Saturday, Nov. 23rd
Festival of Light Opens Tonight
Chickasha residents are getting into the holiday spirit a little early as the city prepares to entertain tens of thousands of visitors to the Festival of Light. From passenger cars and trucks, school and church buses and tour buses - many visitors will be seeing Chickasha for the very first time. There are many things to do at the festival and some life-changing moments take place with several marriage proposals each year. Elizabeth Allen said there's a special display area for those who want to pop the question.
The souvenir and gift shop will be offering lots of items for sale, including hot cocoa and coffee and the popular cinnamon rolls and there will also be a number of food trucks. We've told you about the newest attraction - the ice skating rink - to go along with the Ferris wheel, carousel, carriage rides, and Santa Claus. The Festival opens at 6:00 p.m. tonight and will be open every night through New Year's Eve.
Historic Refuge Home is Being Restored
An historic home on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge which was nearly bulldozed is being restored. The home, just a half-mile from the refuge's visitor center, was built in 1927 by early settlers Ben and Margaret Ferguson. In the 1930s, the military took the land over so the artillery range at Ft. Sill Army Base could be expanded. The home became part of the refuge when the military and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had a land swap in the 1950s. A feature story of the home recently aired on KSWO-TV indicated that most of the home was destroyed by fire about 10 years ago. The Friends of the Wichitas began restoring the home about six years ago. Officials collected about $70,000 in donations to make some repairs. Officials are hoping the work can be completed by the end of the year.
Wind-damaged Flags at Ft. Sill Cemetery Being Repaired
A number of U.S. flags at Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin were recently damaged by high winds. Some of them were shredded by the windstorm and the cemetery is asking for help to repair them. While the flags could simply be retired and new flags put in their place, these flags hold special meaning as they came off the caskets of military veterans who are in their final resting place at the cemetery. The Lawton Constitution reports that officials were hoping to find some volunteers to hand-stitch the flags but many of them are six-feet long and the job was too over-whelming. They have found a couple of businesses that will machine-repair the flags, but at a cost. Bill Pitts, who has volunteered at the cemetery since it opened 18 years ago hopes to get more community involvement to maintain the cemetery's flags.
High School Football Scores
Tuttle 14, Broken Bow 13
Alex 44, Laverne 30
Lindsay 15,Eufaula 14
Thomas 47, Minco 45
Mangum 28, Dibble 6
Friday, Nov. 22nd
Festival of Light Opens This Weekend
There's lots of anticipation for the 27th annual Festival of Light which begins this weekend at Chickasha's Shannon Springs Park. Most organizers have lost track of how many lights are being used but at last count it was estimated at 3 1/2 million. There won't be a grand opening celebration but the event will officially open at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow night (Saturday, November 23rd). Elizabeth Allen with the festival said it will open a little earlier for the newest attraction which is the ice skating rink.
Among the other attractions are a carousel, a ferris wheel, and carriage rides. The festival features the tallest lighted Christmas tree in the state which stands at 162 feet tall. Patrons can drive or walk through and the local flying school Chickasha Wings will offer flights over the festival from the Chickasha airport. The festival will be open every night through New Year's Eve.
Walk With a Doc Program Saturday
Chickasha doctors are using a new method to meet their patients and the general public. It's called Walk with a Doc which is a monthly program organized by physicians, nurses, and staff at Grady Memorial Hospital and Five Oaks Medical Group. Abby Housman is a family practice doctor who will lead this month's program.
Walk with a Doc is held the 4th Saturday of each month starting at 9 a.m. at Shannon Springs Park and runs about an hour. If the weather is too cold or unpleasant it's moved indoors to the Chickasha High School activity center.
Burglary Suspects Charged
Two men are in custody and charged with felonies after allegedly breaking in to a Chickasha business. Police reports show that officers were summoned to H and R Diesel just west of 29th and U.S. Highway 62 late Tuesday night to investigate a burglary in progress. 24-year old Brayden Huckaba of Chickasha and 22-year old Hunter Lee Jeans of Sterling were taken into custody. Prosecutors charged both men with felony grand larceny in their initial appearances in Grady County District Court yesterday. Both remain in jail pending a $7,000 bond. Their next court date is Jan. 20th when their preliminary hearing conferences are scheduled.
Pocasset Burglary Suspect in Custody
A man wanted for allegedly burglarizing a rural Grady County home is in custody. 29-year old Brandon Leslie Shepard was arrested for the theft of several thousand dollars in items from a home in the Pocasset area. A probable cause affidavit indicates the burglary occurred in July. Among the items taken included an ATV, go cart, several guns, tools, jewelry and other items. A warrant for Shepard's arrest was issued in August and he was booked into the Grady County Jail earlier this week. Shepard, who listed a Chickasha address, is charged with two felony counts of knowingly concealing stolen property. He remains in jail on a $7,000 bond and a preliminary hearing conference is scheduled in January.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Chickasha schools interim superintendent Jenifer Stegman and the district’s Athletic Director Jerry Don Bray are guests on the KOOL Konversation program. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, guests are Dottie Overal and Pam Walker with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.58 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $63.97.
Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,478 and silver is $17.33.
Thursday, Nov. 21st
Chickasha Kidnapping Suspect in Custody
New information today about a reported kidnapping we told you about earlier this week. Chickasha police say the suspect is in custody for not only kidnapping but the brutal assault of a woman. 24-year old Daniel Desean Neff was arrested by Oklahoma City police early Monday morning. A Chickasha police affidavit indicates the victim alleges she endured about an hour of abuse including being beaten with her own cell phone, thrown to the ground and stomped on, and choked to the point of nearly passing out. She also alleged Neff threatened to kill her with a knife. After the assault, the victim said they went to an Oklahoma City hotel and that Neff concealed her swollen face and black eye. The victim said she managed to call her mother and tell her where they were. The mother then called Oklahoma City police who went to the hotel and took Neff into custody. Neff is still in the Oklahoma County Jail and is expected to be transferred to Grady County. He's charged with felony counts of kidnapping, domestic assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault by strangulation.
Grady County Jail Faces Lawsuit
A lawsuit has been filed against the Grady County Jail which alleges that jailers are to blame for the death of an inmate who committed suicide. 20-year old Justin Thao took his own life while behind bars back in 2017. His relatives accuse jail employees of breaking the law and jail standards. Our partners at KWTV News 9 report that Thao was in solitary confinement, and the jailers ignored his calls for help. The family says video surveillance from the jail indicates Thao screamed for help more than 20 times over the course of an hour and 15 minutes. The family is suing for damages in excess of $75,000.
Suspect Arrested For Drug Trafficking
A Chickasha woman is jailed on a $150,000 bond on a charge of drug trafficking. Police arrested 18-year old Mackenzie Lynn Everhart early Wednesday morning following a traffic stop in the 100 block of South 7th. Authorities found what was believed to be methamphetamine in the car. After being taken to jail authorities asked if she had any other drugs on her, and she admitted having some in her genitals. A probable cause affidavit indicates officials confiscated a total of 40 grams of meth.
Chix School Board Considers District Repairs
The Chickasha school board is considering how to pay for some needed repairs to school facilities and building some safe rooms. The board met in a special meeting yesterday with a representative from BOK Financial to discuss the possibility of calling a special bond election to finance the projects. Officials say the roof on the high school activity center is leaking in several places, and a number of air conditioning units at some schools are as much as 40 years old. The panel is also considering building some safe rooms at Lincoln School. The BOK Financial representative said the board could possibly call a special bond issue asking voters to approve up to $2 1/2 million for repairs and projects. School board members said they need to put together a list of priorities and hold some public meetings to garner support for the projects. The school district still has three more series bonds to pay for, which were sold to build the high school activity center and Bill Wallace School. Those bonds won't expire until the year 2026.
Chix Schools Superintendent Interviews Postponed
The school board was to hold some interviews for superintendent candidates today, but officials have postponed those interviews. Board president Zack McGill said the board will hold a special meeting next month to hold the interviews in Oklahoma City. McGill said the meeting will include their consultants with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.
New Convenience Store Opens
Chickasha’s new Domino's convenience store has opened. The store was built from the ground up at 4th and Missouri Avenue. It took about seven months for contractors to complete the $2.5 million project after picking up the building permit in April of this year. The store officially opened for business last night.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.11 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $62.40.
Natural gas is to $2.56 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,469 and silver is $17.18.
Wednesday, Nov. 20th
Minco Man a Victim of Duncan Shooting
Duncan police have identified the three people who died in the double murder-suicide that took place this past Monday. The two victims shot to death while sitting in their car were 39-year old Aubrey Perkins of Minco and 31-year old Rebecca Vescio-Varela of Duncan. The gunman who then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound was 43-year old Wbiliado Varela, Jr, also of Duncan. Authorities say that Varela and Vescio-Varela were common law husband-and-wife, and that Perkins was dating Vescio-Varela. KSWO-TV reports that Perkins had made big changes in his life. He'd been in prison for 16 years and became involved in the prison ministry where he came to know Pastor Bobby Boyles of the Long View Church in Binger. Boyles said Perkins was helping to build a new church, and that Perkins was a tremendous Christian with a strong faith and biblically wise beyond his years. Boyles says they plan on holding a memorial service for Perkins inside the unfinished church because of how much Perkins helped them over the last few months.
Chickasha Police Seek Kidnapping Suspect
A kidnapping suspect is on the run and Chickasha police are searching the perpetrator. According to a recent report from the Chickasha police blotter, an arrest warrant has been issued. However a name was not included in the report. It's not known if the suspect is a man or woman. The blotter shows that a police officer was summoned to police headquarters about 1:00 a.m. Monday to take a domestic violence report. The victim alleged the abuse took place at three separate locations - the area of 8th and Iowa Avenue; the 800 block of South 6th Street; and in the 1300 block of South Shepherd Street. The warrant is for complaints which include kidnapping and domestic abuse by strangulation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chickasha police by calling 405-222-6050 or Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also leave an anonymous tip on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.
Grady County Sales Tax Revenues Climb
There’s been a recent uptick in sales tax revenue collections throughout Grady County. The amount increased about 9.5 percent from September to October to $906,000. However, that total is down about 16.5 percent from October of last year. The county has a three-quarters of a penny sales tax which is distributed to several programs, all of which were approved by voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds collects a little more than $300,000. It's the 11th time in the last 16 months for the fairgrounds to receive more than $300,000. Grady Memorial Hospital receives more than $267,000. 20 county fire departments share in just over $150,000 so each one receives $7,500. The seven senior nutrition centers also share in $150,000 and each one collects nearly $22,000. Tuttle EMS receives nearly $28,000 and Rush Springs EMS picks up about $7,000.
Tips Provided for National Scam Awareness Week
This is National Scam Awareness Week and Public Service Company of Oklahoma is offering information to help customers protect themselves against imposters claiming to represent the utility. Four common signs of a scam include: 1) someone calling to demand an immediate bill payment over the phone; 2) demanding that you pay with a pre-paid debit card; 3) asking for personal or account information; and 4) asking to meet you somewhere in person to make a payment. Officials say to be suspicious of anyone calling and threatening to cut off service unless a payment is made immediately. Should that happen PSO officials say hang up and call PSO to verify your account and report the attempted scam. You can call PSO toll-free at 1-888-216-3523.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.21 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $60.91.
Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,475 and silver is $17.25.
Wednesday, Nov. 20th
Minco Man a Victim of Duncan Shooting
Duncan police have identified the three people who died in the double murder-suicide that took place this past Monday. The two victims shot to death while sitting in their car were 39-year old Aubrey Perkins of Minco and 31-year old Rebecca Vescio-Varela of Duncan. The gunman who then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound was 43-year old Wbiliado Varela, Jr, also of Duncan. Authorities say that Varela and Vescio-Varela were common law husband-and-wife, and that Perkins was dating Vescio-Varela. KSWO-TV reports that Perkins had made big changes in his life. He'd been in prison for 16 years and became involved in the prison ministry where he came to know Pastor Bobby Boyles of the Long View Church in Binger. Boyles said Perkins was helping to build a new church, and that Perkins was a tremendous Christian with a strong faith and biblically wise beyond his years. Boyles says they plan on holding a memorial service for Perkins inside the unfinished church because of how much Perkins helped them over the last few months.
Chickasha Police Seek Kidnapping Suspect
A kidnapping suspect is on the run and Chickasha police are searching the perpetrator. According to a recent report from the Chickasha police blotter, an arrest warrant has been issued. However a name was not included in the report. It's not known if the suspect is a man or woman. The blotter shows that a police officer was summoned to police headquarters about 1:00 a.m. Monday to take a domestic violence report. The victim alleged the abuse took place at three separate locations - the area of 8th and Iowa Avenue; the 800 block of South 6th Street; and in the 1300 block of South Shepherd Street. The warrant is for complaints which include kidnapping and domestic abuse by strangulation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chickasha police by calling 405-222-6050 or Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also leave an anonymous tip on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.
Grady County Sales Tax Revenues Climb
There’s been a recent uptick in sales tax revenue collections throughout Grady County. The amount increased about 9.5 percent from September to October to $906,000. However, that total is down about 16.5 percent from October of last year. The county has a three-quarters of a penny sales tax which is distributed to several programs, all of which were approved by voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds collects a little more than $300,000. It's the 11th time in the last 16 months for the fairgrounds to receive more than $300,000. Grady Memorial Hospital receives more than $267,000. 20 county fire departments share in just over $150,000 so each one receives $7,500. The seven senior nutrition centers also share in $150,000 and each one collects nearly $22,000. Tuttle EMS receives nearly $28,000 and Rush Springs EMS picks up about $7,000.
Tips Provided for National Scam Awareness Week
This is National Scam Awareness Week and Public Service Company of Oklahoma is offering information to help customers protect themselves against imposters claiming to represent the utility. Four common signs of a scam include: 1) someone calling to demand an immediate bill payment over the phone; 2) demanding that you pay with a pre-paid debit card; 3) asking for personal or account information; and 4) asking to meet you somewhere in person to make a payment. Officials say to be suspicious of anyone calling and threatening to cut off service unless a payment is made immediately. Should that happen PSO officials say hang up and call PSO to verify your account and report the attempted scam. You can call PSO toll-free at 1-888-216-3523.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.21 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $60.91.
Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,475 and silver is $17.25.
Tuesday, Nov. 19th
Shooting in Duncan Kills 3, Including the Gunman
The shooting deaths of three people at the Duncan Wal-Mart store yesterday drew national attention. Law enforcement agencies were summoned to the store just before 10:00 a.m. Monday after a gunman opened fire on a car in the store’s parking lot. A man and a woman inside the car died. The gunman then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. District Attorney Jason Hicks told the Oklahoman that officers were on the scene within a minute of when the first 9-1-1call came in. Stephens County sheriff's deputies and the highway patrol also responded. Authorities have not yet released the names of those who died.
Anadarko Man Accused of Crimes Against his Girlfriend
An Anadarko man is accused of kidnapping and abusing his girlfriend. 22-year old Trace Noah Totherow was arrested by Anadarko police last week after officers responded to a domestic violence call. The victim alleges that Totherow was mad at her because she got home late. Totherow remains in the Caddo County Jail on a $20,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference is scheduled for December 19th.
State Has First Case of Equine Herpesvirus
A concern for horse owners, as a case of equine herpesvirus has been confirmed in Oklahoma. Veterinarians with the state Department of Agriculture say a horse stabled at Remington Park had a positive test of EHV-1. The animal was euthanized and the infected barn has been put on quarantine for 14 days. Signs of the virus include fever, incoordination, and weakness or paralysis of the back legs. The illness is highly contagious between horses but it cannot be transmitted to humans.
Grady County Property Tax Statements Mailed
Grady County property tax statements have been mailed out. County Treasurer Robin Burton says her office mailed nearly 37,000 statements. The total ad valorem taxes to be collected for 2019 is more than $72 million. That's an increase of more than 13 percent from the previous year. Property owners have the option of paying all or half the amount due by January 15, 2020. The second half of the property taxes would be due April 15, 2020.
Chix City Council OKs Use of Final Tourism Dollars
The last few dollars remaining in a tourism fund at Chickasha City Hall will be used to improve lighting in the area of the Rock Island Railroad Depot. In last night’s Chickasha City Council meeting the panel approved using the final $20,000 in the fund to place some additional utility poles in the area to help improve lighting around 1st and Chickasha Avenue. The project was recommended by the Economic Development Council. The council also approved an annual service agreement with a company for the cardiac monitors at the fire department at a cost of $7,500 and approved some modifications on a wind lease agreement with MSR-1 Corporation. The council also allowed the Oklahoma Health Aging Initiative at OU to offer health promotion programs at the library. Firefighter Richard Prather was recognized for 25 years of service. The council also approved a memorandum of understanding between the police department and the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN) to offer assistance and services to victims of domestic violence. The council also okayed a request from Grand Assembly of God to waive fees for the use of Shannon Springs Park in April of 2020 to hold the community Easter Egg Hunt.
Ice Rink Under Construction for Festival of Light
The Festival of Light opens this weekend, and the newest addition to the festival is under construction. The ice skating rink is being built just north of the gift shop and underneath the 160 foot tall lighted Christmas tree. The skating rink will be open every day of the Festival, and skates will be available to rent. The rink is scheduled to be open at 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Chickasha Christmas Parade Set December 5th
Another holiday favorite is Chickasha's night-time lighted Christmas parade. The parade will be Thursday, Dec. 5th at 7 p.m. The parade route will start at 8th and Chickasha Avenue and travel east on Chickasha Avenue to finish at the Rock Island Railroad Depot. A snowball fight will once again take place at the depot after the parade. The theme for the parade this year is ‘Frozen’. Floats, antique cars, trucks and tractors, and walking groups are all invited to take part. Entry is $25 and cash prizes will be awarded to the top entries. Applications are available at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce, 221 West Chickasha Avenue and should be turned in by Friday, Nov. 29th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.05 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $62.44.
Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,467 and silver is $17.07
Monday, Nov. 18th
Wildfire Destroys, Damages Temporary Housing Units
Several temporary housing structures were destroyed and many others damaged in a weekend wildfire near Ninnekah. The fire erupted about 4:00 p.m. Saturday near Old Highway 81 and Old Fred Road. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department tells KOOL/RANCH News that 73 unused and unoccupied housing units were being stored on the property. There were no injuries. Myers said that about 40 fire fighters from a number of county fire departments were dispatched to the fire including Ninnekah, Pioneer, Acme, Farwell, Alex, and Bradley which dispatched a total of 25 trucks to fight the flames. Only about five acres of grassland burned. Four structures were destroyed, about seven had some level fire damage, and nearly every one of the units had smoke damage. One nearby property owner lost a shed but his home avoided damage. Crews spent more than 5 1/2 hours at the scene Saturday afternoon and evening. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Biker Hospitalized After Crash
A motorcyclist was hospitalized after his Harley was hit by a pick-up. 24-year old Coby Scott of Fletcher was taken to a Lawton hospital where he was last in fair condition with leg injuries. The accident happened about 11:30 p.m. Sunday four miles west of Fletcher. The highway patrol reports that a pick-up driven by 22-year old Timberlee Hobbs of Cyril failed to yield. The trooper investigating the accident reported that both Scott and Hobbs may have been drinking.
Chix City Council to Honor Firefighters
Veteran firefighters will be recognized for their service with the Chickasha Fire Department during tonight's city council meeting. The council will honor those who have 25-years of service with the department. The council will also consider a request to install eight utility poles in city easements at the Rock Island Railroad Depot. The Economic Development Council is recommending the council spend about $20,000 in tourism funds to pay for the extension of the Christmas tree lights and other lights at the depot. The council is expected to approve a memorandum of understanding with an agency which helps victims of domestic violence. The agreement would continue a partnership the city has with the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN). The memorandum would allow the police department to continue to assist the agency in providing victims with services they need. An extra holiday may be added for non-union city employees. The council will consider adding Christmas Eve as a holiday. The recommendation from administrators comes after the holiday was added to the collective bargaining agreements with both the police and fire unions. If approved, city employees will have 10 paid holidays each year. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Chickasha City Hall.
USAO Concert Band to Perform
The USAO concert band will perform a selection of marching songs at the Chickasha High School Auditorium tonight. The band is under the direction of adjunct music professor, Norman native Kaleb Benda. Benda earned a bachelor's degree at North Texas University and a master's degree from Oklahoma City University. Benda also is the artistic director and conductor of the Oklahoma Chamber Orchestra which is a group of volunteer musicians. He also serves as assistant conductor for the Enid Symphony Orchestra. The USAO concert band performance is at 7:30 p.m. tonight, again at the CHS auditorium and admission is free.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.72 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $63.30.
Natural gas is $2.69 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,459 and silver is $16.78.
