Saturday, Aug. 27th
More Details Released in Machete Attack
A man nearly had his arm cut off when he was attacked by someone with a machete. KOOL/RANCH News received the probable cause affidavit filed in the case. Police were called to a home in the 600 block of South 8th Street Wednesday afternoon to investigate. The victim had already been taken to a hospital in a private vehicle. The affidavit states that the victim and the suspect, Bronson Tyler Smith, got into an argument and that Smith had what appeared to be a machete and officials also found a large, heavy duty, solid-metal pair of scissors at the scene. After the attack, Smith fled the area. The victim was taken to St. Anthony hospital for emergency surgery. Police issued a BOLO alert for Smith and the Grady County Sheriff's Office received a tip Thursday morning on his location. Deputies and police officers found him at home in the 800 block of South 16th where Smith had barricaded himself in a garage. Smith was arrested after a brief stand-off. Smith was originally arrested on complaints of assault with a deadly weapon and maiming. At his arraignment yesterday he was charged only with assault with a deadly weapon. Smith has been in and out of jail the last couple of years. Just last week he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of domestic assault and disrupting an emergency phone call following an arrest this spring. Last month, he pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to obtain drugs by an altered prescription stemming from a 2020 arrest.
State Gets Federal Funds for Abandoned Wellsite Clean-up
The State of Oklahoma has received millions in federal funds to continue on-going efforts to clean up abandoned oil and gas well sites. The state will get an initial grant of $25 million from the Department of Interior to plug, cap, and reclaim orphaned oil and gas wells on public and private lands. State officials say they will collaborate with federally-recognized tribes to plug wells on tribal land. Officials say they have nearly 1,200 documented orphaned wells and priority will be given to those which pose the greatest threat to health and human safety, the environment, and personal property.
Oklahoma to Have 'Free' Hunting Labor Day Weekend
Hunting enthusiasts in the state will be able to hunt without licenses next weekend. The State Department of Wildlife has established free hunting days for Saturday, Sept. 3rd and Sunday, Sept. 4th. Free hunting days are traditionally held the first weekend in September. The hunting seasons will be open for dove, coyote, squirrel, raccoon, prairie dogs, beaver, and even striped skunks. While no licenses will be required individuals will still have to comply with all hunting regulations. For information visit the website: www.wildlifedepartment.com
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. On our KOOL Konversation we have a recording of this week's press conference with District Attorney Jason Hicks and representatives of the State Department of Environmental Quality. Officials addressed the unlawful hazardous waste disposal that occurred at the former Chickasha Manufacturing Company and other locations near the site, and the multi-million dollar fine levied to the company responsible. On Real Estate Today we have Dan Turner and Jerry Don Bray with Chickasha Public Schools. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
High School Football Scores
Chickasha 20, El Reno 14
Minco 31, Dibble 12
Tuttle 39, Cache 14
Bridge Creek 32, Lexington 0
Newcastle 38, Cleveland 0
Empire 8, Rush Springs 0
Lone Grove 55, Anadarko 26
Cyril 36, Corn Bible Academy 0
Pauls Valley 21, Lindsay 12
Friday, Aug. 26th
(Burn bans are still in effect for Grady, Garvin, and Comanche counties)
County Commissioner 'Not Guilty' of Embezzlement
A Grady County jury took little time in finding County Commissioner Mike Walker innocent of embezzlement. The jury spent less than two hours in making its decision yesterday. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation charged Walker for using county resources to pave a road to his Tuttle area home. Walker's attorney Bret Burns says it was a bogus claim.
Burns said that Walker did live on the street that was paved, but it was accepted by the county as a public street back in 1976 and had been maintained by the county for more than 25 years. Burns said the lawsuit cost Walker his job, as he lost his re-election bid this past spring. Walker is still facing charges of conspiracy and intimidating witnesses. That trial is expected be held in October.
Suspect Arrested for Alleged Machete Attack
(EDITOR'S NOTE - This story has been updated from the morning news)
Chickasha police have arrested a suspect in connection with attacking a man with a machete. 31-year old Bronson Tyler Smith is being held in the Grady County Jail on complaints of assault with a deadly weapon and maiming. Chickasha Police spokeswoman Lauren Jewell said police were called to a home in the 600 block of S. 8th Street Wednesday afternoon to investigate a reported stabbing. The victim had already been taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in a private vehicle then transported to an Oklahoma City hospital where he had surgery for non-life threatening injuries. Witnesses at the home identified Smith as the attacker. Jewell said that the Grady County Sheriff’s Office received a tip Thursday morning that Smith was at a home in the 800 block of South 16th. Jewell said Smith briefly barricaded himself in a garage, but was taken into custody after about five minutes. Prosecutors will decided if Smith will be charged with any crimes in connection with the attack.
Police Issue Scam Alert
Chickasha police have issued a scam alert regarding some bogus claims of residents winning a grand prize. According to a Facebook post, authorities say they have received several complaints about residents being told that in order to receive the prize, they needed to send money using gift cards and other pre-paid cards. Officials say individuals should be cautious when receiving calls that ask for money to be sent before a prize is issued. If you can, get the number of the person who called and report the number to police.
County Fair Events
The Grady County Fair continues today with many of the commercial vendors opening at 10:00 a.m. The swine show will be late this afternoon and the carnival will be open this evening. Also tonight, it’s the first performance of the Thunder in Tornado Alley Tractor Pull with a second performance tomorrow night. OHCE groups will have home-made meals for the noon and evening meals in the community building with Indian tacos, cinnamon rolls, and other items in the North exhibit building. Tomorrow is the busiest day at the fair, with the poultry and rabbit shows in the morning with the beef and dairy shows in the afternoon. A couple of Bob Funk's Express Clydesdales will be at the fair tomorrow morning. Also tomorrow afternoon, the children's pet show at 4:30 and the kiddie tractor pull and 6 o'clock.
Volunteer Firefighter Headed to Central America
A Grady County volunteer firefighter is headed to Central America to help with an electrification program of a community. Brad Hunter is a volunteer with the Pocasset fire department. Hunter is the new Energy Trails Ambassador for Oklahoma Electric Co-op (OEC) and will be working in Guatemala. Hunter is a lineman and has worked for OEC for 14 years. Before working for OEC he was a a rodeo clown.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $92.52 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $99.34.
Natural gas is $9.37 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,762 and silver is $19.13.
Obituaries
Demonte Goodlow
Funeral for Demonte Goodlow, 16, of Lawton was held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26th at True Love Church in Lawton. Arrangements were with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Stacy Townsend
Funeral for Stacy Townsend, 62, of Chickasha, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1st at Sharon Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon's International or St. Jude Children's Hospital.
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Thursday, Aug. 25th
(Burn bans are still in effect for Grady, Garvin, and Comanche counties)
Contractor Fined Millions for Dumping
Hazardous Materials Into the Environment
A Chickasha businessman is ordered to pay millions of dollars in fines for the illegal dumping of hazardous materials. On Thursday, officials with the State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced the fine levied against Brannan Bordwine and his company and discussed the on-going investigation into the huge hand sanitizer fire that destroyed the former Chickasha Manufacturing Company. Rob Singletary is with the DEQ-
Singletary said he believes the fine is the largest ever issued by the DEQ. Bordwine has 15 days to submit a plan to properly dispose of the remaining sanitizer and 30 days to do so. Singletary said expired hand sanitizer is hazardous because the alcohol it contains can catch fire quickly. District Attorney Jason Hicks said anyone who may have received donations of sanitizer or purchased sanitizer from Bordwine, his employees, or associates should take it to the Chickasha fire department for proper disposal. Hicks said the multi-agency investigation into the fire continues and no formal charges have yet been filed.
Jury Prepares to Deliberate Fate of County Commissioner
Closing arguments in the trial of a Grady County commissioner accused of embezzlement and conspiracy are expected to be presented this morning. Testimony in the two-day trial for District 1 Commissioner Mike Walker came to an end yesterday with the judge opting to schedule closing arguments and present the jury its instructions today. Walker is facing one count of embezzlement for using county resources for personal gain and several counts of conspiracy, intimidating witnesses, and illegally using communication devices for installing cameras at the Tuttle county barn to allegedly spy on employees.
Father Jailed on $1 Million Bond for Alleged Child Abuse
The father of an infant is in jail on a $1 million bond for alleged child abuse. 31-year old Evander Dayle Yanito of Chickasha was arrested earlier this week after police were notified by DHS of a possible child abuse case. A probable cause affidavit from Chickasha police alleges that Yanito dropped the eight week old child on the floor which caused her to have a brain bleed. The baby also suffered a broken rib. Yanito has been charged with three felony counts of child abuse.
Grady County Fair Opens
The Grady County Fair officially kicks off today. It's the 107th year for the fair which will feature numerous events for the young and the young at heart. Jamie Jones is the marketing director for the Grady County Fairgrounds and said the number of commercial exhibits is on the rise.
Many of the commercial booths feature free give-aways and drawings for various items. The doors opened this morning while there will be an official ceremony tonight. The cake auction will be this evening followed by the naming of the fair princess. There's lots of great food from OHCE available and the carnival will be open tonight, tomorrow night, and opens at noon on Saturday. Arm bands will be available all three days. There's live music tonight from local band Tim Brauer and First Look and there's a tractor pull both Friday and Saturday nights.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $94.89 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $101.22.
Natural gas is $9.33 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,776 and silver is $19.23.
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Wednesday, Aug. 24th
(Burn bans are still in effect for Grady, Garvin, and Comanche counties)
DEQ, DA to Discuss Hazardous Waste Investigation
Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Grady County District Attorney's Office will be holding a joint press conference this afternoon to discuss the hazardous waste investigation that came about as a result of this month's fire that destroyed the former Chickasha Manufacturing Company. Officials were called in to look into the storage of an estimated 1.5 million gallons of hand sanitizer that was being kept in as many as three locations in that immediate area. The press conference will be held at District Attorney Jason Hicks Chickasha office at 1:30 this afternoon. We’ll have an update on KOOL News at 5:00 p.m.
Bray Defeats Beard for County Commissioner Post
Voters in the southern part of Grady County elected Gary Bray over incumbent Ralph Beard for District 3 County Commissioner in Tuesday's primary run-off election. Bray, a retired police officer, picked up 53 percent of the vote to defeat the two-term incumbent by more than 100 votes. The unofficial tally was 976 to 860. With Bray's election, there will be two new Grady County commissioners next year. Zach Davis will be the other new commissioner. He won the District One county commissioner post earlier this year defeating incumbent Mike Walker.
Chickasha School Bond Issues Pass with Flying Colors
Chickasha school district patrons overwhelmingly approved two bond issues - a $35 million proposal for numerous school improvements and a $1 million transportation bond. Both passed with more than 70 percent of the vote with at least 1,200 votes out of the nearly 1,700 ballots cast. Superintendent Rick Croslin said the district is grateful for the support and thanks voters for the opportunity to address safety and security concerns. Among the projects approved were a new library and safe room at Grand Elementary, a new gymnasium and a safe room at Lincoln Elementary, and a secured entrance at the middle school.
Voters Turn Down Alex School Bond Issues
Several other school districts also had bond issues on the ballot and there were mixed results. At Alex, voters turned down two proposals totaling about $14 million. A bond for an agriculture building, bus barn, an indoor athletic facility, and an awning to connect the high school to the elementary school failed with 51 percent voting against the plan. A second proposal to purchase two new school buses failed to get the 60 percent super-majority needed for passage by 17 votes.
Dibble School Bond Approved
Dibble voters passed a $15.4 million proposal to build the first phase of a new high school and install new lights at all the athletic facilities. The measure passed with 61 percent of the vote just six votes over the minimum 60 percent required for school bond elections.
Other School Bond Election Results
Middleberg school district voters approved a bond issue with more than 68 percent of the vote, 130 to 60; voters in the Cyril school district gave nearly 70 percent approval to a $1.7 million bond issue, 162 to 70. The funds will be used to upgrade computer labs, install lights for the baseball and softball fields, build a track, and purchases vehicles. A proposal for a bond issue at Ft. Cobb-Broxton schools failed by just five votes. The yes votes outnumbered the no votes 275 to 191 but the issue only received 59 percent of the vote. A school bond issue at Bridge Creek narrowly won with 10 votes to spare, 868 to 562. A school bond proposal at Newcastle passed with nearly 69 percent of the vote, 1,655 to 754.
Biker Critical After Turnpike Crash
A motorcycle rider is in critical condition after crashing his bike on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The accident happened just before 6:00 a.m. Tuesday near Mile Marker 91 about eight miles northeast of Chickasha. The unidentified 50-year old man from Lawton was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head and internal injuries. The highway patrol reported that for an unknown reason, the rider lost control and the bike came to rest in the inside lane. He was wearing a helmet.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $93.74 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $102.22.
Natural gas is $9.19 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,761 and silver is $19.04.
Obituaries
Clovis Henderson
Funeral service Clovis Henderson, 86, of Rush Springs will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25th at the First Baptist Church of Pocasset. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Brendolyn Dawson
Funeral service Brendolyn Dawson, 63, of Lawton will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25th at New Hope Church of God in Christ in Lawton. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Aug. 23rd
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, and Comanche counties)
Oklahomans Heading Back to the Polls Today
A county commissioner’s race, some school bond issues, and a state senate race are some of the issues KOOL/RANCH News will be following in today's primary run-off election. The Grady County Commissioner District 3 post will be decided in the Republican primary run-off between two-term incumbent Ralph Beard and challenger Gary Bray. Only four votes separated the two in the June primary which included a third candidate.
Several School Districts Have Bond Issues on the Ballot
Chickasha school district voters are deciding the largest bond issue ever. There are two bond issues - one is for nearly $35 million that officials call the Safety and Security Bond. If approved, there will be upgrades at every school site including a new gymnasium/safe room at Lincoln School and a new library/safe room at Grand Avenue, the installation of field turf and an eight-lane track at the high school football field, and technology upgrades throughout the district. A second $1 million bond issue is for transportation needs. There are also propositions on the ballot for Alex, Bridge Creek, Dibble, Middleberg, and Bridge Creek school district voters. In Caddo County there are bond issues on the ballot for Cyril and Ft. Cobb-Broxton school district voters.
Caddo County Part of Republican State Senate Run-off
A key state senate race is in District 26 which includes all of Caddo County. Incumbent Darcy Jech is facing newcomer Brady Butler in the Republican primary. No Democrats filed for that office so the winner will serve a six-year term. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight. We'll post results of the elections on our Facebook page after the polls close.
Burn Ban Lifted in Stephens County; Extended in Comanche County
Officials in one area county have lifted a burn ban. Stephens County commissioners lifted its ban yesterday which had been in effect for the last several weeks. Much of the Stephens County area has received some good rainfall over the last week. However, Comanche County commissioners have extended a burn ban for two more weeks. That burn ban has been in place since July 25th due to low rainfall totals and increased fire danger. Burn bans are also still in place for Grady and Garvin Counties.
Grady County OSU Extension Educator Honored
A member of Grady County OSU Extension is recognized for her work. Ally Minor was named the outstanding new county agent in Oklahoma. She was appointed to the Grady County office in January of 2021 to serve as agriculture educator and to work in 4H and youth development. A news release from the state extension office in Stillwater shows that in her first year, Minor organized nearly 50 meetings and built upon the office’s bi-weekly ag producers meetings. She hosted experts from Texas A and M who discussed multi-species grazing and hosted John Weir to discuss prescribed burning which led to the formation of a local prescribed burning association. She worked with the OSU Research Station to put together demonstration plots of Bermuda and native grasses without fertilizer (from June to September). Minor has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Oklahoma State and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Natural Resources Stewardship-Rangeland Ecology and Management Specialization from Colorado State.
Two Volunteer Fire Departments to Host Appreciation Dinner
A couple of Grady County volunteer fire department's will be hosting a community appreciation dinner. The Harold and Pocasset Stations will host the event on Sunday, Sept. 11th from 11:30 am. to 2:00 p.m. at the Pocasset Community Center. They'll be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs with drinks and sides also available. There will be a bounce house for the kids. Donations are welcome.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.23 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $96.48.
Natural gas is $9.68 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,752 and silver is $18.99.
Obituary
Anita Hudson
Funeral service for Anita Hudson, 85, of Chickasha will be at 2 o'clock this afternoon at Sevier Funeral Home. She served as the librarian at USAO for more than 20 years, retiring in 1999.
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Monday, Aug. 22nd
(Burns bans remain in efect for Grady, Comanche, Stephens, and Garvin counties)
Jury Selection Scheduled to Begin Today
for Trial of Grady County Commissioner
Jury selection is scheduled begin today for the embezzlement and conspiracy trial of District 1 Grady County Commissioner Mike Walker. Walker was charged with embezzlement in May of 2021 for allegedly using county resources to pave a private road to his Tuttle area home. In February of this year, Walker was charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, intimidation of witnesses, and unlawful use of communication for allegedly installing cameras at the District 1 county barn to spy on employees. Walker's attorney, Bret Burns, says the cameras were installed for security reasons. The prosecutor in the case is Brian Hermanson out of Newkirk and the presiding judge is Brent Russell of Duncan.
Fiery Crash Kills Two People
Two people died in a fiery head-on collision near Tuttle over the weekend. The accident involved three vehicles late Friday afternoon about three miles south of Tuttle on State Highway 4. Killed in the crash were 64-year old Larry Ballinger of Oklahoma City and 36-year old Derek Thomas of Moore. A third person, 39-year old Shannon Burnside of Tuttle, somehow survived without suffering serious injuries. She was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital by a private vehicle where she was treated and released. The trooper investigating the crash said Thomas was northbound on the highway at a high rate of speed when his pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound sedan driven by Ballinger. Burnside was also southbound in her car which rear-ended Ballinger's vehicle after the initial collision.
Father Charged with Child Abuse for
Making Children Eat Hot Peppers
A Chickasha man is charged with child abuse for punishing his children by making them eat hot peppers. 34-year old Justin Ray Rodriguez was arrested last week after DHS turned over the results of an investigation to the Grady County Sheriff's Office. A probable cause affidavit indicates the alleged abuse occurred between January and February of this year. It's alleged that Rodriguez made two children eat jalapeno peppers with added hot sauce as discipline. He also threatened to cut one child's tongue with his knife and cut off his genitals. Rodriguez was charged with one felony count of child abuse. He is out of jail after posting a $50,000 bond. He's to announce his attorney next week and a preliminary hearing conference is scheduled Sept. 14th.
Chickasha Park Pond Still Closed Due to Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae is still a problem in the pond at Chickasha's Shannon Springs Park. Officials say the pond is closed for fishing and pets should not be allowed to swim in it. Blue-green algae blooms were detected nearly two weeks ago. The water can be toxic and cause severe illness in humans and pets. There's no word on when the restrictions will be lifted.
Grady County Fair Week Begins
It's Grady County Fair week. While most activities start on Thursday the fair princess and little miss contests are this afternoon and tonight. The winners will be announced Thursday. Still and mechanic show exhibits can be entered tomorrow afternoon from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The 107th Grady County Fair begins on Thursday.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.77 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $96.72.
Natural gas is $9.33 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,748 and silver is $18.96
Obituary
Brendolyn Dawson
Funeral service for Brendolyn Dawson, 64, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
