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Monday, Oct. 29th
Woman Critical After Car Collides with Semi
A car slams into a semi Saturday night sending an elderly Oklahoma City couple to the hospital with one in critical condition. 77-year old Caren Storck was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was last in critical condition. 76-year old Kenneth Storck was taken by ambulance to Oklahoma City where he was admitted in fair condition but has since been released. The accident happened about 9:00 p.m. Saturday about 10 miles east of Chickasha on U.S. 62 between Tabler and Blanchard. The highway patrol reports that the Storck vehicle was eastbound on Highway 62 when it struck a semi that was entering the highway from a private drive. The semi was driven by 21-year old Payden Miller of Chickasha. Miller was not injured. The accident closed the highway for five hours.
Sleepy Driver Crashes on Turnpike; Passenger Injured A tired driver crashes on the H.E. Bailey turnpike and sends a passenger in the car to the hospital. 26-year old Samatha Phanthanousy of Moore was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where she is in serious condition this morning. The accident happened just before 2:30 p.m. Sunday near mile marker 77 about four miles southwest of Chickasha. The highway patrol reports that the driver of the car, 29-year old Dustin Quisenberry also of Moore, was eastbound on the turnpike when he ran off the highway and hit a culvert. Quisenberry was not injured.
Trial of Police Shootout Suspect Enters Second Week
The trial of a man accused of injuring several police officers during a shootout continues into its second week. Alex Warren Klinger is now facing 10 felony charges. He was originally facing 15 charges, however four were dismissed this past February and a fifth charge was dismissed as the trial started last Tuesday. The charges include shooting with intent to kill, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and maiming. Klinger, 62, has been held in the Grady County Jail without bond since his arrest following the shootout which occurred in September of 2017.
Dowtown Chickasha Development Ideas Sought
Chickasha residents are being asked to put on their thinking caps and discuss what the downtown area might look like in the future. OU students with the Institute for Quality Communities will be in Chickasha tonight for a come-and-go meeting to discuss development ideas for downtown. Chickasha was one of just two communities selected to take part in the program this year. The meeting will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Grady County Fairgrounds Community Building.
CV Tech's Gay Pettit Up for National Award
A career guidance counselor with Canadian Valley Technology Center is a finalist for a national award. Gay Pettit is among five candidates for the honor which will be announced next month at the national meeting of the Association for Career and Technology Education. Pettit has been in education for nearly 35 years. She created CV Tech’s Mentor Match program, which allows career tech students to get on-the-job work experience with business and industry. The national meeting will be held in San Antonio Nov. 28th.
Energy and Metals
The price of crude oil on the NYMEX was down for the third straight week to $67.59 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude was down to $77.62.
Natural gas also had a down week to $3.18 per million BTUs.
Metals were up slightly for the week with gold up to $1,231 and silver to $14.65.
Saturday, Oct. 27th
Florida Firm Expected to Create Anadarko Jobs
There's a lot of excitement in Anadarko, with the announcement that a revolutionary new product is expected to be manufactured there. Aqua Resources out of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida has signed a letter-of-intent to manufacture products that developers say will have a huge impact on the medical, oil and gas, and even the textile industries. Lee Madden is the CEO of Aqua Resources. He holds seven patents on dozens of products he has developed over the years.
Madden has been working with Theda McPheron-Keel, the CEO of the Wind Hollow Foundation, which owns the former Holleytex Plant in Anadarko. McPheron-Keel is herself a scientist and says the plant is perfect for Madden's work.
The groups will work with the City of Anadarko to obtain state and federal grants and low-interest loans for start-up businesses. It's expected to create about 40 new jobs. They hope to operational by the second half of 2019.
Woman Charged with Embezzlement
A Chickasha woman is accused of embezzling money from the cell phone company she used to work for. 29-year old Kera Danielle England was arrested by Chickasha police this week, and she has been formally charged with felony embezzlement. She remains in jail in lieu of a $5,000 bond. Court documents indicate England admitted taking the money when she worked as a manager for the company. A probable cause affidavit indicates she admitted taking more than $2,000 to pay bills after her husband lost his job. She told authorities she used the money to make car and loan payments, rent and utility bills, car insurance, and also purchased gas and cigarettes.
Man Sought for Trying to Run Over Relative
An Anadarko man is wanted for allegedly trying to run over a relative. A felony arrest warrant has been issued for 34-year old William Linn Tartsah. Anadarko police say he tried to run over his nephew. Documents filed in Caddo County District Court say the incident happened about six weeks ago. Tartsah is wanted for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
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 regarding any of these individuals you’re asked to contact the sheriff’s office by calling 405-222-5085.
High School Football Scores
Clinton 28, Chickasha 7
Minco 54, Wellston 0
Walters 36, Rush Springs 0
Alex 62, Cyril 24
Tuttle 49, Harrah 6
Blanchard 40, Cushing 14
Anadarko 40, Elk City 8
Apache 35, Dibble 14
Mannford 62, Bridge Creek 25
Marlow 42, Bethel 23
Lindsay 42, Dickson 38
Friday, Oct. 26th
Double-Organ Transplant Recipient Doing Well
A Chickasha man is doing very well these days, after undergoing a rare double-organ transplant. This summer, Kyle Perry had a pancreas and kidney transplant at the Oklahoma Transplant Center, which is part of the OU Medical Center. Perry underwent the 10-hour surgery in August, and he says he healthier than he has been in years.
Perry learned he would need a transplant in December of 2016, and was surprised when he got the call that he would have the surgery just two months ago, after being on the transplant list for only a year and a half. You can hear more of Kyle's story on our KOOL Konversation program. We have a link to the program elsewhere on this website. Find it under the Community tab.
Man Wanted for Assault in Custody
Now an update to a story we told you about earlier this week. Caddo County authorities have captured a man accused of kidnapping and assaulting his girlfriend. Caddo County Undersheriff Spencer Davis says deputies arrested 22-year old Michael Andrew Toahty of Cyril Wednesday night. It wasn't clear where authorities found him, but he was booked into the Caddo County jail about 7:00 p.m. that evening. Toahty was wanted for the alleged assault of the woman that occrred a couple of weeks ago.
More Details of Runaway Teen Released
We have a few more details about that missing teenage girl we told you about yesterday. 13-year old Jimi Lee Jorski was reported missing from her home in Cogar by her mother Wednesday morning. While she lived in Cogar, authorities say she was going to school in Minco. Jorski is Caucasian, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs between 130 to 150 pounds. She has shoulder-length brown hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black-and-white checkered shirt. She may also be wearing an El Reno hoodie. If you know anything about Jimi Lee Jorski, you're asked to call the Caddo County Sheriff's Office at 405-247-5700 or local law enforcement.
Another Good SCOOP Well for Continental Resources
Another oil well for Continental Resources in the SCOOP region is doing very well. The Lyle 4-30-10 located between Marlow and Elmore City is bringing in about 1,200 barrels of oil equivalent and nearly 1,700 metric cubic feet of natural gas per day. The well is in Section 31 of Township 3 North Range 4 West. Spud date was March with drilling finished in May and completion in June.
Two Inducted into 4H Hall of Fame
The Grady County 4H Hall of Fame has two new members. Kale Kennedy of the Amber-Pocasset Senior 4H Club and Breanna Conrad of the Rocks 4H Club were inducted into the hall during the annual 4H achievement banquet last night. Kennedy is a senior at Ampo and is on the state officer team. He also was a state winner in his project for the conservation of natural resources. Conrad is a student at Oklahoma City Community College, and was a state 4H winner in achievement.
Rush Springs Student Wins Pageant
Royalty for a Rush Springs resident. Lexi Large was crowned Miss Northern Oklahoma College in Enid last night. She was among several young ladies competing at the dual Miss NOC and Miss NOC Tonkawa Scholarship competition. Lexi will now get to compete in the Miss Oklahoma Pageant next spring. Lexi is the daughter of Ricky and Jeanne Large
Contributions Sought for Shop-with-a-Cop
A number of Chickasha elementary school students will get to go Christmas shopping with a police officer’s help. About 30 students from Bill Wallace and Grand Avenue schools will take part in the second annual Shop with A Cop program with the Chickasha Police Department. Each student will get about $250 to spend on themselves or others. Assistant Police Chief G.G. Music said they hope to collect about $5,000 in contributions from the community to help with the project. Last year, donors gave $7,000. Contributions should be with a check or a Wal-Mart gift card. The Shop with a Cop event will be held December 7th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $67.33 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude rises to $76.89.
Natural gas had another gain, up to $3.20 per million BTUs.
Gold is up slightly to $1,239 and silver is down to $14.71.
Thursday, Oct. 25th
Injured Officer Returns to Work a Year After Shooting
It's been just over a year since a Chickasha police officer suffered a serious arm injury in a shootout with a man who barricaded himself inside his home. After several surgeries and numerous physical therapy sessions, Sgt. Matt Schoolfield is back at work. Schoolfield is on light duty and is still undergoing physical therapy. Police Chief Greg Anderson says Schoolfied is happy to be back at work. Schoolfield is among the many witnesses testifying at this week's trial of Alex Warren Klingler, the man alleged to have opened fire on Schoolfield and several other law enforcement officers in September of 2017. Today is the third day of Klingler's trial in Grady County District Court. Prosecutors say the trial could run about a week.
Early-Morning Crash Closes Country Road
An early morning traffic accident shut down Grand Avenue west of Chickasha. The accident happened about a mile east of Lake Burtchi Road at County Road 2760. The highway patrol indicated it was a single-vehicle accident and there were no injuries. The accident happened about 2:45 a.m. and the roadway was closed about an hour and 15 minutes, re-opening about 4:00 a.m. Officials provided no information about the driver or any passengers.
No Injuries Reported in Three-Vehicle Accident
There was a three-vehicle accident south of Pocasset yesterday, but fortunately there were no serious injuries. The accident happened at U.S. Highway 81 and the Amber turn-off. Grady County Fire Department officials say no one was transported to any hospitals. It was raining at the time of the accident which happened about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Traffic on the highway was down to just one lane for about an hour. All three vehicles had to be towed away. State troopers, Grady County Sheriff's deputies, and the Pocasset Fire Department all responded. Neither the names of the drivers nor any passengers were released.
Accident Victims Still Hospitalized
We have updates on two men hospitalized after they were injured in separate traffic accidents. Gary Sanders of Verden remains in critical condition after a crash that occurred at U.S. Highway 62 and Lake Burtchi Road last Friday. Stephen Franks of Ninnekah has been upgraded to serious condition after being ejected from his pickup in a Monday night crash near Anadarko. He was running from police when that accident happened. Both men are being treated at OU Medical Center.
Runaway Caddo County Teen Sought
Caddo County authorities are hoping you can help locate a runaway teenager. Our partners at KWTV News 9 report that officials are looking for 13-year old Jimi Lee Jorski. It wasn't reported what town she's missing from. Jorski is Caucasian, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighs 130 to 150 pounds. A photo shows her with shoulder-length brown hair, and she was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black-and-white checkered shirt. She may also be wearing an El Reno hoodie. Authorities think she may be in El Reno or Oklahoma City. If you know anything about Jimi Lee Jorski, you're asked to call the Caddo County Sheriff's Office at 405-247-5700 or local law enforcement.
Silver Alert Canceled for Missing OKC Man
A Silver Alert issued for an elderly man who had been missing from his southwest Oklahoma City home has been canceled. The alert was issued Wednesday afternoon for 76-year old Ronald Starbuck. Oklahoma City Police canceled the Silver Alert this morning, saying that Starbuck had been found and is with family. There was no information about where Starbuck was located.
Groups Will Again Help Needy Families During Holidays Christmas decorations are already showing up in the stores and the big holiday is two months from today. There will be a lot of ways to help needy families during this special time of year. Among them is one that has been one of the area’s longest-running programs. The Salvation Army and Southwest Youth and Family Services are again combining efforts for the Angel to Angel program. The agencies have begun taking applications from families who could use some assistance, or from anyone who may know about under-privileged families. In Grady County, applications are available at the Salvation Army, which is located in Chickasha across from the Bill Wallace School. In Caddo County applications are available at Southwest Youth and Family Services in Anadarko.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX was up to $66.82 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude was up to $76.17.
Natural gas was lower to $3.16 per million BTUs.
Precious metals were fairly steady with gold at $1,235 and silver at $14.77.
Wednesday, Oct. 24th
Pursuit Suspect Critical After Crash
An ex-con who led police on a high-speed pursuit through two counties is hospitalized in critical condition, after crashing his pickup trying running a road block. 58-year old Stephen Dale Franks of Ninnekah was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with undisclosed injuries. Chickasha police say they tried to make a traffic stop on Franks near USAO at 19th and Park about 6:00 p.m. Monday. Franks sped away, and was said to have been driving on the wrong side of the road and forcing vehicles off the roadway. Authorities say the pursuit lasted about a half an hour, and that Franks ran several road blocks before crashing on a Caddo County road east of Anadarko. The initial report about the pursuit also indicated that Franks had a weapon. Police say Franks has active warrants out of both Grady and Caddo counties. Franks has a long criminal record, pleading guilty to burglary and previous charges of eluding and running a road block out of Grady County.
Verden Accident Victim Still Critical
Now an update on a man critically injured in a violent traffic accident that claimed the lives of two people. 51-year old Gary Sanders of Verden remains in critical condition in an Oklahoma City hospital. The accident happened at U.S. Highway 62 and Lake Burtchi Road last Friday. Killed in the crash were Harold and Shirley Milsap, also of Verden. A joint funeral for the Milsaps will be held at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow morning at the Verden Pentecostal Lighthouse Church.
Lindsay Trucker Hospitalized After Hitting Tree
A Lindsay truck driver is hospitalized after his tractor-trailer ran off the road and hit a tree. Howard Cannon was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in fair condition with a leg injury. The accident happened just before 11:00 a.m. Tuesday on State Highway 29 east of Elmore City. The highway patrol reported that Cannon was inattentive when he approached a curve and ran off the road.
Arrest Warrant Issued for Cyril Man
Law enforcement officials are looking for a Cyril man wanted for allegedly kidnapping and choking his girlfriend. An arrest warrant has been issued for 22-year old Michael Andrew Toahty. The warrant was issued after the victim told investigators that Toahty forcibly held her in his car and choked her. The warrant is for felony kidnapping and domestic assault and battery by strangulation, and misdemeanor charges of domestic assault. Contact the Caddo County Sheriff's Office or local police if you have information on Toahty.
Oilfield Firm Hiring Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are in big demand in the oilfield industry, and a company serving the region for 20 years will be holding a hiring event tomorrow night. Advantage Oilfield Services is hiring CDL drivers for water transport trucks. Food and drinks will be provided. The hiring event is from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Advantage Oilfield Services yard in Chickasha at 3910 S. 4th.
Florist to "Petal it Forward"
A Chickasha flower shop will be taking part in a national campaign today to surprise people with free flowers. Sue Kendall of Kendall's Flowers will be giving two bouquets of flowers to random people. One bouquet is for them to keep and the other to give to someone else. The promotion is called "Petal it Forward." Kendall says the day-long event is intended to lift people's spirits by delivering the power of flowers.
High School Artists May Enter USAO Competition
High school arts students are encouraged to enter the annual Innovations art contest at USAO. The competition is for juniors and seniors and all media are welcome. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Entries cannot be larger than four feet in any direction. Students can enter up to five projects and there is $3 fee for each entry. The art work is due Feb. 27th and will be judged by university art faculty. The project will be part of an exhibition for the first couple of weeks in March. Contact the USAO art department for information and further details.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX slides to $66.43 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is down to $76.44.
Natural gas climbs to $3.21 per million BTUs.
Gold is down slightly to $1,233 and silver had a slight gain to $14.80.
Tuesday, Oct. 23rd
Jury Selection Underway in Trial for CPD Shootout Suspect
It's day two of jury selection in the trial of Alex Warren Klinger, the man alleged to have been involved in a shootout with Chickasha police last year. Klingler was initially charged with 15 felonies following the shootout in which three police officers were injured. Prosecutors dropped four of the charges this past spring. Klinger is now facing three charges of assault and battery with a deadly weapon; seven counts of shooting with intent to kill; and one count of maiming. The shootout occurred at Klingler's home in September of last year. Authorities say he barricaded himself inside his home and fired numerous times at law enforcement over a 2 1/2 hour period. One officer, Sgt. Matthew Schoolfield, remains on medical leave after suffering a serious arm injury.
Congressman Says Mid-Term Elections Too Close to Call
4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole spent some time in Chickasha yesterday meeting with business leaders and the media. Cole says despite the controversies surrounding President Trump, Congress has had one of the most productive periods in 20 years. That includes passing the largest defense bill and the largest domestic spending bill on time. The Norman Republican thinks that Democrats could gain a few seats in the House in the mid-term election that's now two weeks away. He says typically the minority party does well in the mid-terms.
Cole is running for re-election and is a heavy favorite to win. Democrat Mary Brannon and Independent Ruby Peters are both running against Cole.
Chamber President Resigns; EDC Chairman Steps In
Mark Rathe has stepped down as president of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. Rathe had announced he would be resigning in the spring, but he told the chamber board last week that he would be leaving early. Rathe spent five years in Chickasha. He says he'll spend a few months traveling before looking for a new post. In the meantime, Cody Mosley, who was just hired as the new Economic Development Director, will step in as the Chamber president. Mosley has agreed to accept the post with no additional pay, to allow the chamber to fund the staffing and new programming necessary to support chamber members. In a press release, Ed Stanton, the chairman of the Chamber’s board of directors, said Mosley was the ideal choice. Leaders from both the chamber and EDC were looking for guidance regarding renaissance efforts for the downtown area.
SCOOP Well a Big Producer for Continental Resources
There’s another large-producing well in the SCOOP region for Continental Resources. A well east of Chickasha is producing 1,600 barrel of oil equivalent and more than 1,500 metric cubic feet of natural gas per day. These are March numbers that were just recently reported to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. It's the Triple H 2-30-2 well which is about eight miles east of Chickasha next to State Highway 62. It's in section 19 of Township 7 North, Range 5 West. The well had a spud date of about a year ago and it was completed in March of this year. The oil is out of what's known as the Goddard formation.
Storm Drain Work to Impact Grand Avenue Traffic
Work on a storm drain will affect traffic at a busy Chickasha intersection for a few days. The intersection of 7th and Grand Avenue will be closed. Traffic on Grand will not be able to turn north on 7th Street, and southbound traffic on 7th Street will not have access to Grand. Motorists will have to use 6th or 8th Streets. Also, westbound traffic on Grand Avenue will be narrowed to one lane as the outside westbound lane will be closed. Officials expect the project to last up to three days.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is up slightly to $69.17 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is also a bit higher to $79.83.
Natural gas is down to $3.14 per million BTUs
Precious metals are higher. Gold is $1,237 and silver is $14.76.
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.
