Saturday, Sept. 3rd
(Burn bans are still in effect for Grady, Garvin, and Comanche counties)
Group Says Oklahoma Electricity System is 'Broken'
Yesterday KOOL/RANCH News had a story about Oklahoma's electricity rates skyrocketing nearly 50 percent over the last year. Today, the group that reported the news says the reason for the spike is that the state's electricity system is broken. That comment is from Mike Boyd who is the executive director for the Alliance for Electrical Restructuring in Oklahoma. Boyd said Oklahomans are at the mercy of monopoly utilities that are demanding rate increases while they reap record profits. He said customers have no options, no recourse, and no way to escape being ripped off. Boyd cited numbers from American Electric Power (AEP) which is the parent company of Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) that showed AEP reported net income of more than $2 billion in 2021. PSO and OG&E have petitioned the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for over $1.5 billion in combined rate increases over the last two years. Boyd said his group will at the state capital next year to talk to lawmakers about creating legislation that would allow consumers to choose which utility they want. 21 states currently offer choice and competition in electricity markets. A study by the Retail Energy Supply Association shows that prices in those states have declined since 2008. See the full story on the website:
www.okenergytoday.com.
Chix to host 5th Annual Oklahoma Food Truck Championship
The Oklahoma Food Truck Championship returns to Chickasha next month and will feature 30 vendors looking to capture bragging rights. This will be the fifth year for the event which will be held during the Rock Island Arts Festival the weekend of Sept. 30th through Oct. 2nd. The food truck competition will be on Saturday. There will food creations from tacos to sushi and desserts to attract the attention of festival goers. The competition began with local restaurateurs Josh Woods and Zach Grayson five years ago but the event is now hosted by the chamber of commerce. Chamber president Jim Cowan said the event draws people from all over Oklahoma and surrounding states. There will be local food trucks like former champion Creek Bottom Burgers and many have unique names such as Some Like it Tot and Contrabandz Lab. New to the championship is a football fun zone where individuals can watch college football on several big screen TVs under a huge tent. Live bands will be playing much of the day including local bands Tim Brauer and First Look and Dollar 98. For information about the event check out the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship Facebook page or website: www.okftc.com
Talk Show Topics
Darrel Cheshier with the Swingin' Chicks Square Dancers is this week’s guest on our KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today guests are USAO’s Dr. Tannia Anderson with the Ada Sipuel-Fisher Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing and Katie Davis professor of theater both of whom will discuss upcoming events. Find podcasts to both programs under the Community tab on this website.
High School Football
Marlow 45, Chickasha 14
Noble 34, Blanchard 27
Elgin 33, Anadarko 14
Minco 14, Mooreland 6
Apache 26, Rush Springs 6
Lindsay 47, Dibble 6
Tipton 66, Alex 16
Seiling 46, Cyril 0
Mt. View-Gotebo 60, Maysville 12
Tuttle and Newcastle, idle
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Friday, Sept. 2nd
(Burn bans are still in effect for Grady, Garvin, and Comanche counties)
Sooner State Leads U.S. in Electricity Rate Increases
A new report shows that Oklahoma has the dubious distinction of having the fastest rising electricity rates in the country. A report by the Alliance for Electrical Restructuring in Oklahoma indicates there was a nearly 50 percent increase in rates from June of 2021 to June of this year. The state dropped from having the most affordable electricity rates to 18th in the nation. Residential customers experienced a more than 30 percent increase, which was also the largest of any of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The report shows that prices climbed more than seven cents per kilowatt hour to almost 11 cents which factors in all sectors which includes residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation. While Oklahoma rates increased 49 percent over the last year the average increase nationwide was 14 percent.
Summer Temps Were Hottest in More than a Decade
We all know it was pretty hot over the last couple of months. Officials say the statewide average temperature was in more than a decade and was the 11th warmest on record. Officials with the Oklahoma Mesonet say the average temperature in August for a 24-hour period was just under 83 degrees. Officials say it was the 46th hottest month since records started being kept in 1895. Temperatures topped 100 degrees on 18 of the 31 days last month.
Suspect Accused of Assaulting Ex-Girlfriend
A Rush Springs man is behind bars accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Grady County authorities received a 9-1-1 call late Monday night to investigate a disturbance east of Rush Springs. A probable cause affidavit indicates the victim claimed her ex broke into her house while she, her juvenile daughter and mother were sleeping. An argument began and then things got physical. The suspect is alleged to have choked the victim to the point where she nearly passed out. The victim grabbed her gun but the suspect took it away from her and said 'you don't pull a gun unless you intend to use it.' The suspect then pointed gun at the woman. The suspect eventually left the house in his work truck. Authorities reached out to the suspect’s place of employment in Lindsay where police took him into custody, then turned him over to Grady County authorities. In custody is 28-year old Jesse Kenneth Sliger. He's charged with felony counts of pointing a firearm and assault by strangulation and remains in the Grady County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Nude Woman Arrested After Eating Tainted Mushrooms
A woman who said she was high on tainted mushrooms was arrested for running around naked in public. A probable cause affidavit indicates that the Grady County Sheriff's Office got a call about 8:30 Tuesday night about a naked woman east of Chickasha near Highway 62 and Hibarger Hill. The reporting party said the nude woman was 'freaking out'. The person who made the initial call picked up the woman to take her to the hospital. As they got in to Chickasha, the woman jumped out of the vehicle at the stoplight at 3rd and Choctaw and was again running around without clothing and freaking out. Several individuals tried to calm the woman down. A deputy managed to get the woman into his vehicle and called an ambulance and paramedics took her to the hospital. She was treated and released and taken to jail on complaints of indecent exposure and public intoxication. 27-year old Paige Jestine Hatley has been formally charged with misdemeanors which include outraging public decency.
Law Enforcement to Hold Weekend DUI Checkpoints
The Labor Day weekend is upon us and law enforcement groups are encouraging motorists to not drink and drive. The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reports that there will be some DUI checkpoints in both Cleveland and Oklahoma counties. The Highway Patrol's ENDUI team will work with local police and sheriffs offices with a goal of getting impaired drivers off the road. In 2020, nearly 400 people were killed in drug and/or alcohol related traffic accidents in Oklahoma. Officials say every one of those deaths could have been prevented had the driver made the choice to not drive under the influence. Officials urged individuals to have a designated driver, take a cab, or use an Uber or Lyft driver if they've been drinking.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.61 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $96.59.
Natural gas is $9.26 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,717 and silver is $17.79.
Obituary
Rholando Dickerson
Funeral service for 29-year old Rholando Dickerson of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Thursday, Sept. 1st
(Burn bans are still in effect for Grady, Garvin, and Comanche counties)
Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Wanted Suspect
A state trooper arrests a wanted man following a pursuit in Grady County. 25-year old Kevin Bryant Melton of Wilson, Okla. was booked into the Grady County Jail on numerous complaints. We don't have any details about the chase but we can tell you that Wilson was wanted for knowingly concealing stolen property out of Carter County. He also has a violent history which includes an arrest for assault on a police officer. In addition to being held on the Carter County warrant Bryant was arrested on complaints of assault with a deadly weapon, eluding, and obstruction.
1960s OKC Restaurant Sit-In Effort
Subject of USAO Presentation
Several participants of sit-ins at Oklahoma City restaurants during the pre-civil rights days of the 1960s will be in Chickasha to discuss their efforts, which helped to bring about the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Bill Clifford, Joyce Henderson, Marilyn Luper-Hildreth and Joyce Jackson will be part of the screening of the documentary Children of the Civil Rights which will be presented at USAO. The program will be hosted by the university's Ada Sipuel-Fisher Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing as well as the Student Services Department. The film will be introduced by its director, Julia Clifford. It tells the story of a group of young people who spent six years going into segregated restaurants in Oklahoma City and asking for service. At the end of the six years, they had desegregated every restaurant they visited except one. The documentary will be shown at Te Ata Memorial Auditorium next Thursday, Sept. 8th at 6:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Registration is required and individuals may sign up on-line at: www.usao.edu/civilrights
A live-stream event will be available for those unable to attend.
Consumers Likely to Face Even Higher Utility Bills
Looks like monthly utility bills in Oklahoma will be going up even more than expected because of the Polar Vortex phenomenon that occurred in February of 2021. Customers of utilities like PSO and Summit Energy (formerly Centerpoint Energy) and others may be paying more due to higher than projected interest rates on the bonds sold for those companies to pay their costs of purchasing power during that period. The Oklahoman reports that the state sold bonds for ONG last week at an amount that was more than double the estimated interest rate. In July bonds for OGE also sold at a higher interest rate. While the interest rates were higher than expected they are lower than the 6 percent cap set by the corporation commission.
Oklahoma Fuel Prices Continue Falling
Average fuel prices in Oklahoma have fallen below $3.50 per gallon. Prices this week were down about a dime from seven days ago, to $3.43. That's 35 cents less than a month ago but up more than 50 cents from a year ago. Around the state, fuel prices in Tulsa were the lowest at $3.37 a gallon and highest in Ellis County at nearly $4.00 per gallon. Oklahoma has the 9th lowest gas prices in the country heading into the Labor Day weekend.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.55 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $96.49.
Natural gas is $9.12 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,714 and silver is $17.59.
Obituaries
Ruby Lee Stewart
Funeral for Ruby Lee Stewart, 88, of Chickasha were scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1st at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Joe Clayton, Jr.
Funeral for Joe Clayton Jr., 84, of Cement will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3rd at the First Baptist Church of Cement. Arrangements are with Brown Thomas-Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, Aug. 31st
(Burn bans are still in effect for Grady, Garvin, and Comanche counties)
Malcolm Hilburn to be Inducted into Hall of Fame
Malcolm Hilburn, who spent more than 32 years with the Chickasha school district as an administrator, teacher, and coach will be inducted into the Oklahoma African American Education Hall of Fame next month. Hilburn was the first African-American administrator for Chickasha Public Schools. Hilburn came to Chickasha in 1956 and first taught at Lincoln School where he was an industrial arts, science, and math teacher and basketball coach. After the district became fully integrated in the 1960s he became the first African American administrator when he was named vice-principal at the junior high. In 1974 he was named the junior high principal where he served for 14 years until his retirement in 1988. A press release indicates that Hilburn's career was monumental in times of both racial and educational limitations. At the start of his career Hilburn and other African-American teachers did not receive their fair share of resources due to discriminatory practices - but Hilburn and his colleagues did not allow themselves to become victims of their environment. Hilburn was 83 when he passed away in 2005. He will be inducted into the hall of fame Sept. 30th.
Arson Not Ruled Out for Cause of Massive Fire
The state fire marshal's office continues its investigation into the hand sanitizer fire that burned down the former Chickasha Manufacturing Plant earlier this month. And officials say they have not ruled out arson. In a statement provided to our partners at KWTV News 9, officials say the cause of the fire had human involvement and that spontaneous combustion is not being considered as a likely cause. The statement from State Fire Marshal James Fullingim says his office and several other agencies continue looking into what caused that massive fire. Last week, the State Department of Environmental Quality levied a more than $6.5 million fine against Bordwine Development. The fine was issued after authorities discovered that an undetermined amount of hand sanitizer was dumped into the environment. The company was given 15 days to come up with a plan to properly dispose of the remaining sanitizer at three locations and 30 days to do so.
Chix Chamber Schedules Next 'Successful Women' Program
The chief counsel for the Chickasaw Nation's Tribal Justice Administration will be the next guest for the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce' Successful Women's Series. Debra Gee will be featured during the program. She also serves as a trustee for the Chickasaw Foundation and previously worked at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. While in the nation's capitol she served as deputy director of the office of tribal justice, and tribal legal counsel for the violence against women office. The program will be held in the USAO Ballroom on Tuesday, Sept. 20th at noon. For ticket information contact Whitney Palesano at the chamber by Sept. 12th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.64.
London-based Brent crude is $99.31.
Natural gas is $9.04 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,722 and silver is $17.84.
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Tuesday, Aug. 30th
(Burn bans are still in effect for Grady, Garvin, and Comanche counties)
Burn Ban Continues in Grady and Nearby Counties
Grady County Commissioners have opted to continue a burn ban that has been in effect since mid-July. The panel extended the ban Monday morning ahead of last night's rainfall. The Grady County ban runs through next Monday. Burn bans also remain in effect for Garvin and Comanche counties.
Section of I-44 Narrowed to One Lane Labor Day Weekend
Some construction on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike this Labor Day weekend could impact motorists. Beginning Thursday, The turnpike will be down to one lane in each direction between Chickasha and Sterling for pavement rehabilitation work. The work is expected to run through Monday, Sept. 5th.
Chix Library to be Part of Dolly Parton Imagination Library
The Chickasha Public Library will soon be the Grady County affiliate for the national Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The Friends of the Chickasha Library is working with the national group. Wendy Ilacolbello gives a brief description.
The Oklahoma Department of Education provides a 50 percent matching grant to help get the program started. Once the program gets established, children in all Grady County schools and day cares will be able to enroll. Each child will have an age-appropriate book mailed to their home in their name every month. Officials hope to begin enrolling children within the next 60 days. Patrons will be able to enroll at the library or on the website: www.imaginationlibrary.com
USAO Davis-Waldorf Series Returns for 22nd Year
A long-running program at USAO will kick-off its season with some different events and an Oklahoma performer. The Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts series will open Sept. 15th. It will feature a performance from Stillwater crooner Wade Tower with live accompaniment. Tower is similar to singers such as Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. There will also be a casino night cocktail party. This will be the 22nd year for the Davis-Waldorf Series, which brings a number of national and international acts to Chickasha. Tickets for the Sept. 15th event are $30 for those who purchase $60 season tickets. Individual tickets for the Sept. 15th event are $40 for those who don't purchase a season ticket. For information about the Davis-Waldorf shows this year, visit the website: www.usao.edu/dwpas
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $97.01 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $105.09.
Natural gas is $9.35 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,746 and silver is $18.61.
Obituaries
Lacquetta Wyche
A graveside service for Lacquetta Wyche, 73, of Elgin was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30th at Celestial Gardens Cemetery in Cyril. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.
Thelma Polk
Funeral service for Thelma Polk, 92, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2nd at Sevier Funeral Home.
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Monday, Aug. 29th
(Burn bans are still in effect for Grady, Garvin, and Comanche counties)
Chix School Officials to Discuss First Steps
of Upgrades After Bond Issue Passage
Administrators with Chickasha Public Schools aren't wasting any time in getting the process started to make numerous improvements throughout the district. School district voters approved a nearly $35 million bond issue to pay for the upgrades last week. Executive Director of Operations Dan Turner says the first meetings will begin in a few days.
Turner said the school board will have a special meeting soon to begin the process of selling the bonds and that the sale could be completed as early as the end of September with some of the upgrades getting started by the end of the year or early next. Voters also approved a $1 million bond issue for transportation needs in last week’s election. Both measures passed with 70 percent voter approval.
Report: State Attorney General Never Began
Promised Price-Gouging Probe After Polar Vortex
It's been a year and half since a paralyzing winter freeze impacted much of the Midwest. Oklahoma was included in the region which experienced sub-freezing and sub-zero temperatures for nearly two weeks. Energy costs for utilities and consumers went through the roof. Oklahoma Attorney General John O'Connor had promised an investigation into alleged price-gouging after the storm. However, a story by a publication called The Frontier indicates there is no active state investigation and that no criminal or civil cases have been filed. The Frontier reports that Oklahoma had the highest cost for natural gas in the nation during that time. In some parts of the state, natural gas was trading for about $1,200 per unit - compared to an average price of $2 to $4 per unit. In the meantime, utility companies have been given the go-ahead to acquire long-term bonds to pay their costs and pass those costs on to consumers. Consumers will be paying $3 to $5 more per month per utility for 10 years or longer in some cases.
Festival of Light Director Steps Down
Chickasha's Festival of Light is looking for a new director. Billy Elkins stepped down from the post recently. Elkins said he has accepted a new position in Kentucky and will be moving soon. A new director is expected to be announced in a couple of weeks.
'Together We Heel' Walk Set
We are just over a month away from The Rock Island Arts Festival. It's a three-day event in downtown Chickasha that features several other events including the annual Oklahoma Food Truck Championship, The Rock Island Ride Bicycle Tour, and a campaign to put an end to domestic violence. It's the Together We Heel walk which features a unique fundraising effort. Participants in the walk are asked to wear high heels – even men. It's being organized by the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN) and The Grady County Community Coordinated Response Team. The coalition is a group which includes law enforcement agencies, the district attorney's office, and support groups that help and support victims and also works to ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. Corporate sponsorships are available and walk participants are asked to donate $25 with walkers receiving a commemorative T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the individual and team that brings in the most donations and there will be best-dressed, hottest heels, and youngest participant awards. The walk will be on Saturday, October 1st starting at the YMCA and ending at the Rock Island Depot. For information, contact the district attorney's office (405-224-4770) or Matt Whetzel with the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (405-224-8256).
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is 93.06 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $101.99.
Natural gas is $9.30 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,733 and silver is $18.42.
