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Mollman Media News

2018, OCT. 9th-22nd

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Today lets meet Chickasha Future Farmer of the

week Chapter Farmer Emma Victery .

 

 

 

Monday, Oct. 22nd

 

Accident Victim's Condition Worsens

A Verden man continues fighting for his life following a traffic accident in which two people died. 51-year old Gary Sanders was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted in fair condition after last Friday's crash. His condition has been downgraded to critical. Sanders suffered internal injuries in the accident. The two people who died in the crash were 65-year old Harold Milsap and 51-year old Shirley Milsap, also of Verden. The crash happened just after 5:00 p.m. last Friday afternoon at U.S. Highway 62 and Lake Burtchi Road. The highway patrol said the accident is still under investigation.

 

Teen Dies in Motorcycle Crash              

Tragedy in Stephens County, as a high school student dies in a motorcycle accident. 18-year old Joe Lumbert died when his motorcycle crashed Friday morning. Lumbert was a student at Bray-Doyle High School where he was a member of the football team. A candlelight vigil for Lumbert will be held at 6:00 p.m. tonight at the Bray-Doyle football field.

 

Former Gabriel Employee Accused of Embezzlement

A former employee of Gabriel Ride Control Products is accused of stealing copper and brass from the plant then cashing it in at a local business. A warrant was issued for the arrest of 44-year old Heath Ray Mason of Ninnekah, after Gabriel officials found video surveillance they say shows Mason removing several containers of the material. The allegations first came forward back in April. An arrest warrant for was issued in August and Mason was arrested late last week. The arrest warrant affidavit alleges Mason received more than $1,100 for nearly 400 pounds of copper and more than 100 pounds of brass. Mason spent the weekend in the Grady County Jail. He could have his initial appearance on the felony embezzlement charge this morning.

 

Gov. Fallin Touts Success in Business Development

As Oklahomans prepare to elect a new governor in a couple of weeks, current Governor Mary Fallin has a little over two months remaining in office. Among her accomplishments in her eight years as governor is improving the state's business climate. Her chief of staff Chris Benge was in Chickasha earlier this month for the announcement of the upcoming construction of the Midship Pipeline project. Benge says the governor has worked to make Oklahoma more business-friendly.

 

               

 

Benge says the State Department of Commerce has recorded more than 500 successful business projects during the Fallin administration, which includes recruiting new firms and assisting in the growth of current business and industry.

 

Anadarko, Carnegie Receive EMS Grants

Two Caddo County communities will receive State Department of Health grants for their emergency medical services programs. Anadarko and Carnegie are among several communities sharing in $1.7 million in grants for EMS services. A press release from the health department said the money comes from restricted tobacco taxes. The program was established by state lawmakers 10 years ago to fund assessment activities, re-organization of at-risk emergency medical services, the development of regional services, as well as training for medical directors and personnel, and equipment needs. A panel of nine volunteers review and score proposals that were submitted.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil in the NYMEX was up Friday but down for the week to $69.12 per barrel

London-based Brent crude was down for the week to $79.78.

Natural gas was up for the week to $3.25 per million BTUs.

Metals were down last week. Gold is down to $1,226 and silver slides to $14.66.

 

 

Saturday, Oct. 20th

 

Two Die in Verden Traffic Accident

Two people have died and a third person is hospitalized following a traffic accident on the east edge of Verden late yesterday. Killed in the crash were 65-year old Harold Milsap and  51-year old Shirley Milsap both of Verden. The highway patrol says were both air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival. The survivor of the crash, 51-year old Gary Sanders, also of Verden, suffered trunk and internal injuries and was last in fair condition. The accident happened about 5:15 p.m. Friday at U.S. Highway 62 and Lake Burtchi Road. The highway patrol says the accident is under investigation. The only details provided are that Sanders was driving a pickup and the Milsaps were in a sedan. The highway was closed for two hours.

 

Man Accused of Kidnapping Former Girlfriend

A Grady County man with a history of violence has been arrested for kidnapping his estranged girlfriend. A warrant had been issued for the arrest of 30-year old Mark Anthony Clymer of Tuttle. He was taken into custody Thursday afternoon. The incident happened at a home near Tuttle about a week ago. In addition to kidnapping, Clymer is also accused of felony assault and battery in connection with the case. The victim claimed Clymer held her against her will after she wanted to end their 7-month relationship. Clymer has previous convictions of assault, including assault on a police officer out of Canadian and Beckham counties. He remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bond.

               

 

Auto Swap Meet, Craft Show End Today

Looks like great weather today for the final day for the 50th annual fall swap meet hosted by the Chickasha Antique Auto Club. The event draws thousands of visitors from around the world. Most of the vendors are those who enjoy the challenge of restoring old cars and trucks, and share their favorite stories. Admission to the swap meet is free. There is a fee for parking, with proceeds going to local charities. The swap meet is on 35 acres owned by the auto club just east of downtown Chickasha and next to the Grady County Fairgrounds. There are also some vendors indoors in the non-climate controlled rodeo arena on the fairgrounds proper. In conjunction with the swap meet is the fall fling craft and vendor show, in the north exhibit building at the fairgrounds. Admission to that event is also free. Proceeds from door prize ticket sales will help the family of Justin Boyer of Verden, who is being treated for acute myeloid leukemia, a rare form of cancer. Donations are also being accepted for the Boyers.

 

Sheriff's Office Issues Wanted List

The Grady County Sheriff’s Office has issued a list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here’s Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett.

 

               

 

If you have information about any of these individuals, you’re asked to contact the sheriff’s office by calling 405-222-4085.

 

 

Friday, Oct. 19th

 

 

Gross Production Tax Discussion Set at State Capital

One of the most controversial issues debated at the state capital last spring was gross production taxes on the energy industry. For the most part, Republicans are opposed to an increase in the tax, while Democrats support an increase. State lawmakers will be taking an in-depth look at the pros and cons of increasing the tax during an interim study. Republican State Senator Casey Murdoch requested the interim study, with the first meeting on the issue next Tuesday morning at the state capital. In additional to gross production taxes on oil and gas, officials will be taking a look at state revenues from other energy forms such as electricity production from wind and coal.

 

Trio Charged in Brutal Attack

A man is recovering from a brutal attack in which he suffered broken bones in his face and cuts on his head that had to be closed with staples. Three men were arrested in connection with the attack. The assault occurred at a party, and reportedly started when the driver of a car ran into a fence. Documents filed in Grady County District Court indicate the victim initially confronted the driver, then the victim was allegedly kicked and beaten by as many as four individuals. Someone intervened and dragged the victim away from the fight, and he was taken by a private vehicle to a Mustang hospital for treatment. The men were arrested in connection with the attack are 20-year old Lane Garrett Vanschuyver, 18-year old Blake Alexander Hill, and 18-year old Ethan Hunter Calhoun all of Chickasha. All have been formally charged with felony aggravated assault and battery. All are out of jail after posting $5,000 bond.

 

Chix PD Again part of National K9 Grant Poll

Chickasha residents are being asked to help out the police department in a national program that supports K9 officer programs. The Aftermath K9 Grant will distribute a total of $15,000 to the eight police departments that get the most votes in an on-line survey. First place gets $5,000. The program was founded to showcase, support, and reward the contributions made by law enforcement and their K9 partners. Voting is open until Friday, November 2nd and you can vote every 12 hours. The website is www.aftermath.com/k9-grant. You can vote once per day on Instagram, by following @aftermathk9grant

               

Outlaws, Lawmen Theme for Historical Society Fundraiser

The Grady County Historical Society is preparing for its annual meeting and fund raiser. Outlaws and Lawmen is the theme for the evening. Pat Cunningham who is the curator for the historical society's museum says they'll also have a silent auction of several OU football items.

 

               

 

The annual meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 6th at the USAO Ballroom. Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchase at the museum in dowtown Chickasha.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Katie Davis with the USAO theatre department is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. The topic is the upcoming Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, our guest is Chris Benge, who is Chief of Staff for Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. We have links to both programs elsewhere on this website, under the Community tab.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is down to $68.65 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude falls below $80 to $79.29.

Natural gas lost ground, down to $3.20 per million BTUs.

Metals were higher. Gold is $1,231 and silver is $14.64.

 

 

Thursday, Oct. 18th

 

Regional Consumer Spending Still Strong

Consumer spending is still strong in the Grady County region. It's estimated that more than $45.5 million was spent on taxable goods and services in July. That's the third best month for consumer spending in 2018. While the number is down about 3.9 percent from June it is an increase of nearly 39 percent from the same time a year ago. We estimate consumer spending when we see the county’s sales tax revenue and factor in the county sales tax rate. Sales tax revenue for September was nearly $860,000 which was paid on retail purchases in July. Here is the breakdown on where that money goes, all approved by county voters: $304,000 is for the Grady County Fairgrounds; $269,000 is for Grady Memorial Hospital; $152,000 is divided among 20 fire districts, with each one receiving $7,600; $152,000 is shared among the seven senior nutrition centers, with each one collecting nearly $22,000; Tuttle EMS gets almost $28,000; and Rush Springs EMS receives about $7,000. Grady County also received almost $250,000 in use tax revenue, which are sales taxes paid on Internet purchases. That’s way up from the nearly $60,000 collected for the same time last year.

 

Chickasha Consumer Spending Also Healthy

In the City of Chickasha, consumer spending for July is estimated at $29 million. That's an increase of nearly 11 percent from June and up more than 22 percent from July of 2017. Sales tax revenue for the city was more than $1.1 million. Here's how that money is to be distributed. $586,000 goes to the general fund, about $290,000 is for water, sewer, and Chickasha Municipal Authority projects, and $218,000 is for Capital Improvement Projects. Chickasha use tax collections were more than $100,000 for September, up from $84,000 last year.

 

Missing Caddo County Teen Added to National List

A Caddo County teen missing for nearly two months is now included in a national program to find missing children. 17-year old Makaydon Thompson has been missing since Aug. 26th from the northern Caddo County town of Hydro. She's now on the list compiled by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Authorities think she may be in Oklahoma, possibly in Hydro or the Blaine County region. She is Caucasian, 5 feet, 5 inches tall, and has brown hair and blue eyes. She has tattoos of crosses on her arms and legs. If you can help find Makaydon Thompson, contact the Caddo County Sheriff's Office by calling 405-247-6666, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, at 1-800-THE-LOST.

 

Antique Auto Swap Meet Underway

Car and truck parts and lots of transportation-related items will being sold and traded at the annual fall swap meet put on by the Chickasha Antique Auto Club. About 400 vendors are expected, with many of them arriving yesterday. Among them was Doug Rodman who is here from Kingman, Kansas which is just outside Wichita.

 

               

 

Rodman says he's among six brothers and brothers-in-law who spend their vacation time coming to both the fall and spring swap meets. In addition to the parts his group is selling, he's looking for parts for his 1955 and 1956 Chevrolets. This is the 50th fall swap meet for the auto club. It runs today through Saturday.

 

Hall of Fame Coach Charles Heatly Dies

Longtime Lindsay girls basketball coach Charles Heatly has died. Heatly was 84 when he passed away Wednesday morning. A member of the Oklahoma and National Coaches Halls of Fame, Heatly won more than 650 games and two state titles in the 6-on-6 era. For a time, he also coached the Lindsay boys. Heatly established a summer camp for girls that brought in youth from around the county during its 25-year history. He was one of the founders of the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association, and was honored at the 2005 NCAA Women's Final Four for his lifelong service to women's basketball. Funeral for Coach Heatly will be at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon at Lindsay High School. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lindsay Schools Scholarship Fund.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX falls below $70 to $69.75 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude dips to $80.05.

Natural gas continues climbing, up to $3.32 per million BTUs.

Metals were lower as well. Gold is $1,227 and silver is $14.54.

 

 

Wednesday, Oct. 17th

 

 

Energy Firms Merge in Half-Billion Dollar Deal

Two Texas companies with heavy investments in the SCOOP and STACK plays will soon become one. Houston's Nine Energy Service is paying nearly a half-billion dollars for Magnum Oil Tools International of Corpus Christi. The website OK Energy Today reports it is a $493 million deal. Nine Energy officials say the partnership solidifies the company as one of the premier providers of completion-focused technology. The takeover includes $334 million in cash and 5 million shares of Nine common stock valued at nearly $160 million. Magnum has no debt. In addition to operations in Oklahoma, Nine Energy has interests in the Permian Basin, The Bakken in North Dakota, and throughout Canada.

 

Plan Would Help Property Owners Demolish Aging Homes

Chickasha officials are considering a plan that would help property owners pay for the demolition of dilapidated homes and structures. If approved, the city would provide some funds to pay for the removal of substandard properties. The city council discussed the proposal during an informal work session this week. Officials say the program is intended to provide a means to conveniently demolish aging or substandard buildings and improve the quality of neighborhoods. In background information from city hall provided to our news department, the plan calls for the city and property owner to discuss the cost before any demolition work occurs. Should the project cost more than the agreed to price, the city will pay the difference. If it is less, an adjustment would be made in the property owner's favor. The city would pay for the entire project initially, with the property owner given six months to pay the city. Due to funding limits, the maximum cost for any one project would be $3,000. No structures larger than a duplex qualify, nor does commercial property. The council will formally consider the plan at a later date.

 

FOP President Praises New Contract

The president of the Chickasha Fraternal Order of Police is happy with the new collective bargaining agreement approved by the city council this week. Clayton Hobbs leads FOP Local 129. He says the conract includes some continuing education assistance for officers.

 

               

The contract also calls for an end to the 12-hour shifts police officers had been working over the last year, with the shifts returning to eight hours.             

 

Fire Destroys Camper at Lake Chickasha

A follow-up today about a structure fire at Lake Chickasha we told you about yesterday. A fifth-wheel camper was fully involved when fire crews arrived. Fire fighters from Chickasha, Verden, and Anadarko were dispatched. The fire was reported just before 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. Chickasha Fire Chief Brian Zalewski said the occupants of the camper were not inside when the fire started. Firefighters spent about an hour putting out the flames. There were no injuries. Damage estimate wasn't available. Zalewski said they are still trying to determine how the fire started.

 

Competency Hearing Set for Woman who Stabbed Husband

A Chickasha woman with a lengthy criminal record is now accused of stabbing her husband and kicking a deputy. 55-year old Wanda Darlene Rutledge was arrested back in August in the Apache area. Papers filed in Caddo County District court allege she stabbed her husband three times, and even told officers she wished she had killed him. Rutledge facing felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and assault on an officer for kicking the deputy. A competency hearing for Rutledge is scheduled for November 15th.  She remains in the Caddo County Jail pending a $50,000 bond.  Rutledge is facing up to life in prison if convicted. She has previous felony convictions from 2014 out of Grady County and a 2009 conviction out of Pontotoc County in the Ada area.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up slightly to $71.92 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is up to $81.41.

Natural gas was down slightly to $3.24 per million BTUs.

Metals are down a bit with gold at $1,230 and silver at $14.71

 

 

Tuesday, Oct. 16th

 

 

Police, Fire Contracts Approved by Chickasha City Council

New collective bargaining agreements for Chickasha's fire and police unions get city council approval. The council voted unanimously to authorize the contracts following a 20-minute behind-closed-doors discussion during last night's regularly scheduled city council meeting. City Manager John Noblitt said the agreements do not include cost-of-living-adjustments. For the Fraternal Order of Local Police Local 129, the agreement calls for police to return to eight-hour shifts. Officers had been working 12-hour shifts due to a shortage of officers. Police officers who are promoted will be placed in the step process in the new rank that guarantees them a 3 percent pay hike. It also states that officers entitled to holiday pay will be those officers who actually work the day of the holiday, not the day that city hall may be closed. For the International Association of Firefighters Local 2041, the agreement calls for pay revisions for those who hold the rank of captain. It adds a new rank of Rescue Technician Coordinator which comes with a 50-cent-per hour incentive.

               

Water Treatment Plant, Employees Earn State Honors

Employees working for USW, the private contractor for the City of Chickasha's water treatment plants, are honored at the state level for their job performances. They were recognized during the annual Oklahoma Water and Pollution Control Conference that was held earlier this month. Debbie Seagroves was named plant supervisor of the year; Derrick McDaniel was named maintenance supervisor of the year; Darrel White received The Darcy Award as the waste water operator of the year; and Tim Anderson won the Stapley Award for water operator of the year. USW was also recognized for having the most improved plant and the plant of the year for medium-sized communities. Steve Hardeman, supervisor of the Norman wastewater plant, serves on the board for the Water and Pollution Control conference. He announced the awards during last night’s city council meeting.

 

               

 

The water and pollution control group dates back to 1926, and is among the oldest operator associations in the country.

 

Truck Fire Slows Highway 19 Traffic

A truck fire southeast of Chickasha slowed traffic on Highway 19 for a brief time yesterday. A one-ton truck hauling a trailer with a backhoe caught fire near the Little Washita River Bridge, about  4 1/2 miles east of the State Highway 19 and U.S. Highway 81 junction. Alex and Bradley Fire Departments responded to the fire which happened about 12:30 p.m. Monday. A small grass fire also ignited but fire crews quickly had that under control. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said the truck was a total loss but the backhoe and trailer were salvageable. An electrical problem is suspected of starting the fire.  There were no injuries. The truck driver wasn’t identified.  

 

Suspect Charged with Assault on Police Officer

An update now to a story we first aired late last week, about a man arrested for the alleged assault of a police officer. Prosecutors have filed misdemeanor charges against 34-year old Donald Heddlesten. He's charged with assault on a police officer and obstruction after Chickasha police were called to a home last Thursday night to investigate a domestic disturbance. Heddlesten is out of jail after posting a $1,500 bond.

 

Man Arrested for Having Stolen Pickup

Authorities arrest a man they say was in possession of a stolen pickup. The arrest was made at a Chickasha home last Friday afternoon. An officer spotted a suspicious truck parked in the driveway of a home in the 500 block of South 16th. When the officer ran a routine check on the tag it was found that the truck had been stolen out of Vinita. A probable cause affidavit filed by the officer indicates a man sitting in the pickup said he bought the truck on the side of the road in Oklahoma City, but he did not have a bill of sale. Police also say the found meth and drug items in the truck. Police arrested 25-year old Joseph Alexander Washington of Yukon. Prosecutors have formally charged him with felonies which include possession of a stolen vehicle and drugs. His bond was set at $5,000.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $71.78 a barrel

London-based Brent crude is up to $80.78.

Natural gas is up to $3.24 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,231 and silver is $14.79

 

 

Monday, October 15th

 

Fire Station Roof Repairs May be Re-bid

Chickasha officials are going back to square one for roof repairs on one of the city's fire stations. Tonight, the city council will consider rejecting all bids received for repairs at Fire Station No. 2 at 16th and Country Club Road. Administrators say all six bids came in over the appraised insurance value, and that funding is not available to offset added costs for recommended insulation, removal of skylights, and additional hail protection. The bids ranged from just under $45,000 to more than $100,000. Officials are recommending that the project be re-bid, and reduce the amount of work they originally planned for.

 

Fire, Police Union Contract Talks to be Reviewed

The council is also to go behind closed doors to discuss the status of collective bargaining agreements with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2041 and the Fraternal Order of Police Local 129. The council will consider the appointment of Leasa Furr to the post of city treasurer, and recognize USW, the city's contractor for water treatment. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall. Prior to the meeting, a special work session will be held to discuss a demolition program and to get an update on city projects. The work session will start at 5:30 p.m.

 

Semi Crash Shuts Down Turnpike               

A traffic accident involving a semi forced officials to shut down part of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike in Chickasha last night. The accident happened just before 11:00 p.m. near Mile Marker 81 which is just east of the U.S. Highway 81 junction. Both westbound lanes of traffic were closed for a short time. Both lanes were re-opened about midnight. No information is available about the accident.

 

50th Antique Auto Swap Meet Set this Weekend

Thousands of antique auto enthusiasts from around the world will be in Chickasha this weekend for one of the longest running events of its kind. Each fall and spring, the Chickasha Antique Auto Club hosts a swap meet that attracts people who restore old cars and trucks. The club has been around for years and was largely responsible for the restoration of Chickasha's Historic Rock Island Railroad depot. Bud Andrus tells how that came about.

 

               

 

That federal grant was for $700,000 so altogether the restoration was a $1 million project. The fall swap meet is this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday on the grounds owned by the antique auto club next to the Grady County Fairgrounds. 400 vendors or more are expected and a few will be in the Grady County Fairgrounds rodeo arena, which is the one south of the community building. Admission is free. There is a fee for parking with proceeds benefitting local charities.

 

USAO to Kick-off Davis-Waldorf Series

Another season of unique performances will begin at USAO next week. The Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series will host four programs over the next several months, starting with a group of young ladies from  Africa who go by the name of Nobuntu. Members of the ensemble from Zimbabwe blend the traditional music of their culture with Afro-jazz and gospel. The group was founded in 2011 when some noticed there was an absence of female professional music groups in their country. The name Nobuntu represents an African concept that values humbleness, love, purpose, unity, and family from a woman's viewpoint. The performance will be next Thursday, Oct. 25th at 7:30 p.m. in Te Ata Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are available at the USAO business office, on-line, or at the door. Visit www.usao.edu/dwpas to see the complete list of performances.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down for the week, to $71.34 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude also had a down week, to $80.43.

Natural gas was up for the week, to $3.16 per million BTUs.

Gold was up for the week, to $1,235 and silver up to $14.78.

 

Saturday, October 13th

 

Mother, Child Unhurt in Pipe Wrench Attack

Frightening moments for a mother and child when a man smashes car windows with a 36-pound pipe wrench. It happened at a home in Bradley Thursday morning. According to probable cause affidavit from a sheriff's deputy, the woman claimed the man was yelling and screaming "why did you do it", and wielding a three-foot pipe wrench. It's alleges he smashed the windows of two cars, including one where the child was in the back seat. The woman and child managed to get away in one car, driving to Alex where she called 9-1-1. The deputy that responded was able to find the suspect in Bradley. The suspect also screamed at the deputy and alleged the woman killed his wife and put her body in the woods. When asked if he was on meth the suspect screamed that he would test positive. The deputy found the pipe wrench still lodged in the windshield of a vehicle. The suspect, 32-year old Bryson Scott Johnson of Bradley, was taken to jail. He has been formally charged with felony assault and misdemeanor vandalism. He remains in jail in lieu of $40,000 bond.

 

Officer Avoids Injury in Domestic Violence Call

A Chickasha police officer escapes injury in a confrontation with a domestic violence suspect. Authorities were summoned to a home in the 1500 block of South 8th Thursday night, where a man and woman were arguing. The man denied that he and the woman were arguing and told officers to leave. He tried to prevent officers from going into the house to talk to the woman. A probable cause affidavit indicates the suspect became combative and physically threatened officers. The document does not indicate the suspect actually attacked them. The suspect, 34-year old Donald Heddlesten, was taken to the Grady County Jail where he is being held on complaints of assault on a police officer and obstruction. He'll remain in jail through the weekend.  Prosecutors will review the case to determine if formal charges should be filed.

 

Grants Awarded by Chickasha Community Foundation

A local foundation has awarded two grants for community projects. The grants are from the Chickasha Community Foundation. One of grants will establish a holiday lighting project in the downtown area and the other to help with the music department at USAO. The funds are made possible by an endowment created by the Doris Wilkes Trust. It was established in 2011 with a contribution of $2.4 million. The interest earned on the endowment each year assists in funding worthy projects. A $45,000 grant was awarded to the Chickasha Economic Development Council in a partnership with the City of Chickasha. It will used to purchase a tall artificial Christmas tree to be placed at the Rock Island Depot during the holidays. A $28,000 grant was awarded to the USAO Foundation which will be used to purchase marimbas and steel drums for the USAO Music Department. Since its beginning, the foundation has awarded more than $850,000 to worthy programs, including the Chickasha Public School Foundation, the high school band, and the Grady County Historical Society.

 

Chickasha Hosts State Optimists

If you feel a positive vibe in Chickasha this weekend, look no further than the Grady County Fairgrounds. Dozens of Optimist International members in the Sooner State are meeting for the Oklahoma District Convention. They'll have a number of workshops and leadership training programs. Among those attending are Ron Whitaker of Broken Arrow who is Oklahoma District Governor; Paul Lucas of Odessa, Texas, who is the southwest regional vice president; and Diane Clark of Ft. Worth who is the immediate past-president of the North Texas District. Chickasha Optimist member Margaret Davis invites anyone interested in Optimist International to drop by. The Optimist mission is to provide hope and positive vision to bring out the best in communities and youth.

               

Monster Truck Show, Mud Races Postponed

A big monster truck show and mud race set for this weekend at the Grady County Fairgrounds has been postponed due to the wet weather. The event has been re-scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3rd and Sunday Nov. 4th.

 

Friday, Oct. 12th

 

Inhofe: Small Airports Should Benefit From Senate Vote

Small town airports like the ones in Chickasha, Anadarko, and Lindsay should be able to continue to get federal matching grants to help with future improvements. The U.S. Senate this week passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Re-authorization Act. We talked with Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe about it.

 

              

 

Inhofe also praised the announcement of the construction of the Midship natural gas pipeline this week. He also said he opposed President Trump's support of expanding the year-round sale of E-15 gasoline.

 

Voter Registration Deadline is Today                              

Today is the final day for Oklahomans to register to vote, or update voter registration ahead next month's gubernatorial election. You'll have to visit your local county election board to do so, or you can pick up applications at the post office, the tag office, or the library. You can mail them, however it must be postmarked with today’s date in order for you to get your voter registration card in time for the November 6th election. Those forms and sample ballots can be found on-line on the state election board website: www.elections.ok.gov

 

Native American Code Talkers to be Honored

A weekend ceremony will honor nearly two dozen Native American code talkers who were instrumental during World Wars I and II. The Comanche Indian Veterans Association will recognize the 22 individuals who were responsible for translating commands in their native language. It's an annual ceremony for the group which will meet at the Walters cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon. A more than five-foot tall granite marker will be placed in the cemetery's Veterans Circle of Honor.

 

Cyril Girl wins You Tube Competition

A Cyril teenager has won a YouTube talent competition. Skylie Thompson was among the finalists hoping to get a role on YouTube's Brat Productions. The 14-year old flew to California in August for the talent competition, where her audition included a country song, a ukulele, and a chicken. The competition is a cross between American Idol and America's Got Talent. Skylie is a singer and guitarist, was among the top 10 contestants and eventually one of three finalists.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Bud Andrus and Chase O’Brien with the Chickasha Antique Auto Club are this week’s guests on our  KOOL Konversation. They’ll be talking about the group’s 50th annual Antique Auto Swap Meet Oct. 18th through 20th. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, our guest is Pat Cunningham with the Grady County Historical Society. We have links to both programs elsewhere on this website. You’ll find them under the Community tab.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX drops to $70.97 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was down to $80.26.

Natural gas was off slightly to $3.22 per million BTUs.

Gold climbs to $1,224 and silver is up to $14.64.

 

 

Thursday, Oct. 11th

 

Large Pipeline Construction Project May Start Soon

Plans announced two years ago to build a natural gas pipeline through parts of central and southeast Oklahoma may soon become a reality. Officials with Midship Pipeline say the pipeline will run from Kingfisher to Durant, and will send locally produced natural gas to the gulf coast for export. Matt Barr is the director of government and public affairs with Midship Pipeline.

 

               

 

Barr said it's a $1 billion project, and that it will create 1,300 jobs. The pipeline will run through eight counties, including Canadian, Grady, Garvin, and Stephens Counties. Officials have spent the last two years getting federal permits approved and talking with land owners as well as state, county and tribal officials. Barr said the pipeline will be three feet in diameter and buried at least four feet underground. The parent company for Midship Pipeline is Cheniere Energy, which is the nation's largest buyer and exporter of natural gas.

 

Pipeline Awards Thousands to USAO, Career Techs

The announcement of the pipeline construction was made at USAO yesterday. USAO is one of several educational institutions sharing in $160,000 in STEM grants issued by Midship. USAO will use the grant to make upgrades to a science and technology lab at Nash Library. Among the equipment to be provided is a new 3-D printer. Canadian Valley Technology Center in El Reno was awarded a similar grant as were several other career tech schools and universities along the pipeline route.

 

Manslaughter Charges Filed in Fatal Crash

A man is arrested for felony manslaughter in connection with a fatal traffic accident that happened in Grady County earlier this year. A warrant was issued last month for the arrest of 52-year old Bill Ray Hepburn, Jr. of Duncan. The accident happened in April about two miles north of Rush Springs on U.S. Highway 81. At the time, the highway patrol reported that Hepburn failed to yield from a stop sign and hit a pickup driven by Ernest Tullos of Comanche. Tullos died at the scene while his wife Carla was hospitalized. Court documents indicate that Hepburn had methamphetamine in his system when the accident occurred. He also had an expired tag and no insurance. Hepburn may be arraigned on the manslaughter charge as early as today.

 

Chickasha Bakery Voted State's Best

A Chickasha bakery has been named the sweetest bakery in Oklahoma. Shollie's Sweets was named the state winner in a national contest to find the top bakery in America. The contest put together by bakery distributor Dawn Foods lasted several months,  with customers asked to vote every day, either in the store or on-line. It's a great honor for the bakery which has only been in operation for about 2 1/2 years. Owner Shollie Hammons was the only employee when it opened, and the store now employs as many as nine. Hammons talks about some of her customer's favorite items.

 

               

 

Many of Shollie’s Sweets desserts are available at local restaurants InterUrban and A and E Grill. The  bakery also has its own brand of jerky, and does catering. A special celebration will be held at a later date.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX lost ground yesterday, down to $73.17 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was also lower, to $83.09.

Natural gas continues its upward trend, climbing to $3.28 per million BTUs.

Metals were higher. Gold tops $1,200 to $1,205 and silver was up to $14.45.

 

 

Wednesday, Oct. 10th

 

Mother Arrested for Fraud, Claiming Daughter had Cancer

A woman who claimed her seven-year-old daughter had cancer is facing felony charges in Grady County District Court. 31-year old Jamie Kaye Parker of Tuttle is accused of lying about her daughter's health, and collecting more than $3,500 she says was for the child’s treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Investigators say the woman even shaved the girl's head and told the child her doctor's appointments were for chemotherapy treatments. DHS first told Grady County investigators about the allegations last month. An arrest warrant was issued last week, and Parker was taken into custody on Friday. She remains in jail in lieu of $100,000 bond. It's not the first time Parker is accused of fraud. Two years ago, she pleaded guilty to embezzlement while serving as treasurer for the booster club for the Bridge Creek high school wrestling program. She was given a five-year deferred sentence and ordered to pay restitution. In 2014, Parker pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor bogus check charge.

 

Gov. Issues State of Emergency Due to Storms

Gov. Mary Fallin has issued a state of emergency in all 77 Oklahoma counties as a result of recent flooding and yesterday's tornado outbreak. Heavy rains resulted in flooding in a number of areas. High winds resulted in damage to homes, businesses, and power lines. Unofficial reports indicated that about a dozen tornadoes may have touched down in east central Oklahoma including several in the Oklahoma City metro area. The state of emergency is in effect for 30 days. It allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief.              

 

One Hospitalized After Head-on Crash

A head-on collision near Sterling leaves one man in serious condition. 19-year old Tyler Hale of Lawton was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after his car was hit by an on-coming pickup that tried to turn in front of him. The accident happened about 10:45 a.m. Tuesday about three miles west of Sterling on State Highway 17. The highway patrol reports Hale was pinned in his car for about 45 minutes. The driver of the pickup, 59-year old Daniel Capri of Fletcher, was not hurt.

 

Oil and Gas Expo Set

A huge day for the energy industry tomorrow, as the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Expo will be held at the state fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. More than 300 exhibitors will be on hand and organizers expect some 4,000 visitors. Mindy Stitt is with the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board.

 

               

 

The event is put together by a division of the OERB called the Sustaining Oklahoma's Energy Resources program. This is the 22nd year for this one-day event, where oil and gas reps will network and get information on improving their operations. It's free and open to the public at the Bennett Events Center at the state fairgrounds.

 

Grady County Well Completions Reported

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports some oil and gas well completions in Grady County. One is the Sycamore well by Casillas Operating in Section 35 of Township 5 North, Range 5 West southeast of Bradley. It's producing about 440 barrels of oil equivalent and about 300 metric cubic feet of natural gas per day at a depth of about 19,000 feet. The spud date was November 24th of last year. Apache Corporation completed the Woodford well in Section 28 of Township 6 North, Range 6 West about five miles east of Ninnekah.  It's bringing about 320 barrels of oil equivalent and 5,700 metric cubic feet of natural gas per day. The spud date was this past January.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $74.96 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.00.

Natural gas was steady at $3.26 per million BTUs.

Gold was down to $1,190 and silver was up to $14.36.

 

 

Tuesday, Oct. 9th

 

Fatal Officer-involved Shooting Starts with

Truck Reported Stolen out of Grady County

The OSBI is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting, which started when a truck was reported stolen out of Grady County. It ended in Okarche following a high-speed pursuit where the trucked crashed, and then officers opened-fire when the driver got out of the truck with a weapon. The pursuit started when Union City police spotted the truck which was reportedly stolen from the Braum's Dairy west of Tuttle. The pursuit reached speeds of 100 miles per hour heading north on U.S. Highway 81 to and through El Reno, where several law enforcement agencies joined in. Canadian County Sheriff Chris West says five deputies have been placed on administrative leave while the shooting is under investigation. None of the officers were injured. Officials have not identified the individual who died.

 

Chickasha New Construction Jumps in September

After a couple of down months, new construction in Chickasha was quite active in September. The city's Community Development Department approved permits totaling $4.4 million in construction last month. 19 total permits were approved. Leading the way was a $3.2 million project for CMS Willowbrook to build a new addition to the Grady County Jail. Also approved was a $165,000 project for Parkview Christian Church to build a gymnasium. H and T Construction was awarded a $35,000 work order to construct a metal building to be used for storage and a nursery at Kendall's Flowers in downtown. A $30,000 project was approved for CharDon Builders to build an awning at Bill Wallace School. The funds come from a Chickasha Community Foundation grant issued to the school last year. Bordwine Development was authorized for a $30,000 remodeling and add-on project to a current building on Pikes Peak Road. Permits for four new single-family homes were approved, together valued at nearly $1 million. Total construction approved since the first of the year has now topped $22 million.

 

Local Emergency Planning Group to Meet              

An update on how to minimize damage and destruction from disasters will be part of the discussion at this week's meeting of the Grady County Local Emergency Planning Committee. The group consists of mainly emergency management and

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