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Mollman Media News

2019 March 11th-18th

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Today Let’s meet Canadian Valley Technology Center “Spotlight person of the week Matthew Ellis. Matthew Is a Home Schooled senior, and is studying Computer Drafting & Design at C.V. Tech. Tune in Friday the 15th, to KOOL 105,5 FM, (the 7AM and 8AM News) to hear the story.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday March 18th

 

Oklahoma House Bill authorizing certain personnel to carry a handgun on school property is up for debate.

House Bill 2336 presented by The bill’s author, Rep. Sean Roberts, has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and If signed into law, it will allow districts to authorize certain personnel to carry a handgun on school property, as long as the personnel hold a valid reserve peace officer certification, or possesses a valid handgun license. Rep. Roberts, said some districts struggle to find personnel willing to undergo the required private security guard training. House Bill 2336 would allow districts to work with law enforcement on alternative instruction.

 

Chickasha School Officials Delay on-line posting of audit.

More information today about a story we reported last week regarding a recent audit of Chickasha Public Schools. A detailed audit of the school district was discussed at last week's school board meeting. The audit found incidents of over-spending, mis-managed funds, and not following proper purchasing procedures. Board president Doug Brown initially said, the audit would be posted on the school district's website. but the posting must wait until school officials review the issue at the next school board meeting in April. The audit is a matter of public record, and a copy can be requested: By submitting an open records request form at the school administration building, but the district can charge a fee for printed pages.

 

Amazon sets the path for students to engineering. 

Amazon announces it will begin funding computer science courses in dozens of schools across the state. As a part of the Amazon Future Engineer program designed to get kids into STEM careers. It aims to reach students in underprivileged communities. Almost 30 schools are in Oklahoma. For more information on the program Go to www.amazonfutureengineer.com    

For more information on the program click HERE.          

 

Duncan man accused of shooting his brother’s car.

25-year-old Jacob Austin Berry of Duncan is accused of shooting his brother’s Ford Mustang in the 600 block of North 1st Street last week. In Stephens County District Court he was charged with a felony count of… use of vehicle to facilitate intentional discharge of weapon. According to court documents, Duncan Police responded and reported windows had been shot out and a copper jacket bullet retrieved from between the front window and the vehicle’s dash. Berry was held on $150 thousand dollar bond after confessing to shooting up his brother’s car.

 

OHP reported 2 Wrecks in our area over weekend.

First, a Personal injury accident occurred Sat. morning around 10  on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike at mile marker 58 one mile east of Fletcher. According to OHP, a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 34 year old Sommer Paige Walsh, of Wichita Falls was west bound on I-44, and got sleepy then departed the roadway to the right, and flipped.  The driver and all 3 passengers were ejected from the vehicle. Walsh, Cynthia  Hamic, and 2 Juvenile, females were Transported by Survival Flight to OU Medical Center with serious condition including head, arm, leg, and trunk injuries.

 

The second was also a Personal injury accdent Sat. night about 6 miles South of 1440 Rd. east of 2510 Rd. and, northwest of Apache. OHP reported a 2010 Honda ATV driven by 60 year old Debra R. Schultz, of Apache, was westbound on private property when the Schultz struck a terrace overturning the ATV.  Schultz was transported by Survival Flight to OU Medical Hospital, and Admitted in good condition with head, and trunk injuries.

 

Saturday, March 16th

 

Chix School Officials Delay Decision to Post Audit On-line

More information today about a story we reported this week regarding a recent audit of Chickasha Public Schools. A detailed audit of the school district was discussed for about an hour and a half at this week's school board meeting. The audit found many incidents of over-spending, mis-managed funds, and not following proper purchasing procedures. At the school board meeting, board president Doug Brown initially said the audit would be posted on the school district's website. Now, school officials are backing off that promise, at least for the time being. Superintendent Jack Herron said school attorneys have recommended that the audit not be placed on the website, because it wasn't clear if there was a consensus of the school board members to do so. Herron said the issue would be discussed at the next school board meeting in April, to let the panel officially make the decision. The audit is a matter of public record and anyone can request a copy. Individuals can submit an open records request form at the school administration building. A digital copy of the audit can be sent via e-mail. A physical copy of the review would be available, but the district can charge a fee for every page printed.

 

Murder Suspect Wants to Withdraw Plea

A Caddo County man wants to withdraw his guilty plea in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man. Joshua Codynah of Apache is claiming his attorney at the time was ineffective. Codynah entered a blind plea in Comanche County District Court in connection with the 2016 death of Michael Mithlo in Lawton. Codynah's new attorney says his client did not understand the consequences of his initial plea. KSWO-TV cites the withdrawal application as saying Codynah was not advised that Mithlo’s family members would testify at his sentencing hearing, which is what he was trying to avoid with his blind plea. The application also claims Codynah was denied the chance to tell his side of the story.

 

Pre-War Swap Meet Wraps up Today               

Today is the final day of Chickasha's Pre-War Swap Meet. Only transportation items between 1890 and 1945 are allowed. You may even find some horseless carriages at the Grady County Fairgrounds. We talked to George Wilson and Tom Campbell, who came all the way from San Antonio to attend the meet. Campbell said they've been here every year for about 20 years. Wilson is 76 years old and Campbell is 84. Both are avid fans of the Model T, and  have spent much of their lives restoring the historic vehicles. Wilson said they're not in it much for themselves anymore, but like to renew friendships they've made and even help out if they can.

 

               

               

Wilson said he has a one-of-a-kind 1941 car that was the first luxury car made by Ford. He said it took him four years just to find the car, then he spent the next 17 years finding the parts he needed. He says he still drives it every day, although he didn't bring it to this year's show.

 

Switzer Firm to Install Scoreboards at Sports Complex

Former OU and Dallas Cowboy football coach Barry Switzer was in Chickasha Friday to announce a partnership between the City of Chickasha and a scoreboard company he has part ownership in. Switzer's company, Youth Scoreboards, will install new digital scoreboards at the city's sports complex at no expense to the city. Initially, the company will install six new scoreboards. The city council has already approved the agreement. Switzer said they'll re-coup their investment through advertising on the 4’ X 8’ video screens on each of the scoreboards. He said once the scoreboards are paid for, the company will donate a percentage of its ad revenue to the city.

 

               

 

City Manager John Noblitt said this project was brought to the city a couple of years ago.

 

               

 

The first scoreboards could be installed within a month. Plans are for five more scoreboards to be installed, and, the inoperable digital sign visible from the H.E. Bailey Turnpike may also be replaced.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Dr. Mitch Coppedge with the Five Oaks Medical Clinic is this week's guest on our KOOL Konversation. He'll be talking about the relatively new Walk with a Doc program. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, our guest is Oklahoma Lt. Gov Matt Pinnell. We have links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

 

Friday, March 15th

 

 

Chix School Audit Won't be Posted on District Website

Chickasha school officials have decided against posting that forensic audit heard at this week's school board meeting on the school district's website. After the 90-minute review officials initially said the lengthy document would be placed on the website. Superintendent Jack Herron was not available to discuss the reason for the change. The audit is still a matter of public record and anyone can request a copy. Those individuals will have to fill out a request form at the administration office, then a copy will be e-mailed to them. The audit was critical of several issues, including some employees double-dipping; an employee being overpaid by nearly $7,000; an employee getting paid $80 per hour instead of $20 per hour; missing activity and athletic funds; and that bank card signatures had not been updated. While this forensic audit will not be posted on the school district’s website, a separate audit conducted by the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector’s Office can be viewed on the website: www.chickasha.k12.ok.us

 

Volunteer Fireman Discovers Rural House Fire

A volunteer fireman was in the right place at the right time. The unidentified Verden fireman saw smoke coming from a home northeast of Verden Thursday morning and notified his department. Authorities called out not only Verden volunteer fire crews but Anadarko as well. They were able to contain the fire to the laundry room where the fire started. Nobody was home when the fire started. Damage estimate was not available.

 

Pre-War Antique Auto Swap Meet Underway

You've no doubt seen the latest technology in the automotive industry where cars, trucks, and even semis are driven by robots. And electric cars and trucks are also becoming more and more available. In Chickasha this weekend, instead of the new robotic technology, antique auto enthusiasts will step BACK in time. The Pre-War Swap Meet celebrates the first 50 years of motorized transportation. There's nothing at the meet that is newer than 1945. About 300 vendors from across the country are expected to be on hand for this 29th annual event. The swap meet is run by Mike and Susie Ersland of Chickasha. It was started by Mike's dad, the late Joe Ersland. Admission to the event is free, and it’s being held at the Grady County Fairgrounds today and tomorrow. Also tomorrow, separate from the swap meet, the Chickasha Antique Auto Club will host its monthly Coffee and Cars. That event will be in the Grand View Shopping Center near Stage from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

               

Barry Switzer to Announce Investment in Chickasha

He's won a national championship in college football and a Super Bowl. Former OU and Dallas Cowboy coach Barry Switzer will be in Chickasha today, to announce an investment in the city. Details of the project have not been released, but Switzer will be meeting city and business leaders this afternoon. Switzer also operates a dog-training facility in Tuttle called Ground Zero, which trains dogs to do search-and-rescue missions following disasters. Switzer will be announcing his project at a meet-and-greet at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce from 12:30 p.m.  to 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.

 

Blanchard to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Sunday is St. Patrick's Day. The City of Blanchard will hold its annual St. Patrick's Day parade tomorrow. There's activities before the parade with Irish dancing, Irish music, and food trucks starting at 3:00 p.m. The parade will start at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.61 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is down to $67.23.

Natural gas is $2.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,302 and silver is $15.36.

 

 

Thursday, March 14th

 

DHS Seeks Foster Families

Thousands of Oklahoma kids are in foster care. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services has more than 8,000 children in protective custody. Of that total, there are more than 200 foster children in the Grady and Caddo county areas. Lourie Myers heads up the DHS Foster Care programs in the region. She says there is a big need for foster families to help care for the youth. Myers says if at all possible, they work to get the kids with someone they know.

              

Myers says the ultimate goal is to have the children re-united with their parents. Foster families can be married couples, single parent homes, and same-sex homes. Families do have to undergo a background check and training to qualify.

 

Wanted Burglary Suspect Behind Bars

A Blanchard man is in custody, accused of burglary and auto theft that occurred last summer. 23-year old Reiman Nelson Beaty was taken into custody by a Grady County sheriff's deputy earlier this week. A warrant for Beaty's arrest was issued last November. In documents on file at the Grady County Courthouse, it’s alleged that Beaty forced his way into a couple of homes and stole some firearms and a pickup. The pickup was recovered and returned to the owner. Beaty was arraigned on four felonies in connection with the alleged crimes. He's facing two counts of burglary, one count of vehicle theft, and one count of knowingly concealing stolen property. He remains in jail pending a $20,000 bond. He's to announce his attorney later this month and a preliminary hearing conference is set for April 17th.

 

Lt. Gov. to Make Chickasha Stop

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell will be in Chickasha today. Pinnell will be addressing the graduating class of Leadership Chickasha this afternoon. The Leadership class has been meeting monthly since last fall. Graduation will be held in the USAO Regents room.

 

Wildlife Refuge Re-Opens; Repairs Still Underway

The visitors center at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has re-opened today. Officials had to close the center last week due to a power outage. There are still some electrical issues, but officials brought in a generator to help with the bathrooms and building sanitation systems. However, the phones still don't work. Officials are hoping repairs can be completed as early as next week. While the phones are still down, if you would like a permit for the refuge you can e-mail the U.S. fish and Wildlife Service: wmr_permits@fws.orm

 

Technology Students Gather at Rush Springs               

Students at Rush Springs this week hosted their peers from regional schools for its annual Technology Students of America mini-conference. The conference was for high school and middle school students. Business-skill options were anywhere from designing and building dragsters to technology essays. Other areas included school gardens using hydroponic and aeroponic growing methods and entrepreneurship training.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.26 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $67.55.

Natural gas is $2.82 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,298 and silver is $15.24.

 

 

Wednesday, March 13th

 

School Board Members Clash During Forensic Audit Review

It didn't take long for the newest members of the Chickasha school board to voice their concerns about problems within the school system that have surfaced over the last couple of years. Cara Gerdes and Laurie Allen took their oaths of office last night to serve on the board of education. Here's Gerdes being sworn in by school board clerk Christal Bates.

 

               

 

After Allen was also sworn in, there was verbal sparring between her and school board president Doug Brown regarding the timing of the release of a forensic audit report. Allen wanted to delay the report, calling it reckless and irresponsible to discuss some details in public, especially the identities of current and former employees. She also wanted school board member-elect Robyn Morse to be seated on the panel before the discussion. Brown wanted the report to be heard in order for board members ask questions about it. He said the audit is a matter of public record, and anyone could get a copy of it and come to their own conclusions without any board response. Auditor Leah Wietholter spent about 90 minutes reviewing her findings. She highlighted about a dozen areas of concern including employees double-dipping; missing funds from the archery and other sports programs; and vehicle purchases made without the approval of the superintendent or the school board. Wietholter said most of the areas of concern had been rectified. One issue that arose named Morse who is a former school administrator. Wietholter said Morse had done some contract work while on school time. Morse said she had the approval of both the superintendent and school board at the time to do so. She says she feels bad for other former and current school employees whose names are included in the review.

 

               

 

Morse says she hopes the audits will help clear the air on many issues and that it's time for the district to move forward. Morse will take her oath of office for the school board next month. The complete forensic audit will be posted on the Chickasha public school website: www.chickasha.k12.ok.us

 

OHCE to Hold Appreciation Lunch for Military Vets

Area military veterans and their spouses will be treated to an appreciation lunch tomorrow. The Grady County OHCE will be serving lunch for the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Beans, cornbread, coleslaw, and desserts will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow at the DAV Chapter 17 headquarters in downtown Chickasha. Any veteran who may have questions about their benefits or need help in applying for benefits will be able to get assistance throughout the day as well.

 

Ag Producers Face Friday Deadline to Apply for NAP               

Agriculture producers have until this Friday to sign up for the USDA program known as NAP, the Non-insured Assistance Program. Here's Mark Jackson with the Grady County Farm Service Agency.

 

               

 

Jackson says in order to be eligible for the coverage, a crop must be uninsurable, and a commercially-produced commodity for which catastrophic-level insurance is not available through federal crop insurance companies. Contact your local Farm Service Agency office for information.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.87 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.67.

Natural gas IS $2.78 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,308 and silver is $15.53.

 

 

Tuesday, March 12th

 

Couple Escapes Serious Injuries in Train-Car Crash

A train hits a car in southern Grady County this past weekend and two people in the car are lucky to avoid serious injuries. The accident happened about near Agawam School about 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Sources tell us the northbound Union Pacific train hit the back of the car on the passenger side. The driver was identified as Dion Duke, who was taken to the hospital with a head injury. The highway patrol reported that Duke was not admitted to the hospital. It's the second vehicle-train accident in Grady County over the last few weeks. Two people died when a train hit a truck in Ninnekah last month.

 

Fire Engulfs Mobile Home               

Fire destroys a mobile home in Bradley. Firefighters from three departments were called out to the fire near Main Street and State Highway 19 about 8:00 p.m. Monday. No one was home when the fire started. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said volunteer firefighters from Bradley, Alex, and Naples were called out. There were 16 firefighters and seven fire trucks at the scene for about two hours. Myers said the fire started in the kitchen area and that the cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

Chickasha Man Unhurt When Missile-Hauling Semi Crashes

A semi hauling missiles crashes into a snowbank in Idaho. None of the missiles exploded and no one was injured. Media reports say the truck driver was 47-year old Mark Dearinger of Chickasha. The Idaho State Police says the semi was carrying 16 missiles, each of which weigh about 2,000 pounds. Authorities say Dearinger was driving through an Idaho Transportation Department checkpoint Friday night and trying to merge back on to the interstate. Instead, he drove to the end of a containment area and over a large snow bank where the truck became disabled. Officials from a nearby Air Force base sent some explosive ordnance technicians to the scene to help emergency personnel, even though the semi did not have a direct relationship with the base. Dearinger was ticketed for inattentive driving.

 

Man Faces Burglary Charge               

A Chickasha man is accused of burglarizing his neighbor's house. Police were called to a home in the 1000 block of South 5th last Friday to check out a report of a burglary in progress. Authorities questioned a man who told investigators he had permission to remove appliances, a TV, and numerous other items from the home. The home owner was contacted and told officials the suspect did not have permission to take the items. Authorities arrested 32-year old Dennis Lee McQuagge. Prosecutors have charged him with a felony count of burglary and a misdemeanor for knowingly concealing stolen property. McQuagge remains in jail pending a $5,000 bond. McQuagge is currently on probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge last year.

 

Son Arrested After Assaulting His Mother             

A man accused of hitting his mother is charged with resisting arrest. Chickasha police were summoned to a home near 14th and Texas last Friday to check out a domestic violence complaint. A woman told authorities her son was mentally unstable. The woman said her son lives at another address, and that a second son brought the suspect to her because he hadn't taken his medication. While the woman wasn't seriously injured she told police she was afraid every time the suspect came into the house. 22-year old Eric Moore, who lists an Amber address, was there. Court documents indicate police began questioning Moore when he became combative and started fighting with two officers.  After a brief scuffle, Moore was arrested. Prosecutors have charged him with misdemeanor counts of obstruction and resisting an officer. He is out of jail after posting bond.

 

Street to Close for Sewer Line Installation

A highly-traveled Chickasha street will be closing for a couple of weeks. A short section of 9th Street north of Country Club Road will be shut down. A contractor is installing some new sewer lines in that area. 9th Street will be closed from Country Club to Belmont for up to three weeks. Officials are expected to close the street between 9 a.m. and noon Wednesday, March 13th. Traffic will be detoured through the local neighborhood. Officials say they hope to have the work completed by the first of April.

 

Company to Inspect Oil Pipelines in the Region

A Kansas-based company will be performing safety tests on its oil pipelines which run through central and southern Oklahoma. Plains All-American Pipeline of Wichita, Kan. indicates it will be conducting safety and integrity maintenance checks along the Basin Pipeline, which transmits oil in Grady, McClain, Cleveland, Garvin, Stephens and several other counties. In a letter to the Grady County Emergency Management Agency, officials say the tests are to determine that the pipelines are not corroding. Officials say the testing should not impact residents or businesses in the area of the pipeline. Company officials will station workers and signs along the route during the tests which are expected to begin within a month.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.79 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.58.

Natural gas is $2.78 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,297 and silver is $15.45.

 

 

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.

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