Saturday, Oct. 12th
Motorist Hospitalized After Car Hits Tree
A woman suffers leg and trunk injuries after her car runs off a Grady County road and hits a tree. 31-year old Whitnie Goodman of Minco was pinned inside the wreckage for about an hour. She had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and was last in fair condition. The accident happened just after 11:30 p.m. Friday about three miles east of Minco and north of State Highway 37. The highway patrol reports that Goodman may have been distracted prior to the crash. She was not wearing her seatbelt.
Yes on 802 Supporters Report Successful Petition Drive
Organizers of a petition drive trying to put Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma on a statewide ballot say they have the signatures needed to make that happen. Officials with the Yes on 802 campaign say they have the 178,000 signatures needed to put the issue to a vote of the people, ahead of the Oct. 28th deadline. Campaign Manager Amber England said over the last 10 years, Oklahoma has lost $1 billion every year because the state is not participating in Medicaid expansion. In addition, she said more than 200,000 Oklahomans are not getting the health care they need. There is opposition to the Medicaid expansion. Gov. Kevin Stitt wants state lawmakers to come up with an alternative plan and officials with the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs say there are better ways to improve health care. England says they'll continue obtaining signatures through the petition deadline of October 28th. If enough signatures are certified the measure will be on the ballot in November of next year.
Fireplace Safety Urged
Many folks will be stoking their fireplaces for the first time with this week's cold snap. Grady County fire officials recommend safety and caution for any fireplace, whether you may be burning wood or using a natural gas or electric fireplace. Be sure to have your chimney cleaned of soot and other buildup that can cause a fire. Schedule a professional chimney inspection and cleaning every year. To minimize the buildup of soot and creosote, use seasoned hard wood or manufactured logs which can burn cleaner than real wood. If you do use a manufactured log follow the directions, as they burn hotter than real wood. Use a fireplace screen and keep the area around the fireplace clean. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Also, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are must-haves. It is also time to change the batteries in those devices as we head to colder weather.
Sheriff's Office Has Updated Most-Wanted List
The Grady County Sheriff's Office has an updated 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.
Medicine Park Hosts Art Walk, Flute Festival
If you're looking to take a mini-trip with the family this weekend head to Medicine Park for the 11th annual Art Walk and Flute Festival. The honorary artist this year is 87-year old Kiowa Elder, Chester Horse. Horse is a silversmith who grew up in the Carnegie and Meers area and has traveled around the country. He recently settled in Shawnee where he lives on Potawatomi Nation land set aside for elders. More than 30 local and regional artists will display their talents with numerous items for sale, including pottery, sculpture, paintings, and jewelry. Food trucks will be on site. The event is both today and tomorrow.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. The Alzheimer's Association of Oklahoma will host a Chickasha Walk to End Alzheimer's later this month. Lyndse Sager with the Alzheimer's group is our guest on the KOOL Konversation and will talk about the event, and help that is available for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley our guest is Ray Walker with the Oklahoma Insurance Department's Medicare Assistance Program. He'll discuss some of the changes to Medicare and assistance that is available to help you make the right decisions for your specific needs. We have links to those programs under the Community tab on this website.
Friday, Oct. 11th
Continental Resources May Sell Part of Water Business
There are reports that Continental Resources may be selling a non-controllable stake of its water infrastructure business. The website www.okenergytoday.com cites a Bloomberg News report that the potential sale could be upwards of $1 billion. The report says Continental is working with an advisor to solicit interest for that division. It helps to gather and dispose of water used in the drilling process. Infrastructure for handling the massive amount of water used in hydraulic fracturing has become valuable in recent years. Just a couple of months ago, Continental sold some of its Oklahoma water business to Lagoon Water Solutions for $85 million. Continental chairman Harold Hamm said the water business generates about $100 million in annual earnings before expenses.
Minco Town Council Candidate Disqualified
The only candidate who filed for a seat on the Minco town council has been disqualified for the post. In a special meeting yesterday, the Grady County Election Board voted unanimously to disqualify Carrie McMullen. McMullen's candidacy was challenged by James Rice, who alleged that McMullen had not live in the ward for six months prior to the filing period. Rice provided evidence that showed McMullen purchased property in the ward in July of this year, just three months prior to the filing period. McMullen did not appear at yesterday's meeting. An assistant district attorney said since McMullen did not attend, she was deemed to be in default and essentially admitted to the allegations. Since McMullen was the only candidate to file for the post, it wasn't clear if the Minco town council will schedule another special election or if they'll wait until the annual town council election next spring.
Some Chickasha Water Customers May Have Bill Errors
Some Chickasha water customers may have errors on their bills this month. The errors affect customers who only have meters for irrigation. The city posted a message on its Facebook page indicated that bills that have a due date of October 10th will not be subject to any fees or disconnects during the month. Anyone with questions should contact the water department at city hall by calling 405-222-6023.
Blue Cross, Blue Shield Reps in Chickasha Saturday
Families who have Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma health care coverage can meet with a Blue Cross representative in person tomorrow. Company representatives will be in Chickasha to discuss health care plans and even talk to individuals who don't have health insurance. Max McKenzie is one of the customer service representatives who will be on hand.
Tomorrow's come-and-go sessions will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Chickasha campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center. No appointment will be needed.
Williams Grocery Purchases Chickasha Store
A regional grocery store chain is growing. Williams Foods recently purchased Spencer's Grocery in downtown Chickasha. The new Williams store is the company’s 10th Oklahoma store. Williams also has stores in Anadarko, Tuttle, and Elgin. Owner Jeff Williams says he's always liked the Chickasha store even before he got into the grocery business.
Williams Foods has been around for more than 40 years. Williams’ father opened the Tuttle store in 1971 and Jeff took over 1989. Williams expects Chickasha customers to see lower prices on some items since the store is able to buy in bulk. The Chickasha store will also be open on Sundays, with what Williams says will be massive one-day savings on both Sunday, October 20th and Sunday, October 27th. Williams says he is retaining all the employees from the Spencer's store.
Ranch Horse Competition in Chickasha
There’s a big event at the Grady County Fairgrounds this weekend. It's the season-ending Western Oklahoma Ranch Horse Association competition. It's for all ages, and the group's Facebook page says they cater to the weekend warriors who want to have fun with their horses. There is added-money in the jackpots which have at least seven entries. Activities include a costume contest and a youth fundraiser. The competition runs both Saturday and Sunday, with the first event set for 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Admission is free for spectators.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $53.55 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $59.10.
Natural gas is $2.21 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,498 and silver is $17.62.
Thursday, Oct. 10th
Update on Proposed Highway 81 Bypass of Chickasha
The newest timeline for start of construction of the proposed U.S. Highway 81 bypass of Chickasha calls for dirt work to begin in calendar year 2021. We spoke with Jay Earp who is the region's engineer for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). He said that ODOT has been able to purchase most of the right-of-way for the bypass, though a couple of condemnations are needed. He said the agency now has the right-of-entry so that work to move utilities can begin. Earp said for calendar year 2020, plans are to do a fencing project along the eight-mile route, and that sometime in 2021 the grading for the roadway can begin. He said construction of the bypass will likely be done in pieces as funding becomes available.
Fire Destroys Shop Building
Fire destroys a large shop and its contents. The fire broke out about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday on Quail Road just southwest of Chickasha. It’s near the junction of 16th Street and U.S. Highway 81. Fire crews from Chickasha, Ninnekah, and Grady County were dispatched. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said the shop was fully engulfed when crews arrived. The single-story, wood-frame shop owned by Steve Largent had been there for 57 years. No one was home at the time the fire started. Myers said the cause of the fire was traced to an electrical problem.
Haz-Mat Crews Mop Up Crude Oil After Tanker Crash
Clean up crews spent much of Wednesday at the site of a tanker truck accident which happened Tuesday night. The tanker was hauling about 150 gallons of crude oil when the big rig struck two large bales which were in the middle of the highway. This accident happened about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday near U.S. Highway 81 and Giles Road, which is six miles north of Chickasha. Authorities say about 100 gallons of crude spilled onto the roadway and adjacent land. The Chickasha Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials unit was first dispatched to the site Tuesday night. Officials with the Grady County Fire Department said the unidentified truck driver was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with a broken leg and a broken collar bone. The highway patrol reported the driver was treated and released.
Trucker Critically Injured in Semi Rollover
A truck driver is critically injured when his semi runs off a highway north of Gotebo in Washita County. 32-year old Brody Harrison of Mt. View was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital following the crash which happened near State Highways 54 and 55 about noon Wednesday. Highway 54 was shut down for two hours after the crash. The highway patrol reports that Harrison ran off the highway, hit a private drive, rolled, and hit a culvert. The cause of the crash was listed as driver inattention. Harrison was not wearing his seat belt.
New Brewery Open for Business
The new Canadian River Brewing Company in downtown Chickasha is an interesting story. It's actually the second beer brewery for owners Nigel and Holly Dunham. The first was opened in Pocasset this past February. Nigel says he got the idea from when he was in the Army and stationed in Germany where he discovered craft beers, then couldn't find anything like it in the U.S. Nigel began coming up with recipes about 12 years ago and currently offers about 10 varieties. He said their beers will soon be sold nationally.
The brewery in downtown Chickasha can make about 300 gallons at a time while the Pocasset location can make about 150 gallons. The downtown location came together quickly with the help of the City of Chickasha, the Economic Development Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and Willowbrook Development Company.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $52.59 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $58.32.
Natural gas is $2.23 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,511 and silver is $17.82.
Wednesday, Oct. 9th
Chix Leaders Move Ahead with Plans to Build New Park
Community leaders say a plan to build a new park in downtown Chickasha is gaining momentum. Plans are to build the new park south of the Rock Island Railroad Depot on eight acres of city-owned land. The park would be built with a combination of public and private funds. At this week’s city council meeting City Manager John Noblitt said there are five private investors who are willing to support the project. Mayor Chris Mosley identified two of those potential investors as the Chickasaw Nation and Oklahoma City Energy soccer team. In Monday night’s meeting the city council approved paying a $6,000 fee to an Oklahoma City-based firm to build a 3D model of the proposed park. Drawings show it would include a playground, a dog park, a splash pad, a stage, an area for food trucks, an art sculpture, and a mini soccer field for what is known as 'footsall'. City officials met with some private investors last month to look over the preliminary design and discussed some changes. Officials say a 3D model of the proposed park is needed to present to additional potential private investors to help it become a reality. If funding can be acquired officials believe the park can be completed in about two years.
Defense Attorney Pleased with 'Not Guilty' Verdict
in Grady County School Adminstrator's Jury Trial
In a KOOL/RANCH News follow-up, we reported last week that a Garvin County jury found Ninnekah school administrator Todd Bunch not guilty of felony domestic violence. We heard from Bunch's attorney, Larry Balcerak.
A seven-man, five-woman jury exonerated Bunch of the charge after a 3 1/2 day trial in Pauls Valley last week. Bunch was accused of trying to smother an ex-girlfriend at a home they shared in Lindsay in June of 2018.
Anadarko Voters Extend ONG Franchise Agreement
Anadarko voters overwhelmingly approve an extension of the city's franchise agreement with Oklahoma Natural Gas in a special election on Tuesday. More than four out of every five voters approved the extension. It was a light turnout with only 80 ballots cast with the final tally of 67 to 13. The agreement was extended for 25 years.
Qualification of Minco Town Council Candidate Challenged
In Minco, a challenge has been filed regarding the qualifications of a candidate who filed for a seat on the town council. Carrie McMullen was the only candidate to file for the vacant spot of Office No. 2 in Ward 3 during last week's filing period. McMullen's candidacy is being challenged by James Rice, who alleges that McMullen has not lived in the ward for the required six months prior to filing. The Grady County Election Board will hold a hearing on the challenge in a meeting at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow at the election board office in Chickasha. Minco voters will be casting ballots in a special municipal election next month to decide another council post. Karen Dirickson and Mandy Addington have filed for the vacant Ward 2, Office 2 seat. The election will be held Nov. 12th.
USAO Allots Millions for College Scholarships
Most college students rely on scholarships to help them pay for their education. For the current school year, USAO is providing more than $4 million in scholarships. A press release from the university indicates that $3 million has been awarded for academic, athletic, and talent-based achievements. More than $1 million was awarded by the USAO Foundation. The USAO Alumni Association provided nearly $90,000 in merit-based funds. President john Feaver said USAO is committed to providing as much assistance to as many students as possible to relieve the financial strain that might otherwise keep college out of the reach of under-served students.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $52.63 per barrel.
London-based Brent is $58.24.
Natural gas is $2.28 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,506 and silver is $17.81.
Tuesday, Oct. 8th
Zoning Change Requests OK'd by City Council
Two zoning change requests get unanimous approval from the Chickasha City Council. There were no positive or negative comments during public hearings held for both proposals during last night’s city council meeting. Bill McDuff was given the go-ahead to re-zone some residential property at 220 N. 6th to light industrial use. And Hoffman Properties at 1201 No. 16th was authorized to change some general commercial property to light industrial use. The proposed use of both properties is believed to be for medical marijuana growing facilities.
Public Hearings Set for City Planning Commission Today
This afternoon, there are public hearings for several other re-zoning requests scheduled with the Chickasha Planning Commission. Jerry and Sheila Layman are asking to re-zone some agriculture property to general commercial use in order to build a miniature golf course near the Chickasha sports complex. Lynn Waldon is looking to re-zone property at 1111 Choctaw Avenue from local commercial to general commercial use. And Angel Rangel wants to re-zone two properties near 4th Street and Tennessee Avenue from local commercial to general commercial use. The planning commission meets at 4:00 p.m. today at city hall.
Class Calendar Change Up for Discussion by School Board
Some changes to the Chickasha public school calendar are expected to get the approval of the local board of education tonight. Currently, students are to be in class for 175 days. The change calls for students to be in class a minimum of 1,080 hours. As many as 30 of those hours will be for professional development. The school board is also expected to schedule a school election next spring for Office No. 5 on the school board. The post is currently held by Christy Clift who was appointed to the post earlier this year. The board of education is also to consider allowing out-of-state travel for FFA students to attend the National FFA convention in Indianapolis, Ind. from Oct. 29th through Nov. 2nd. The school board will also consider allowing the high school cheerleaders to go an out-of-state competition in Las Vegas in February. The school board meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the school administration building.
New Ice Skating Rink Added to Festival of Light
There will be a new attraction at Chickasha’s Festival of Light (FOL) this year. Visitors will be able to ice skate for the first time in the 27-year history of the event. Elizabeth Allen with FOL says a skating rink has been discussed for several years but it will finally be a reality for the upcoming season. The temporary rink will be located on the volleyball courts near the Shannon Springs Park Bath House (gift shop) and underneath the 160-foot tall Christmas tree. Allen says it will be a unique experience.
Allen said the City of Chickasha and Public Service Company of Oklahoma have worked to bring in three-phase electricity needed to operate the rink and the Chickasha Community Foundation awarded FOL a grant to help finance the project. A company called Ice Challenge Experience will operate the rink which has similar ice rinks in other communities. Skate rentals will be available but prices have not been set. The Festival of Light will run nightly from Saturday, November 23rd through Tuesday, December 31st. Allen also said FOL is currently accepting applications for seasonal help to work at the ice rink. Applications can be found on the website: www.chickashafestivaloflight.org/employment
Food Truck Competition Winners Announced
We have the winners from the Oklahoma Food Truck Competition held during the Rock Island Arts Festival last weekend. The overall winner was Contrabandz Ice Cream. I Don’t Know, I Don’t Care was 2nd; Metro Minis was 3rd; and Mob Grill was 4th. The Judge’s Choice was Werner’s Brats; Fan Favorite was Pizza Round Up; and Most Creative was Fried Taco.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $52.75 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $58.35.
Natural gas is $2.30 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,508 and silver is $17.59.
Monday, Oct. 7th
Re-zoning Requests Among City Council Discussions
Two property owners are looking to change their zoning classifications in tonight's Chickasha City Council meeting. Public hearings are scheduled during the first of two regularly scheduled meetings this month. One of them is at 1201 N. 16th Street, where property owners are asking to change from its current general commercial district to light industrial. The other is at 220 N. 6th Street where owners are seeking a change from its current residential classification to light industrial use. The Planning Commission recommended that both re-zoning requests be approved. The council will go behind closed doors to discuss a lawsuit filed against the owner of a company who went back on his promise to re-locate his firm to the area. The suit was filed against Tom Word after he was issued a $250,000 economic development loan to help move his company to the area but the move never occurred. The city is seeking to obtain ownership of property Word owns at Grand Lake which was put up as collateral for the loan. The council is also to discuss a current contract with a firm which is designing a proposed park near the Rock Island Railroad Depot. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
CEO of Manufacturing Alliance to be in Chickasha
The leader of a statewide group developed to help Oklahoma's manufacturing sector will be in Chickasha next week to discuss the benefits of the organization. Dave Rowland is the president and chief executive officer of The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. He'll be the keynote speaker at a program co-hosted by the Chickasha Economic Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce. A press release from the chamber indicates Rowland is generating a community of manufacturers focused on research, development, and invention to transform the Sooner State. He most recently held a senior position at a Tulsa firm and also served as director of operations and general manager of Mercruiser in Stillwater. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16th on the Chickasha Campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available from the chamber. Individuals wanting to attend are asked to RSVP the chamber by next Monday, Oct. 14th.
Anadarko Voters to Decide ONG Franchise Extension
Anadarko voters will go to the polls tomorrow to decide if the city should extend its franchise agreement with Oklahoma Natural Gas. If approved the agreement would be extended 25 years. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow.
Hearing-impaired Speaker to Address USAO Giles Forum
A life-long hearing impairment couldn't stop Nyle Dimarco from being successful. Dimarco won the popular Dancing with the Stars competition, and also was a winner of America's Next Top Model. His was recognized by DEAF LIFE Magazine as the 2017 Deaf Person of the Year. Dimarco will be in Chickasha tomorrow for the 12th annual Ray, Mary, and Nita Giles Symposium for Citizenship and Pubic Service at USAO. Dimarco will discuss his efforts in overcoming his obstacles in the USAO Ballroom beginning at 6:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $52.81 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $58.37
Natural gas is $2.35 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,507 and silver is $17.51.
