Saturday, April 17th
Police, Relatives Seek Missing Anadarko Woman
The sister of a missing Anadarko woman thinks her younger sibling may be in trouble. Anadarko police and relatives of Sierra Kay Hunter-Isaacs plea for any information on her whereabouts. She's only 19-year old and her 20th birthday just a couple of weeks away. Sierra's sister, Chelsey Hunter, tells our news associates at KWTV-News 9 that Sierra has been missing since Easter Sunday. Family members got a phone call from her about a week ago (Thursday, April 8th) and Hunter says it sounded like her sister was hysteric. She said things that didn't make any sense and got the idea that Sierra couldn't tell them what she wanted to because someone monitoring her call. A private investigator traced the phone to Austin, Texas where it is registered to an individual who has a violent criminal history. A photo of Sierra is posted on the Anadarko Police Department's Facebook page. She's 5'9" and weighs about 100 pounds. She is a member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribe with Kiowa descent and has a light complexion. The photo shows her with dyed light brown hair, though she may now have a shaved head. She has green eyes and a rose tattoo on her right shoulder. Her case has drawn the attention of the Oklahoma Chapter of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Anyone with information should call 9-1-1, Anadarko police, or local law enforcement.
Ida's Law Passed on to Gov. Stitt
In the meantime, a bill sent to Gov. Kevin Stitt this week is designed to help in the search for missing and murdered Native Americans. SB 172 received bi-partisan support in the state house and senate. It's called Ida's Law, named for an El Reno woman who has been missing since 2015. The bill would create an Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons. It would also have the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation work with federal agencies to obtain federal funds to help in their efforts. Officials say there are more than 200 Native Americans who are missing and due to a lack of data and the lack of communication between the agencies the cases haven't been able to get addressed. Officials are hopeful the governor will sign the bill.
Chix Street Closed Due to Bridge Damage
A damaged bridge has forced the City of Chickasha to close down a portion of a busy street. 29th Street between U.S. Highway 62 and Frisco Avenue has been shut down because of the problem. The Grady County Fire Department Facebook page indicates that a sinkhole has opened. Motorist will have to use an alternate route until repairs can be made but it's not known how long that might take.
Chix City Council to Again Consider Firm
to Find Candidates for City Manager Post
The Chickasha City Council will again talk about hiring a professional company to look for candidates to fill the vacant city manager post. At the group's last meeting April 12th a proposal to employ a head-hunting firm was tabled after Mayor Chris Mosley said he had received a good resume. The proposal is back on the agenda for the Monday, April 19th meeting. The council will have its newest members on board in Georgianne Hebblethwaite in Ward 2 and Kelly Boyd in Ward 4 after they are sworn in. Also taking their oaths will be Mayor Chris Mosley, Ward 1 Councilman Brian Gerdes, Ward 2 Councilman Zach Grayson, and Ward 3 Councilman Oscar Nelson.
Moore Firm Recommended for Chix Project
The council is expected to award a nearly half-million dollar bid to a company to install water and sewer lines at the new residential and commercial development near the Grady County Fairgrounds. Engineers are recommending that W.E.B. Construction of Moore be awarded the project to install nearly a half-mile each of water and sewer lines near the intersection of Grand Avenue South and Ada Sipuel Avenue. It was the lowest of five bids submitted with the highest being nearly $1 million. The council will also consider approving the final plat for Phase Three of the Shadow Valley Development going on near 25th and Country Club Road.
National Lineworker Day set April 18th
It's time to salute the men and women who work in all types of nasty weather to make sure we have electricity to heat and cool our homes and businesses. Tomorrow (April 18th) is National Lineworker Appreciation Day. The day was established in 2013 to honor those who put their lives literally on the line to keep power flowing. There are an estimated 115,000 employee and contract lineworkers across the country. In a press release, Public Service Company of Oklahoma says the company has about 700 employees and contract workers who keep electricity flowing in its service areas in the Sooner State. Officials say they are out in all weather conditions around-the-clock and they safely maintain PSO’s more than 22 thousand miles of distribution lines and more than 3,700 miles of transmission lines. You can honor lineworkers on social media by using #ThankALineworker
Friday, April 16th
McGirt Decision Impacts Dibble Murder Conviction
Oklahoma's attorney general is expected to file a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the case of a man convicted in the 2010 killing of a Dibble family. Attorney General Mike Hunter is challenging a recent ruling in the case of Shaun Bosse. Bosse was convicted of the 2010 murders of Katrina Griffin, her 8-year old son, and 6-year old daughter. It's due to the McGirt Decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which indicates that state prosecutors lack authority to pursue criminal cases on Native American lands. Griffin and the children lived in an area considered to be part of the Chickasaw Nation and all were members of that tribe. The State Court of Criminal Appeals threw out Bosse's conviction as a result of the McGirt Decision. Hunter argues that the state should have jurisdiction over non-Native American defendants even if the crime occurred on Native American land. The Court of Criminal Appeals issued a 45-day stay on the state's case against Bosse who is on death row. The ruling keeps Bosse in state custody for now instead of transferring him to federal custody.
State Lawmakers Work to Help Oklahomans
Impacted by High Heating Costs During Polar Vortex
That polar vortex in February led to sky-rocketing heating costs in Oklahoma and many other states. In Oklahoma, state lawmakers are working on a plan to help consumers faced with those monumental bills. Senate Bills 1049 and 1050 would allow families and businesses to pay those costs over several months or even years. Officials estimate ratepayers are obligated to pay $4.5 billion in increased energy costs due to the sub-zero temperatures that lasted for about two weeks. One state lawmaker said the bills strike a good balance between protecting the interest of families and businesses, while ensuring the utility companies receive what they are owed. The measures would allow the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority to issue ratepayer-backed bonds, which would not increase bond indebtedness of the state or cause harm to the state budget.
Fletcher Animal Control Officer Faces Cruelty Charge
An animal control officer in Fletcher has been arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty. 54-year old Timothy Peek is accused of leaving several animals outside with no food and frozen water during the extremely cold weather that occurred in February. The charge has been filed in Comanche County District Court. The dogs were discovered by a passer-by and another individual took charge to rescue the animals. The Lawton Constitution reports that a video from a witness shows an excessive amount of urine and feces in the kennel. A police affidavit indicated there was no insulation or bedding, and kennel entrances had no covers to prevent snow and wind from blowing in. Peek admitted he could have sheltered the dogs elsewhere during the extremely cold weather. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Peek’s bond is set at $100,000.
FNB Assists Court Appointed Special Advocates
A group that helps Grady County children in DHS custody gets some unexpected assistance. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was provided $1,000 from the First National Bank and Trust. FNB Vice President Randy Talley said grants to CASA have been reduced over the past year and First National and other groups stepped in to provide some needed funds. Donna Stamper with the Grady County CASA group was on hand to accept the contribution.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.46 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $66.84.
Natural gas is $2.66 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,774 and silver is $26.19.
Talk Show Topics
Here’s part of what we we’re talking about this weekend. Jake Grossnicklaus with the Grady County Cattle Producers Association is our KOOL Konversation guest as that group prepares for its annual meeting. Jen Jantzen with the Chickasha Public School Foundation will be on Real Estate Today. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Thursday, April 15th
Chix Fly-in, Car Show set for June
The annual Wings and Wheels Fly-in and Car Show has become a big event at the Chickasha airport over the last few years. This summer, there will be a number of new activities which will wow spectators. Among the guests will be the father-son duo of Paul and Curt Richmond. The two have a unique airplane and motorcycle race. The City of Chickasha has posted a YouTube video of a previous race on the city’s Facebook page. The event is Saturday, June 19th which is Father's Day weekend. It will include a radio control plane demonstration, free airplane rides for children, a car and truck show with the Chickasha Antique Auto Club, and food trucks.
Public Urged to Comment on Re-districting Effort
Among the work state lawmakers are charged with this year is re-districting the state house and senate districts. The House of Representatives will hold a public comment session this afternoon. The house received seven maps from the public for review and that will take place at 3 o'clock this afternoon at the state capitol. The session will also be live-streamed on the website: www.okhouse.gov Officials say the process will determine legislative and congressional districts. State legislative districts have to be completed by May 28th. There is no deadline for Congressional re-districting though state lawmakers are expected to have a special session this summer to complete that work in time for the 2022 election cycle.
Salvation Army to Open Office in Anadarko
The Salvation Army which serves Grady and County counties will have a new social services office in Caddo County later this year. The organization is working with Bethel Baptist Church in Anadarko to make it easier for Caddo County families to get help. Sgt. Bryan Brinlee says crews are remodeling an office in the church right now.
Brinlee said they received donations to help with the remodeling. Initially, they plan on having the office open the first two Thursday's of each month and they hope to have the office open by summer. There is no phone in the office yet so anyone needing to reach out can call the Chickasha Salvation Army headquarters by calling 405-224-5647.
Apache Rattlesnake Festival Underway
There's a lot of excitement in Apache this weekend with the return of the annual Rattlesnake Festival. This is the 37th year for the event which was canceled last year because of the pandemic. The four-day event is underway with one of the largest outdoor flea markets you'll ever see. There are guided rattlesnake hunts in the nearby Slick Hills, the snake pit is an interesting area to learn about snakes in general, you can try some deep-fried rattlesnake, and get your picture taken with one of the slithery serpents. There's a carnival, a rodeo, and live bands tonight, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.15 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $66.58.
Natural gas is $2.62 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,747 and silver is $25.67.
Obituaries
Fred Hill
Visitation for Fred Hill, 60, formerly of Verden, will be at McRay Funeral Home from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17th which will be followed immediately by the funeral service.
Molena Henderson
A graveside service for Molena Henderson, 87, of Tuttle will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 17th at Fairview Cementery in Tuttle. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Sandra Meeks
Funeral service for Sandra Meeks, 58, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Wednesday, April 14th
COVID-19 Vaccination Effort Successful
A coronavirus vaccination clinic served about 50 people at Chickasha's Bullock Memorial Community Center yesterday (Tuesday). Charlotte Oliver with the Bullock Center was happy with the turnout. The shots were provided by the Anadarko Indian Health Clinic. They were supposed to have the Johnson and Johnson vaccine but before the clinic opened the Federal Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control put a pause on the vaccine due to a rare blood-clotting side effect. Those who received the Moderna vaccine received their vaccination card and were asked to return on May 11th for the second vaccine. Officials with Anadarko Indian Health Services will be back in Chickasha next Monday, April 19th to issue the second round of the Moderna vaccine to those who received their first vaccination at Southern Oaks Church of Christ last month.
Blood Institute Nears Blood Emergency
Officials with the Oklahoma Blood Institute say they are nearing a blood emergency. Christi Chambers is the director of the institute. She says an emergency is issued when there is less than a one-day supply of blood available for the more than 150 hospitals they serve. Among the reasons for dwindling supply is that hospitals are using more blood for patients who are having voluntary surgeries that had to be delayed because of the pandemic. She also said some regular donors may be postponing their normal contributions because they received a COVID-19 vaccine. Chambers said the vaccine does not affect the blood.
Individuals who have never donated blood are asked to begin the life-saving process. Every unit of blood donated saves up to three lives. Find a blood drive in your region by going to the website: www.obi.org
Ida's Law Advances to Governor for Consideration
State lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Kevin Stitt designed to bring federal dollars to the state to address the issue of missing and murdered indigenous people. It's SB 172 which is called Ida's Law. It directs the OSBI to coordinate with the U.S. Attorney's Office and the U.S. Department of Justice to obtain federal funding to gather data. The legislation also would create an Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Officials with the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native American Women say four out of five Native American women are affected by violence and face murder rates that are more than 10 times the national average.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $60.18 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $63.67.
Natural gas is $2.62 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,742 and silver is $25.37.
Obituaries
Stella Smith
A graveside service for Stella Smith, 89, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 15th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Joshawa Moore-Shelton
Funeral service for Joshawa Moore-Shelton, 35, of Chickasha will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 16th at Full Gospel Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Ruth Tallent
Funeral service for Ruth Tallent, 89, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Tuesday, April 13th
Driver in Fatal Crash Faces Manslaughter Charge
Grady County prosecutors have filed a felony manslaughter charge against a driver accused hitting and killing a pedestrian. We reported yesterday that 20-year old Brian McConnell of Tuttle had been arrested following a weekend accident near Minco. 77-year old Artemio Moreno of Anadarko died of his injuries at the scene. McConnell was initially arrested on a DUI complaint. A probable cause affidavit filed by the trooper investigating the accident indicates that McConnell admitted having a couple of beers several hours prior to the accident. The trooper said McConnell had a strong odor of alcohol about him when he arrived on scene to investigate. McConnell failed a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test and refused to take a field sobriety test. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital to get a blood sample drawn to determine his blood-alcohol content. The blood-alcohol level was not included in the affidavit. McConnell remains in jail on a $75,000 bond.
Woman Hurt in Rollover Accident
A Rush Springs woman is hospitalized in fair condition after her car runs off the road and overturns. 49-year old Cary Darr suffered arm injuries in the crash that happened on State Highway 29 near the Stephens and Garvin County line near Elmore City Monday morning. The highway patrol reports that the accident happened after Darr dropped her medication then unfastened her seat belt to reach down and find it.
Oklahoma Arts Institute Moves to USAO for 2021
The Oklahoma Arts Institute is moving from southwest Oklahoma to Chickasha this summer. The two-week summer camp for the state's budding artists will be held at USAO in July. For 40 years, the camp has been held at Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center. Arts Institute president Julie Cohen says they are still deeply connected to that facility but said that USAO’s 75-acre campus will allow the institute to safely serve the students by providing for a greater variety of housing, classroom, and rehearsal space to ensure social distancing. The Oklahoma Arts Institute is a private, non-profit organization that has partnered with the state for more than 30 years to provide high-quality fine arts training. World class artists are part of the camp to mentor hundreds of young Oklahomans in acting, chorus, creative writing and dance, drawing and painting, film and video, orchestra, and photography.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $59.70 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $63.28.
Natural gas is $2.56 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,726 and silver is $24.98.
Obituaries
Reginald Cates
Funeral service for Reginald Cates, 34, of Midwest City will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 14th at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Charla Mogg
Funeral service for Charla Mogg, 66, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 16th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Monday, April 12th
Man Arrested in Connection with Fatal Accident
A Tuttle man is in custody following a weekend accident in which an elderly man was struck and killed. 20-year old Brian McConnell was taken to the Grady County Jail on a DUI complaint following the accident that occurred early Saturday. 77-year old Artemio Moreno of Anadarko died in the accident. It happened just before 4:00 a.m. Saturday on State Highway 37 east of Minco. The highway patrol reports that Moreno was trying to hook up a car to a dolly behind his pickup. The trooper investigating the accident indicated that McConnell swerved but ended up striking Moreno and his two vehicles. There were two passengers in the pickup with McConnell. They were 19-year old Sadon Dunkle of Minco and 18-year old Erica Schuringa of Newcastle. None of them were injured.
Driver Hospitalized Following One-Car Crash
A driver is hospitalized after her car runs off a southern Grady County road and hits two trees. 45-year old Anita Ward of Pauls Valley was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was admitted in fair condition. That accident happened seven miles south of Rush Springs about 12:30 this morning (Tuesday). The highway patrol reports that Ward initially went left-of-center, then over-corrected and ran off the road where the car crashed into two trees. The trooper said Ward may have been under the influence of illegal drugs.
Chickasha School Board to Consider
Opposing State Funding of Charter Schools
Chickasha Public Schools may be joining the list of other public schools in a fight regarding the state school board’s recent decision to fund charter schools. Chickasha Superintendent Rick Croslin has a resolution for the Chickasha school board to consider when that panel meets tonight. Croslin said the decision negatively impacts the district's gross production and mileage tax collections. He said the ruling requires funding to be shared for all students enrolled in any charter school if they live within the boundaries of the Chickasha school district. Croslin said attorneys for the state superintendent of schools and state department of education say that the state school board's ruling is unconstitutional. Croslin said over the last five years, gross production tax revenues in the distrtict are down $2.5 million. The local school board is also to consider a proposal to increase teacher pay from $20 an hour to $25 an hour, and a proposal to provide 5 percent incentive pay for math and science teachers. The school board meets at 6:00 p.m. at the high school auditorium.
Awards Bestowed During Chix Chamber Banquet
A number of individuals and businesses were recognized for their achievements at the 98th annual Chickasha Chamber of Commerce banquet last Friday night. The Binyon Family received the top honor of being named to the Civic Hall of Fame. The Binyons helped to jump start the Festival of Light in the mid-1980s. The Business of the Year award went to DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning which celebrated its 100th year in business in 2020. The Small Business of the Year is Grand Care Pharmacy; the Event of the Year is the Junior Social Workers Spaghetti Day; the Citizen of the Year is Heidi Harrison, who created Heidi Helping the Homeless; the Woman of the Year is Donna Elledge with Chickasha Monument Company; the Volunteer of the Year is Ashley Rayburn; and the Public Servant of the Year is Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley.
Blood Institute Calls Need for Blood Donations Urgent
Officials with the Oklahoma Blood Institute say there is an urgent need for blood donations. They say multiple local traumas have created an immediate need for blood donors of all types. There are two blood drives today. Badgett’s is holding a blood drive until 11:00 a.m. and KOOL-RANCH radio stations will have another from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ups are welcome. To find an upcoming blood drive in your area visit the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s website: www.obi.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $59.32 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $62.95.
Natural gas is $2.53 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,741 and silver is $25.24.
