Saturday, February 27th
Defendant in 2012 Inmate Death Back in Grady County Jail
One of several defendants involved in the beating death of a Grady County jail inmate several years ago was returned to the jail recently. Cody Sitlington was among six men who were responsible for the 2012 death of Anthony John Mollman. According to a story in the archives of the Oklahoman, Mollman was an admitted drug offender who supplied meth to the Rouges Motorcycle Gang. Mollman is said to have died after suffering a heart attack caused by multiple blows to the head. Court records indicate that Sitlington was returned to Grady County after completing a federal sentence for an undetermined offense. Sitlington pleaded guilty to first degree murder in connection to Mollman's death, and will eventually be transferred to a state prison to begin serving his 25-year sentence he received in 2013.
Utilities Want to Pass Winter Storm Costs on to Customers
Oklahomans could be seeing a big increase in their utility bills as a result of last week's historic winter storm. Companies like PSO, Oklahoma Natural Gas, OG&E and others this week filed documents with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission seeking approval to recover their costs. ONG said its natural gas purchases for February were about $1.5 billion. In comparison, that’s nearly fives times more than what was spent in all of 2019 (about $306 million). PSO issued a press release saying they hope to minimize the impacts that the dramatic increases could have on customers' bills, by spreading the costs over an extended period of time. A PSO spokesman said they understand the increases may create hardships for some customers, and their priority has been to find a way to minimize those impacts. PSO said their final cost increases have not yet been determined but that it was clear that they were sharply higher than were forecast.
Elderly Woman Arrested for Failure to Appear for DUI
A nearly 80-year old woman has been arrested on a warrant for failure to appear in court on a DUI charge. Glenda Jo Cone was booked into the Grady County Jail Thursday night. On-line court records indicate the 78-year old Tuttle woman was initially ticketed for a municipal DUI by Chickasha police last July and charged with a felony. Initially, her bond was set at $75,000 but it was reduced to $20,000 in September. A preliminary hearing conference was originally scheduled in December but it was re-scheduled for next month. On-line court records indicate that bond was revoked this week because she left her rehabilitation program. Cone remains in jail on a $75,000 bond.
Continental Resources Sues
over Drilling Permit Delays
Continental Resources is suing a federal agency over delays of a number of drilling permits on federal lands in North Dakota. The lawsuit by the Oklahoma City-based company filed against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considered to be a challenge of the Biden administration's anti-fossil fuel moves that were put in place shortly after he took office. The website OK Energy Today says the suit claims the permits should have been approved when Donald Trump was still president. The BLM blamed some of the delays on software errors. Continental says the Department of the Interior's actions are unconstitutional because they violate the Mineral Leasing Act
Holy City Begins Preparations for Passion Play
The Holy City of the Wichitas is preparing for its 96th annual Easter Pageant. A casting call is out for individuals who would like to perform, do voice-overs, make costumes, or be involved on the technical crew. Officials are looking for 300 people to be part of what's known as the Passion Play, which follows the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Volunteers are asked to help with technical aspects of the show each weekend through Easter Sunday. The pageant will take place on both Palm Sunday March 28th and Easter Sunday April the 4th. Find out more information on the Holy City of the Wichitas website or Facebook page.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Dr. R.P. Ashanti- Alexander and Milton Bowens will be on our KOOL Konversation program discussing Black History Month and its relation to Chickasha. On Real Estate Today the guests are Mike Galloway and Seth Doulton, both of whom are members of the Monster Truck Hall of Fame. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Friday, February 26th
Boil Advisory Canceled
A recommendation for Chickasha and Norge water customers to boil their water has been canceled. Chickasha officials issued a voluntary boil advisory last Friday, saying that broken water lines and low water pressure after the winter storm may have contaminated the city's water supply. Managers of the city's water treatment plant say the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) indicated tests completed on several samples of water met all DEQ safety standards.
Motive Determined in Park Stabbing
Some details are emerging about a stabbing at a Chickasha park this week. An affidavit filed by Chickasha police say two men were fighting over a girlfriend. The affidavit states that the 16-year old girl's former boyfriend, Bryan Poafbypitty - and current boyfriend - Christian Chastain - got into a fight at Centennial Park on Tuesday. Chastain suffered multiple stab wounds and had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. Poafpybitty suffered minor injuries and went to the hospital to get stitches on a finger before he was arrested. The affidavit indicates Poafpybitty said he spent the previous night with the girl and may have touched her inappropriately. Poafpybitty was formally charged with felony counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and rape by instrumentation. He remains in jail on a $150,000 bond.
Chix City Council to Sift Through City Manager Applicants
The Chickasha City Council will be taking a look at the resumes of individuals who have applied for the vacant city manager post. The council has a closed-door session Monday as part of its regular meeting to discuss the resumes and qualifications of the applicants and to schedule interviews. The city has been without a city manager for about a month following the resignation of the previous manager John Noblit. The council is also expected to hire Greenbelt Turf Management to help with brush and debris removal that is still left over from the last October's ice storm. Also up for discussion is approving $7,500 in funds from the Airport Authority to help advertise an air show that the airport will hold in June.
Bridge to be Included on Nat'l Register of Historic Places
A bridge in Caddo County is being added to the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the Bridgeport Bridge at U.S. Highway 281 over the South Canadian River. A press release from the state Historic Preservation Office says the construction of the bridge was a challenge for the state highway commission. It was a difficult crossing and there was tension between the commission and the Bureau of Public Roads over the bridge’s route and the design. Funding was nearly halted at one point but the agencies finally agreed on a plan. The bridge was completed in 1933 and spans nearly 3/4 of a mile. It was the state's longest bridge at the time and the longest toll-free crossing on Route 66.
Sheriff's Office Updates Warrant 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.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $65.53.
London-based Brent crude is $66.88.
Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,762 and silver is $26.96.
Thursday, February 25th
Boil Advisory Continues; Water Test Results Expected
Chickasha and Norge water customers continue to be under a voluntary advisory to boil their drinking water. The advisory was issued last Friday after numerous water line breaks and low water pressure occurred throughout the City of Chickasha which were caused by the historic winter storm. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley says officials hope to hear results today of the water samples sent to the State Department of Environmental Quality for testing. Mosley said they need two negative tests before lifting the boil advisory.
Woman Accused of Using Pink Rifle to Make Threats
A Chickasha woman accused of threatening people at a Lawton convenience store with a rifle will undergo a mental evaluation. 36-year old Amanda Reeves is alleged to have brandished a pink .40-caliber rifle at the store this past weekend. The Lawton Constitution cites a probable cause affidavit from Lawton police saying Reeves entered the store with the rifle, pointed it at a customer, and told her she was under arrest. The customer told police she didn't think the rifle was real. Reeves has been charged with a felony count of assault with a dangerous weapon and her bond set at $50,000. Reeves has a post-competency evaluation hearing scheduled for May 20th.
Former Chix State Lawmaker Picked for Governor's Cabinet
A former Chickasha state lawmaker has been appointed to Governor Kevin Stitt's cabinet. Susan Winchester will serve as the governor's first secretary of licensing and regulation. Winchester is expected to oversee more than 80 state agencies. The appointment will need to be confirmed by the state senate. Winchester served in the State House of Representatives from 1998 to 2008 and was the state's first female Speaker Pro Temp of the house. Most recently, she was the president of the Research Institute for Economic Development and served briefly as the chief of staff for former Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb. In a prepared statement, Winchester said she is excited to work with the governor to cut red tape, get rid of excessive regulations, and to create and system that encourages success instead of preserving mediocrity.
Four Candidates File for Caddo County Commissioner Seat
A total of four candidates have filed to run for a vacant post on the Caddo County Board of Commissioners. Two candidates filed for the seat in the final day of filing yesterday. 52-year old Darren Farmer of Anadarko became the third Democrat to file. Two other Democrats previously filed. They are 49-year old Jeff Boren and 45-year old Jamie Williams both of Gracemont. One Republican filed for the seat. She is 74-year old Belita Jo Lee Byrd of Minco. There is a two-day protest and withdrawal period. If needed, a special primary election for the Democrats will be in April. A special general election is scheduled for later in the year.
Anadarko Teachers Get COVID-19 Vaccinations
A number of Anadarko school teachers have received their first COVID-19 vaccinations. About 120 teachers and staff members received the vaccinations this week. Physician's Hospital in Anadarko and the State Department of Health combined efforts to provide the vaccinations.
National FFA Week Celebrated
This week is National FFA Week which is set aside to recognize youth who participate in a wide range of agriculture-related projects. Let's meet some of the students with Ninnekah FFA-
The mission of the organization is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.22 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $66.18.
Natural gas is $2.79 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,792 and silver is $28.25.
Wednesday, February 24th
Stabbing Victim Critical After Fight in Chix Park
A stabbing victim remains hospitalized in critical condition after being injured in a fight at a Chickasha park. 19-year old Christian Chastain was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with multiple stab wounds. The stabbing took place Tuesday afternoon in the playground area of Centennial Park, a popular place for families to take their children. Chickasha police spokesman Lt. Scott Weaver was at the park as investigators were uncovering the details.
A Grady County sheriff’s deputy arrested 18-year old Bryan Poafpbybitty, Jr. a short distance from the park. It was not clear why the two men were fighting. Poafpbybitty is being held in the Grady County Jail on complaints of assault and or battery with a deadly weapon and rape by instrumentation.
Bond Denied for Triple Murder Suspect
Triple murder suspect Lawrence Paul Anderson is facing five felony charges in connection with his alleged fatal attack on his family and a neighbor. Anderson has been charged with three counts of first degree murder, one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon - which prosecutors say is equivalent to attempted murder - and maiming. Anderson appeared in Grady County District Court for his initial appearance on the charges yesterday where a judge denied bond. Anderson’s court-appointed attorney, Al Hoch, told the judge that Anderson was competent to understand the charges which were filed against him, but indicated a mental evaluation may be needed for him to help with his defense. Following the hearing, Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks held a press conference to discuss Anderson's lengthy criminal history and again mentioned that he was released from prison after serving just three years of a 20-year prison sentence. Hicks placed part of the blame of Anderson’s early release on the state's criminal justice reform efforts.
Hicks said the pardon and parole board does not have time to review the hundreds of cases they review each time they meet. Hicks said he'll be working with Gov. Kevin Stitt's office to try and deal with the issue. In the meantime, a joint funeral for two of Anderson's victims will be held this weekend. A funeral service for 4-year old Kaous Yates and her grandfather Leon Pye will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27th at Grand Assembly of God Church. A viewing will take place Friday from 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Faith Medical Missions Founder Dies
A longtime Chickasha missionary has died. John Wilson, who ran the group Faith Medical Missions, died in Florida recenty following a brief illness. He was 70 years old. Wilson made numerous trips to Central and South America, Thailand, Cambodia and other countries over the last 35 years. He created Chickasha-based Faith Medical Missions about 20 years ago. He is survived by his wife Vickie, his mother, and numerous family members. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Filing Ends Today for Caddo County Commissioner Post
There are still only two candidates who have filed for a seat on the Caddo County board of commissioners. Filing for the open District 2 post are 45-year old Jamie Williams and 49-year old Jeff Boren, both Democrats from Gracemont. Today is the last of a three-day filing period for candidates who may want to file. Filing takes place at the Caddo County Election Board and ends at 5:00 p.m. today.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.67 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $65.37.
Natural gas is $2.88 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,805 and silver is $27.84.
Obituaries
Carol May Taylor
A graveside service for Carol May Taylor, 73, of Tuttle will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25th at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
Sandra Hunter-DeLong
A memorial service is pending for Sandra Hunter-DeLong, 63, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Tuesday, February 23rd
Graphic Details Published Regarding Chickasha Homicides
Published reports include some gruesome details of the deaths of three people in Chickasha two weeks ago. The Oklahoman is reporting that suspect Laurence Paul Anderson cut out the heart of one of his victims and ate it. Grady County prosecutors will be filing formal charges against Anderson today. Following the hearing, District Attorney Jason Hicks will hold a press conference to discuss the case. Anderson is accused in the stabbing deaths of his uncle Leon Pye, Pye's 4-year old granddaughter, Kaous Yates, and a neighbor Andrea Blankenship. Anderson is also expected to be charged with assault on Delsie Pye, who was stabbed in both eyes. The Oklahoman reports that Anderson confessed to killing Blankenship first, telling investigators he cut out her heart then cooked and ate it. He then went across the street to commit the other crimes. In a previous story published by the Oklahoman, Hicks was angry that Anderson was released from prison last month after serving only 3 1/2 years of a 20-year prison sentence.
Freezing Weather Blamed on Death
The death of a Caddo County man is being blamed on last week's subfreezing temperatures. The body of 51-year old Truman "TL" Baker was found by a relative in a snow-covered pickup southwest of Anadarko Sunday night. Officials say his death does not appear to be suspicious. It wasn't clear how long Baker may have been in the truck. The Lawton Constitution reported information provided to the News and Public Relations Division of the Kiowa Tribe. It stated relatives had indicated it wasn't unusual for Baker to stay at different places for days at a time but they became concerned when they hadn't seen him when temperatures dipped well below zero last week.
Woman Faces Murder, Animal Cruelty Charges
A Marlow woman is facing a murder charge and more than 100 charges of animal cruelty following her arrest last week. 49-year old Karen Jean Pritchard is being held in the Stephens County Jail on a $1 million bond. KSWO-TV reports sheriff's deputies investigated a tip they received about foul play at Pritchard's home where they found the body of 31-year old Ashley Nicole Anderson. It wasn't clear how Anderson may have died. Pritchard is also accused of running a puppy mill as authorities found nearly 200 animals, most of them in terrible condition, with some requiring emergency surgery. The Humane Society of Tulsa is caring for the animals.
Chix City Hall Deals with Water Damage
A broken overhead fire sprinkler at Chickasha City Hall last weekend caused quite a mess. Mayor Chris Mosley said a two-inch line water line in the ceiling of the first floor ruptured just before the close of business on Friday. It caused some damage to the Community Development, finance and utility billing departments, but a damage estimate has not been determined. Mosley said damage would have been a lot worse had the break occurred after employees left for the weekend. The city posted on its Facebook page that a number of extension cords are running across the floor of city hall and that visitors should watch their step. Visitors are asked to use the east entrance off of 4th Street as the west entry door is closed. Officials say the fans are very loud so workers in the Utility Billing and Community Development Departments are unable to answer the phones. If you do call, you're asked to leave a message and someone will get back with you as soon as possible.
Boil Advisory Continues for Chickasha, Norge Water Users
The mayor said that the voluntary boil advisory issued last Friday is expected to be in place for several days. He said a few fire hydrants will be flushed today and tomorrow and water samples will be sent to the State Department of Environmental Quality for testing. Mosley said the city needs two negative tests before the boil advisory can be lifted. The advisory is in effect for both Chickasha and Norge water customers.
Two File for Caddo County Commissioner Vacancy
Two candidates have filed for an open seat on the Caddo County commissioners board. The District 2 post is vacant due to the recent death of Commissioner Randy McLemore. Filing on Monday were 49-year old Jeff Boren and 45-year old Jamie Williams, both of Gracemont and both Democrats. The three-day filing period runs through 5 p.m. Wednesday, with candidates filing at the Caddo County Election board.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.49 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $65.24.
Natural gas is $2.95 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,806. Silver is $27.92.
Obituaries
Nancy Trotter
Funeral service for Nancy Trotter, 63, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26th at The First Christian Church of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Steve “Smokey” Graves
A viewing for 76-year old Steve "Smokey" Graves of Chickasha will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Monday, February 22nd
Water Line Repairs Continue
Chickasha water line crews spent much of their weekend repairing more water line breaks blamed on last week's historic freeze and winter storms. At least five breaks were repaired including Jackson and Franklin Streets, 17th and Iowa, 17th and Colorado, 19th and Alabama, and the 1400 block of South 20th. That's nearly a dozen water lines repaired since late last week. City water users as well as individuals on Norge water are still under a voluntary boil advisory which was issued Friday afternoon. USW, The city's water treatment contractor, issued the precautionary boil advisory due to potential contamination of the water due to the numerous water line breaks and low water pressure. The boil advisory is in effect until further notice.
Parents Urged to Send Bottled
Water to School with Students
Due to the boil advisory, Chickasha school officials are urging parents to send their children to school with bottled water this week. According to a post on the district's Facebook page, officials say they are securing additional bottled water to help in the situation.
Filing Period Open for Caddo County Commissioner Post
The filing period opens today for a seat on the board of Caddo County commissioners. The post is for District 2 which is the seat previously held by Randy McLemore who passed away recently. Candidates must live within the district 2 boundaries of Caddo County. Candidates can file through Wednesday at the Caddo County Election Board. A special primary election if needed will be held in April with a special general election if needed to be held later in the year.
State House of Reps Forms Redistricting Committee
A number of state lawmakers from the region have been appointed to the state and federal redistricting committee in the State House of Representatives. Members include Representative Toni Hasenbeck of Elgin. Hasenbeck will also serve as vice chair of the southwest region subcommittee. Also on the southwest subcommittee are Rep. Dick Lowe of Amber, Rep. Brad Boles of Marlow, and Rep. Marcus McEntire of Duncan. Serving on the south central subcommittee are Rep. Cynthia Roe of Lindsay and Rep. Sherrie Conley of Newcastle. After receiving the final data from the 2020 U.S. Census, the committee will submit revised district alignments which will be considered by the full house. The group will hold its first meeting this week to adopt policies, protocols, and a public map submission process.
Blood Emergency Continues
The Oklahoma Blood Institute says there is still a blood emergency in the Sooner State. The organization supplies blood to dozens of Oklahoma hospitals and last week's historic winter storm postponed a number of blood drives. If you have time today, the First Baptist Church at 4th and Colorado will have a blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tomorrow, the Friend community will have a blood drive at Sharon Baptist Church from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, Special Young Adults at 9th and Oregon will have a blood drive from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. To find a blood drive in your area, go to the website: www.obi.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $59.24 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $62.91.
Natural gas is $3.07 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,796 and silver is $27.61.
Obituary
Patsy Fowler
A private family service for Patsy Fowler, 94, was held today. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
