Saturday, March 4th
State Rep. Boles Looks to the Future
Regarding Old Wind Turbine Blades
Oklahoma is the second-highest wind power state in the country and there is a concern about what to do with old wind turbine blades once they get to the end of their life-cycle. The blades, which are more than 100 feet long and weigh about five tons, last about 20 years. The website OK Energy Today cites a Wyoming newspaper that indicates there is no cost-effective way to recycle them. Most will end up being crushed and buried in landfills. The Cowboy State Daily reported that a study published in the Waste Management scientific journal estimated that 43 million tons of blade waste will be produced annually by the year 2050. Oklahoma currently doesn't have wind turbine landfills but State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) is looking ahead to try and make plans to control them should that take place. Boles has filed HB 2359 which would require renewable energy recycling facilities to submit a financial security report with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. OK Energy Today recently reported that the bill specifies that firms dealing in the recycling of wind turbine blades would be required to meet the new act if it is signed into law. Last month, North Dakota's governor signed a bill into law to require landfills to get state approval before receiving old wind turbine blades.
USAO Student Group Proclaims 'John Feaver Day'
The Student Government Association at USAO has issued a proclamation recognizing long-time president John Feaver. The group approved a resolution to celebrate John Feaver Day. Halli Humphrey is the vice president of the association.
The resolution proclaims that Sunday, March 5th will be John Feaver Day on campus which just happens to be Feaver's birthday.
Arts Council Hosts Showcase for Chix High School Students
The Chickasha Area Arts Council is teaming up with art students from Chickasha High School for a unique program. A visual arts showcase of the students' work will be held at the arts council's Fine Arts Gallery. Art teachers Adam Heilman and Allison Cofer invite the public see the works of the young artists and show support and encouragement. The event is free and will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight at the arts council gallery at 521 Chickasha Avenue.
Obituary
Margie Akins
Funeral service for Margie Akins, 83, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 6th at Northside Church of Christ. She worked for Chickasha Public Schools for nearly 50 years and was Support Employee of the Year in 2016. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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Friday, March 3rd
New Record Set in Jr. Livestock Show Bonus Sale
Buyers were out in full force for the bonus sale which capped off the 87th annual Grady County Junior Livestock Show last night. The total payout for the top 125 animals surpassed $300,000 for the first time at just over $312,000. That's a 17 percent increase or $45,000 more than last year. The actual auction brought in about $160,000 which is an increase of 25 percent or $32,000 from last year. Add-ons totaled $153,000 which is an increase of 8 percent or $12,000 from last year. The top price for any animal sold was $4,000 which was for the grand champion steer shown by Braedon Callis of Minco. The three other grand champion animals received bids of $3,700 each - the grand champion hog was shown by Madilyn Norvell of Amber-Pocasset; the grand champion lamb was shown by McKenna Hurley of Alex; and the grand champion goat was shown by Kolton Kohler of Alex. Officials recognized James Hicks, owner of Hicks Western Wear, for attending his 71st consecutive sale.
Monthly Chickasha Household Expenses Up 10 Percent
A new report shows that average monthly bills for Chickasha households has increased. The report indicates that expenses are up about 10 percent to $1,526 when combining the ten most common household bills. The total is about 12 percent lower that the state average of $1,705 and 34 percent lower than the national average of more than $2,000 per month. Mortgage and rent are the top expenses at more than $760 per month; auto loans are next at more than $400 per month; auto insurance is about $200 per month; mobile phone service is about $80 per month; and cable and internet is estmated at $75 per month. The combined expenses represent more than one-third of the average monthly household income.
Tax Cut, Daylight Savings Time Bills Advance at State Capital
Proposals to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries and to cut individual incomes taxes have advanced to the full House of Representatives. The state sales tax portion on groceries is 4.5 percent. There are two proposals for reducing personal income tax rates - one that would cut the top rate by one-quarter of a percentage point and another that would make the reduction one-half of a percentage point. Either would lead to modest savings for middle income earners. Also, a bill to keep from changing back and forth from Standard Time to Daylight Savings Time was approved in the state senate. The proposal would permanently lock the state in Daylight Savings Time. If passed the measure would not go into effect unless and until lawmakers in Washington, D.C. approve the Sunshine Protection Act. So far 19 states have adopted proposals to permanently stay in Daylight Savings Time.
State Voters to Decide Legalizing Recreational Pot Use
Oklahoma voters will go to the polls next week to decide if recreational marijuana use should be legalized. Those supporting State Question 820 say it would boost the state's economy while building on previous criminal justice reforms. But many law enforcement groups are against the plan saying the campaign supporting the measure is misleading. Early voting is available for Oklahomans today by visiting county election boards until 6 p.m. Precincts will be open Tuesday, March 7th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.16 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.75.
Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,854 and silver is $21.23.
Obituary
Kathleen Sullivan
No service is currently scheduled for Kathleen Sullivan, 75, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Thursday, March 2nd
Onward Chickasha Website Updated with Open House Info
The City of Chickasha's push to get feedback and data for numerous proposed community improvements continues. The Onward Chickasha project includes plans for upgrades to city infrastructure, parks and recreation, and other areas. Officials with the Guernsey Engineering firm of Oklahoma City - hired last summer to develop the long-range plans - say they were encouraged by the turnout during last week's open house. It was estimated that nearly 100 people attended and joined the discussion about the early plans. Officials say all the information from that open house is now available on the website Onwardchickasha.org and comments are encouraged since they are seeking input from residents. Also, the initial community survey is still posted on the website so residents and community partners are still asked to submit their thoughts. That survey will be on the website through March 15th.
Air, Car Show to Return to City's Airport
City officials are also making plans for a popular event later this spring. The 5th annual Wings and Wheels Air Show will return in June. The event will be held Saturday, June 3rd at the city’s airport. The event features numerous air show events, a car show, free airplane rides for kids, and food trucks. It's a family-friendly event with free admission. The Wings and Wheels Air Show is produced by David Shultz Air Shows with the help of the city and the Chickasha Wings Flying School.
USAO Hosts Discussion on Ohio Hazardous Chemical Fire
The massive hazardous chemical fire that erupted after a train derailment in New Palestine, Ohio last month has captured the nation's attention. Professors at USAO will hold a panel discussion today regarding the issues that have come to light. New Palestine residents are concerned about their health and the environment and have been highly critical of state and federal agencies in their responses. The USAO panel will include chemistry professor Nicholas Boyde; environmental science assistant professor David Reed; and chemistry instructor and lab coordinator Thomas Wilcock. The program will get underway at 11 o'clock this morning in Davis Hall Room 224. The free program will be hosted by the USAO Foundation and lunch will be provided.
Cattle Show Results of Jr. Livestock Show
Here are results from the cattle show at the Grady County Junior Livestock Show at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The grand champion steer was shown by Braedon Callis of Minco and reserve grand was shown by Sage Schenk of Ampo. The grand champion prospect steer belonged to Carson Caldwell of Minco and the reserve grand was shown by Raegan Wilbourn of Tuttle. The county bred-and-owned steer was shown by Ladd Turner of Ampo.
Heifer Show
The grand champion heifer was shown by Kylie Callis of Minco and the reserve grand belonged to Kamden Fillipo of Rush Springs. Kamden also had the county bred-and-owned heifer. The champion senior showman was Bailee Wilbourn of Tutttle, champion intermediate showman was Cade Jones, and the champion junior showman was Hayes Devine of Verden. Today is the final day of the show which begins with the livestock judging contest and ends tonight with the buyers’ dinner starting at 5:00 p.m.; the awards presentation at 6:15 p.m.; and the bonus sale at 6:30 p.m. The top 125 animals shown this week will be up for auction.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.69 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $83.89.
Natural gas is $2.81 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,836 and silver is $20.87.
Obituary
Mary Jane Walters
A graveside service for Mary Jane Walters, 80, of Tuttle will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4th at the Rush Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, March 1st
Two Convicted in Connection with Death of Blanchard Man
A McClain County jury finds a mother and son guilty of murder and arson in connection with the death of a Blanchard man in October of 2021. On-line court records indicate that this past Monday, 47-year old Debbie Senft and 26-year old Zachary Mussett were found guilty in connection with the death of Andy McGuffee - Senft's half-brother. Blanchard police discovered McGuffee's body at his burned out home and called the OSBI to lead the investigation. Senft and Mussett were arrested a few days later in Wyoming. The jury recommended that both defendants serve life in prison without parole for murder and 35 years for arson. A presentencing investigation has been ordered with formal sentencing to be held May 2nd.
Motel Closes After Complaints of Code Violations
A Chickasha motel has closed after being cited for numerous code violations. The Maverick Inn at 2701 S. 4th Street voluntarily closed its doors after the city's Community Development Department investigated several complaints over the last couple of months. Officials say there were unhealthy and unsafe conditions including numerous electrical violations, missing or expired fire extinguishers, and missing smoke detectors. Authorities also said there had been recent gas and water leaks. It wasn't clear how many individuals were displaced or if owners would make an effort to make repairs and re-open.
New Grady County Undersheriff Sworn In
There's a new second-in-command at the Grady County Sheriff's Office. Kori Brewer was sworn in as undersheriff in a ceremony at the Canadian Valley Technology Center last night. The oath was issued by Sheriff Gary Boggess. Brewer has more than 20 years’ experience in law enforcement. He joined the sheriff's office last year after retiring from the Chickasha Police Department.
Restaurant Bingo Returns with an Irish Theme
The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its latest campaign to promote local restaurants. Using St. Patrick's Day as a general theme it's called Chickasha Clover Days which will run today through March 17th. The Chamber is bringing back Restaurant Bingo and are calling it Leprechaun Luck Restaurant Bingo. Bingo cards which have the names participating restaurants on them can be picked up and every time a purchase is made the corresponding space is marked off. Participants need to keep their receipts as proof of purchase. Once participants have a Bingo they can submit the winning card and will have a chance to win up to $250 in local gift cards. At the end of the campaign there will be a St. Patrick's Day Streetery Party on Friday, March 17th. Wing T's has designed some Lucky to Live in Chickasha t-shirts as part of the promotion. T-shirts can be pre-ordered until March 6th. For information check out the chamber’s social media outlets or website.
Jr. Livestock Show Sheep, Goat Results
We have results of the sheep and goat shows from the Grady County Junior Livestock Show. For the sheep, McKenna Hurley had the grand champion wether and Kobi Scroggins had the reserve. Scroggins had the grand champion ewe and Hurley had the reserve grand ewe. Brody Scoggins was named champion senior showman, Kobi Scroggins the intermediate showman, and Ryder Drennan the junior showman.
Goat Show
Kolton Kohler of Alex had the grand wether and Jack Ferrell of Ampo had the reserve. Destyn Emerson of Tuttle had the grand champion doe and Kohler had the reserve. Emerson was the champion senior showman, Kohler the intermediate showman, and Gauge Ratzlaff of Alex the junior showman.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.05 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $83.89.
Natural gas is $2.75 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,842 and silver is $21.10.
Obituaries
Prophet Williams
Funeral service for Prophet Williams, 19, of Lawton will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4th at New Hope Church of God in Christ in Lawton. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Michael Dearinger
No services are scheduled 78-year old Michael Dearinger of Chickasha. He was a U.S. Army veteran and worked at Pet Milk. Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 6th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Feb. 28th
Grady County Sheriff's Office to Hold Warrant Sweep
Grady County residents who have outstanding arrest warrants for failing to pay fines or appear in court might want to take care of those court costs this week. Sheriff Gary Boggess says his deputies will conduct a county-wide warrant sweep this coming weekend.
Boggess said that individuals can avoid jail time by paying fines or appearing at the Grady County Court Clerk’s Office. Individuals can call the court clerk's office to find out what is owed. Law enforcement officials will be out most of the day Saturday looking for individuals who are not up-to-date on their fines.
Dangers of Fentanyl to be Discussed
A program to educate the public about the dangers of Fentanyl will be held next week. The program will be hosted by the Grady County OHCE and will feature Lt. Jim Peek with the Grady County sheriff's office. Peek is also a task force officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration out of Oklahoma City. For the last year-and-a-half Peek has investigated numerous cases of drug dealing, drug use, and drug abuse including Fentanyl. Peek said Grady Memorial Hospital is seeing as many as three Fentanyl overdose cases every day. He says Fentanyl that is the size of two grains of salt is enough to kill two people. The program will be next Monday, March 6th at 6 p.m. at the Grady County Fairgrounds Community building. It's open to the public and is especially for parents and grandparents who would like more information.
Grady County Junior Livestock Show Swine Results
From the Grady County Junior Livestock Show, Madilyn Norvell of Amber-Pocasset and Kennedy Clark of Minco had the top animals in the swine show yesterday. Norvell had the grand champion market barrow and Clark had the grand champion gilt. Olivia Bradford of Ampo had the reserve-champion market barrow and Wyatt Basford of Ampo had the reserve-grand gilt. The sheep and goat shows will take place today at the Grady County Fairgrounds.
Bill Supports Program to Address Invasive Red Cedars
There's an effort at the state capital to establish a pilot program to address the red cedar infestation problem across the state. State Rep. Mike Dobrinski (R-Okeene) has introduced HB 2239 in an attempt to deal with the issue. Red cedars are known to absorb a lot of groundwater and he said there has been discussion of doing something for years but that now is the time to take action. Dobrinski pointed to studies from 30 years ago that showed what would happen if the red cedar – which is considered an invasive species - was not dealt with. He said you can drive through western and northwestern parts of the state and see those studies were right. He added that water is depleting, and that nothing should get more attention than the threat on the state's water supply. Dobrinski said identifying Canton Lake as a water source for Oklahoma City would get the most attention. He has worked with officials with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission in an attempt to create the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act which is named after the state's former ag secretary who passed away last year. Dobrinski’s bill would set aside $600,000 for the program and says there are federal programs that may be able to provide some funding.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.68 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.45.
Natural gas is $2.73 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,817 and silver is $20.67.
Obituaries
Goldia ‘Marie’ Reed
A graveside service for ‘Marie’ Reed, 81, formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 1st at Fairlawn Cemetery. She was a nurse’s aide and also worked at the Workforce Oklahoma office. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Barbara Gee
A memorial service for Barbara Gee, 60, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 2nd at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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Monday, Feb. 27th
Rare February Tornados Touch Down
More than a half-dozen tornadoes skipped across the state last night and that number could be even higher after officials survey areas where severe storms hit. The National Weather Service issued at least 15 tornado warnings during a massive storm system that sped across Oklahoma. If enough tornadoes are confirmed it could set a new record for the number of twisters in Oklahoma in the month of February. Tornado warnings were issued at Carnegie, Ft. Cobb Lake, Gracemont, Minco, Mustang, Yukon, and Norman while others were issued in northern Oklahoma. KWTV News 9 showed at least one home in Minco that had significant damage. There was damage and downed power lines blocking streets in Norman. Straight-line winds recorded at more than 70 mph blew several vehicles off of I-40 in western Oklahoma including a couple of semis. Officials with the National Weather Service will be out looking at damage today to determine how many tornadoes actually touched down.
Road Work Closes SH 39 West of Dibble
Road construction work on State Highway 39 between Chickasha and Dibble will have part of that highway closed to through traffic for the next few months. Contractors for the state department of transportation are widening about 2 1/2 miles of SH 39 west of State Highway 76. ODOT says the highway could be closed through the summer.
More First-Year Freshmen Succeed at USAO
Some new programs at USAO have been a big help for first-year students. Last fall officials introduced initiatives to assist first-time freshmen with their transition to college life and help them be successful. Officials say as they wrap up the first trimester there is a 91 percent persistence rate for first-time freshmen who are returning for the spring trimester. Among the programs launched includes a year-long seminar designed to help first-year freshmen manage stressful issues that can cause students to drop out. Officials also began a new data-driven approach to better meet the needs of students and faculty – with students meeting with trained success coaches. USAO president John Feaver says the programs have boosted completion rates and students are graduating at a faster pace.
Grady County Jr. Livestock Show Underway
The Grady County junior livestock show gets underway today. The swine show kicks things off as 4H and FFAers from the area bring their animals in for judging this week. The goat and sheep shows are tomorrow with the beef show taking center ring on Wednesday. Thursday, livestock judging teams will put their skills to the test and Thursday night is the grand finale with the premium auction. The top 125 animals shown this week will command top dollar and when factoring in bonus add-ons paid by families, friends, and businesses the total amount paid out to exhibitors could top $200,000.
County Fairgrounds Seeking Bids for 2023-24 Fiscal Year
The Grady County Fairgrounds is soliciting bids for several contracts for the 2023-24 fiscal year. They include concessions management for the indoor arena; concessions and beverage management for the event center; mobile concessions and beverage management for the outdoor arena; as well as lawn maintenance and landscape services. Bids must be submitted by March 22nd with contracts running from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. Vendors can reach out the Grady County Fairgrounds business office for information.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.32 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $83.16.
Natural gas is $2.45 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,818 and silver is $20.79.
Obituary
Verna Brennan
A graveside service for Verna Brennan, 92, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28th at Fairlawn Cemetery. She and her husband Jack were known for their Christmas light displays at their home on Miller Drive. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
