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Mollman Media News

2022, Jan. 10th-15th

Saturday, Jan. 15th

 

State Panel Wants Utilities to Provide Information

on Who 'Gets Rich' From the 2021 February Freeze

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission wants to know who is profiting from the huge increases in energy costs that were a result of the deep freeze which occurred in February of last year. The panel is asking utility companies including PSO and OG&E to provide that information. The Oklahoman and our partners at KWTV News 9 report that officials want to know who got rich as prices for natural gas, transportation, and storage spiked - and even financial penalties that were charged. One official said those costs are typically not provided saying it is believed it would disrupt the competitive bidding process. State lawmakers approved a measure that allows energy companies to obtain long-term bonds to pay the estimated $4.5 billion in heating costs that led to a shortage of natural gas needed to produce electricity. There were also rolling black-outs throughout Oklahoma and Texas. The monthly bills of customers some of the larger energy companies like PSO and OG&E will be increasing between $4 and $5 a month for the next 20 to 30 years to pay for those costs. The state's 10 largest public utility companies were asked to provide the information. They have 20 days to do so or explain why they can't.

 

Homeless Man Suspected in Burglary, Assault

A homeless Chickasha man is behind bars for violating a protective order and breaking into a relative's home. Chickasha Police arrested 30-year old Roger Gavin Roach after the relative called authorities saying Roach entered her home, woke her up, and assaulted her. A probable cause affidavit indicates she has had an active protective order against Roach for more than two years. Prosecutors have charged Roach with felony counts of burglary and violation of a protective order. He remains in jail on a $15,000 bond.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend: Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego is our guest on the KOOL Konversation and Misti McClellan with the American Red Cross serving central and southwest Oklahoma is our guest on Real Estate Today. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Lena Byrd-Johnson

A graveside service for Lena Byrd-Johnson, 89, formerly of Chickasha will be held at noon Tuesday, January 18th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Laveta Loveless

A graveside service for Laveta Loveless, 52, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday January 18th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Friday, Jan. 14th

 

Chix' Sales Tax Revenues May be a Record

A new report shows the City of Chickasha may have had its best month ever for sales tax revenues. The report from the Oklahoma Tax Commission shows the city received more than $1.2 million this month. The sales taxes come from consumer spending at retail outlets during the last half November and projected retail business for the first half of December. The total represents estimated consumer spending of $32 million at Chickasha stores during that 30-day period. The $1.2 million is up more than 30 percent from the same time period last year, and up about 20 percent from the pre-COVID period of 2019. The city also collected more than $63,000 in hotel-motel tax revenue in October of last year, which is more than triple from the previous year but down about 15 percent from 2019. A summary of the city's economic indicators compiles by the Chickasha Economic Development Council shows unemployment for November at 1.7 percent, and that the city issued three commercial and 13 residential building permits in December. There were 10 building permits for remodeling projects and three for new single-family homes.

 

Multi-County Drug Ring Arrests Made

Drug agents have broken up another multi-county drug ring. This one including suspected drug traffickers operating in Grady, Stephens, Comanche, Jefferson, and Pontotoc counties. District Attorney Jason Hicks said a number of law enforcement agencies including his District 6 Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics had been investigating the group's drug activity for more than a year. Hicks said agents seized more than 1,200 grams of meth, nearly 250 grams of heroin, multiple pills laced with fentanyl, and some firearms.

 

State Senator Chastises Second Amendment Group Director

State Senator Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle says the leader of a state group supporting the Constitutional right to bear arms should be removed after the individual made some controversial comments. Paxton, who is the chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee, said the comments were made by Don Spencer, the director of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association. Paxton said the comments could put the lives of state lawmakers and other elected officials in danger. In a prepared statement, Paxton said Spencer told an audience that “we win at the ballot box so we don't have to go to the ammo box.” Paxton while he supports the work of the association, Spencer's comment crossed every conceivable line of decency and that the words can be seen as a direct threat against elected state officials and even city council and school board members.

 

Suspicious Caddo County Death Under Investigation

The OSBI is investigating the suspicious death of a woman whose body was found outside of Apache this week. The body of 38-year old Crystal Thiessen was found in a field behind a home in the Stecker area Tuesday. Investigators say there appeared to be a campfire and the body had been burned. The state medical examiner's office is working to determine how Thiessen died.

 

Grady County Sheriff's Office Updates Wanted List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has updated its list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here is Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett-

 

              

 

If you have information about any of these individuals you're asked to contact the sheriff's office by calling 405-222-5085.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.12 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.47.

Natural gas is $4.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,823 and silver is $23.16.

 

Thursday, Jan. 13th

 

County Commissioner's Embezzlement Trial Re-scheduled

District One Grady County Commissioner Mike Walker has had his embezzlement trial pushed back. The trial was supposed to begin this month but has been re-scheduled for March 21st. Walker is facing the charge for allegedly using about $30,000 in county funds and resources to make improvements to a private road on which Walker lives. Walker has pleaded not guilty to the charge and has remained on the job since the charge was filed last May. Walker has a new attorney handling his case....Bret Burns. Our partners at KWTV-New 9 report that a group of current and former employees at District One are preparing to file a civil lawsuit against Walker. News 9 reports that attorney Mark Hammons represents five individuals who allege they were fired or harassed by Walker after they spoke with investigators.

 

Chix City Council to Hold Special Meeting, Work Session

Discussions of proposed fee increases at Chickasha city hall and planning for road projects are on tap in a couple of special gatherings for the city council tonight. The panel will hold a special work session to discuss fees, road projects, replacing street signs, and hear a report on improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. The work session will also include discussion on the concessions contract at the sports complex. The council will also have a brief special meeting to consider an ordinance that would increase small purchases for the city from  $1,000 to $5,000 and an emergency clause to enact the change if approved. The council will meet at 5:30 tonight at city hall.

 

New ISP Begins Chix Home Installations  

Chickasha residents will soon have a new option for an internet service provider. Hillary Communications has announced that installation of fiber-to-the-home broadband service is underway. The service is first being installed at city hall, after the city council approved a bid for the service for all city-owned buildings. More than 100 homes are expected to be hooked up by the end of the month. A news release from the company says its fiber-to-the-home service provides customers with one of the fastest and most reliable broadband services on the market. It is expected to allow users to stream video as well as download and upload large files quickly. Individuals can pre-register for fiber installation by visiting the website hillcom.net/chickasha

 

Church to Open Community Clothes Closet

A Chickasha church will be opening a clothing closet to serve the community. Michigan Avenue Baptist Church will hold a grand opening on Saturday. The church will have gently-used clothing and household items available for those in need. The grand opening will be at the church Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Starting next week, the clothes closet will be open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon and every third Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon. The church is located at 8th and Michigan Avenue. The church will also accept donations and is looking for volunteers. You can contact Amy Willoughby at the church by calling 405-224-5379.

 

Bullock Center to Offer MLK Lunch Fundraiser

Chickasha's Bullock Memorial Center will hold a fund raiser to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The event is on Monday, January 17th which is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The center will be serving chicken wings, beans, cornbread, dessert and a drink for $10 per plate. This will be drive-through service only, and will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Center, which is at 917 S. 1st Street. The Bullock Memorial Center is a non-profit group with a mission to educate and inspire younger generations. For information, contat Charlotte Oliver by calling 405-274-6268 or Bruce Alexander, 405-650-4521.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.64 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.67.

Natural gas is $4.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,822 and silver is $23.20.

 

Obituaries

Zelma Buser

Funeral for Zelma Buser, 96, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 14th at Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chickasha Food Pantry.

Oleta Julian

A graveside service for Oleta Julian, 88, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 14th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Clyde Bennett

Funeral service for Clyde Bennett, 76, of Ninnekah will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 15th at the Chickasha Christian Center. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 12th

 

Home Intruder is Fatally Shot by Resident

In what the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is calling a homicide, an intruder forced his way into a Chickasha home and was shot and killed by one of the residents. State and local investigators spent all day yesterday gathering evidence at the home near 5th and Missouri Avenue. Chickasha police initially responded to a 9-1-1 call made by the resident just after 5:00 a.m. The OSBI reported that the suspect who was fatally shot was also responsible for crashing a vehicle into the KFC restaurant just a couple of blocks away then driving the vehicle across neighboring yards, and backing into and striking the home where the shooting occurred. The man went to several nearby homes banging on windows and doors. One of the residents came out to see what was going on an encountered the suspect. The suspect then assaulted the man's wife and forced his way into the home. The resident then fatally shot the intruder. The intruder's name has not been released and the residents are cooperating with the investigation.

 

Fire Damages Motorcyle, ATV Dealership

Last night, a massive fire races through the warehouse and shop areas of a Chickasha motorcycle and ATV dealership causing perhaps millions of dollars in damage. Multiple fire departments were dispatched to Morris Motorsports at U.S. Highway 81 and Pikes Peak Road just after 6 o'clock last night. Ninnekah, Pioneer, and Chickasha fire departments all responded with numerous fire trucks and personnel. Grady County Fire Chief Perry Wenzel said the show room did not sustain any damage however the warehouse and shop areas sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage. Crews were initially on the scene for about four hours but were called back about 2 o'clock this morning when the fire re-kindled.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

Man Escapes Fire That Destroys Mobile Home

A Grady County man escapes a fire that destroyed his mobile home and all of its contents. The fire broke out about 4:30 Tuesday morning west of Rush Springs and not far from the Farwell Fire Department. Grady County Fire Chief Perry Wenzel said the home was fully engulfed when fire crews arrived. The man living in the trailer was unhurt. Sparks from a fireplace are suspected of causing the blaze.

 

Wildland Fire Scorches 100 Acres Near Landfill

Four volunteer fire departments were summoned to a wildland fire near the Alex landfill Tuesday. The Ninnekah, Alex, Bradley, and Bailey volunteer departments were dispatched to the fire about 10:30 a.m. about three miles south of the landfill. No property was threatened. Grady County Fire Chief Perry Wenzel said the fire scorched about 100 acres and crews spent a couple of hours dousing the flames. The cause of the fire appeared to be a flare from an oil and gas location.

 

Mother Faces Child Neglect Charges

An infant and two toddlers are left at home alone and their mother has been arrested and charged with child neglect. Chickasha police were called to a home in the 200 block of South 11th early Monday morning to do a welfare check on the children. The officer saw a seven-month old lying face down on a blanket and two-year old twins in the home with no adult supervision. It was believed the children had been left alone about an hour. A police affidavit indicates that officers had previous knowledge about the mother, 28-year old Caitlin Lea Long. Other officers located Long in her van and made a traffic stop and she was reportedly intoxicated. Long was arrested and the children released to relatives. Long has formally been charged with felony child neglect and remains in jail on a $30,000 bond.

 

Some Chickasha School Students Go to Remote-Learning

Students at Chickasha's Grand Elementary school are moving to remote learning today and for the rest of the week. Superintendent Rick Croslin said it’s due to the number of staff and students who are ill. Croslin sent a letter home to parents saying that Chromebooks and hot spots are available for students to use at home. Students who have a technology device release form on file were allowed to take Chromebooks home yesterday. Others can pick-up their devices at school until noon today. The students will return to classes next Tuesday, Jan. 18th. There is no school Monday because of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

 

Panel OKs Funding for Sports Complex Improvements

The Chickasha Industrial Authority yesterday approved using nearly $94,000 in funds to help the city pay for upgrades at the Chickasha Sports Complex. Chickasha Parks and Recreation Department Director Kyle Marks expects the work to begin in a few weeks and hopes it can be completed before the start of the busy spring and summer baseball, softball, and soccer seasons.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.22 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.72.

Natural gas is $4.25 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,817 and silver is $22.78.

 

Obituary

Charles Thompson

Funeral for Charles Thompson, 71, of Alex will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 13th at the Alex High School gymnasium. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, Jan. 11th

 

OSBI, Chix Police Investigate 'Incident'

(UPDATE - The OSBI reports a suspect in a home invasion was shot and killed by a resident in the home. This story will be updated on Wednesday, January 12th)

Chickasha police are investigating an unspecified incident that was called in this morning. Officers were called to a home at 5th and Missouri just after 6:00 a.m. The home and area around it is cordoned off with crime scene tape and 5th Street between Missouri and Florida Avenues is closed to through traffic. Assistant Police Chief G.G. Music did not have any information to release.

 

Arrests Made After Police Officer Shot

Three people are in custody in connection with the shooting of Lawton police officer. A Blue Alert was issued Monday afternoon after the officer was shot during a high-speed pursuit that went from Lawton to Apache and Lake Ellsworth. The Lawton Constitution reports that the pursuit began when Lawton police were watching a home for suspected drug activity and began following some suspects as they drove away. Apache schools were placed on lockdown as the chase reached that community. The shots were fired by the suspects after they ran a road block with the gunshots striking the Lawton officer and his car. The unidentified officer was taken to a hospital where he was treated and released. The suspects were all taken to the Comanche County jail on unspecified complaints. The investigation has been turned over to the OSBI.

 

Burn Bans Extended in at Least Two Counties

Burn bans in Grady County and Caddo counties have been extended. Commissioners in both counties are continuing the bans through Jan. 24th.  Weather conditions over the next few days will be such that it won't take much for wildland fires to spread quickly.  

 

Chix Group Meets to Discuss Funds for Sports Complex Upgrades

Officials with the Chickasha Industrial Authority will meet this morning to consider providing nearly $94,000 in funds to pay for upgrades at the Chickasha Sports Complex. The panel will hold a special meeting at the bottom of the hour (7:30 a.m.) to consider the proposal. Last week, the city council approved a bid from United Turf and Track of Arcadia, Oklahoma - provided the funds be approved by the Industrial Authority.

 

Public Hearing Today for Chix Boat, RV Storage Ordinance

Changes in the City of Chickasha's boat and recreational vehicle storage ordinance will be discussed in a public hearing by the city's Planning Commission this afternoon. The city council postponed a decision on some changes in the ordinance late last year to allow for further discussion about some of the proposed modifications. It's the only issue to be reviewed by the Planning Commission today.

 

New Time, Location for Next Week's County Commish Meeting

Grady County commissioners have changed their meeting time and location for next week. The panel was originally scheduled to meet at the county courthouse at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 18th but will now meet in the community building at the Grady County Fairgrounds at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be held Tuesday morning as the courthouse is closed Monday for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil is $78.73 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $80.87.

Natural gas is $4.07 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,804 and silver is $22.54.

 

Obituary

'Dub' Chaney

A memorial service for W.L. ‘Dub’ Chaney of Ninnekah will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 15th at Vimy Ridge Baptist Church in Rush Springs. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Jan. 10th

 

Burn Bans Expected to Continue

With warm temperatures and another week of dry weather in the forecast, county officials throughout the state will likely continue burn bans which have been in place for the last few weeks. Burn bans are now in place in 25 Oklahoma counties. There has been no rain in this region in the last seven days and no rain is in the forecast for the upcoming week. The U.S. Drought Monitor continues to show much of the area in either a D2 or D3 drought designation which indicate extreme to severe drought. Individuals who violate the burn ban can be charged with a misdemeanor and sentenced to up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted.

 

Policy Updates, Heat and Air Work Talks set for Chix School Board

Updates of sexual harassment and civil rights policies within the Chickasha school district will be considered by the board of education tonight. Superintendent Rick Croslin is recommending that the panel approve the updates issued by the Center for Education Law. The panel will consider some change orders in some heat and air work including replacing the system at the hospitality room at Myers Fieldhouse and the middle school band room. The group will recognize robotics instructor Brandon Willis for being selected as the State Coach of the Year by the Oklahoma First LEGO League. The school board will also recognize the Chicken Express Employees of the Month who work at the high school. They are teacher Jen Jantzen and support employee Pam Brandt. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building.

 

Grady County Fairgrounds to Continue Hectic Schedule

The Grady County Fairgrounds hosted more than 350 event days last year and officials say they are on track for even more activities this year. Director Andy Maher says the Oklahoma High School and Junior High School Rodeo Associations will again hold their state finals there and another multi-day national junior cattle show will be held this summer. Maher said the word continues to spread across the country about the assets of the fairgrounds.

 

              

 

Events scheduled over the next few weeks include the Southwest Oklahoma Toy Show January 29th; the Southwest District Livestock Show February 8th through the 12th; and the Grady County Junior Livestock Show February 28th through March 3rd.

 

Anadarko Property Owners, Residents Asked to Clean Alleys

The City of Anadarko is asking residents and property owners to clear out their alley ways. Tree limbs, brush, trash, and other debris will have to be removed or property owners will face fines issued by the city's Code Enforcement Department. A post on the city's Facebook page indicates that officials will be driving the alleys over the next few weeks and property owners who are in violation of the ordinance will have notices mailed to them. Individuals will have 10 days in which to remove the debris before enforcement action begins. Officials say with the potential of experiencing hazardous and damaging winter weather over the next few weeks, it’s important that the alleys remain clear so utility crews have access through them. Property owners and individuals can take limbs and brush to the airport while any trash or bulky items can be taken to the city roll-off site Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon or 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Property owners will have to show their utility bills to use the service.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.90 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.75.

Natural gas is $3.92 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,799 and silver is 22.48.

 

Obituaries

Leonard Milo-Holder

Funeral for Leonard Milo-Holder, 55, of Lawton was held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 10th at New Hope Church of God in Lawton. Arrangements were with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Juanita Adams

A graveside service for Juanita Adams, 99, was held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 10th at the Elmore City Cemetery. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

Jetty Evans

Funeral for Jetty Evans, 99, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 15th at College Heights Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

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