Today Let’s meet Canadian Valley Technology Center “Spotlight person of the week Braxton Filippo.  Braxton, is a senior at Rush Springs High School, and is studing Computer Information Systems at CV Tech. Tune in Friday the 8th, to KOOL 105,5 FM, (the 7AM and 8AM News) to hear the story.

 

 

 

 

Monday, March 11th

 

New Chix School Board Members to Take Oaths

The Chickasha Board of Education will have two new members tomorrow night. Cara Gerdes and Laurie Allen are to take their oaths of office. Gerdes ran unopposed for an unexpired term and Allen won a three-person race for school board last month. A third new member, Robyn Morse, will be sworn in next month. Morse ran unopposed for a five-year term on the panel. After the swearing-in ceremony, the school board will hear a presentation of a forensic audit of the school district, and the panel will consider the recording and/or video taping of future school board meetings. The panel will also again consider policy on naming school buildings and facilities. The school board will also allow a local restaurant to honor middle school teacher Greg Gibson and middle school support employee, Rosalind Alexander. The panel is to consider the resignation of girls basketball coach and algebra teacher Sheila Sanders. The board is expected to approve hiring administrators for next school year including high school principal, Rhonda Snow; middle school principal, Debby Davis; Lincoln School principal, R.P. Ashanti-Alexander; Grand Elementary Principal, Dereth Harrison; and Bill Wallace Principal, Tressia Meeks. The school board will meet at 6:30 tomorrow night at the school administration building.

 

Hearings Set for Planning Commission               

Several public hearings are scheduled for the City of Chickasha's Planning Commission for its monthly meeting. The group will hear a request from Mark Sanders of M-A-S Chickasha to rezone 1625 S. 4th from Light Industrial to General Commercial use. Another public hearing will be a request from Max Stewart to obtain a use-on-review to sell alcohol at Bushwood Golf and Country Club. A third public hearing will be held for Donald and Lorie Woodings at 2708 S. 18th Street for a use-on-review to construct an accessory building over the maximum size allowed. The planning commission will meet at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon in the city council chambers at city hall.

 

Three Teens Injured in Roll-over

Three Cyril teenagers are injured and one hospitalized following a weekend crash. An unidentified 16-year old male passenger was admitted to a Lawton hospital with head and leg injuries. He was last in good condition. The driver, 18-year old Cantrell Walker, and an unidentified 17-year old girl were also taken to the hospital where they were treated for head injuries and released. The highway patrol reports that the one-vehicle accident happened two miles east of Cyril near CS 2710 and CR 1460 about 4:20 Saturday afternoon. The trooper investigating the accident said Walker was driving at a high rate of speed, lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road. The vehicle rolled 1 1/2 times and landed upside down.

 

Cables to be Installed in Hwy 81 Median at Ninnekah

We have a traffic advisory to pass along for U.S. Highway 81 near Ninnekah. The State Department of Transportation will be installing cable barriers in the center median over the next several months. ODOT says the area north of U.S. Highway 277 Ninnekah will be intermittently narrowed through the summer. It's a $1.6 million project that was awarded to Action Safety Supply Company.

 

OSU Extension Offers New Program

A new program from Grady County OSU Extension is designed to help you make your life a little better. Liz Taylor calls the program "Hacks for your Best Life."

 

               

 

The first program will provide tips on preparing meals for just one or two people. This initial program will be this Thursday, March 14th at 5:30 p.m. at the Extension Office at 9th and Choctaw. The programs will be free, but they ask that you register ahead of time so there can be enough supplies for everyone.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.07 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.74.

Natural gas is $2.86 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,295 and silver is $15.32.

 

 

Saturday, March 9th

 

Verden Man Loses Cancer Battle

Justin Boyer lost his fight with cancer this week. The Verden father of three died Thursday morning at just 29 years old. He was diagnosed with leukemia about two years ago. He spent much of the last year in the Houston area battling the disease. A Facebook page called Justin's Journey established to provide updates on Justin's battle had nearly 350 members and more than 3,000 likes. Justin was a life-long Verden resident and graduated from Verden High School in 2008. He and his wife Whitney have three young children - 7-year old Cannon; 3-year old Karter; and 1-year old Chamille. Other surviving family members include his parents, Roy and Terri Boyer, and brothers James and Jared. Numerous fund-raisers have been held to help the family with Justin’s medical expenses, including one last night in Friend, called Friend Praying for Friends. A GoFundMe page has been established or donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Verden. Justin’s funeral will at 2 o'clock next Thursday afternoon, March 14th at the Verden school gymnasium.

 

One Hospitalized After Crash               

A Lindsay man is taken to the hospital after his car runs off the road and hits an embankment. And he was pinned in the car for nearly an hour before first responders could get him out. 21-year old Antonio Rivera was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was last in good condition with a leg injury. The accident happened about 9:30 p.m. Friday six miles east of Lindsay at a T-intersection of two county roads. The highway patrol reports that Rivera went through a stop sign and into a ditch.

 

CHS Robotics Team Competes

The Chickasha High School Robotics Team is competing in a big regional event in Oklahoma City this weekend. The Cockadoodle Dominators are part of the FIRST Robotics Competition. FIRST is short for an international robotics program called For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Instructor Brandon Willis-

 

               

 

After this weekend of competition, the team will be going to Missouri for another regional the first weekend in April. They hope to qualify for the World Robotics championship which will be in Houston April 17th through the 21st.

 

Chamber Doles Out Awards During Annual Banquet

Some long-time Chickasha residents who gave back to their community were honored for their many contributions during the 96th annual Chamber of Commerce banquet last night. Business leaders Charles Allen Sr. and Beverly Allen, along with banker Pat Brooks were inducted into the Chamber's Hall of Fame. Others recognized include Elizabeth Allen as Volunteer of the Year and Weston DeHart was presented with the Citizenship Award. Some new awards included Community Advocate of the Year, which was issued to USAO President John Feaver. Also, an Elected Official of the Year was recognized, which went to Chickasha School Board member Zach McGill. Three local companies were recognized. The Manufacturer of the Year was presented to Signature Quarters. Large Business of the Year was awarded to HSI Sensing and Small Business of the Year was presented to Jay's Jewelry.  Another new category is the Event of the Year. The award was presented to the Rock Island Arts Festival.

 

Visitor Center Closed at Wildlife Refuge; Refuge is Open

If you have plans to visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, be aware that the visitor center is closed. Officials were forced to shut down the center due to some emergency repairs which need to be made to critical equipment damaged during an electrical outage. The center will be closed until repairs can be made, but it wasn't clear how long that might be. Acting Refuge Manager David Farmer is apologetic, but says the health and safety of visitors is the main concern. On the refuge Facebook page, he says they are working to find replacement parts and make necessary repairs. Restrooms are available at a number of sites throughout the refuge. Individuals wanting to schedule reservations for back-country permits and group campsites will need to e-mail requests to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website: www.fws.gov

 

Daylight Savings Time Returns 

Oklahoma and much of the nation changes to Daylight Savings Time this weekend. Move any clocks ahead one hour, if needed. Many cel phones and computers change the time automatically. The change means we lose an hour of sleep. The time change officially occurs at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, March 10th. Fire departments also say that Daylight Savings Time serves as a reminder to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

 

 

Friday, March 8th

 

City Releases February Construction Report

More than 25 building permits were issued in the city of Chickasha last month, but the combined value of those projects were less than a half-million dollars. Altogether, the Community Development Department approved just under $370,000 in new construction, which included both the commercial and residential sectors. The biggest project approved was for the new Papa John's Pizza restaurant that is being built next to the Cotton Patch Café near 4th and Grand. That project is $180,000. Other commercial projects approved were a $43,000  remodel project at The Shoe Department near Wal-Mart; $25,000 for some additional storage at Grady Memorial Hospital; $15,000 for  a remodel of a building owned by Jimmy Johnson at 521 E. Choctaw; and a $10,000 upgrade for a building owned by Ken Carpenter at 427 S. 4th. Officials approved permits for the installation of 15 residential storm shelters last month. Total value of new construction in Chickasha for the first two months of the year is $778,000.

 

Energy Industry Leads the Nation in New Jobs

A new government study shows the energy industry led the nation in the number of increased jobs last year. The report showed that the traditional energy and energy-efficiency sectors out-performed the economy as a whole, adding about 52,000 jobs in 2018. The website OK Energy Today says the report is from the Energy Futures Initiative and the National Association of State Energy Officials. Traditional energy areas employed about 4.6 percent of the total workforce in America. Petroleum fuels added more than 33,000 jobs, up nearly 6 percent. Natural gas extraction grew by nearly 7 percent, adding 17,000 jobs. The electric power generation sector was down by about 1 percent, but still had more than 875,000 jobs.

 

Pursuit Suspect to Undergo Mental Evaluation

A Caddo County man who is said to have suffered a mental breakdown after he went to court is to have a competency evaluation. 18-year old Christopher Andre Beaver of Anadarko was charged with several felonies in connection with a recent pursuit involving a stolen pickup, and is alleged to have tried to crash into police cars. Beaver has been formally charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, endangering others while attempting to elude, and assault and or battery with a dangerous weapon. The Lawton Constitution reports that Beaver's attorney requested the evaluation which was authorized by Judge David Stephens.

 

Weekend Concert to Feature Man Connected to Motown

Word is that a musician who wrote songs for and has played with many of the legendary musicians of Motown lives in Chickasha. Mel Bolton says among the artists he's shared the stage with include Dianna Ross, The Four Tops, and Marvin Gaye. Bolton and his wife Mae will be in concert at the Chickasha High School Auditorium tomorrow night. They're calling it a night of Rhythm and Blues. His wife Mae is a Lawton native who has lived in Chickasha for years, and sings love songs and gospel music. Tickets to the concert are $5. Show time tomorrow night is 8 p.m.

               

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Lourie Myers with the DHS Foster Prorgam will talk about the need for foster families in the Grady and Caddo county areas and across the state on our KOOL Konversation program. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, this week's guest is Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. We have links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Sheriff's Office Warrant 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.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.30.

Natural gas is $2.86 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,293 and silver is $15.13

 

 

Thursday, March 7th

 

Nine Energy Reports a Profitable Year

Income reports have been released from another energy firm which has a big interest in the SCOOP and STACK plays. Officials with Nine Energy Services reports that while it had a net loss in the fourth quarter, estimated revenue for 2018 was more than $827 million, an increase of 52 percent from 2017. The website OK Energy Today reports adjusted net income for 2018 was just over $40 million, or about $1.66 adjusted-basic-earnings per share. Company President and CEO Ann Fox said Nine Energy completed about 51,000 more stages last year, which was up more than 86 percent.

 

Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested in Rush Springs               

A Rush Springs man faces drug trafficking charges after he was found passed out in his car at a convenience store. 34-year old Kyle Gene Gifford was taken into custody Sunday afternoon, but not after a brief scuffle with Rush Springs police. A probable cause affidavit indicates that authorities found several baggies of methamphetamine in the vehicle. When the officer asked Gifford how much dope he had, Gifford replied  “enough to go back to prison”. Gifford told investigators that he was the middle man and was just delivering the drugs. Authorities found more than 68 grams of meth. Gifford has been charged with a felony for drug trafficking and a misdemeanor for resisting arrest. He remains in jail on a $50,000 bond. Gifford spent time behind bars on previous felony drug arrests in 2002 and 2005.

 

Stolen Car Suspect Tries to "Swim" Away from Police               

A suspect found to be in possession with a stolen car tries to make a getaway by swimming away from police. Dustin Zadoka of Lawton was arrested by Verden police last weekend in the bizarre case. A court affidavit indicates Sgt. Jeff Butler was at the police department's gun range when a man walked out of the woods. The man said his car got stuck while going to Lake Chickasha. Butler tried to help the man, but was unable to. While checking the tag on the car, it had been reported stolen. Butler said Zadoka jumped in the Washita River, and while struggling to swim made it to a small embankment, where officers took him in to custody. Zadoka has been formally charged with a felony for possession of a stolen vehicle, and misdemeanors for drug possession and obstructing an officer. Zadoka remains in jail pending a $5,000 bond.

 

Ward 3 Meeting Scheduled Next Week

Chickasha city officials have scheduled the next ward meeting for residents. Those who live in Ward 3 will have an informal meeting with their city council representatives as well as city officials to discuss their concerns and ideas for a better community. Ward 3 council representatives R.P. Ashanti-Alexander and Oscar Nelson are to be on hand, along with Mayor Chris Mosley and City Manager John Noblitt. The meeting will be next Tuesday, March 12th at Lincoln Elementary school starting at 6:30 p.m.

 

City Seeks Airport Manager

Chickasha officials are looking for someone to manage the city's airport. The announcement was placed on the city's Facebook page. Among the duties of the airport manager are to oversee and coordinate activities related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the airport; prepare proposals for grants and coordinate and implement grant-funded projects; promote and coordinate public relations activities including tours, briefings, and presentations that promote the airport. Candidates are asked to have the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree and three years’ experience including one year of administrative responsibility. Salary could be up to $23 per hour depending on experience.  The opening will be listed until the post is filled. The job description can be found on the city of Chickasha's website at www.chickasha.org

 

Work at Lake Ellsworth Limits Access to Dam

If you like to spend time at Lake Ellsworth - access to the dam will be restricted for the next few weeks. A contractor making some repairs to the spillway is the reason. The firm is analyzing the work that will be needed to repair deteriorating slabs in the concrete spillway on the downstream side of the dam. The group is also looking at some problems that have appeared underneath the spillway. The dam is a favorite location for fishermen. Officials ask lake users to follow the directions on the signs placed on both the east and west sides of the dam and to use caution. The access will be limited only during working hours. The restriction is expected to be in effect until March 27th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.22 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.99.

Natural gas is $2.84 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,287 and silver is $15.11.

 

 

Wednesday, March 6th

 

Verden Voters OK School Bond Issues

There was a big win at the voting booth for Verden Public Schools. Nearly seven out of every eight voters gave their approval to two bond issues in yesterday’s special bond election. One is for school improvements and the other for an activity bus. Less than 100 voters cast ballots. The first proposition asked for $640,000 in bonds to install air conditioning at the high school gymnasium, purchase tablets for students, and some school furniture. That measure passed 72 to 11. The second issue was a $60,000 proposal to purchase a 14-passenger activity bus - one that would not require the driver to have a commercial driver's license. That measure passed 71 to 13.

 

Adult Basic Education Continues Serving the Region

There are many reasons students don't graduate from high school. But there is a program that helps teens as well as adults to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma. The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program has been around the Chickasha area for about 50 years. Lisa Johnson is the director of the program which serves not only Grady County, but McClain and Garvin counties. There are about 150 students in the program right now. Johnson says they have students ranging from 16 years old to nearly 70 years old.

 

               

 

Johnson says there are three testing options to choose from to obtain what is typically called the GED or General Education Diploma. The Grady County ABE program is housed in the former Southwest School at 17th and Missouri in Chickasha. English as a second language courses are also available.

 

               

Alzheimer's Numbers on the Rise

A new report shows that more Oklahomans and Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and that more people are dying from the illness. The study from the Alzheimer's Association shows 65,000 Oklahomans and nearly 6 million Americans are battling the disease. The study also shows more family and friends are serving as caregivers, including about 224,000 in Oklahoma. Death rates have climbed nearly 150 percent over the last 20 years and Alzheimer’s is now the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. The study also shows that despite a belief among seniors that early detection is beneficial, only half are being tested, and just one in seven receive regular assessments for memory or thinking issues during routine health checkups, compared to common evaluations like cholesterol, hearing or vision, and diabetes.

 

Motorists Encouraged To Watch Out for Motorcycle Riders

As we all anticipate warmer spring-like temperatures in the coming days and weeks, a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts will be hitting the road. One of them is Wes Hallmark, who is asking motorists to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, who can be hard to see.

 

               

 

Hallmark has been riding for years, and says he had a near-miss recently when a car pulled out in front of him. A friend of his was hit by a car recently. He was taken to the hospital, but fortunately he was not seriously injured.

 

Sheriff's Office Announce Promotion

There is a promotion to announce at the Grady County Sheriff's Office. Investigator Bellan Gornick has been elevated to the rank of sergeant. Sheriff Jim Weir and Undersheriff Phil Blevins announced the promotion this week. Gornick has been in law enforcement for about 10 years and previously worked for the Chickasha and Lindsay police departments. He's been with the Grady County Sheriff's Office for two years.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is to $56.56 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is$65.86.

Natural gas is $2.88 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,285 and silver is $15.11

 

 

Tuesday, March 5th

 

Chickasha's New Police Chief Sworn In

Dee Rowell, the City of Chickasha's new police chief, is officially on board in her new post. She was sworn in to office during last night's city council meeting.

 

               

 

Rowell's mother and sister pinned her badge on her Chickasha police uniform after Rowell took her oath. Rowell spent 32 years in the Ft. Worth, Texas police department before coming to Chickasha last week.

 

High-Dollar Screen for Wastewater Treatment Plant OK'd

The city council is putting your tax dollars to work, investing in a half-million dollar piece of equipment for the waste water treatment plant. The council approved the purchase of a bar screen for the plant, which keeps large debris like rags, plastic bags, and other items from going through the waste water treatment process, which can damage other equipment at the plant. The winning bid from C4L Company was just under $510,000. It was the lowest of four bids received and was lower than the engineer's estimate by about $10,000. The highest bid was for $592,000.

 

Rose Hill Cemetery Fence Repair May Begin Soon

The council also approved a bid from a local vendor to make repairs to the fence around Rose Hill Cemetery.  The nearly $6,000 bid from Craddock Fence Company was the lowest of three bids recieved. The highest bid was $14,000. City Manager John Noblitt said this project will replace several panels that were taken out by a car along Grand Avenue some time ago. He said more recent damage done to the fence will also be repaired by Craddock Fence, but a change order will be needed in the coming weeks, since the latest damage wasn't included in the project approved last night.

 

Firefighter Bunker Gear Defective; New Gear Ordered

The city manager also discussed a public emergency regarding some badly needed equipment for the fire department. He said several sets of bunker gear were found to be defective during an annual inspection and couldn’t be used. Noblitt said the emergency would allow the purchase of six new sets of bunker gear not to exceed $15,000.

 

Four Firms Told to Prepare for Midship Pipeline Project

Cheniere Energy is getting geared up to begin construction of its $1 billion, 234-mile pipeline through the SCOOP and STACK plays. After getting approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the first 13 miles of the pipeline last week, Cheniere has issued a notice-to-proceed to four different companies. They include Strike, LLC; M.G. Dyess, Inc; TRC Pipeline Services, LLC; and Cenergy LLC. It's not clear where the pipeline construction will begin. The line will run from Kingfisher, Okla. to Bennington, Okla. and will take natural gas produced in this region to southern Oklahoma, then on to the gulf coast.

 

Man Wanted for Child Molestion Arrested              

A man wanted for child sexual assault was arrested by law enforcement this past weekend. 44-year old Jody Lee Sharp of Blanchard was booked into the Grady County jail by Sheriff Jim Weir Sunday night. It's alleged that an 11-year old girl told police last July that Sharp had molested her.  An arrest warrant was issued for last October. Sharp is expected to have his initial appearance on the charge in Grady County District court today.

 

Verden School Bond Election Today

Verden voters are going to the polls today to decide a couple of bond issues for the school district. A $640,000 bond issue would add air conditioning to the high school gymnasium, and purchase tablets and furniture for students. An additional $60,000 bond issue would allow the district to purchase a 14-passenger activity bus. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.

 

Chickasha Public Works Phones Not Working

The City of Chickasha's public works headquarters is having some issues with its telephones. The facility is unable to accept incoming calls. Steven Adams says that technicians worked on the problem all afternoon on Monday but were unable to resolve the issue. Adams says anyone needing to contact Public Works can use this alternate number - 405 544-6289.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.67.

Natural gas is $2.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,285 and silver is $15.10.

 

 

Monday, March 4th

Happy Birthday Matthew Mollman

 

Lawsuits, Union Talks Part of  Closed-Door Council Meeting

Two lawsuits filed against the City of Chickasha, and collective bargaining agreements with the police and fire unions will be reviewed as part of a closed-door meeting of the city council tonight. The closed-door session will be held inside the first of two regular city council meetings scheduled for March. One of the lawsuits is filed by Curtis Hart. The other is identified as Merrick vs. the City of Chickasha. The group will also discuss the status of contract talks with the Chickasha Fraternal Order of Police Local 129 and the International Association of Firefighters Local 2041. New Police Chief Dee Rowell will take her oath of office tonight, and officials are to recognized Accounts Payable Clerk Cameron  Colclasure as the city's employee of the month. City Manager John Noblitt is also to provide information about a report of public emergency, though exact details of that issue were not available. The city council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall.

 

Power Outage Leaves Communities In the Cold

A power outage left many residents in Rush Springs, Marlow, and Duncan without electricity and many without heat yesterday. Initially, Duncan city officials said its outage was due to a failed PSO transmission line in the Marlow region early Sunday morning.  PSO spokesman Tim Hushbeck said while the utility does provide transmission to Marlow and Duncan, part of the line is operated by those cities, and the damaged portion was part of their respective lines. Hushbeck said PSO crews are not allowed to work on the cities' lines unless they have been asked for help.

 

Weekend Crash Sends Woman to Hospital

Two people are injured, and one hospitalized following a one-vehicle accident near Elgin. 23-year old Taylor Milam of Sterling was a passenger in the vehicle. She suffered internal and leg injuries and was admitted to a Lawton hospital  where she was admitted in serious condition. The driver, 24-year old Mickey Milam, refused treatment for minor arm and leg injuries. The accident happened just east of Elgin about 11:15 p.m. Saturday night. The highway patrol said the vehicle became high-centered on a bridge then ran off the road and hit a tree.

 

Volunteers Team Up to Help Resident

Students from Chickasha High School and USAO teamed up with several departments at Chickasha City Hall to help a resident clear her property of a massive amount of debris. The project was part of USAO’s Drover Difference Day for USAO on Friday, and grew to include members of the high school key club. A press release from the Chickasha Police Department said the work was performed at no cost to the resident. Neighborhood Services Supervisor Traye Alexander said it was an opportunity for the city to give back and help a citizen who needed a hand up. The project was managed by Code Enforcement Officers Angela Kerr and Natalie Benoit. Waste Connections also contributed by donating dumpsters and its hauling services. The Public Works division chipped in by arranging to remove “tons of logs and brush” piled at the road side, helping the resident's property to conform to city regulations.

 

Council Candidate To Hold Meet-and-Greet

A candidate for Chickasha City Council will hold a meet-and-greet this afternoon. Devin Gagliardo is one of three candidates who will be on the ballot for the Ward 4 city council election next month. Gaglardio's meet-and-greet will be from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. this afternoon at Paradise Donuts.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.80 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.07.

Natural gas is $2.86 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,288 and silver is $15.17.

 

 

Saturday, March 2nd

 

Top Stories of the Week

On Wednesday, Chickasha police are confronted with an angry man with a gun. Authorities were summoned to the 800 block of Choctaw where the situation unfolded. Police didn't say why there were called to the area. KOOL/RANCH News was there and witnessed some tense moments when the man, sitting in his pickup, was yelling and screaming at officers. The situation was diffused after about an hour with no shots fired. The only information released by police is than an officer transported a man in need of mental health treatment from Red Rock Behavioral Health Services to Oklahoma City.

 

Chickasha Schools Get Mixed Grades From State Ed Dept.

Some mixed reviews issued for Chickasha Public Schools. In a new grading system issued by the state department of education, the high school recieved an overall grade of a B. While the overall grade was better-than-average, the high school got an F for its  graduation rate. State officials say only 78 percent of CHS students had earned  their diplomas in four or five years, while the state average was 86 percent. The high school also got a below-average grade - a D - for absenteeism.  The high school did get an A for English language proficiency progress and a B for post-secondary opportunities. The middle school recieved an overall D grade, getting below-average grades in academic achievement and academic growth. However, the middle school did get an A in the chronic absenteeism category, which shows good attendance. The middle school got a C for English language proficiency progress.  You can see your school's performance on the state department of education's website: https://sde.ok.gov/

 

New Police Chief on Board in Chickasha               

Also this week, Chickasha's new police chief is on board. And she's the first woman to serve as the city's top cop. Dee Rowell previously spent 32 years with the police department in Ft. Worth. She started as a patrolman then worked her way into administration where she led the department's Community Programs Division, Professional Standards Division, and the East Division. In that last assignment she supervised 190 employees and controlled a $23 million budget. Rowell  says she'll have an open-door policy and will strive to create a good relationship between the police department and citizens.

 

First Phase of Midship Pipeline Construction Approved

In another big headline this week, a federal agency has given its approval to start the construction of the Midship Pipeline. The massive project from Houston-based Cheniere Energy will help send natural gas produced in the SCOOP and STACK plays to the gulf coast for export. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authorized construction of the first 13 miles of the 234-mile pipeline. It will run from Kingfisher, through Canadian, Grady, and Stephens counties - all the way to Bennington in southern Oklahoma. That's where the new pipeline will connect with an existing line that is already sending natural gas to the gulf coast region. It's not clear when or where the initial construction will start. But there are already several locations throughout the Grady county area where the pipe to be used for construction is being stored.

 

Stock Show Premium Sale Brings Record $$$

One more story from this past week is the huge amount of money paid to area youth exhibiting animals at the Grady County Junior Livestock Show. When the dust settled at the 83rd annual event, more than $200,000 was awarded to the students. In the premium sale, the animals go up for bid in an auction, then individuals and businesses can give youth money for their projects. The auction brought in a record $114,000 and the add-ons contributed another $96,000. The students get to keep their animals, and many will take them to the state's largest youth livestock show, the Oklahoma Youth Expo, later this month.

 

Talk Show Topics

Sue Getman with the Chickasha Area Arts Council is this week's guest on our KOOL Konversation. She'll talk about a lot of projects the group is working on for this year. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, guests are Cameron Johnston and Evan Blasingame with Angel, Johnston, and Blasingame CPA firm to discuss income tax filing season. We have links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

 

Friday, March 1st

 

New Police Chief On Board for City of Chickasha

The Chickasha police department has its first female police chief. Kathryn "Dee" Rowell begins her duties today. She was hired to the post last fall, but today is her first day on the job. Rowell comes to Chickasha after serving 32 years in Ft. Worth, Texas. She takes over from former Chief Greg Anderson, who stepped down after just a few months on the job last year. G.G. Music has been filling in as interim chief. Rowell is expected to take her oath of office at Monday night's city council meeting.

 

New Report Shows Mixed Grades For Chickasha Schools

Chickasha schools get mixed grades in the new A-F grading system released by the state department of education. The high school recieved an overall grade of a B while the middle school received a D. The grades are for the 2017-18 school year. While the high school received an overall B, it received a F for graduation, with only 78 percent of students graduating in four or five years compared to the state average of 86 percent. It got a D for chronic absenteeism.  The high school did get an A for English language proficiency progress and a B for post-secondary opportunities. The middle school recieved a D overall. It recieved D's in both academic achievement and academic growth. It received an A for chronic absenteeism (which shows good attendance) and a C for English language proficiency progress.

 

Stock Show Auction, Add-ons Bring $200,000+

It was a record payday for area youth at the Grady County Junior Livestock show. More than $200,000 was paid to 4H and FFA students who had animals in the premium sale last night. The auction portion of the sale brought in nearly $115,000 while add-ons from family, friends, and businesses brought in an additional $96,000. The grand champion steer shown by Ladd Turner of Ampo 4H commanded the top bid of any animal at $3,500. The grand champion barrow shown by Pace Mittlesaedt of Ampo 4H brought $2,500. Taylor McGill of Tuttle FFA got $2,500 for her grand and reserve grand lambs, and Hadley Cooper of Ampo 4H picked up $2,500 for the grand champion goat.

 

Last Day of Early Voting for Verden School Bond Election

There is one more day of early voting ahead of next Tuesday's special bond election for Verden schools. In person, absentee voting can be done at the election board offices in both Grady and Caddo counties. Both offices are involved since parts of the Verden school district lies in both regions. Ballots may be cast unitl 6 pm. today. Otherwise, regular precincts will be open next Tuesday. Voters are deciding two bond issues totaling $700,000. If approved, funds from one bond will pay for school upgrades, and the other would allow the district to buy a 14-passenger activity bus.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.22 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.03.

Natural gas is $2.81 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,310 and silver is $15.58.

 

 

Thursday, Feb. 28th

 

Police Stand-off Ends Peacefully

Tension in downtown Chickasha yesterday as police find themselves in a stand-off with a man with a gun. Chickasha police were called to the Monk Chiropractic Clinic in the 800 block of Choctaw Avenue about 11:15 a.m. Wednesday.  It wasn't clear why police were summoned. Employees at the chiropractic clinic said the man was not a patient there. KOOL News was on the scene, where we saw a man in a pickup screaming at officers who responded to  the call. Several officers, including sheriff's deputies had their guns drawn. Traffic on Choctaw Avenue was closed in both directions while officials talked to the individual. Authorities managed to talk the gunman down after about an hour. Chickasha police released very little information about the stand-off. A brief statement from Interim Police Chief G.G. Music only indicated the subject was taken into protective custody and that all ended well.

 

Governor Signs Constitutional Hand Gun Carry Bill

Most Oklahomans will be able to carry open or concealed firearms after Gov. Kevin Stitt signed HB 2597 yesterday. The measure will go into effect November 1st. In a press release, the governor said that Oklahomans strongly support the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and they made that known in every county during his campaign last year. The measure will allow anyone who is at least 21 years old - or 18-years old and in the military - to carry. There are some restrictions. Handguns won't be allowed in schools, public or private sports arenas, gambling facilities or government offices. Individuals will have to pass a background check to purchase a gun, and individuals must disclose they have a gun when requested by law enforcement. The bill maintains current law which states individuals convicted of felonies cannot own or buy a gun.

 

First Leg of Midship Pipeline Ok'd for Construction

After a long-anticipated wait, the first phase of the construction of the Midship natural gas pipeline has been approved by federal officials. The first 13 miles of the 234-mile, $1 billion project for Cheniere Energy got the go-ahead by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The pipeline will carry natural gas produced in the SCOOP and STACK plays to southern Oklahoma. It will hook up with an existing pipeline that sends natural gas to the gulf coast for export. The pipeline will start near Kingfisher and wind its way through Canadian, Grady, and Garvin counties to the Durant area. Cheniere officials say they intend to begin construction sometime this year. Once completed, the pipeline, which is three-feet in diameter, will be able to handle about 1.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.

 

Steer, Heifer Winners Named at Stock Show

A couple of Amber-Pocasset 4Hers swept the top market and prospect steer awards at the Grady County Junior Livestock Show yesterday. Ladd Turner had grand champions in both categories while Kaitlinn Adams had both of the reserves. Braxton Fillipo of Rush Springs FFA had the grand champion heifer while McKenzie Layton of Ampo FFA had the reserve. Mckenzie Layton was the senior showmanship champion, while Emma Victery of Chickasha 4H was reserve. Allyson Arthur of Chickasha 4H was intermediate champion showman, while Rhett Schneider of Minco FFA was reserve. Braedon Callis of Minco 4H was junior champion showman, with Ladd Turner of Ampo 4H the reserve. Tonight is the big premium auction, with the top 125 animals to be sold. The sale and other add-ons from family, friends, and businesses, is expected to bring in $150,000 for the youth exhibiting the animals this week. There is a free buyers’ dinner at 5:30 p.m. with top awards handed out at 6:45 p.m.. The sale will start at 7:00 p.m. at the Grady County Fairgrounds and Events Center.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.94 per barrel.

London-based Brent is $66.39.

Natural gas is $2.80 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,326 and silver is $15.84.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 27th

 

Verden Voters to Decide School Bond Measures

A special bond election will be held in Verden next week, as voters decide on a couple of issues for the school district. There are two issues on the ballot which have a combined value of $700,000. The first proposition is for $640,000 to fund improvements to the high school gymnasium, purchase I-pads for students, and replace numerous incandescent lights with energy-saving LED lights. About half of that bond would pay to install air conditioning in the gymnasium. The rest is for the tablets, carpet, furniture for students, and other needs. The second bond issue is for $60,000 which would allow the district to purchase a 14-passenger activity bus. Superintendent David Davidson said the passenger bus would not require a driver to have a commercial driver’s license to transport the students.  The special bond election is set for next Tuesday, March 5th. Early voting will be available at election board offices in Grady and Caddo counties tomorrow and Friday.

 

Carden Circus Schedules Chickasha, Duncan Shows

An internationally known family circus will be making a couple of stops in the area next month. The Carden International Circus will be in both Chickasha and Duncan. The Carden International Circus has been entertaining families across the country for more than 50 years. It features traditional circus acts as well as tigers, elephants, and camels. There will be pre-show activities. The circus will be in Duncan next week, Thursday, March 7^th and in Chickasha on Wednesday, March 20th. Show times will be at 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at both locations. You can purchase advance tickets on-line: tickets.supershrinecircus.com

 

Chix High School Announces Valedictorians

There will be more than 20 valedictorians crossing the stage to get their diplomas for the 2019 graduating class of Chickasha High School this spring. CHS also has an Academic All-Stater in Matthew Thomas. Thomas is among 100 high school seniors named an all-stater out of 535 students who applied. The last CHS academic all-stater was Matthew's sister, Emily, who won the award two years ago. Other valedictorians are Braden Warden; Faith Terry; Samantha Shaw; Samuel Reed; and Cambrie Price. Also Priya Patel; Lakelynn Parish; Lauren Palesano; Mckenzie Owens; and Hugh Nelson. Others are Blaine Murray; Madeline Morse; Grant Kopycinski; Logan Johnson; and Alexi Hendricks; Also Nicholas Harris;  Laura Gates; Johnathan Foster; Diallo Foster, Madison Austin; and Alexis Adams. Graduation will be Friday, May 17th.

 

Farm Service Agency Update

Ag producers have a couple more weeks to purchase NAP insurance for summer grass pastures. Mark Jackson with the Grady County Farm Service Agency says March 15th is the deadline to purchase the coverage. Jackson has an update on other programs through FSA-

 

               

 

Jackson says cotton loans are still available this year for producers who are waiting for their cotton to be ginned.

 

Goat Show Results from Grady County Jr. Livestock Show

At the Grady County Junior Livestock Show Tuesday, Hadley Cooper of Ampo 4H had a great day, showing both the grand and reserve grand champion market goats. Only one of the animals will be in the premium sale tomorrow night. Kolton Kohler of Alex 4H exhibited the grand champion doe, while Destiny Emerson of Tuttle FFA had the reserve.  For the showmanship awards, Dustin Tolson was senior champion showman, and Cody Bell was reserve; Intermediate champion showman was Destiny Emerson, with Baylan Byrd reserve. Hadley Cooper was the champion junior showman, while Rocky Byrd was reserve.  The cattle show closes out the judging at the show today. Taylor Graham of Miami is the judge.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.50 per barrel.

London-based Brent is $65.21.

Natural gas is $2.88 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,329 and silver is $15.90