Saturday, Nov. 12th
Navy Veteran Addresses Veterans Day Gathering
A Grady County ceremony recognizing the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces was among many events held on Veterans Day across the country yesterday. The ceremony is usually held at the Grady County Veterans Memorial in Chickasha's Shannon Spring Park but was moved indoors to the Chickasha Elks Lodge due to cold weather. Navy Veteran Ron Pearson was the guest speaker. Pearson served three tours in Vietnam and suffers from the effects of Agent Orange, a chemical used to burn foliage in the conflict. Pearson said while all those who served and those who died while in the armed forces fought and continue to fight for the freedoms America enjoy - individuals don't have to join the military to protect them.
Pearson said the battle to preserve freedom is as simple as voting and speaking out about injustices. Grady County is the home of one of the oldest military veterans in the state. Burrel Gamble of Chickasha - now 101 years old - served as a pilot in World War Two and the Korean War.
County Fairgrounds Hosting Alpaca and Dog Shows
The Grady County Fairgrounds hosts a number of unique events throughout the year. And a couple of them are happening over the next two weeks. This weekend it's an event for Alpaca ranchers across the country called the Alpaca Blast-Off. Debbie Ashley is the president of Alpacas of Oklahoma and gives a description of the animals.
This is the second consecutive year for Alpacas of Oklahoma to hold this event in Chickasha. The event runs today and tomorrow and admission is free and open to the public. Vendors will have Alpaca fleece items for sale. Next weekend, the fairgrounds will host the Sooner Circuit Cluster of Dog Shows, where many top breeds from across the country will be competing for points to qualify for prestigious competitions such as the Westminster and the Eukanuba national dog shows.
'The Imaginaries' Release New Music
One of Grady County's favorite local recording groups, The Imaginaries, has released some new songs for the holidays. Maggie McClure and Shane Henry released them this week and debuted one of them at the grand opening of the new downtown park last week. They include This Christmas; Things are Gonna Be Alright; and several songs from the movie A Cowgirls Song including Oklahoma Stars; Don’t Fence Me in; and Just Breathe with Darci Lynne.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Shirley Burns and Tammy Watts with the Grady County OHCE, which is the Oklahoma Home and Community Education group will be on our KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today are Chickasha School Superintendent Ric Croslin and Director of School Operations Dan Turner. There are podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, Nov. 11th
Chix Police Department Announces Promotion
A four-year veteran of the Chickasha Police Department has earned a promotion. Officer Scott Ely was promoted to the rank of sergeant in a ceremony at the police department yesterday. Interim Police Chief G.G. Music said Ely was among three candidates who applied and went through a rigorous process of testing and interviews.
The promotion process also included an interview with the chief and an oral board assessment where candidates had to complete 10 tasks under time and pressure. Ely will be one of the first-line supervisors on the night shift beginning this weekend.
Utility Work to Temporarily Close SH 92 in Tuttle
A construction project in Tuttle will close down a portion of State Highway 92 next week. The turn lanes from Main Street which is State Highway 37 on to southbound State Highway 92 to Rabbit Road will be closed. That will start at 8:00 a.m. Monday and run through Wednesday. The reason for the closure is to allow the City of Tuttle to perform some utility work. The intersection is expected to re-open next Thursday.
Anadarko Couple's Baby Born on the way to the Hospital
An Anadarko couple is celebrating the early birth of their baby girl. Natalie and Toby Anderson were on their way to a Lawton hospital Tuesday night when the child decided to enter the world before they reached their destination. KSWO-TV reports that Toby was at the wheel and they were near Lake Ellsworth when Natalie said the baby was coming. They had no choice but to pull over to the side of the road where Toby was able to assist with the delivery. The couple then called 9-1-1 and Apache EMS, the Porter Hill Fire Department, and the Comanche County Sheriff's Office all responded to take them the rest of the way. Little Stella Kate checked in weighing 8 pounds and 9 ounces and everyone is doing fine.
Brewery Earns Awards at International Beer Competition
A Chickasha brewery earns some world-wide recognition in a recent beer competition. The Canadian River Brewery (CRB) received three medals during the Denver International Beer Competition. CRB's Baumholder brew, a Belgian Abbey Style Ale earned two medals - a gold medal in its category and a bronze medal in the Best of Show category. CRB’s Remediator brew which is a collaboration with Viridian Coffee also earned a bronze medal. The Denver competition has become one of the largest and most prestigious beer competitions in the country with more than 800 beers from more than 300 breweries entered. CRB co-owner Nigel Dunham said it is a great honor to receive this kind of validation at such a prestigious international competition.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.47 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $93.67.
Natural gas is $6.24 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,762 and silver is $21.58.
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Thursday, Nov. 10th
Consumer Spending Down Slightly in Grady County
Consumer spending at retail outlets throughout Grady County was down about 5 percent from July to August of this year. July has been the best month for consumer spending to date for 2022 – estimated at $95.5 million. The August estimate was $94.4 million. The estimate is based on the county’s monthly sales tax revenue. In October, the county received $708,000 which was sales taxes collected on purchases made in August. Here's the breakdown of how the sales tax revenue is spent (as approved by county voters): The Grady County Fairgrounds received $236,000; Grady Memorial Hospital received $209,000; $118,000 was divided equally among seven senior nutrition centers and each received $17,000; another $118,000 was divided equally among the 20 fire districts and each received $5,900; Tuttle EMS received $22,000; and Rush Springs EMS collected $5,400.
More Drought Relief Approved for State Ag Producers
Another $12 million in drought relief has been approved for Oklahoma ag producers. The state's Emergency Drought Commission allocated the funds in a meeting yesterday. State Ag Secretary Blayne Arthur –
The application deadline for this latest round of drought relief is Monday, Nov. 28th. Arthur said that $4.5 million remains in the drought relief fund and the commission will have another meeting next month to consider distributing those funds.
National Guard Unit Joins Battle Against Fentanyl
Some Oklahoma National Guard troops were among groups to get some specialized training to learn about opioid and Fentanyl-related deaths. Members of the 63rd Civil Support Team attended recent training offered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The agencies shared information on how to combat the drugs. A press release issued by the National Guard stated that over the last 10 years the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of opioid and Fentanyl overdose deaths has risen from 2,600 per year to more than 75,000 per year. Officials say they want to raise awareness on how severe Fentanyl can be and educate Oklahomans that it doesn’t take much to place the deadly drug into what looks like candy that kids can get a hold of.
Veterans Day Ceremonies This Weekend
Veterans Day is tomorrow and many ceremonies and parades will be held throughout the country. In Chickasha, the forecast for chilly weather will move the ceremony indoors. Instead of holding the ceremony at the Grady County Veterans Memorial at Shannon Springs Park, the Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee will move the program to the Chickasha Elks Lodge at 1818 W. Country Club Rd. The ceremony is open to the public and it will begin at 11:00 a.m. The Elks Lodge will serve a free lunch to veterans and their guests afterwards. Tomorrow morning, Verden Public Schools will hold a breakfast for veterans and active military at 8:00 a.m. and a program will be held at the school gymnasium at 9:00 a.m. On Saturday, the town of Blanchard will hold its annual Veterans Day Parade starting at 10:30 a.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.83 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $92.65.
Natural gas is $5.86 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,710 and silver is $21.21.
Obituaries
Olivia Craine-McDowell
Funeral service for Olivia Craine-McDowell, 97, of Anadarko will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19th at Grace Christian Fellowship Church in Anadarko. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Arthur Slinkard
A memorial service for Arthur Slinkard, 74, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11th at Holy Name Catholic Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, Nov. 9th
Oklahoma Governor Wins Re-election
Gov. Kevin Stitt will serve another four years at the state capitol. With more than 1.1 million Oklahomans going to the polls, Stitt was re-elected to his second term in office, collecting more than 55 percent of the vote to defeat Democratic challenger Joy Hoffmeister and two other candidates. In Grady County, nearly 18,000 voters went to the polls and Stitt picked up more than 68 percent of the vote. In Caddo County, more than 7,000 voters cast ballots and Stitt received nearly 59 percent of the vote. In McClain County, 15,000 ballots were cast with the governor receiving 67 percent of the vote; In Garvin County, there were more than 8,000 votes and Stitt received 68 percent. In Stephens County, 13,000 votes were cast and Stitt won that county with 68 percent.
Caddo County District 3 Voters Elect New Commissioner
There was a county commissioner race in Caddo County. Voters in district three elected Democrat Robert Weaver to the post. Weaver received more than 54 percent of the vote to defeat Republican Ricky Schuermann. Unofficial results show Weaver winning 1,491 to 1,234.
Apache Voters Approve Sales Tax Hike
Also in Caddo County, voters in Apache passed a one-half of one percent increase in the sales tax rate. Unofficial results indicate it passed with nearly 60 percent approval, 224 to 155.
Suspect Jailed for Lewd Acts with a Teenager
Previously Arrested Twice This Year
A man who was arrested earlier this year on separate complaints of domestic violence and larceny has been arrested again - for allegations of having an inappropriate relationship with a teenager. 21-year old Justin Joseph Gelnar was most recently arrested by Chickasha last Friday. A probable cause affidavit indicates the girl's mother came home and found him with her 15-year old daughter. Gelnar then ran out of the house. Investigators later found Gelnar at a room at the Castle Inn where – according to the the affidavit - he admitted having inappropriate relations with the teen. Gelnar was first arrested by a Grady County sheriff’s deputy in February. Prosecutors charged him with a felony for domestic assault and he was was released on bond. His second arrest was in May, when Chickasha police arrested him in connection with a larceny investigation and prosecutors charged Gelnar with a misdemeanor. He's facing two felony counts of lewd acts to a child in connection with last week's arrest and he remains in jail on a $275,000 bond.
Soup Kitchen Volunteers to be Recognized
The Chickasha community is encouraged to show their appreciation to the volunteers and donors who help to operate the Chickasha Soup Kitchen. The volunteers serve about 150 meals per day, five days a week. Gina Crosley is a moderator for the soup kitchen's board of directors. She says those who volunteer to cook and serve clients are true treasures. The soup kitchen is a 100-percent volunteer operation and includes individuals from religious groups, civic clubs, and businesses. A come-and-go appreciation luncheon for those individuals will be held Saturday, November 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the soup kitchen which is located at 520 West Pennsylvania Ave.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.91 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $95.36.
Natural gas is $6.14 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,712 and silver is $21.46.
Obituary
Erika Osborne
Funeral service for Erika Osborne, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Nov. 8th
Downtown Chix Lamp Shades Struck Down Again
The issue of putting lamp shades and/or angels on the lamp posts in downtown Chickasha for the holidays was a major topic of discussion during last night's Chickasha City Council meeting. The first 45 minutes of the meeting included more than dozen people addressing the panel with the majority speaking in favor of the lamp shades. Among those speaking against them and the leg lamp that was recently erected downtown was Alva Charlson.
Speaking for the lamp shades was Jill Brinkley.
During its October 17th meeting the council voted unanimously against a proposal to buy the lamp shades. Last night, the council voted to re-consider that decision and four members changed their votes to ‘yes.’ They were Mayor Chris Mosley, and councilors Zach Grayson, Oscar Nelson, and Kia Ginn. Maintaining their ‘no’ votes were Brian Gerdes, Nate McCalla, Georgianne Hebbelthwhaite, and Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander. The proposal failed on the 4-4 vote as five votes are needed to pass any issue. Councilman Kelly Boyd did not attend last night’s meeting. City attorney Amanda Mullins had recommended that the council not approve the purchase of lamp shades over a concern of copyright or trademark infringement issues. Supporters say they had done some research and believed there were no copyright or trademark issues.
Council OKs Ambulance Purchase
The council gave its approval to buy a new ambulance for the fire department. The purchase was pending approval for reimbursement from the Grady County 522 EMS District. Mayor Mosley said the District approved the reimbursement at a cost not to exceed $350,000. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said the time-line to get the new ambulance would be between July of next year and July of 2024.
New Bay Doors OK'd for Fire Station
The council also approved the purchase of five bay doors to replace the current doors at fire station No. 1. An $84,000 bid from Duncan Overhead Doors was the winning bid.
Dispatch Center to be Moved to Police Department
The panel also approved using $55,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to move the police department's dispatch center from the basement of Fire Station No. 2 to the police department. The project was approved to ensure the health and safety of city employees.
Mid-Term Elections Underway
It is Election Day across the country. In the Sooner State, Oklahomans are voting for candidates which include governor, lieutenant governor, state superintendent of schools, labor commissioner, and corporation commissioner. There are also some state house and senate seats up for election. At the federal level, all five of the state’s U.S. House of Representative seats are on the ballot as are both U.S. Senate seats. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.79 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $97.92.
Natural gas is $6.94 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,675 and silver is $20.82.
Obituaries
Pauline Smith
Funeral service for Pauline Smith, 85, of the Cement area will be held at 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, Nov. 8th) at Sevier Funeral Home.
Chris Miller
Funeral service for Chris Miller, 88, of Verden will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9th at the First Baptist Church of Verden. Arrangements are with McCray Funeral Home.
Guy Huggins
Funeral service for Guy Huggins, 59, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12th at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends Fur Change, Santa's Workshop, or the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network.
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Monday, Nov. 7th
Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Governor, Parole Board
in Connection with a 2021 Triple Homicide in Chickasha
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and the state pardon and parole board are being blamed for the deaths of three Chickasha residents that occurred last year. Attorneys have filed a federal lawsuit against the governor and the parole board in connection with the case of Lawrence Paul Anderson. The Oklahoman reports that Anderson - a convicted drug offender - had his sentenced commuted even though a grand jury investigation found Anderson was ineligible for commutation. Just a few weeks after his release in January of 2021 Anderson was arrested in connection with the deaths of his uncle Leon Pye, Pye’s 4-year old granddaughter Kaeos Yates, and a neighbor, Andrea Blankenship. The story received a lot of publicity when it was reported that Anderson cut out Blankenship's heart to eat it. The governor's office calls the lawsuit a political stunt since it was filed just a few days before tomorrow's election in which Stitt is running for re-election. A spokeswoman said the lawsuit could have been filed several months ago. She said if it was a serious lawsuit it would have been filed at that time instead of waiting until four days before the election.
Two Teens Hurt, One Critically, in Crash
Two teenagers were injured and one of them was last in critical condition after a weekend crash. A 16-year old boy who was a passenger in the car was pinned in the wreckage for an unknown period of time before Chickasha fire and EMS were able to get him out. The teen was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. The 17-year old driver was treated and released. The names of the teens were not publicized. The accident happened at 1:45 Saturday afternoon about a mile west of the Norge Highway on Country Club Road. The highway patrol reports that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it ran off the road, overturned several times, struck a fence, and came to rest in a field. Both teens were wearing their seatbelts.
Lt. Gov. Praises Chickasha 'Leg Lamp'
A large crowd turned out Saturday night for the opening of the first phase of Chickasha's new downtown park which included the lighting of the permanent 50-foot tall leg lamp that stands next to the Rock Island Railroad Depot. Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell was on hand for the ceremony. Pinnell is the secretary of tourism and said in order to promote growth in the state, the state must support tourism. And the leg lamp is a prime example.
Pinnell said tourism is the third largest industry in the state.
Meet-and-Greet Tonight for New Chix City Manager
Chickasha's new city manager was in attendance for Saturday night's celebration. Keith Johnson officially starts his new job today. Johnson was hired for the post earlier this year. He's been serving as the county administrator for Franklin County in Washington State. A meet-and-greet reception will be held prior to tonight's city meeting starting at 5:45 p.m. in the city council chambers at city hall.
Council May Consider Lamp Shade, Angel Compromise
Last month, the city council unanimously voted down a proposal to purchase decorative lamp shades similar to the one topping the 50-foot tall leg lamp to place on light poles in downtown Chickasha. Some residents opposed the proposal from the city’s economic development council, saying that lighted angels which had been used the last 20-years represented Christian beliefs during the holidays. The council may consider a compromise tonight as officials will propose a plan to use both the angels and the lamp shades. The council meeting will get underway at 6:30 tonight.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $92.61.
London-based Brent crude is $98.57.
Natural gas is $6.40 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,680 and silver is $20.73.
Obituary
‘Cabo’ Wilkerson
Funeral service for Carey ‘Cabo’ Wilkerson of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10th at the Alex Southern Baptist Church Chapel. Viewing will be Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9th at Ferguson Funeral Home. Cabo was a U.S. Air Force veteran, a long-time Chickasha firefighter, and he and his wife Tez portrayed Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus for many years. Memorial contributions may be made to the India Shrine-Transportation Fund or the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Fund.
