Saturday, October 17th
Trucker Dies in Turnpike Crash
A Moore truck driver died when his semi ran off the H.E. Bailey Turnpike and crashed into a fence and some trees. 31-year old Chevalier Mills was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical examiner. The accident happened about 2:00 a.m. Friday in the eastbound lanes of the turnpike near mile marker 101. The highway patrol says the accident is still under investigation.
Driver Hurt in ATV Rollover
An ATV driver is hospitalized after a rollover accident in the small town of Gotebo which is west of Carnegie. 44-year old Edwin Hamlett of Gotebo was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head injuries and admitted in serious condition. The highway patrol reports that Hamlett was speeding down Main Street and trying to turn on a side street when the ATV rolled several times. He was thrown off the vehicle and was not wearing a helmet.
Coronavirus Update
A ninth person in Chickasha has died from COVID-19. The state health department said a man 50-64 years old was one of 11 new fatalities in Oklahoma from the disease. The total number of deaths in Grady County is now at 14 and the number of deaths statewide is 1,154. Chickasha has now had more than 720 people test positive for the coronavirus. 633 of them have recovered and there are 79 active cases. For all of Grady County there have been more than 1,400 positive tests and there are nearly 200 active cases. In Blanchard, 484 people have tested positive and 380 have recovered and there are 103 active cases. In Tuttle there have been 278 positive tests with 234 of them recovered and 40 active cases. In Anadarko, there have been 407 positive tests with 348 of them recovered and 52 active cases. In Caddo County, there have been 23 deaths. There have been 1,028 positive tests and 858 of the have recovered and there are 147 active cases.
Weekend Activities
There are a lot of activities going in the region this weekend. The 52nd annual Chickasha Antique Auto Club fall swap meet wraps up today at the 40-acre site of the auto club next to the Grady County Fairgrounds as well as the Fairgrounds itself. Also at the fairgrounds, the Western Oklahoma Ranch Horse Association has competitions that run both today and tomorrow. The fairgrounds also has a fall fling and vendor show that wraps up today in the north exhibit building. Admission to all events is free. There’s a barbecue bonanza in Blanchard. The Chamber of Commerce is hosting its second annual Blowin' Smoke Cookout. Two-person teams will be provided with several cuts of meat in a competition to win a $500 cash prize. Entry fee is $125 per team. The judging starts at 4 o'clock this afternoon and the public is invited to Lions Park for the festivities. Individuals can purchase a $5 wristband to sample the selections. There will be inflatable games and snow cones available at the park. Also in Blanchard today, a bike rally to support the construction of the new Veterans Memorial Park. It's a poker chip rally with five stops over the course of a 170- mile ride.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. On the KOOL Konversation, David Nowlin with Caddo County OSU Extension is the guest host with Megan Montieth of Stephens County OSU Extension. On Real Estate today, Elizabeth Allen and Cassandra Ersland with the Chickasha's Festival of Light will discuss the upcoming season. There are links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Friday, October 16th
Chix City Council to Hear Drinking Water Report
Chickasha's drinking water is finally getting back to normal after some big problems caused dirty and foul smelling and tasting water throughout the city last month. Officials with the city's contractor for water treatment will try to explain what happened at next week's city council meeting. The issues started around Labor Day weekend. Officials from the contractor (USW) initially said it was a problem stemming from debris and chemicals coming off the water lines and that they were having difficulty controlling it at the plant. In spite of the problems, City Manager John Noblitt said the State Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency said the water was “consumable.” The report will be presented at Monday night's city council meeting which will get underway at 6:30 p.m at city hall.
Cyril Rallies for Injured Teen
The community of Cyril is rallying behind a high school cheerleader who remains hospitalized after a freak accident. Jenessa Thompson suffered a fractured skull and other injuries after a goal post on the high school football field collapsed and hit her on the head. She and her teammates were posing for pictures when the goal post fell. About 150 people were on hand for last night's rally. Thompson's uncle, Davy Thompson, led the group in prayer and played music. He said Janessa is in good spirits and is looking forward to coming home. The Lawton Constitution reports that Thompson could lose the sight in one eye. Doctors aren't sure if the eye damage is permanent. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Jenessa's family, and an account has been established at the All America Bank in Cyril.
Officer OK After Cruiser Strikes Cow in Roadway
An officer from the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Force is OK after his vehicle collided with a cow. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 81 between Ninnekah and Rush Springs just after 1:00 a.m. this morning. The Grady County Fire Department reports that Ninnekah and Farwell stations and Chickasha EMS were dispatched to the crash which happened near County Road 1480. The unidentified officer did suffer some bumps and bruises but was otherwise OK. The medium-size bull calf did not survive. The 2015 Dodge Charger the officer was driving was believed to be a total loss. The northbound lanes of Highway 81 were shut down for about an hour.
Formal Charges Filed Against Shooting Suspect
The man arrested in connection with a shooting in a Chickasha neighborhood this week has been formally charged in connection with the shooting. Prosecutors have charge 20-year old Beau Gwin with a felony of shooting with intent to kill. During his initial appearance in Grady County District Court yesterday, a judge set Gwin’s bond at $250,000. Police say Gwin and another man got into an argument after Gwin was driving erratically down a street where several people were playing basketball. Gwin is alleged to have brandished a small-caliber weapon and shot the victim. The victim was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was last in fair condition.
Delayed Passion Play to be Held Saturday Evening
It will be Easter in October tomorrow, as the Holy City of the Wichitas will hold its annual Easter pageant. The 95th annual pageant was canceled this past spring over coronavirus concerns. The outdoor passion play is a live re-enactment of the life of Jesus Christ from his birth to his death and resurrection. The Holy City is just north of Lawton. There is no cost to attend the event and families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $40.96 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $43.16.
Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,912 and silver is $24.49.
Thursday Football scores
Cache 31, Chickasha 0
Anadarko 56, McLoud 22
Blanchard 35, Tecumseh 14
Newcastle 26, Bethany 14
Wayne 27, Dibble 21
Tipton 40, Cyril 20
Lindsay 26, Bridge Creek 6
Marlow 35, Davis 6
El Reno 43, Duncan 42 (OT)
Tonight
Tuttle vs. Classen SAS at Northeast
Alex at Velma-Alma
Saturday
Rush Springs at Stratford
Thursday, October 15th
Man Shot in Chickasha Neighborhood Disturbance
One man is hospitalized with a gunshot wound and another man is in jail after a dispute in a Chickasha neighborhood. Chickasha police were called to the area of 16th and Oregon Avenue about 9:00 p.m. Tuesday. Officers were dispatched after friends of the victim took him to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was then air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. 21-year old Dylan Lee Johnson remains hospitalized this morning and he is in fair condition. In a press release, police say that Johnson confronted a man driving erratically and shooting fireworks at people playing basketball in the street. The driver is alleged to have made verbal threats about shooting the people, then shot Johnson and drove off. The suspect, identified as 20-year old Beau Hunter Gwin, was later arrested at his home in Ninnekah. Police did recover a small caliber handgun. Gwin was taken to the Grady County Jail where he is being held on a complaint of shooting with intent to kill. Prosecutors have not yet filed formal charges against Gwin.
Ft. Cobb Coach Heads Home after COVID-19 Battle
After battling the coronavirus for more than three months Ft. Cobb-Broxton basketball coach Scott Hines will be heading back home today. Hines fell ill over the 4th of July weekend and spent several weeks in an Oklahoma City hospital on a ventilator. He was released from the hospital a couple of weeks ago and has been at the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center since then regaining his strength. Hines will be welcomed home with a drive-by parade at his home about 5:30 this afternoon.
Memorial Service Set for Coach Powell
A memorial service has been scheduled for baseball coach L.J. Powell who passed away earlier this week. The service is set for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 25th at the Chickasha High School Activity Center. Powell coached at Chickasha High School over five decades, from 1958 to 1996. Then, he re-started the USAO baseball program where he was head coach for 12 years. USAO players say Powell was not only a great coach but he cared about all of his players. Edgar Cuevas from The Bronx, New York transferred to USAO and says Powell took him under his wing.
Powell died at his home Tuesday at the age of 89.
Quilt Shop Tour Underway
In addition to the Chickasha Antique Auto Club swap meet in Chickasha this weekend is another event that will be bringing people to town. It called the Central Oklahoma Bible Belt Quilt Shop Tour. Quilters will be making their way to more than a dozen shops throughout the state including Chickasha, Blanchard, Newcastle, El Reno, Yukon, Oklahoma City, Moore, Guthrie, and Kingfisher. The event runs through Saturday. Steelman's Framing and Gifts along with Bush Family Affair and Quilts by Gail in Chickasha are among the stops. Beth's Quilting Quarters in Blanchard and The Quilted Hart in Newcastle are also included. For information visit the website: www.biblebeltshoptour.com
Save Lives by Donating Blood Today
Officials with the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) continue their call for blood donations. The COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible for fewer donors coming forward over the last few months. Officials say only about one in 10 people who are medically able and healthy enough to donate do so. KOOL-RANCH radio stations are hosting a community blood drive from 11:-00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today. The OBI bloodmobile will be across the street from the studios at 7th and Chickasha Avenue in the YMCA parking lot. Walk-ups are welcome and donors can get tested for coronavirus antibodies. Donors get their choice of an OSU or OU blood donor t-shirt. To find an upcoming blood drive in your area visit the website: www.obi.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $41.02 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $43.32.
Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,899 and silver is $24.00
Obituary
Devonta Haliburton
Funeral service for Devonta Haliburton, 28, of Amarillo, Texas and formerly of Lawton will be at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, October 17th at the Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church in Lawton. Viewing will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 16th at the church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Wednesday, October 14th
Hall of Fame Baseball Coach L.J. Powell Dies
Teacher. Coach. Mentor. Friend. Those are just a few words to describe L.J. Powel, who spent more than 50 years coaching high school and college baseball players. Powell passed away at his Chickasha home Tuesday just three weeks shy of his 90th birthday. Coach Powell's love for baseball was surpassed only by his love for his late wife Laverne and for the countless players he came in contact with throughout his lengthy career. He is a member of numerous Halls of Fame, including the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Chickasha High School and USAO athletic halls of fame. The funeral service for Coach Powell has not yet been scheduled.
One Dead in Fatal Crash Near Cyril
There was a deadly crash near Cyril yesterday involving a rock hauler and an SUV. 52-year old Carol Cody of Lawton died in the crash about a half-mile south of Cyril on U.S. Highway 277. The accident happened just before 1:00 p.m. Tuesday. The highway patrol reports that Cody was traveling east on a county road and failed to stop at a stop sign. A southbound semi driven by 68-year old Keith Bush also of Lawton crashed into the SUV. Bush was not hurt. The collision shut down the highway for nearly three hours.
2nd Drug Trafficking Suspect Has Court Appearance
A second Chickasha suspect arrested for drug trafficking has had her initial appearance on two felony charges filed against her. A judge set bond for 25-year old Krishel Dawn Cowan at $250,000. Cowan and 27-year old Clarence Morrow are both charged in connection with a lengthy investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics into the sale of counterfeit Oxycodone laced with Fentanyl. Investigators say two Grady County residents are among 10 people statewide who have died after purchasing the pills off the streets. State drug agents have made an estimated 10 arrests since their investigation began in May.
Red, White, Blue Rally Saturday at State Capital
A rally is scheduled at the state capital this Saturday to honor first responders, the military, and essential workers. Retired state trooper Stewart Meyer has helped to create a non-profit group called the Red, White, and Blue Rally Association. Meyer says the group has a permit for the rally. He said the idea for the event came as a result of negative publicity towards essential workers and that the silent majority needs to heard.
Also being recognized will be farmers, truckers, construction workers and others who are keeping the country moving through these tough times. There will be motivational speakers and the rally will also honor the 168 people who died in the Oklahoma City bombing. The rally will be held on the south side of the state capital starting at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17th. For information visit the website: www.rwbsalute.com
Antique Auto Swap Meet Begins
Chickasha will be the temporary home for antique car and truck enthusiasts around the world for the next few days. The Chickasha Antique Auto Club is holding its 52nd annual fall swap meet. Literally hundred vendor spaces will be set up on the club's property just east of the Grady County Fairgrounds as well as the fairgrounds itself. Hard to find parts, fully restored vehicles, memorabilia, and more will be for sale or trade. The gates swing open at 1 o'clock this afternoon and then all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Admission is free and paid parking benefits local charities. Food trucks and concessions will be on hand.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $40.20.
London-based Brent crude is $42.45.
Natural gas is $2.85 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,899 and silver is $24.26.
Obituaries
Cheryl Standridge
A graveside service for Cheryl Standridge, 71, of Oklahoma City will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 16th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, October 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Randie Wolverton
A memorial service for Randie Wolverton, 69, Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 19th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Tuesday, October 13th
Petitioners Fail to Get Enough Support
to Recall Chickasha City Councilor
A petition seeking to re-call Ward 2 Chickasha City Councilwoman Kimmie Loggins fell short of getting enough valid signatures. Petitioners needed to get the signatures of 25 percent of those who cast ballots in the city council election of April of 2019 when Loggins was a candidate. The news was posted on the City of Chickasha's website. Petitioners submitted documents with 177 signatures and needed 143 valid signatures. However, city officials determined that 145 were invalid. Among the reasons was that the individuals did not vote in that 2019 election. KOOL-RANCH News asked Loggins if she wanted to make a statement but she opted to not comment.
Goal Post Collapse Injures Teen, Coach
A Cyril cheerleader and her coach are recovering after a strange accident. Sophomore Jenessa Thompson suffered severe head injuries and a broken jaw when the goal post on the football field collapsed while the cheerleaders were having their pictures taken. Cheerleader Coach Taylor Reynolds was reported to have suffered an ankle injury though it wasn't known how serious the injury was. The Lawton Constitution reports that at least two cheerleaders were on the goal post when it collapsed. When it fell, the goal post hit Thompson on the head. She was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. The newspaper reported that doctors have not ruled out surgery but they are expecting her to make a full recovery. Cyril school officials have not released a statement indicating what caused the goal post to collapse.
Longtime Educator Janice Day Dies
Longtime educator Janice Day has died. She was the widow of the late Harly Day who was also a longtime educator and coach for Chickasha Public Schools. Janice Day was 98 years old when she passed away on Sunday, October 11th. Janice and Harly met while she was a student at OU and he was in the Naval Service at the Norman South Navy Base. The couple was married more than 65 years. Harly died in 2012. Survivors include a son Brian and several grand, great-grand, and great-great grandchildren. A graveside service only for immediate family and friends will be held at the Resthaven Memory Gardens in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children or your favorite charity.
New Cross Country Course Open at Chix Sports Complex
The Chickasha sports complex has added a new feature that will be popular for those who want somewhere different to walk, run, or ride their bicycles. A five-kilometer or 5K course has been developed on the north side of the complex. Kyle Marks is the Parks and Recreation director for the City of Chickasha. He developed the course within the last couple of months. The course recently hosted a junior high cross country event and this weekend it will host the state junior high cross country competition. Marks talks about the most challenging features of the course-
There are three different trails - one for a 5K which is just over three miles, one is two miles long, and the other is a mile and a half. The course is open to the public anytime the sports complex is open. It is free to use although individuals may have to pay a small fee during busy weekends. You can take a virtual trip around the course on the Chickasha Parks and Recreation Department's Facebook page.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.43 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $41.72.
Natural gas is $2.88 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,926 and silver is $25.15.
Obituary
Kent Gardner
No services were held for Kent Gardner, 84, of Ninnekah. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Monday, October 12th
Another Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested
A second Chickasha resident is in custody following a lengthy investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. 25-year-old Krishel Dawn Cowan was booked into the Grady County jail over the weekend after a warrant was issued for her arrest. Cowan is charged with two felony counts of drug trafficking. Her arrest is believed to be related to last week's arrest of 27-year old Clarence Morrow of Chickasha after authorities found nearly 30 counterfeit Oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl in his home. Morrow is charged with several felonies including trafficking, maintaining a dwelling for keeping, manufacturing, and distributing controlled dangerous drugs, and intent to distribute. His bond was set at $250,000. State drug agents say two Grady County residents have died recently after taking counterfeit Oxycodone pills they had purchased. It's not clear if the arrests of Morrow and Cowan are connected to those deaths.
Longtime Judge Retires; Replacement is Named
After more than a 20-year career of serving as the special judge for Grady County, Tim Brauer has retired. Brauer spent nearly 23 years on the bench. While he retired from the bench, District Judge Kory Kirkland says Brauer is now an investigator for the district attorney's office. Kirkland has appointed a new special judge. Gina Lowe, who has been serving as assistant district attorney for Grady County, will begin her duties on November 2nd. Lowe has spent most of her career representing deprived children in Grady and Caddo counties. She earned her Juris Doctorate degree from OU and has an undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University. In a press release, Kirkland called Lowe a hard-working and skillful attorney and that she is a great fit for the courthouse. Lowe is married to Tyler Lowe and they have two children.
CV Tech, SWOSU Partner to Help Nursing Students
Nursing students will soon benefit from a new partnership between a couple of educational institutions. Canadian Valley Technology Center (CV Tech) and Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) are combining efforts to get more Registered Nurses into the workplace. Graduates of the technology center's Practical Nursing program now have the option to transition to the Bachelor of Science nursing program at Southwestern. CV Tech nursing director Lauri Jones calls it a game-changer for LPNs. The first group of Practical Nurses begin their 14-month training today. She said these students could complete their degrees by December of next year. The students will be allowed to work while pursuing their degrees. Jones said the partnership will enhance the students' job opportunities and employability. She added that the major limitation for hospitals in responding to COVID-19 is the lack of staff available to care for patients.
New Specialist Arrives at Southern Plains Medical Group
Southern Plains Medical Group has added a new doctor. Larry Bookman is a gastroenterologist who specializes in the digestive system. He has more than 40 years' experience treating digestive diseases while practicing gastroenterology and is well-versed in diet and nutrition and how they affect general health. He earned his medical degree and completed his residency at the OU College of Medicine and completed his fellowship at the University of California-Irvine. Bookman is the immediate past president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association and the immediate past president of the Oklahoma County Medical Association and he is accepting new patients.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $40.60 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $42.85.
Natural gas is $2.74 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,929 and silver is $25.27.
Obituary
Jeff Craine
Funeral service for Jeff Craine, 54, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
