Forgot Password

Not a Member? Sign up here!

 

Mollman Media News

2020, Feb. 10th-15th

Saturday, February 15th

 

Search for Home Invasion Suspects Continues

A juvenile is recovering from stab wounds and two suspects wanted in connection with a violent home invasion remain at-large. The break-in occurred sometime before 2:30 a.m. Thursday at a Chickasha home near 11th Street and Tennessee Avenue. Police were initially notified about the attack when they were dispatched to Grady Memorial Hospital where doctors were treating a juvenile for stab wounds. The mother of the teen also said he was pistol-whipped and tied up. The teen was treated for his injuries and released the same day. Police said two masked suspects broke into the home and after assaulting the teen they took his cel phone and some other unidentified items. Authorities ask anyone with information about the home invasion to call Chickasha police at 405-222-6050 or Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be placed on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.

              

Officer Injured in Shootout Still Fighting for Benefits

It's been 2 1/2 years since Chickasha police officer Matthew Schoolfield and other officers were involved in a shootout while issuing a search warrant on a Chickasha home. Schoolfield suffered a serious arm injury and despite several surgeries has limited use of his right hand and was not able to return to active duty. He is still waiting for his disability rating and word about his medical retirement. He tells our partners at KWTV News 9 that he and his family are struggling to make ends meet and that they are not alone. The Schoolfields are working with Chickasha State Representative David Perryman to create legislation to protect officers who are seriously injured on the job. Perryman has drafted House Bill 3330 which would change the disability percentage for officers hurt in a violent act while on duty to 100 percent. The Schoolfields are hoping that should the measure become law it would be applied retroactively.

 

New Storm Sirens Being Installed in Chickasha

The City of Chickasha is getting some new storm sirens. Thanks to a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the city will be getting an entirely new system. Fire Chief Brian Zalewski said that contractors are in town this weekend replacing some of the old sirens including some of the utility poles. It's part a $150,000 FEMA grant that the city applied for two years ago. In addition to replacing the old sirens a brand new storm siren will be installed at the city's sports complex. Zalewski said they plan on testing the storm sirens through the weekend and into next week, so if you happen to hear them going off, you'll know the reason.

 

100-year Old Veteran Attends National Guard Centennial

A 100-year old military veteran was on hand for the 100th birthday celebration of Oklahoma's National Guard. Chickasha's Gordon Spangler, who will turn 102 years old next month, attended last week's event in Lawton which marked the creation of the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Division. Spangler spent 42 years serving his country, and was a Chief Warrant Officer who fought in both World War II and Korea. He was joined at the celebration by his daughter and son-in-law, Mandy and Richard Keller. Spangler's story was published this week by the Lawton Constitution. The 158th was created in 1920 with a letter written to the War Department’s Militia Bureau. It was first activated during World War II from 1940 to 1945 when the 45th infantry division saw more than 500 days of combat. Soldiers were also deployed to support Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. Other soldiers wen to Iraq in 2008 and 2009; and to Afghanistan in 2013 and 2014.

              

More Results from the Southwest District Livestock Show

We have the results from the cattle show at the Southwest  District Livestock Show at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Of the 24 market steers, Breadon Callis of Minco had the grand champion; Parker Symer of Yukon had the reserve; and Madison Church of Canute had the bronze. Out of the 23 the prospect steers, Tommy Glover of Elgin had the Grand; Cara Crumrine of Hollis had the reserve; and Cooper Cummins of Hollis had the bronze. Out of the 119 heifers, Ampo swept the top three awards, with Madilyn Norvell showing the grand; and McKenzie Layton showing both the reserve and bronze. In the first-ever agriculture mechanics show, there were 18 projects submitted. Wyatt Kappus of Union City was grand champion with a welding truck bed; Arapaho-Butler FFA was the reserve with a deer hunting blind; and James Duncan of Ninnekah had the bronze with a utility trailer. The swine show is wrapping up the four-day stock show today (Saturday).

 

Talk Show Topics

Chickasha State Representative David Perryman is our guest on KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, guests are Certified Public Accountants Cameron Johnston and Evan Blasingame. We have links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

 

Friday, February 14th

 

Missing Autistic Teens Found

Two teenagers with autism have been reunited with their families after they were reported missing. Matthew Burns and Roy Rogers, Jr., both 16-years old, left their classes at Chickasha High School about noon on Wednesday but they did not go home. Their parents reported the teens missing Wednesday night and police put their names and photos into the National Crime Information Computer data base. Matthew's mother, Emily put the teens’ pictures on Facebook and also reached out to local and state media for help in finding them. Roy returned home Thursday afternoon and the families found Matthew at an abandoned home in the south part of Chickasha a few minutes later. Burns posted a message on Facebook saying the families are grateful for all the community support they received during the ordeal.

 

'Giving Day' Set for USAO              

USAO alumni, faculty, staff, and students are all being challenged in what might be the biggest one-day fundraiser for the university. It's called Giving Day, where all who are associated with USAO are collectively challenged to raise $100,000 in a 24-hour period. A press release from the university indicates Giving Day will feature a number of challenges and matching gifts. There will also be on-campus events to highlight the impact that an investment in education can make. USAO supporters will reach out to their friends through their social media networks to share their stories, why they give back to the university, and why others should join them. Giving Day is set for Thursday, February 27th. For information visit: www.givingday.usa.edu

 

Military Vets, Families Would Benefit from Proposed Bill

Did you know that military veterans get free admission to all state parks and museums? A proposed change in state law would also allow their families to get free admission. SB 1185 was requested by the state tourism department to make the change. The current law is written assuming state parks charge per person, rather than per vehicle, which parks are starting to do. The measure from Senator Frank Simpson says it’s a small way to thank veterans for their service and sacrifice to their country and the state. The bill was unanimously approved by the senate business, commerce, and tourism committee, and will now be considered by the full senate.

 

Sheep, Goat Show Results from SW District Stock Show              

We have results of the sheep and goat shows from the Southwest District Livestock Show at the Grady County Fairgrounds. For the sheep, there were 204 wether lambs shown and Kyra Elliott of El Reno had the grand champion; Colt Randal of Canute had the reserve; and LaRay Cox of Elgin had the bronze.  There were 45 ewe lambs led through the show ring and Saydie Allen of Canute had the grand; Kailen Urban of Mt. View-Gotebo had the reserve; and Mason Smith of Elk City had the bronze. In the goat show there were a total of 80 wethers shown. Saydie Allen of Canute also had the grand in that division; Raylie Wright of Lookeba-Sickles had the reserve; and Sadie Heap of Frederick had the bronze. There were 119 doe goats and Gage McElhaney of Elgin had the grand; Elena Santiago of Frederick had the reserve; and Brylee Jarboe of Verden had the bronze.  The show runs through Saturday.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $51.42 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $56.34.

Natural gas is $1.82 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,579 and silver is $17.66.

 

Obituary

Robert McClaflin

Funeral service for 81-year old Robert McClaflin of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 17th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

 

Thursday, February 13th

 

Amber Mayor Announces Candidacy for State Office

The mayor of Amber has announced he's running for a state office. Craig Parham will be seeking the District 56 post in the State House of Representatives, a seat currently held by David Perryman of Chickasha. Perryman announced last fall that he wouldn't be running for re-election. Parham is running as a Democrat and said that Perryman encouraged him to run. Parham has served as the Mayor of Amber for 19 years and currently serves as the Vice President of the Mayors Council of Oklahoma. He also owns and operates a small business, Parham Tile Company, which has done business in more than 35 states. Parham says education and health care are issues that concern him most. He believes that southwest Oklahoma is falling behind while metro areas thrive. On his website, he says Oklahoma is losing hospitals, schools, and family farms while the government gives tax credits to out-of-state corporations. Parham is the first Democrat to announce he's running for the post. Two Republicans, Dick Lowe and Randy Talley, have previously announced they are running for the office which covers much of Grady and Caddo counties, and part of Kiowa County.

 

Sports Complex Prepares for Tournament Season

We're past the half-way point of winter which means warmer weather is on the way. Officials are looking for another big year at the Chickasha Sports Complex. It's a big attraction for dozens of baseball and softball tournaments throughout the spring and summer. Kyle Marks is the new parks and recreation director for the City of Chickasha and his crew has been working to get the fields in shape for the upcoming season.


              

The first tournament at the sports complex is Feb. 28th-March 1st.

 

Library's Chocolate Celebration is Tonight

There will be more chocolate that you can imagine at the Chickasha Public Library's annual chocolate celebration today. The 8th annual celebration will have some 4,000 servings of chocolate available. About 20 groups will have tables with at 200 servings each. The event is strategically timed right before Valentine's Day, since chocolate is a primary gift for the day. Brande Bradford with the library says the celebration is becoming a family event.

 

              

 

Tickets are $6 each and allows you to select six servings of chocolate. The chocolate celebration will be held at Epworth Methodist Church from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. tonight.

 

Cattle Head to the Ring at Southwest District Stock Show

It's Day Two of the Southwest District Livestock Show, and it’s all about the beef today. Prospect steers, market steers, and heifers will be shown at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The top market steer and heifer will bring $1,000 to the exhibitors of those animals. Thousands of dollars will be paid out to the 4H and FFA youth who exhibit animals this week. All the animals shown  must have been nominated to be in the Oklahoma Youth Expo in Oklahoma City next month.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $51.17 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $55.79.

Natural gas is $1.84 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,577 and silver is $17.62.

 

Obituary

Wanda Grubbs

Funeral service for 75-year old Wanda Grubbs of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 15th at Maranatha Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Wednesday, February 12th

 

Results from Tuesday's Elections

In school elections yesterday, Middleberg voters overwhelmingly approved a special bond issue, Alex voters elect a new school board member, and two school board candidates in Carnegie will go to a run-off. A $290,000 transportation bond issue for Middleberg School got huge support passing with 95 percent voter approval, 124 to 6. In Alex, Amanda Carr Chambers defeated two other candidates, including an incumbent to win a post on the school board. Chambers collected nearly 63 percent of the vote, defeating current board member Keith Alcorn and Stormy Ryans Duffle. Chambers received 128 votes, with Alcorn collecting 47 and Duffle, 29. In Carnegie, current school board member Christi Harrison will have to go to a run-off in an attempt to win re-election. Harrison did not receive more than 50 percent of the vote in the three-person race, coming up about 11 votes shy. Harrison will face Misty Boettger in a run-off this spring. Harrison had 158 votes, about 47 percent; Boettger had 92 votes, or 27 percent; and Ryan Clark had 87 votes, or about 26 percent. In a city council election in Marlow, Neal Moore narrowly defeated Brad Throckmorton, 29 to 25.

 

Correction Regarding Fire Chief Story

KOOL/RANCH News needs to make a correction to a story we aired this week regarding the status of a chief for a rural Grady County Fire Department. We wrongly reported that the Acme Fire chief stepped down. John Hurst is the long-time chief at the Acme Department and he remains in that post. The individual who stepped down was Larry Crabb, who was serving as a district fire chief. The Acme Fire Department is included in that district. We apologize for the error.

 

Man Arrested a Second Time for Assaulting an Officer

For the second time in less than a year, a Grady County man is arrested for assaulting a police officer. Tuttle police made a traffic stop early Sunday morning after seeing a driver hit a curb. An officer alleges the driver was drinking and indicates in a probable cause affidavit that the driver failed all six phases of a field sobriety test. The driver became combative and swore at police as officers tried to take him in to custody. It's alleged the driver hit one officer in the arm. The affidavit indicates that officers tased the driver twice before being able to make the arrest. Prosecutors have filed a felony charge of assault and battery on a police officer against 28-year old Brian Patrick Doherty of Tuttle. Doherty was arrested by Tuttle police in May of last year for battery on a police officer. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assault in connection with that arrest, and his sentence was deferred until June of 2021. Now, prosecutors want to revoke his probation. Doherty remains in jail in lieu of a $20,000 bond.

 

Chickasha Home Damaged in Fire

Fire rages through a Chickasha home causing thousands of dollars in damage. Chickasha and Ninnekah fire crews were dispatched to a home in the Southgate addition about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. The homeowner was inside when the fire started but she was able to escape uninjured. The home suffered a lot of fire and smoke damage. Fire crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes. The fire was believed to have started in the kitchen where the occupant was cooking. The preliminary damage estimate is about $50,000. The homeowner said she did have insurance.

 

Southwest District Livestock Show Begins

One of the largest district livestock shows for youth is underway at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The Southwest District Livestock Show will bring hundreds of youth from 14 counties to Chickasha. Superintendent Danny Wedel is expecting more than 2,000 animals to be shown over the next four days. New to the show this year is an agriculture mechanics competition which will be judged just like the cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Jerry Renshaw is the superintendent of that portion of the show.

 

              

 

The ag mechanics show kicked off the event this morning and the sheep and goats shows will be held today as well. The top cash prizes paid out this week will be $1,000.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $49.94 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $54.01.

Natural gas is $1.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,569 and silver is $17.54.

 

 

Tuesday, February 11th

 

Grady County Volunteer Firefighters Say

They feel Threatened by County Commissioners

(EDITOR'S NOTE - A previous version of this story had some errors. This version contains the corrected information. We regret the errors)

Monday's meeting of the Grady County commissioners was standing room only, as about 20 volunteer firefighters were on hand to discuss a couple of issues. Last week, county commissioners decided not to replace a district fire chief after he resigned. However, Larry Hayes with the Grady County Fire Board told commissioners that the fire board makes decision about district fire chiefs. Commissioner Ralph Beard told Hayes that there has been discussion with the district attorney's office to go over the manual for the fire departments but nothing official has taken place.


              

Beard said it wasn't the intention of commissioners to over-step their authority regarding the district fire chief. Beard was asked by another firefighter if commissioners are considering shutting down some rural departments and Beard said that was not the case. Beard said commissioners would meet with the fire board at its next meeting, which will be held Tuesday, February 18th at 7:00 p.m. at the Ninnekah High School cafeteria.

 

Arrests Made After Shots Fired in a Chix Neighborhood              

Chickasha police investigate reports of shots fired in a Chickasha neighborhood over the weekend arrest a couple of suspects. The Chickasha police blotter indicates the shooting took place about 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the area of 8th and Nevada. When police arrived, two men ran from the area but authorities were able to take them into custody. 37-year old Garry Dean Gwaltney of Chickasha was arrested for having outstanding warrants and 23-year old Christian Isaiah Benson, also of Chickasha, was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Police arrested Benson just a couple of weeks ago on a drug complaint. Prosecutors have formally charged Benson with a felony for having the firearm. He remains in jail pending a $15,000 bond. Gwaltney is not facing additional charges and he was released after paying a portion of the fines that he owes.

 

Blanchard Officer Accused of Assaulting Adult Son              

A Blanchard police officer is himself in trouble with the law, after he had an alleged confrontation with his adult son. Our partners at KWTV News 9 report that McClain County officials have issued a protective order against Steven Wallis, who is accused of strangling and biting his son. Media reports indicate the two men had attended an Oklahoma City Thunder game. The son said his dad had been drinking and the two got into an argument on the ride home. Once they got home the situation turned violent. Wallis is facing two complaints of assault and battery, and a judge ordered him to surrender all of his firearms. The McClain County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation.

 

Some School, City Council Elections are Today

It's school election day in Oklahoma but not everyone will be going to the polls. There are school board elections in Alex and Carnegie, and a school bond election for Middleberg School. There are three candidates running for a post on the Alex school board. They are Stormy Ryans Duffle, Amanda Carr Chambers, and Keith Alcorn.. There are also three candidates running for a seat on the Carnegie school board. They are Christi Harrison, Misty Boettger, and Ryan Clark. If none of three candidates in either the Alex or Carnegie school board elections receives a majority of votes, the top two vote-getters will face off in a run-off election this spring. There's also a city council election in Marlow, with Brad Throckmorton and Neal Moore seeking a post on the panel. Polls are open until 7:00 p.m. tonight.

 

Anadarko Chamber Seeks Award Nominations

The Anadarko Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for awards to be issued at its annual banquet. Organizations and individuals will be recognized at the banquet which will be held on March 26th at the Oakridge Camp and Retreat Center. The theme for the banquet is Hometown Heroes. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 20th. Nomination forms are available on the chamber's website, www.anadarkochamber.org Tickets to the banquet are $35 and table sponsorships are available. Contact David Scott at the chamber for info by calling 405-247-6651.

 

Energy and Metals

Energy prices tumbled yesterday, with the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil falling to $49.57 a barrel on the NYMEX. That's the lowest price in over a year. London-based Brent crude was down to $53.27 per barrel. Natural gas fell to its lowest point in nearly four years, down to $1.76 per million BTUs. Gold is $1,572 and silver is $17.71.

 

 

Monday, February 10th

 

Chix School Board to Discuss 'Consultant

Contract' with new School Superintendent

New Chickasha school superintendent Rick Croslin doesn't officially start until next month. However, the Chickasha Board of Education will consider a consulting contract with Croslin before his arrival. Croslin has been spending a couple of days a week in the district while he completes some obligations with Putnam City schools. Croslin will begin full time on March 22nd. The consulting contract is part of the agenda for the school board during its regularly scheduled February meeting tonight. The panel will also consider extra-duty pay for Special Services Director Pam Ladyman for January and February. Ladyman has been filling in for interim Superintendent Jennifer Stegman, who continues recuperating from injuries she suffered in an automobile accident. The school board meets at 6:00 p.m. tonight at the school administration building.

 

Anadarko Custodian Accused of Raping Student Resigns

An Anadarko school custodian accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student has resigned. Richard Pewenofkit was arrested last month and faces felony rape and sodomy charges in connection with the allegations. The Anadarko Board of Education is expected to approve Pewenofkit's resignation when it meets for its regular February meeting tonight. Pewenofkit is out of jail after posting a $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference on the charges is scheduled in Caddo County District Court February 20th.

 

One Hurt When Semi, Pickup Collide

A weekend crash between a semi and a pick-up sends the pickup driver to the hospital. The accident happened just after 10:00 p.m. Saturday east of Ninnekah at the junction of State Highway 19 and Dell Street. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said the semi was hauling empty sand boxes. It wasn't clear how serious the pickup driver was injured. The names of the drivers were not released. Both vehicles had to be towed. Fire and clean-up crews were on the scene for about two hours.

              

Chickasha's Ward 4 Residents to Meet with City Officials              

Chickasha city officials will hold the first of its annual ward meetings tonight. Residents in Ward 4 are welcome to visit with their city council representatives and other city officials to discuss concerns as well as ideas they have to make the city better. Tonight's meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the city council chambers at city hall. Meetings for residents in Wards 1, 2, and 3 will be held later.

 

Panel to Consider Funds for Youth Rodeo Competitions              

A proposal to provide $15,000 in funding for a tourism project will be considered by a Chickasha panel tomorrow. The Chickasha Industrial Authority (CIA) is being asked to provide the funds for the Oklahoma High School and Junior High School Rodeo Associations to hold competitions at the Grady County Fairgrounds in April and May. The CIA will also go behind closed doors to discuss a loan provided to Wesnidge and Company. The special meeting of CIA will be held at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow at the chamber of commerce.

 

State Lawmaker Gives Reason for Supporting Pro-Life Bill              

State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) was among the co-authors of a pro-life bill that was passed by the State House of Representatives last week. In his media column, Boles said he spoke in favor of HB 1182 - which calls for revoking the licenses of doctors who perform abortions. The bill includes an exception for doctors who perform an abortion to save the life of the mother. During his debate on the House floor, Boles said he shared his personal story, as his birth mother made the decision to give him up for adoption rather than have an abortion. The bill now moves on to the state senate for consideration.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $50.32 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $54.47.

Natural gas is $1.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,575 and silver is $17.79.

 

 

Weather

Recently Played

Pro Auto Care Drive @ 5