Saturday, May 29th
Search for 'Possible' Drowning Victim Canceled
Authorities in Tuttle have called off the search for a possible drowning victim. After Thursday night's heavy rains two boys reported seeing a child in Coal Creek north of Tuttle on Sara Road. Search crews spent a couple of hours Thursday night looking for a little girl and they were out at the break of dawn Friday morning. Ground and air searches were made with the help of the Oklahoma City Fire Department and the Chickasaw Nation brought in drones to search along the creek bank. The creek feeds into the Canadian River which was also searched from the air with a helicopter but nothing was found. Michael Scott with the Tuttle Police Department said there were no calls about missing children and no other reports were made. Scott tells our partners at KWTV-News 9 that there was no reason to doubt the boys.
The search was called off about noon Friday.
Teen Uses Baseball Bat to Fend of Mother's Attacker
A teenager uses a baseball bat to fight off a suspect alleged to have sexually assaulted and threatened her mother with a knife. This happened in Carnegie last weekend. The Lawton Constitution cites documents filed by Carnegie police indicating that officers responded to a call about a man with a knife. When they arrived police heard yelling inside the home and made a forcible entry. A man with blood on his hands approached the officer and the suspect was arrested. It was reported the women barricaded themselves in a room but the suspect kicked in the door and held a knife to the mother's throat. The teen hit the suspect with the bat and was able get him out of the room before police arrived. Authorities arrested 46-year old Kevin Scott Hill of Oklahoma City. Caddo County prosecutors have charged him with sexual battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He is out of jail after posting a $20,000 bond and Hill is to be back in court June 24th for a preliminary hearing conference.
Wild Hogs Reported at Anadarko Park
In Anadarko, officials believe wild hogs are invading the city park. City Manager Kenneth Corn says while no one has seen the animals they have seen some tell-tale signs at Randlett Park.
Corn said the wild hogs must be coming in late at night or early in the morning. They have set up some traps but haven't caught any of the animals. City officials say the park is being used quite a bit with youth baseball programs and individuals walking around the park. Corn said anyone who might see the wild animals to avoid contact with them and call police.
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.
Friday, May 28th
'Possible' Drowning in Tuttle Under Investigation
Authorities in Tuttle are investigating a report of a possible drowning. KWTV-News 9 reports multiple agencies were summoned to aid in the search last night. An official stated that two boys said they saw a girl who appeared to be six or seven years old in Coal Creek near North Sara Road and State Highway 152. The boys said the girl had a cut on her cheek and a pink shoe. Tuttle police and the Oklahoma City Fire Department's dive team were called out about 8:30 p.m. Thursday with the search was suspended about 11:00 p.m. Michael Scott with the Tuttle Police Department said that no one has called in to report a missing child. The search was expected to resume sometime this morning.
Grady County Commissioner Faces Embezzlement Charge
A Grady County Commissioner has been charged with embezzlement for allegedly using county resources for personal gain. District One Commissioner Mike Walker is charged with one felony count of embezzlement. Walker says he is innocent and calls an OSBI investigation a witch hunt. The charge was filed in Grady County District Court Thursday following a nearly nine-month investigation by the state agency. An OSBI affidavit indicates that Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks asked the OSBI to work a misconduct case involving Walker. It's alleged he used an estimated $30,000 in county materials, equipment, and labor to pave a private road to his Tuttle home. Walker's attorney, Doug Carel said-
The charge was filed by special prosecutor Brian Hermanson, District 8 District Attorney for Payne and Noble counties who was appointed to the case by the state attorney general’s office. Walker was taken to jail where he was photographed and fingerprinted then released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 14th. Walker says will remain on the job as he maintains his innocence. If convicted Walker could be sentenced to up to eight years in prison, pay up to a $10,000 fine, and restitution.
Info Still Sought for Chickasha Cold Case
It's been more than 24 years since a three-year old Chickasha girl was abducted by her non-custodial mother. A group identifying itself as Oklahoma Cold Case posted information on Facebook requesting any new information about the kidnapping of Bethany Maria Tiner. Tiner was taken by her mother Teresa Kennedy on January 1st, 1997. It was believed that Teresa took the child to Washington State and that they may have been with Teresa's girlfriend, Rachel Lewis. The post says Bethany's father, Joe has never stopped looking for his daughter who would now be 27 years old. It's believed Bethany may be using the last name of Barlow or Kennedy and could be in California, Colorado, or Canada. Anyone with information about the abduction is asked to contact the Chickasha Police Department.
Turnpike Crash Injures Driver
A driver is seriously injured when his car ran of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. 53-year old Greg Sanders of Blanchard was hospitalized with head, arm, leg, and internal injuries after the Thursday morning crash. Sanders was trapped in the vehicle for about 20 minutes before being rescued by the Newcastle Fire Department. The crash happened just after 5:30 a.m. Thursday at Mile Marker 95 in the Newcastle city limits. The trooper investigating the accident said it wasn't clear what caused Sanders to run off the highway, go airborne near a county road, then crash into a concrete embankment and overturn.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Lt. Chris Liles with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is this week's guest on the KOOL Konversation. Scott and Addalida Cumm with the Gen. Tommy Franks Museum and Four Star Leadership Institute in Hobart are the guests on Real Estate Today. We have links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.85 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $69.46.
Natural gas is $2.96 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,895 and silver is $27.78.
Thursday, May 27th
Proposed PSO Energy Security Center at Ft. Sill Debated
State regulators this week debated a proposal by PSO to build a $118 million energy security center at Ft. Sill. The plan would have PSO ratepayers foot most of the cost at $108 million with Ft. Sill paying only $10 million. Members of Corporation Commission were on both sides of the issue. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports that Commissioner Bob Anthony spoke in favor of the project. He fears that if it’s rejected the federal government might retaliate against the state in future military base realignment discussions. Anthony said that if Oklahoma tells Ft. Sill to go fly a kite it would be a big mistake. Commissioner Dana Murphy spoke against the measure, questioning if taxpayers paying a premium was reasonable. Murphy said while supporters say it would help all PSO customers she struggled with seeing how it would. The project has been under consideration for nearly seven years. Among the groups opposed to the project are the corporation commission's own Public Utilities Division, the state attorney general's office, and an industrial consumer's group.
Suspect Wanted for Shooting Deaths of Ex's Puppies
A man accused of the shooting deaths of his ex-wife's puppies is being sought by law enforcement. An arrest warrant has been issued for 41-year old Jimmy Lloyd Burch of Marlow. The Lawton Constitution cites a probable cause affidavit from a Stephens County sheriff's deputy that Burch fatally shot two pit bull puppies with his rifle. Burch told investigators he thought the dogs were going to hurt his horses. The investigating deputy said the puppies were only four to six months old and not likely to run anywhere near the speed of a horse and were not a nuisance. Burch is facing two counts of cruelty to animals.
Fed Group Asks to Protect Lesser Prairie Chicken
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is again recommending that the lesser prairie chicken be placed under the Endangered Species Act. Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe has consistently been opposed to the idea. Inhofe believes the animal is thriving and that the voluntary public-private conservation partnerships are working. Supporters say populations of the bird in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico are threatened.
Firms to Get Tax Credits to Hold Employee Blood Drives
Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed a bill that supporters say will help increase blood donations. SB 905 creates a tax-credit for Oklahoma companies that hold blood drives for their employees. The bill indicates that any company hosting a blood drive by a non-profit blood donation organization will get a $20 income tax credit for each verified employee donation. The blood drive cannot be open to non-employees. Total credits would be capped at $500,000 per year. Officials with the Oklahoma Blood Institute asked for the measure in an attempt to reach more potential blood donors. One state lawmaker said having continual blood drives is crucial to maintaining blood reserves and ensures that Oklahomans have life-saving blood in times of need. It's hoped that having more businesses host blood drives makes the process more accessible and convenient and will ultimately increase the state's blood supply. The new law will go into effect Nov. 1st.
RANCH/KOOL Blood Drive Today
Speaking of blood drives, KOOL/RANCH radio stations are hosting another community blood drive with the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) today. An OBI bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot across from the radio station studios from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. today. No appointment is necessary. Donors will have their names entered into a drawing to win a Traeger grill as well as a Ranger boat. For information on upcoming blood drives in your area visit the website www.obi.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.21 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $68.77.
Natural gas is $2.98 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,898 and silver is $27.75.
Obituary
Ocelee Maytubby-Givens
Funeral service for Ocelee Maytubby-Givens, 86, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m., May 29th at the First and Georgia Church of Christ. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Wednesday, May 26th
Hostage Situation Details Released
We have some details of the hostage stand-off that ended peacefully at a Chickasha home on Sunday. A probable cause affidavit from Chickasha police indicates that Terry Gunnoe hit his wife in the head with a metal pipe and tied her to a chair with an extension cord and bungie cords. Authorities say Gunnoe told them he didn't want his wife to take a planned trip to Texas and also believed his daughter had been saying bad things about him. Gunnoe surrendered after several hours of talking to a hostage negotiator from the Oklahoma County Sheriff's office. Gunnoe and his wife were taken to the hospital where she was treated for a gash on her head and released. Gunnoe was kept at the hospital overnight to be treated for a pre-existing medical condition and upon his release was taken to the Grady County Jail. Prosecutors have charged Gunnoe with kidnapping and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and he remains in jail on a $500,000 bond.
Suspect Jailed After Baseball Bat Attack
One man is in jail and another in the hospital after a confrontation at a Chickasha home. The victim suffered broken bones in his face and was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. In custody is 27-year old Ronnie "Boomer" Self who is charged with firearms and assault charges. Officers were dispatched a report of an assault at 502 S. 9th which occurred Saturday, May 22nd. A probable cause affidavit from Chickasha police cites witnesses as saying the suspect initially pulled a gun on the victim then hit him in the face with a baseball bat. Prosecutors have filed weapons and assault charges against Self who remains in the Grady County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
Man Injured, Jailed in Shootout with Cousin
A shootout between cousins lands one man in jail and with a gunshot wound to his chest. According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the OSBI, 58-year old Dwayne Keith White was allegedly vandalizing his cousin’s property. White is alleged to have pulled a pistol and fired a gun at his cousin and then blocked him in the driveway as he tried to leave. It’s alleged that White fired shots into the man’s vehicle and the cousin returned fire with an AR-15 and hit White in the chest at which point White left the home. The other man was not injured. It wasn’t clear how authorities tracked White down but he was arrested and booked into the Caddo County Jail. Prosecutors have charged White with shooting with intent to kill and he remains in jail on a $250,000 bond.
Youths Recognized in Steer Carcass Contest
More than 150 people turned out for the annual Grady County Cattle Producers Association meeting recently. New president Jake Grossnicklaus says a trade show was part of the event and the guest speaker was Chickasha native Dr. Rossalynn Biggs who now works at the OSU Veterinary Department. One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the winners of the youth steer carcass contest. Youngsters enter their steers into the program each fall. Awards issued in the spring are based on daily weight gain of the steers and the quality of the beef of those steers which is judged by an independent panel. Grossnicklaus says there were a record number of participants in the contest and one of them made it to a big sale in Oklahoma City.
7-year old Grady Stamps of Tuttle took the top award, with 16-year old Blake Janssen of Ampo earning second place, and 7-year old Brady Mitchell of Friend placed third.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.07 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $68.65.
Natural gas is $2.91 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,910 and silver is $28.17.
Obituary
Carrie Marsh-Rodriguez
Funeral service for Carrie Marsh-Rodriguez, 29, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 27th at Full Gospel Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Tuesday, May 25th
Gov. Stitt OKs State Budget
A state budget of more than $9 billion received the signature of Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt yesterday. The plan is about an 8 percent increase from the current budget. Officials say the increase makes up for some of the cuts and decreased spending in last year’s spending plan caused by the negative impact on the economy from the pandemic. Education gets nearly one-third of the total - a record $3.2 billion - with common education getting an increase of more than $200 million. The budget also puts $800 million into rainy day savings accounts which will increase those savings to more than $1.2 billion. The budget includes reductions in all personal income tax brackets and lowers the corporate income tax from 6 percent to 4 percent.
'Click It or Ticket' Seatbelt Campaign Underway
Law enforcement groups want to remind families to buckle up on the roadways during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend. The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office has implemented the Click It or Ticket campaign, urging motorists and passengers to wear their seat belts. Officials say wearing a seat belt is the No. 1 thing you can do to help save your life in a crash. In 2019 there were 208 people who died in Oklahoma traffic accidents were not wearing seat belts. The National Highway Safety Administration cites statistics that show there is a 50 percent increase in surviving a traffic accident if you’re buckled up. More than 55 agencies across the state will be adding extra personnel who will be on the lookout for those not wearing seat belts. They’ll be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement and say tickets will be issued day and night. The campaign runs through Sunday, June 6th.
Chix Resident to Serve on State Library Panel
A Chickasha woman has been selected to serve on a state panel which supports Oklahoma libraries. Angie Lewis will be serving on the board of directors for the Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma (FOLIO). Lewis has been with the Friends of the Chickasha Library for nearly 30 years. She’s helped to organize the library’s annual chocolate festival and assisted with getting a state library landmark plaque for the late Chickasha author Bill Wallace which was placed at Centennial Park last year. FOLIO has been around for more than 40 years with a mission to help local Friends of the Library groups to assist their local libraries, promote the development and improvement of libraries, and encourage wider use of library facilities by the public.
Teens Finish Bank 'Student Board of Directors' Program
A local financial institution recognized some high school students for their work. The students were part of The First National Bank's Student Board of Directors program. Monthly meetings were held to give students an in-depth learning experience on the foundations of banking operations and career opportunities that exist in community banking and finance. Chickasha High School juniors who took part were Abbegail Morvant-Pettit, Brianna Alexander, Baylee Bradford, and Brooklyn Green.
Goodyear Blimp to Arrive in Lawton Today
If the skies clear up in southwest Oklahoma today some folks might be able to get a glimpse of the Goodyear blimp. The Wingfoot Three is scheduled to make a stop at the Lawton/Ft. Sill Regional Airport this afternoon. The blimp is making a cross country trip from its home base in Carson, California to Goodyear's headquarters in Akron, Ohio. KSWO-TV reports the Wingfoot Three is the newest of more than 300 blimps that Goodyear has built since 1917. This particular blimp has been in use for the last three years.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.05 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $68.46.
Natural gas is $2.89 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,886 and silver is $27.75.
Obituary
George Brinkman
Funeral service for George Brinkman, 87, formerly of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 5th at McRay Funeral Home.
Monday, May 24th
Hostage Standoff Ends Peacefully
Dozens of law enforcement officials were summoned to help Chickasha police with a hostage stand-off yesterday. Authorities were called out to 816 S. 20th just before 5:00 a.m. Sunday. Here's Chickasha police spokesman Lt. Scott Weaver-
Inside the house were 70-year old Terry Gunnoe and his wife. Authorities called in Mike Davenport, the negotiation team leader with the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office. He spent several hours on the phone with Gunnoe trying to get him to surrender. Several of Gunnoe's children were on the scene trying to help when they could. About 3:30 p.m. Gunnoe surrendered peacefully to Davenport. Neither Gunnoe nor his wife were injured but were taken to the hospital. Weaver talks about the reason so many Special Response Team (SRT) members were called out to support the effort.
Weaver said Gunnoe would be arrested on a kidnapping complaint.
Council Special Sessions Include City Budget
Chickasha City Council members have some extra work to put in this week. Special work sessions are scheduled tonight and tomorrow night. Tonight the panel will hear a presentation from the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group. Tomorrow night the group will discuss a proposed city budget for the 2022 fiscal year that will begin in just over a month. Both meetings will be held at city hall and are scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m..
Chix School Students Ready for Summer
Today is the last day of classes for Chickasha Public Schools. The original last day of school was scheduled to be last Thursday, but a couple of extra days were added because of the polar vortex that put the state in a deep freeze in February. School officials announced that a virtual learning pathway will be offered for the first semester next year. However, students will have to apply to be accepted into the program and applications need to be turned into the school they will be attending June 7th. Officials said there will not be a blended system next school year. They also announced that any student wanting to participate in sports, band, FFA, or any extra-curricular program will have to be in the classroom for face-to-face instruction with teachers. The first day of school this fall will be Thursday, Aug. 12th.
Chix Relay for Life Set June 5th
Chickasha will be having a Relay for Life fundraiser to assist the American Cancer Society this year. As you know last year's program was canceled because of COVID. Officials will have a block party downtown Chickasha on Saturday, June 5th, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be games, music, vendors, food trucks, and some of the traditional Relay for Life events including recognition of cancer survivors. For information, see the Relay for Life Facebook page or contact Barbara Pelley.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.58 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $66.44.
Natural gas is $2.91 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,883 and silver is $27.80.
