Saturday, Aug. 13th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, and Comanche counties)
Deputy OK After Being Shot
While Performing a Welfare Check
An hours-long stand-off between law enforcement and a woman came to a peaceful end yesterday. It happened in the Bridge Creek area where a Grady County deputy sheriff and a bystander were both shot by the woman who authorities say was acting erratically. The shooting victims were taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital. The deputy was treated and released and will be OK. The bystander's injury was unclear but officials say he was walking and talking. OHP Trooper Eric Foster spent the afternoon updating the media about the situation and tells how it all started.
After firing the weapon the woman barricaded herself inside the deputy’s car. Numerous law enforcement agencies and a tactical team responded. The woman eventually surrendered peacefully about 4:45 p.m. She has been identified as 36-year old Rachel Zion Clay of Tuttle who was taken to the Grady County Jail and is being held on a complaint of shooting with intent to kill. The names of the deputy and the bystander who were injured were not released.
Plant Fire Info Turned Over to District Attorney
Information regarding the fire that destroyed the former Chickasha Manufacturing plant has been turned over to the district attorney. Chickasha fire officials presented their information to Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks for his review. Investigators say that more than 1.5 million gallons of hand sanitizer had the raging fire burning for several days. Another stockpile of hand sanitizer in a dumpster in the same area also caught fire this week. Officials with Bordwine Development, the company that was leasing the building, say they were storing the sanitizer for future recycling. Our partners at KWTV News 9 received a statement from the company's attorney that said the firm was helping the nation recycle the unprecedented stockpile of hand santizer created by the COVID-19 crisis. The statement said they are working with state and local officials to safely and quickly recycle and/or dispose of the remaining stockpile according to applicable state and federal law. News 9 quoted an anonymous source as saying according to California the company was recycling the sanitizer. and according to Oklahoma the company was disposing it.
Cyril Man Faces Numerous Child Sex Crime Charges
A disturbing report of child sex crimes as a Cyril man is facing numerous charges of sexually abusing a 5-year old. Caddo County authorities have filed more than a dozen charges that include rape and forcible sodomy against 32-year old Jeffery Reginald Moyer who was formally charged with 14 felonies in Caddo County District Court in Anadarko yesterday including three counts of rape, seven counts of forcible sodomy, and four counts of lewd acts to a child. Judge David Stephens set Moyer's bond at $700,000. Moyer is to return to court Oct. 17th to announce his attorney and a preliminary hearing conference is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 27th.
Rush Springs Hosts Annual Watermelon Festival
The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival is underway. This is the 77th year for the event as the community celebrates the regional crop. A 5K, 10K, and watermelon relay run were held early this morning. There is a carnival and a car show, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, and officials expect to serve about 25 tons of watermelon and it will be free after 4 o'clock. Billy and Wilma Pittman are being honored with this year's Pioneer Award. Many area producers will have several varieties of watermelon for sale, including the much heralded Black Diamond melon which is almost exclusively grown around Rush Springs. It’s a mostly round melon with a dark green rind with red ‘fruit’ inside. It's much different that the Jubilee which is the oblong dark-green-and-light-green-striped melon you see in stores.
Talk Show Topics
On our KOOL Konversation this week are the Republican candidates for District 3 Grady County Commissioner – incumbent Ralph Beard and challenger Gary Bray (There is no Democratic candidate). On Real Estate Today this week's guests are Jim Cowan and Johnny Trammell with the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council discussing the upcoming Leadership Chickasha course and other events. There are podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, August 12th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, and Comanche counties)
Consumer Spending on the Rise in Chickasha
Consumer spending at Chickasha retail merchants is showing a steady increase. The most recent numbers available show that spending topped $34.2 million from mid-June to mid-July. That's up 8.5 percent from the previous month and an increase of more than 17 percent compared to the same time last year. Jim Cowan with the Economic Development Council says some of the increase may be due to inflation. The City of Chickasha collected more than $1.2 million in sales tax revenue from that consumer spending which ranks 27th among cities in the state. Cowan's monthly economic report also shows a slight increase in the jobless rate from 2.6 percent in May to 3.2 percent in June. The report also shows the City of Chickasha issued more than 45 building permits last month. There were 38 residential permits issued including 31 for new homes and seven permits for re-modeling projects. There were eight commercial building permits issued including two new projects and six for re-modeling work.
New Embezzlement Charge Filed Against Contractor
Another embezzlement charge has been filed against a Grady County contractor accused of fraud. The State Attorney General's Office filed the charge against Norman 'Buddy' Gomes, owner of BNV Construction. The Consumer Protection Unit of the attorney general's office began investigating Gomes more than a year ago after receiving a number of complaints. The website OK Energy Today reports that Gomes is now accused of stealing nearly $50 million from six customers by requesting money up front for home repair projects he never started. Gomes is facing six charges of embezzlement and one charge of a pattern of criminal offenses in Grady County District Court. If convicted he faces up to 28 years in prison and more than $50,000 in fines along with have to pay restitution to his victims.
Group to Discuss 'Convention of States'
to Consider Amending U.S. Constitution
Many Americans are concerned about the federal government's appetite for taxes, access to personal data, and power. There has been some debate about whether the country is ready for an Article V Convention of the States, which would allow the states to amend the U.S. Constitution. The Grady County Republican Party will host a meeting next week to discuss the issue. Larry McCall, who represents the Convention of States, will explain the national effort to discuss proposing amendments to the Constitution which include limiting the federal government’s power and jurisdiction, and to impose term limits on officials and members of Congress. The meeting is open to the public and will be held Thursday, Aug. 18th at 6:30 p.m. at Canadian Valley Technology Center.
Grady County 4Hers Earn Nearly $5,000 in Scholarships
Several Grady County 4Hers were honored for their work at the 101st State 4H Roundup. Hunter Kelsey of Amber was awarded two $1,200 scholarships - one from the Oklahoma Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and one from the Oklahoma Association of 4H Youth Development Professionals. Courtney Evans of Cement received a $1,200 scholarship by the Rule of Law Scholarship Fund. And Maggie Evans also of Cement was awarded a $1,200 Mike Synar Memorial Scholarship. In addition, Maggie Evans, Ben Tindle, and Katie Jones combined to win the 4H Food Showdown and will represent Oklahoma at the National 4H Food Challenge in Dallas in October.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $94.34 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $99.60.
Natural gas is $8.87 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,801 and silver is $20.24.
Obituary
Patricia Schwemley
A graveside service for Patricia Schwemley, 89, of Oklahoma City and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 13th at Chickasha's Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Thursday, Aug. 11th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, and Comanche counties. Also there is an Ozone Alert for Central Oklahoma including Grady, McClain, Cleveland, Oklahoma, and Canadian counties.)
Blue-Green Algae Blooms Found in Shannon Springs Park
Chickasha city officials say blue-green algae has been found in the pond at Shannon Springs Park. Because of that, fishing at the pond has been suspended until the problem clears up. Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that can form visible algae blooms which can produce toxins that may contaminate the water which can cause illness in humans and animals.
Chickasha Schools Are Back in Session
Students are returning to Chickasha school classrooms today. It is the first day of school throughout the district and officials are reminding motorists to slow down in the school zones and to watch for children waiting for school buses in neighborhoods.
Reward Offered for Information
about Lawton-Area Woman's Murder
A reward is being offered for information about a young mother found murdered in Comanche County more than five years ago. A $5,000 reward is being offered by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) about the death of 21-year old Ci’Lina ‘Cici’ Bell-Deloney. Her body was found in the middle of a road in Cache January 16, 2017. She had been shot multiple times. The OSBI said she was last seen alive at a Wal-Mart in Lawton that morning and that she left the store with people she knew. Anyone with information about Bell-Deloney's murder can e-mail anonymous information to: tips@osbi.ok.gov or by calling 800-522-8017.
Popular Grady County Deputy Moves On
A Grady County sheriff's deputy who became a popular figure after receiving a kidney transplant is moving on. Sgt. Corey Loftice, who spent 10 years with the sheriff's office, accepted a new position with the Marlow Police Department. The sheriff's office posted the news on its Facebook page yesterday. You may remember that Loftice was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver failure in 2016 and in 2017 received a kidney from an Oklahoma City donor. Loftice was back on the job just three months later. The sheriff's office post said that Loftice served the citizens of Grady County with professionalism, honor, and dedication and that he will always be a member of the sheriff's office.
Rush Springs Prepares for Watermelon Festival
Rush Springs is getting ready for the town's annual watermelon festival. This is the 77th year for the event which will be held all day this Saturday, August 13th. Taylor Abbott, a senior at Rush Springs High School this year is the queen of the festival. She says it’s a day to recognize the local water melon producers - many of whom have spent years in the watermelon patch.
The day-long event gets started with a 5K, a 10K, and a watermelon run - where a team of three runners will tote about a 10-pound watermelon through the streets of Rush Springs. There is live entertainment all day, including a seed-spitting contest. They’ll serve watermelon starting at 10 a.m. ($2 for a large wedge) and it will be free after 4:00 p.m. There will also be more than 100 arts and crafts vendors. There is a rodeo tonight and tomorrow night and a parade before the rodeo tomorrow night. See more information on the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival Facebook page.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.93 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $97.40.
Natural gas is $8.20 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,805 and silver is $20.48.
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Wednesday, Aug. 10th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, and Comanche counties)
Rush Springs Police Seeks Trio Following Pursuit
Three suspects are on the run following a high-speed chase through southern Grady County. Rush Springs Police Chief Chuck Clampitt said one of his officers made a traffic stop on a vehicle about 2:00 a.m. Tuesday for speeding. The officer made contact with the driver who had a suspended license. The driver sped away and headed south on U.S. Highway 81. Grady County deputies were called to assist and the pursuit went south and east of Rush Springs on a county road where the vehicle crashed. Two men and a woman then fled from the scene and the vehicle was impounded. Authorities searched the area for several hours but were unable to locate them. Clampitt said they have the identity of the driver who has a lengthy rap sheet but did not want to disclose his name. The names of the other two people weren't known. If you have information about any of the three individuals you can reach out to the Rush Springs Police Department or call Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also leave anonymous tips on the Grady County Crimestoppers Facebook page.
ARPA Funds to Assist Grady County Volunteer Fire Dept's
Grady County volunteer fire departments will benefit from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. County commissioners this week approved nearly a half-million dollars for equipment and station improvements. The Express-Star reports the county department will use about $370,000 to upgrade its cascade system and $85,000 for washer and dryer systems. The Rush Springs Station will receive more than $40,000 to replace its jaws-of-life; the Harold Station will get nearly $28,000 for a truck monitor; and the Pioneer Station will receive nearly $24,000 for bathroom and station renovations. The funds come from nearly $11 million in federal ARPA funds received by the county. Other funds have been awarded to Grady Memorial Hospital to hire new doctors. The Grady County Fairgrounds has also applied for ARPA funds and officials are currently reviewing that application.
Three to be Honored at Grady County Fair
The Grady County Fair is now about two weeks away. Three long-time fair supporters will be honored. Clara Green, Paul Horton, and Steve Calhoun will be recognized this year. Green worked for OSU Extension for many years organizing many of the fair events; Horton is being honored for his support of the fair with Ross Seed and True Value; and Calhoun, a farmer and rancher and also long-time employee with Ross True Value has helped with many fair events. The 107th Grady County Fair will run Thursday, August 25th through Saturday, August. 27th at the Grady County Fairgrounds.
Blood Drives in Chickasha and Anadarko Today
There are a couple of area blood drives today. In Grady County, the annual Boots and Badges blood drive for supporters of local law enforcement and fire fighters. That will be held at Chickasha's Bible Baptist Church from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome. Donors get a limited edition Boots and Badges t-shirt. In Anadarko today, there's a community blood drive at the First United Methodist Church. That is from noon to 6 p.m. and walk-ins are also welcome there. For information on upcoming blood drives in your area check out the Oklahoma Blood Institute website at obi.org.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.50 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $96.31.
Natural gas is $7.83 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,805 and silver is $20.36.
Obituary
Toye Yoder
A memorial service for Toye Yoder, 87, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19th at First Baptist Church of Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Paws in Blanchard, the Oklahoma Baptist Home for Children, or the Oklahoma Food Bank.
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Tuesday, Aug. 9th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian counties)
Plant Destroyed by Fire Not 'Up to Code'
Officials with the Chickasha Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's office say the former Chickasha Manufacturing Company that burned over the weekend was not up to code. Judah Sheppard with the fire marshal's office tells KWTV News 9 that from their exterior investigation it appeared the building was not up to code to use as a storage facility. The building had been vacant for years and if a company wanted to do business they would have to get permits. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said they never issued any occupancy permits for the building. Samaniego estimated that 1.5 million gallons of hand sanitizer was being stored in the building which caught fire on Sunday. Samaniego said because of the hazardous nature of the materials and to avoid creating a bigger risk and potentially contaminating ground water, they decided to let the fire burn itself out. The fire department issued a lengthy Facebook post thanking all the agencies that responded, including the Chickasaw National Emergency Management Service as well as the Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo Counties and the Red Cross.
Teen Hospitalized After Semi Crash
A semi crash in northern Oklahoma that sent a Chickasha teenager to a hospital is under investigation. The accident happened just before noon yesterday on I-35 near Braman - about 10 miles south of the Oklahoma- Kansas border. The driver of the semi, 48-year old Lisa Lujan, also of Chickasha was not injured. The 15-year old boy (whose name was not released) was taken to a Wichita, Kansas hospital where he was admitted with leg injuries. He was last in good condition.
Union City Police Find Drugs, Grenades in Traffic Stop
Police in Union City find drugs and grenades in a recent traffic stop. An officer pulled over a vehicle for crossing over the center line on Main Street over the weekend. Police Chief Adam Taylor said when searching the vehicle they found more than 400 Xanax pills, more than 25 ounces of methamphetamine, weapons, a couple of tear gas grenades, and even a rubber-ball riot grenade. The Highway Patrol bomb squad was called in to get the grenades. Authorities arrested Heath Gates and Amber Cape who were taken to the Canadian County Jail. Taylor said Gates also had outstanding warrants out of Oklahoma County for kidnapping, weapons, and assault charges.
Chix Teachers Begin In-Service Work
Chickasha teachers returned to school yesterday for some in-service training, ahead the first day of classes which will be Thursday. Later today, many schools are holding meet-and-greets for parents and students as they get ready for classes to begin. At Bill Wallace, Kindergarten students and parents can stop by starting at 5:15; with first grade students and parents starting at 6:15. Grand Elementary has meet and greet from 5:30 to 7 tonight; and Lincoln School has meet-and-greet from 6 until 7:30. For the middle school there's a 7th grade student and parent meeting at 5 p.m. followed by the schedule pick-up. For 8th grade students, schedule pick up is tomorrow afternoon from 1-3. At the high school, a freshman orientation will get underway at 5:30 at the activity center followed by a tour of the high school campus.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.76 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $96.65.
Natural gas is $7.59 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,807 and silver is $20.63.
Obituary
Chestina Cruinkshank-Conti
Funeral service for Chestina Cruinkshank-Conti, 76, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Monday, Aug. 8th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian counties)
Fire Destroys Former Manufacturing Plant
A former manufacturing company in Chickasha is destroyed by an intense fire that broke out Sunday. Nearly 100 firefighters and more than 25 trucks from at least 15 departments were dispatched to the blaze at what was once Chickasha Manufacturing. Crews responded from not only the Chickasha Fire Department but also more than a dozen Grady County Volunteer departments. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego believes that 1.5 million gallons of alcohol-based hand sanitizer fueled the fire. Flames were seen from as far away as Pocasset. Samaniego said the 120,000 sq. ft. facility was filled half-way up to the ceiling with about 8,000 pallets of sanitizer. The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal's Office is helping to look into not only what caused the fire but also the storage of the hazardous liquid. An official with that agency told our partners at KWTV News 9 that the building was not permitted to be occupied. The official said they have received information that other warehouses and other large buildings are being used for warehouse storage for products being shipped in from out of state. Brannan Bordwine, the owner of the company leasing the building, told News 9 said that he was using the facility to store the hand sanitizer which was to be recycled at another location. He said they would un-box the product and separate the liquid which went into a tanker for disposal. Bordwine said he lost all of his equipment and livelihood in the fire. The fire is expected to burn for several days. The Grady County Fire Department is asking for donations of water, energy drinks, non-perishable food items, baby wipes, chapstick, eye drops, and gift cards that can be used to purchase fuel.
Chix School Board to Consider Policy Updates
Updates to the sexual harassment policy and the grading, promotion, retention, and graduation of students policy are among items up for consideration for the Chickasha School Board when that panel meets tonight. Superintendent Rick Croslin said the update to the sexual harassment policy includes new definitions from the Center for Education Law for supportive measures, reporting, and the investigation of sexual harassment matters. For the grading and promotion policy, Croslin said it is to remove a statement that is no longer needed. The school board will also consider revisions to the policy regarding student discipline, including updates to the short-term suspension appeals process. Appeals would still be conducted by a neutral site panel. The group will also consider a memorandum of understanding with the district's two unions - the Chickasha United Teaching Association and the Chickasha Association of Support Employees. It concerns hiring four teaching assistants in Kindergarten and first grade classrooms. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building. The meeting will be streamed on the school district's website.
Public Forum Set for Chix Schools' Special Bond Issues
Chickasha school officials will be holding a public forum on the Safety and Security Bond issue that will be decided by school district voters in a couple of weeks. A nearly $35 million bond proposal and a $1 million transportation bond will be reviewed during the forum set for next Monday night, August 15th at 6:00 p.m. at the school administration building at 9th and Choctaw. All the proposals for improvements to all school sites will be available and those attending will be able to ask questions about the plans. The measures will be on the Aug. 23rd primary run-off election ballot.
Chix Ward 1 Council Reps to Meet with Constituents
Chickasha residents who live in Ward 1 can meet with their city council representatives tonight. Councilors Kia Ginn and Brian Gerdes will meet with constituents for an informal session in the city council chambers at city hall tonight at 6:30. Residents can discuss any concerns and share their views about the future of the city.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.01 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $94.92.
Natural gas is $8.06 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,792 and silver is $20.09.
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.
