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Our Chickasha Schools Academic Persons of the week are Charlotte Tapp & Jo Horton
Here's Charlotte & Jo’s story!
Saturday, April 14th
Grady County Commissioners
Challenged in Re-Election Bids
Both Grady County commissioners whose offices are up for election this year draw challengers to their posts. In District 3, Democrats Jeffrey Cramer and Lee Dorman of Rush Springs will run against incumbent Ralph Beard. Both Cramer and Dorman filed yesterday, in the final day of a three-day filing period for county, state, and federal offices. In District 1, Billy Clapper and Michael Walker, both Republicans from Tuttle, have filed to run against incumbent Windle Hardy. Hardy is also a Republican. Two other elected officials in Grady County, Treasurer Robin Burton and Assessor Bari Firestone, ran un-opposed for re-election.
Chix Attorney Runs Unopposed for Associate District Judge
Grady County will have a new Associate District Judge. Joseph Young of Chickasha filed un-opposed for the position, as current Judge John Herndon is retiring. Herndon spent a total of 25 years on the bench, beginning as Special District Judge in 1993, and he has served as Associate District Judge since 2004.
Three File for Grady, Caddo County District Judge
There were no additional candidates file for District Judge in District 6, which includes Grady and Caddo counties. Incumbent Kory Kirkland is being challenged by Ryland Rivas, II of Chickasha and Doug Carel of Tuttle.
Hicks Runs Un-Opposed for Third DA Term
District Attorney Jason Hicks runs un-opposed, and will serve a third term as DA for Grady, Caddo, Stephens, and Jefferson counties.
Caddo County Assessor Challenged;
4 Incumbents Un-opposed
In Caddo County, two challengers have filed to run against Assessor Edward Whitworth. He’ll face Democratic challenger Kelly Caye Ratzlaff in the June primary. The winner will face Republican Belita Jo Lee Byrd of Minco in November. Four Caddo County incumbents ran un-opposed for their county offices, incuding commissioners Brent Kinder and Benny Bowling, and Treasurer Regina Moser. Also, Caddo County Associate District Judge Wyatt Hill ran un-opposed for another term on the bench.
Perryman Draws Opponent; Boles Un-opposed
At the state level, Democratic State Rep. David Perryman of Chickasha draws a Republican challenger for House District 56. Charles Wells, 64, of Anadarko filed for the office. Republican State Representative Brad Boles of Marlow ran un-opposed for his seat in House District 51, a post he recently won in a special election. In House District 65 which includes the Rush Springs area, Republican Scooter Park Devol draws three challengers. He’ll face Elgin's Tony Hasenbeck in the June primary, while two Democratic challengers are Brandon Thompson of Cyril and Sonia England of Elgin.
Grady County Volunteer Firefighters Deployed
The Grady County Fire Department is sending equipment and crews to help battle wildfires which have burned more than 200,000 acres and destroyed a lot of property. Fire Department spokesman Buddy Myers says they have deployed seven units and eight fire fighters to help battle the flames, already blamed on at least one death. Gov. Mary Fallin has issued a state of emergency in 42 counties because of the wildfires, including Grady, Caddo, and surrounding counties. The declaration allows state agencies to expedite the purchase of equipment and supplies that are needed. Several organizations are accepting donations to help fire victims, including the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation, Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers Foundation, and the Farmers Union Foundation.
Blind Horseback Rider Completes Journey
A Bartlesville man has quite the story to tell. You may have seen him riding his horse in the Grady County area the last few days. J.W. Wolfman Black has just finished a nearly 300-mile ride from Bartlesville to Lawton. That's a remarkable feat in itself, but consider that Black is legally blind. Black arrived in Lawton yesterday, to attend the monthly meeting of the Buffalo Soldiers. Black said he wanted to show his respect to the pioneering group of black soldiers, who fought in the Civil War. Black tells KSWO-TV that he and his 17-year old horse Topaz would travel about 25 miles a day, using two cell phones that had Siri navigator. They would camp out at night where ever they could find a safe place. Black said that he and Topaz got hit by a truck traveling through Chickasha this week. He said the passenger-side mirror hit him, the horse, and their saddle bag, but they weren't seriously hurt. See more about Black's story on the KSWO-TV website, www.kswo.com
Sheriff's Office Issues Warrant List
Each week, the Grady County Sheriff’s Office issues a list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here’s public information officer Lisa Hatchett.
If you have information regarding any of these individuals, you’re asked to contact the sheriff’s office.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Greg Gaston with the J.D. McCarty Center, which is a pediatric rehab hospital specializing in the treatment of children with developmental disabilities, is on our KOOL Konversation program. And Mark Yates director of the Oklahoma Wind Coalition is this week's guest on Real Estate Today. We have links to both interviews under the Community tab on this website.
Friday, April 13th
Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by SUV
A Verden man has died after stepping into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Arthur Pete Shrock, II, 45, died at the scene. It happened about six miles east of Anadarko in Caddo County near Highway 62 and CS Street 2740 about 9:45 p.m. Thursday. The Highway Patrol reports that Schrock stepped out of the north ditch onto the highway, and was hit by a westbound SUV driven by 42-year old Kelli Denise Cooper of Anadarko. She was not hurt. The trooper's report alleges Shrock may have been drinking.
Missing Teen Located
A Ninnekah teen reported missing yesterday is back home with his family. Tyler Robnett, 18, had left his home early Thursday morning. His mother said when she went to wake him up to go to school, he was gone. He had only taken a few clothes, and he left the sim card to his cel phone at the house so no one could call him. A Facebook post overnight states the family thanks everyone for their support, thoughts, and prayers, and have asked for privacy.
OEA Strike Over; Chickasha Schools Resume Classes
Today is the first day of classes this month for students in Chickasha schools. The district had shut down last week, to allow teachers and support employees to take part in the state-wide teacher walk-out. The Oklahoma Education Association officially ended the walk-out yesterday, saying that they managed to achieve about 95 percent of their goals during the nearly two-week strike. OEA President Alicia Priest said they were able to secure nearly a half-billion dollars in education funding for next school year, including a more than $6,000 raise for teachers. In a statement, Priest says some state lawmakers are wrong in their beliefs that students don't need more funding. She says they are simply refusing to cross the line. The nine-day walk-out won't have any impact on the Chickasha school calendar. Graduation for high school seniors is still set for Friday, May 18th and the last day of classes the following Friday, May 25th.
Animal Shelter Closes for Maintenance
The City of Chickasha's animal shelter will be closed for a couple of weeks. Officials say the shelter will undergo cleaning and maintenance, and will not be accepting any animals, nor will they be adopting out any animals during that time. If residents have concerns about stray, abandoned, or abused animals, calls can be made to the non-emergency number at the Chickasha Police Department, 405-222-6050.
Chix City-wide Clean-up Continues
City officials also want to remind residents of the on-going city wide clean-up. This weekend, a 40-foot roll-off dumpster will be placed near 20th and Iowa. That's the old tennis courts across from the high school baseball field. The dumpster is for bulky items including furniture or items too large for your regular trash bins. Things that aren't allowed include appliances, tires, chemicals, paint, and large brush and limbs. The dumpsters will be manned by a city employee both tomorrow and Sunday.
Grady, Caddo County Elected Officials Still Un-challenged
Current county elected officials who are running for re-election in Grady and Caddo counties still have not drawn any opposition for their offices. No challengers came forward in the second day of the three-day filing period Thursday. In Grady County, that's Treasurer Robin Burton, Assessor Bari Firestone, and county commissioners Ralph Beard and Windle Hardy. In Caddo County, it's Treasurer Gina Moser, Assessor Edward Whitworth, and county commissioners Brent Kinder and Benny Bowling.
Now There are Three District 6 Judge Candidates
There was one more district judge candidate file for the District 6 Judge post that serves both Grady and Caddo counties. 50-year old Doug Carel of Tuttle filed for the post Thursday. Current District Judge Kory Kirkland - appointed to the post last year - and Ryland Rivas, II have also filed. There were no new filings for associate district judge either in Grady or Caddo County. Joseph Young has filed for the Grady County post, currently held by John Herndon. Wyatt Hitt of Ft. Cobb is un-challenged so far in his re-election bid for Caddo County associate district judge. For state offices, State Rep. David Perryman, D-Chickasha and State Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow have so far filed un-opposed. District Attorney Jason Hicks also has not drawn an opponent. Today is the final day of filing for county, state, and federal offices.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.07 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $72.02.
Natural gas is $2.68 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,343 and silver is $16.53.
Thursday, April 12th
District 6 Judge Race Develops
A race has developed for District Judge for the Chickasha and Anadarko areas in the first day of filing for county, state, and federal offices. District Judge Kory Kirkland - who was appointed to the District 6 Judge post for Grady and Caddo counties about a year ago - is being challenged by attorney Ryland Rivas II, 48. Both men are from Chickasha. Kirkland, 36 was appointed by Gov. Mary Fallin following the retirement of Richard Van Dyck. Another Chickasha attorney has filed for Associate District Judge in Grady County. Joseph Young, 46. That's a post currently held by John Herndon, who has served in that capacity since 2004, and previously served as the county’s Special District Judge. In Caddo County, Associate District Judge Wyatt Hill, 52, of Ft. Cobb has filed for re-election. He’s served in that office since 2004.
County Office Incumbents File Un-opposed in Day 1
In county offices up for election, all the incumbents in both Grady and Caddo counties filed for re-election. In Grady County, they are Ralph Beard for commissioner in District 3; Windle Hardy for commissioner in District 1; treasurer Robin Burton and assessor Bari Firestone. In Caddo County, they are District 3 commissioner Brent Kinder; District 1 Commissioner Benny Bowling; treasurer Regina Moser and assessor Edward Whitworth. Also filing for re-election was district attorney Jason Hicks. All have filed un-opposed after the first day of filing.
State Office Filings
In state offices, Democratic State Representative David Perryman, 61, has filed for re-election in House District 56. Republican Brad Boles, 34, of Marlow has filed for a full two-year term in House District 51. Boles just won a special election to the office earlier this year. Four candidates have already filed in House District 65, which includes the Rush Springs area. Republican incumbent Scooter Park, 52, of Devol is being challenged by fellow GOP candidate Toni Hasenbeck, 46, of Elgin. Two Democrats have also filed including Brandon Thompson, 30, Cyril and Sonia England, 53, Elgin.
New CV Tech Chickasha Campus Director Sought
A new director is being sought for the Chickasha campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center. Tracy Goyne has resigned from the post. Goyne spent more than 20 years with the technology center, starting as a math teacher, then stepping in as campus director six years ago. With Goyne's departure, interim campus director duties are being shared by two administrators. Ronnie Bogle, Director of Student Services and Angie Lewis, Director of Business and Industry Services. A new campus director is expected to be hired this summer.
Plant Program Promotes Oklahoma Proven Varieties
The spring planting season has arrived, but be aware that while temperatures will be very summer-like the next couple of days, there's the possibility of freezing temps this weekend. With that in mind, there's a program next week to share information on which plants and vegetables can tolerate Oklahoma's volatile weather. Susan Routh with Grady County OSU Extension says it’s called Oklahoma Proven.
The program will be held next Tuesday, April 17th at 10:00 a.m. at the extension office. It's free and open to the public
Chickasha FFA News
Chickasha FFA students had some good results in recent competitions. Emma Victory was the high individual in the meat judging category while the team placed 5th overall in that category. Kreo Johnson was 5th high individual in Veterinary Science. In a speech competition at Jenks High School Clay Grossnicklaus was high individual for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students. By the way, the Chickasha FFA plant sale will be held next week. Numerous garden and vegetable plants grown in the organization's greenhouse will be sold at the Chickasha schools administration building next Friday and Saturday.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.82 per barrel
London-based Brent crude is $72.06.
Natural gas is $2.67 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,351 and silver is $16.61.
Wednesday, April 11th
1st Quarter Construction Booms in Chix
2018 is off to a good start for new construction in Chickasha. In the first quarter of the year, permits for about $11 million in construction projects were approved by the city's Community Development Department. Nearly half that total was approved in March, when officials approved nearly $4.7 million in new projects. The largest was for the $3.2 million development of a new pipe yard which was announced by the Chickasha Economic Development Council late last year. A Colorado-based company called CTAP is locating in the north part of the city next to the railroad. Other projects include the new Verizon retail store currently under construction at 4th and Grand, a $450,000 project. Also approved was $65,000 in renovations at Midwestern Pet Foods on North 9th Street, to construct space for a laboratory and additional offices. Red Rock Behavioral Health Services on Choctaw Avenue was approved for $36,000 in remodeling for additional office space. There was also more than $750,000 in residential construction to include one new home valued at $300,000 on Country Club Drive.
Filing Period Opens for County, State, Federal Offices
Candidates for county, state, and federal offices will be flocking to election board offices over the next few days, as the filing period begins for the mid-term elections this fall. In Grady County, offices up for election include county commissoners in Districts One and Three, county assessor, and county treasurer. Regionally, The district judge for Grady and Caddo county is up for election, where Kory Kirkland will be running for the post he was appointed to. Also up for election is the district attorney for District 6, which includes Grady, Caddo, Stephens, and Jefferson counties. Jason Hicks expected to run for re-election. All the seats in the state house of representatives are up for election. Also posts for governor, Lt. Gov. and a number of state offices are up for election. The filing period runs today through Friday. Primary elections will be held in June, any run-offs that might be needed will be in August, with the general election in November.
Drones, 'Bots, and Slime Part of OERB STEM Night
An interesting event coming up later this month designed to create more student interest in science and technology classes. It's called STEM night. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The program will be hosted by the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board and it’s open to all school districts in and around Grady County. There will be hands-on activities for all ages of students including a fossil dig, a live bug petting zoo, robotics, drones, and polymer slime. Plus, the teacher that has the most students attending the event will win a $250 gift card. STEM night will be held on Tuesday, April 24th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Chickasha High School activity center. It is free and open to the public. For information, check out the OERB Facebook page.
Chix AirGas Store Earns Top Award
A Chickasha firm picks up a nice award from its parent company. AirGas of Chickasha was awarded the National Small Branch of the Year award for its work in 2017. The local company was recognized as being one of the top branches based on customer service, safety, and financial performance. The company is based in Pennsylvania, and has more than 950 retail locations. The firm also has cylinder fill plants, gas production facilities, specialty gas laboratories, and regional distribution centers. Employees of the Chickasha office include manager Cheryl Critchfield, Shane Downes, Travis Anderson, Elizabeth Mehringer, and Danny Allen.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $65.51 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $71.04.
Natural gas is $2.65 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,350 and silver is $16.59.
Tuesday, April 10th
Chix School Board to Discuss
Contigency Hours for Walkout
Chickasha schools remain closed as the district allows its teachers to take part in the statewide teacher walkout. The walk-out is now in its 7th day, as thousands of teachers and many of their supporters continue an historic rally at the state capital. They are meeting with state lawmakers in hopes of restoring funds that have been slashed from school budgets over the last 10 years. When the Chickasha Board of Education meets for its monthly meeting tonight, the panel is expected to approve the use of contingency hours for the days that have been and will be missed. The district will be closed through Thursday, which will be a total of nine days from the time the rally started last week. While schools are closed, high school juniors are still able to take their ACT tests today and tomorrow.
Bond Sale, Robotics Program Also School Board Topics
The school board is also expected to consider a resolution to sell about $4.8 million in bonds, which is part of the on-going funds to pay for the construction of the activity center and auditorium at the high school. The group will also recognize the high school robotics team, which turned in a good performance at the Oklahoma City Regional FIRST robotics competition last month. The team finished third overall, but needed one more win to qualify for the World competition. Sponsor Brandon Willis says the team is an alternate, and may still be able to advance if other teams are unable to go. The robotics team also had one of only two students at the regional named as a Dean's List finalist. That was Matthew Thomas, who will get to go to the World competition. The school board meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the school administration building.
Purple Pep Rally Planned for School Foundation
While Chickasha school teachers continue their fight at the state capital, a local group is working in a different way to help school students. The Chickasha Public School Foundation will hold its annual gala next month. The foundation provides thousands of dollars in teacher grants every year, and provides free school supplies to the district's 1,800 students. The theme for the gala this year is a Purple Pride Pep Rally. It's a casual event to include a barbecue dinner, live and silent auctions, and student sponsorship activities. The Purple Pride Pep Rally is Friday, May 4th at USAO. Tickets are $35 per person. Get information on the foundation's Facebook page.
Impact of Freeze on Wheat Crop Not Yet Known
The early forecast for Oklahoma's winter wheat crop is not good. More than half of the crop is in poor to very poor condition and it could get worse after last weekend's freeze. Heath Sanders is the southwest area agronomist for OSU.
Sanders says it will be a week to 10 days before they can tell how the freeze affected the crop.
Hand-Sewn Garments Part of OHCE Fashion Show
The art of sewing may not be as popular as it used to be, but many see it as a hobby in which they can hone their skills with needle and thread. Grady County OHCE members will have their annual fashion show this week to put their talents on display. Susan Routh with Grady County OSU Extension.
The theme of this year's show is "Gone with the Trends." The event will be held at the Canadian Valley Technology Center this Thursday night, April 12th starting at 6:30 p.m. It's free and open to the public.
Grand Avenue Student is State Finalist in Pageant
A third grade student at Grand Elementary is a state finalist for the National American Miss pageant. 9-year-old Skylianna Hoselton will compete in the junior pre-teen division at the competition in Wichita, Kansas in July. A press release from the organization says the pageant emphasizes the importance of developing self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship, and setting and achieving personal goals. Skylianna participates in cheerleading, dance, and acting. She's also part of the gifted-and-talented program, enjoys astronomy, and Lego architecture. Her parents are Eric and Sheila Hosleton.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.42 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $68.65.
Natural gas is $2.69 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,338 and silver is $16.48.
Monday, April 9th
Grady Memorial Surgery Center to Open Soon
The new surgery and imaging center at Grady Memorial Hospital will be opening soon. It's been nearly three years since state and federal health officials shut down the old surgery center. Since then, Grady County voters approved a quarter-of-a-penny sales tax dedicated to pay for the construction of the new facility. Hospital administrator Kean Spellman says it includes several operating and recovery rooms.
Spellman said local contractor CMS Willowbrook is expected to finish up most of its work by the first week in May, after which a state architect will review the construction before allowing the hospital to obtain a certificate of occupancy. In addition to the new operating rooms and imaging center, an entirely new physical plant was built to support the new construction. An open house will be scheduled at a later date.
Lindsay Family Injured in Head-on Crash
Four people, three of them from Lindsay, are seriously injured following a head-on collision on the Turner Turnpike. 35-year old Fa Yuan; 68-year old Chang Yuan; and 62-year old Fenjin Yuan all of Lindsay were taken to Oklahoma City area hospitals. Fa Yuan suffered critical injuries, and was trapped in his SUV for more than 45 minutes. The driver of the other vehicle, 19-year old Bo Mallett of Claremore, was also in critical condition. The accident happened about 4:30 a.m. Sunday about three miles east of Wellston. The Highway Patrol reports that Mallett was westbound in the eastbound lanes and struck the Yuan vehicle.
Life Church of Chickasha Proposes Move
A proposal for a special use permit to allow a church to relocate near Atwoods will go before the Chickasha Planning Commission. A public hearing will be held tomorrow for officials with Life Church of Chickasha who is requesting the permit. Brannan Bordwine and Alan Verser have applied for the permit. The public hearing is the only issue to be considered by the planning commission, when it meets at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at city hall.
Filing Period Set This Week for County, State, Fed Offices
Candidates for county, state, and federal offices will be filing for those offices this week. It's a three-day filing period, with county candidates filing at the county election board. Candidates for state and federal offices will file at the state election board. Grady County offices up for election include assessor, currently held by Bari Firestone; treasurer, currently held by Robin Burton; County Commissioner District 1, currently held by Windell Hardy, and County Commissioner District 3, currently held by Ralph Beard. Filing is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
Chix PD Hosts Workshop for Dispatchers
911 dispatchers from the region were in Chickasha recently for training. The Chickasha Police Department hosted the event in conjunction with the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group. Instructor Kevin McCullough led the training, called Professional Conduct for Communication Personnel. Chickasha Police Sgt. Kori Brewer, who oversees communications, said hosting the program provides new perspectives and ideas that let them implement changes and help personnel better serve the community.
Kiowa Tribe Sets Primary, General Elections
The Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma will be holding primary and general elections in the next couple of months. Offices to be determined include chairman, vice-chairman, and legislators for Districts One, Three, and Four. The Kiowa Election Commission is asking members to update their mailing addresses. Officials say they have had numerous mailouts returned as un-deliverable. There are more than 3,500 voters currently registered. A list of people whose addresses have not been updated is published on the Kiowa Tribe website, which is www.kiowatribe.org The primary election will be Saturday, May 5th, and the general election will be held on June 2nd.
Debbie Edwards to Retire From County Clerk's Office
After a 13-year career in the Grady County clerk's office, Debbie Edwards is retiring. She works in the Land Records Department, and her duties pertain to title records and recording legal documents. A retirement ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $62.06 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $67.11
Natural gas is $2.70 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,330 and silver is $16.31.
