superintendent Ryan Walters has announced a proposal to offer new Oklahoma teachers up to $50,000 to work in state classrooms. The bonuses will be offered to early childhood education and special education teachers and they would have to work in the state for five years. Walters said the bonuses would draw teachers from other states and other job sectors to help alleviate Oklahoma's teaching shortage especially in rural areas and high-poverty schools. The Oklahoman reports that the state would use private funds for an out-of-state advertising campaign to promote the program. The State Department of Education said it is financing the program with $8 million in ARPA funds and another $8 million in funds from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Officials say it is a one-time bonus plan and they are already accepting applications for next school year. There's no guarantee that the bonuses would continue after 2024. State Rep. Mark McBride of Norman said while the state is recruiting new teachers - something should also be done to show appreciation to teachers who are already in Oklahoma classrooms.

Grady County VFW In Danger of Losing Charter

A Grady County veterans group is in danger of losing its charter. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 11201 will have a meeting next month to elect new officers and if seven positions aren't filled the post will permanently close. Officials are requesting that all current VFW members attend. The VFW is for any veteran who has served in a war-zone whether they saw combat duty or not. A meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the Grady County Veterans Center in Chickasha at 6th and Chickasha Avenue. If there are not enough members to fill the offices the state and national VFW offices will close the post after the state convention in June. The VFW is a community-based organization. For information contact Eric Anderson by calling 405-412-5739.

Three USAO Faculty Members Honored

USAO regents have recognized three faculty members for their work. Chemistry instructor and lab coordinator Thomas Willcock was presented with the Superior Teaching Award in part for his enthusiastic support for his students. Professor of Theatre Arts Katie Davis received the Faculty Service Award for her work in recruiting students and for serving as director of the Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series; and Assistant Professor of Environmental Services Dr. David Reed received the Scholarly Activity Award for his prolific and consistent output of peer-reviewed research.

New Date Set for Native Art Center Re-opening

The re-opening of the Jacobson House Native Art Center has been re-scheduled. The event is now set for Saturday, May 20^th. Among the collection are photos of several of the Kiowa Six artists from 1929 with their OU art professor Dr. Oscar Jacobsen. There is also a photo of Lois Smoky who is the only female member of the renowned Kiowa art students taught by Dr. Jacobsen nearly 100 years ago. The grand-re-opening of the center will be Saturday, May 20^th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The center is located at 609 Chatauqua Avenue in Norman.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.30.

London-based Brent crude is $77.69.

Natural gas is $2.12 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,007 and silver is $25.29.

Obituaries

Mary Wood

A memorial service for Mary Wood, 100, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Peggy Harwell

A graveside service for Peggy Harwell, 91, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 28^th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Nancy Nichols

Funeral service for Nancy Nichols, 80, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 28^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Loretta Reynolds

A graveside service for Loretta Reynolds, 75, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3rd at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, April 26th

Admitted Triple Murderer Formally Sentenced

Lawrence Paul Anderson stepped inside a Grady County courtroom for perhaps the last time this week. Anderson was formally sentenced for his admitted role in the brutal killings of three people, including a four-year old girl. Anderson pleaded guilty to three counts of murder, assault, and maiming in a plea deal with prosecutors last month. District Judge Kory Kirkland issued the formal sentence this week - three consecutive life terms without parole and two additional consecutive life terms. Anderson pleaded guilty to killing his uncle, Leon Pye; Pye's four-year old granddaugther Kaeos Yates; and a neighbor, Andrea Blankenship. The killings drew national attention as Anderson cut out Blankenship's heart and tried to make his family eat it.

Vacant Home Destroyed By Fire Torn Down

That fire at a vacant Chickasha home yesterday morning caused so much damage that officials had to demolish the remnants for safety reasons. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said the home was nearly fully engulfed when crews arrived about 4 a.m. Tuesday. The chief said no one was in the home at the time but there was evidence that transients may have been staying there. There were some tense moments as one firefighter nearly fell in to the basement but he was not seriously injured. About a dozen firefighters spent about four hours on site. Samaniego said the fire started from trash barrels near the home where someone appeared to be burning some wire to recycle the copper. The chief did not believe the fire was intentionally set. Samaniego estimated the value of the 1,000 sq. ft. wood-frame home at about $30,000.

Hospital Inks New Contract with Blue Cross-Blue Shield

Grady Memorial Hospital officials say a new two-year contract has been signed with Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Oklahoma. The agreement includes the addition of Blue Advantage PPO which previously was out-of-network for the hospital and the Five Oaks Medical Group. Hospital officials say the contract provides a means for patients to receive local medical care and save money. Grady Memorial will remain in-network with numerous other Blue Cross-Blue Shield programs including Blue Traditional; Blue Choice PPO; Blue Preferred PPO; BlueLincs HMO; Medicare Advantage PPO; Medicare Advantage HMO, and BluePlan 65 Select.

Broadband Expansion Bill Continues Path at State Capital

A bill to expand broadband service to rural Oklahoma passes another hurdle at the state capitol. The state senate unanimously approved HB 1977 with amendments this week. It would require the state Department of Transportation (ODOT) pass emergency rules to provide for broadband fiber conduit for internet service providers for all new construction. State Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) sponsors the legislation in the senate. The website OK Energy Today indicates the legislation will likely end up in a conference committee then return for quick votes in both the senate and house before it can be sent to the governor for his consideration. The amount of broadband funding for Oklahoma is expected to be announced this summer and could exceed $750 million.  Proposals to build broadband transmission lines could be accepted sometime next year.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.07 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $80.77.

Natural gas is $2.31 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,009 and silver is $25.28.

Obituary

John Robert ‘Rob’ Mallouf

A memorial service for Rob Mallouf, 56, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 28th at Chickasha’s First Baptist Church. He was car salesman much of his life but he served a short time as the head football coach at East Central University in Ada and led the team to a national championship in 1993. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, April 25th

Two Counties to Get FEMA Assistance for Tornado Damage

McClain and Pottawatomie counties have been approved for federal assistance as a result of last week's tornado outbreak. President Biden approved Gov. Kevin Stitt's request for disaster help yesterday. It includes FEMA funds to supplement state tribal, and local government recovery efforts, as well as grants for housing and home repair grants and low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses. Grady County was not included in the declaration but there was some damage. Here's County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson-

Thompson encourages property and business owners to report damage on line at www.damage.ok.gov He said it would help give the county a better chance of getting disaster funds but it's not a guarantee. Thompson said residents and business owners can follow the Grady County Emergency Management Facebook page for information.

Chix Fire Crews Dowse Early-Morning Fire

Chickasha firefighters were dispatched to an early morning fire in the north part of town. The fire erupted about 4:00 a.m. at a home at 7th and Illinois Avenue. We don't have a lot of information about the fire but a police officer we spoke to said the home was unoccupied and there were no injuries. Listen to KOOL-RANCH News later today for an update.

'Possible Threat' at Friend School Found Not Credible

A possible threat was reported at Friend School last week. Thankfully, authorities determined that the threat was not credible. The Grady County Sheriff's Office posted information about the incident on its Facebook page yesterday. A post attributed to Sheriff Gary Boggess indicated deputies responded immediately to last Thursday’s incident and an ensuing investigation found no evidence of a credible threat.

Medical Episode Causes Multi-Vehicle Crash

Two people, including a teenager, were last in critical condition after a multi-vehicle accident near Purcell last night – however a Lindsay family involved somehow escaped serious injury. The crash happened just before 6:00 p.m. when a driver suffered a medical episode and crossed the center line of the roadway and hit two oncoming vehicles. In critical condition is 45-year old Gene Blevins of Seminole who suffered the medical issue. The teenager was an unidentified 17-year old girl from Lexington who was driving one of the other vehicles. The family from Lindsay, Kendrick and Jewell Johnson and their two young children were taken to the Purcell hospital where they were all treated and released.

Grady County Jail Website Down Due to Tech Upgrade

For those who check the Grady County Jail's website to see recent arrests there has not been any new arrests posted for the last week. We checked with jail administrator Jim Gerlach yesterday and he said that officials are switching over to a new system. The previous system is being replaced with a new $60,000 software system being installed by Tiger Commissary. Gerlach said they are working on some technical issues and hope to have the website back in operation later this week.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.73.

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,995 and silver is $25.27.

Obituaries

Elbert ‘Wayne’ Wendling

Funeral service for Wayne Wendling, 88, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 26th at the Alex Southern Baptist Church. He and his wife ran a dairy farm and raisled cattle in the Dibble area. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Becky Cravens

A memorial service for Becky Cravens, 67, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 30th at Chickasha’s First Christian Church. She worked for the district court judges in Chickasha and Anadarko. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Monday, April 24th

March Construction in Chix Tops $1 Million

More than $1 million in new construction projects were approved by Chickasha city officials last month. The March building report from the city's Community Development Department shows 20 permits were issued which included 8 commercial and 12 residential projects. The total value of the combined projects was not available as all the information was not provided.

Commercial

The commercial sector included a new building for Brad Bates at Bate's Truck Repair for $125,000. Commercial remodel permits included one for developer Chet Hitt for the Mill Building at the railroad depot downtown, and one for Willowbrook Construction for Hitt's project at the old Savoy Hotel across the street. Others went to a company called Open Skies Group for work in the 600 block of Chickasha Avenue; one for Grand Assembly of God; one for Wesley Guenther in the 2200 block of S. 4th; one for the City of Chickasha in the 800 block of South 7th; and one for Johnny Torres in the 300 block of Chickasha Avenue.

Residential

In residential construction, permits for Home Creations to build four more new homes on Dusky Valley Lane were approved as was one for Shirley Akins in the 3400 block of West Carolina. Residential remodel permits were approved at 14th and Dakota Avenue; two in the 700 block of South 5th; one in the 3400 block of South 4th; one near 17th and Missouri Avenue; and one in the 800 block of South 16th. The value of the new construction approved last month was up about 30 percent from February. For the first three months of the year new construction is about $4.1 million.

Teens Injured in Weekend Rollover

Four Stephens County teenagers were hurt in a weekend traffic accident. The crash happened just before 7:00 a.m. Saturday about eight miles east of Marlow on State Highway 29. The highway patrol reports the car ran off the highway, hit a culvert and a mail box, and rolled an undetermined number of times. Two teens were taken to an Oklahoma City hospital including the unidentified 17-year old driver from Duncan. He suffered head and neck injuries and was last in fair condition. A passenger, 18-year old Camden Propest also of Duncan suffered a head injury and was last in stable condition. Also in the vehicle were 18-year old Brian Zhang and 18-year old Gabriel Cooper both of Marlow. They were taken to a Duncan hospital and were treated and released.

USAO History Book Available

The more than 100-year history of USAO has been compiled in a new book. It's called The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma - Celebrating A Tradition of Different. History professor James Finck has spent the last five years fine-tuning the research done by a previous instructor.

The book traces the early history of the university when it was initially the Oklahoma Industrial Institute and College for Girls, to the Oklahoma College for Women, the transition to co-educational instruction with the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts in 1965, then to its current name in 1974. The book is available at the USAO Foundation office located in Troutt Hall.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.87 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.66.

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,994 and silver is $25.32.

Saturday, April 22nd

Consumers to Pay Billions for Costs Associated with 2021 Polar Vortex

More than $6.5 billion will be added to utility bills for many Oklahomans for decades. The reason - to allow electric companies to pay for fuel cost adjustments and related expenses that came about as a result of that polar vortex which impacted several states in February of 2021. This week, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission voted 2-1 to approve the adjustments which will be paid for by customers of Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO); Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG), and Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E). PSO sought more than $700 million; OG&E requested nearly $500 million; and ONG more than $320 million. The website OK Energy Today indicates the remaining $4 billion is for interest. Monthly bills are expected to increase as much as $5 per month for the next 20 to 30 years. Commissioner Bob Anthony voted against the proposal. He's been battling the plans since day one saying there has been over-charging, market manipulation, falsified records, and an overall lack of transparency. In a 180-page opinion against the proposal Anthony said the orders approved were the worst abuse against public utility ratepayers in decades.

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Retired Tuttle Assistant Fire Chief Dies

Longtime Tuttle firefighter W.J. Morgan has died. Morgan served as the assistant chief for the department for several years until his retirement. He was 53 when he passed away Thursday. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 29^th at Life Church in Mustang. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle.

Awards Issued at 100th Chix Chamber of Commerce Banquet

One hundred years of service to the Chickasha community was celebrated during the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce annual banquet last night. The chamber organized in August of 1923. About 400 people attended the banquet at the Grady County Fairgrounds. A number of individuals and businesses were recognized. Kent Hibbard was posthumously honored with the Legacy Civic Hall of Fame award. He created the Resurrection House to help the homeless and was instrumental in creating Life Skills Institute which continues to help individuals get back on their feet. Longtime business owner and former State Representative Dan Ramsey was inducted into the Civic Hall of Fame; Cimarron Trailers was named Business of the Year; Shakespeare Wine Company was selected as Small Business of the Year; Interim Chickasha Police Chief G.G. Music was named Public Servant of the Year; Johnny Trammell was named Volunteer of the Year; Dr. Christy Clift received Volunteer of the Year honors; Jamie Jones with the Grady County Fairgrounds was named Woman of the Year; Marissa Moore of USAO was named Young Professional of the Year; and The Wrecking Ball Film Festival was named the Event of the Year.

Talk Show Topics

USAO history professor James Finck is this week’s guest on the KOOL Konversation. The guest on Real Estate Today is Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

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Friday, April 21st

Tornado Clean-up Continues

The death toll from Wednesday night's tornadoes In Oklahoma has climbed to three and  many communities continue to dig through the rubble of what was left behind. Governor Kevin Stitt issued a state of emergency for five counties, including McClain and Cleveland counties. The Grady County Sheriff's Office sent a team to aid McClain County officials in the town of Cole where two people died and numerous homes were destroyed or damaged. A post on the sheriff's office Facebook page indicated that deputies covered about a 15-square mile area, checking homes and businesses and offering assistance. Grady County Emergency Management officials encourage residents who had property damage from the storms to reach out. Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said the information is used by state officials to better coordinate response and recovery efforts.

Man Hospitalized Following Turnpike Crash

We have information on that traffic accident that happened early Thursday morning on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. A Cement man was hospitalized after his truck became disabled and he pulled over on the shoulder. As he was checking under the hood an oncoming motorist struck the pickup, which sent the victim flying into a grassy area next to the shoulder. 64-year old Alvin Bottoms was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital with head and trunk injuries and was last in stable condition. The motorist who struck Bottoms’ truck, 29-year old Christopher Devashure of Perkins, was taken to a hospital where he was treated and released. The highway patrol said Devashure was trying to place a drink in a cup holder when the accident occurred.

New Grady County Deputy Sworn In

Another long-time Chickasha police officer has joined the Grady County Sheriff's Office. Scott Weaver was sworn in as a deputy this week. Weaver retired from the Chickasha Police Department after more than 20 years of service and has more than 25 years’ experience overall in law enforcement. Weaver will be assigned to the sheriff’s office courthouse division.

Chix Chamber of Commerce to Celebrate Centennial

It's a special day for the Chickasha business community as the Chamber of Commerce will mark its 100th year during the chamber's annual banquet. There will be a video review of the long history of the group including some of the pre-chamber days in the early 1900s. Chamber Director Jim Cowan said staff members have spent a lot of thought and time putting this historic event together.

A number of awards will be presented including the induction of one person into the civic hall of fame. Other awards will be the large and small businesses of the year, the woman of the year, and the handing over of the gavel to the new president of the chamber’s board of directors. The chamber banquet will be held tonight at the Grady County Fairgrounds.

Summer Camp Options Include 'Art Scope'

Summer vacation for school students will be here before we know it. Among the summer camps available is Art Scope which is hosted by the Chickasha Area Arts Council. This will be the 25th year for the two-week camp which will be held June 5th through 16th at USAO. It's for children 8 through 12 years old and includes a balanced program of theatre, visual arts, dance, and music taught by a professional staff of artists and instructors. The cost is just under $200 per student and scholarships are available. For information check out the arts council's website at: www.chickasha arts.org

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.29 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.10.

Natural gas is $2.25 per million BTUs.

Gold is just under $2,000 and silver is $26.40.

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Thursday, April 20th

Tornadoes, Powerful Storms hit State

The massive cleanup from last night’s tornadoes and strong thunderstorms is underway. Two people died when a large tornado hit the town of Cole east of Blanchard. Numerous tornado warnings were issued including some in Grady County.  The first was issued at 6:43 p.m. and a second followed about 30 minutes later at 7:15 p.m. Warnings were issued for the Amber and Blanchard area when storms with baseball-sized hail developed near the Chickasha Airport. The threat included areas of Bridge Creek, Newcastle, and the Norman area. A tornado also caused a lot of damage in the Shawnee area. There were reports that several people were trapped inside their storm shelters. The Red Cross set up an office in McClain County at the Goldsby Community Center to help victims. There are a few school closings today due to the violent weather which included Dibble Public Schools.

Early-morning Crash Closes Part of H.E. Bailey Turnpike

First responders were summoned to an early-morning traffic accident on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. Emergency crews were dispatched to the area near mile marker 82 just before six o'clock this morning. A witness said a car had flipped upside down in the eastbound lanes of the turnpike. Both eastbound lanes of the turnpike were closed. There was no immediate word regarding injuries.

Marlow Woman Dies Following Accident

A Marlow woman died in a crash in Stephens County. 32-year old Mary Jones perished in the accident that happened just west of Duncan on Plato Road about 4:00 p.m. Wednesday. The Highway Patrol reports that Jones’ vehicle left the road, hit a mailbox, then crossed the road and hit a fence. Jones was pinned in the wreckage for nearly two hours.

State Senate OK's Wind-Turbine-Blade Landfill Measure

A bill designed to put strict requirements on wind-turbine-blade junk yards gets near unanimous support in the state senate. HB 2359 was approved by the senate by a 46-1 vote. The senate added an amendment to the bill which would require operators of disposal sites to file annual reports with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and provide evidence of financial security. The bill will go back to the house where members will consider the amendment. The house bill was authored by State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) and State Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) is a co-author. Wind turbine blades are longer than the wing of a Boeing 747 with an average length of 120 feet and weigh five tons. Officials say it is very difficult to recycle the blades. One study estimates the world's wind industry would produce 43 million tons of blade waste each year by the middle of the century.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.16 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.12.

Natural gas is $2.22 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,012 and silver is $25.70.

Obituaries

Donald ‘Duck’ Williams, Sr.

A memorial service for Donald 'Duck' Williams, Sr., 79, of Chickasha will be held by the family at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 22^nd at Shannon Springs Park. He grew up in Verden and ran a mechanic shop in Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Delbert Blaylock

Funeral service for Delbert Blaylock, 67, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday April 24th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He worked in the oilfield and started his own security company. He also served with a non-profit motorcycle group that searches for missing and endangered children.

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Wednesday, April 19th

Blanchard Police Officer Recovering from Gunshot Wound

The Blanchard police officer who was shot while investigating a domestic disturbance earlier this month continues recovering from his injury. Officer Mathew Thurston is on medical leave after having surgery on his right arm. Thurston was the officer injured in an incident which ended in the murder-suicide of a Blanchard couple which occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 8th. Blanchard Police Chief Steve Rhodes tells KOOL-RANCH News that Thurston was shot a close range – about five feet from the gunman – and was grazed by a bullet on his leg and near his groin. He said Thurston's surgery included getting some screws in his arm then put in a cast. Thurston, just 27 years old, has only been with the department about three months. He previously worked for the police department at Mid America Christian University for three years. He and his wife have one child with another on the way. Rhodes said the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation continues its probe of the incident.

Onward Chickasha Survey Data Being Analyzed

Coordinators of the Onward Chickasha long-range planning project say they are currently analyzing and reviewing the results of the initial community survey that was completed last month. Landon Jones with the Guernsey and Associates engineering firm said while survey participants recently received a notice that Phase Two of the survey is underway, there is no updated information available just yet. In an e-mail from Jones, he said that the results of the survey will be shared with the community in the near future. In the meantime, Jones encourages residents to continue adding ideas by visiting the website: www.onwardchickasha.org

Individuals can leave a general comment, view an inter-active map, and learn about the reasons for developing the plan.

Kiowa Language Recognized by State Dep't of Education

The Oklahoma Department of Education is recognizing a Kiowa language program. The Kiowa Tribe has been working for several years to develop a program that would allow the teaching of the Kiowa language in schools and to allow students to get credit for taking the class. Lillie Pinnell is the director of the Kiowa Language Department for the tribe. She tells KSWO-TV that the move is a pivotal step to revitalizing the language. So far 25 people have been trained and about half of them have received their teaching credentials. Among them is Ramon Granado who said he was raised in a Kiowa household and had basic understanding of the language but never heard it spoken in school.

Students Place High in Braille Challenge

A couple of visually impaired students in the region turned in good performances at a regional Braille challenge competition. Lillith Pederson of Anadarko won a gold medal in the sophomore category and Chris Sumner of Chickasha won a bronze medal in the freshman transitional category. The competition was held at the Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee. The school is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. More than 30 students took part in the annual competition sponsored by the Braille Institute of America. The institute will invite the top 50 finalists from competitions in the U.S. and Canada to take part in the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles this summer.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.86 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.77.

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.

Gold drops below $2,000 to $1,987 and silver is $24.81.

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Tuesday, April 18th

State Insurance Commissioner Visits Chickasha, Anadarko

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready spent time in Chickasha and Anadarko yesterday in town hall-type settings. Mulready met with insurance agents to field questions and provide updates from his office. KOOL-RANCH News met with Mulready and he says his office takes about 15,000 calls every year from consumers who are having issues with a variety of disputed insurance claims.

Mulready said the office has a property casualty division which handle home owners, business, and auto claims as well as a life and health insurance claims division.

Chick Water Customers WON'T see Water-Meter Fee Hike

City of Chickasha officials say there won't be an increase in the city’s monthly water meter fee. The city council last night approved a change to a city ordinance regarding the fee for water users. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley said a meter fee of about $1 per month was approved last fall and has been included in water bills for the last several months. City Manager Keith Johnson also told the council that the resolution considered last night would not mean another increase in monthly utility bills.

Crash Kills Two Adults; Sends Two Kids to Hospital

State troopers are investigating a traffic accident that killed two people and sent two children to the hospital. One of those who died was identified as 36-year old Christopher Moors of Fletcher. The name of the second person who died has not been released as relatives have not been notified. An 8-year old girl and a six-year old boy were both taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. The boy was admitted in fair condition and the girl was admitted in good condition. No details of the accident have been released. The crash happened just before 8 o'clock last night on State Highway 65 about seven miles south of Sterling in Comanche County.

Middleberg Voting Precinct Changing

Grady County voters who cast ballots at Middleberg School will have a new precinct to visit in future elections. The precinct has been changed to the Middleberg Baptist Church at 2341 Old Highway 62. The change is due to some upcoming construction at the school. The first election to be impacted by the change is June 13th. All registered voters in the precinct will be getting new voter identification cards in the mail.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.83 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.76.

Natural gas is $2.28 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,012 and silver is $25.14.

Obituary

Roberta Greenway

Funeral service for Roberta Greenway, 75, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 20^th at McRay Funeral Home. She spent nearly 50 years in education and taught physical education at Chickasha Intermediate School for nearly 30 years. Memorial contributions may be made to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA Voices for Children).

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Monday, April 17th

Water Meter Fees to be Discussed by Chix City Council

The Chickasha City Council tonight will consider implementing a monthly fee on water meters for residents and businesses that get water from the city. It's one of several resolutions regarding water usage to be discussed. It's not clear what the monthly fee might be. The resolution indicates the funds would go toward infrastructure repairs and upgrades.

Four Council Reps to take Oaths of Office

Several city council representatives will be sworn into their respective offices tonight. Ward 4 Councilman Kelly Boyd, Ward 3 Councilman Oscar Nelson, Ward 2 councilwoman Georgianne Hebblethwaite, and Ward 1 Councilman Brian Gerdes will each serve two-year terms. Gerdes, Hebblethwaite, and Nelson all ran unopposed for their posts while Kelly Boyd was re-elected earlier this month.

Other Council Topics

The council will also consider a proposal to go out for bids for oil and gas mining leases covering certain Grady County properties. The group is expected to approve a more than $35,000 reimbursement to the Moonlight Tea Company. That's part of a cost-share agreement between the company and the city to run a water line underneath 4th Street at 4th and Missouri for the new H-Tea-Oh store that is being built there. The panel will also consider replacing and upgrading fuel pumps at the airport at a cost not to exceed $50,000. Also, the panel will consider approving contracts with several performers who will be at the city's Wings and Wheels Fly-in on June 3rd. The group is also expected to authorize a town-wide garage sale for May 11th through 13th and waive garage sale permit fees for those days. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

Gov. Stitt Shuts Down Homeless Council

Gov. Kevin Stitt is taking some heat after shutting down a state panel created to help the homeless. Over the weekend the governor dissolved the Interagency Council on Homelessness. The group has been around for 25 years but Stitt said that during his four-plus years in office he's never seen a report. Stitt said the focus needs to be shifted to mental health, drug treatment programs, and job creation. Our partners at KWTV News 9 talked with officials from the homeless alliance who say the council was created as a collaboration tool for state agencies and did not receive any state funds. Alliance officials said that homelessness is a complex issue and there is not a one-size-fits-all program. Officials also said that mental health and substance abuse alone aren't the only issues facing the homeless.

Emergency Planning Committee Meets this Week

Grady County's Local Emergency Planning Committee will hold its second-quarter meeting later this week. Undersheriff Kori Brewer is the guest speaker, there will be a review of the county hazard mitigation plan, and discussion of the county's emergency operations plan for 2023-24. The meeting will be Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the Canadian Valley Technology Center.

Extension Office Welcomes New Ag Educator

The Grady County OSU Extension Office has a new agriculture educator. Denise Wood recently joined the staff. She'll be the speaker for the Grady County Agriculture producer's meeting tomorrow morning. The program is open to all ag producers throughout the county. It will get underway at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 18th.

OHCE Grant to Fund Youth Summer Kitchen Program

Grady County's Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE) group has received a grant to hold a summer food preparation program for youth. The organization received an $800 grant from the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Ambassadors. The funds will be used to hold a ‘kitchen basics for youth’ series, which is part of an OHCE state project to reduce childhood hunger. The classes will be held on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Registration begins May 1st.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.52 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.31.

Natural gas is $2.11 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,022 and silver is $25.57.

Obituaries

Doris Marshall

A graveside service for Doris Marshall, 91, of Amber was held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 17^th at the Amber Cemetery. She was a homemaker and she and her husband owned and operated a dairy farm for many years. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Home for Children. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Amy Schoolfield

Funeral service for Amy Schoolfield, 49, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 18th at New Life Christian Church. She was a registered nurse. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Saturday, April 15th

Teen Shooting Suspected to be Tried as Youthful Offender

A Caddo County judge has ruled that a Cyril teenager will be tried as a youthful offender for shooting his father. Defense attorneys for 17-year old Lance Moore had filed a motion asking that Moore be certified as a juvenile. Moore was arrested in October of 2021 for shooting his father in the back. Court documents show that Cyril police were called to the Cyril Village Apartments to investigate the shooting. At the time, Moore told police that his father came to the apartment looking for the teen's mother and the teen and his dad had a confrontation. Moore said his father threatened him prior to the shooting. A jury trial has been schedule Sept. 25th.

Wind Turbine-Blade Junkyard Bill OK'd by State Senate Panel

A bill designed to regulate wind-turbine-blade junk yards will be heard in the state senate. Earlier this week we reported on HB 2359 which would require junkyard operators to show financial security that the blades are being properly disposed of and to file annual reports with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The bill from State Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) and State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) passed out of the senate energy and telecommunications committee with a 9-1 vote this week with an amendment for junkyards to pay a $1,000 annual filing fee. It's not clear when the bill will be debated by the full senate.

80-mph Speed Limit on H.E. Bailey Turnpike Ok'd

Officials with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) have approved increasing the speed limit on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The Southwest Ledger reports that the speed limit will be increased to 80 miles per hour but it wasn't clear when that might go into effect. It will impact a nearly 50-mile stretch of the turnpike (I-44) between Newcastle and Lawton. A turnpike representative told the Ledger that cable barriers need to be installed on some sections and some resurfacing also must take place before the speed limit goes up. Last year the turnpike fully transitioned to a cashless tolling system which requires motorists to either purchase a PikePass or be sent a bill from the turnpike's PlatePay system. The PlatePay system takes a photograph of a vehicle's license plate and the OTA will mail a bill to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Apache Rattlesnake Festival Continues Through the Weekend

It should be a good weekend for the Apache Rattlesnake Festival. It's the 39th year for the event hosted by the Slick Hills Foundation and features a lot of events that don't even pertain to the slithering creatures which lurk in the Slick Hills just outside the town limits. There's a large flea market, a carnival, live music and entertainment (including a Native American fancy war dance competition), and a rodeo. Visitors can learn about the rattlers and other venomous and non-venomous snakes at the snake pit and can witness snake handlers walk within a den of dozens of snakes. There are even guided snake hunts and individuals may want a taste of some deep-fried rattlesnake. The festival is open until 10 o'clock tonight and runs from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow. There's no charge to attend the flea market but there are fees for some of the activities.

Talk Show Topics

Anadarko City Manager Richard Rogalski and the city's neighborhood and community services director Corey Bowen are on the KOOL Konversation talking about the Great Anadarko Cleanup set for next week. On Real Estate Today the guests are Dan Turner and Jerry Don Bray with Chickasha Public Schools giving an update on the construction projects going on. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

Obituaries

Doris Marshall

A graveside service for Doris Marshall, 91, of Amber will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 17th at the Amber Cemetery. She was a homemaker and she and her husband operated a dairy farm for many years. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Home for Children. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Amy Schoolfield

Funeral service for 49-year old Amy Schoolfield of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 18th at New Life Christian Church. She was a registered nurse. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Friday, April 14th

Ex-Con Back in Jail After an OKC-to-Altus Trip

Takes Detour to Chickasha and Pocasset

A frightening situation occurred this week for a woman who agreed to help a man move some things from Oklahoma City to Altus. The trip took an unexpected turn to a rural area near Pocasset with the man threatening the woman with a handgun. A probable cause affidavit from the Grady County Sheriff’s Office indicates it started in Oklahoma City Monday morning. While driving down the turnpike in the woman’s van, she got nervous and pulled into the E-Z Go Convenience Store. The suspect pulled out a weapon and told her to keep driving and he threw her cell phone out of the vehicle. Then he told her to get off the turnpike at the Chickasha exit and they ended up near Pocasset. The suspect is alleged to have tried to push the woman out of the van and it got stuck in a ditch. The victim was able to run to a nearby home and called authorities while the suspect ran into a wooded area. On Tuesday, authorities got a call about a suspicious person in the Pocasset area. Deputies were told a man matching the suspect’s description was given a ride by an individual in a flat-bed truck. Deputies spotted the truck, made a traffic stop, and took the suspect into custody. Arrested was 39-year old Jarvis Earl Sanders, also known as 'Westside.'  Prosecutors have charged Sanders with first degree robbery and having a weapon after former felony conviction. Sanders has previous convictions of assault and battery with dangerous weapon and unauthorized use of a vehicle out of Oklahoma County from 2018. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

School Safety Bills OK'd by State House Panels

Two bills supported by a Grady County state lawmaker that would increase security in Oklahoma schools get unanimous approval by house committees. State Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) presented SB 100 to the house education committee and SB 101 to the appropriations and budget committee. Lowe reviewed the bills earlier this week on KOOL-RANCH News (see Monday, April 10th). SB 100 would require that every school district undergo a risk and vulnerability assessment and get recommendations for improving school security. SB 101 would require than the state department of education establish a school resource officer grant program which would provide rural and underserved schools with start-up grants to begin school resource officer programs. The bills passed their respective committees unanimously and will now be heard by the full house of representatives.

Chix 'Second Friday' Art Walk Tonight

Organizers of the monthly Second Friday art walk in downtown Chickasha expect tonight's event to be the best yet. More than 30 businesses and organizations will be open after regular hours and more than 25 artisans will have their works on display and many will have their items for sale. Organizer Dana Helms says to expect 'flash mobs' to pop up. She explains what a flash mob is-

The art walk will be mainly along Chickasha Avenue from the Leg Lamp to 8th Street but will also include some business on 4^th Street, 5^th Street, and Kansas Avenue from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight. The first flash mob will be at the Leg Lamp about 5:30 p.m. with a second flash mob at Shakespeare Wine Company about 7:00 p.m. There is no cost for families to stroll through downtown to visit with the local artists.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.16 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.09.

Natural gas is $2.01 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,055 and silver is $26.19.

Obituary

Terry Andrews

A memorial service for Terry Andrews, 62, of Chickasha will be held by the family at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Thursday, April 13th 

Wind-Turbine Blade 'Junkyard' Bill Proposed

What happens to wind-turbine blades when they are outdated? The life expectancy of the massive blades is about 20 years. State Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) and State Representative Brad Boles (R-Marlow) are working on legislation regarding the disposal of wind turbine blades in Oklahoma. In recent years, the disposal of the blades has become an issue in other states. HB 2359 calls for operators of wind turbine junkyards to file annual reports with the corporation commission. The website OK Energy Today cites the bill as saying an owner of a wind farm operation who chooses to send old blades to a third party recycling facility in Oklahoma would have to use facilities that would be listed on the corporation commission's website. The measure is on today's agenda for the senate energy and telecommunications committee.

CHS Football Stadium Field Turf Project Ahead of Schedule

Construction crews are ahead of schedule for the renovations underway at the Chickasha High School football field. The field turf that replaces the natural grass surface was installed this week. School district operations director Dan Turner says crews now have the tedious task of detailing the field-

After that...crews have to insert the fill material needed to create a safe playing surface. Turner said crews are about two weeks ahead of schedule. The work is expected to be completed well before the start of football season this fall.

Driver Hospitalized After Car Hits Tree

An elderly Marlow driver was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after the car she was driving ran off the road and hit a tree. The highway patrol reports that 81-year old Cleo Ruth was last in poor condition with internal injuries. The accident happened just north of Duncan about 1:30 yesterday afternoon. It wasn't clear what caused Ruth to run off the road.

OSU Research Station Sets Wheat-and-Forages Field Day

Ag producers wanting to get the latest information on new wheat varieties might want to check out the annual wheat and forages field day at the OSU South Central Research Station in Chickasha later this month. A number of OSU professors and extension specialists will be on hand to discuss a wide range of topics. Extension specialists Brian Arnall, Amanda Silva, Alex Rocateli, Darrel Peel, and Bret Carver, the chairman of OSU's wheat genetics program are all scheduled. The program will be held on Friday, April 28th with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and the program starting at 9:00 a.m. For information contact Michael Pettijohn at the research station or go on-line to: agriculture.okstate.edu

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.26 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.33.

Natural gas is $2.09 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,040 and silver is $25.69.

Obituaries

Stephan Boothe

No service is scheduled for Stephan Boothe, 65, of Edmond. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Shirley Akins

Funeral service for Shirley Akins, 79, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 15th at Northside Church of Christ. She worked in the Chickasha schools food service department for 30 years.  Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, April 12th

Tax Cut Bills Being Considered at State Capital

State lawmakers have discussed a number of tax cut proposals at the state capital during the current legislative session. State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) discusses some of the measures which have been approved in the House of Representatives and sent to the State Senate for consideration-

A house bill that would eliminate the state sales tax on groceries is supported by the governor. A similar plan approved by the house last year did not make it through the state senate.

PSO Proposes Purchase of Wind, Solar Farms

Which is Expected to Lower Rates, However...

A state utility says its ratepayers would eventually get a rate reduction if a proposed $2.4 billion acquisition of some solar and wind farms is approved.  Officials with Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) told the Oklahoma Corporation Commission yesterday that the 'benefits were immense.' However, before a reduction would take effect, PSO customers would see a monthly increase in their bills.  PSO calls it the Fuel-Free Power Plan - and say it is a balanced approach that enables the utility to continue providing reliable, affordable power and would reduce volatility in prices. PSO parent company American Electric Power wants to purchase six solar and wind farms in Kansas and the Texas Panhandle. If approved monthly bills would initially increase nearly $2 per month beginning in 2025 and then in 2026 the bills would be reduced nearly $2.60 per month - or about 64 cents per month less than current costs. The commission took no action on the proposal saying they will await a decision from an administrative law judge who attended yesterday's meeting.

Two Arrested at Vacant Apartment Complex

Two people were arrested last weekend after police were summoned to a vacant apartment complex to investigate an argument. Chickasha police were dispatched to The Palms Apartments at 17th and Alabama which has been closed and boarded up for several years.  A probable cause affidavit indicates that on Sunday police found an open door and announced they were there. A woman appeared and told officers that she was having a fight with her boyfriend. Officers walked through the area and discovered a man lying on the floor. The man told authorities his name was Mark but appeared nervous. The woman also identified the man as Mark but said he was not her boyfriend. The suspect then tried to run but he was caught after a short foot pursuit. Authorities found an identification card for a Clyde James Eldridge who was the man who tried to run. Police arrested both Eldridge and the woman, identified as Sara Danielle Files on complaints of obstruction.  Eldridge has been formally charged with a felony for false personation and a misdemeanor for obstruction and remains in jail on a $10,000 bond. Files, already on probation for pleading guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge following an arrest last December, was charged with a misdemeanor for obstruction and remains in jail on a $7,500 bond.

USAO 'Giving Day' Successful

Donors came through in a big way for USAO's recent 'Giving Day.' Officials say they surpassed their goal to raise $150,000 during the one-day event which was a tribute to longtime university president John Feaver who is retiring this year. More than 260 gifts accounted for nearly $160,000 in contributions. USAO Foundation Director JP Audus said it was remarkable to see the outpouring of support for everything Feaver has done. Feaver has been associated with USAO for more than 40 years which includes more than 20 years as a faculty member followed by his more than 20 years as president.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.78 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.61.

Natural gas is $2.15 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,025 and silver is $25.27.

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Tuesday, April 11th

Suspect Arrested for Assault; Attempting to Blow Up Home

A suspect is in custody facing felony assault and battery charges in connection with separate attacks last week. In one of the incidents he's accused of trying to blow up the trailer of his girlfriend's mother. 48-year old Jason Heath Annesley was arrested last Friday at a home in the Blanchard area. According to court documents, a Grady County deputy sheriff was called to the emergency room at an Oklahoma City hospital Friday where a woman alleged she had been beaten by Annesley. At one point, she said the suspect was beating her while they were driving down the turnpike and he told her to jump out of the vehicle while he was driving 90 miles per hour. He eventually pulled off the interstate where the victim did jump out of the car at a stop sign and ran away. A passerby picked her up and took her to the hospital.  It's also alleged that on Thursday Annesley turned on the gas burners at the mobile home of the victim’s mother, saying when she came in and lit a cigarette it would blow up. Annesley is charged with felony counts of assault and battery by strangulation and assault and battery with a deadly weapon and he remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

State Insurance Commish Schedules Chix, 'Darko Visits

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready will be making town-hall stops in Chickasha and Anadarko next week. He'll be at the Anadarko Public Library Monday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to meet with insurance agents and others in a town hall format. He’ll be in Chickasha for a similar meeting at the Chamber of Commerce from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a town hall that’s open to the public. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP the Anadarko Library, the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce, or the state insurance commissioner's office.

City of Anadarko Schedules Clean Up Week

The City of Anadarko will have a clean-up campaign next week. Officials are encouraging residents and businesses to haul away brush, limbs, trash, and unwanted items and to clean up parks, streets, and neighborhoods. Roll-off dumpsters will be located next to the police department and at the city yard at 415 North Country Club Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Anadarko residents can take items to those locations at no cost as long as they show a city utility bill. No hazardous waste will be accepted but they will take passenger car and truck tires. They will accept debris from outside the Anadarko city limits however they ask that a $25 donation be made to the Anadarko Economic Development Authority. The Delaware Nation has arranged for a shredding day with a company coming in on Wednesday, April 19th which will be located at the former National Guard armory. Officials are also asking for volunteers to help clean up parks and plant flowers and trees. The city will provide bags, gloves, and protective vests. They'll finish up the week with a free cookout for the volunteers at Randlett Park on Saturday, April 22^nd which is Earth Day. For information contact Corey Bowen at Anadarko City Hall or go to: #trashtag

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.74 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.18.

Natural gas is $2.17 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,019 and silver is $25.19.

Obituaries

Howard Richardson

A graveside service for Howard Richardson, 79, of Amber will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 13th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a Millwright, a welder, and served as the acting chief of the Department of Environmental Quality at Ft. Sill. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

L.B. Carr

Funeral service for L.B. Carr, 91, of Alex will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 14th at the Alex High School gymnasium. He was a dairy farmer and rancher, worked for Grady County road maintenance, sold crop insurance, and was an adjuster. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

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Monday, April 10th

Stand-off Ends with Murder-Suicide; Responding Officer Wounded

A stand-off at a home northeast of Blanchard over the weekend ends in tragedy. The McClain County Sheriff's office initially responded to a domestic violence call about 4 a.m. Saturday. Blanchard police also responded and the officers were met with gunfire when they arrived. A Blanchard police officer was shot in the arm and leg and was taken to a hospital with non-fatal injuries. The Grady County Sheriff's Office and OSBI were also summoned to the home where the stand-off lasted about two hours. At some point, officers entered the home and found the bodies of Ashley Pfannestiel and Konrad Pfannestiel. Investigators say Konrad fatally shot his wife then turned the gun on himself.  Authorities say Ashley had filed a victim's protective order against her husband about a week earlier.

One Teen Hospitalized, One Unhurt in Weekend Pursuit

A Ft. Cobb teenager was hospitalized following a weekend pursuit in Caddo and Washita Counties. The highway patrol reports that the Caddo County Sheriff's Office was in pursuit of a pickup driven by a 17-year old male driver just before midnight Friday. The truck ran off the roadway, crashed through fence and rolled four times, partially ejecting the un-named driver. The teen was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in good condition. A second 17-year old Ft. Cobb male who was passenger in the truck was not hurt. The crash happened on State Highway 152 about five miles west of Eakly in Washita County. It wasn't clear why a deputy was pursuing the teens.

State Lawmakers to Discuss School Safety Bills 

State lawmakers will be working on a number bills this week that supporters say are designed to improve school safety. Suspected threats last Thursday had Chickasha schools bring in extra security while Elgin and Clinton schools closed. And this morning, Yukon schools shut down due to a reported threat. State Representative Dick Lowe (R-Amber) discusses some of the legislation that will be debated-

Lowe said schools have spent a lot of money in recent years building safe rooms for tornado safety but that schools these days also need to be bullet-proof.

More Upgrades for CHS Football Field to be Discussed

Some additions to the Chickasha high school football field improvements underway will be considered by the Chickasha school board tonight. Authorities will discuss improvements that will add nearly $75,000 to the cost of the upgrades. One of them is to build a storage shed near the visitor bleachers at a cost of about $65,000; another is for fencing and gates for the track-and-field area for nearly $6,000; and a sidewalk at the cost of $5,500. If approved the projects would be paid for out of the safety and security bond issue.

Board to Recognize Employees

The board of education will honor the Chicken Express Employees of month. Operations Director Dan Turner is the certified employee of the month and bus driver Mke Kyees is the support employee of the month. Also to be recognized are Chickasha High School Art Teacher Allison Cofer as the District Teacher of the Year and Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center support employee who is the Support Employee of the Year. Also to be recognized is Cristy Cervantes as Support Employee of the Quarter who also works at Bill Wallace. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.70 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.12.

Natural gas is $2.01 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,016 and silver is $25.11.

Saturday, April 8^th

Drug Trafficking Arrests Continue

Grady County drug agents continue their efforts to get deadly counterfeit pain-killing drugs off the streets. Investigators made a couple of arrests this week - one after a Chickasha man reportedly died after taking a pain pill laced with Fentanyl. The investigation led authorities to a home in the Bridge Creek area where 31-year old Dustin Elllis of Norman was arrested for allegedly selling the pills which led to the man's death. Ellis has been charged with trafficking and is being held in the Grady County Jail on a  $100,000 bond. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says more arrests could be made in connection with the investigation. Boggess also said Ellis could be facing additional charges since the drug sale led to a death. The sheriff also said he would be sending the information to the U.S. attorney's office to consider filing federal charges.

Suspected Trafficker Arrested Twice in Two Weeks

A second suspected drug trafficker was arrested this week - just two weeks after he had previously been arrested on a similar charge. Ace Ladon Shells, Jr. of Chickasha was arrested after a state trooper pulled him over for a traffic violation in a Chickasha neighborhood. A probable cause affidavit indicates that the trooper found Shells had 14 grams of a substance which field-tested positive as having Fentanyl. There were also weapons in the car. New charges against Shells include trafficking and possession of a firearm after former conviction. Shells was arrested March 15th by Ninnekah police and also charged with trafficking. At that time his bond was originally set at $250,000 but he was released after bond was lowered to $75,000. Now Shells' bond is set at $750,000.

Boy Thrown on to Bathroom Floor; Father Arrested for Child Abuse

A young father is charged with child abuse after its alleged he threw his little boy onto a bathroom floor and head-butted him. 24-year old Jason Christman of Lawton was arrested at the E-Z Go Convenience Store on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike northeast of Chickasha this week. A witness called 9-1-1 after he said he watched Christman throw the boy on the tile floor and give him several head butts. The witness also said Christman told the boy to 'shut the (expletive) up’. The age of the child wasn't disclosed. Christman has been charged with felony child abuse. Christman remains in the Grady County jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Jake Grossnicklaus and Harold Gillenwaters with the Grady County Cattle Producers Association are guests on the KOOL Konversation. And State Representatives Dick Lowe and Brad Boles are on Real Estate Today. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

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Friday, April 7th

Hospital Nurses Ask for More Security Due to Violent Patients

Attacks on health care workers are increasing nationwide and that includes here in Oklahoma. Two Grady Memorial Hospital nurses spoke at a recent Grady County Commissioners meeting about attacks that have occurred there. The Express-Star reports that the hospital's emergency department is seeing more problems with patients intoxicated on Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana. One patient who overdosed on Fentanyl tried to run away while they were hooked up to an IV. Another case involved a jail inmate who was in restraints and had two guards with him but he still attacked health care workers. Other incidents include patients spitting on employees, hitting them, biting them, and pulling their hair. Most of the attacks happen at night when there are fewer hospital employees on staff. County Commissioner Kirk Painter said the county may discuss hiring security officers with state funds counties are receiving which come from settlement agreements with the defendants in federal lawsuits against the makers and sellers of opioid prescription drugs.

Chix Police Arrest Alleged Arsonist

A Chickasha man is accused of arson in connection with several fires that occurred last week. 52-year old Ken Segotta was arrested after authorities were called to the 100 block of Minnesota last Saturday. A witness said he saw someone start a fire on some vacant property. It was the fifth time over previous three days that fire crews were called to the area to put out fires that officials say were intentionally set. A probable cause affidavit from Chickasha police indicates the witness confronted the suspect - but the man entered a detached apartment-type shed on the property and barricaded himself inside. While firefighters put out the fire police tried to get Segotta to come out of the building but he refused. Officers entered the building and took Segotta into custody. Segotaa said the government allowed him to live there. Segotta has been charged with one felony count of third degree arson and remains in the Grady County Jail.

Officials with State Film Office Visit Chickasha

Chickasha officials are hopeful that another feature-length movie could be filmed in the area. Representatives from the Oklahoma Film and Music Office were in Chickasha this week touring the area and discussing film opportunities. Chickasha is registered as a Certified Film Friendly city with the office. That came about with the filming of 'A Cowgirls Song' which starred Hollywood actress Cheryl Ladd and America's Got Talent winner Darcy Lynn Farmer of Edmond. The movie was filmed entirely in Chickasha between 2020 and 2021. Chickasha Economic Development Council (EDC) President Jim Cowan said state lawmakers are considering increasing a rebate fund for film producers from a total of $30 million a year to $50 million a year. Cowan wants to make sure that Chickasha is on the film office's radar. He said a documentary about the city's leg lamp is expected to be released to streaming for the upcoming holiday season and there are discussions of filming a Christmas movie in the city this fall. In his weekly media column, Cowan writes that there are still a lot of details to be worked out but the fact that the film office is interested in Chickasha is a positive sign.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.70 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.12.

Natural gas is $2.01 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,026 and silver is $25.09.

Obituary

Patrick Stapp

A memorial service for Patrick Stapp, 33, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 10th at New Life Christian Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was wounded in Iraq. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Thursday, April 6th

Droverstock, Chalk Art Fest Draws Hundreds to USAO

Hundreds of high school and junior high school students from across the state are spending time at USAO today. The university is hosting its Spring Triad which includes an academic contest, a sidewalk chalk art festival, and the Droverstock music festival. The day serves as a recruiting tool for the university. The chalk art competition takes place around the USAO oval. The academic competition features students from about 40 schools testing their knowledge in a number of subject areas through tests developed and overseen by USAO faculty. The Droverstock music festival features live bands playing a wide variety of music and there's even stand-up comedian performing. The music festival will run well into the evening. Droverstock is free and open to the public with games and inflatables on the oval and a number of food trucks.

City of Chix Begins Tree Limb Disposal Program

Chickasha residents needing to get rid of tree limbs will have a central location to dispose of them. Beginning Saturday, April 8^th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and then every Saturday until further notice, residents can take pickup or trailer loads of tree limbs only to the city's public works headquarters at 502 N. Genevieve Street (north of the city’s animal shelter) but officials say it won't be free. The cost of the disposal will vary - starting at $15 for five cubic yards or what can fit in a pickup bed. If the pickup bed is stacked above the cab of the truck the cost will be upwards of $25. A small trailer load is $50 and a large trailer load is $125. Users won't have to pay for the services immediately. Officials say it will be added to the user’s next utility bill. Officials say this is for trees and limbs only and not for trash, appliances, or other unwanted items. Users will have to show proof of Chickasha residency to drop off the limbs.

Group Seeks Recycling Videos for Earth Day

A spring clean-up campaign for the City of Chickasha is being developed. Officials are expected to announce details in the next few weeks. In the meantime, the Keep Chickasha Beautiful Committee has put together a youth competition for Earth Day which is coming up later this month. The committee is asking youth to record a 60-second smart phone video on the importance of recycling. There is no fee to enter and there are three age groups – 10-and-under; 11-to-16; and 17-to-college age. Videos need to be in by next Tuesday, April 11th and can be e-mailed to: office@chickashaedc.com

Finalists will be posted on the Keep Chickasha Beautiful Facebook page where viewers can vote for their favorites.  Winners will be announced on Earth Day which is Saturday, April 22nd. For information call 405-224-0787.

4H Helps Youth Develop Public Speaking Skills

Three out of every four adults suffer from Glossaphobia which is the fear of public speaking. The Grady County 4H program is helping youth develop their public speaking skills. One of them is Abby Pettijohn with the Alex 4H program-

Pettijohn said that the program also helps 4H'ers develop research and writing skills.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.61 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.99.

Natural gas is $2.15 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,034 and silver is $25.10.

Obituaries

Danny Lehman

Funeral service for Danny Lehman, 38, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and also worked in construction.

Betty Jo Jacob-Shells

Funeral service for Betty Jo Jacob-Shells, 74, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 8^th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, April 5th

Security Tightened at Chix High School for Possible 'Threat' 

Chickasha schools are having classes today - after a social media post was shared about possible threats towards a school named ‘CHS’. Officials increased security with the help of the Chickasha Police Department and the Grady County Sheriff's Office. School Superintendent Rick Croslin said there have been similar social media posts about threats to other ‘CHS’ schools throughout the country but not specific to any particular district. Croslin met with the Chickasha Police Department late last night to discuss the issue. Officials traced the threat to a post that originated in New Mexico in 2018. The Chickasha Police Department posted on its Facebook page that while they are aware of that incident they are taking the threat seriously out of an abundance of caution. While Chickasha schools are open there was at least one “CHS” school in Oklahoma called off classes today. Croslin said that Clinton schools opted to close after receiving the identical statement. Croslin said the high school will be on a soft lock-down today and officials will monitor everyone coming and going.

City, Town Council Election Results

We have results from some of the city and town council and school board elections from yesterday. In a very low turnout, just over 200 voters went to the polls in the Chickasha City Council election. Ward 4 Councilman Kelly Boyd defeated challenger Eric Anderson by less than 20 votes, 115 to 97. In Blanchard, Ben White defeated Joseph Davis, 158 to 102. In Anadarko, Mayor Kelley McGlothlin was elected to a two-year term, picking up 76 percent of the vote over Patrick Michael Hayes, 92 to 29. In Alex, three people were elected to at-large officies - Amber Otey (57), Karen Johnson (55), and Jim Bisel (11); in Minco, John Chiles won a three-person race. Chiles received 62 percent of the vote (157) to defeat Rex Ramey (59) and Royce Addington (35); In Cyril, three were elected to at-large office -  Monica Jackson (66), Monica Cooper (59), and Nancy Vap (49) were elected;  In Lindsay, four candidates were elected to at-large offices - Mark Hall (220), Vern Roe 9213) ; Joshua Miller (140), and  Don Lough (139).

School Board Election Results

at Ninnekah, Russell Thompson defeated Mark Fulton, 56 to 28; at Verden, Norman Wood defeated Stevie McMillan, 42 to 22; at Middleberg, Josh Oaks defeated Glenda Fenimore, 28 to 11; at Dibble, Steve Long defeated Veronica Rivera, 75 to 19; at Bridge Creek, two school board posts decided. Terry Vincent defeated Sharita Hill, 178 to 38 for Office No. 3; and Robyn Esparza defeated. Micah Regier 135 to 82 to fill an unexpired term for Office No. 1; at Cement, Karen Glass defeated Steve Pelzer, 74-49; at Lindsay, Larry Winn defeated Jessica Parker by 9 votes, 204 to 195; and at Marlow, Larry Johnson, II defeated Chris Shelby, 192 to 93.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.71 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.94.

Natural gas is $2.10 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,041 and silver is $25.05.

Obituary

Margaret ‘Maggie’ Barnes

Funeral service for ‘Maggie’ Barnes, 64, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Frida, April 7th at Grand Assembly of God Church. She worked in her ministry at the church’s food pantry. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the food pantry.

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Tuesday, April 4th

Worker for Jail Contractor Charged for Having Sex with Inmate

A woman who worked as the manager of the kitchen staff at the Grady County Jail has been charged with rape for allegedly having sex with an inmate. 51-year old Pamela Middleton of Ninnekah was charged with second degree rape in Grady County District Court yesterday. Middleton was employed by Tiger Commissary which is a contractor for the jail. A probable cause affidavit alleges that Middleton and the inmate had sex in the kitchen freezer several times between March 8th and March 24th. Middleton told the investigator that she initiated the contact saying she was attracted to the inmate. A warrant was issued for her arrest last Friday. She appeared in Grady County District Court yesterday and was charged with second-degree rape. She was released after posting a $25,000 bond. If convicted, Middleton could be sentenced to 1 to 15 years in prison and fined up to $10,000.

Suspect Arrested in On-going Fentanyl Investigation

A Lawton man has been arrested in the most recent Fentanyl drug investigation in Grady County. 37-year old Michael ‘Chubbs’ Gaston was taken into custody Sunday morning. Authorities met with an informant Saturday night who said they were able to purchase counterfeit pain pills laced with Fentanyl from Gaston. He was taken into custody at home in the 1400 block of South Shepherd Street. A probable cause affidavit indicates some of the drugs were found under a bedroom floor. Gaston is facing felony charges of trafficking and distribution and remains in jail on a $125,000 bond. Gaston previously was charged with a felony for drug distribution in 2021 but the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor. Gaston pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor and was sentenced to one year in jail.

'Medical Episode' Leads to SUV Crash

A Minco woman was hospitalized after her SUV ran off the road and hit a tree. 58-year old Rebecca Patterman was taken by Minco EMS to an Oklahoma City hospital and was last in fair condition. The accident happened about 4:30 p.m. Monday near the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 152. The highway patrol reported that Patterman had an undetermined medical issue that caused her to run of the highway, hit a guard rail, and then hit the tree. She was pinned in the vehicle for about 10 minutes before being freed by the Minco Fire Department.

Some Volunteer Fire Departments Get ARPA Funds

Grady County Commissioners approved some - but not all requests - for ARPA (American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) funds requested by volunteer fire departments yesterday. Funds that were approved include $80,000 for the Pioneer station for a new squad truck; $80,000 for the Harold station to build on to its existing building; $30,000 for  the Rush Springs station to purchase an ATV with a trailer and a skid steer; and $30,000 to the Farwell station to build an office and a training room. Two large requests were denied including a $300,000 proposal for the Naples station to build on to its current building; and a $200,000 request from the Rush Springs station to purchase a used pumper-tanker. Commissioner Kirk Painter said some of the paperwork on those requests wasn’t property filled out but they could make corrections and re-submit them.

Some Oklahomans Voting in Council, School Board Elections

It's election day in Oklahoma. There are a number of city, town council, and school board elections on ballots throughout the region and state. Chickasha voters are casting ballots for one city council post. It's in Ward 4 with current councilman Kelly Boyd and challenger Eric Anderson seeking the office. There are also town council elections in Alex, Minco, and Cyril. Anadarko voters have a mayoral election between current mayor Kelley McGlothlin and challenger Patrick Michael Hayes. There are school board elections in Ninnekah, Verden, Dibble, Middleberg, Cement, Bridge Creek, and Marlow. Precincts are open until 7 o'clock tonight.

Chix City Councilman Steps Down

A Chickasha city councilman is stepping down. Ward Two councilman Nate McCalla recently submitted his letter of resignation. Mayor Chris Mosley made the announcement at the end of last night's city council meeting. McCalla has served two years on the panel after being appointed in 2021. McCalla said he was stepping down due to other commitments.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.42 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.93.

Natural gas is $2.09 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,000 and silver is $24.22.

Obituary

Randy Jackson

No funeral service is scheduled for Randy Jackson, 65, of Verden. He was an engineer and a welder. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Monday, April 3rd

Grady County Fire Departments Request ARPA Funds

Grady County Commissioners will consider distributing hundreds of thousands in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to Grady County volunteer fire departments. In all the group will consider awarding more than $800,000. About $300,000 has been requested by the Naples Station to build an addition to the existing station for two bays, medical parking, bathrooms, a shower and a 23 X 30 room; Rush Springs is asking for $200,000 for a used pumper/tanker and another $30,000 for an ATV with a trailer and skid unit; Naples is asking for more than $80,000 for a  compressor and cascade unit; Pioneer has a nearly $80,000 request for a squad truck; the Harold Station is asking for about $80,000 to add-on to its existing building for truck parking; and the Farwell Station is requesting $30,000 to build an office and training room. Commissioners discussed the ARPA funds in their meeting this morning at the Grady County Courthouse.

Dilapidated Structures May Be Removed from Lake Chix

A proposal to remove dilapidated structures from Lake Chickasha will be considered by the Chickasha City Council tonight. The group will consider awarding a bid of nearly $47,000 to Washita Construction and Renovation. The group will also consider going out for bids to refurbish the fire protection system at city hall and to waive the bidding process and use a state contract to purchase two John Deere mowers for more than $25,000 from P and K Equipment. The panel will also consider a request from the Chickasha Rotary Club to hold a 5K on Saturday, May 6th; and a request from Western Farmers Electric Co-op to close the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue for a block party on Friday, June 9th. The group will also review a plan to allow some temporary street closures for a wind farm to move several wind turbine blades through town later this year. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

Anadarko Police Officers Honored

Two Anadarko police officers are recognized for their work. Sgt. Travis Maloy and Officer Travis Carr were named Top Cops by the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and its Buckle Down Awards program. Sgt. Maloy was recognized for having the most traffic contacts and Officer Carr had the most DUI arrests for the department in 2022.

Women in Ag Conference to be held in Ft. Cobb

Agriculture and other groups throughout Caddo County will host a Women in Agriculture and Small Business conference this week. The event will be held Thursday at the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center in Ft. Cobb. Jessica Walls with the Farm Service Agency in Anadarko talks about the guest speakers-

There will be several break-out sessions include ag marketing and ag advocacy, best management practices for livestock, estate planning and mineral leasing, and beekeeping. Registration is $20 and they'll get started about 8:15 Thursday morning. Contact the Caddo County Farm Service Agency or the OSU Extension Office for information.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.67 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.77.

Natural gas is $2.21 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,983 and silver is $23.97.

Obituaries

Sherri Amerson

A memorial service for Sherri Amerson, 58, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 4th at Parkview Christian Church. She was a health care worker. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Judy Duprez

A memorial service for Judy Duprez, 77, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4^th at Chickasha’s First Christian Church. It will be followed by a come-and-go reception. She taught at Chickasha High School for nearly 40 years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chickasha Emergency Food Pantry, the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, or the National Tuberous Sclerosis Association.

Saturday, April 1st

First Chickasha Public Schools Hall of Honor Members Inducted;

District Teacher of the Year and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Named

The Hall of Honor at Chickasha Public Schools has inducted its first members. Two graduates and a retired teacher were recognized for their accomplishments during last night’s Chickasha Public School Foundation annual gala and fundraiser. Ada Sipuel-Fisher was honored for her pioneering civil rights work. The 1941 graduate of Chickasha’s Lincoln High School was the first African-American to attend the OU Law School, opening the door for future minorities to pursue their dreams of attending law school there. She graduated from the OU law school and also would eventually serve on the board of

regents for OU. Art Griffith was a 1915 graduate of Chickasha High School. He fought in World War 1 and would graduate from Oklahoma A and M. He would become the wresting coach at the university where his teams won eight national championships. He also coached the USA wrestling team which won a gold medal in the 1948 Olympics. Long-time speech and drama teacher Darrell Harms was also inducted. He spent 35 years as a speech and drama teacher and was the public address announcer at many high school and junior high football, basketball, and baseball games.

High school art Ttacher named district teacher of the year

Also during the gala, high school art teacher Allison Cofer was named the District Teacher of the Year. Cofer has been with the district for eight years with the last four being at the high school. Officials also inducted two new members in the district's athletic hall of fame.

Two new members inducted into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Kirk Goss was two-time state golf champion and was part of the 1972 team which won a state title. He went on to be a four-year letterman for the Oklahoma State University golf team and played on PGA mini-tours in Arizona and Florida. Also inducted into the athletic hall of fame was businessman and philanthropist Steve Laforge. He has been a generous contributor to all the district's athletic programs and extra-curricular programs including the academic team, band, and robotics.

Regional Fires Erupt in Friday's High Winds

Regional fire departments were dispatched to several fires that erupted during yesterday's high winds. Grady County volunteer fire crews were summoned to a fire in the Bailey area near the Grady and Garvin County line, one east of Rush Springs, and assisted the Blanchard Fire Department on a grass fire. There were no immediate reports of structure damage with these fires. The Grady County Fire Department Facebook page indicated that Ninnekah, Friend, Naples, Alex, Bradley, Bailey, and Acme departments spent time beating back flames. The post also thanked the Rush Springs Fire Department for helping with the Bailey fire.

OKC Energy Firm Reports Well Completions 

Completion reports on some oil and gas wells south of Alex indicated they were combining to bring in some decent numbers. Gulfport MidCon of Oklahoma City said three Scr wells were producing 1,200 barrels of oil and 28,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. The wells are in section 30 of Township 4 North and Range 5 West. The wells ae in the Woodford formation and were drilled to a true vertical depth of more than 14,000 feet. The wells were spudded between December of 2021 and March of 2022.

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Renee Sansom with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services is this week’s guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today, this week's guests are Chet Hitt of Towns End Still House and Grill, his marketing director Jennifer Hernandez, and Jim Cowan with the Chickasha Economic Development Council Both programs air tomorrow morning, after the 8 o'clock news. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

Obituaries

Lavonne Tofpi

A wake service for Lavonne Tofpi, 75, of Chickasha will be at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 2^nd at McRay Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 3^rd at the First and Georgia Church of Christ. She worked at the Lawton Indian Hospital, was an officer with Head Start, and met Oprah Winfrey. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Sherri Amerson

A memorial service for Sherri Amerson, 58, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 4th at Parkview Christian Church. She was a health care aide. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Judy Duprez

Funeral service for Judy Duprez of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4^th at the First Christian Church. She was a long-time English teacher at Chickasha High School. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

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Friday, March 31, 2023

First Members of Chix Schools Hall of Honor to be Inducted

A special celebration will be held tonight during the annual Chickasha Public Schools Foundation gala. Three people will be the first to be inducted into the Chickasha school district's Hall of Honor. The hall was established this year to celebrate individuals who have contributed to the welfare of humanity, brought unusually positive attention to Chickasha schools, and modeled high personal and professional qualities for students. They are Dr. Ada Lois Sipuel-Fisher - an early civil rights pioneer who broke the color barrier at the OU Law School. She attended Lincoln High School in the 1940s, graduated from the OU law school and practiced law in Chickasha and Oklahoma City. She also taught at Langston University and would serve on the board of regents for OU. Also being inducted is Art Griffith, who attended Chickasha schools more than 100 years ago. He served in World War I and would graduate from Oklahoma A and M, then eventually lead the A and M wresting team to eight national titles. In addition, he coached the USA wrestling team to a gold medal in the 1948 Olympics and is in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Also to be inducted is longtime speech and drama teacher Darrell Harms. The one-time rodeo clown taught for 35 years at Chickasha High School. Tonight's foundation gala will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds.

Holy City of the Wichitas Ready for Annual Passion Play

Easter is just over a week away and once again this year The Holy City of the Wichitas will host its annual Easter pageant. This is the 98^th year for the Passion Play which follows the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Alan Corrales is the pageant director and says they were able to get a new sound system this year.

More than 150 volunteers take part in the Passion Play including Corrales. He’s been part of the pageant since he was eight years old and this is his 56th year. There are two performances – one tomorrow night (April 1^st) and one next Saturday night (April 8^th) starting about 8:30 both evenings. It is free and open to the public. Corrales encourages those attending to dress for the weather. The Holy City is just north of Lawton next to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Ag Producers Encouraged to Apply for USDA Grants

Agriculture producers, producer groups, and ag businesses might consider applying for USDA funds from the agency's Value-Added Producer Grant program. USDA Rural Development has about $31 million available for programs nationwide. Grants must be used to develop new products or expand existing markets for value-added products. Applicants must produce at least 50-percent of the raw agriculture product to which value is being added. Two separate grants are available. First, planning grants of up to $75,000 are available for feasibility studies and business planning. Second, working capital grants fund up to $250,000 to cover marketing and producer development costs. Priority will be given to beginning, veteran, and socially-disadvantaged producers. Applicants need to register for a government identification number. It could take up to five weeks to activate the number so producers are encouraged to register early. On-line applications are due May 11^th through the website: www.grants.gov

Completed paper applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office in Stillwater by May 16th.

Cyril Teacher Honored for 50 Years of Service

There was a surprise party at Cyril Public Schools yesterday. Long-time teacher Becky Thompson was honored by students and staff. Thompson is in her 50th year of teaching and all have been at Cyril. She started as a kindergarten teacher and speech therapist and is currently teaching third grade students. Among the students she has taught are 10 current Cyril school employees.

Early Voting Ends Today Ahead of Next Week's Elections

Today is the last day for in-person, absentee voting ahead of next Tuesday's municipal and school board elections. Early voting can be done at county election boards until 6 p.m. today (Friday, March 31^st). Regular precincts will be open Tuesday, April 4^th from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.37 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.27.

Natural gas is $2.10 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,994 and silver is $23.97.

Obituaries

Michael McAdoo

No service is scheduled for Michael McAdoo, 66, of Lawton. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Bobby Glen Rogers

A memorial service for Bobby Rogers, 62, of Pocasset is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Thursday, March 30th

Two Arrested Following Drug Sale to Informant

A man and woman who have long police records are back in custody for allegedly selling drugs and having illegal weapons and stolen property. 41-year old William 'BJ' DeHart, III and 41-year old Stephanie 'Nana' Eldridge were arrested by Grady County DEA agent Jim Peek and other law enforcement officers this week. A probable cause affidavit indicates that a confidential informant was give cash to purchase meth from the pair. A transaction was made at the Double B RV Park in the 700 block of North 13^th Street in Chickasha Tuesday afternoon. After the drug buy, agents obtained a search warrant where they found numerous drugs, a sawed-off shotgun and other weapons, and ammunition. The investigation also revealed the travel trailer the suspects were living in had been stolen from a deer lease in Garvin County last October. Both DeHart and Eldridge have been charged with multiple new felonies in connection with this week’s arrests and are in the Grady County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bond each.

Onward Chickasha Survey Ends Friday

Chickasha residents have two more days to submit comments for the Onward Chickasha survey. The survey is gathering information to put together a long-range plan for improvements within the City of Chickasha. The survey has numerous questions about police and fire, parks and recreation, infrastructure, and other areas. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. The survey can be found on the website: www.onwardchickasha.org

The website has an inter-active map and a section that explains the reasons for creating a plan to make improvements in the city over the next 20 to 30 years.

Natural Gas Prices Drop

The price of natural gas has plummeted in the first quarter of 2023. Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation commission explains-

Here are the prices for crude oil and precious metals-

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.97 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.28.

Gold is $1,984 and silver is $23.84.

4Her Shares STEM Info

A Grady County 4Her enjoys sharing information he's learned in his research of STEM projects - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Shane Williamson with the Rock Island 4H club shares some information you may not know-

Williamson says there are 700,000 miles of power lines in the U.S. with nearly 8 million workers employed in nearly 123,000 power plants nationwide.

USAO Presents Weekend Musical

USAO performing arts students open a weekend performance tonight. The musical A Man of No Importance is a collaboration of Terrence McNalley, Lynn Ahrens, and Stephen Flaherty – all of whom won Tony Awards for Ragtime. It's based on a 1994 Albert Finney movie of the same name and tells the story of an amateur theatre group and their leader. Performances times are 7:30 tonight, tomorrow night and Saturday night and a 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee. It's open to the public and tickets are $20 while USAO students get free admission with ID.

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Wednesday, March 29th

Search for Next USAO President Begins

Regents for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) have officially begun the search to find the university's next president. Current president John Feaver previously announced plans to retire at the end of this calendar year. He has served as president for more than 20 years and has been associated with USAO for more than 40 years. An independent search firm has developed a profile which is being used to recruit highly-qualified candidates. Diana Ming is the regent who is chairing the presidential search committee. She said it is an exciting time in the more than 100-year history of the university and she's confident they will have a robust and diverse pool of candidates. Regents are working with the firm called Higher Education Leadership Search to help find candidates. The group held open forums with USAO faculty, staff, students, alumni, the USAO Foundation, and members of the community to develop the profile. Applications for the post will be accepted through April 28th.

Senior Citizen Arrested for Allegedly Stabbing Brother

A 75-year old man is arrested for allegedly stabbing his brother. Gary Stringfield was arrested by Chickasha police after they were called to the Whispering Pines Apartments on Frisco Avenue last Wednesday. Authorities received a 9-1-1 call from a man who said the victim came to his door bleeding. The victim had been stabbed in his neck and chest and he was taken to the hospital. A probable cause affidavit indicates police found Stringfield in another apartment and saw blood on his hands. Authorities asked him if he had been in an altercation with his brother to which Stringfield replied 'hell yeah we fought - we're brothers’. Stringfield told police he didn't know how his brother got hurt. Authorities found a folding metal knife with blood on it in the apartment. Stringfield has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and remains in jail in lieu of a $75,000 bond.

Oklahoma Rural Jobs Act Funds Now Available

Rural Oklahoma businesses looking to expand can now apply for loans to help them with their growth. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce say that five certified participants have been authorized to infuse $100 million of capital to businesses in rural communities. The program was created through the Oklahoma Rural Jobs Act signed into law last year. Companies can use the funds to invest in equipment, purchase supplies, and hire employees when they have to opportunity to expand. Commerce department officials say the program is expected to create jobs in rural areas and help improve the state's economy.

PSO Receives Energy Star Partner Award

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) receives recognition from a couple of federal agencies. PSO was selected as an Energy Star Partner of the Year from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for what the agencies call 'sustained excellence.' In a press release, PSO officials say the award reflects the value and success of PSOs energy efficient programs for its customers - helping them save energy and money while improving the comfort of their homes. It's the seventh straight year that PSO and its parent company American Electric Power have received the award.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.20 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.60.

Natural gas is $2.03 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,985 and silver is $23.43.

Obituary

Cledia Rakestraw

Funeral service for Cledia Rakestraw, 94, of the Tuttle and Mustang area will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 30^th at the First Baptist Church of Mustang. She graduated with a class of nine students from Middleberg High School where she played basketball and softball. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

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Tuesday, March 28th

'Old Town Chickasha' Development Plans Revealed

California developer Chet Hitt formally announced his plans to invest millions of dollars in downtown Chickasha yesterday. Called Old Town Chickasha, Hitt unveiled his proposal in a 90-minute program at the Rock Island Railroad Depot with numerous city, county, and state leaders on hand. A lot of Hitt's plans had already been made public including a distillery, a restaurant, and a coffee shop.  Yesterday's plans went another step further as Hitt encouraged the building of a new hotel near the Grady County Fairgrounds, a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks linking the fairgrounds to the downtown area, and the development of Phase Two of the downtown park. Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell was among those attending and said it's exciting to hear about the private investment Hitt is bringing to the city and that the state has a number of programs that can help.

Leaders from city and county governments, the chamber of commerce and economic development council, the Grady County Fairgrounds, USAO, and Canadian Valley Technology Center were on hand for the presentation as Hitt encouraged the cooperation of all of the groups to continue efforts to make Chickasha one of the state's top tourist destinations.

Anadarko Man Honored by Dep't of Rehab Services

An Anadarko man who serves as the tribal historian at the Kiowa Tribal Museum in Carnegie is the recipient of a state honor.  Dr. Phil Dupoint was named the client of the year for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Dupoint has dual amputations and applied for the agency's services in 2021. The agency helped provide modifications to Dupoint's home to give him better access to his work room, office, and living areas. He says one of his proudest moments was obtaining his driver's license. Kiowa Tribal Chairman Lawrence Spottedbird and Vice Chairman Jacob Tsotigh were among those attending the presentation held during the People with Disabilities Day at the state capital.

USAO 'Giving Day' Aims to Raise $150,000

USAO has an ambitious fund-raising goal to celebrate President John Feaver’s more than 40-year affiliation with the university. This Friday the university will host Giving Day - a one-day campaign to raise $150,000 to celebrate Feaver's work. Feaver will be retiring at the end of this calendar year. JP Audus is the university's vice president for advancement and also is director of the USAO Foundation. He said devoting one day to all of what Feaver has done for the university is far from adequate, considering the impact he has had on so many people. The event will feature donor challenges and matching gifts to maximize the value of each contribution. Donations may be given to student scholarships, academic departments, athletics, and other programs.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.81 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.12.

Natural gas is $2.09 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,971 and silver is $23.05.

Obituaries

Thomas Julian

A graveside service for Thomas Julian, 81, of Chickasha will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 31st at Fairlawn Cemetery. He set two state track records and was an all-state basketball player for St. Joseph’s Academy in Chickasha and was a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Sammie Joe Williams

A memorial service for Sammie Joe Williams, 84, of Alex will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1st at the Alex High School gymnasium. He was a farmer and rancher and worked for the soil conservation service. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Eldred Jones

A memorial luncheon for Eldred Jones, 82, of Rush Springs will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 1st at the Southern Baptist Church in Rush Springs. He was a truck driver and worked for a mobile home company. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Monday, March 27th

Boyd, Anderson to Face Off in Chix City County Election

Chickasha residents will go to the polls next week to vote in just one race in this year's city council election. It’s in Ward 4 where current councilman Kelly Boyd will face Eric Anderson for a two-year term. Boyd has been on the council for two years. He discusses the council’s recent adoptions of some new regulations to give code enforcement more authority to make property owners clean up areas around town-

Anderson is retired from the U.S. Army who has seen the city grow over the years and would like to be involved-

The election is next Tuesday, April 4^th and all registered voters who live in the city limits can cast a ballot. In addition to the Chickasha City Council election there are other town council and some school board elections in the region. In-person, absentee voting will be available at county election boards this Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and regular precincts will be open Tuesday, April 4^th from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

OHP Continues Probe of Fatal Caddo County Crash

The highway patrol continues investigating a deadly traffic accident that happened in Caddo County over the weekend. 48-year old Avery Swarts of Elgin died when his pickup ran off the road, hit a fence and rolled several times. The accident happened just before 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon west of Eakly near the junction of State Highways 59 and 152.

Anadarko-area Crash Victim Air-Lifted to Hospital

In a separate accident in Caddo County a driver was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after his car crashed near Anadarko. 36-year old William Shepherd of Mt. View was last in fair condition after the accident near CR1370 and Turnpike Road southeast of Anadarko about 5:00 p.m. Sunday. The highway patrol reports that Shepherd lost control of his car while driving across a bridge. He ran off the road and overturned and was pinned inside the car for about 10 minutes. He was taken to the hospital with head, neck, and trunk injuries.

Hinton Coach Charged with Child Abuse Appears in Court

The high school wrestling coach at Hinton was briefly in police custody last week after a felony warrant was issued for his arrest. Jacob Peck was arrested last Friday. Authorities issued a warrant for Peck's arrest March 10th for child abuse. An affidavit filed by Hinton police alleged that at least two girls complained that Peck was overly physical with them, with one of them alleging Peck placed her in a choke hold. Peck is out of jail after posting a $5,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled May 26th in Caddo County District Court.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.26 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.99.

Natural gas is $2.21 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,973 and silver is $23.06.

Obituaries

Angeline ‘Angie’ Friskel

No funeral service is scheduled for ‘Angie’ Friskel, 75, of Chickasha. She was a scrub tech and owned an antique store. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Catherine Robinson

Funeral service for Catherine Robinson, 83, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1st at the Grady County Fairgrounds. She was a gospel singer and worked at Head Start. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.