Saturday, April 11th
City of Chickasha Issues Facemask Mandate
The Chickasha City Council approves what is called a mandate for people to wear masks in public because of the coronavirus. In a virtual emergency city council meeting Friday, the council approved a resolution declaring a catastrophic health emergency at the recommendation of city manager John Noblitt. It gives the city manager the authority to detect, prevent, manage, and contain health threats. Officials are asking individuals to wear a cloth face covering when they are in public for essential activities and going into businesses. The mandate will be in effect through June 30th or until the governor lifts his executive order on the statewide health emergency. While Noblitt calls the mask issue a mandate, he told the council that no fines will be issued if people do not wear a face covering.
He said if it’s determined individuals are not following the recommendation then an ordinance could be considered to issue fines. Noblitt also has the authority to implement a curfew but he said that is not the thing to do right now.
The emergency virtual meeting lasted about 10 minutes. The meeting can be viewed at www.chickasha.org/youtube
State Officials Project Peak of COVID-19 Illnesses
State health officials say the coronavirus will be getting worse in Oklahoma before it gets better. The latest model shows the number of coronavirus cases are expected to climb every day through April 21st. Officials are predicting that on May 1st the state could have more than 9,300 confirmed cases and nearly 470 deaths. Gov. Kevin Stitt said that even in a worst-case scenario the state should be equipped with plenty of hospital beds and ventilators. Oklahoma has more than 4,600 total beds and officials anticipate a need for 1,100. The state has nearly 1,800 ventilators while the anticipated need is less than 200. In the latest numbers released yesterday, the state has nearly 1,800 confirmed COVID-19 illnesses and 88 people have died from the infection. Grady and Garvin counties each have 11 confirmations, Caddo County has 8, Stephens County has 13, and McClain County with 18.
Four Arrested in Connection with Store Burglaries
Chickasha police arrest an 18-year-old suspect and three teenaged juveniles accused of breaking in to a couple of downtown businesses. 18-year old Dallas Lewis Chasenah was taken into custody after officers responded to an alarm call from Williams Foods at 5th and Kansas Avenue just before 1:00 a.m. Friday, and a burglary just a few minutes later at The Good Stem at 4th and Colorado Avenue just a block away. The underaged teens are between 13 and 17 years old. Prosecutors have charged Chasenah with two felony counts of second degree burglary and a misdemeanor for contributing to the delinquency of minors. He remains in jail pending a $20,000 bond.
Three Grady County Elected Officials Draw Opponents
Three Grady County elected officials drew challengers in the three-day filing period for public office that ended yesterday. County Commissioner Kirk Painter will face Ron Reynolds in the June 30th Republican primary. Court Clerk Lisa Hannah will face Damon Logue in the Republican primary. County Clerk Jill Locke drew two challengers. She'll face Kari Porter in the Republican primary in June. Also filing was Democrat Frieda Willis. Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir filed unopposed for his third term has sheriff.
Caddo County Elected Officials All Run Unopposed
In Caddo County, all the current office holders filed unopposed. Sheriff Spencer Davis, County Commissioner Randy McLemore, Assessor LaDonna Phillips, Court Clerk Rhonda Johnson and County Clerk Patti Barger will remain in office without an election.
State Capital Filings
For offices at the state capital: For the state house of representatives, Republicans Randy Talley and Dick Lowe, and Democrat Craig Parham have filed for House District 56. Incumbent Brad Boles of Marlow draws a Republican challenger in Gregory Dunson of Tuttle for House District 51. No Democrats filed for that post. In House District 65, incumbent Republican Toni Hasenbeck of Elgin has drawn a Democratic challenger in Jennifer Kerstetter of Marlow. State Senator Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle ran unopposed and will serve a second term in Senate District 23. State Senator Paul Scott of Duncan has two challengers in the Republican primary for Senate District 43 in Jessica Garvin of Duncan and Kaity Keith of Purcell. Democrat Terri Reimer of Marlow also filed.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Lezlie Carter with the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps is on our KOOL Konversation. We have a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.
Friday, April 10th
BREAKING
The City of Chickasha is issuing a mandate that individuals wear cloth face coverings while in public due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thiis is a resolution and not an ordiance that will include any fines. The city WILL NOT implement a curfew at this time. Listen for updates on KOOL News at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. today.
Chix City Council Sets Emergency Meeting
to Consider Issuing Catastrophic Health Emergency
The Chickasha City Council will hold an emergency meeting this morning to consider declaring a catastrophic health emergency. If approved, it would allow the city manager to make all operational decisions or changes in service deemed necessary to the interest of the health and safety of city employees and the general public. It would also allow the city manager to mandate the use of face masks, and establish a curfew which would impact everyone except those working in an essential business. The virtual meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. this morning (Friday, April 10th). The public can watch the meeting by going to the city's website, chickasha.org/youtube (Get an update on KOOL News at noon at 5:00 p.m. today)
Sick or Injured People Without COVID-19 Virus
Urged to Call Their Doctor to Prevent Worsening Condition
Medical officials say with all the concern about the coronavirus, people who need treatment for other serious illnesses or injuries are not going to the doctor - a decision that has been fatal for some. Dr. Bruce Storms is the chief of staff at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Storms said individuals with health concerns should call their doctor. Many clinics have established tele-medicine procedures. The doctor can advise the patient if they should schedule a personal visit or go to the emergency room if the illness or injury is serious. Individuals who are experiencing coronavirus symptoms should also call their doctor or the health department. Callers will be screened to determine if they should get the COVID-19 virus test.
Final Day of Filing for County, State Fed Offices Underway
Today is the last day for individuals to file for county, state, or federal offices. At the county level, there were no new candidates to file in either Grady or Caddo County. In Grady County, the filings so far include two for the county clerk post - incumbent Jill Locke and challenger Kari Porter. Sheriff Jim Weir, County Commissioner Kirk Painter, and court Clerk Lisa Hannah have all filed unopposed. In Caddo County, five current office holders have filed unopposed, including Sheriff Spencer Davis, County Commissioner Randy McLemore, Assessor LaDonna Phillips, County Clerk Rhonda Johnson, and Court Clerk Patti Barger. For the state legislature, Sen. Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle is the lone candidate to file for the Senate District 23 seat. Four candidates have filed for Senate District 43. There are three GOP candidates, including incumbent Paul Scott of Duncan, as well as Jessica Garvin of Duncan and Kaity Keith of Purcell. The lone Democrat to file is Terri Reimer of Marlow. For state house of representatives, there were no new filings for District 56. Candidates to this point are Democrat Craig Parham of Amber, and Republicans Randy Talley of Chickasha and Dick Lowe of Amber. For House District 51, there are two Republicans, including incumbent Brad Boles of Marlow and challenger Gregory Dunson of Tuttle. The filing period ends at 5:00 p.m. today (Friday, April 10th).
Chix School Board to Host First Virtual Meeting
The Chickasha Board of Education will have its first-ever virtual meeting next week. In place of its regular meeting Monday, it's a special meeting as board members will be in different locations. Superintendent Rick Croslin said the public will be able to watch the meeting.
There is a public comment section, however any questions or issues should be e-mailed to Croslin or school board president Zach McGill by 5 p.m. Monday. The agenda includes a proposal to hire a new assistant superintendent who will be over curriculum and personnel. Monday’s meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. and can be viewed on this link: www.chickasha.k12.ok.us
PSO Customers Can Expect Lower Bills
PSO customers may soon be paying less for their electricity bills. The utility has submitted a request with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission that would do just that. It stems from PSO's lower costs for fuel it uses to generate electricity as well as the power it purchases. If approved, residential customers using 1,000 KW of electricity each month will see their bills reduced by about $9. The price cut would go into effect in the May billing cycle and would be in effect for the rest of the year, if the corporation commission approves the request without any changes.
Grady County OSU Extension Continues Tele-Commuting
The Grady County OSU Extension office staff have been tele-commuting. While they won't be in the office, they'll be available via e-mail or phone. Extension Director Liz Taylor says they still have the self-serve soil, water, and forage test drop-off table outside the door. After leaving the sample, call the extension office and they will pick it up and send to OSU for testing. Any 4H, OHCE, agriculture and FCS questions can be answered via e-mail or phone.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $22.76 per barrel.
London-based Brent is $31.48.
Natural gas is $1.73 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,752 and silver is $16.05.
Obituaries
Tommie Dinwiddie
A private burial was held for Tommie Dinwiddie, 87, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Lola Guthery
Private graveside service for Lola Guthery, 102, of Tuttle will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15th at the Evergreen Cemetery in Minco. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Thursday, April 9th
Chix City Hall, Buildings to Remain Temporarily Closed
Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt is continuing the city's temporary closure of city hall and other city-owned properties due to the coronavirus pandemic. The revised plan calls for most buildings to be closed through April 24th. Some areas will remain closed through April 30th, including Lake Chickasha, as well as city playgrounds, basketball courts, and bathrooms. The green spaces of the parks can be used for walking and jogging, but users are asked to practice social distancing. Officials also announced that next week's Planning Commission meeting has been canceled. Items that were to be considered will be moved to the May meeting. Noblitt is hoping to re-open buildings to the general public in a limited capacity on Monday, April 27th.
State Coronavirus Tests Sites Continue
A drive-through coronavirus testing site in Anadarko performed 22 tests yesterday. State health department officials have established a number of these drive-through testing areas this week. As of right now, there won't be any more drive-through sites in the Chickasha or Anadarko areas. Officials say anyone who believes they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should call their local health department office, where the caller will be screened. If needed, an appointment will be made for the caller to get a curbside nasal swab test. By the way, the state health department has created an on-line 'symptom checker'. It can be accessed from your computer, phone, or tablet. It asks for any major symptoms the user may be having. If officials believe a test is necessary, the user will be directed to the nearest test site. The website is www.coronavirus.health.ok.gov Look for the link ‘Covid-19 Public Symptom Checker' on the home page.
State Medical Reserve Corps Seeks Volunteers
As Oklahoma continues battling the coronavirus the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps is recruiting volunteers to serve in both medical and non-medical areas. Licensed medical professionals may be needed to help with triage to supplement hospital personnel, monitoring critical patients, transporting patients, and providing critical care in the field. Volunteers who do not have medical training are needed for warehouse support, record keeping, and administrative duties. The Medical Reserve Corps is coordinated through the state health department. For infomation visit www.okmrc.org
County Incumbents Seek Re-election in Day 1 of Filing
A number of individuals filed for county, state, and federal offices in the first day of filing for those posts Wednesday (April 8th). In Grady County, four county officials filed for re-election. They include Sheriff Jim Weir, County Commissioner Kirk Painter, County Clerk Jill Locke, and Court Clerk Lisa Hannah. Also filing was Kari Porter who is challenging Locke for the county clerk post. In Caddo County, Sheriff Spencer Davis, who was appointed to the post earlier this year, has filed. County Commissioner Randy McLemore, County Clerk Rhonda Johnson, and Court Clerk Patti Barger have all filed for re-election. Assessor LaDonna Phillips has filed for an unexpired term.
State House, Senate Filings
For state offices, three candidates have filed for House District 56, the seat currently held by David Perryman of Chickasha (who is not running for re-election). They are Democrat Craig Parham of Amber; and Republicans Randy Talley of Chickasha and Dick Lowe of Amber. In House District 51, Republican Brad Boles of Marlow has a challenger in his bid for re-election. Tuttle Republican Gregory Dunson also filed for the post. In House District 65, Republican Toni Hasenbeck of Elgin has drawn an opponent. Democrat Jennifer Kerstetter of Marlow also filed. In the senate, Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle has filed for re-election in District 23. GOP Senator Paul Scott of Duncan has two challengers for District 43 (which includes part of southern Grady County). Jessica Garvin of Duncan and Kaity Keith of Purcell, both of whom are also Republicans have filed for that seat.
Library Offers Virtual, On-Line Learning
While the Chickasha Library is closed, officials are offering some of its programs virtually, through its Facebook page. Senior programs through the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative are available on-line. Also, the library has been offering a remote pick-up of books at the book drop site each Tuesday. Officials say they've added a couple of these pick-ups today. Patrons can stop by at 10 o'clock this morning or 2 o'clock this afternoon. Patrons will have to have a library card. For those who may not have Internet access at their homes, the library has Wi-Fi available in the parking areas around the building. Librarian Lillie Huckaby also says that Hillary Communications has installed a Wi-Fi device that will reach an area within two blocks of the library. The Wi-Fi would benefit school children who are taking part in distance learning while schools are closed.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $25.09 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $32.84.
Natural gas is $1.78 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,705 and silver is $15.48.
Obituaries
Gail Bryan
No services are scheduled for Gail Bryan, 67, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Wayne Morris
A private memorial service will be held for Wayne Morris, 67, of Verden. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Wednesday, April 8th
75 Tested at Grady County Coronavirus Drive-Through
State health department officials used every one of the coronavirus test kits available at a drive-through test site at the Grady County Fairgrounds on Tuesday. Public Information Officer Sara King said they had 75 kits and used all of them in a matter of three hours. All the test kits were sent to a lab at Oklahoma State University and results should be available tomorrow afternoon. King said the Grady County Health Department should be receiving some additional kits later on and that residents would be able to get tested in their cars at the health department.
You can call the health department at 405-224-2022 to be screened over the phone and to schedule a curb-side appointment. Today, there are drive-through sites in both Caddo and Garvin Counties. The Caddo County drive through will be in Anadarko at the Caddo County Fairgrounds. The Garvin County site is in Pauls Valley at the Garvin County Fairgrounds, with test times from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at each location. The tests are for individuals who are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. The state health department said there are now 1,472 positive coronavirus cases in the state with 67 deaths. Grady County now has nine positive cases, Caddo County has six, Garvin County has 12, and Stephens County has 11.
Filing Period Opens for County, State, Federal Offices
The filing period is underway for candidates wanting to run for county, state or federal offices. County election board offices will be operating at their normal business hours over the course of the three-day filing period, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Friday, April 10th. Many county offices will be offering drive-up service for candidates who are filing for county offices. Candidates should contact their county election board to get more information. Candidates for state and federal offices are encouraged to file declarations of candidacy by using the regular mail or a private delivery service. Since the state capital is closed to the general public, in-person candidate filing will take place in the south parking lot of the capital. The filing period closes at 5 p.m. Friday, April 10th.
House Fire Probe Continues
Fire officials continue their investigation into a fire that caused a lot of damage to a Chickasha home. Officials were alerted to the fire from a 9-1-1 call about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday at 8th and Iowa Avenue. Fire Chief Brian Zalewski said he was able to determine where the fire started.
Zalewski had not determined how the fire started. He said the home had been occupied but no one was home at the time when the fire started. A damage estimate was not immediately available, but Zalewski said the insurance company would more than likely consider it a total loss.
City of Chix OKs Hotel Tax Rebate Program
The City of Chickasha has announced a program to help hotels and motels that have been impacted by the economic slowdown. The Chickasha Industrial Authority has approved a 50 percent hotel tax rebate for those businesses that collect the tax. City Manager John Noblitt said they recognize that hotel bookings are lower due to the COVID-19 virus concerns and the downturn in the energy industry. He said they want to encourage the hotels to stay open now and help keep them open in the future. By providing the rebate, the city hopes to alleviate some costs for both hotels and their patrons. The rebate program is retro-active back to April 1st and will be available through June 30th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $23.63 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $31.87.
Natural gas is $1.85 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,685 and silver is $15.32.
Obituaries
Larry Cain, Jr.
A memorial service is pending for Larry Cain, Jr., 54, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
David “Bunt” Allen
Private burial for David "Bunt" Allen, 90, formerly of Chickasha will be at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Simeon's Senior Community Center in Tulsa.
Tuesday, April 7th
Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Sites Scheduled
Drive-through COVID-19 testing sites will be held in several communities this week as officials work to determine additional cases of the coronavirus. Today, The Grady County Health Department will hold the testing at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha and the Stephens County Health Department will hold a testing site at the Stephens County Fairgrounds in Duncan. There are a limited number of tests. The tests are free, although Sarah King with the Grady County Health Department said individuals will be screened to see if they are eligible for the nasal swab test.
Those symptoms are a fever of at least 100.4, breathing problems, and a cough. The times for the drive-through testing are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at both the Chickasha and Duncan locations. A similar drive-through test site will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, April 8th) by the Caddo County Health Department at the Caddo County Fairgrounds in Anadarko from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
State Lawmakers OK Governor's Health Emergency
State lawmakers yesterday gave near unanimous support to Gov. Kevin Stitt's health emergency he declared last week. Grady County lawmakers including State Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) and State Representatives David Perryman (D-Chickasha) and Brad Boles (R-Marlow) all backed the plan giving the governor broad powers to act on the coronavirus health emergency. Lawmakers also approved using more than $400 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund to shore up the state's anticipated revenue failure over the next few months. Perryman saying-
Perryman, a leader in the Democratic Caucus in the house, said his group continues to call on the governor to issue a shelter-in-place order which is more restrictive than the Safer-at-Home order the governor has implemented.
Grady Memorial Prepares for Influx of COVID-19 Patients
Grady Memorial Hospital administrator Kean Spellman told Grady County Commissioners Monday that health officials believe Oklahoma's dramatic increase in new coronavirus cases is not expected to peak until April 23rd. At the moment, Spellman said the hospital has more than enough staff, equipment, and bed space but anticipates a surge in patients in the coming days. He said the hospital can use its new sterilizing machine to extend the life of their N95 masks, but could use donations of more of the specialized masks which doctors and nurses need when treating coronavirus patients. He also said the hospital has had to cancel an upcoming blood drive to conserve resources but encouraged eligible donors to support other area blood drives. By the way, about 30 donors took part in our KOOL/RANCH blood drive with the Oklahoma Blood Institute yesterday. We'll host another drive next Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YMCA parking lot. Donors can schedule an appointment on the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s website: www.obi.org
Early Morning House Fire Under Investigation
An early-morning fire breaks out at a Chickasha home. The fire erupted about 4:30 this morning at 8th and Idaho Avenue. There's no immediate word if anyone was home or injured in the fire, nor what may have sparked the blaze.
Costs Building for Emergency Management; Fire Dept's
Grady County Emergency Management officials have already purchased more than $5,000 in equipment and items related to the state’s health emergency. Director Dale Thompson told county commissioners that he purchased more than a dozen suits, as well as numerous gloves and masks, which are expenses that are eligible for reimbursement by FEMA. Thompson said he ordered hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray but the vendor said it would be two weeks before it would be delivered. Also, Kim Duke with the Grady County Fire Department said she also ordered about $400 in equipment and supplies including hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray for the volunteer fire departments.
USAO Cancels Summer Activities;
Will Continue On-Line Classes
USAO has taken further action to minimize the spread of the coronavirus on campus. The university has canceled all campus gatherings and events through August 5th. The university will offer all of its independent study and regular summer term courses on-line. USAO president John Feaver said they hope to return to normal operations in the fall semester. In a prepared statement, Feaver said the faculty is engaged in an extraordinary endeavor as they continue their efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. He said they are maintaining relationships with students, and ensuring the students have the opportunity to progress toward completing their degrees without significant delay.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $26.08 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $33.05.
Natural gas is $1.73 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,702 and silver is $15.64.
Obituary
Wilford Lyons
A private graveside service was held for Wilford Lyons, 87, of Chickasha at the Alex Cemetery. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.
Monday, April 6th
Distance-Learning Programs Begin
Distance-learning programs for Oklahoma public school students are getting underway. The state department of education shut down public schools for the last nine weeks of the year due to coronavirus concerns. Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin said the state panel approved the plan he submitted late last Friday. Croslin said school officials have worked to reach out to the families of each student and will begin getting Chromebook tablets to every student. Any student or family who did not get contacted should call their school. Parents were given appointments to stop by their children's schools starting tomorrow to get the tablets and education packets. Croslin said details should also be posted on each school's website. He also said schools will only be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 a.m. at 2:30 p.m. Students can reach out to teachers via e-mail or by calling the school and leaving a message. The superintendent said the goal is to help students improve their grades over the next few weeks and that teachers would work to make sure that even students failing a class would get a passing grade.
Chickasha City Council Meeting Canceled;
City Hall and City-Owned Buildings Still Closed
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Chickasha City Council for tonight has been called off over the COVID-19 virus concerns. The council has not held a regular meeting in over a month. The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for April 20th. City officials announced last Friday that city hall and all city-owned buildings would remain closed to the public through this Friday, April 10th.
County Commissioners Hold Final Tele-Conference
Grady County Commissioners will hold its weekly meeting this morning via tele-conference. Commission Chairman Ralph Beard and two courthouse employees will be in the commissioner’s office at the courthouse while commissioners Kirk Painter and Mike Walker will be in attendance remotely. The meeting will include a county coronavirus update from Grady County Emergency Management director Dale Thompson. This will be the final commissioners’ meeting held via tele-conference. Starting next Monday, April 13th, the panel will return to an open-meeting format. The change was necessitated after a ruling by the state attorney general's office. After today, meetings will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds Community Building.
State Coronavirus Updates
The number of coronavirus cases in Oklahoma surpassed 1,200 over the weekend. In its mid-day report yesterday, the State Health Department reported 1,252 cases of COVID-19. The death toll is now at 46 with 330 people hospitalized. The Grady County count is now at seven confirmations; McClain County is at 12; Garvin and Stephens County are both at nine; and Caddo County now has four confirmed cases. State lawmakers will meet in a special session this morning to consider Gov. Kevin Stitt's statewide health emergency he issued last Thursday. The house and senate must approve the governor's declaration. The governor is also to meet virtually with the state equalization board to consider dipping into the state's rainy day fund. Projections are the state will have a revenue failure of more than $400 million over the next three months. The state has about $1 billion in savings set aside. Also, FEMA has approved the state's request to declare all 77 counties as a major disaster area as a result of the growing health emergency. That declaration allows FEMA's Public Assistance program to provide federal funding for emergency protective measures as well as direct federal help for state and local governments. Gov. Stitt said the state department of emergency management is working with local emergency management officials and FEMA to help local jurisdictions document their costs that will be eligible for reimbursement.
Caddo County Driver Injured in Crash
An SUV crash sends a Caddo County man to the hospital. 74-year old Joe Bybee of Apache was taken to a Lawton hospital with head, trunk, arm, and leg injuries. He was admitted in good condition. The accident happened just after 9:00 a.m. Sunday on U.S. Highway 62 about a mile south of Apache. The trooper investigating the crash said Bybee was driving too fast to take a curve.
Apache Rattlesnake Festival Canceled
The Apache Rattlesnake Festival has been added to the long list of events canceled because of coronavirus concerns. It's the first time in the nearly 40-year history of the festival for the event to be canceled. The festival was set for next week, April 16th-19th. Officials with the Slick Hills Foundation which hosts the event said they waited as long as they possibly could before making their decision. About 200 vendors had pre-registered. Proceeds from the festival help local schools and families suffering from devastating circumstances. The group will still be able to help some programs in the coming months but perhaps not to the extent they have in the past.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $28.34 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $34.11.
Natural gas is $1.62 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,665 and silver is $14.79.
