Saturday, April 3rd
Suspects In Custody After Shots Fired in Home Invasion
A Caddo County homeowner was involved in a shootout with two men that he says were breaking into his home. KWTV News 9 reports the home invasion took place in Lookeba on March 22nd. The report quotes Caddo County Sheriff Spencer Davis as saying the homeowner saw the two men circling around his home. The men approached the back door and kicked it in and the homeowner fired a shot in their direction but didn't hit either of the suspects. He chased them out of the home and as they drove away the suspects fired back. The men eventually crashed into a tree and got away on foot. With the help of citizens, Caddo County deputies were able to track them down. Both men were reported to be convicted felons out of Oklahoma City. They were arrested on complaints of burglary, shooting with intent to kill, and drug possession. The homeowner is not facing any charges. Sheriff Davis said he would not advise anyone to break into a home in rural Oklahoma because residents don't mess around and that somebody might end up getting hurt.
DUI Suspect Later Arrested For Officer Assault
A man accused of drinking and driving is also accused of assaulting an officer in separate incidents that took place just a few hours apart. This happened in Tuttle earlier this week. Tuttle police were called to investigate an accident where a car ran off the road, hit a concrete retaining wall, and a large pile of brush. A probable cause affidavit file by the officer said it appeared the driver was drunk and there was an open beer can in the car. The driver suffered a head injury and was taken to a Mustang hospital for treatment. The man's car was impounded. Later in the afternoon, after the man was released from the hospital, he went to the Tuttle police department and demanded to get the keys to his car. The man again appeared to be under the influence and got into a physical confrontation with two officers but was eventually taken into custody. Arrested was 41-year old Joseph Nimmo of Oklahoma City. He's facing felony charges of DUI and assault on a police officer and misdemeanors of public drunk and resisting arrest. He's in in the Grady County Jail pending a $10,000 bond.
Sheriff's Office Wanted List
The Grady County Sheriff's office has updated its list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here's Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett-
If you have information regarding any of these individuals you're asked to contact the sheriff’s office by calling 405-222-5085.
Friday, April 2nd
Former Restaurant Manager Accused of Arson
The one-time manager of a Chickasha restaurant is accused of starting a fire that destroyed the restaurant. 41-year old Nidal Nazih Al-Ghazawneh is accused of intentionally setting the fire at Sam's Southern Eatery last October. An arrest warrant was issued for Al-Ghazawneh this past Tuesday and he was booked into the Grady County Jail on Wednesday. A probable cause affidavit from the state fire marshal's office indicates that video surveillance shows that Al-Ghazawneh returned to the restaurant after it closed and turned on a deep-fryer that was partially filled with cooking oil. The affidavit states that the lives of firefighters were in danger while beating back the flames as the building began to collapse on them. Al-Ghazawneh has been formally charged with felony counts of arson and endangering life during arson. He is out of jail after posting a $50,000 bond and is to announce his attorney April 15th with a preliminary hearing conference scheduled April 28th.
Ninnekah Man Charged with Arson in SUV Fire
A Ninnekah man is also accused of arson following an un-related incident earlier this week. 27-year old Shaun McConnell was taken into custody after authorities say he set his SUV on fire. Ninnekah police and firefighters were called to a home on Quail Road late Tuesday night. A probable cause affidavit indicates a resident told authorities that McConnell threatened to burn everything down on the property. Police found McConnell a few minutes later, who threatened them with a weapon which turned out to be a pellet gun. Police managed to take McConnell into custody but not before he kicked an officer and tried to get away. Police also say they found drugs in McConnell's possession. McConnell, who has a long history with police, is facing new charges of arson, possession of an imitation pistol after felony conviction, and drug possession. He remains in jail in lieu of $75,000 bond.
Chickasha Schools Name District Teacher of the Year
A third grade teacher has been named Teacher of the Year for Chickasha Public Schools. Jennifer Phillips, who has taught in the district for 15 years, picked up the honor. The news was posted on the school district's Facebook page. Phillips has taught nearly every grade at Grand Avenue Elementary except second grade since starting her career in Chickasha in 2005. She has also served as a department chair, has served on the district's professional development committee, has worked as webpage trainer, and helped numerous student-teachers in their development.
Selecting the Right Easter Lily
Easter lilies are popular house plants this time of year. If you have yet to get yours for this Easter weekend, Ben Tindle with the Grady County 4H teen leaders has some recommendations.
Tindle says don't throw your Easter lilies away. You can plant them outside in either the spring or fall. They will need some morning sun and should be in soil that drains easily. Cut them back in late fall and put some mulch around them to protect them from cold winter weather.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.45 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $63.60.
Natural gas is $2.64 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,726 and silver is $24.95.
Talk Show Topics
Here is part of what we’re talking about this weekend. Ward 1 Chickasha City Council candidates David Lucas and Brian Gerdes are guests on the KOOL Konversation. Dr. Jeanette Loutch with USAO is the guest on Real Estate Today. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Thursday, April 1st
Son Arrested for Improper Care of His Father
A Grady County man is in custody after a warrant was issued for his arrest for the improper care of his disabled father. Authorities issued a felony arrest warrant for 32-year old Derek Wayne Loyd of Rush Springs after a hospice worker found Loyd's father living in deplorable conditions. A police affidavit indicates that the man was lying in a urine-soaked bed, and there had been an instance where she saw maggots in the man's bed. The affidavit further states that the home had piles of clothes and trash in every room, that the house smelled of urine and feces, and there were soiled linens piled up inside and outside of the home. The arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday, March 30th and Loyd was taken into custody by a Grady County deputy sheriff Wednesday, March 31st. Loyd is charged with one felony count of caretaker abuse. He's expected to have his initial appearance on the charge in Grady County District Court today.
Two Candidates on Chickasha City Council Ballot
The annual Chickasha City Council election is coming up next week. There is only one race on the ballot where two candidates are seeking a post in Ward 1. Brian Gerdes currently holds that seat after being appointed to the city council last year. He said he would like to see the city implement the recent flood prevention plan the council adopted.
David Lucas is the other candidate. He says the city needs to be more transparent about what's being done and wants the public to have more time during city council meetings to discuss problems.
Both Gerdes and Lucas will be on our KOOL Konversation program this weekend.
Early Voting Underway for April 6th Elections
In addition to the Chickasha City Council election next week there are numerous other city and town council elections as well as school elections set for Tuesday, April 6th. Among them is a seat on the Canadian Valley Technology Center Board of Education. It's for Office No. 3 where incumbent Travis Posey is facing challenger Dennis Crawford. Early voting for all of next week's elections is now underway. Voters can cast in-person, absentee ballots at county election boards. The early voting is available until 6 p.m. today (Thursday) and again from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. tomorrow (Friday). Unlike federal elections there is no early voting on Saturday. Most regular precincts will be open Tuesday, April 6th from 700 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
National Guard Bill Passes State Senate Panel
A bill to honor Oklahoma National Guard soldiers killed in the line of duty gets unanimous approval from a state senate committee. HB 2374 would provide up to $10,000 for funeral expenses for guard members who are killed while on active-duty status. The bill was co-authored by State Rep. Dean Davis of Broken Arrow and State Senator David Bullard of Durant. Bullard said there is no way to properly thank or recognize those who make the ultimate sacrifice, but the state can help cover expenses when these heroes are laid to rest. The bill now goes before the full state senate for consideration and if approved would go to Gov. Kevin Stitt for final approval. The State House of Representatives has already passed the measure.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $59.16 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $63.54.
Natural gas is $2.61 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,715 and silver is $24.40.
Obituary
Johnny Wray
Funeral service for Johnny Wray, 69, will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 2nd at Grand Assembly of God in Chickasha. He served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Verden for many years.
Wednesday, March 31st
One Hospitalized After Multi-Vehicle Crash
A three-vehicle accident which included a semi on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike sent one man to the hospital with leg injuries. Some Chickasha residents involved in the crash were fortunate to avoid getting hurt. The accident happened about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in the westbound lanes of the interstate near Mile Marker 106 in Newcastle. The highway patrol reports a semi driven by Chad James of Chickasha had been parked on the shoulder. As James attempted to merge onto the highway a pick-up rear-ended the semi, and the pickup was hit by an SUV. The driver of the pickup, 60-year old Joseph Thompson of Edmond, was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted in serious condition. James was not injured and two Chickasha residents in the pickup, Billy and Beatrice Trammell, were not seriously hurt.
Verden Police Find Drugs in Another Traffic Stop
Verden police have made another arrest which has resulted in a drug-trafficking charge being filed against an individual. It’s the second such incident in Verden within the last few days. An arrest affidavit shows an officer spotted an SUV with an expired temporary paper tag early Sunday morning. The officer tried to make a traffic stop but the SUV led the officer on a short pursuit through town before crashing into a ditch. Arrested was 32-year old Kathryn White of Oklahoma City. The officer stated he found nearly 250 grams of methamphetamine in the SUV. White has been formally charged with felony drug trafficking. She remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond.
Snack Foods with THC Found in Oklahoma
You may have heard that snack foods containing medical marijuana products have made their way to Oklahoma. It was reported that the foods were packaged in California. Some of the packages have small markings on them showing they include THC but the markings may not be clearly visible. The State Bureau of Narcotics and the State Medical Marijuana Authority issued a joint statement reminding patients about medication safety. Officials said the ingestion of THC can send some people to the hospital. They also said dispensaries are required to refuse any products that don't meet packaging label requirements. The groups also said all medications and even medical marijuana products including edibles should be stored out of the reach of children and pets and recommend that medication lock-boxes should be used.
USAO to Hold In-person Graduation
For the first time since the pandemic started USAO will hold an in-person graduation ceremony. President John Feaver said he was happy to resume commencement activities in-person and invites all students whose final term in college was disrupted by the coronavirus. The ceremony will be held outdoors on the oval on Saturday, April 24th. Graduates will have four tickets to give to guests who will sit in socially-distant pods and everyone will be required to wear masks. Individuals who don't have tickets will be allowed to stand beyond the seating area. The ceremony will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend.
Dicamba Training Sessions Scheduled
Ag producers needing to update their Dicamba application certification will have a couple of opportunities for training over the next couple of weeks. The Grady County OSU Extension Office will offer the courses on both Thursday, April 8th and Thursday, April 15th. The training sessions will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on both days. Producers will only have to attend one of the sessions. Officials say there will be information about new testing and CEU requirements for private applicators. Individuals should contact the extension office by calling 405-224-2216. A limited number of spots are available.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $60.55 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $64.14.
Natural gas is $2.62 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,686 and silver is $24.10.
Tuesday, March 30th
Woman Charged with Trafficking Hides Meth in her Body
A woman arrested on a drug complaint has been charged with drug trafficking after authorities say she was found with drugs in her genitals. 28-year old Lorraina Nunez of Oklahoma City was arrested by Verden police Tuesday, March 23rd. An affidavit filed at the Grady County Courthouse indicates that while at the jail officials received word that Nunez had drugs in her private area. When asked if she had drugs hidden inside her body she said yes. A female officer took Nunez to a changing area where she produced some meth wrapped in plastic. The affidavit indicates it was enough to warrant prosecutors to file a felony drug trafficking charge against her. Nunez is also charged with a second felony for bringing contraband into the jail. Nunez remains in jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond. She's to announce her attorney April 15th with a preliminary hearing set for April 28th. On-line court records indicate that Nunez pleaded guilty to a previous drug trafficking charge three years ago after being arrested by Minco police. She received an eight-year sentence with all but 30-days suspended.
Alleged Speeder Faces Charge of Making False Bomb Threat
The man arrested for speeding through Rush Springs twice this month is back on the streets after posting bond in connection with the most recent charges he's facing. Deonta Hartsfield of Duncan has been formally charged with new felonies which include making a false bomb threat and threatening violence. That's in addition to a felony for endangering others while eluding which had previously been filed against him. Hartsfield was first arrested March 9th for driving more than 100 miles per hour through Rush Springs. He was arrested again last Tuesday after radar indicated he was driving 64 mph in a 55 mph zone. A probable cause affidavit indicates that Hartsfield became belligerent and combative, and in a profanity-laced tirade threatened to kill the officer and blow up the town of Rush Springs. Hartsfield is out of jail after posting a $50,000 bond and is to announce an attorney next week.
Head-on Crash Critically Injures One
A driver is in critical condition following a head on collision near Elgin. 35-year old Carl Red Elk of Cache was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with internal trunk injuries. The accident happened about 9:30 p.m. Monday near U.S. Highway 62 and Porter Hill Road. The highway patrol reports that Red Elk was southbound on Highway 62 and struck an on-coming pickup driven by 42-year old Aaron Deutch of Apache. Deutch was taken by a private vehicle to a Lawton hospital where he was treated and released. An un-named 12-year old boy who was a passenger in Deutch's truck was not hurt.
Football Team to Have Benefit for Cyril Fire Victims
A minor league football team will be hosting a benefit game to help victims of a recent apartment fire in Cyril. The Lawton Savages who play their home games at Cyril High School will take on the West Texas Scorpions Saturday, April 2nd at Cyril. The team will be taking donations of clothing, furniture, un-used appliances, toys, and money to help the victims. Some proceeds of the ticket sales will also be donated. Kick-off for Saturday's game will be at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for the students.
Congressman Cole to have Telephone Town Hall Meeting
4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole will hold a telephone town hall meeting with constituents. Cole said between the on-going pandemic, work and family schedules, and other commitments he wanted to provide an easy way for Oklahomans to hear from him. Cole will give his thoughts on the first days of the Biden administration and answer questions. The telephone town hall meeting will be tomorrow night (Wednesday, March 31st) from 6-7 p.m. Individuals can call 833-305-1727.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.56 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $64.98.
Natural gas is $2.59 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,695 and silver is $24.44.
Obituary
Nona Sue Sheerer
Funeral service for Nona Sue Sheerer, 88, of Norman and formerly of Chickasha, will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday April 2nd at the West Side Church of Christ in Norman. The service will be live-streamed on the church’s YouTube channel. A graveside service will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF in Lawton, the SEARCH Television Ministry in Edmond, or the Westview Boys Home in Hollis.
Monday, March 29th
Search Continues for New Chix City Manager
The Chickasha City Council continues its search for a new city manager. Mayor Chris Mosley said a potential candidate was offered the post earlier this month but decided against taking the job. Now, Mosley said the council will be working with a head-hunting firm to find qualified candidates.
Mosley said the short-term goal is to find an interim city manager who can assist with putting together a proposed budget for the 2022 fiscal year which begins in three months. Mosley has been serving as acting-city manager since John Noblitt stepped down from the post in January.
Contractor Completes Ice Storm Branch Pick-Up
The private contractor hired by the City of Chickasha to remove the brush piles leftover from the freak ice storm last October has finished its work. City officials approved a $171,000 contract with the company which took just over two weeks to wrap up the project. Public Works Director David Buchanan said the city will still have to take care of some smaller projects although the city's grapple truck is in the shop. The city will now charge residents on a case-by-case basis to pick up brush. The cost is $55 for the first four cubic yards and about $8 for each additional cubic yard. Residents can take limbs to the city’s public works headquarters for free as long as they show a current water bill.
Chix' Water Treatment Process to Temporarily Change
Also from Chickasha City Hall, officials say the contractor which treats the city's drinking water will be changing the chemicals used to disinfect the water. And they warn that some residents could notice a brief change in how the water tastes and looks. Normally, the firm uses what's known as chloramines, which is a combination of chlorine and ammonia. About once a year the firm switches to free chlorine only - which they say is needed to eliminate sediments that have built up in the water lines. Officials say the water could briefly taste like chlorine, comparing the taste to swimming pool water. They also say the water may also be cloudy and if that occurs, households and businesses can run tap water for a couple of minutes to move the chemical through those water lines. Crews will be flushing fire hydrants to help move the chemical through the water system faster. This process will begin Thursday, April 1st and will last for the entire month of April. The contractor will return to its regular way of treating water the first of May where residents may again notice brief changes in the water.
Area High School Bands Prepare for State Competition
The Chickasha High School concert band is gearing up for the Class 4A state competition. Director Kent Barker says the band has qualified for state for 18 out of the last 20 years. The 78 band members gather every morning to work on two selected songs as well as sight-reading - which is playing a selection they have never seen before. Among the band members is percussionist Rylan Burrows.
The band qualified for state by getting a Superior rating at the district competition earlier this month. They hope to get another Superior rating at state which will be held in Elk City tomorrow. Several other bands including Blanchard, Tuttle, and Newcastle were among the 12 which qualified for the 4A state competition.
Rush Springs Watermelon Festival to Return
The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival will be returning in 2021. The festival was canceled last year because of the pandemic. The festival is hosted by the Rush Springs Lions Club and the group has scheduled the event for August 14th. Organizers are looking for potential watermelon queen contestants. They must be 16 years old by July 1st and cannot be older than 21. Queen night is scheduled for May 21st. The 76th annual festival will include more than 100 arts and crafts vendors. The Rush Springs Rodeo will be held Thursday, Aug. 12th and Friday, Aug. 13th and the watermelon festival parade will be Friday, Aug. 13th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $60.97 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $64.57.
Natural gas is $2.55 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,725 and silver is $24.80.
Obituaries
Yvonne Brame
Funeral service for Yvonne Brame, 85, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Tony Maurice McCurdy
Funeral service for Tony Maurice McCurdy, 62, is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
