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Mollman Media News

KOOL News, July 25th-30th

Saturday, July 30th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian  counties)

 

More Arrests Made After Counterfeit Pain Pills Found

Verden police arrested a mother and a daughter after they were seen leaving a home where thousands of counterfeit pain pills had been found. 46-year old Chasity Diaz-Sleeper and 21-year old Raylynn Diaz were arrested Thursday. Verden Police Chief Jason Cox spotted their vehicle leaving the home and pulled them over for allegedly driving erratically. Raylynn Diaz of Anadarko has been formally charged with distribution of CDS with intent to distribute and a misdemeanor DUI. Her bond was set at $250,000. Her mother is being held on a complaint of having controlled drugs with intent to distribute but has not been formally charged. Earlier in the week, police arrested Amanda Jean Songer for alleged drug distribution after finding more than 3,000 counterfeit pain pills laced with fentanyl at the home. Songer is being held on a $1 million bond.

 

Biker Hospitalized After Crash with Pickup

A motorcycle rider is hospitalized after he ran a stop sign and was hit by a pickup. It happened south of Tuttle just before 7:00 p.m. Friday at Fox Lane and Czech Hall road about 2 1/2 miles south of Tuttle. 32-year old Blake Marek of Garland, Texas was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in fair condition with arm and leg injuries. The state trooper investigating the accident said Marek may have been drinking as there was an odor of alcohol. He was not wearing a helmet. The driver of the pickup - an un-named 16-year old girl from Tuttle - was not hurt. The trooper said her condition appeared normal and that she was buckled up.

 

Oil, Gas Well Completions Reported

We have some oil and gas well completions in the area to tell you about. Continental Resources reports some small producing wells in Grady County all together producing about 500 barrels of oil and nearly 6,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. These are called the Stratton wells with three of them on a single pad in Section 6 of Township 4 North and 5 West. Two others are on a single pad nearby in Section 7 of Township 4 North and 5 West. And Canvas Energy reported completion of the Marble wells in Canadian County just northeast of El Reno producing more than 1,000 barrels of oil and nearly 5,000 Mcf of natural gas per day.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Dr. Sibin Nair is a new family practice physician at Five Oaks Medical Clinic. He's our gest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today this week's guest is Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin. He's talking about the upcoming bond issue election for the district as well as what's been happening over the summer as officials get ready to welcome students and teachers back to the classroom. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

Christopher Self

Funeral service for Christopher Self, 32, of Cement will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 6th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Friday, July 29th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian  counties)

 

Thousands of Fake Pain-killing Pills Found in Verden Home

A Verden woman is in custody after authorities find several thousand pain pills laced with deadly fentanyl in her home. Verden Police Chief Jason Cox tells KOOL/RANCH News he was dispatched to the home Wednesday to do a welfare check on two children. A press release from the Grady County Sheriff's Office indicates that authorities found an estimated 3,000 M-30 tablets in a briefcase kept in a closet. The more than 322 grams of tablets field-tested as positive for having fentanyl. Authorities were granted a search warrant for the home where authorities also found about $900 in cash and a loaded 9mm pistol with two loaded magazines. Investigators also observed a working camera facing the driveway where the woman could watch traffic coming and going from the home. In custody is 42-year old Amanda Jean Songer who authorities say admitted to selling the bogus pain pills for two years. Songer is facing formal charges including aggravated trafficking, child neglect, having a firearm in the commission of a felony, and use of electronic equipment in the commission of a felony.  A judge set Songer's bond at $1 million and she is to be back in court August 8th with a preliminary hearing conference set for August. 10th.

 

Inventor Ordered to Repay Some Investors

as 'David vs. Goliath' Civil Lawsuit Continues

A Grady County inventor has been ordered to repay investors nearly $270,000 - even as many financial backers support what he is doing. An Oklahoma County judge ordered Stacy Wayne Travis to repay about 30 investors for funds provided for Travis' work on a gravity-powered electricity generating system. The Oklahoman reports that about 160 investors provided funds to Travis for the project between 2010 and 2015. This has been an on-going civil suit that Travis claims is a David vs. Goliath story. The Oklahoman reported that the repayment is a lesser punishment than one sought by the Oklahoma Securities Department which brought forth the lawsuit. The agency at one time wanted Travis to not only pay a civil penalty of a $250,000 for allegedly violating state and federal investment laws, but to also return more than $2.2 million to all the people who back his dream to create a commercially-viable, gravity-powered electrical generating system. At the time, officials with the securities agency claimed Travis misled investors. Videos of Travis' 'free energy' system posted on YouTube have been viewed about 1 million times since they went on-line last week.

 

UTV Driver Critical After Crash with SUV

A Caddo County man is critically injured in a crash involving an SUV and a UTV. 29-year old Chandler Pettit of Apache was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after the crash. The accident happened about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on State Highway 58 about eight miles south of Carnegie. The highway patrol reports that Pettit failed to yield at stop sign on a county road and was hit by the SUV. Three people from Carnegie riding in the SUV were taken to a Lawton hospital where they were treated and released. The driver was identified as 43-year old Christopher McLoud. Others in the vehicle were 38-year old Tonya Langston and a 15-year old girl whose name was not released.

 

Town of Norge Gives ARPA Funds to Volunteer Fire Dept.

The Town of Norge is helping out the community's volunteer fire department. The town recently donated more than $13,000 in American Rescue Plan Act Funds to the department. Norge Fire Chief Clay Elrod said the funds will help purchase a truck that will be used as an Emergency Medical Rescue vehicle. The Grady County Fire Department is in the process of helping volunteer fire fighters county-wide to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians. Elrod said the Town of Norge is expected to donate another round of ARPA funds to his department which will also help purchase the truck.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $96.42 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $107.14.

Natural gas is $8.13 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,776 and silver is $20.00.

 

Obituaries

James Jackson

Funeral service for James Jackson, 75, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 30th at the First and Georgia Church of Christ. He was a longtime Chickasha firefighter, a U.S. Army veteran, and played on one of Chickasha High School's state championship basketball teams. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Doris Williams

A memorial service for Doris Williams, 95, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18th at Epworth United Methodist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, July 28th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian  counties)

 

'Cashless' Non-Stop System In Place on H.E. Bailey Turnpike

The H.E. Bailey Turnpike is now a completely cashless system. Motorists still have to pay to drive on the toll road however they won't have to stop. From Oklahoma City, southwest through Chickasha and to Lawton, then south to the Texas border - the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has implemented a plate-pay system. Work crews made the final conversion at the Walters toll plaza south of Lawton yesterday. Here is how the system works - cameras will take a picture of your license plate and then send the vehicle's registered owner an invoice in the mail. While it’s convenient and safer it is also more expensive. Turnpike officials recommend that motorists purchase a Pike Pass which costs less than the plate-pay system. For information, visit: www.pikepass.com

 

Suspect Jailed For Allegedly Texting Threats

A Chickasha man with a violent history is back in jail for allegedly issuing threats and violating a protective order. 51-year old Ronnie Dean Yates was picked up after a warrant was issued for his arrest earlier this month.  Affidavits filed by Chickasha police indicate officers were called to a home twice within a week's time to investigate disturbances. Last Saturday night, police were called to the home where Yates allegedly sent threatening text messages to an individual he was not supposed to have contact with in person or by phone. Yates has been formally charged with felonies for planning to perform an act of violence and violating a protective order. Officials also want to revoke his probation for previously violating a protective order this past January. Yates was serving a suspended sentenced after pleading guilty to stalking and has had previous arrests for burglary and drug possession. Yates remains in jail in lieu of a more than $100,000 bond.

 

Applications for Absentee Ballots Needed Soon

Election boards across the state are preparing for the August 23rd primary run-off elections. Officials say voters who want to cast absentee ballots by mail have just over a week to apply for those ballots. You don't have to have a reason or excuse to vote absentee however applications must be received by the close of business on Monday, August 8th. The easiest way to apply for an absentee ballot is to go to the state election board website and download an application - www.oklahoma.gov/elections - or voters can simply visit their county election board to do so. The ballots will first be mailed to voters and must be mailed back to the election board by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23rd in order to be counted for that days election.

 

Chix 'Christmas in July' Celebration Winding Down

Chickasha's Christmas in July celebration is coming to an end this week, but the best of the family events is yet to come. Tonight will be the final free Christmas movie that will be shown at the Washita Theatre. The Christmas Story is a classic 1983 film about a boy who tries to convince everyone - including Santa Claus - that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect Christmas present. The film stars Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, and Darren McGavin. Then Saturday evening, it’s the Christmas Cool Down and Block Party downtown. Starting at 5:00 p.m. there will be kids’ arts and crafts with the Chickasha Arts Council, face painting, inflatable water slides, photos with Summer Cycle Santa. From 6-7 p.m. will be free sno-cones from Jungle Ice, and food trucks and other vendors will be on hand. The night ends with a free concert from Cade Roth and the Black Sheep, followed by George Strait tribute band King George, then a grand finale with fireworks. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the event. Also, individuals are asked to bring cases of water that will be given to the city's police, fire, street maintenance, and parks and recreation employees. All the events are sponsored by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and The Economic Development Council.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $97.26 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $106.62.

Natural gas is $8.68 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,757 and silver is $19.29.

 

Wednesday, July 27th

(Burn bans now in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian  counties)

 

AARP Tells State Agency 'No New Utility Rate Hikes'

Enough is enough. That's what the AARP is telling the Oklahoma Corporation Commission about rate hikes approved for utility companies over the last year. AARP wants the panel to adopt an immediate moratorium on future rate increases. The group sent a letter to all three members of the commission highlighting the challenges utility customers are facing. The website OK Energy Today reports that the letter contains information about rate increases approved for PSO, Centerpoint Energy, Oklahoma Natural Gas and OG&E as a result of that extended polar freeze that hit Oklahoma as well as Texas in March of 2021. AARP says PSOs rate increase is represented to be $4.06 per month and the increase for Centerpoint Energy, now Summit Energy, is represented to be $4.36 per month but the actual increases are unknown. AARP wrote that senior citizens on fixed incomes are trying to buy food and medicine, families are figuring out how to afford school supplies and back-to-school clothing, and small businesses are facing rising costs and supply shortages.

 

Chickasha Dog Park Now Open

At long last Chickasha's dog park is open. Officials opened the gates yesterday after numerous delays pushed the opening back several months. The area is an extension of Centennial Park which now features two full city blocks of recreational activities for families. The construction of the park was made possible by a $100,000 contribution from the Badgett family and will be known as the Susan Dale Badgett Dog Park. There are separate areas for large and small dogs, obstacle courses, and plenty of room for them to run and play. There are also benches, picnic tables, and water stations for people and dogs. Officials ask that residents keep the park clean of dog poo. There are plastic sacks available at the gates. A formal grand opening will be held at a later date.

 

Chix Public Schools Continue Enrollment

Chickasha Public School officials say enrollment is still open for students who will be new to the district and those returning for the upcoming school year. Parents can enroll their children on-line by finding a link on the school district's website or by visiting the enrollment center located at 7th and Kansas Avenue (right across the street from the post office). Officials say enrollment needs to be completed in order for students to pick up school schedules and get other information during Meet the Teacher events that will be held before school starts. The enrollment center will be open today and tomorrow but will be closed Friday. Next week, the enrollment center will be open Monday through Friday. Chickasha schools open two weeks from tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 11th.

 

Beautiful Day Foundation Benefit Ends Soon

A regional group that shows a lot of love to elementary school students is also preparing for the school year. The Beautiful Day Foundation holds parties throughout the year at all three Chickasha elementary schools, to remind the kids that the day they were born was a beautiful day. The group is holding a fund raiser where two individuals will receive a side of beef. For a $20 donation your name goes into a drawing that will be held later. Text the word ‘tickets’ to 940-452-0333. Sunday, July 31st is the final day. For information, contact Kelly Wilkerson.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is just under $95 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $104.40.

Natural gas is just under $9 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,739 and silver is $18.65.

 

Obituaries

Nettie Hodges

Funeral service for Nettie Hodges, 89, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 28th at the First Baptist Church of Amber. She worked as a marketing consultant at KWCO Radio for many years and also worked at USAO, Oklahoma National Bank, and Chickasha Bank. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Deloris Hall

No services are scheduled at this time for Deloris Hall, 85, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, July 26th

(Burn bans  now in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian  counties)

 

OSBI Implicates Three Men After Body Dumped Near Lindsay

An ongoing investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has led to three men being implicated in the death of a man whose body was found near Lindsay earlier this year. The body of Phillip Clifton was found along the Washita River back in April wrapped in plastic and a blanket.  The OSBI has arrested Homer Trout, who is accused of the fatal shooting of Clifton. Also in custody is Randall McClendon who is alleged to have taken Clifton’s body to the Lindsay area. An arrest warrant was issued out of Oklahoma County last Friday for Richard Spencer who is facing a charge of accessory to murder. As of last night he has not been arrested.

 

Suspect Enters Blind Plea to Lunch Line Assault

A Caddo County man has entered a blind plea for punching a man waiting in line for a senior citizen's meal and for assaulting a police officer. 32-year old Steven Duece Moats Roy of Carnegie entered the plea in an Anadarko courtroom last week. Roy was arrested in April of 2021 and charged with aggravated assault and battery and battery on a police officer. He's had previous assault arrests in 2016; 2018; and 2019. On-line court records indicate formal sentencing is set for September 21st.

 

Vaxes Encouraged Before School Starts

As public schools prepare to welcome students for the upcoming school year parents are encouraged to make immunization appointments for their children as soon as possible to make sure the kiddos are ready. Officials with the state health department say they would like parents to avoid the back-to-school rush since health department offices can be very busy this time of year. Officials say immunizations are one of the best ways to protect the health of children against vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough and measles. Back-to-school immunizations are offered at a low cost and no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Children through the age of 18 are eligible to get free vaccines if they are Medicade-eligible, uninsured, Native American, or their insurance policy does not cover immunizations. Some health departments will partner with local schools and organizations for back-to-school events or families can visit their local county health departments for routine immunizations or screenings and might call ahead to make an appointment.

 

Library's 'Let's Talk About It' Series to Begin

The Chickasha Public Library is teaming up with several groups to offer a monthly series of scholar-led readings and discussions. It's called 'Let’s Talk About It' and the theme for the series is Civil Rights and Equality: A Pulitzer Prize Centennial Series. It is a free program that is open to the public. Beginning next week, the series will meet once a month through December to discuss a theme-related book. Library patrons are encouraged to pick up a copy of the first book to be discussed which is "The Known World" by Edward P. Jones. Then next Thursday night Aug. 4th the Library will host Dr. Kalenda Eaton - a professor of African-American Studies at OU - to lead the discussion of the book. There is limited space at the library for the program so participants are asked to register in advance. The books can be checked out from the library or from the Oklahoma virtual library.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $96.70 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $105.15.

Natural gas is $8.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,736 and silver is $18.45.

 

Obituaries

Lisa Smith

Funeral service for 63-year old Lisa Smith of Chickasha was held at noon today at Shepherd Street Christian Church.

John Cannedy

Funeral service for John Cannedy, 83, of Yukon will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 28th at the First Baptist Church of Verden. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

‘Bryant’ Bickerstaff

Funeral service for William 'Bryant' Bickerstaff, 53, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 30th at Grand Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Monday, July 25th

(Burn bans  remain in effect for Grady and Stephens counties)

 

Cyclist, Pedestrian Die in Separate Weekend Accidents

Two people died on area roadways in separate accidents this weekend. An elderly Cyril man riding his bicycle was killed by a hit-and-run driver - and a pedestrian died after being hit by a motorist. 72-year old Gaylon Pahdocony died when he was struck by an unknown driver while he was riding his bike near Elgin about 3:00 a.m. Saturday. The Highway Patrol is investigating and hopes someone can provide information about the driver. Family members told KSWO-TV that Pahdocony was an avid cyclist and was using his bike to get around while his car was being repaired. Pahdocony's brother, Shawn Barhart, said the accident happened on some back roads where motorists drive 60 mph or faster. Pahdocony was active in the Cyril community, an activist with the American Indian Movement, and an actor who has appeared in a number of films.

Pedistrian Killed Near Maysville

In Garvin County, a pedestrian is struck and killed by a motorist south of Maysville. Jamie Aikerman, whose age and hometown were not known, died in the accident that happened about 11:30 p.m. Saturday on State Highway 74 about two miles south of Maysville. The highway patrol reported that Aikerman was standing in the road when she was hit by a car driven by 48-year old Fredia Reames of Elmore City. Reames was taken to a Pauls Valley hospital where she was treated and released.

 

Chickasha Street Closed for Repairs

A portion of a Chickasha street will be closed today as crews make some needed repairs. One block of 3rd Street south of Minnesota Avenue will be shut down from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. while that work is being done. Motorists can easily avoid the area by detouring at Iowa Avenue on the north and Dakota Avenue on the south.

 

Agency Helps Victims of Domestic Violence

A regional agency provides a lot of help for victims of domestic violence. The Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN) serves Grady and Canadian counties. ICAN Director Matt Whetzel describes some of their services when an individual makes the decision to leave a violent relationship.

 

              

 

ICAN has a 24-hour hotline for domestic violence victims to call to get help - 405-222-1818.

 

Productive Wells Reported near Mustang, El Reno

Some well completions reported in Canadian County are bringing nearly 1,400 barrels of oil and more than 9,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. Citizen Energy reports two wells on a single pad southwest of Mustang in Section 7 of Township Range 10 North and 5 West were drilled to depths of about 17,000 feet. The spud dates were late December of last year with completion this past April. Citizen Energy also reports a well completion near El Reno in Section 8 of Township Range 11 North and 8 West which was drilled to a depth of just over 20,000 feet. The spud date on that well was April of 2020.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $94.70 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $103.20.

Natural gas is $8.30 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,750 and silver is $18.65.

 

Obituary

Angela Kirk

A graveside service for Angela Kirk, 65, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday,, July 26th at Westview Cemetery in Rush Springs. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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