Saturday, June 26th
Fight Over Steering Wheel Leads to Crash
Two people were hurt and one hospitalized in serious condition after a near head-on collision west of Ninnekah this morning. The accident happened just after midnight on State Highway 277 about four miles west of U.S. Highway 81. 25-year old Cheyanne Walker of Duncan was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted with leg and internal injuries. Walker was a passenger in a car driven by 42-year old James Mayberry of Tulsa who was not injured. The driver of the other car, 57-year old Lawassa Riggs of Dibble, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and released. The highway patrol reports that Walker and Mayberry were fighting over control of the steering wheel of their vehicle which crossed the center line and hit the Riggs vehicle.
Amber Alert Issued for Missing Moore Children
An Amber Alert has been issued for two missing children. Moore police issued the alert early this morning for 6-year old Kathryn Glad and 2-year old Cory Glad. Authorities say the children are believed to be with their biological grandmother Twana Brinlee. She reportedly has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is without her medication and may be in a state of crisis. Authorities say Brinlee may have a gun and previously attempted to conduct religious acts with the kids. Brinlee may be driving a gray 2020 Toyota Tacoma with Oklahoma Tag KBQ-254. Police say she may have been headed to a lake or Arkansas to visit family. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Moore Police Department.
Lawmakers Named to 'Honor Roll' of Children's Group
A number of state lawmakers in the region get good marks for their support of children's issues at the state capital this past legislative session. The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) released its annual report card for all members of the house and senate. Joe Dorman is the CEO of the group and says lawmakers were scored on how their votes compared to the OICAs position on various bills related to the youth. Regional lawmakers named to the OICA Honor Roll include Representatives Toni Hasenbeck of Lawton, Cindy Roe of Lindsay, Brian Hill of Mustang, and Daniel Pae of Lawton and Senator Jessica Garvin of Duncan. Dorman also complimented Gov. Kevin Stitt for signing a number of pro-child measures into law and the OICA is grateful for his leadership and vision. The scorecards of all state lawmakers can be seen on the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy's website: www.oica.org
Most 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.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Cassandra Ersland with the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and Jim Cowan with the Economic Development Council are the KOOL Konversation talking about a Christmas in July promotion. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.
Friday, June 25th
Man Charged with Domestic Violence Back in Custody
A man charged with felony domestic violence earlier this year is in more hot water with the law. 41-year old Jessie Arevalo of Noble was arrested by state troopers earlier this week after a short pursuit. Arevalo was out of jail after posting bond on the February charges. Court documents indicate that a couple of state troopers were conducting a driver's license and safety checkpoint at Cottonwood and Sooner Roads southeast of Chickasha Wednesday morning when they saw a motorcycle make an improper turnabout. The troopers attempted to make a traffic stop but he did not pull over. The biker turned into a mobile home park and drove through a number of yards before he laid the bike down and started running on foot - but the troopers were able to catch up to him. Arevalo was arrested on complaints which include attempting to elude and drug possession. Arevalo has been formally charged with misdemeanors and is being held on a $25,000 bond in connection with this arrest.
Suspect Arrested on Stalking, Assault Complaints
A man on probation is arrested by Verden police on complaints of stalking and assault. 41-year old Caleb Tallent of Cement was taken into custody this week after two confrontations with an ex-girlfriend earlier this month. Court documents say that Tallent crashed his pick-up into the woman's truck and almost hit her in the process and that he threatened to burn her house down. It's also alleged that Tallent broke into the woman's home by kicking in the front door. Tallent was on probation after pleading no contest to a felony charge of child endangerment following a 2017 arrest. Tallent remains in jail on a nearly $40,000 bond.
Sex Offender Arrested for Failing to Register
A Grady County man is jailed on a $50,000 bond for failing to register as a sex offender. Authorities arrested 34-year old Dustin Roger Crump at a Tuttle home earlier this week. A probable cause affidavit shows that the Grady County Sheriff's Office received a tip about Crump living in the Tuttle area. Crump had been living in Oklahoma City and was delinquent in his registration in Oklahoma County. Crump did not check out from Oklahoma County nor check in with Grady County as required. In a written statement Crump admitted he had been in Grady County for about three weeks without letting officials know where he was. Crump is on probation after pleading no contest to a sex crime out of Canadian County.
Chickasha Rodeo is This Weekend
The dust will be flying at the Grady County Fairgrounds the next couple of nights with area cowboys and cowgirls competing in the 82nd annual Chickasha rodeo. Rafter D Rodeo of Sterling is the stock contractor bringing its rough stock to challenge the contestants. All the familiar rodeo events will be held including barrel racing, steer wrestling, calf roping, and bull and bronc riding. The colorful and patriotic grand entry will kick things off at 8 o'clock both nights. There will be a rodeo parade downtown Chickasha at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Anadarko's Honor America Fireworks Tonight
There's an early 4th of July fireworks show in Anadarko tonight. The annual Honor America fireworks will be at the Caddo County Fairgrounds. Officials with Limelight Productions say there will be about 1,400 aerials, booms, and blasts. The fireworks are a free event and those attending may want to take lawn chairs and blankets. Also, our sister station New Country 98.5 KACO will play patriotic music that will be synchronized with the fireworks. The show will start about 9:45 tonight.
Duncan Job Fair Today
Employers and job seekers alike will get an opportunity to connect at the Duncan job fair today. More than a dozen companies looking for qualified employees will be taking applications and in some cases conducting interviews on the spot. The job fair is hosted by the Duncan Economic Development Foundation and is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Duncan Simmons Center.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.70 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $75.76.
Natural gas is $3.42 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,782 and silver is $26.30.
Thursday, June 24th
Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Shut Down
An illegal marijuana growing operation in Rush Springs has been shut down. Agents with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) and Grady County sheriff's deputies hit the operation Wednesday morning. KOKH-Fox 25 reports that there were 52 greenhouses and that by noon officials had counted over 20,000 plants valued at $30 million. OBN officials posted photographs on its Facebook page asking anyone with information about the operation to reach out to them. OBN spokesman Mark Woodward said there were about 30 Asian workers at the facility and believes all are victims of human trafficking brought to the United States from China. Woodward tells The Oklahoman that all 77 Oklahoma counties are now a source for black market pot. Woodward said that the illegal weed can be cultivated in the state at a cost between $300 and $400 per pound and then sold for as much as $2,500 per pound on the east coast. Woodward said it appears that illegal grow operations often appear to be legitimate by obtaining a license and complying with ownership requirements while In reality they are shell corporations for established criminal drug rings.
State Senators Ask for Investigation
Into Sky-High Building Supply Prices
A number of Oklahoma state senators want to look into the skyrocketing prices of building supplies. Officials are asking the state attorney general's office to investigate allegations of price gouging and market manipulation during the pandemic. One senator said the price spikes have been a top concern for several months and that the increases have caused project delays and financial hardships. Senator Cody Rogers (R-Tulsa) said lumber prices have shot up four to six times from the price it was 18 months ago. Sheets of oriented strand board that were previously $11 now cost $48 even though they can be made for $4. The cost of hot-rolled coil steel has climbed by nearly 300 percent in less than a year. Rogers says the state's Emergency Price Stabilization Act prohibits any increase of more than 10 percent for the price of goods during a declared emergency. Rogers also said other business practices or agency regulations relating to interstate commerce in the building trades industry could be abused to create market manipulation.
OU Softball Co-Captain to Lead Chix Rodeo Parade
The annual Chickasha rodeo is coming up this weekend and there's a special grand marshal for the rodeo parade. Former Chickasha High School all-state softball player Linnsie Elam is now a national champion after helping the OU Sooner softball team win the NCAA Women’s College World Series earlier this month. Elam is one of the co-captains for the Sooners and is also a three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection. While at Chickasha High School Elam was part of the Lady Chicks back-to-back state champion softball teams. The rodeo itself will be both Friday and Saturday nights at the Grady County Fairgrounds at 8 p.m. each night. The parade is 4:00 o'clock Saturday afternoon downtown.
Lots of Live Music in Chickasha this Weekend
It's going to be a big weekend for music lovers in Chickasha with a couple of music venues blasting out the tunes. Curtis Hart’s Muscle Car Ranch will again host TwisterFest, a three-day music festival which will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The ranch has expanded to 80 acres and includes 20 acres of lakes to camp around. 70 bands will perform on five stages over the weekend with local favorite Dollar98 playing Saturday night. Christian bands will perform all day Sunday. The other concert venue is Fred McNatt’s Legends Event Park which will have a Friday night only concert with Kody West; Giovanni and the Hired Guns; and Carson Jeffry. Tickets for both events will be available at the gate.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.08 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $75.19.
Natural gas is $3.33 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,782 and silver is $26.13.
Wednesday, June 23rd
Drug Ring Taken Down in Southwest Oklahoma
Agents with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) and numerous law enforcement groups have eliminated an illegal drug distribution ring in southwest Oklahoma. Officials made nearly 20 arrests in the Lawton and Comanche County region following an 18-month investigation. The Lawton Constitution reports that the arrests include the alleged kingpin who was leading the illicit drug trade. OBN spokesman Mark Woodward said it is one of many drug operations they've been able to eliminate statewide in the last few months. In the Lawton probe, 42-year old Ronnie Davis was said to have been at the helm of the operation. Davis was already on federal probation after convictions of previous crimes related to this particular methamphetamine distribution network. He was arrested last month after investigators found nearly 1,100 grams (2 1/2 pounds) of meth at his home. Later in the investigation, authorities said they found more than 12 pounds of meth in a storage unit. Davis has been charged with aggravated drug trafficking and faces up to 20 years in prison if he's convicted. Other agencies involved in the investigation included the Elgin Police Department, Comanche County Sheriff's Office, Drug Task Forces in Districts 2 and 3, and the Federal Office of Probation and Parole. Woodward said the combination of cheap land and looser marijuana laws in the state are attracting drug organizers to Oklahoma.
Blood 'Emergency' Declared
A nationwide shortage of blood has officials issuing a blood emergency. Dr. John Armitage with the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) says the supply is the worst he has seen in his more than 25 years with the agency. Armitage said they are down to about one day's supply of blood which is highly unusual. He said they'd like to have a three-to-five day supply on hand. The OBI provides over 90 percent of the blood needed in Oklahoma hospitals and other medical facilities. Blood centers nationwide are also facing shortages and that means that blood can't be borrowed. Armitage said should the area experience a mass trauma event that everyone who needs blood may not be able to get it immediately. Current and new blood donors are urged to help re-stock the shelves. Information on blood drives in your area visit the website: www.obi.org
Missionary's Death Mourned
Longtime missionary Jeanne Jones has died. Jones and her husband Dwain Jones served as pastors of Chickasha's First Assembly of God Church in the 1980s and then he traveled the world for 30 years raising money for the Calcutta Mercy Ministries. Jeanne Jones was 78 when she passed away at her Chickasha home on Sunday. Dwain Jones died in 2016 and the couple were married for 57 years. A memorial service for Jeanne Jones will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 26th at Chickasha’s First Assembly of God. Memorial contributions may be made to the Calcutta Mercy Ministry.
Duncan Job Fair is Friday
There are a lot of companies that have job openings right now - and there are also a lot of people who are looking for work or maybe a better job. The Duncan Economic Development Foundation hopes to unite the employers and the job-seekers with a job fair later this week. Nicole Punnoe says numerous companies will be at the job fair taking applications.
Punnoe also said some companies will have interviews on-site. The Duncan job fair is this Friday (June 25th) at the Simmons Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Companies wanting to join the job fair should contact the Duncan Economic Development Foundation.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.85 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $73.06.
Natural gas is $3.26 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,783 and silver is $26.04.
Tuesday, June 22nd
Chix City Budget Approved
The City of Chickasha has a $48 million budget for the fiscal year that begins next week (July 1st). Following a public hearing that last about three minutes Monday night, the city council unanimously approved the plan. Only one person discussed the budget during the public hearing. Tory Wise said there are about $5.5 million in street improvement projects set aside for a couple of streets that would be better spent elsewhere.
Wise also said there was also $100,000 set aside for improvements at the city's sports complex that were initially designated for critical infrastructure work. The council approved the budget without any changes saying that the issues that Wise brought up could be considered in the future.
Chix Residents Oppose Cell Phone Tower
The council also heard from a number of residents who are opposed to placing a new cell phone tower in their neighborhood. Earlier this year, the city’s Planning Commission denied Branch Communications a special use permit for the tower in the area of 8th and Dakota. The issue was on the agenda for last night's meeting and among the residents speaking against it was Mary Hathaway.
A Branch Communications representative said initially they sent 42 notices to area property owners and only had two oppose the project at the Planning Commission meeting. While the issue was on the city council agenda last night it was not listed as a public hearing so a council decision on the matter was postponed. The hearing will be scheduled for the council's July 6th meeting.
Chix City Council OKs Southgate Zoning Changes
A developer's requests to re-zone some property in the Southgate Addition to build some duplexes and commercial projects get unanimous approval from the city council. The panel approved the requests for Bryce Binyon who applied to re-zone residential property in order to build six duplexes – and to re-zone residential property to commercial use to build a Family Dollar Store and some self-storage units. The council also unanimously approved of hosting the city's annual fireworks show at Shannon Springs Park on Sunday, July 4th. Western Enterprises of the Enid area produces the show every year. Mayor Chris Mosley pointed out that the more than $10,000 needed to pay for the fireworks is all private money donated by local businesses and individuals.
Chix School Administrator Leaves for New Job
A Chickasha school administrator is moving on. Seth Meier, who has served as the district's director of curriculum and personnel, has been hired as an elementary school principal in Moore. On a social media post, Meier said he will be at Southgate-Rippetoe Elementary school. Meier said he enjoyed his time in Chickasha but that he missed kids, the buzz of the school day, and the excitement of feeling like every day was an episode of Saturday Night Live. He said he will eventually return to an administrative role in education but that right now his heart is in the school house.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.66 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $74.90.
Natural gas is $3.19 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,781 and silver is $26.06.
Obituaries
Wayne Robnett
A private graveside service will be held for Wayne Robnett, 83, of Chickasha. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Mary Harruff
A celebration of life for Mary Harruff, 86, of Chickasha was held at Grace Baptist Fellowship Hall. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Monday, June 21st
Another Public Hearing for Proposed Chix Budget,
Southgate Rezoning Hearings set for City Council
Another public hearing for the City of Chickasha's proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year will be held by the city council tonight. The hearing had been set for the June 7th meeting but was postponed to allow the public to get a better look at the plan. Officials have put together a $48 million spending plan for review. The council will also have a couple of public hearings on some re-zoning proposals for businessman Bryce Binyon. He's asking to re-zone some residential property in the Southgate Addition to allow for the construction six new duplexes. The other public hearing for Binyon is to rezone some residential property in the Southgate Addition to commercial use for the construction of a Family Dollar store and some storage units. The Planning Commission has recommended that both issues be approved. The council will also go behind closed doors to discuss two issues. One is a lawsuit filed against the city by the Chickasha Firefighters Association. The topic of the other issue is vague, saying only that it is for discussion of an issue which could seriously impair the ability of the council to process the claim or pending investigation if it was done in a public setting. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
One Dead in Caddo County Accident
A weekend crash in Caddo County claims the life of a Lawton man. Kenneth Deshong, 39, died when the car he was driving ran off the road and hit a concrete bridge. The accident happened about 4:30 a.m. Saturday on State Highway 152 near State Highway 58 about 14 miles west of Binger.
Driver Hospitalized After Southeast Okla Crash
A Blanchard woman was taken to a Texas hospital after crashing her pickup into a creek in southeast Oklahoma. 33-year old Leigha Parsons was air lifted to a Plano, Texas hospital with head injuries and was admitted in stable condition. The accident happened just before 5:30 p.m. Sunday between Hugo and Idabel in Choctaw County. The highway patrol said Parsons ran off the road, hit a culvert, crashed through a fence and landed in the creek.
Silver Alert Canceled for Missing Lawton Man
A Silver Alert issued for a Lawton area man has been canceled. The Comanche County Sheriff's Office issued the alert for Henry Fred Whitehead, 78, just before noon Saturday saying he had a medical or physical disability and was in imminent danger of serious injury or death. He was driving a dually pickup. Authorities canceled the alert about 5:30 this morning saying he had been located but gave no details.
Turnpike Authority to Automate All State Toll Roads
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is making plans to fully automate all of its toll plazas. What that means is that you won't have to dig in your pockets to find all the change you need to pay your toll. The authority will soon begin a five-year plan to switch all turnpikes to the new system which will still include the PikePass system as well as a new PlatePay program. The PlatePay system which will take a picture of your tag then use the registration information on file to send the owner an invoice for the toll. Oklahoma City's Kilpatrick Turnpike will be first on the list with the conversion expected to be in place by the end of summer. The turnpike authority is seeking vendors to make the transition on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike but that change won't happen for another couple of years.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.64 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $73.51.
Natural gas is $3.22 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,782 and silver is $26.05.
Obituaries
Cory Westbury
Funeral service for Cory Westbury, 51, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Elizabeth (Jones) Farmer
A graveside service for Elizabeth (Jones) Farmer, 79, of Comanche and formerly of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 22nd. Viewing is today at the Bailes-Polk Funeral Home in Duncan.
