Saturday, June 6th
Councilman Explains Proposal to Rename
City Street for Civil Rights Pioneer
Re-naming a Chickasha street after a civil rights pioneer would be beneficial for the city in a cultural way. That's according to City Councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander, who has been pushing for the city to do more to honor the work of Ada Sipuel-Fisher. Her landmark lawsuit against the University of Oklahoma in the 1940s led her to become the first black student at the OU School of Law. Helping her in the lawsuit was a young attorney by the name of Thurgood Marshall - who would go on to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Ashanti-Alexander tells KOOL/RANCH News-
The city council will have a work session Monday night to discuss the proposal. Currently, Ada Sipuel Avenue runs from 4th Street east through the neighborhood where Ada Sipuel grew up. Ashanti-Alexander is suggesting that Idaho Street from 4th Street west to 30th Street be re-named in her honor.
Ft. Sill Soldiers Prepare for Deployment
More soldiers from Ft. Sill will soon deploy overseas. Troops with the 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery division will be leaving soon for South Korea. A ceremony to encase the flags of the unit was held earlier this week. A similar ceremony to unfurl the colors will be held when the unit returns. According to the Lawton Constitution, Lt. Col. James Raines says this is the second rotation of the troops to southeast Asia, to support the last of the remaining permanently forward-stationed fighting force in the U.S. Army. Rains said the soldiers will wield the Army's all-weather, surface-to-surface destruction weapon of choice between 30 and 300 kilometers, and that the troops will do their part to deter aggression and maintain peace on the Korean peninsula.
Gov. Stitt Continues Crackdown on State Agencies
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt takes action against state agencies which have entered into expensive contracts with external lobbyists. Stitt yesterday signed an executive order to make permanent a restriction on those agencies. Back in January, Stitt's second ever executive order required state agencies to submit a list of every contract lobbyist hired, and the amount of each contract dating back the last four years. Stitt says he found out that several agencies were spending over $1 million a year on contract lobbyists to advocate for their own special interests. In a press release, Stitt said those efforts skirt transparency laws, and empowers agencies to ignore mandates set forth by state voters. The order is permanent for as long as Stitt is governor. He said Oklahomans are united around a vision to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state, and that he'll continue to pursue common-sense reforms to ensure state agencies are in alignment.
Cyril Rodeo Wraps Up Tonight
Family events in the area this weekend include the 55th annual Cyril Rodeo. In addition to the rough stock events like bull riding and bronc busting, there's an open barrel racing category, and even barrel racing categories for juniors and pee wees. There's mutton bustin’ and even businessman's wild steer saddling event. The Cyril Rodeo wraps up tonight with Grand Entry at 8 o'clock. Tickets are $8 at the gate, with kids five-and-under, free.
Friday, July 5th
Drownings Reported at Southwest Oklahoma Lakes
It was a deadly Independence Day holiday at a couple of lakes in southwest Oklahoma. Drownings were reported at Lake Ellsworth and Lake Altus-Lugert. Officials were called to Lake Ellsworth about 6:30 a.m. Thursday where it was reported a man went under the water and did not re-surface. A dive team recovered the body of 21-year old Fernando Esparza just after 9 a.m. At Lake Altus-Lugert, a man jumped out of a boat into about five feet of water at the North Shore swim beach and didn't re-surface. Bystanders pulled him out of the water and attempted to resuscitate him until paramedics arrived. 56-year old Robert Kolasch of Austin, Texas was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
One Hospitalized in Crash Near Bray
A Marlow man was hospitalized after a pickup careens off a county road and crashes into a tree in a creek bed. 35-year old Jerry Boyce was first air-lifted to a Duncan hospital, then taken by ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in fair condition with trunk, arm, leg, and internal injuries. Boyce was a passenger in a pickup driven by 56-year old Katrina Whitehead of Marlow who was not injured. The crash happened just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday about a mile north of Bray. The trooper investigating the crash sys Whitehead may have been distracted before running off the road.
City Council Work Session Scheduled to Discuss
Additional Honor for Chickasha Civil Rights Pioneer
An effort for the City of Chickasha to more fully honor a civil rights pioneer resumes next week. The city council will have a work session Monday night to discuss the proposal to recognize Ada Sipuel. She broke the color barrier at the OU Law School by becoming the first black student to attend the school. Her case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The effort is led by City Councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander. Several years ago, the city re-named a portion of Idaho Street after Ada Sipuel, but only the portion of the street that runs through the neighborhood where she lived. The work session will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the city council chambers at city hall.
Road May Close for Filming Purposes
A film crew is asking the city to close a road for one day. After Monday's work session, the city council will have a special meeting to discuss the temporary closing of Sooner Road from the Grand Avenue extension south to Country Club Road. City Manager John Noblitt said local resident Reagan Elkins is working with an unidentified production company to do some filming along that roadway. Noblitt said he didn't know the extent of the project. The temporary closing is scheduled for July 17th.
Official Warns of Company Soliciting Property Owners
Grady County officials are warning property owners to beware of an out-of-state company wanting to charge property owners for information that is free. The company called Property Profile, Inc. is sending letters to some property owners. County Clerk Jill Lock says individuals have brought these letters to her office - including an employee in the court house. The letter indicates the company is offering to compile a Property Assessment Profile and will obtain copies of deeds and other information at a cost of $86. The letter does indicate that it is a solicitation, and that property owners are under no obligation participate. The letter also states the service is NOT associated with any government agency, and that property owners can obtain their own copy of a deed or other county records for a nominal fee. Locke says you property owners can view all the documents at the courthouse at no cost, though a fee will be charged if you want copies.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Zelda Sullivan with the Oklahoma Blood Institute is this week’s guest on our KOOL Konversation to encourage individuals to donate blood during the summer months. We have a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.34 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $63.82.
Natural gas is $2.29 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,416 and silver is $15.24.
Thursday, July 4th
No news reports due to the holiday.
Wednesday, July 3rd
Construction Complete on Grady County Jail Annex
Officials celebrated the completion of a new annex to the Grady County Jail on Tuesday. The new one-story building across the street from the sheriff's office will house just over 200 inmates. Jail administrator Jim Gerlach said the project came in under the projected $4.2 million budget and they were able to double the initial estimate of beds. Gerlach credited the efforts of the Grady County Criminal Justice Authority, which oversees the operation of the jail. He also said it will finally fulfill a promise that was made nearly 20 years ago.
Gerlach said that with the addition of the new annex, the two jails could house up to 750 inmates. County taxpayers are not paying for the new construction. Gerlach said the funds come from the revenue derived from fees charged to federal, state, and other county agencies that contract with the jail to hold their prisoners.
Trucker Dies in Watonga Crash
A truck driver from Cement has died in a traffic accident near Watonga. 48-year old Jerry Wayne Smith died when his big rig ran off the highway, hit a creek embankment, and rolled. The accident happened about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday on Highway 270 about five miles south of Watonga. Smith was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he died from his injuries. The trooper investigating the crash reports that Smith may have been sleepy while driving.
Mile-Long Sidewalk Planned for Chickasha
Chickasha officials hope to build a sidewalk that would run from Wal-Mart to downtown Chickasha in the next year. The city council this week approved a resolution to take part in a federal Community Development Block Grant Small Cities Program. The grant is from HUD, or the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It's a more than $144,000 grant, which must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the city. City Manager John Noblitt said the city’s portion of the funding is included in the fiscal year budget that just started this week. Noblitt said the sidewalk will likely be built off the street.
The sidewalk will be about 6,500 linear feet in length, which is about 1 ¼ miles. Noblitt said the lack of sidewalks throughout the city was a big issue discussed during ward meetings that were held earlier this year.
Boots and Badges Blood Drive Today
We're always looking for ways to support local firefighters and law enforcement. Today, the first responders are asking us to help by donating blood. The annual Boots and Badges Blood Drive will be held this afternoon. It's a friendly challenge between the groups, to see if firefighters or law enforcement can bring out the most donors. The blood drive is conducted by the Oklahoma Blood Institute. It's in a new location this year, at the Canadian Valley Technology Center's Helen Ward Seminar Center. The blood drive is from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. today.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.25 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $62.40.
Natural gas is $2.24 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,428 and silver $15.25.
Tuesday, July 2nd
Muscle Car Ranch to Remain in Chix City Limits
The Muscle Car Ranch is staying in the Chickasha city limits. In a split vote, the city council voted against a proposal to de-annex the ranch. There's been a long-standing feud between the city and Muscle Car Ranch owner, Curtis Hart. Hart had filed a lawsuit against the city over its objections to him developing an RV park at the ranch. Councilman Kimmie Loggins said -
Hart had not asked for de-annexation. Rather, City Manager John Noblitt recommended the plan, saying it would save the city money in the future.
The council voted 6-3 against the de-annexation, with Mayor Chris Mosley, Tom Rose, Joe Molder, R.P. Ashanti-Alexander, Kim Loggins, and David Sikes voting against. Voting for the proposal were Jim Hopkins, Oscar Nelson, and Zack Grayson.
Council OK's Separate De-annexation Plan
The council did approve the de-annexation of about 57 acres of property on the east edge of Chickasha. This after the measure failed last month. In the June 17th city council meeting, the proposal failed to get the five positive votes needed for passage with only six council members attending that meeting. With all nine councilors present during last night's meeting, the measure passed by an 8-1 vote, with Mayor Chris Mosley recusing himself as he did at the previous meeting. Councilman Joe Molder, who voted against the proposal last month, voted in favor of the de-annexation last night.
One Injured in Crash Near Blanchard
A driver is taken to the hospital after a crash between Chickasha and Blanchard yesterday. 37-year old David Goingkeen of Anadarko was pinned briefly in the car before being rescued by the Naples volunteer fire department. The accident happened just before 8:00 a.m. Monday, about five miles south of Blanchard on Highway 62. The highway patrol reports that a tanker truck, an SUV, and Goingkeen were all traveling in the same direction. The tanker truck slowed to turn into a private drive, and Goingkeen rear-ended the SUV, then went off the road and overturned. It wasn't clear how seriously Goingkeen was hurt. The unidentified driver of the SUV was uninjured. We have video from the crash site on our Facebook page.
New Election Board Secretary in Place for Grady County
Some changes have taken place at the Grady County Election Board. Long-time election board secretary Susan Turner has retired. She spent 12 years in that post, and previously worked eight years at the Grady County treasurer's office. A retirement reception was held for Turner last week. JoAnn Hames has been named the new election board secretary. She previously served as Turner's assistant. She was recommended for the post by State Sen. Lonnie Paxton, and won approval from the state election board. The new assistant election board secretary is Tonya Hodges, and Kim Foli is on staff as well.
Blanchard Celebrates the 4th of July Tonight
Blanchard is the place to celebrate the 4th of July early tonight. The Blanchard Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its community event to mark Independence Day. There will be live music with Banana Seat and The Oklahoma Symphonic Band, a carnival, and food trucks. Fireworks will get underway at dusk. The location will be at U.S. Highway 62 and 10th Street. Admission is free.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.94 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $65.06.
Natural gas is $2.26 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,395 and silver is $15.20.
Monday, July 1st
Victim Drowns in Freak Accident at a Farm Pond
A tragic accident near Ninnekah yesterday, when a woman drowns while mowing around a farm pond. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said the drowning occurred southwest of Ninnekah. Myers said the riding mower tumbled into the pond, and trapped the women underneath the water. It happened at a home on CS 2800 about four miles south of Highway 277. The woman's name was not available.
House Goes Up in Flames
Fire crews spent about 2 1/2 hours battling a house fire yesterday. The fire erupted just after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, about two miles east of the junction of U.S. Highways 81 and 19. Fire crews from Chickasha, Ninnekah, and Alex were summoned. No one was home at the time of the fire. It wasn’t clear how much damage was done and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Four Hospitalized After Cyril Accident
Several were people hospitalized after a teen driver crashes into a pick-up this past weekend. The accident happened just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday, west of Cyril on Highway 19. Two 16-year old Apache girls in the car were both air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. The passenger was admitted in critical condition and the driver admitted in fair condition. Their names were not released by the highway patrol. Two passengers in the pick-up - 77-year old Phillip Wetselline and 64-year old Verna Wetselline - were taken to a Lawton hospital and were last in fair condition. The trooper investigating the crash reported that the teen driving the car went off the roadway and over-corrected, then crossed the center line and crashed into the on-coming truck the Wetsellines were riding in.
Trucks Collide; Two Hurt
Two men are hospitalized when two pickups collide near Marlow. 67-year old Kenneth Davis of Marlow was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in serious condition. 49-year old Mikel Kloft of Lawton was taken to a Lawton hospital where he was last in good condition. That accident happened just after 1:00 a.m. Sunday about nine miles west of Marlow. The trooper investigating that crash said Davis failed to yield from a stop sign and did not have his headlights on.
De-Annexation Issues Back on Chix City Council Agenda
The Chickasha City Council will once again consider removing two properties from the city limits. The de-annexation issues were both on the agenda for June 17th council meeting. A proposal to de-annex property east of Chickasha owned by Jerry and Elaine Knox failed, but three council representatives were absent. A proposal to de-annex the Muscle Car Ranch owned by Curtis Hart was tabled in that meeting. The council will also consider an ordinance to change the height requirements for buildings in C-2 zoning, and hold a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant for a proposed sidewalk improvement project. The group will also go behind closed doors to discuss a couple of lawsuits against the city, including one from Curtis Hart and one from former city employee Juliana Buckmaster. The closed-door meeting will also include an update regarding the on-going collective bargaining agreement discussions with the fire and police unions. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
July 4th Celebrations Continue
More fireworks are planned for this week, as we approach the 4th of July. Blanchard will have a pre-fireworks party tomorrow night, ahead of their fireworks display. The City of Chickasha will hold its Independence Day fireworks show at Shannon Springs Park on Thursday night, July 4th. About 20 businesses and individuals have contributed a combined $15,000 for the show. There's free admission to both the Blanchard and Chickasha fireworks shows.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.47.
London-based Brent crude is $66.55.
Natural gas is $2.30 per million BTUs.
Gold is to $1,392. Silver is $15.30.
