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Mollman Media News

2021, Aug. 30th-Sept. 4th

Saturday, Sept. 4th

 

Convicted Killer's Sentence Re-instated

A man whose initial conviction in a triple-murder case was overturned because of the McGirt Decision is back on death row after a review by the state court of criminal appeals. Shaun Michael Bosse was convicted and sentenced to death for the killings of Katrina Griffin, her four-year old daughter Chasity, and 8-year old son Christian at their Dibble home in 2010. Bosse’s conviction was among several that were tossed out by the appellate court because of the McGirt Decision. But that same court this week re-instated Bosse's conviction and those of three other death row inmates - giving Oklahoma a partial victory as officials continue working to argue that the U.S. Supreme Court's McGirt Decision was wrongly decided and should be overturned.

 

 Tips Sought in Anadarko Park Vandalism             

Vandals strike the public restrooms at Anadarko's Randlett Park. The perpetrators removed the plumbing to the toilets. According to the city's Facebook page it may have occurred early Friday morning. A reward is being offered. Anyone with information is asked to call the Anadarko Police Department at 405-247-2411.

 

Alpaca Show Coming to the Grady County Fairgrounds

A new event will be coming to the Grady County Fairgrounds this fall. It will feature Alpacas. There is an official Alpaca organization in Oklahoma and it’s an industry that got its start in the 1980s but didn't really get going until the 90s. About 20 years ago, there were 14 Alpaca farms in the state and it was determined that those pioneers could best be served by forming their own Alpaca group. The organization is now known as Alpacas of Oklahoma (A-OK). The group supports the ethical promotion of all things Alpaca. There are several farms in the region that are members, including Jolly Roger Alpacas of Blanchard; Answered Prayers Ranch in Tuttle; Magnolia Blossom Ranch of Newcastle; Circle of Dreams Ranch in Fletcher; and Busy Bees Alpaca Farm of Norman. The group will meet in Chickasha for what it calls a Blast Off show in mid-November. You can check out the group on Facebook or visit the website: www.alpacasofoklahoma.com

 

Obituary

Verna Myers

A graveside service for Verna Myers, 91, of Cement will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8th at Celestial Gardens Cemetery in Cyril Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

High School Football Scores

Marlow 40, Chickasha 14

Noble 41, Blanchard 23

Elgin 55, Anadarko 41

Tuttle 21, Plainview 13

Minco 41, Dibble 14

Cordell 34, Rush Springs 26

Community Christian 19, Bridge Creek 2

Tipton 62, Alex 22

Burns Flat-Dill City 38, Carnegie 12

Mt. View-Gotebo 54, Snyder 12

Purcell 20, Lindsay 14

 

Friday, Sept. 3rd

 

OSBI Takes Over Ninnekah Schools Sexual Assault Investigation

The OSBI will now lead the investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and the lack of action after it was reported at Ninnekah Public Schools. A press release issued by the Grady County Sheriff's Office indicates that Sheriff Jim Weir requested that the agency take over the investigation. Weir and former deputy Phil Blevins are among those named in a federal lawsuit filed in connection with the allegations. The Oklahoman reports that an OSBI official confirmed that the agency will take over the case. 15 current and former girls basketball players at Ninnekah have filed a federal lawsuit against both Ninnekah and Friend schools and coaches and administrators who are implicated in what amounts to a cover-up of sexual abuse complaints against former coach Ron Akins. Akins coached at both Ninnekah and Friend schools. He resigned from Ninnekah after being arrested and charged for rape and sexual battery alleged to have taken place over the last several years. In his press release, Sheriff Weir said he's confident that at the end of the investigation the public will see that his office stands for the highest standards and that any allegations of wrong-doing by him or his office are simply not true. The Oklahoman reported that attorney's representing the girls demanded that District Attorney Jason Hicks turn the investigation over to the OSBI and had given the DA a deadline of 5 o'clock yesterday to do so, or they would take their demand to the state's attorney general or the governor's office. Attorneys said the mere possibility that the sheriff's office may investigate the matter created an unacceptable conflict of interest.

 

Grady County Among Nation's Top Areas for Oil, Gas Drilling

Here's more good news from the energy industry in the region. Reports indicate that Grady County is in the top 20 most active counties in the country for oil and gas drilling. That's according to Enverus Rig Analytics which indicates there are 11 active rigs in the Anadarko basin which does include Grady County. The basin also experienced an increase in the rig count which is at 48. The website OK Energy Today reports that the Anadarko Basin contains untapped areas of production. We reported earlier this week that the corporation commission approved a permit for Citizen Energy to drill wells in the Bridge Creek area and that EOG Resources filed a completion report on the Cole Farms Well south of Blanchard. It was producing more 350 barrels of oil and nearly 600 MCF of natural gas per day.

 

Arts Council Seeks Co-Director for Summer Arts Camp

The Chickasha Area Arts Council - already preparing for the Rock Island Arts Festival next month - is also in search of a co-director for a popular summer arts camp it hosts for kids. ArtScope is a two-week day camp held every June. Responsibilities include coordinating and overseeing all aspects of the program, fundraising, and writing and submitting grants. Interested individuals can send an e-mail to chickashaarts@gmail.com Deadline to apply is September 30th.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Lewis Knicely with the Chickasha Area YMCA will be on our KOOL Konversation to discuss the Open Streets Chickasha event set for Saturday, September 11th. On Real Estate Today, Anadarko Mayor Tanner Salyer and city manager Kenneth Corn will discuss many projects underway in that community. We have links to both programs under the community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.99 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.03.

Natural gas is $4.64 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,815 and silver is $24.07.

 

Obituary

Ricky Pace

A graveside service for Richard ‘Ricky’ Pace, 64, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18th at Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the SLO-RSH Foundation.

 

Thursday, Sept. 2nd

 

Law Enforcement Look to Keep Roads Safe This Weekend

State and federal officials are implementing a safety campaign for the upcoming holiday weekend. It's the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign encouraging motorists to not drive while under the influence of alcohol or illegal or prescription drugs. Cody McDaniel with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office says there is no excuse for driving impaired or distracted. State troopers and local law enforcement will be on the roads and on the lakes over the next few days looking for impaired drivers and boaters. Last year, six people died on Oklahoma roadways during the Labor Day weekend and there were more than 50 crashes that were alcohol or drug-related.

 

Grants for Potential Walking, Bike Trails Issued

Chickasha and Anadarko are among communities in central and southwest Oklahoma that may be developing future walking and biking trails. Both cities are recipients of grants from the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization. A post on the City of Anadarko's Facebook page says Duncan also received a grant. Anadarko picked up a $25,000 grant which officials say would be used for the engineering and planning of a potential walking and bicycle trail to run from Randlett Park to Rotary Park. Chisholm Trail Consulting has been selected to work with residents to design the route, what type of surface should be used, and what kind of amenities could be added along the trail. Initial plans are to use the abandoned railroad right-of-way. Mayor Tanner Salyer said the city would be looking into getting additional funds from state, federal, and private sources for this project and other infrastructure needs.

 

Museum Closed for Pandemic Re-opens

Also in Anadarko, the Anadarko Heritage Museum is re-opening today. The museum has been closed for about 18 months because of the pandemic. The museum received a $15,000 grant from the Oklahoma Humanities Council to re-open.

 

More Sooner State Families May Qualify

for Oklahoma's Promise Scholarships

Chickasha school officials are sharing some news which impacts all Oklahoma school students. Oklahoma's Promise, a scholarship program for low-to-median income households, has raised the household income limit to $60,000. The program offers qualified students in the 8th through 11th grades the opportunity to earn scholarships for college tuition. The program is currently accepting applications. Students and parents should contact their middle school or high school counselor or visit the website: www.okpromise.org

 

Caddo County Fair Ends

The Caddo County Fair wraps up its four-day run today. Still exhibits will be on display for a short time today. The horse show which was originally scheduled for today was re-scheduled for next Thursday evening. Also next Thursday will be the premium sale for the top livestock animals shown this week. The final event of the fair today will be the drawing for the OHCE block challenge quilt at noon.

 

State Ranks High in Several National Wind-Power Segments

A new report shows Oklahoma is a top five-state in several categories when it comes to one alternative energy source.

 

              

 

That's Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.94.

Natural gas is $4.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,891 and silver is $24.26.

 

Obituaries

Terry Myers

A memorial service for Terry Myers, 69, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 3rd at McRay Funeral Home.

Dan Jones

Funeral for Dan Jones, 70, of Chickasha and Amber will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, September 3rd at the Pocasset First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Carlton Wagner

A graveside service for Carlton Wagner, 72, of Owasso will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 4th at Fairlawn Cemetery in Chickasha. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 1st

 

Changes Made at Ninnekah Schools

Recent resignations from the Ninnekah Board of Education and the suspensions of two school administrators has resulted in several changes for the school district. In a special meeting yesterday, school board vice president Dustin Tate was named president; Delanie Barry was named vice president; and Diane Carroll was named clerk. The action was taken after former school board president Rusty Garrett and board clerk Scott Miller stepped down in light of a federal lawsuit filed against the district. The board also named Marie Foot as a new dean of students after superintendent Todd Bunch and high school principal David Pitts were suspended. Foot will have the authority to take any action and/or sign any documents on behalf of the school district. Fifteen former girls basketball players filed the federal lawsuit alleging they were sexual assault victims of former basketball coaches. The lawsuit claims that school officials were told of the allegations and did nothing.

 

Tanker Truck Fire Results in Lockdown at Minco Schools

Minco schools were placed on lockdown yesterday when a fuel tanker caught fire in front of the high school. Superintendent Kevin Sims said it got very intense. Sims posted on his Facebook page that everyone was taken to the middle school safe rooms while fire fighters doused the flames. He credited the work of the Minco Fire and Police Departments, Grady County Sheriff's Office, and the Union City Fire Department for their efforts. Sims also credited Minco high school senior Garrison Bass for his work. Bass is a volunteer with the Minco Fire Department.

 

Activity in the SCOOP Increases

A number of drilling permits in the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province (SCOOP) have been issued by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Citizen Energy has been awarded a permit to drill three wells on a single pad in Grady County between Bridge Creek and State Highway 37. That is in Section 10 of Township 9 North and 5 West. Revolution Operating Company has permits for two wells on a single pad in Canadian County. The permits are for the Cogburn Wells in Canadian County west of Yukon near the CE Page Airport. There has been a completion for EOG Resources on the Cole Farms well three miles south of Blanchard in Grady County. That's in Section 16 of Township 7 North and Range 4 West. Production was just over 350 barrels of oil and nearly 600 Mcf of natural gas per day from a depth of just over 20,000 feet.

 

New 'American Heritage Girl' Program to Begin

A new youth development program for girls will be starting up next week. It's called American Heritage Girls which is a national faith-based program. It will be hosted by Maranatha Baptist Church. It's designed to help the girls learn life skills, have them get involved in their communities, and develop leadership skills. David Edwards is the pastor of the church and breaks down the age groups.

 

              

 

The program is open to girls throughout the Grady and Caddo county area. An informational program and sign-up will be held at the church at 1505 S. 29th Street Tuesday, Sept. 7th at 6:30 p.m. Weekly meetings will start Sept. 14th. For information contact John Smith by calling 405-473-3968 or visit the website: www.americanheritagegirls.org

 

Caddo County Fair Update

Here's what's happening at the Caddo County Fair today. Still exhibits will be open for viewing until 7 p.m. and the OHCE snack bar will be open. The winner of last night’s food truck competition was K-I-G Cue. The horse show which was scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) has been re-scheduled for next Thursday, September 9th with registration at 5:00 p.m. and the show starting at 6:00 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.50 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.99.

Natural gas is $4.38 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,815 and silver is $23.93.

 

Obituary

Donald Shipley

Funeral service for Donald Shipley, 77, of Rush Springs will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 4th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and Navy and served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

 

Tuesday, August 31st

 

Chix City Council Makes Offer to City Mgr Candidate

The Chickasha city council is making an offer to one of the city manager candidates who were in town for interviews last weekend. Mayor Chris Mosley tells KOOL/RANCH News that the council agreed to make an offer to the individual. The city attorney is drawing up a contract which will be presented to the candidate later this week. Mosley said if they can come to terms that the candidate said he could start the first week of October. Mosley has been acting city manager since January.

 

Council OKs Purchase Option for New Fire Engine

The city council also approved a payment option to purchase a new fire engine. In a special meeting last night the panel approved a proposal from the First National Bank which was one of four options which were presented. The First National plan has a 2.09 percent interest rate with seven annual payments of nearly $74,000 each. The first payment would be due in August of next year. The cost of the 2020 model Pierce Enforcer engine is $474,000 and the interest over the course of the note is more than $40,000 which brings the total cost to more than $515,000. The city still has payments remaining on two other fire trucks. One is $5,000 a month for the rescue squad truck which will be paid off in December of next year. The other is a semi-annual payment of more than $23,000 on  a pumper truck which will be paid off in May of 2023. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said the engine is currently in Wisconsin and that it could be delivered in about three weeks.

 

Caddo County Fair Update

It's Day Two of the Caddo County Fair. The swine show will be held this morning and still exhibits will be on display starting at 10 o'clock. There are a couple of new events to the fair this year and both will be held tonight – a food truck competition and a car show. Food trucks that have entered are K-I-G Que; Sugar Shane’s Kettlecorn and Pork Rinds; The Twisted Taco; and Wing Nuts. Both events get underway at 5:30 p.m.. There is also a kiddie-tractor pull at 6:00 p.m.

 

Anadarko Museum to Re-open

An Anadarko museum that has been closed for more than a year due to the pandemic is re-opening. The Anadarko Heritage Museum has received a grant from the Oklahoma Humanities Council. Mayor Tanner Salyer said the museum has played a significant role in providing the history of Anadarko, Caddo County, and tribal nations. The $15,000 grant was made through the National Endowment for the Humanities. City Manager Kenneth Corn says it is a shot in the arm to help not only re-open the museum but also to strengthen it for future generations. The museum is scheduled to reopen this Thursday.

 

National Guard Troops Head to Louisiana

The Oklahoma National Guard is sending 500 citizen-soldiers to aid in the relief effort of Hurricane Ida.  Soldiers and airmen will focus on route clearance, security, levee reinforcement, and general support operations. In a press release, Col. Bob Walker said situations like this are what the National Guard is for. Troops were also sent to help following Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey. The Louisiana Office of Emergency Management requested support under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. That’s a national disaster relief agreement that offers help during states of emergencies and disasters.

 

Obituaries

Marian ‘Rae’ McIlroy

A memorial service will be held at a later date for ‘Rae’ McIlroy, 65, of Chickasha. She recently retired from Cherokee Temp Service. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Lena May Pitchford

A graveside service for Lena May Pitchford, 102, of Chickasha will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2nd at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Arietta Hightower

A memorial service for Arietta Hightower, 100, of Newcastle will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 3rd at Snow Hill Baptist Church. She worked as a Rosie the Riveter at Tinker Air Force Base during WWII and also taught at Chickasha, Tuttle, and Newcastle schools. Memorial contributions may be made to Snow Hill Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Karen Cox-Grammer

A memorial service for Karen Cox-Grammer, 58, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 4th at Grand Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Aug. 30th

 

Human Bones Identified as Missing Chickasha Man

If you missed some of the news from this past weekend - a human skeleton found in Caddo County two years ago has been identified as a man missing from Chickasha for over 30 years. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said the remains were those of Alvin Stark. A laboratory at the University of North Texas identified the remains. Stark's sister, Rebecca Fowler, reported him missing in May of 1988.  She said her brother had planned to go fishing with her husband but never showed up.  While she's sad she will never see him again the news brought her some peace as the family prepares to lay him to rest. Stark's death was believed to have been a homicide. Chickasha police identified a suspect during their investigation but without Stark's remains there was not enough evidence to charge that individual. Authorities say that suspect has since died.

 

Oklahomans to Help in Aftermath of Hurricane

Hurricane Ida unleashed its wrath on Louisiana and Mississippi yesterday and several Oklahomans have been deployed to help. A Chickasha firefighter, a representative the local Salvation Army, and a group from Carnegie will all be part of the effort to help the victims. Chickasha firefighter Dallas Smith is among 50 individuals with the Oklahoma Urban Search and Rescue Teams out of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Smith is a water rescue specialist and left with group Saturday for a 14-day deployment. They are staged in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Lt. Bobby McFarland with the Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo counties, will be deployed tomorrow to help with recovery efforts. Two members of Carnegie's Emergency Medical Services were dispatched by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist. Jeremy Justus and Alex Garland made the 13-hour drive to their destination over the weekend.

 

Roadway Blocked when Sand Truck Overturns

A sand truck overturned near the Tabler Y yesterday but there no reports of injuries. The accident happened about 9 a.m. at State Highway 39 and CS 2940 which is State Highway 19C or the Alex Highway in the Naples area. The roadway was closed for about an hour.

 

Traffic Narrows on State Highway 9 in Newcastle

We have a traffic advisory to tell you about. State Highway 9 through Newcastle will be narrowed to one lane in various locations between Western Avenue and the U.S. 62/H.E. Bailey Turnpike spur junction today through Thursday in order for crews to complete surface repairs.

 

Chix Area Arts Council to get New Home

The Chickasha Area Arts Council will be moving soon. The group will be moving downtown and will be across the street from the historic Washita Theater which is where the Chickasha Community Theatre is housed. Sue Getman with the arts council says the move will give them a lot more space to help local artists and to expand the classes they offer.

 

              

 

The arts council has been at the old South School at 7th and Arkansas for the last several years. The move will likely take place after the Arts Council's big event which is just a few weeks away. The Rock Island Arts Festival will be Oct. 1st through 3rd. Getman said there are still a few vendor spaces available. Along with the festival that weekend will be the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship and the Rock Island Ride.

 

Congressman Cole to Hold Telephone Town Hall Tonight

4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) will hold a telephone town hall meeting tonight. Cole will hold an hour-long meeting to discuss concerns of constituents and address current events, including the situation in Afghanistan where there are still a number of Americans who are hoping to get out of the country by tomorrow's deadline. The telephone town hall will start at 6 o’clock tonight. The number to call is 833-305-1727. A live audio feed of the town hall meeting will be on-line at cole.house.gov/telephone-town-halls

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.74 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $71.70.

Natural gas is $4.37 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,819 and silver is $24.12.

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