Saturday, December 5th
Chix Schools Repair List Released
We've been reporting this week about a special bond election scheduled by the Chickasha Public Schools Board of Education in an attempt to deal with repairs needed throughout the district. Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin says many of the school district's aging buildings are at least 70 years old. Lincoln School is more than 90 years old while the Chickasha Middle School and even Grand Elementary are well over 50 years old. The board of education this week scheduled a special bond election for February 9th of next year. Two bond proposals totaling $2.7 million will be on the ballot. One is for $2.3 million for upgrades and renovations. That list includes nearly $600,000 for work at Lincoln School including plumbing, drainage, masonry work and basement upgrades; more than $250,000 in work at the high school including accessibility upgrades, facade work, and sidewalk and paving improvements. Also at the high school, nearly $200,000 in work is needed at the activity center and another $150,000 in improvements are needed at Memorial Stadium. At the middle school, an estimated $180,000 in work has been identified, including some work at Myers Field House. Even the newest school in the district, Bill Wallace, needs about $100,000 of work done. The bond issue also includes more than $300,000 for various instructional materials and equipment throughout the district. Croslin said a complete breakdown of the needs will be posted on the school district's website next week. By the way, the second issue on the Feb. 9th ballot is a $405,000 bond proposal for transportation needs.
Minco Honey Festival Underway
It's a sweet day in Minco, as the community holds its annual Honey Festival. It's the 30th year for the event, always held on the first Saturday in December. Minco is home to the largest honey plant in the state. Normally, visitors are welcome to tour the plant during the festival but the tours will not be held because of the pandemic. However, there will be tables outside the plant for visitors to purchase honey and gifts. The Minco Chamber of Commerce has a lot of activities downtown with more than 100 arts and crafts vendors and food trucks. There are free food samples including milk, chocolate milk and cheese from Braum's Dairy; a tractor pull; carriage rides around town, and the jolly old elf, Santa will be on hand. And one of Minco's Favorite Sons, Emmy-award winning Lucas Ross will be there.
Salvation Army Urges Delivery of Angel Gifts
Christmas is less than three weeks away. The Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo Counties says they still have a number of Angel gift lists which need to be returned. All the tags have been picked up, but officials say that the gifts need to be turned in by next Friday, Dec. 11th. Officials say that the distribution site for the Angel gifts has moved from the John Holt Auto Group dealership to the Salvation Army at 2402 S. 16th in Chickasha this year.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Janis Kindred with the Anadarko Library is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. Tim Elliott and Jim Cowan with the Chickasha Economic Development Council are on Real Estate Today. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Obituary
Charlesetta Lewis
Funeral service for Charlesetta Lewis, 60, is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Friday, December 4th
Special Bond Election Set for Chickasha School District
Chickasha school district patrons will go to the polls in February to decide if nearly $3 million in bonds should be sold by the school to pay for various school improvements and technology needs. In a special meeting yesterday, the board of education scheduled a Feb. 9th election for two bond issues which total $2.7 million. Superintendent Rick Croslin-
One bond proposal is for $2.3 million to pay for upgrades, and a second $400,000 bond issue is for transportation needs. Croslin said Lincoln School, which is more than 90 years old will get about $600,000 in needed upgrades if the bonds are approved. Croslin said this is the first step toward the district's long-range plans of holding a much larger bond election in 2022 for some major upgrades to the district. The superintendent said that there would be a property tax increase if the Feb. 9th bonds are approved. He estimated the increase to be about $35 a year on a home valued at $100,000. He said if both measures are approved, there would not be a property tax increase in the major bond election proposed for 2022. Croslin also said that the next few regularly scheduled school board meetings will be held in the high school activity center to allow for adequate social distancing. That will start with the Dec. 14th meeting.
Am-Po Teachers' Home Destroyed in Fire
A Thanksgiving Day fire destroyed the home and of an Amber family. The home of Bo and Leah Thomason and their two children caught fire that day while they were attending a family gathering in Texas. Two family pets died as a result of the fire. Amber Fire Chief Ernie Rinard said it was intially reported by someone driving by the home. Fire crews from Tuttle and Bridge Creek were also dispatched. In all, about 15 firefighters spent about three hours beating back the flames. Rinard said an electrical short in the living room was the likely cause. He estimated damaged to the one-story, brick and wood home at more than $70,000. Rinard said the Red Cross was called in to help the family. The Thomasons have taught in the Amber school district for years, and Bo is the coach of the girls basketball program. A family friend posted on Facebook that the Thomasons have provided a culture of love, responsibility, and accountability to numerous students over the years. A benefit fund to help the family has been established at the First National Bank and Trust.
Pursuit Results in Arrest
A high speed pursuit through several Chickasha neighborhoods leads to the arrest of a man accused of being in possession of a stolen pickup. The pursuit occurred Monday afternoon...when a police officer located a pickup that had been reported stolen last weekend. According to a probable cause affidavit, as authorities were waiting for help to recover the pickup, a man got into the truck and drove off. The officer began following the truck, which then blew through a stop sign. That's when the pursuit began. A state trooper also joined the chase. After speeding through several neighborhoods, the truck crashed near 4th and Georgia, and the driver tried to get away on foot. The trooper was able to run down the suspect and take him in to custody. Arrested was 32-year old Nathan Todd Dobson of Moore. Prosecutors have charged him with two felonies - eluding and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Dobson remains in jail on a $10,000 bond. Prosecutors have also moved to revoke Dobson's probation he received for a guilty plea made in connection with a 2018 arrest for being in possession of a stolen vehicle.
Saturday Activities in Chickasha
Tomorrow is a big day in Chickasha. It begins in the morning with the Chickasha Optimist Club's annual Christmas Carroll Fun Run, in honor of the late Rod Carroll. The Altrusa Club will hold its virtual Hall of Trees campaign, which will be held at the Grady County Museum downtown starting at noon. It will finish tomorrow night with the annual Christmas parade...also downtown. Grand Marshals will be recording artists Shane Henry and Maggie McClure, also known as the Imaginaries. The parade will be following by a live performance by the couple at the Rock Island Railroad Depot, near the now iconic 50-foot tall leg lamp.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $45.64 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $48.71.
Natural gas is $2.50 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,843 and silver is $24.34.
Thursday, December 3rd
Chix School Board to Schedule February Bond Election
A bond issue of just under $3 million is expected to go before patrons in the Chickasha school district next year. The board of education will hold a special meeting this afternoon to approve a resolution to schedule the election in February. Superintendent Rick Croslin says it's a $2.7 million proposal for some needed repairs throughout the district. The language in the resolution includes “improving and acquiring school sites; constructing, repairing, remodeling, and equipping buildings; acquiring furniture, fixtures and equipment; and purchasing transportation equipment." The panel will also have a discussion regarding athletics although no action will be taken on that matter. The meeting was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the school administration building.
Chix City Council to Discuss Master Drainage Plan
A master drainage plan for the City of Chickasha is among the items to be discussed by the city council in a special work session next week. It's not clear what officials have in mind. It's the first time for city Manager John Noblitt to bring the matter up for discussion. A few years ago, a controversial master drainage plan proposed by then-city manager Alan Guard received widespread criticism and was shot down following overwhelming resistance by residents and business owners. The work session will also include discussion about a housing study. No formal action will be taken on either matter. The work session will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday at city hall right before the city council meeting. It is the only regularly scheduled city council meeting for the month of December.
Chix PD Homicide Investigation Continues
There's been no update on the Chickasha police investigation of last weekend's double homicide where the bodies of Ashley Cannon and her unborn daughter were found in their apartment. Authorities continue following numerous leads as they search for a person of interest connected to the case. The unidentified man's photo has been posted on the police department's Facebook page and shown on television stations across the state. In the meantime, the funeral service for Ashley and baby Nala are pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home of Chickasha.
Coronavirus Update
There have now been more than 2,800 positive COVID-19 tests in Grady County with 23 deaths and there are about 400 active cases. Chickasha has had more than 1,250 positive tests with 14 deaths and there are 179 active cases. Blanchard has now topped 1,000 positive tests with three deaths and there are 150 active cases. In Tuttle, there have been 660 positive tests with five deaths and there are just over 100 active cases. In Caddo County there have been nearly 2,000 positive tests with 33 deaths and there are nearly 380 active cases. Anadarko has had nearly 700 positive tests with 13 deaths and there are about 130 active cases.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $45.28 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $48.25.
Natural gas is $2.78 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,845 and silver is $24.37.
Obituaries
Otis Jackson
A graveside service for Otis Jackson, 95, of Tuttle will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4th at Tuttle's Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
Edna Blevins
Funeral for Edna Blevins, 103, of Verden will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5th at the Pentecostal Lighthouse Church of Verden. Her obituary indicates she had been the oldest living member of the Citizen Potawatamie Nation. She was born in October of 1917 in Wanette on the former Citizen Band Potawatamie Reservation. Edna and her late husband Denver moved to Verden in the 1950s. She was a homemaker and an active member of her church. Local survivors include her son James; grandsons Neal and Denver, and grandson Andy and his wife Jennifer, all of Verden. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Wednesday, December 2nd
Chix Police Seek Info in Double Homicide Probe
Chickasha police are using all available resources in their attempt to find the person responsible for the brutal death of a mother and her unborn daughter. Police and several family members of Ashley Cannon held a press conference Tuesday and pleaded for information about the man who may have been the last person to see Cannon alive. Authorities have some photographs of the unidentified individual they are looking for - but no name. The photos are of an African-American male, 35 to 45 years old, with a slight mustache and beard. The photos are posted on the Chickasha Police Department's Facebook page and have been shown on a number of television stations. Lauren Jewell is the lead detective on the case. She said the individual they are looking may not be local.
Jewell said the man could be driving an older model gold Chevy Tahoe. Jewell did not say how Cannon may have died but said it was horrific and heinous crime. She's calling it a double homicide as Cannon was 8 1/2 months pregnant. Cannon had already named the girl Nala. Cannon's sister, Carmella Brown, and others asked the public to provide any information they may have to seek justice for Ashley.
Jewell said investigators have requested about 10 search warrants in their attempts to find information about the man's whereabouts. Individuals are asked to contact Chickasha police, the Chickasha and Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.
PSO Announces Rate Increase
PSO customers will be paying a little bit more for electricity after the first of the year. The utility says the price increase is due to higher-than-expected costs for natural gas and purchased power needed to generate electricity for homes and business. A PSO press release indicates that a typical residential customer who uses 1,100 kilowatts of electricity each month will see their bills increase about $5 per month. Officials say they will review fuel factors again next spring to determine if further adjustments may be necessary. The press release states that PSO is not allowed to make a profit on fuel costs.
Chix Continues Limb Drop-off Service
The City of Chickasha will continue operating a limb drop-off location for an undetermined amount of time. City Manager John Noblitt said residents are allowed to remove debris related to the late October ice storm and take it to the city's public works headquarters which is north of the Grady County Fairgrounds on Genevieve Street. The facility is open seven days a week. Individuals will have to show a utility bill from the city in order to be allowed to use the service. It's not to be used by tree removal contractors.
Chix Library to Suspend In-Person Services; Remains Open
The Chickasha Public Library will temporarily suspend in-person services because of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases. The suspension will start on Monday, Dec. 7th. Patrons will still be able to take advantage of curbside and virtual services, including grab-and-go craft bags for children. Books can be reserved through the library's on-line catalog. Library personnel will also be able to provide curbside assistance for notary services, faxing, and copying. Also, the library's Food for Fines campaign will be available curbside. For information, contact the library by calling 405-222-6075.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $44.55 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $47.42.
Natural gas is $2.88 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,830 and silver is $24.25.
Obituaries
John Reed
A memorial service will be held at a later date for John Reed, 71, of Ninnekah. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Cynthia “Verlene” Thurston
Funeral service for Verlene Thurston, 66, of Alex will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4th at College Heights Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Tuesday, December 1st
Chickasha Homicide Investigation Continues
Authorities have not released any further information about their investigation into a woman's death, whose body was found in her apartment late Sunday night. Chickasha police said they were looking for a person of interest who may have information but no arrests have been made. Officers were called to an apartment complex at 9th and Virginia Avenue where the body of a 37-year old mother of two was discovered. There were two small children in the apartment and one of them called 9-1-1. Authorities have not said how the woman may have died nor have they released her name. No description of the person of interest was released. Anyone with information is asked to call Chickasha police or the Chickasha and Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS or provide an anonymous tip on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.
Ag Producers Face Deadline to Apply for CFAP2
Oklahoma agriculture producers only have about 10 days left to sign up to participate in the second phase of what's known as the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Ron Hays with the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network spoke with Scott Biggs who is the state director for the Farm Service Agency. He says he's expecting a big rush of applications over the next week and a half.
Biggs said nearly 30,000 of the more than 32,000 applications which have been received so far have been approved. The largest farming operations in Oklahoma are cattle and wheat producers and Biggs encourages all operators to contact their local FSA offices by the application deadline which is Dec. 11th.
FNBT VP Paul Lewis Retires
After spending a number of years working to bring new business and industry to the Grady County area, Paul Lewis has retired. Lewis spent the last 15 years as the vice president of business development with the First National Bank and Trust. Lewis spent a lot of his time recruiting energy companies when the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province (SCOOP) was in its early development. First National Bank President and CEO John Gorton says Lewis had a lot of success.
Lewis also served as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Chickasha program and volunteered with the Salvation Army and numerous other groups. A small retirement reception for Lewis was held yesterday which was his final day on the job.
Library Begins Annual Food for Fines Program
The Chickasha Public Library begins its annual holiday amnesty program for users who have overdue materials. Every December, the library offers a Food for Fines program by accepting contributions of non-perishable food items in place of the fines. All food is donated to the Emergency Food Pantry. Library Director Lillie Huckaby said many customers bring in food that is valued at much more than the fine - and library users that don't have fines often contribute as well. Huckaby said that the program does not cover replacement fees for lost or damaged books. In addition to providing items for the emergency food pantry many overdue materials are returned. The food for fines program runs through Dec. 31st.
Energy and Metals
Crude on the NYMEX is $45.44 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $47.59.
Natural gas is $2.88 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,809 and silver is $23.44.
Obituaries
Mary Skaggs
A graveside service was held today for Mary Skaggs, 85, of Tuttle at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Tuttle or to a charity of choice.
Douglas Wakefield
A graveside service for 76-year old Douglas Wakefield of Tuttle will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3rd at Tuttle's Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are also with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
Monday, November 30th
Chickasha Police Investigates Overnight Homicide
Chickasha police are looking for a person of interest in connection with the death of woman late last night. The body of a 37-year old woman was discovered after police were called out after getting a 9-1-1 call from a child. Police Chief Dee Rowell said the call came in between 11:30 p.m. and midnight. The body was found in an apartment in the 1500 block of South 9th Street. Authorities have not released the name of the victim. Rowell did not say how the woman may have died. The police chief said there were two children in the apartment that were five and six years old and the victim was pregnant. The two children were released to a relative. Police are searching for a person of interest but have not made an arrest. Rowell said the homicide is believed to have been domestic in nature.
Driver Dies in ATV Crash
An ATV accident claims the life of a Grady County man. 71-year old John Reed of Ninnekah died in the crash that happened south of that community late Friday afternoon. The highway patrol reports that Reed was westbound on CR 1470 about three miles south of Ninnekah when he lost control and was thrown from the ATV. He was not wearing a helmet.
New Chix Businesses Seek Approval for Signs
Several new downtown Chickasha businesses are asking for approval to post signs on their buildings. The requests will be heard during a special meeting of the City of Chickasha's Historic Preservation Committee tomorrow. The businesses seeking the sign approval are Cannabless at 426 West Chickasha Avenue; Iron Tree Coffee at 115 S. 4th Street; and Accentra Home Health and Hospice at 315 Choctaw Avenue. The meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow at city hall.
Chix City Council Expected to Begin Budget Talks
The Chickasha City Council will hold a special work session next week. The agenda has not yet been released but it is expected that the group will begin discussion about the city’s 2021 fiscal year budget. The work session will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, December 7th at city hall prior to the regular city council meeting.
Students Rewarded for Good Attendance
With all the challenges that schools and students are facing during the pandemic, a Chickasha civic group is continuing its effort to provide kids an incentive to go to school. The Chickasha Rotary Club is continuing its Roll Call program by giving away several bicycles and helmets every nine weeks to eligible students. Initially, the program was to recognize students who had perfect attendance in the classroom. The qualifications were modified this year as the Rotary Club worked with Lincoln School Principal Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander to come up with a way to acknowledge both in-person and virtual learners. More than 100 students met the eligibility requirements for the first nine weeks and each were automatically entered into the drawing. Winners were 6th grade students Oliva Wilson, Hudson Fewell, Javier Nieto, and Makayla McDaniel; and 5th grade students, Alayah Barger, Noah Barger, Chase Burrows, and Nahla Alexander.
Agronomy Specialist to Host Zoom Meeting
Ag producers in the region can get an update on issues which affect their operations during an ag marketing meeting with Grady County OSU Extension tomorrow morning. Agronomy Specialist Josh Bushong with OSU will provide the information. Individuals may attend in person or via the Zoom platform. The meeting will be at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow at the Grady County OSU Extension Office for those who wish to attend in person. Producers wanting to attend the Zoom platform will need to register by this afternoon by contacting the extension office by calling 405-224-2216.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $45.53 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $48.18.
Natural gas is $2.84 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,774 and silver is $22.29.
Obituaries
Ronald Ray Felder
A memorial service for 70-year old Ronald Ray Felder of Chickasha will be held at the family home. He was the owner and operator of the Chickasha Hotel for many years and also owned Benton's and the K-Bar Steakhouse.
Leon Ladd
Graveside service for 74-year old Clarence "Leon" Ladd of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2nd at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a U.S. military veteran and served three tours in Vietnam. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Saturday, Nov. 28th
Two Deaths Blamed on Separate Accidents
An ATV accident claims the life of a Grady County man. 71-year old John Reed of Ninnekah died in the crash that happened south of that community about 5:30 p.m. Friday. The highway patrol reports that Reed was westbound on CR 1470 about three miles south of Ninnekah when he lost control and was thrown from the ATV. He was not wearing a helmet. Reed's death is the second on Grady County roadways during the extended Thanksgiving holiday weekend. On Wednesday night, an Oklahoma City man died in a crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike near the U.S. Highway 62 junction east of downtown Chickasha. 60-year old Pablo Otero died in a towing accident. He was in a vehicle being pulled with a tow-strap - when a third vehicle rear-ended Otero's car, causing all three vehicles to crash.
Man Arrested for Alleged Threats Against Elected Officials
In Stephens County, a man is jailed on a $1 million bond after being arrested for allegedly making violent threats toward local, state, and federal elected officials. Authorities say Walker Dale Wilson made the threats on his Twitter account. KSWO-TV cites court documents that say the 23-year old posted tweets that included extremist views and violent images, and talked about the use of firearms. Among those named in the threats were Stephens County Sheriff Wayne McKinney and Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe. Wilson is alleged to have threatened to drag officers out on the road with a bag on their heads to celebrate statements he attributed to President-elect Joe Biden about defunding police. Another talked about taking sledge hammer to a police station to take care of business, and yet another made reference to holding a sledge hammer and saying Sen. Inhofe should watch his back. Wilson is facing felony charges of endeavoring to perform an act of violence and unlawful use of a computer system.
Drilling Permits Issued in Grady, Canadian Counties
There is some renewed interest in drilling for oil and gas in the SCOOP and STACK regions. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports Red Rocks Oil and Gas has permits to drill in a couple of Grady County locations. One is the Polk No. 1-36 which is in Section 36 of Township 5 North and Range 5 West which is between Bradley and Lindsay. The other is the Dougherty Welch No. 4 well which is next to the Polk location in Section One of Township 4 North and Range 5 West. In Canadian County, Cimarex has received permits to drill three wells on a single pad west of Union City. That's in section 25 of Township 11 North and Range 5 West. Citizen Energy has permits to drill two Canadian County wells in Section 18 of Township 11 North and Range 6 West.
Talk Show Topics
Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. David Nowlin with OSU Extension is on the KOOL Konversation to discuss management of trees following the recent ice storm. Ray Walker with the Medicare Assistance Program from the Oklahoma Insurance Department is on Real Estate Today. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Obituaries
Paul Harris
Funeral service for Paul Harris, 78, of Chickasha was held today. He worked for nearly 20 years with Standley Systems and previously worked in the grocery business at Dunn's and the former Humpty Dumpty stores. Arrangements were with McRay Funeral Home.
Latasha Blunt
Funeral service Latasha Blunt, 31, of Lawton will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30th at the Power House of Deliverance Apostolic Church in Comanche. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Frank Nightingale
Funeral service for Frank Nightingale, 90, of Moundridge, Kansas and formerly of Verden will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday Nov. 30th at the Plainview Mennonite Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
