Saturday, June 25th
OHP Continues Probe of Deadly Accident
The highway patrol is investigating a deadly rollover crash that killed a young driver. 20-year old Patrick Olinger of Duncan died in the accident that occurred just before 6:30 a.m. Friday north of Marlow. The trooper dispatched to the crash reported that Olinger was driving an SUV that failed to go around a curve, ran off the road, overturned several times, and that Olinger was ejected from the vehicle. He was not wearing his seatbelt. The trooper reported he was still looking into what may have caused Olinger to run off the road.
Ex-Con Arrested for Alleged Domestic Violence
A man with a history of domestic violence is back in jail in connection with another attack. 38-year old Robert Dewayne White was arrested by Chickasha police June 16th after the victim called authorities to a home in the 900 block of South 3rd and told them that White had slammed her head against the wall and threatened to kill her. Court documents indicate that a 12-year old boy witnessed the brutality. Investigators say White had been drinking and they found drugs and drug items in his possession. Prosecutors have charged White with felony assault and battery and two misdemeanors for having drugs. White remains in the Grady County jail on a $75,000 bond. He was convicted of a previous domestic assault charge out of Canadian County in 2014 and was sentenced to three years behind bars.
Group Seeks Info On Missing, Murdered Indigenous People
A southwest Oklahoma group is working to raise awareness about the unsolved murders of Native Americans as well as Native Americans who have gone missing. The group is part of a statewide panel called Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). There are 10 chapters across the state and the southwest chapter has been around since 2015. Cindy Famero is the vice president and she told KSWO-TV this week-
She said the group welcomes information from anyone regardless of their ethnicity. She said MMIP is inclusive and wants everyone to be safe and all children to be free from harm. Famero said they are working to raise funds to obtain a building in southwest Oklahoma to create a regional office. The state group is hosting its 4th annual MMIP powwow in Lawton at the Comanche Nation Powwow Grounds today which runs through the afternoon and evening.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Whitney Palesano and Jim Cowan from the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council are on our KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today our guests are USAO baseball coach Tyle Hankins and Drover softball coach Jadyn Wallis. Find podcasts to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Obituary
Geneva May Fredricks
Arrangements for Geneva May Fredricks, 77, of Chickasha are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Friday, June 24th
Chix City Council to Begin Formal Search for City Manager
A special Chickasha City Council meeting has been scheduled to formally begin the search for the city's next top administrator. The panel will meet Monday night at city hall and is expected to authorize the search for a new city manager. The move was prompted by the sudden and unexpected resignation of Tyler Brooks earlier this week. No reason was given for Brooks' early departure. He had only been on the job for about six months. While the council searches for candidates Mayor Chris Mosley will fill in as the acting city manager.
Council to Consider Paying IRS Penalty; Buy Mowers
The council is expected to pay a penalty to the IRS related to payroll taxes from 2014. The council will consider whether to pay a more than $5,500 civil penalty. The panel is also expected to approve the purchase of three mowers for the Public Works Department at a cost of just under $11,000. Monday's meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.
Suspect Accused of Theft From Deputy's New Home Site
A Grady County man is behind bars for allegedly stealing some materials from a site where a law enforcement officer is building a new home. 57-year old Raymond Dale Arterberry of Minco surrendered to authorities this week after a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Grady County sheriff's deputies were called to the Bridge Creek area in early May where a Cleveland County deputy was building a new home. He discovered about $2,000 in building materials were missing. Fortunately, he had some video surveillance of the property, and he had placed tracking devices on some of the items to help find them in case they did get stolen. Investigators tracked the stolen goods to Arternberry's home in Minco. Arterberry has been charged with grand larceny and remains in the Grady County Jail on a $5,000 bond. The arrest comes after a previous felony conviction. In 2009 Arterberry was convicted in Greer County for taking contraband into a jail or penal institution.
Freshmen Lead Large Summer Enrollment at USAO
Officials at USAO say there has been a big increase in students taking summer classes. Overall enrollment is up by more than 12 percent compared to last year. The increase was bolstered by freshmen enrolled for the summer with the number more than double that of 2021. Vice President for Academic Affairs Donna Miles said that while many students needed to work during the summer a lot of them were still interested in taking classes. The faculty responded by offering more classes on-line. The university is also working on new initiatives and partnerships to allow students to complete additional degrees and certifications with other universities through a digital platform called Coursera.
Chickasha Rodeo Opens Tonight
The summer rodeo season is upon us and the annual Chickasha rodeo is this weekend. There are two performances, with action tonight and tomorrow night at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Local cowboys and cowgirls will compete in events that include steer wrestling, team roping, bronc busting, barrel racing, and bull riding. Rafter D Rodeo of Sterling has been the longtime stock contractor for the rodeo. The event begins at 8 o'clock each evening with the Grand Entry. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. Advance tickets can be purchased at Hicks Western Wear. There will be a rodeo parade in downtown Chickasha tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock.
Town of Amber to Host Summer Fest
The town of Amber will hold a Summer Fest at the town park tomorrow. There will be family activities and the fire department will oversee water activities for the kids. There will be a cornhole tournament, and concessions will be available with proceeds to bring more events to the park. A couple of food trucks will also be on hand. The Amber Summer Fest will be from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. tomorrow.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $104.27 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $110.05.
Natural gas is $6.24 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,826 and silver is $20.95.
Obituaries
Jesse Higgins
A memorial service for Jesse Higgins, 44, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25th at Sevier Funeral Home.
‘Fitz’ Fitzpatrick
Viewing for Oral ‘Fitz” Fitzpatrick, 92, of Rockwall, Texas will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Sevier Funeral Home of Chickasha which will be followed by a graveside service at Fairlawn Cemetery.
Vergie Conner
Funeral service for Vergie Conner, 101, of Tuttle will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 27th at the Tuttle First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
Thursday, June 23rd
Contractor Accused of Embezzlement
A contractor who is alleged to have bilked customers out of thousands of dollars is facing several felony charges of embezzlement. 40-year old Norman Thomas Gomes - also known as Buddy Gomes - is facing five felony counts of embezzlement and one felony for a pattern of criminal offenses. The charges were filed in Grady County District Court after an investigation by the state attorney general’s office. Documents filed in district court say Gomes took more than $20,000 from customers and failed to perform the work he was hired to do. Gomes, doing business as BNV Construction, is accused of victimizing customers in Grady, Caddo, Oklahoma, and Beckham counties between January of 2021 and March of 2022. A warrant for Gomes’ arrest was issued on June 9th and he was arrested June 17th. If convicted he faces 1-5 years of jail time and up to $5,000 in fines on each of the embezzlement charges and up to two years behind bars and a $25,000 fine for the pattern of criminal offenses charge. Gomes remains in the Grady County Jail on a $50,000 bond. He's to back in court August 4th to announce his attorney and again August 10th for a preliminary hearing conference.
Suspected Gas Thief Caught in the Act
A man suspected of trying to steal gasoline out of the trucks of a local business is caught red handed by the business owner. 45-year old Michael Wayne Bearman was arrested by Chickasha police last week after they responded to a report of a larceny in progress at Gonzalez Pest Control at 806 West Choctaw. Court documents say when police arrived they saw a suspect in a fenced area sitting next to a truck with a gas can and a hose. The suspect tried to runaway but business owner Joseph Gonzalez was able to tackle the man and hold him until the officer caught up to him. Bearman has previous felony convictions which include assault and battery with a weapon; placing body fluids on government employees; and false personation dating back to 2009. He's facing two new felonies of second and third degree burglary in connection with this most recent arrest. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $25,000 bond. He's being represented by a court-appointed attorney and he is to return to court July 27th for a preliminary hearing conference.
In-Person, Absentee Voting Available Ahead of Primary
Oklahoma's primary election is next Tuesday but voters can cast ballots early if they choose. In-person, absentee voting can be done at county election board offices. Republican and Democratic voters will cast ballots in their respective primaries and independent voters are allowed to vote in the Democratic primary. There are a number of state and federal candidates on the ballots including governor, attorney general, state treasurer, and state superintendent of schools as well as U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. There are several county office primary elections. In Grady County there are Republican primaries for the District One and District Three county commissioner posts. In Caddo County, there is a Republican primary for county commissioner in District One and a Democratic primary for county commissioner in District Three. Also in Caddo County there is a Republican primary for State Senate District 26 and for State Representative District 55. In-person, absentee voting can be done from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Veterans Administration Officials in Anadarko Thursday
Military veterans, their spouses, widows, or surviving children can get information about any benefits they may be entitled to without having to drive to Oklahoma City. Representatives with the Department of Veterans Affairs will be in Anadarko tomorrow. Individuals will be able to talk to a VA representative and get answers about claims or benefits. Representatives will also help file claims. Individuals may be able to get same-day decisions after sharing complete information. The event will be held in the Iscani Gymnasium at 1 Coronado Circle behind the Anadarko Walmart from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $106.19 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $111.74.
Natural gas is $6.85 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,827 and silver is $21.18.
Obituary
Jim White
A memorial service for Jim White, 75, of Anadarko will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 25th at the First Baptist Church of Anadarko. He was a long-time teacher and coach for Anadarko and Chickasha schools and was the long-time public address announcer for Chickasha High School wrestling. He earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma and was a U.S. Army veteran. In recent years he served as a blue-gold officer with the U.S. Naval Academy. Arrangements are with Ray and Martha's Funeral Home in Anadarko.
Wednesday, June 22nd
ARPA Funds to Pay to Develop Long-Range Plan for Chix
The Chickasha City Council signs off on the creation of an extensive and expensive plan designed to make city-wide improvements over the next 20 years. A lengthy public hearing held during this week's council meeting outlined a proposed plan of action from Oklahoma City-based C. H. Guernsey and Company. It's a firm the city has used for several projects. During the course of the nearly hour-long hearing, city officials said the last comprehensive long-range plan for the city was done nearly 70 years ago (in 1955) and was last updated in 1973. Officials presented a number of studies done over the last 10 years that have cost the city more than $700,000 - and no action has ever been taken on any of those plans. Guernsey representatives said they will get the entire community involved in the planning process. Once they get started it will take up to 18 months to complete the plan. The city council approved using nearly $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for the work. The proposal did not get unanimous approval from the council. It passed by a 7-2 vote with councilmen Brian Gerdes and R.P. Ashanti-Alexander voting against it.
Suspect Jailed in Connection with December Robberies
A Chickasha man is in custody, accused of committing a couple of robberies last fall. 22-year old Jake Tyler Holcomb is in jail facing two felony charges of robbery. He is being held in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Court documents indicate that Holcomb is accused of robbing a convenience store clerk the night of December 4th. The following night Holcomb is accused of robbing a USAO professor at knifepoint at the university, taking her cell phone and credit cards. Holcomb is scheduled to be back in court July 21st to announce his attorney and again July 27th for a preliminary hearing conference
Fairgrounds Hosts National Junior Red Angus Event
Hundreds of youth from around the country and even some from Canada are in Chickasha this week. The North American Junior Red Angus Event (NAJRAE) is underway at the Grady County Fairgrounds. It's the first time this national show has been in Chickasha. Some 500 youth are exhibiting their animals, competing in quiz bowls, and attempting to win scholarships. The national event is held in different states each year. The youth also perform a community service project in the host city. The project for Chickasha was building some beds for the Life Skills Institute and Resurrection House. Mason Krey who is from the Chickasha area and part of the Red Angus group talks about the project.
The youth built four twin beds and four toddler beds which are on display at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The NAJRAE runs through Saturday. Admission is free for anyone who would like to stop by and see any of the events or get more information about the organization.
Wildlife Refuge Limits Hiking Due to Heat
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is limiting hiking activities due to the summer heat. The refuge has enacted an Emergency Closure Order. Early morning hiking is allowed but officials say visitors will have to exit trails and Mt. Scott Roadway by 10 a.m. for the duration of the order. Fishing, wildlife photography, kayaking, picnics, and limited camping are all activities still allowed. Officials say there are 24,000 acres of public use lands which complicates search-and-rescue operations. Officials recommend that individuals hydrate several days prior to visiting the refuge and to wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. They also recommend not placing all your trust in a cell phone because service isn't a guarantee.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $110.65 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $114.65.
Natural gas is $6.80 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,831 and silver is $21.45.
Tuesday, June 21st
Chix City Manager Resigns After Six Months on the Job
Chickasha City Manager Tyler Brooks suddenly resigned from his post following last night's city council meeting. Brooks, who was hired just six months ago, submitted his resignation following a closed-door meeting with the council. His resignation is effective immediately. No explanation was provided regarding Brooks' decision. Brooks was hired last fall after a lengthy search for a city manager following the resignation of previous city manager, John Noblitt. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley issued a prepared statement saying the council will be moving forward with the plans and progress which have been set in motion. He said the council trusts the city's leadership team to continue pressing toward meeting the priorities and goals that the council has laid out. Mosley said the council passed a very promising budget and approved the start of an exciting new comprehensive plan last night. Mosley will serve as interim city manager while the council begins the search for its next administrator.
Chix City Employees Work on Federal Juneteenth Holiday
Federal and state offices and banks were closed yesterday to commemorate Juneteenth, which officially became a federal holiday last year. However, employees with the City of Chickasha were on the job yesterday, even though the city council approved the paid holiday last fall. City Councilman Zach Grayson talked about the oversight during last night's city council meeting.
City Councilman Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander was more critical of the oversight-
Ashanti-Alexander said if city leaders want to project a positive image they should follow examples of cities which see their communities unite racially, economically, and culturally.
Driver Hospitalized After Car Hits Tree
A Chickasha woman is hospitalized after her car runs off a Caddo County road and hit a tree. 67-year old Jamie Oberlag was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was admitted in serious condition. The accident happened just before 5:00 p.m. Monday about three miles southeast of Anadarko. The OHP reports that Oberlag was driving at a high rate of speed when her car hit a bump, veered off the road, and hit the tree broadside. She was trapped in the vehicle for about 20 minutes. The trooper alleged there was an odor of alcohol in the vehicle.
OSBI Names Victim Who Died in Officer-Involved Shooting
Investigators have identified the man who was fatally shot by a Caddo County deputy sheriff over the weekend. The OSBI reports that 48-year old Roy Sink suffered a fatal gunshot wound when the deputy responded to a 9-1-1 call about a disturbance at an Anadarko home on Sunday. The OSBI said Sink had a machete when the deputy arrived. Sink was taken to a hospital where he died. The OSBI says the investigation is on-going and that a final report will be submitted to the district attorney's office where DA Jason Hicks will determine if the shooting was justified.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $109.56 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $113.12.
Natural gas is $6.94 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,838 and silver is $21.79.
Obituaries
Leta May Wallace
A graveside service for Leta May Wallace, 88, of Chickasha was held yesterday at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.
Barbara Kuntz
A memorial service for Barbara Kuntz, 87, of Austin, Texas and formerly of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Jean Dickson
Funeral service for Jean Dickson, 68, of Frederick will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 25th at Calvary Community Church in Hollis. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Monday, June 20th
State Agency Looks Into Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is looking into a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place in Anadarko yesterday. The OSBI reports that a Caddo County deputy sheriff responded to a 9-1-1 call to the home about 1:00 p.m. A relative of the victim had called authorities to the home to investigate a disturbance. When the deputy arrived the man was standing in the front yard with a machete. At some point the deputy fired his weapon and hit the man. The man was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Neither the name of the deputy nor the man who was fatally shot have been released.
Caddo County Man Dies in Weekend Rollover
A Ft. Cobb man died over the weekeend when his pickup ran off the road and overturned. 26-year old Ryan Sperle died in the crash that happened southeast of Ft. Cobb just before 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The state trooper dispatched to the accident said Sperle failed to go around a curve, ran off the road and overturned an undetermined number of times. Sperle, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was thrown out the truck.
Chix City Council to Hold Second
Hearing on Proposed City Budget
Another public hearing on the proposed 2023 fiscal year budget for the City of Chickasha is scheduled during tonight's Chickasha City Council meeting. It's the second public hearing to be held in as many meetings to get public input about the spending plan. After the hearing, the council will consider a resolution to approve or reject the spending plan and any amendments which may be suggested.
Hearing Also Scheduled to Consider Firm to Help with Long-Range Plan
The council is also to hold a separate public hearing regarding the development of a long-range plan for the city. A representative from C.H. Guernsey and Company will present a proposal to help city officials put together a 20-year plan for development. The firm has helped communities like Yukon, Moore, Guymon, and Grove develop long-range plans. City officials are recommending the council approve the proposal to allow Guernsey officials to lead the project at a cost of just under $150,000.
Additional Airport Advisory Board Members Recommended
The council is also to consider appointing two new members to the city’s Airport Advisory Board. Greg Jacobi and Ronny Hightower are being recommended for two new positions that have been created for the airport group. During the council’s June 6th meeting, the panel approved increasing the number of members on the airport panel from five to seven. The council is also expected to approve the annual July 4th fireworks display at Shannon Springs Park.
Closed-Door Meetings Set to Discuss
Union Memorandums; City Manager's Work
The group will also go behind closed doors to discuss Memorandums of Understanding with both the Fraternal Order of Police, Local 129 and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 2041. Also during the closed-door session, the council will conduct a review of the performance of City Manager Tyler Brooks. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
Saddle Up for the Chickasha Rodeo
The 83rd annual Chickasha rodeo is coming up this week. It is an open rodeo and cowboys and cowgirls can sign up for their respective events from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Rafter D Rodeo of Sterling is the stock contractor and the number to call is 580-678-3583. Rodeo performances will be Friday and Saturday nights at the Grady County Fairgrounds outdoor rodeo arena with the Grand Entry at 8 p.m. each night. Advance tickets can be purchased at Hicks Western Wear. There will be a rodeo parade Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $109.56 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $113.12.
Natural gas is $6.94 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,840 and silver is $21.69.
Obituaries
Dorothy Unruh
Funeral service for Dorothy Unruh, 92, of Chickasha was held at 10:00 a.m. this morning (Monday, June 20th) at the Plainview Mennonite Church. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.
Tommi Jo King
Funeral service for Tommi Jo King, 52, of Tuttle will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 21st at Life Church in Mustang. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Betty Jo Gibson
Funeral service for Betty Jo Gibson, 81, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 22nd at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Thomas Woods, Jr.
A memorial service for Thomas Woods, Jr., 71, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
