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Mollman Media News

2020, Oct. 5th-10th

Saturday, October 10th

 

Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested

Following the news this week that two Grady County residents died after taking counterfeit pain pills they bought - comes news that state drug agents have arrested an ex-con for selling fake meds. 27-year old Clarence Morrow was arrested at his home this week near downtown Chickasha for alleged drug trafficking. Agents with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics obtained a search warrant for Morrow's home in the 200 block of South 6th and agents served that search warrant on Monday. A probable cause affidavit indicates that they found 27 counterfeit oxycodone pills believed to be laced with Fentanyl, an extremely powerful pain killer. It wasn’t clear if Morrow is accused of selling the counterfeit pills to the victims who died. Authorities also found methamphetamine and marijuana that was packaged and ready to sell. Authorities also found a .25 caliber pistol in the home. As an ex-con Morrow is not supposed to have weapons. Morrow pleaded guilty to felony burglary charges stemming from an arrest in Chickasha in 2012. Also arrested as part of the investigation was 22-year old Kirsten Faye Cowan who, along with Morrow, faces a felony charge of child neglect. A juvenile boy was in the home which authorities say was filthy and that drugs and drug items were within easy reach of the child. DHS awarded temporary custody of the child to a relative. Morrow was formally charged with multiple felonies and remains in the Grady County Jail on a $250,000 bond. Cowan remains in jail on a $25,000 bond.

              

Chix Resident Receives Free Central Heat and Air System

A Chickasha man who has spent years helping needy families got some unexpected help himself yesterday. Aaron Burdex, who has been remodeling his home for the last several months, received a new central heat and air unit thanks to a local contractor. Crews with DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning spent much of the day Friday installing the system. Seth DeHart said its part of a worldwide effort from one of the brands they work with.

 

              

 

Burdex is humbled to have received the equipment. In all, the donated system, materials, and labor was about $10,000.

 

              

 

Burdex works with a Grady County group called ACTS, which stands for Affirming Community Through Service. The group helps needy families with home repair projects.

 

Fairgrounds Hosts Gypsy Horse Show Championship              

There is a unique horse show going on this weekend at the Grady County Fairgrounds. It's the Gypsy Horse Show Association fall championship. A Gypsy horse looks much like a Clydesdale, but they are smaller and fluffier. They are known for their gentle nature. Randy Hearon of Blanchard, who has a Gypsy horse ranch, says he's taken them the nursing homes to bring joy to residents. Riders of all ages from across the country are expected to be on hand. Among the competitions are Western and English riding and ranch riding. The competition runs both today and tomorrow.

 

Obituary

John “Mac” King

Funeral service for Mac King, 71, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 13th at the First Baptist Church. He was a lifelong Chickasha resident and a 25-year veteran of the fire department. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.

 

High School Football Scores

Elk City at Chickasha (5 p.m. Saturday)

No. 9 Anadarko 42, Dibble 7                                      

No. 3 Tuttle 35, Harrah 6

Frederick 41, No. 9 Minco 0

No. 1 Ringling 44, Rush Springs 6

Apache 49, Mangum 20

No. 2 Weatherford 23, Newcastle 17

No. 7 Alex 46, Bray-Doyle 6

Waurika 62, Cyril 6

No. 4 Mt. View-Gotebo 54, Temple 6

Snyder 50, Central High 18

No. 8 Maysville 52, Thackerville 16

Lindsay 26, Davis 20

Marlow 55, Coalgate 7

Bethany 48, Elgin 33

Duncan 35, No. 7 Ardmore 28

No. 8 Blanchard 51, Classen SAS 0 (Thursday)

Heritage Hall vs. Bridge Creek, canceled

 

Friday, October 9th

 

Two Die After Over-Dosing on Counterfeit Pain Pills

Two families in Grady County are mourning the deaths of loved ones who lost their lives after taking counterfeit Oxycodone pills they purchased. Mark Woodward with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics said the pills tested positive for Fentanyl which is 100 to 1,000 times more potent than heroin and morphine. He said the fake pills are responsible for at least 10 deaths in the state over the last few months. The bureau has been investigating the distribution of the counterfeit drugs since May. Woodward said Fentanyl is often purchased on the black market by drug organizations that use it as a filler in heroin, or, press the powder in to pills that resemble prescription drugs. He said its hard for anyone to tell the difference. Officials said the pills are often manufactured in garages or basements by individuals who don’t know how potent the drug is. Woodward asks anyone who has information about the distribution of counterfeit Oxycodone should contact the OBN or local law enforcement.

 

Investigation of Multi-Vehicle Crash Continues         

KOOL-Ranch news is working to get information about that four-vehicle pile-up that occurred on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike northeast of Chickasha yesterday morning. The accident occurred just before six a.m. in the westbound lanes of the turnpike near Mile Marker 92. Scanner reports indicated that an air ambulance was summoned to help transport the injured. We contacted the Oklahoma Highway Patrol headquarters in Lawton, and a dispatcher told us that a report had not yet been filed.

 

USAO Announces Changes for Second Semester Courses

USAO is joining the list of colleges and universities that are making changes in classes after the first of the year. The university will start spring classes on January 14th which is one week later than originally scheduled. The university has also canceled spring break. Another change is that there will not be a fall graduation ceremony. Normally a ceremony is held in December. Students who complete their requirements this fall will receive their degrees, but there will only be one formal graduation ceremony which is scheduled for April 24th of next year.

 

Sheriff's Office Updates Wanted List

The Grady County Sheriff’s Office has updated its list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here’s Public information Officer Lisa Hatchett

 

         

 

If you have information regarding any of these individuals you’re asked to contact the sheriff’s office by calling 405-222-5085.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Michael Scalf of Blanchard is on our KOOL Konversation to discuss efforts to build a Veterans Memorial in that community. On Real Estate Today, this week’s guest is David Buchanan, the city of Chickasha’s public works director. Finds links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $41.19 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $43.34.

Natural gas is $2.62 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,922 and silver is $24. 48.

 

Obituary

Al Carollo

Funeral service for Al Carollo, 86, of Tuttle  will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 10th at the First Assembly of God Church of Tuttle. He was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army and also worked as a plumber and a horse trainer. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

 

Thursday, October 8th

 

Multi-Vehicle Crash Closes Turnpike

At least one person is believed to have been injured in a four-vehicle pile-up on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike northeast of Chickasha this morning. First responders requested an air ambulance to scene. The accident occurred just before 6 o’clock this morning between Mile Markers 90 and 92 in the westbound lanes of the turnpike. The accident closed both westbound lanes of traffic for about two hours. No details of the accident were immediately available (listen for updates on KOOL-Ranch News throughout the today).

 

One Arrested After Truck Stolen from District 2 County Barn

A Chickasha woman is arrested and facing a felony charge after a truck was stolen from the District 2 Grady County Barn recently. 27-year old Peyton Michelle Quillin has been charged with possession of a stolen vehicle in connection with the theft. A probable cause affidavit indicates that investigators were called out to the District 2 County barn on South 4th Street on Sunday, Sept. 20th when officials discovered a Ford F-350 flatbed pickup was missing. The affidavit indicates the truck had been seen several times over the next few days at Wal-Mart. The truck was recovered on Thursday, Sept. 24th. Video surveillance is alleged to have shown Quillin in the pickup. Investigators were able to talk to the her by phone and she told authorities she did not steal the truck. Quillin made arrangements to meet investigators to fill out a voluntary statement but she never did so. A warrant was issued for Quillin's arrest and she was taken into custody last Friday. Quillin remains in jail on a $5,000 bond.

 

Medical Examiner Issues Autopsy Results

of Missing Man Later Found Dead

The state medical examiner has released a report regarding the death of Todd Laird, a Chickasha man who had gone missing for several days this past summer. Laird's body and his motorcycle were found hidden in a field just east of Chickasha on Highway 62 in August. The highway patrol said it appeared that Laird had run off the highway. The medical examiner indicates that the cause of Laird's death was blunt force trauma. It appeared he had suffered numerous broken bones in the crash.

 

Master Cattlemen's Program to be Offered              

Cattle ranchers in the region have the opportunity to take part in a Master Cattlemen's course. It's being offered by the Grady and Caddo County OSU Extension offices. The extensive course will include 28 hours of instruction which will be held over several weeks. Topics to be covered include business planning; marketing; risk management; nutrition; genetics; quality assurance; animal health; and natural resources. The course will be offered virtually through a Zoom platform. The cost for the program is $100 and it will begin on Monday, Oct. 26th. Registration is due by Oct. 21st. Contact the OSU Extension office in Caddo or Grady County for information.

 

Ne'ewollah Set for Downtown Chickasha

While some communities are cancelling Hallowe'en trick-or-treating activities this year, the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will have its annual event. It's called Ne’ewollah - which is Hallowe'en spelled backwards. The event will be in downtown Chickasha the night of Saturday, Oct. 31st. There will be some changes and businesses will be handed out treats in mini-bags and the a costume contest will be held virtually. While trick-or-treating will take place downtown, USAO has canceled trick-or-treating around the campus oval, as the campus remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.95 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.99.

Natural gas is $2.60 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,896 and silver is $24.13.

 

Obituary

Austin Fox

A memorial service for Austin Fox, 18, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 10th at First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

 

Wednesday, October 7th

 

Attorney Responds to Reports of OSBI Probe

of Grady County Commissioner Mike Walker

We reported yesterday that Grady County Commissioner Mike Walker is under investigation by the OSBI. The agency is not saying why Walker is under investigation. Walker's attorney, Doug Carel, talked to KOOL-Ranch News about the investigation yesterday. Carel said he was first notified about the investigation on Sept. 2nd and that agents are not telling him what allegations they are looking into. One unconfirmed report is that Walker is accused of having a ghost employee. Carel disputes that claim.

 

              

 

Carel said he is unaware of allegations that Walker mismanaged funds. Carel said he doesn't even know that Walker is the subject of an OSBI investigation. He said one can insinuate that, but reiterated that agents have not told him anything and that all he hears is rumors.

 

Teacher, Paramedics Injured in Separate Turnpike Crashes

Several people were taken to hospitals yesterday, including a couple of Chickasha first responders and a Verden teacher, when two separate accidents occurred on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. A car had run off the turnpike and crashed near Mile Marker 90 northeast of Chickasha just before 2:00 p.m. As Chickasha EMS responded, an ambulance was involved in a crash when the driver attempted to make a U-turn at a crossover. Verden teacher and girls basketball coach Whitney Boyer was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted in critical condition with trunk and internal injuries. Hospital officials this morning say she has been upgraded to good condition. Our partners at KWTV-News 9 reported that a couple of Chickasha paramedics had been taken to a hospital. Their names were not released and it wasn't clear how seriously they were injured. The highway patrol reported that Boyer was westbound on the turnpike when - for an unknown reason – her car left the highway, struck the end of guardrail, and rolled onto its side. The crashes shut down the turnpike for a little over an hour.

 

Ground-breaking Set for Blanchard Veterans Memorial              

There's an effort underway in Blanchard to construct a new Veterans Memorial. City Councilman Michael Scalf, Sr. is leading the project with Mayor Eddie Odle, Jeff Heefner, VFW Commander Larry Mullins, and American Legion Commander Gary Hoffman also on the committee.  The memorial will be a large standing wall of etched glass with LED lights inside and an eternal flame at the top. The names of veterans can be etched on a 4- X 8-inch section of the memorial. It will recognize all six branches of the U.S. military. Scalf said they looked at a number of memorials across the country and based the design on one they found in Jefferson Town, Kentucky. Scalf said a formal groundbreaking ceremony for the memorial will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7th at 9 a.m. before Blanchard's annual Veterans Day parade. The group is also having a Poker Chip Rally on Saturday, Oct. 17th to help raise funds for the memorial. Registration forms are available on the City of Blanchard’s website: www.cityofblanchard.us

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $40.67 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $42.65.

Natural gas is $2.52 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,891 and silver is $23.67.

 

Obituaries

Mary Pearl Shannon-Jones

Funeral service for Mary Pearl Shannon-Jones, 93, of Chickasha is pending. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Mary Lou Fry

A memorial service for Mary Lou Fry, 76, of Tuttle will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10th at the Chapel Grounds of Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle. Mary Lou worked at Tuttle City Hall for 40 years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

 

Tuesday, October 6th

 

OSBI Confirms Investigation of Grady County Commissioner

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is looking into allegations of wrong-doing by District One Grady County Commissioner Mike Walker. OSBI spokeswoman Brook Arbeitman confirmed an investigation is underway but she could not comment further because the investigation is on-going. Walker has not commented about the reason for the investigation. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the allegations could include missing inventory and the use of ghost employees. Sources tell KOOL-RANCH News that the investigation has been underway for more than a month. Walker remains on the job while the investigation is underway. Walker's district includes the northern area of the county.

 

City of Chickasha Will Not Have a Mask Mandate

The City of Chickasha will not have a mask mandate to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The city council voted 8-1 against implementing the mandate last night. City Councilman Jim Hopkins says while he does wear a mask in public it would be difficult to enforce any requirement for people to wear one.

 

              

 

Councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander was the only councilman to vote for a mandate.

 

              

 

Ashanti-Alexander said he's not concerned about the politics of the measure but that an ordinance would show that the city cares about the health of its residents.

 

Child Neglect Suspects Remain in Jail

Two Minco residents remain in the Grady County Jail after being arrested last weekend on charges of child neglect. 43-year old Michael Paul McLean and 31-year old Holly Marie Wiley were taken into custody after warrants were issued for their arrest. A probable cause affidavit from Minco police indicates that the couple and their four children had been living in a home where authorities found numerous cockroaches and dirty clothes and dishes. The house had not had any running water for several weeks. A Minco police officer was initially notified of the possible neglect last month while on a walk-through at the Minco Elementary School. A child welfare worker with the Department of Human Services was called into assist with the investigation. Both McLean and Wiley remain in jail pending $5,000 bond each. The children, ages four to 11 years old, are being cared for by a relative.

 

Life-Saving Award Presented to County Resident

A Pocasset man is honored with a life-saving award for his heroics at a Chickasha convenience store last month. Brandon Keeton made a routine stop at the Bronco Corner Convenience Store the morning of Friday, Sept. 11th. When he came out of the store, he saw several people frantically asking for help. Keeton found a woman was unresponsive in her car and her face had turned blue. Keeton and another man pulled the woman out of the car and Keeton performed CPR until paramedics arrived. The doctor at the hospital said the woman would not have survived had Keeton not stepped in to help. Chickasha Police Chief Dee Rowell presented Keeton with the Life Saving Award at last night's city council meeting. Keeton tells KOOL-RANCH news about the way he remembered CPR.

 

                  

              

 

Keeton said he was notified later that day that the woman survived. He said everyone should learn CPR because you never know when you're going to need it.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.22 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.29.

Natural gas is $2.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,917 and silver is $24.40.

 

 

Monday, October 5th

 

Chix City Council to Consider Mask Mandate

A city-wide mask ordinance will be discussed by the Chickasha City Council when the panel meets this evening. Councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander asked for the issue to be considered saying he believes the city needs to take steps to prevent the community-spread of the coronavirus. At a meeting last month, Mayor Chris Mosley was reluctant to support an ordinance saying it would be hard to enforce. The council may also consider issuing a fine of up to $100 for violating a mask ordinance.

 

Grady County Man to Receive Life-Saving Award              

A Pocasset man is credited for saving the life of a woman. Brandon Keeton will receive a Citizens Commendation for Life Saving during tonight's Chickasha City Council meeting. Police Chief Dee Rowell said Keeton was recommended for the honor when he saw an unresponsive woman in a car at a convenience store at 4th and Country Club Road on September 11th. Keeton pulled the 55-year old woman out of the car and began CPR until paramedics arrived and took her to the hospital. The attending physician at the hospital said without doubt that had Keeton not taken action, the woman would not be alive today. The council will also have a public hearing to wrap up the new sidewalk construction project on First Street which connects downtown Chickasha to Wal-Mart.

 

Authorities Arrest Child Neglect Suspects              

Two Minco residents were taken into custody over the weekend after felony warrants for child neglect were issued for their arrests. 43-year old Michael Paul McLean and 31-year old Holly Marie Wiley were arrested by Minco police and Grady County sheriff's deputies Saturday morning. Warrants for their arrests were issued Friday. KOOL/RANCH News is working to get details about the investigation.

 

Chickasha, Lawton DPS Offices Temporarily Close              

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices in Chickasha and Lawton are closed for the next couple of weeks. A news release from DPS indicates that employees at both offices had been exposed to the coronavirus. No driver's license testing will be available and anyone needing to renew their driver's license may be able to do so at a local tag office, or by going on-line to the website: www.ok.gov/dps and click on the "on-line services" link. The DPS offices are expected to re-open on Thursday, Oct. 15th.

 

Food Truck Title "Geauxs" to....

Here are the winners from the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship in downtown Chickasha over the weekend. The overall winner was Geaux Cajun from Tuttle which was the winner of the Savory Division. The Sweet Category winner was Metro Minis of Oklahoma City; The Most Creative Winner was The Surf Bar; and the Fan Favorite was All Time Burger and Bistro.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $37.05 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.27.

Natural gas is $2.44 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,907 and silver is $24.19.

 

Obituary

Harold Wayne “HW” McCammon

A memorial service for "HW" Wayne McCammon, 65, will be held at a later date. His family will have a celebration of life on the date of his next birthday, April 18th, 2021. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

 

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