Saturday, January 9th
Arrests Made Following Two Grady County Pursuits
A second high-speed pursuit took place in Grady County this week. We previously reported on one of them which involved a chase from Elgin to Chickasha where an Arkansas man was arrested for eluding and driving a stolen pick-up on Tuesday night. About 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, a Minco police officer clocked a Camaro speeding at 100 miles per hour southbound on U.S. Highway 81. Grady County sheriff's deputies and state troopers were dispatched to assist. The pursuit didn't last long as the driver lost control and crashed about four miles south of Pocasset. EMS was summoned however the driver and two passengers suffered minor injuries and did not have to be taken to the hospital. A Minco police affidavit alleges the driver admitted stealing the car, and got scared when the police officer caught him speeding. The driver also confessed to be high on meth. Authorities did find drugs and weapons in the car. Authorities arrested 22-year old Jarrett Reed Norfolk of Weatherford, while the two passengers were released. Norfolk is facing charges which include endangering others while attempting to elude, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and possession of a firearm after former felony conviction. Norfolk was arrested in the Weatherford area in 2019 on a previous complaint of unauthorized use of a vehicle. His bond was set at $25,000.
Woman Charged with Embezzling from Her Employer
A Grady County woman is facing a felony embezzlement charge after allegedly stealing thousands of in merchandise and cash from the store where she worked. The items included food, toilet paper, cigarettes, underwear, dog treats, and Christmas decorations. A warrant had been issued for the arrest of 42-year old Heather Jacquelyn Saxon of Minco and she was booked into the county jail earlier this week. A probable cause affidavit indicates that Saxon was caught on video surveillance at the Dollar Store in Minco taking a number of items and stealing money from the cash register. It's alleged that she had taken more than $1,000 in merchandise from the store between August 29th and September 27th of last year. Saxon issued a written statement admitting she had taken more than $4,000 in items and cash over several months. She claimed she had financial problems because of medical costs and that her fiancee had lost his job. Saxon is out of jail after posting a $5,000 bond.
Grady County Man Charged with Lewd Acts With Teen
A Bradley man is behind bars, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a teenager. 19-year old Nickolas Dalton Ellis is charged with two counts of lewd acts to a child under 16. Court documents say the mother of the victim called the Grady County sheriff's office just after Thanksgiving that her 14-year old daughter had been the victim of a sexual assault. A warrant for Ellis’ arrest was issued this past Monday. He was booked into the county jail yesterday afternoon. He could have his arraignment on the charges on Monday.
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 on any of these individuals you're asked to reach out to the sheriff's office by calling 405-222-5085.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Sara King with the State Health Department is on our KOOL Konversation to discuss the COVID-19 vaccination process and the new health department portal to register to get the vaccine. On Real Estate Today, guests are Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir and Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Obituaries
Esta Marie Bryant
Services for Esta Marie Bryant, 72, of Oklahoma City are pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Betty Jo Porter
A graveside service for Betty Jo Porter, 93, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
R.A. Everett, Jr.
A graveside service for R.A. Everett, Jr., 95, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a U.S. Navy veteran whose unit helped to build the airbase and radar towers on Iwo Jima during World War II. Memorial contributions may be made to the J.D. McCarty Center in Norman. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Bob Riggs
No services are scheduled for Bob Riggs, 96, of Chickasha. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served during World War II. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Friday, January 8th
Manhunt Suspect Jailed on a $150,000 Bond
A KOOL-RANCH News follow-up today regarding the man who managed to escape police custody in Cyril earlier this week. 18-year old Eli Edwards Martin, who shows a Woodward address, is charged with felonies that include drug trafficking and having firearm with a removed serial number. Martin was arrested after escaping custody from Cyril police and was taken back into custody following a manhunt. On-line records from Caddo County District Court indicate that Martin is charged with drug possession, escape, obstruction, and committing a felony with a firearm. Martin remains in the Caddo County Jail on a $150,000 bond. He's to be back in court Feb. 8th to announce his attorney and a preliminary hearing conference is set for Feb. 18th.
Pursuit Suspect Faces Stolen Vehicle Charge
Also today, new information also about that high-speed pursuit between Elgin and Chickasha earlier this week. Comanche County prosecutors have charged Briar Yates with endangering others while eluding, driving a stolen vehicle, and driving without a license or insurance. The OHP reported that Yates is from Arkansas. The pursuit unfolded Tuesday night, when Elgin police saw Yates with a stolen pick-up. As police attempted to make a traffic stop, Yates sped away, with speeds reached 75 miles per hour in residential areas of Elgin, and reached 100 miles per hour when Yates headed east on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The pursuit lasted about 40 minutes, and ended after state troopers deployed stop sticks on the turnpike near Mile Marker 76 which is four miles southwest of Chickasha. Yates remains in the Comanche County Jail in lieu of a $75,000 bond.
Chix Sports Complex Prepares for Active Spring
The Chickasha Sports Complex is in a quiet period right now as the winter weather is not conducive for baseball or softball games. However Kyle Marks, the city's parks and recreation director, says action will be picking back up soon. Marks said that starting in a couple of weeks there are tournaments scheduled every weekend through June. He said many out-of-state teams are looking for places to play during the pandemic.
Marks says they are getting all the fields prepped and ready to go for the months ahead.
Absentee Ballot Applications Needed
For Upcoming Lindsay, Purcell Elections
Individuals wanting to vote by mail-in ballot in next month's Lindsay Board of Education primary election or the City of Purcell special election should apply to get those ballots now. County election boards in McClain and Garvin Counties can accept applications for absentee ballots through Feb. 2nd but officials say it’s better to apply for them as early as possible. Absentee ballot applications are available at either the McClain or Garvin County election boards or can be filled out on-line at the state election board website, www.elections.ok.gov
The reason to apply early is that two mailings are needed. The first is for the election board to mail out the ballots and the second is for the voters to mail ballots back. The ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on the day of the election which is Tuesday, Feb. 9th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $50.83 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $54.38.
Natural gas is $2.72 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,891 and silver is $26.61.
Obituaries
Quintin Turner
A memorial gathering for Quintin Turner, 50, of Waco, Texas and formerly of the Verden and Pioneer Area will be held by the family Saturday, Jan. 9th at Chickasha’s Full Gospel Church. A meal will be served at 11:30 a.m. A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. which will be followed by burial in the Laverty Cemetery.
Zella Harris
A funeral service was held Wednesday, Jan. 6th for Zella Harris, 94, of Weatherford, formerly of the Chickasha and Cement area. She and her late husband Virgil operated a number of businesses in Cement including the Texaco and Apco stations, the hotel, and laundry. They were members of Grand Assembly of God for many years before moving to Weatherford in 2009. Burial was in the Cement Cemetery.
Thursday, January 7th
Suspect Back in Custody After Manhunt
There was a manhunt in Caddo County yesterday after a man managed to escape the custody of Cyril police. Authorities spent several hours tracking Eli Martin who is alleged to have had a history of violence. KSWO-TV reports that Martin was eventually located in Fletcher and taken back into custody. Cyril police, the Caddo and Comanche county sheriff's offices, and state troopers were all part of the search. Martin reportedly was in handcuffs after initially being arrested in Cyril. The town of Fletcher notified residents on its Facebook page that Martin might be headed in that direction. The post was updated about 7 o'clock last night indicating that Martin was back in custody. It wasn't clear why Martin was arrested in the first place or how he got away.
Anonymous Tip Helps Authorities Find Wanted Man
An anonymous tip helps a Grady County deputy and Alex police with the arrest a man who had an outstanding warrant. The call came in before noon Sunday, where the wanted man was spotted at an Alex convenience store. A probable cause affidavit indicates the tipster gave authorities a description and the tag number of the SUV the man was driving. Alex Police Chief John Littrell was able to make a traffic stop and identified the man who was wanted for a misdemeanor breaking and entering charge. While doing an inventory of the SUV authorities found enough drugs to warrant a drug trafficking charge. In custody is 35-year old Kevin Carl Braziel of Chickasha. Braziel was serving a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to a felony domestic abuse charge just a few months ago. Braziel remains in the Grady County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
State's Daily COVID-19 Death Toll Hits Record-High Number
The state health department reported 62 new deaths from the coronavirus on Wednesday which is a record number of deaths for one day. It takes the total number of deaths in Oklahoma to 2,633. Two of the new deaths were in Grady County and both were men in the 65-years-and-older category. Grady County now has had 39 deaths from the virus out of 4,173 positive tests and there are 356 active cases. In Chickasha there have been 23 deaths out of 1,719 positive tests and there are 132 active cases. Among the Chickasha deaths is 22-year old Tony Sutton. He was among five family members who tested positive for COVID-19 in early December. He passed away from the illness just four days before Christmas. The health department says there are nearly 2,000 people hospitalized with the coronavirus.
COVID-19 Vaccine Portal Now Open
The health department's new on-line portal to register for the COVID-19 vaccine is now activated. You can register to get the vaccine although you may not be able to get an appointment right away. The vaccine protocol is in Phase Two which is for first responders, anyone 65 years and older, and teachers. Access the portal at: vaccinate.oklahoma.gov
By registering on-line, you'll be able to find out when you will be eligible to get the vaccine and will also be notified when it is your time to get vaccinated.
Chix Library's Chocolate Celebration Canceled
The pandemic has forced the cancelation of a popular fundraiser for the Chickasha library. The annual Chocolate Celebration that was scheduled for February has been called off. Library Director Lillie Huckaby said while the event won't be held this year they are encouraging their normal sponsors to consider their usual contributions. The event which is hosted by the Friends of the Library brings in several thousand dollars to help fund library improvements. The celebration is usually held just before Valentine's Day. Huckaby also indicated that the library's Food for Fines program will be wrapping up this week. The library has been accepting food donations in place of fines for overdue items since December 1st. Many patrons who don't have overdue materials also bring in non-perishable food, all of which is given to the Emergency Food Pantry. The Food for Fines program ends on Saturday, Jan. 9th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $50.63 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $54.30.
Natural gas is $2.71 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,917 and silver is $27.16.
Obituaries
Joyce Pechacek
Funeral service for Joyce Pechacek, 85, of Chickasha will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8th at Sharon Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Bobby Baker
A private graveside service for Bobby Baker, 81, of Chickasha will be in Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Gregory Muse
Funeral service for Gregory Muse, 47, will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9th at the First Baptist Church of Snyder. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Wednesday, January 6th
Turnpike Pursuit Leads to Arrest
A pursuit on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike reached speeds of 100 miles per hour yesterday as authorities chased down a stolen pickup. The pursuit began in Elgin and came to an end a few minutes later in Chickasha when troopers used stop sticks to disable the pick-up. KSWO-TV reports an Elgin police officer discovered the pickup was stolen after running its tag. The officer tried to pull the truck over but the driver sped away with speeds in residential areas of Elgin reaching 75 miles per hour. The driver led authorities to the H.E. Bailey Turnpike and headed east when state troopers joined in. News reports indicate the unidentified driver was arrested while a passenger in the truck was released.
Suspected Thief Caught; 1 Arrested for Harboring Fugitive
A man wanted for stealing a pickup from a county commissioner's office is in custody as is a woman who is accused of hiding the man from authorities. Grady County deputies arrested 44-year old Aaron Doyle Sanders at a home in Alex last Wednesday. He was wanted for stealing a truck from the District 2 Grady County Commissioners barn in Chickasha back in September. Sanders, of Chickasha, also had outstanding warrants from Seminole County for burglary, sexual battery, and false personation. Also arrested was 33-year old Tara Pauline Wolfe, also of Chickasha, who was taken into custody and has been charged with harboring a fugitive. Both remain in the Grady County Jail.
Burglary Suspect Arrested in Connection with 2nd Break-in
A man is arrested a second time within a year on burglary complaints. 53-year old Jessie David Avery, who listed an Oklahoma City address, was arrested New Year’s Eve by Grady County deputies after a warrant was issued for his arrest. No information was available regarding the warrant. Earlier in the year, Avery was arrested by Chickasha police after being implicated in a residential burglary-in-progress that occurred in February. Avery was out of jail on bond awaiting a preliminary hearing conference on that charge when he was re-arrested last week. Avery remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond.
Animal Shelter Volunteers Seek Upgrades to Shelter
Volunteers at the City of Chickasha's animal shelter encouraged the city council to replace many of the shelter's cages and kennels they say are dangerous to the animals. Carolyn Blevins was one of the volunteers who addressed concerns during Monday night’s city council meeting.
Blevins said the shelter housed 733 animals in 2020 and 686 in 2019. She said they have had to use zip ties and baling wire to hold some of the cages together and several animals have been injured because of the outdated equipment. The council voted unanimously to go out for bids for new kennels and cages.
New Website Created to Help Oklahomans
Get Appointments for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Individuals who want to get the COVID-19 vaccination will soon have an easier way to schedule appointments. The state health department has created an on-line registration portal which will be available tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 7th). Individuals will be able to find out when they are eligible to get the vaccine, how to schedule an appointment, and when it is their turn. The portal is available for pre-registration now at: www.vaccinate.oklahoma.gov but individuals won’t be able to schedule an appointment until tomorrow. The health department is also exploring options to better help those who don’t have access to a computer or the Internet with scheduling appointments.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $49.33.
London-based Brent crude is $53.60.
Natural gas is $2.70 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,958 and silver is $28.01.
Obituaries
Kathryn Stripling
No services will be held for Kathryn Stripling, 95, of Chickasha. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Jerry Weber
Funeral service for Jerry Weber, 44, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9th at the First Baptist Church of Anadarko. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Andy Stephenson
A private service will be held for Andy Stephenson, 67, of Tulsa and formerly of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Tuesday, January 5th
Revisions Made to Chix Flood Prevention Study
A second public hearing on a flood prevention study for the City of Chickasha lasted over an hour during last night's city council meeting. Officials with the engineering firm of Smith Roberts and Baldischwiler added some revisions to the study which was first discussed by the council last month. The study, which is officially called a Master Drainage Plan, recommends numerous projects to deal with storm water coming into and leaving Chickasha and takes into consideration 5-year, 10-year, 50-year, and 100-year floods. The projects are broken into five phases but it is an expensive plan - one that City Manager John Noblitt says the city council will have to decide how to pay for it.
Any general obligation bonds would have to get approval of city voters. The council was to consider adopting the study during the meeting, but postponed that to a future meeting, as suggestions brought up during last night's public hearing are considered.
Walking Trail Study Nixed by Council
In a 5-4 vote, the council voted down a proposal to approve a contract for engineering services to build a walking and biking trail on 17th Street. City Manager John Noblitt said the council could have taken advantage of some 50-50 matching fund grants which he said are use-it or lose-it funds. The consensus of the council was that the city could not afford its 50 percent of the cost of the engineering services. Voting against the plan were Oscar Nelson, Zach Grayson, Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander, Clark Van Dyck and Brian Gerdes. Voting in favor were Mayor Chris Mosley, Kim Loggins, Jim Hopkins, and David Sikes.
Elected Official Take Oaths of Office
Four Grady County elected officials were sworn in to office in a formal ceremony at the county courthouse yesterday. Sheriff Jim Weir, District Two County Commissioner Kirk Painter; County Clerk Jill Locke, and Court Clerk Lisa Hannah took their oaths of office from District Judge Kory Kirkland.
All four were elected to four-year terms which will end in early 2025.
Abandoned Mill Destroyed by Fire
Fire crews battled a blaze at an abandoned Chickasha mill near 6th and Michigan Avenue Monday. A Grady County deputy said he was first on the scene when he noticed the smoke. Interim Chickasha Fire chief Tony Samaniego said crews were hampered in their efforts because two nearby fire hydrants were not working properly. Tanker truck from the Ninnekah and Pioneer Volunteer Fire Departments were called in and the Tuttle Fire Department also responded. No nearby homes were damaged in the fire and no injuries were reported. Samaniego said the fire was a result of transients who started a fire in the building. A damage estimate was not available. We have some video of the fire posted on our Facebook page.
Conservation Reserve Program Sign-up Underway
Landowners can now apply for USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). It's a program that's been around for nearly 40 years and Farm Broadcaster Ron Hays says it’s one of the most popular conservation programs.
Sign-up runs through Feb. 12th. Landowners can reach out to their local Farm Service Agency offices to get the details.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $47.62 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $51.09.
Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,951 and silver is $27.65.
Obituaries
Budd Carr, Jr.
A graveside service for Budd Carr, Jr., 88, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and worked for PSO for 32 years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Carol Sellers
A graveside service for Carol Sellers, 70, of Lawton will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7th at Chickasha's Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Monday, January 4th
OSBI Investigates Chickasha Man's Death
Authorities are investigating the death of a Chickasha man. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is calling the death of Jerry Weber suspicious. Very little information is being released by the OSBI. Spokeswoman Brook Arbeitman did not indicate how Weber may have died but did say the medical examiner will determine the cause. It will be several weeks before a report is available. No other information was provided.
First Responders Next in Line for COVID-19 Vaccinations
First responders are next in line to get the COVID-19 vaccinations. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson says his office is working to establish some outlets throughout the county to make the vaccine available.
The vaccine will also be available to Oklahomans who are 65-years and older. While we await the Grady County dates, times, and locations - Stephens County will hold COVID-19 vaccinations every Thursday beginning this week at the Stephens County Fairgrounds in Duncan from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Chix City Council to Discuss Flood Prevention Study Again
The Chickasha City Council holds its first meeting of the New Year tonight. Among the issues to be reviewed include the flood prevention study which was discussed at last month's meeting. The second of two public hearings on the study is part of tonight's meeting, and afaterwards the panel will consider accepting the study. Engineers are proposing improvements that could cost as much as $12 million if they are implemented. The study can be viewed on the City of Chickasha's website.
Council to Consider Bike Trail;
Economic Development Funds
The council will also consider a proposal to build a walking and biking trail on 17th Street. The panel will discuss entering into a contract with an engineering firm to design the trail. The group will also consider issuing an additional $40,000 in economic development funds to Mark McPherson with Great Plains Land and Cattle Company for the renovation work underway at the old Chickasha Star newspaper office. Two new businesses have already opened in that building.
Chix PD May Get New Dispatch Consoles
The group will also consider accepting a sole-source bid for a radio control system for the police department for more than $180,000. The bid comes from a state contract with a company called Bearcom. Authorities say that two radio control systems installed 18 years ago have deteriorated to the point that they are no long reliable, and that the radio tower and equipment took a hit by lightning in 2017. The city did get an 80-20 grant to help purchase the system. The city's portion of the cost is $44,000. The council will also go behind closed doors for the annual evaluation of city manager John Noblitt. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
Changes Take Place at Grady County Courthouse Annex
There are some changes to the Grady County courthouse annex. The Emergency Management Office now takes up the eastern half of the building at 3rd and Pennsylvania - and the election board has expanded to the western half of the building. Election Board Secretary Katrina Hughes says the entrance to the election board is on the west side which is the previous entry door to emergency management. The district attorney's office moved to the former law office across the street west of the courthouse.
Bridge Work Closes Ninnekah Street
A road closure in Ninnekah will affect traffic for some time. Dell Street will be closed down from Old Highway 81 east to the Senior Citizens Center for an indefinite period of time for some bridge repair work. The notice was posted on the Grady County Fire Department's Facebook page.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $48.52 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $51.80.
Natural gas is $2.53 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,938 and silver is $27.51.
Obituary
Larry Wilson
Funeral service for Larry Wilson, 77, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
