Saturday, August 6th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian counties)
Information Sought in Caddo County Cold Case
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is looking for information regarding a more than 40-year-old cold case out of Caddo County. 27-year old Herman Toppah was found murdered in Carnegie on August 23rd of 1980. Toppah's body was found in an alley and the state medical examiner determined that Toppah died after being hit in the head with a blunt instrument. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSBI anonymously by e-mail at tips@osbi.ok.gov or by calling 1-800-522-8017.
Charges Filed in Connection with
Anadarko Break-in, Robbery
Two people are facing robbery and burglary charges following a recent Anadarko break-in. 37-year old Gerron Haywood of Apache and 40-year old Tonya Gan of Minco are both in the Caddo County Jail charged with the crimes. The Lawton Constitution cites court documents filed by Anadarko police that indicate the two broke into an apartment to steal money that was owed to them. Both Haywood and Gan remain in the Caddo County Jail on $10,000 bond each.
Energy Firm Expands Vapor Recovery Work to El Reno
El Reno is home to a new energy plant. Oklahoma City-based Flo-gistix has expanded its manufacturing capabilities and has hopes of adding 150 new jobs. The website OK Energy Today reports the expansion means the company will have nearly 260,000 sq. ft. of space for Vapor Recovery Units (VPUs) and other compression technology. Vapor recovery technology reduces the need to vent and flare because emissions that would normally be burned or released are instead captured and then sold. Flo-gistix officials say they provide atmospheric solutions that are an effective tool for de-carbonization and crucial to providing reliable and affordable energy to the world. The company operates in almost every U.S. shale play and basin and provides service through 14-regional field offices and warehouses in seven states.
Veteran Duncan High School Tennis Coach Dies
Longtime Duncan High School tennis coach Phil (P.T.) Barnes has died. Barnes spent 36 years with Duncan High School tennis teams and won seven state championships. He was 65 when he passed away this week. Barnes is in a number of Halls of Fame including the USAO Athletic Hall of Fame and was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He attended USAO on a tennis scholarship and graduated from there in 1981. He coached at Chickasha and Elgin before beginning his lengthy career in Duncan in 1985. Memorial contributions may be made to the Duncan High School tennis program.
USAO Offers Series of Workshops for K-12 Teachers
As students and teachers get ready to return to classrooms USAO will be offering some workshops for K-12 teachers in the coming weeks. Drs. Rachel Jones and Jason Shaw will host three separate events in September and October at the USAO wildlife habitat. On Sept. 10th, Jones will have a nature walk and plant talk - introducing methods of identifying and collecting local plants that are easy for teachers to incorporate in their classrooms. On Sept. 24th, the workshop will be Citizen Science and Wildlife in the Classroom. Then on Oct. 8th, the program is Creepy Crawlies. These Saturday sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $25 each. Teachers can register online at: www.usao.edu/spe
Talk Show Topics
Rush Springs Watermelon Queen Taylor Abbott is this week’s guest on the KOOL Konversation talking about the watermelon festival that is next weekend. Sue Getman with the Chickasha Area Arts Council is this week’s guest on Real Estate Today talking about the upcoming Rock Island Arts Festival September 30th through October 2nd. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
Obituary
Mary Ratliff
Funeral service for Mary Ratliff, 80, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Friday, Aug. 5th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian counties)
City of Chix to Temporarily Change Water Treatment Process
A change in the way the City of Chickasha treats the raw water it receives from the Ft. Cobb Reservoir will have a short-term effect on how drinking water tastes and smells. This is a annual process done about this time of year by USW which is the company contracted by the city to treat the water before it is distributed. Much of the year the company disinfects the raw water with a combination of chlorine and ammonia called chloramines. However they cause a buildup up sediment in the water lines which officials say over time leads to the creation of Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic acids (HAA5s). The Environmental Protection Agency says they are carcinogenic and could cause cancer. To help clean the water lines of these sediments USW will use free chlorine only which is a stronger and faster disinfectant. This process will start on Monday, August 8th and officials say the water may appear cloudy and it could smell and taste like chlorine for a short time. Throughout the process officials will be flushing fire hydrants to help move the chlorinated water through the system. Should you see the fire hydrants being flushed in your neighborhood you can open all the taps in your home or business for a couple of minutes. The company will return to the chloramine treatment in early September.
Suspect Arrested on Child Pornography Allegations
A Marlow man is jailed for allegedly having child pornography. 63-year old Robert Fullerton was arrested this week following a joint investigation of the OSBI and Carter County Sheriff's Office. The OSBI reports that Carter County authorities were notified by Internet Crimes Against Children that Fulton downloaded videos and images of child porn in May. Carter County officials reached out to the OSBI for assistance last month. Fullerton is facing charges of aggravated possession of child porn and violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. He remains in the Stephens County Jail in Duncan on a $500.000 bond. Officials say anyone who suspects a child is being sexually abused or exploited can contact the OSBI or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-The Lost.
Longtime Banker Ray Ventris Dies
Longtime Minco area banker Ray Ventris has died. He was 84 when he passed away at his home earlier this week. He was a co-organizer and chairman of the Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma and supported numerous Minco and Union City community and school programs. He was the stat keeper for the Minco Bulldogs for 33 years, served on the Minco City Council, was a volunteer with the Union City Fire Department, and supported Minco and Union City FFA programs. Survivors include his wife of more than 63 years, Barbara Jean. Other survivors include their son Larry and wife Jeanie of Cement; son Keith and wife Michelle of Clinton; son Randy and wife Shelley of Minco; daughter Gail and husband Tony of Minco; and sister Gail Bush of Chickasha.
Grady County Fair Alfalfa Hay Exhibits Needed Soon
While the Grady County Fair is still three weeks away officials will be taking entries for the hay show next week. Exhibitors will need to have five small square bales or one large round or square bale. Officials remind exhibitors that only small bales will be entered in the state fair next month. Exhibitors should take their hay to the Grady County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to noon next Tuesday.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.54 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $94.12.
Natural gas is $8.12 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,801 and silver is $19.96.
Obituary
Terrell Gettens
Funeral service for Terrell Gettens, 31, of Lawton will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9th at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Lawton. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Thursday, Aug. 4th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian counties)
Corporation Commission to Discuss Tax 'Conflict'
Hundreds of millions of dollars in local and state taxes may be at risk as a result of those billions of dollars in bonds approved for utilities to pay the high heating costs associated with the polar freeze of 2021. The website OK Energy Today reports that the Public Utilities Division of the Corporation Commission has raised the issue which will be discussed during today's commission meeting. Commissioner Bob Anthony said it would have a major impact on cities and towns. The Public Utilities Division is asking the commission to issue an order prohibiting PSO, Summit Utilities, ONG, and OG&E from billing customers for any franchise fees, municipal fees or taxes, and/or any taxes based upon the bond-secured revenues. The costs of the bonds are being passed on to consumers.
Chix Community to Welcome Return of USAO Students
Students at USAO will be returning to campus in a couple of weeks and the community and the university will hold a big welcome-back party. It's called the Chickasha Street and Greet which will be held in downtown Chickasha. It will include a lot of free activities, live music, and food trucks. The event will be free and open to the public and officials invite the community to be part of the celebration. The event is a collaboration of USAO, the City of Chickasha and the Chamber of Commerce. About 1,000 students - including an estimated 350 freshman - are expected to attend. It will be Saturday, August 20th from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Any business or service organization wanting to showcase their products and services can reach out to Zoe Brown at USAO.
Ron Justice to Receive OSU Distinguished Alumni Award
Former Oklahoma State Senator Ron Justice is to be recognized for his long service to the state. Justice will be presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the OSU Alumni Association. Justice spent 12 years in the state senate and also worked for many years with OSU Extension in Grady County. The award recognizes OSU graduates who attain distinctive success in their chosen field or profession and/or perform outstanding service to their communities. Justice and others will be honored at a reception at OSU on Friday, September 9th and also at the OSU-Arizona State football game at OSU Saturday night, Sept. 10th.
CV Tech-El Reno to Offer Muscle Car History Course
Muscle car fanatics can learn about the fascinating history of the classic cars this fall. Canadian Valley Technology Center in El Reno will be offering an evening course called Age of the American Muscle Car. It's a 16-hour class to be led by Clay Fees who is a published author and a Lt. Colonel in the Oklahoma National Guard. He says the class is about the history and not the mechanics of the cars. Fees has a 1966 Pontiac GTO and a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. It's a three-hour course that will be held every Wednesday evening and there will two sessions. The first session runs August 17th through October 5th and the second session runs from October 12th through December 7th. Tuition is $63 for most adults but is free for U.S. military personnel and veterans and seniors 65 and older.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.66 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $96.78.
Natural gas climbs to $8.27 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,796 and silver is $20.22.
Obituaries
‘Bea’ Dunn
A graveside service for Veralyn ‘Bea’ Dunn, 93, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 6th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
‘Orvil’ Luther
Funeral service for Bufford ‘Orvil’ Luther, 63, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 8th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
Wednesday, Aug. 3rd
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian counties)
Early Work Begins on New Chickasha Development
Preliminary work is underway for new residential and commercial properties in Chickasha. Heavy equipment is working to clear paths for streets south of Grand Avenue between 4th and 6th Streets. The work is the beginning of what's called The Woodlands Planned Use Development (PUD) which was approved by the city council several years ago. The development is expected to include new homes and duplexes as well as space for retail stores and restaurants. This preliminary work is to build roads and infrastructure. City officials say no building permits have been issued and no building placements or designs have been submitted.
Drug Trafficking Suspect in Custody
A Chickasha man is jailed for alleged drug trafficking. 51-year old Jerry Lee Hewes was picked up last Thursday after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Court documents filed by a Chickasaw Lighthorse police officer indicate that an abandoned black bag with alleged drugs inside was left next to a gaming machine at Salt Creek Casino back in May. Authorities checked video surveillance and identified Hewes as the individual who left the bag. Hewes was located in the casino. Authorities allege that nearly 60 grams of methamphetamine were found in the bag and that Hewes had a stolen gun in his possession. Hewes has been charged with drug trafficking, possession of a firearm after a former conviction, and knowingly concealing stolen property. Hewes remains in jail on a $125,000 bond.
Chix Schools Schedule Meet-and-Greets
Chickasha schools have scheduled meet-and-greets with parents and students before school starts next week.
High School
On Monday, August 8th seniors, juniors, and sophomores can pick up their schedules between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. or between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the front office. On Tuesday at the high school, freshmen and parents will meet in the activity center at 5:30 p.m. for a meeting and schedule pick-up with a tour of the high school after the meeting.
Bill Wallace Early Childhood Education Center
Also Tuesday, there will be meet-and-greets with Kindergarten students and parents starting at 5:15 p.m. followed by first grade students and parents at 6:15 p.m. Pre-K families will be contacted by teachers to arrange for individual conferences that will be held the first day of school on Thursday.
Grand Elementary
Also Tuesday, a meet-and-greet for students and parents from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Lincoln School
Also Tuesday, a meet-and-greet for students and parents between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Middle School
On Tuesday, there's a 7th grade meeting for students and parents at 5:00 p.m. followed by the schedule pick-up. For 8th grade students, schedule pick up is Wednesday, Aug. 10th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Enrollment for all students, whether new to the district or returning is continuing. The enrollment center at 7th and Kansas Ave. is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday or enrollment can be done on-line by visiting the Chickasha schools website.
Apache to Hold Caffeine and Chrome Cruise
The town of Apache will host a scenic drive through southwest Oklahoma this weekend. Officials are calling it Caffeine and Chrome Cruising the Wichita Mountains. It will be held Saturday morning with registration starting at 8:00 a.m. in Apache with coffee and donuts and selections from Rascal Flats Farmers Market available. A driver’s meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. with the leisurely 100 mile cruise starting at 9:30 a.m. The cruise will head west to drive by Saddle Mountain, then south to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The drive includes a trip up Mt. Scott and then through Medicine Park before heading back to Apache where food trucks will be on hand for lunch. For information, check out the Caffeine and Chrome Apache Facebook page.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $94.42 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $100.54.
Natural gas is $7.70 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,786 and silver is $20.07.
Tuesday, August 2nd
(Burn bans still in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian counties)
Burn Bans Extended in Grady, Garvin Counties
Burn bans will continue through the middle of August in two regional counties after officials extend existing bans. Commissioners in both Grady and Garvin counties approved resolutions to continue the bans through Monday, Aug. 15th. With triple-digit temperatures and minimal rainfall over the last couple of weeks and similar forecasts over the next several days the bans were recommended by municipal and volunteer fire departments and county emergency management groups. No additional restrictions were added to the extension. There is to be no trash or brush burning, bonfires, campfires, or fireworks. Welding, cutting torch, and grinding activities are allowed if they are over a non-combustible surface with safeguards in place and when winds are less than 20 miles per hour. Charcoal and gas barbecue grilling is allowed as long as they are on a hard surface at least five feet away from grassy and flammable areas. Burn bans are also still in effect for Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian counties.
Chix Police Department to get New Pistols
The Chickasha Police Department will be getting some new pistols for its officers. The city council approved a proposal to purchase a number of handguns which will be an upgrade from what is used now. The police department will trade up from the current Glock 17 Generation 4 models to Generation 5 models. The city will purchase the guns from GT Distributors under state contract and will get about $250 trade-in for each of their current pistols. The council approved using the trade-ins and paying of up to $6,000 for 17 of the upgraded models. Police Chief Dee Rowell said the officers will get a one-day training period with the new pistols.
Firm Works to get Increased Funding for Ambulance Runs
The council also renewed an agreement with a firm designed to increase revenue to the city from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for medical calls made by EMS. The agreement with Public Consulting Group calls for the firm to audit the fire department's budget, call volume, and resources and to present a request package to CMS. The firm charges a 13 1/2 percent fee which is discounted since Chickasha is affiliated with the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association. The city has used this firm for the last three years. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego anticipates it will bring in at additional $225,000.
Decision on New Internet Service Provider Postponed
A proposal to consider a non-exclusive franchise agreement with a company to provide the selling of broadband data, video services, and voice over Internet services to the city was removed from the city council agenda last night. The proposal is from Dobson Technologies for a company called Oklahoma Fiber.
Chix Chamber to Host Education Forum
As classrooms begin to re-open for schools, colleges, and career tech centers the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will host a State of Education Forum later this month. Officials from Chickasha Public Schools, Canadian Valley Technology Center, and USAO will be on hand to discuss achievements and future plans. Speakers will be Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin, Canadian Valley Superintendent Gayla Lutts, and USAO Vice President JP Audas. The program will be Tuesday, August 16th at the USAO Student Services ballroom. Tickets are $20 for chamber members and $25 for prospective members. A catered lunch will be served. Individuals should RSVP the chamber to reserve a spot.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $93.89 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $109.90.
Natural gas is $8.28 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,792 and silver is $20.27.
Obituaries
Larry Joe Smith
A memorial service for Larry Joe Smith of Dallas and formerly of Chickasha was held at 1 o’clock today (Tuesday, August 2nd). Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.
Jerry Campbell
A graveside service for Jerry Campbell, 90, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 3rd at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Lillie Mae Milligan
Funeral service for Lillie Mae Milligan 90, of Chillicothe, Texas will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 6th at the First United Methodist Church of Chillicothe, Texas. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Vicki Bauman
A memorial service for Vicki Bauman, 68, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday August 13th at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Monday, Aug. 1st
(Burn bans still in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian counties)
Chix School Superintendent Discusses Bond Issue
Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin will be spending a lot of time over the next few weeks promoting a special bond issue that will be decided by voters within the school district later this month. Croslin said the school board worked for several months to put the proposal together.
Among the projects being proposed are a new gymnasium which will double as a storm shelter at Lincoln School as well as a new library which will also double as a storm shelter at Grand Elementary. A second bond issue on the ballot will be a $1 million transportation bond. Information about the bond issue is posted on the district's website and Facebook page and information will also be available at the meet-and-greets that will be held at each school site next week. Chickasha schools will be back in session next Thursday, Aug. 11th.
Missing Chickasha Boy Located
There were some scary moments for a Chickasha family when a five-year old boy went missing from his home Sunday. The Chickasha Police Department posted on its Facebook page that the child was found and was OK about 5:00 p.m. No other information was available.
Chix City Council to get Update on City Manager Search
The search for a new Chickasha city manager is still in its early stages. The city council will go behind closed doors during tonight's regular council meeting to discuss any progress. Mayor Chris Mosley said that several candidates have applied and that all are currently employed - but no interviews will be held tonight. The council is also to consider approving a non-exclusive franchise agreement with Oklahoma Fiber which would allow the company to offer broadband data, video services, and voice-over Internet services within the city. The panel will consider declaring a number of police department service revolvers as surplus and trade them in on 17 new Glock 17, Generation 5 handguns for a purchase amount not to exceed $6,000. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
Meers Fire Nearly Contained
Numerous fire crews spent their weekend battling a fire in the Meers area north of Lawton. The fire started Thursday and has already burned about 7,000 acres. As of late Sunday officials said the fire was about 75 percent contained and they were hoping to have it 90 percent contained by the end of the day. Crews from 46 agencies and departments had responded to the region including Grady, Caddo, Comanche, and Kiowa county volunteer fire departments, Ft. Sill and Lawton departments, Wildlife Refuge fire officials, and the Oklahoma Forestry team. The Southwest Incident Support Team has been managing the command operations.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $98.62 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $110.01.
Natural gas is $8.23 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,789 and silver is $20.43.
Obituary
Christopher Self
Funeral service for Christopher Self, 32, of Cement will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 6th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
