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Mollman Media News

2019-20, Dec. 30th-Jan. 4th

Saturday, Jan. 4th

 

New Chickasha School Superintendent May be Named

The Chickasha board of education is expected to name a new superintendent of schools Monday night. The panel will hold a special meeting with the only order of business on the agenda being to discuss the possible employment of a superintendent. School board president Zack McGill previously said that the board was unanimous in their pick for the post after a second round of interviews with finalists a couple of weeks ago. The district has been without a permanent superintendent for about nine months, after Jack Herron was offered a separation agreement. The district has been under the direction of interim superintendent Jenifer Stegman, though she is still recovering from injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Stegman is able to work from home, and is in touch with other administrators as she recovers. While a new superintendent may be named Monday night, it’s not clear when that individual may actually take over the post.

 

Manhunt Continues for Murder Suspect

It's day three of manhunt for a murder suspect believed to be hiding out in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Officials are continuing their search for Christopher James Trent, the suspect who is wanted in connection with the New Year's Day death of a two-year old boy in Norman. Roads are re-open through the refuge at the Lake Elmer Thomas area, however several sections remain closed. That includes Mt. Scott, and the area north of Highway 49 between the Medicine Park exit and Highway 115. Trent's pickup was found near Medicine Park Wednesday evening. Authorities say he is familiar with the refuge.

 

Continental Reports More SCOOP Production Numbers

A group of wells drilled in the SCOOP are bringing in more than 2,500 barrels of oil per day. Four sister wells on one pad are bringing in a combined 2,300 barrels a day for Continental Resources. These are the Lang wells, which are about eight miles south of Lindsay in Garvin County. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports the largest of the wells is bringing in almost 1,100 barrels of oil and more than 3,500 MCF  of natural gas daily. They are in the Sycamore formation and drilling depth is just over 23,000 feet. Continental also had some completions in Grady County. A couple of sister wells are in Section 1 of Township 6 North, Range 5 West which is about three miles west of Dibble. The Green Acre wells were producing a combined total of about 300 barrels of oil per day.

 

Price for Crude Oil Climbs in 2019

Crude oil prices were up significantly in 2019 as we hear from Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

 

              

 

Skinner said the news was not so good for natural gas as prices were off about 24 percent for the year.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Joe Dorman, the director of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, is our guest on our KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, our guest is District 3 Grady County Commissioner Ralph Beard. We have links to both programs under the Community Tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Dale Stinnett

Viewing for 73-year old Dale Stinnett of Cement will be Monday, January 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ferguson Funeral Home. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Ted Williams

Funeral service for 67-year old Ted Williams, formerly of Chickasha, will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, January 6th at the First Baptist Church of Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

David Sampson

Memorial services for David Sampson of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11th at Epworth Methodist Church.

Claudia Bates

A private memorial will be held for 66-year old Claudia Bates of Mt. View. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Friday, January 3rd

 

Search Resumes for Suspected Child Killer

A second day of searching is underway at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for a man suspected in the New Year’s Day death of a toddler. Searchers brought in bloodhounds to help in their search for 38-year old Christopher James Trent. His pickup was found in the Medicine Park area Wednesday night. Trent is a suspect in the death of a two-year old boy in Norman. Authorities closed the 60,000-acre refuge while the search continues. Authorities say Trent should be considered armed and dangerous. Comanche County officials say residents in the area should be cautious when leaving their homes and report any suspicious activity to local authorities or call 9-1-1. Anyone with information about the Christopher James Trent is asked to contact Norman Crimestoppers by calling 405-366-STOP.

              

OSBI Investigates Body Found in Blanchard              

Blanchard authorities have asked the OSBI to help with an investigation of a body found early Thursday morning. There's not a lot of information available about this case. Blanchard police received a 9-1-1 call regarding a fight between two men. When officers arrived, they discovered the body. The victim's name has not been released and it wasn't clear how he may have died.

 

Drug Trafficking Charges Filed in Separate Arrests

The first two felony crimes filed in Grady County District Court in the new year result from drug trafficking arrests. Prosecutors filed the first of those charges against 38-year Edward Roy Hutto of Chickasha. He was arrested by Chickasha police late Wednesday night. His bond was set at $250,000. Hutto is also facing a misdemeanor charge for a second offense for driving under suspension. Chickasha authorities arrested Hutto just a few weeks ago on a possession of a stolen vehicle complaint. He was released from jail after posting a $5,000 bond. Hutto previously pleaded guilty to violent crimes in 2000 and 2009. The second drug trafficking case filed resulted from an arrest by Tuttle police. 28-year old Caleb Joseph Wallace of Shawnee was arrested just after midnight on New Year’s Day. Wallace faces additional felony charges of eluding and possession of a stolen vehicle. His bond is also $250,000.

 

Food Stolen from Anadarko Senior Center              

Thieves break into the senior nutrition center in Anadarko and take a large amount of food. Anadarko police are asking for the public's help in finding the perpetrators. Police posted the information on the department's Facebook page. It says officers took a report Thursday morning about the burglary at the nutrition center at 417 West Main. If you have information about the break-in you're asked to contact Anadarko police by calling 405-247-2411.

 

Woman Hospitalized After Crash Near Rush Springs

A Lindsay woman was hospitalized after crashing her pickup in the southern part of Grady County. 24-year old Brittany Lujan was last in fair condition at an Oklahoma City hospital. A state trooper and Rush Springs fire and rescue were summoned to the crash just before 9:30 a.m. Thursday about four miles east of Rush Springs. The trooper investigating the crash said Lujan's pick up ran off the road, hit a fence, and rolled onto the driver's side. The trooper stated that Lujan was driving too fast for the oily road conditions.

 

Fairgrounds to Host SCOOP Winter Classic Stock Show              

About 300 youth from across the state are expected in Chickasha this weekend for the first stock show of the year at the Grady County Fairgrounds. It's the SCOOP Winter Classic, a sheep and goat show hosted by the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma. 100 percent of the entry fees will be paid back and there are $10,000 in added prizes. The grand champion exhibitors receive $500 and reserve-grand exhibitors receive $250. The barns open at 8 a.m. Saturday with exhibitors served a free lunch and the stock shows starting at 1:00 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.68 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.25.

Natural gas is $2.12 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,550 and silver is $18.25.

 

Obituary

Helen Tumelson

Funeral service for 83-year of Helen Tumelson of Chickasha will be at 1:30 next Wednedsay, Jan. 8th at Ferguson Funeral home.

 

Thursday, Jan. 2nd

 

 

Manhunt Underway for Suspected Child Killer

An intense manhunt continues at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for an accused child killer. A number of law enforcement agencies are involved in the search for Christopher Trent, who officials say should be considered armed and dangerous. He's Caucasian, about six feet tall and weighs about 190 pounds. A photo shows him with short, black hair, a goatee, and a thin mustache. The refuge has been closed as deputies with the Comanche County Sheriff's Office, refuge officials, the highway patrol, and Norman police search for Trent. Trent's car was found in the refuge about 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and authorities spent the night looking for him, including the use a helicopter with infra-red technology. The refuge is closed while the search for Trent continues. No details have been released about the child's death.

              

Early-Morning Crash Injures Fletcher Man

An early-morning crash on New Year's Day sends an elderly Fletcher man to the hospital. 71-year old Ronald Morgan was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in fair condition. The accident happened a couple of miles south of Elgin about 1:00 a.m. Wednesday. The highway patrol reports that Morgan ran his pickup off the road, then hit a dirt embankment and a sign. He was pinned in the pickup for about an hour.

 

Wife of Prominent Doctor Dies              

The wife of longtime Chickasha doctor Ron Orr has died. Judy Orr was 80-years old when she passed away on Monday, about a week shy of her birthday. The couple had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Judy was born in Anadarko and was Valedictorian at Anadarko high School. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from OU. She taught children in Sunday school at the Nazarene Church for more than 50 years and played the organ for the church as well. She also owned the Attic Antiques and Gifts store in downtown Chickasha. Funeral service for Judy Orr was Thursday, Jan. 2nd. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chickasha Nazarene Church or Life Choices.

 

Ag Producers Reminded of ARC, PLC Revisions

Agriculture producers should start finding out the details of the revised ARC and PLC  programs offered through USDA and Farm Service Agencies. That’s the recommendation of Dr. Amy Hagerman, who is a farm policy specialist at Oklahoma State University. She says there are some new wrinkles in both programs.

 

              

 

Producers have until March 15th to get signed up for either ARC or PLC.

 

'First Day Hike' Set for Ft. Cobb State Park

Ft. Cobb State Park will host what officials are calling the First Day Hike of 2020. It will be Saturday, January 4th and will be about three miles long on the Western Oaks Trail. The park's Facebook page says the hike will start at the Eagle Nest Community Building on the west side of the lake, which is near CR 2530 and just south of CS 1270.  Participants are asked to wear appropriate clothing and shoes and it will be held regardless of rain or cold weather. Right now, the forecast for Saturday morning calls for temperatures to be in the low 30s with light winds and no rain. Officials ask that you arrive by 9:15 a.m. for the hike that will start at 9:30 a.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.06 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $68.38.

Natural gas is $2.19 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,524 and silver is $17.97.

 

Obituary

Imogene Rice

Funeral for 99-year old Imogene Rice of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11th at Sevier Funeral Home.

 

 

Wednesday, January 1st

No news due to the holiday

 

 

Tuesday, Dec. 31st

 

Texas Church Shooter Had Criminal Past in Grady County

The man who shot and killed two parishioners in a Texas church this past Sunday had a criminal past in Grady County. Our partners with KWTV News 9 report that Keith Kinnunen pleaded guilty to charges in 2012 which included aggravated assault and battery and arson. The crimes were said to have taken place in the Tuttle area. The report also said there was a Grady County warrant for his arrest.  The report stated that  Kinnunen was found mentally incompetent and was released after being given credit for time served. The report also stated that Kinnunen also had an extensive criminal history in Texas and New Jersey. Kinnunen was shot and killed by a member of the church.

 

 Woman Jailed for Threatening Police             

A woman who crashed her car and then fought with paramedics and threatened police is behind bars. Chickasha police responded to a vehicle roll-over at 17th and Georgia last week. In a probable cause affidavit officers alleged the woman was combative as paramedics tried to put her in an ambulance and that she swore at and threatened police. Police say they found several bottles of alcohol in the car. While at the hospital the woman went through mood swings, continued to curse at police and even threatened to kill them. The woman refused treatment and was then taken to jail. Prosecutors have charged 43-year old Meagan DeWoody of Oklahoma City with a felony DUI and a misdemeanor for threatening acts of violence. She remains in jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond.

 

Suspect Arrested For Trying to Sell Stolen Car Hauler             

Authorities recover a stolen car hauler and arrest a man for having stolen property. State troopers were called to the E-Z Go Convenience Store on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike northeast of Chickasha last week. Authorities had learned that a suspect had the intent of selling the car hauler, which had been reported stolen from Choctaw earlier this month. Authorities say the suspect knew the trailer was stolen and that he had picked it up from a friend. Court documents say the suspect didn't want to say who he got it from or where, fearing what might happen to him in jail if it was known he was a snitch. Prosecutors have charged 24-year old Michael Anthony Romero of Chickasha with misdemeanors of knowingly concealing stolen property and drug possession. He remains in jail pending a $5,000 bond.

 

First Woman OKC Fire Chief Dies              

The first female chief for the Oklahoma City Fire Department has died. Kellie Sawyers of Tuttle was 58 when she passed away on Christmas Eve.  Sawyers retired from the department in 2017 after a nearly 35-year career. She also was the department's first female fire marshal and earned an executive officer  distinction from the National Fire Academy. Memorial contributions may be made in Sawyer’s name to the  Oklahoma Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial.

 

 Donor Helps to Expand USAO Habitat Research

A 140-acre site west of Chickasha set aside to be used as research for USAO students and professors will be getting some improvements. It's known as the USAO Habitat. University President John Feaver said the upgrades will be possible thanks to a contribution from one of the school's regents. Feaver said David McLaughlin has provided a $300,000 gift to help with the development.

 

              

 

Feaver said McLaughlin has donated about $1.3 million to the university over the last several years, with much of the funding used to install lights at the soccer, baseball, and softball fields. The habitat is located about a mile west of 29th and Idaho. Feaver says USAO also has 100 acres north of Granite in southwest Oklahoma that will feature another habitat with a different eco-system for research.

 

Salvation Army Exceeds Red Kettle Goal              

With a big push over the last couple of days of its Red Kettle Drive, the Salvation Army which serves the Grady and Caddo Counties surpassed its fund-raising goal. The Kettle Drive brought in more than $72,000 which was about $5,000 more than they had hoped. Randy Talley, who is a member of the Salvation Army advisory board, posted the news on his Facebook page. The funds will be used for the Salvation Army's many programs over the next year in the two-county area including help following any disasters, utility assistance, and food for needy families. Talley also said the Salvation Army was able to help 650 needy children in the region during the holidays with its Angel-to-Angel program.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.38 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.67.

Natural gas is $2.18 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,525 and silver is $18.11.

 

Obituary

Virgil McCool

Obituaries today include 85-year old Virgil McCool of Chickasha. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

 

 

Monday, Dec. 30th

 

Blanchard Man Dies in Mutli-Vehicle Crash

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues its investigation into a fatal weekend crash involving a pickup, a jeep, and a semi. The accident claimed the life of Robert Hicks of Blanchard. A second driver was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. He was identified as 75-year old Terrill Sarter of Sayre. The accident happened on I-40 about 2 1/2 miles east of Weatherford, just before 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The trooper on the scene reported that Hicks was driving his pickup westbound in the eastbound lanes of the interstate. He struck a jeep driven by Sarter, and a semi driven by a California man then also hit Sarter's jeep. Niether the driver nor a passenger in the semi were hurt.

              

Road to Close for Lake Burtchi Bridge Replacement              

A section of a county road near Lake Burtchi will be closed for several months as crews will be replacing a bridge. It's Lake Burtchi Road, also known as County Street 2760.  A one-mile stretch of the road will be closed from CR 1410 south to CR 1420 beginning in January. Crews from County Commissioner District 3 have put up a couple of signs saying the road will be closed. District 3 County Commissioner Ralph Beard said contractors will be out next Monday, January 6th to put up additional signage regarding detours. County workers have also been working to widen some nearby county roads in order to handle the detoured traffic. Beard said the county is working with the State Department of Transportation on the bridge replacement. The bridge is 28-feet long and 24 feet wide. The bridge was built in 1986 and the weight limit was 10 tons. The project is expected to cost upwards of $800,000. The new bridge is not expected to be finished until sometime in May.

 

Chickasha Native Recognized for State Capital Work

A Chickasha native who holds a post on the governor's cabinet has been awarded for her work at the state capital. Blayne Arthur, who is the director of the state agriculture department, was named the Person of the Year by the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network. In addition to leading the ag department, Arthur says her duties include serving on the board of regents for Oklahoma State and its A and M colleges, the State Equalization Board, and the School Land Commission.

 

              

 

Arthur is wrapping up her first year as state agriculture director.

 

Chix African-American History Program Set              

Plans are already in place for the annual celebration of African-American history in the Chickasha area. Loretta Jackson's 11th annual Story Telling and Soul Food Evening is about six weeks away. The featured story teller is Derrick Dean and other entertainment will be provided by singer Courtney Boone. Tickets are $20 per person and are available by contacting Jackson by calling 405-224-5297. The event will be held Saturday Feb. 8th starting at 6:30 p.m. in the USAO Ballroom. The event is jointly sponsored by the Loretta Jackson African-American Historical Society and the Oklahoma Department of Tourism.

 

Band Releases First Music Video

A local band is releasing its first music video. Dollar 98 recently filmed two music videos entirely in Chickasha. The first of the two videos is called "Neon Haze." Local video producer Reagan Elkins also helped to coordinate the videos.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.72 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $68.16.

Natural gas is $2.16 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,514 and silver is $17.88.

 

 

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