Saturday, July 9th
Chix Residents Asked to Voluntarily Reduce Water Use
Chickasha city officials are asking residents to voluntarily cut back on their outdoor watering for the next several days. City officials say the reason is because of the installation of water lines along the route of the U.S. Highway 81 bypass west of the city. In a prepared statement, officials said that the lines need to be sterilized and the city must to re-route a lot of water to the tower on West Idaho. Officials ask residents minimize outdoor water usage during the day. That includes watering lawns, gardens, and landscapes, and not filling in-ground swimming pools. They also ask residents to not wash their cars in their driveways. The voluntary conservation request is expected to run into next week. For updated information see the city's Facebook page or the city's website at chickasha.org
Mother Arrested for Suspect Child Neglect
A mother is accused of child neglect after her four-year old child wandered away from home while she slept. 33-year old Amanda Rae Anderson was taken into custody this week. The child had wandered to a home about a block away. A probable cause affidavit indicates the child walked to the home barefoot over broken glass on the sidewalk. The boy was only wearing a shirt with no underwear or shorts on, was soiled, and appeared to have had a number of mosquito bites. The individual who found the child identified Anderson as his mother. Police went to Anderson's home where an officer found her asleep. She told the officer she had no idea the child was missing. Anderson was arrested and charged with felony child neglect. She is out of jail after posting a $10,000 bond
Native American Boarding School Listening Tour Begins
Federal officials will be at Riverside Indian School in Anadarko today to begin a national listening tour to hear about the terrible treatment suffered by numerous Native American children who attended federal boarding schools in the late-1800s and into the mi-1900s. Deb Haaland, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior, launched a widespread investigation last year which determined that generations of Native American youth were forced or compelled to attend the schools. Haaland said it was a way for the U.S. government to break up tribal nations and obtain their land.
Haaland said they have found 53 burial sites across the country that are tied to the boarding schools. Haaland is the first Native American to serve as the Interior Department Secretary. She plans to compile testimony she hears into an oral archive. The Oklahoman reported this week that Haaland said children were punished for speaking their Native languages and the schools often operated like the military with drills, marches, and strict rules. The investigation found that many of the schools did not focus on education but on manual labor and skills training designed to eradicate Indigenous cultures. Oklahoma had the most boarding schools of any state with 76. Riverside is among the few off-reservation boarding schools that are still in operation today. Haaland said the schools are run much differently than they did in the past as they now focus on native cultures and education.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Jake Grossnicklaus with the Grady County Cattle Producers Association is this week's guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today are Wendy King, Patricia McConnell, and Sheri Thrash with Special Young Adults. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Obituaries
Larry Smith
Funeral service for Larry Smith, 66, of Dallas and formerly of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Patricia Moore
A memorial service for Patricia Moore, 31, formerly of Minco, will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Friday, July 8th
Worker Dies in Oil Field Accident
An oilfield worker died while a crew was clearing a spot to locate an oil rig. 44-year old Matthew Kopf of Newcastle died in the accident that happened along the Washita River east of Ninnekah yesterday. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess says the sheriff's office received a 9-1-1 call just before noon and asked for an ambulance to respond. Boggess says a crew for Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation was clearing a spot for an oil rig when a skid steer got stuck on the riverbank. Crews used tow straps and a chain attached to a tractor in an attempt to free the skid steer. Kopf was driving the tractor when the chain broke under the stress of the pull, recoiled, and struck Kopf in the head, neck, and shoulder area. Kopf died at the scene.
Missing Man's Body Found at Lake Chickasha
The body of a man reported missing from Tuttle this week was found at Lake Chickasha. Undersheriff Boggess said the body of 43-year old Mark Barham was found Tuesday evening. Boggess said the sheriff's office received a 9-1-1 call from Barham’s mother early Tuesday. She said he may have gone to the lake to go kayaking. Deputies pinged Barham's cell phone which they traced to the west side of the lake. When investigators got there they found Barham's cell phone in his truck, but he and his kayak were not there. Caddo County deputies and Chickasha police were also summoned to the scene. Authorities did not find anything on an initial search of the lake. Later Tuesday afternoon, a Caddo County deputy returned to the lake. A civilian with a boat volunteered to take the deputy around the lake again, where they found Barham's body in his kayak. Boggess said there did not appear to be any sign of foul play. Barham's body was taken to the state medical examiner’s office where officials will determine his cause of death.
Another Suspect Arrested for Drug Trafficking
There's been another arrest in the on-going battle with drug dealers distributing pain pills laced with fentanyl. The latest arrest was made earlier this week when the Grady County Sheriff's Office combined efforts with the Drug Enforcement Administration to bring in 55-year old Chris Elroy Loveless of Chickasha. A probable cause affidavit indicates officials received a tip that alleged Loveless sold nearly 30 pills to an individual for $400. Loveless told investigators he has about 1,000 fentanyl-laced tablets delivered to his home every week and that he sells them for up to $20 each. Loveless has been formally charged with felonies which include trafficking and distribution. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $250,000 bond. He faces up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $100,000 if convicted.
Silver Alert Issued for Missing Duncan Woman
The search continues for a Duncan woman who has been missing from her home for about three weeks. The Duncan Police Department issued a Silver Alert for 84-year old Margie Pickens in mid-June. There were reports that she was seen at the Lawton-Duncan Y and asked for a ride to Elk City. However, video surveillance did not show any evidence that she had been there. The last time anyone had contact with her was a text message she sent to her landlord, saying she was going to her family farm east of Duncan. Individuals were asking residents to check their storm cellars to see if she had taken shelter from the heat. Pickens is Caucasian with hazel eyes and shoulder-length light brown hair and was on foot. Anyone with information about Margie Pickens is asked to contact the Duncan Police Department by calling 580-255-2112.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $102.73 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $104.65.
Natural gas is $6.29 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,735 and gold is $19.02.
Thursday, July 7th
Driver of Car Critical After Crash with Semi
A car rear-ended a semi in Alex yesterday and the driver of the car is hospitalized in critical condition. 31-year old Haley Kinsey of Bradley was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after being trapped in her car for more than 45 minutes. Crews from the Alex Fire Department had to use their Jaws of Life to free Kinsey from the wreckage. Somehow, a five-year old girl in the car with her escaped serious injury. The child was taken to Children's Hospital to be treated for a head injury and was allowed to go home. The accident happed about 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at State Highway 19 and Main Street. The trooper investigating the accident said that Kinsey was behind the semi as both were westbound on the highway. The truck driver slowed to make a turn and Kinsey's car crashed into the semi. The truck driver identified as 33-year old Justin Hamilton of Lindsay was not hurt.
Reward Offered for Info Regarding Drilling Fluid Incident
A huge reward is being offered for information about the vandals who broke into the yard of a Cyril oilfield company and released thousands of gallons of drilling fluid. A $10,000 reward has been offered by Stellar Drilling Fluid Company. One or more persons gained entry into the yard by cutting a chain-link fence then opened valves on several storage containers to release nearly 6,000 barrels of fluid. The incident happened late Monday or early Tuesday of this week. Tips can be called in to the Caddo County sheriff's office at 405-247-5700.
Tuttle Begins Odd-Even Outdoor Watering
Tuttle residents are asked to conserve their water usage as the area deals with the triple-digit high temperatures. The city has gone to an odd-even system for residents who want to water their yards, landscapes, and gardens. Residents whose addresses end with an odd number can water on odd-numbered days and residents whose addresses end with an even number can water on even-numbered days. A post on the City of Tuttle's Facebook page says the reason for the cut back is that Tuttle buys its water from Newcastle which buys most of its water from Oklahoma City. So Tuttle is required to follow Oklahoma City's conservation measures. Oklahoma City requires odd-even outdoor watering year-round.
Chickasha Ward 3 Meeting Set
Chickasha residents who live in Ward 3 can meet with their city council representatives next week. A ward meeting will be held at the Washita Valley Park Community Building Monday, July 11th at 6:30 p.m. Ward 3 councilmen R.P. Ashanti-Alexander and Oscar Nelson will be on hand to discuss issues and share residents’ ideas about the city's future. Residents can e-mail questions ahead of the meeting so officials can have answers at that time. Questions can be e-mailed to: info@chickasha.org
Wildlife Refuge Again Issues Restrictions Due to Heat
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is again limiting some activities due to the excessive heat. Hiking is only allowed from sunrise until 10 a.m. each day and all visitors must be off the trails by that time. Also, there will be no back-country camping at Charon's Garden Wilderness area. Hiking is still allowed in established picnic areas and campgrounds. All roads are open to vehicles and bicycles. Officials are concerned that the extreme heat may cause health and safety issues with patrons and that could put emergency and search-and-rescue crews at risk if they are called to respond in dangerous heat conditions and traverse rough terrain. Individuals planning to visit the refuge can get updates on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge website.
Chickasha Schools to Begin Enrollment Next Week
There is only about a month of summer vacation left for many public school students. The first day of classes for Chickasha Public Schools is five weeks from today - Thursday, August 11th. The district will begin the enrollment process for returning and new students on Monday, July 11th. Parents have the option of enrolling their children in person at the district's enrollment center or on-line by going to the district's website. The enrollment center is at 7th and Kansas Avenue (across from the post office) and is open Monday through Thursday throughout the summer.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $98.53 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $100.69.
Natural gas is $5.51 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,742 and silver is $19.35.
Obituary
‘Colene’ Talbert
Funeral for Alta ‘Colene’ Talbert, 95, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 11th at the Northside Church of Christ. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Wednesday, July 6th
Vandals Cause Massive Drilling Fluid Spill in Cyril
A Cyril park is closed while officials clean up a drilling fluid spill that appears to be the work of vandals. Officials with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission say nearly 250,000 gallons of drilling fluid - the equivalent of some 6,000 barrels - leaked from the plant from Monday night into Tuesday. KWTV News 9 reports that Caddo County deputies suspect someone broke into the property of Stellar Drilling Fluids saying the chain-link fence surrounding the company was definitely cut. Oklahoma Corporation Commission spokesman Matt Skinner said the spill is made more complicated by the fact that it happened within the city limits. The town of Cyril posted on its Facebook page that Keechi Trail and Park would be closed until further notice. The fluid got into the park's recreational ponds which are used for fishing. Investigators will review video surveillance to see if any suspects can be identified. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality is also investigating. There was no estimate available regarding the clean up.
One Hospitalized, One Jailed After Man Hit by Truck
A Chickasha man suffered broken bones and another is in jail after a fight ends with one man driving his pick up into the other. Documents filed in Grady County District Court indicate Chickasha police were called to a home in the 600 block of North 9th Street just after midnight Tuesday to investigate a fight. Police arrested 41-year old Timothy Carl Stover of Oklahoma City...after its alleged he intentionally drove his SUV into the victim, pinning him against a pickup. Stover told police that the victim attacked him with a bat. The victim said Stover was threatening his family, so he hit the windshield of Stover's SUV with the bat. The victim was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital to be treated for a broken arm, a broken ankle and possible internal injuries. Stover has been formally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and felony DUI. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Just a couple of months ago, Stover pleaded guilty to a charge of having a firearm after conviction and was sentenced to 10 years in prison with all but 90 days suspended.
July 4th Pursuit Suspect Identified
An Anadarko man was arrested for leading numerous law enforcement agencies on a high-speed chase across three counties on Monday. Anadarko police say 38 year old Michael Ruban Brown was taken into custody following the pursuit from Anadarko to Newcastle which lasted about an hour. Brown is facing charges that include burglary, larceny of a vehicle, conspiracy to commit violence, and attempting to elude. He's not yet had his initial appearance on the charges.
New Chix Restaurants Win Approval to Sell Alcohol
A couple of new Chickasha restaurants get to go-ahead to serve alcohol when they open their doors. Public hearings for the restaurants' use-on-review applications were held during last night's city council meeting and neither received opposition. The applications for Brandi Terry to serve alcohol at 101 Chickasha Avenue and for Brett Kappus to serve alcohol next door at 117 Chickasha Avenue were passed unanimously in a 6-0 vote.
'Street Outlaws' Filming Passes; Legal Issues Still Being Discussed
After some debate, the council approved a temporary street closure to allow the Discovery Channel to film an episode of the popular 'Street Outlaws' program at the Airport Industrial Park. There are some legal details that still needed to be worked out but the measure passed by a 5-1 vote with councilman Brian Gerdes recusing his vote.
Chix Firm Wins Bid to Help Expand Festival of Light
The council approved a bid of just over $100,000 from Electrical Technologies of Chickasha to expand electrical service at Shannon Springs Park for the Festival of Light. The company will have to provide a performance bond and unit pricing which weren't included in their initial bid.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $97.43 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $102.77.
Natural gas is $5.52 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,763 and silver is $19.16.
Obituaries
Freddie Ogles
Funeral for Freddie Ogles, 83, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 8th at St. Johns AME Church in Arcadia. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Mary Johnson
Funeral for Mary Johnson, 77, of Alex will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9th at the Alex United Methodist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Jamie Hackney
A memorial service for Jami Hackney, 62, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the USAO Alumni Chapel. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Tuesday, July 5th
Driver Arrested Following Lengthy High-Speed Pursuit
A driver was arrested yesterday after a high-speed chase that covered three counties. During the chase through Caddo, Grady, and McClain County, a state trooper crashed and rolled his cruiser. There was no information regarding the status of injuries the trooper may have suffered. The pursuit began Monday morning in Anadarko where state troopers say the suspect was trying to break into a shed and get away from Anadarko police. Reports then indicate the suspect broke into a home, took some keys, stole a car, and drove off. During the pursuit, troopers say the suspect fired shots at them and tried to hit the cruisers of several troopers. The pursuit finally came to an end near Newcastle not far from the State Highway 37 and State Highway 76 junction. The roadway was closed for about three hours. The unidentified suspect was taken to the Caddo County Jail.
Officials Work to Name Victim of Fiery Crash
A fiery weekend crash which killed a driver near Carnegie remains under investigation. The unidentified driver died in the crash that happened just after midnight Sunday about two miles west of Carnegie in Kiowa County. The highway patrol reports that the driver was in a pickup which was southbound on a county road when the truck ran off the road, hit an embankment, and caught fire. The state medical examiner is working to identify the driver.
Public Hearings Dot Chix City Council Agenda
A number of public hearings are scheduled for tonight's Chickasha City Council meeting. Among them are a couple of use-on-review applications to sell alcohol. One is for Brandi Terry at 101 West Chickasha Avenue and the other is for Brett Kappus at 117 West Chickasha. A third hearing is to consider amendments to the final plat of the Red Bud Ridge housing addition. A fourth hearing is to discuss and consider changes to zoning ordinances as they pertain to congregate living facilities.
'Festival of Light' Electrical Expansion to be Considered
The council will also consider awarding a project to expand the electrical service in Shannon Springs Park for the Festival of Light. Three bids were submitted however none of them included all the required information. The engineering firm for the project, Chisholm Trail Consulting, indicates the council can declare a waiver to award a contract for just over $100,000 to Electrical Technologies, Inc. of Chickasha or reject all bids and re-start the process.
'Street Outlaws' May Film in Chickasha
The council is also to consider a temporary street closure to allow the filming of the popular Discovery channel program Street Outlaws. The proposal calls for the closure of the Airport Industrial Road during a two-week period between July 18th and August 6th. Producers would pay the expenses for any public safety overtime or they would hire off-duty public safety officials to fill their safety needs. The filming would be done at night. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $108.43 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $114.79.
Natural gas is $5.73 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,802 and silver is $19.82.
Obituaries
Leonard Hillary
A graveside service for Leonard Hillary, 89, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 6th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Norma Chasten
Funeral for Norma Chasten, 80, of Anadarko will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9th at the Greater First Baptist Church of Anadarko. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Monday, July 4th
No news due to the Independence Day holiday
