Saturday, Jan. 29th
Military Medical Teams to Assist with COVID-19 Patient Surge
Three military medical teams are coming to Oklahoma to help some hospitals deal with the surge of patients being treated for the omicron variant of the coronavirus. KWTV News 9 reports that an Army medical team of 25 will work with OU Medical Center and two Air Force teams with 45 personnel will work with Integris Health in Oklahoma City. They include doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and technicians. The teams could all be arriving as early as next week. The Oklahoman reported that COVID-19 hospitalizations hit an all-time high in Oklahoma this past week, and hospitals are also dealing with staff shortages. The Oklahoman also reported that the four major health systems in Oklahoma City had no open intensive-care-unit beds. The state health department reported the three-day average was nearly 2,100 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Earthquake Recorded Near Blanchard
Some residents in the town of Cole which is near Blanchard may have felt a small earthquake Friday morning. The Oklahoma Geological Survey said a tremor measuring 3.1 on the Richter Scale was detected about 6:15 a.m. Friday about four miles east of Blanchard. There were no reports of damage. Individuals who felt the tremor are asked to contact the Oklahoma Geological Survey.
Jury Duty for Grady County Residents Canceled
Grady County residents who received a summons for jury duty for the week of January 31st will not have to report. District Judge Kory Kirkland said that all the cases scheduled have been resolved so there is no need for individuals to appear at the county courthouse on Monday.
Tuttle Oil, Gas Wells Up and Running
We have more oil and gas well completions and production reports to tell you about today. Citizen Energy of Tulsa filed a report with the Corporation Commission on the completion of three wells on a single pad about a mile south of Tuttle. The three wells were producing about 1,200 barrels of oil and nearly 5,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. Completion dates were last November and drilled to depths of about 19,000 feet.
Tribe Receives Grant for Transit Program
The Wichita and Affiliated Tribe of Oklahoma has received a grant to develop a transit plan. The tribe received more than $24,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration. The project is expected to improve access to and within the community so the tribe may better serve its members and the rural communities throughout Caddo County.
Talk Show Topics
Here’s part of what we’re talking about this weekend. Danny Wedel with the Southwest District Livestock Show is this week’s guest on our KOOL Konversation program. Christi Chambers with the Oklahoma Blood Institute is the guest on Real Estate Today. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Obituaries
Doris Wright
A graveside service for Doris Wright, 93, of Tuttle will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 31st at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
Jerry Winstone
Funeral service for Jerry Winstone will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 1st at the Ninnekah First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Friday, Jan. 28th
Former Grady County Sheriff Ron Taylor Dies
Former Grady County Sheriff Ron Taylor, who spent his entire life in law enforcement, passed away this week. Taylor, a member of the Oklahoma Sheriff's Association Hall of fame, was 82 when he died at his home on Tuesday. He was born in Minco in 1939 and was a life-long Grady County resident. His first job in law enforcement was with the police department in Garden City, Kansas then he joined the Grady County sheriff's office as a deputy in the 1960s. He served a few years as chief investigator for the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association. He was elected sheriff in 1974 and spent 20 years at the post until his retirement in 1994. He was inducted into the sheriff's association Hall of Fame in 2001. Taylor is survived by his wife of 64 years, Maxine; daughter Connie Browder and spouse Gregg; and daughter Karla Brooks and spouse Perry and their families. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 29th at the First Missionary Baptist Church of Pocasset. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Sheriff's Association scholarship fund.
Man Critical After Crash with Semi
A driver is critically injured when he tried to pass a semi in eastern Grady County last night. 39-year old Danny Alambar of Lindsay was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. The accident happened on State Highway 19 west of Alex about 8:45 last night. The highway patrol reports that Alambar was following the semi and tried to pass it just as the big rig tried to turn onto a county road. The semi then collided with Alambar's truck which caused the pickup to roll several times, ejecting Alambar from his vehicle. The driver of the semi, 49-year old Scott Reynolds of Oklahoma City, was not injured.
Fugitive Captured After Being on the Run for Years
A fugitive from Caddo County has been found in Alabama nearly 15 years after failing to register as a sex offender. 49-year old David Warren Toyekoyah of Carnegie had been wanted since 2008. The Oklahoman reports that in addition to failing to register as a sex offender in Caddo County, Toyekoyah was wanted for violating terms of his probation for crimes out of Seminole and Pottawattamie counties. Officials said Toyekoyah was located in a rural area in northern Alabama about half-way between Birmingham and Nashville, Tennessee a couple of weeks ago and that he was arrested Wednesday. Johnny Kuhlman, a U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Oklahoma, said the arrest comes after a multi-state collaboration between federal and local law enforcement.
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.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.61 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $89.34.
Natural gas skyrockets to $6.26 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,781 and silver is $22.41.
Obituaries
Sally Snodgrass
A graveside service for Sally Snodgrass, 85, of Chickasha, was held at 11:00 a.m. today (Friday, January 28th) at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.
Clarence Lowrey, Jr.
Funeral service Clarence Lowrey Jr., 74, of Cement will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 31st at McRay Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and early in life spent 10 years as a Chickasha police officer before going to work in the oilfield.
Thursday, Jan. 27th
New Convalescent Plasma Available for COVID Patients
The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) says new and improved COVID-19 convalescent plasma is now available to treat individuals who are currently battling the coronavirus. Officials say the timing couldn't be better as the Food and Drug Administration has withdrawn some drugs that are now ineffective against the omicron variant of COVID. Convalescent plasma comes from the blood donations of individuals who have recovered from the coronavirus within the last six months. The OBI indicated that a study of more than 1,200 cases showed those who received the convalescent plasma were hospitalized half as often as those who did not. They say it’s the best data available in studying the out-patient benefit of 'borrowing' the immune strength of a recovered patient to help boost the defense system of newly-infected one. OBI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. John Armitage asks individuals who have recently recovered from the coronavirus to consider donating their convalescent plasma. The donation must be made a minimum of ten days after being fully recovering from COVID. Anyone donating blood between now and Feb. 6th will have their blood automatically tested for the anti-bodies at no charge.
Caddo County Suspect Sought for Rape of Teenager
A felony arrest warrant has been issued for an Anadarko man accused of raping and impregnating a 14-year old girl. Caddo County authorities are seeking 20-year old Ashton Martin. He's wanted for second degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The Lawton Constitution cites court documents that say Anadarko police began their investigation in early December after getting a call from the girl's mother. The mother said it appeared the relationship was consensual and while she did not want to ruin Martin's life, she does want him to know it’s not OK for him to have had sex with a 14-year old. If convicted of the rape charge Martin could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.
Runaway Tuttle Teen Sought
Tuttle police are reaching out for help to find a runaway teen. Authorities say it's believed that 16-year old James Rocky Carroll left his home very early Wednesday morning. Our partners at KWTV News 9 reported that authorities believe Carroll was seen in Weatherford about 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. He could be headed to Denver or perhaps to Montana. Carroll may be driving a maroon 2013 Chevy pickup with Oklahoma tag number JHK-158. Anyone with information about James Rocky Carroll is asked to reach out to Tuttle police.
Southwest District Livestock Show Returns to Chix
The largest livestock show for youth in the southwest part of the state will be in Chickasha in a couple of weeks. The Southwest District Livestock Show will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds Feb. 8th through 12th. Superintendent Danny Wedel talks about some of the prize money the youth will be competing for.
Wedel said last year that more than 1,000 youth pre-registered 2,500 animals and they are expecting that or more pre-entries this year. Pre-registration ends tomorrow night.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.35 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $89.96.
Natural gas is $4.28 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,811 and silver is $23.18.
Wednesday, Jan. 26th
State Lawmakers Prepare for Legislative Session
Literally hundreds of bills have been filed at the state capitol ahead of the legislative session which begins February 7th. Among the measures filed is one to remove the state sales tax on groceries. State Rep. Sean Roberts (R-Hominy) says he will continue his push for a referendum to have voters decide the issue. Roberts says Oklahoma is one of only six states in the country that allows full taxes on groceries. He says since the state currently has a surplus of funds and revenues are up, now is the time to bring much-needed relief to Oklahoma families. State Senator Roland Pederson (R-Burlington) has filed a bill that should help farmers and ranchers renew their agriculture sales tax exemptions. He said SB 1655 would simplify the renewal process for those who have already met the initial requirements to qualify. State Senator Adam Pugh (R-Edmond) wants to continue working to make Oklahoma the top state in the country for retired and active military veterans. He has filed SB 401 which would exempt military retirement pay from state income taxes. He said Oklahoma has one of the highest active and retired military populations in the country but continues to be ranked one of the least tax-friendly states for military retirees. He said there are currently 33 states that don’t tax military retirement pay.
Production Report Filed on Rush Springs Oil, Gas Wells
Completion reports on a couple of Grady County oil and gas wells show some good production numbers. Oklahoma City-based Gulfport Energy reports that two wells on a single pad east of Rush Springs were bringing in more than 1,400 barrels of oil and nearly 30,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. The production is from the Frick Wells located in Section 26 of Township 4 North, Range 6 West. The wells were drilled to depths of between 23,000 and 24,000 feet. The wells were completed last June but the production reports were just recently released.
Chix Library Offers Series on Money Managing
For individuals wanting to improve their financial well-being the Chickasha Public Library will hold a short series to help. There will be four weekly sessions that will cover a range of topics which include Becoming Fiscally Fit; Becoming Credit-Worthy; Becoming Debt-Free; and Building Savings for Now, for Investments, and Retirement. The programs will be led by Leslie Sledge who is a certified financial counselor and credit restoration specialist. It is a virtual series and will be held each Friday from 3-6 p.m. beginning Feb. 4th and running through March 4th. Space is limited and participants are encouraged to register early to reserve a seat. For information call the library at 405-222-6075 or e-mail: library@chickasha.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.60 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $88.20.
Natural gas is $4.05 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,847 and silver is $23.94.
Obituaries
John ‘Dale’ Otey
A graveside service for ‘Dale’ Otey, 85, of Cement will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 28th at Laverty Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Dorothy ‘Dot’ Melvin
Funeral service for ‘Dot’ Melvin, 85, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 29th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Tuesday, Jan. 25th
Regional Burn Bans Extended
County commissioners throughout the region have extended burn bans, many of which have been in effect for more than a month. The bans have been extended for two more weeks in Grady, Caddo, Stephens, and Comanche counties through Monday, February 7th. There are burn bans in 33 Oklahoma counties as the dry weather pattern continues for much of the state. The drought is also worsening throughout much of western Oklahoma. Most of Grady County and parts of McClain, Garvin, Stephens and Comanche counties are in a D-3 designation which is extreme drought. The northern part of Grady County and nearly all of Caddo and Canadian counties are in a D-2 designation or severe drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. There is a slight chance for snow Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night with forecast calling for less than a half-inch of snow. Much of the region has gone more than 60 days with less than a half-inch of rain.
Utilities Still Asked to Provide Info on Feb. 2021 Storm Costs
A group within the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is continuing to require five major utilities in the Sooner State to reveal more details about their costs from the February, 2021 deep freeze. The Public Utilities Division is asking the commission to have PSO, Center Point Energy, ONG, OG&E, and Summit Utilities 'publicly disclose certain documents and information related to the extreme weather emergency’. The website OK Energy Today reports that the request asks for the total amount each utility paid to natural gas providers, transportation services, purchased power, and other related expenses. Officials say it would allow the general public to view information. It’s anticipated that it would not give an unfair competitive advantage to providers of these services, and should not have a negative impact on any future requests for competitive bids.
Group Looks to Capitalize on Chix 'Christmas Town' Success
Chickasha officials look to build upon the recent success of the city's Christmas Town promotion. Economic Development Council (EDC) Director Jim Cowan will hold a community meeting next week to get input on how to make the Christmas Town moniker even better. Last season the EDC launched a campaign with the Christmas Town music video from The Imaginaries. Cowan said the video was streamed nearly 250,000 times, it was featured on more than 50 podcasts, and shown on television stations from Tulsa to Austin, Texas. Cowan says 2022 will be the 30th anniversary for the Festival of Light, and wants public input on what more the city can do to promote tourism city wide throughout the six-week holiday season from mid-November to New Year's Eve. The meeting will be Monday, Jan. 31st at 2:00 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce.
Mentors Sought for 5th Grade Student Programs
A couple of programs designed to have community members interact with fifth grade students will be happening next month. The Chickasha Public School Foundation will hold its Diamonds in the Rough program for girls and its Gentlemen of Distinction program for boys. Gab Shephard with the Foundation says she is looking for community members who would like to share their success stories with the fifth graders. The events will include a motivational speaker. The Diamonds in the Rough program will be Tuesday, February 8th and the Gentlemen of Distinction Program on Tuesday, February 22nd. Interested persons are asked to contact Shepard by next Monday, Jan. 31st. Find more information on the Chickasha Public Schools Foundation website or Facebook page.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.31 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $86.27.
Natural gas is $4.02 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,839 and silver is $23.75.
Monday, Jan. 24th
DA Hicks Appointed to Chair Children's Advocacy Group
District Attorney Jason Hicks has been chosen to lead a support group that helps Oklahoma's children. Hicks will be serving as the commissioner for the District Attorneys Council for the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. Hicks was appointed to the post last week by Gov. Kevin Stitt. The post does not include any pay and he will continue his role as the top prosecutor in Grady, Caddo, Stephens, and Jefferson counties. The commission has been around for 40 years and has helped to bring accountability and independent oversight into the state's child and youth service system. Hicks said the appointment is an honor and that providing guidance on how state law affects families, children, and youth is essential to successful leadership. Learn more about the commission at #OklahomaKids or #thrivingfamiliesok
ICAN Program Helps Victims of Domestic Violence
A group supporting victims of sexual and domestic violence has been serving the region for more than 40 years. The Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN) has been operating in Grady and Canadian counties since the early 1980s. The program was initially known as the Women's Service Center but also is open to help male victims of domestic violence. Mark Whetzel is the director of ICAN. The program offers emergency shelters to get victims quickly out of harm’s way. He said many times victims don't want to leave a relationship because of they don't want to break up their family-
There is a 24-hour crisis line for abuse victims to call. It's 405-222-1818.
Marlow Voters to Decide $34 Million, 20-year School Bond Proposal
Marlow school officials are proposing a multi-million dollar bond issue over 20 years to build a number of new buildings and safe rooms. It's a $34 million bond proposal that school district voters will decide in a couple of weeks. The plan calls for the demolition of a 94-year old auditorium and to build a state-of-the-art performing arts center; construction of a new wrestling facility; and some renovations for the high school football field. Eight new classrooms would be built at the high school and officials also plan to build safe rooms at the high school and middle schools. Each safe room would hold up to 800 people that the community could access. School officials say that 75 percent of the cost of the safe rooms would be paid for by grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If voters approve the measure property taxes would increase by nearly 10 percent. The issue will be decided in the upcoming the school bond election on Feb. 8th.
Anadarko Selected to Participate in COVID Vax Discussion
The City of Anadarko has been selected to be one of three communities to take part in a conversation about COVID-19 vaccinations. It will be a virtual panel discussion on Thursday, February 3rd at 7:00 p.m. and individuals will be able to watch the discussion live at the Anadarko library. One of the panelists is KWTV-News 9's Amanda Taylor. Questions can be submitted in advance in a drop box at the library. There will also be an opportunity to watch a recording of the discussion after the initial presentation. For other information visit the website: www.smo.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.14 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $87.89.
Natural gas is just under $4.00 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,840 and silver is $24.10.
Obituary
Todd Abel
A funeral service for Todd Abel, 27, of Alex will be held by the family at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 25th at the Assembly of God on State Highway 19 in Lindsay. Arrangements are through Ferguson Funeral Home.
