Saturday, April 8th
Drug Trafficking Arrests Continue
Grady County drug agents continue their efforts to get deadly counterfeit pain-killing drugs off the streets. Investigators made a couple of arrests this week - one after a Chickasha man reportedly died after taking a pain pill laced with Fentanyl. The investigation led authorities to a home in the Bridge Creek area where 31-year old Dustin Elllis of Norman was arrested for allegedly selling the pills which led to the man's death. Ellis has been charged with trafficking and is being held in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says more arrests could be made in connection with the investigation. Boggess also said Ellis could be facing additional charges since the drug sale led to a death. The sheriff also said he would be sending the information to the U.S. attorney's office to consider filing federal charges.
Suspected Trafficker Arrested Twice in Two Weeks
A second suspected drug trafficker was arrested this week - just two weeks after he had previously been arrested on a similar charge. Ace Ladon Shells, Jr. of Chickasha was arrested after a state trooper pulled him over for a traffic violation in a Chickasha neighborhood. A probable cause affidavit indicates that the trooper found Shells had 14 grams of a substance which field-tested positive as having Fentanyl. There were also weapons in the car. New charges against Shells include trafficking and possession of a firearm after former conviction. Shells was arrested March 15th by Ninnekah police and also charged with trafficking. At that time his bond was originally set at $250,000 but he was released after bond was lowered to $75,000. Now Shells' bond is set at $750,000.
Boy Thrown on to Bathroom Floor; Father Arrested for Child Abuse
A young father is charged with child abuse after its alleged he threw his little boy onto a bathroom floor and head-butted him. 24-year old Jason Christman of Lawton was arrested at the E-Z Go Convenience Store on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike northeast of Chickasha this week. A witness called 9-1-1 after he said he watched Christman throw the boy on the tile floor and give him several head butts. The witness also said Christman told the boy to 'shut the (expletive) up’. The age of the child wasn't disclosed. Christman has been charged with felony child abuse. Christman remains in the Grady County jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Jake Grossnicklaus and Harold Gillenwaters with the Grady County Cattle Producers Association are guests on the KOOL Konversation. And State Representatives Dick Lowe and Brad Boles are on Real Estate Today. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, April 7th
Hospital Nurses Ask for More Security Due to Violent Patients
Attacks on health care workers are increasing nationwide and that includes here in Oklahoma. Two Grady Memorial Hospital nurses spoke at a recent Grady County Commissioners meeting about attacks that have occurred there. The Express-Star reports that the hospital's emergency department is seeing more problems with patients intoxicated on Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana. One patient who overdosed on Fentanyl tried to run away while they were hooked up to an IV. Another case involved a jail inmate who was in restraints and had two guards with him but he still attacked health care workers. Other incidents include patients spitting on employees, hitting them, biting them, and pulling their hair. Most of the attacks happen at night when there are fewer hospital employees on staff. County Commissioner Kirk Painter said the county may discuss hiring security officers with state funds counties are receiving which come from settlement agreements with the defendants in federal lawsuits against the makers and sellers of opioid prescription drugs.
Chix Police Arrest Alleged Arsonist
A Chickasha man is accused of arson in connection with several fires that occurred last week. 52-year old Ken Segotta was arrested after authorities were called to the 100 block of Minnesota last Saturday. A witness said he saw someone start a fire on some vacant property. It was the fifth time over previous three days that fire crews were called to the area to put out fires that officials say were intentionally set. A probable cause affidavit from Chickasha police indicates the witness confronted the suspect - but the man entered a detached apartment-type shed on the property and barricaded himself inside. While firefighters put out the fire police tried to get Segotta to come out of the building but he refused. Officers entered the building and took Segotta into custody. Segotaa said the government allowed him to live there. Segotta has been charged with one felony count of third degree arson and remains in the Grady County Jail.
Officials with State Film Office Visit Chickasha
Chickasha officials are hopeful that another feature-length movie could be filmed in the area. Representatives from the Oklahoma Film and Music Office were in Chickasha this week touring the area and discussing film opportunities. Chickasha is registered as a Certified Film Friendly city with the office. That came about with the filming of 'A Cowgirls Song' which starred Hollywood actress Cheryl Ladd and America's Got Talent winner Darcy Lynn Farmer of Edmond. The movie was filmed entirely in Chickasha between 2020 and 2021. Chickasha Economic Development Council (EDC) President Jim Cowan said state lawmakers are considering increasing a rebate fund for film producers from a total of $30 million a year to $50 million a year. Cowan wants to make sure that Chickasha is on the film office's radar. He said a documentary about the city's leg lamp is expected to be released to streaming for the upcoming holiday season and there are discussions of filming a Christmas movie in the city this fall. In his weekly media column, Cowan writes that there are still a lot of details to be worked out but the fact that the film office is interested in Chickasha is a positive sign.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.70 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.12.
Natural gas is $2.01 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,026 and silver is $25.09.
Obituary
Patrick Stapp
A memorial service for Patrick Stapp, 33, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 10th at New Life Christian Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was wounded in Iraq. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Thursday, April 6th
Droverstock, Chalk Art Fest Draws Hundreds to USAO
Hundreds of high school and junior high school students from across the state are spending time at USAO today. The university is hosting its Spring Triad which includes an academic contest, a sidewalk chalk art festival, and the Droverstock music festival. The day serves as a recruiting tool for the university. The chalk art competition takes place around the USAO oval. The academic competition features students from about 40 schools testing their knowledge in a number of subject areas through tests developed and overseen by USAO faculty. The Droverstock music festival features live bands playing a wide variety of music and there's even stand-up comedian performing. The music festival will run well into the evening. Droverstock is free and open to the public with games and inflatables on the oval and a number of food trucks.
City of Chix Begins Tree Limb Disposal Program
Chickasha residents needing to get rid of tree limbs will have a central location to dispose of them. Beginning Saturday, April 8th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and then every Saturday until further notice, residents can take pickup or trailer loads of tree limbs only to the city's public works headquarters at 502 N. Genevieve Street (north of the city’s animal shelter) but officials say it won't be free. The cost of the disposal will vary - starting at $15 for five cubic yards or what can fit in a pickup bed. If the pickup bed is stacked above the cab of the truck the cost will be upwards of $25. A small trailer load is $50 and a large trailer load is $125. Users won't have to pay for the services immediately. Officials say it will be added to the user’s next utility bill. Officials say this is for trees and limbs only and not for trash, appliances, or other unwanted items. Users will have to show proof of Chickasha residency to drop off the limbs.
Group Seeks Recycling Videos for Earth Day
A spring clean-up campaign for the City of Chickasha is being developed. Officials are expected to announce details in the next few weeks. In the meantime, the Keep Chickasha Beautiful Committee has put together a youth competition for Earth Day which is coming up later this month. The committee is asking youth to record a 60-second smart phone video on the importance of recycling. There is no fee to enter and there are three age groups – 10-and-under; 11-to-16; and 17-to-college age. Videos need to be in by next Tuesday, April 11th and can be e-mailed to: office@chickashaedc.com
Finalists will be posted on the Keep Chickasha Beautiful Facebook page where viewers can vote for their favorites. Winners will be announced on Earth Day which is Saturday, April 22nd. For information call 405-224-0787.
4H Helps Youth Develop Public Speaking Skills
Three out of every four adults suffer from Glossaphobia which is the fear of public speaking. The Grady County 4H program is helping youth develop their public speaking skills. One of them is Abby Pettijohn with the Alex 4H program-
Pettijohn said that the program also helps 4H'ers develop research and writing skills.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.61 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.99.
Natural gas is $2.15 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,034 and silver is $25.10.
Obituaries
Danny Lehman
Funeral service for Danny Lehman, 38, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and also worked in construction.
Betty Jo Jacob-Shells
Funeral service for Betty Jo Jacob-Shells, 74, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 8th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, April 5th
Security Tightened at Chix High School for Possible 'Threat'
Chickasha schools are having classes today - after a social media post was shared about possible threats towards a school named ‘CHS’. Officials increased security with the help of the Chickasha Police Department and the Grady County Sheriff's Office. School Superintendent Rick Croslin said there have been similar social media posts about threats to other ‘CHS’ schools throughout the country but not specific to any particular district. Croslin met with the Chickasha Police Department late last night to discuss the issue. Officials traced the threat to a post that originated in New Mexico in 2018. The Chickasha Police Department posted on its Facebook page that while they are aware of that incident they are taking the threat seriously out of an abundance of caution. While Chickasha schools are open there was at least one “CHS” school in Oklahoma called off classes today. Croslin said that Clinton schools opted to close after receiving the identical statement. Croslin said the high school will be on a soft lock-down today and officials will monitor everyone coming and going.
City, Town Council Election Results
We have results from some of the city and town council and school board elections from yesterday. In a very low turnout, just over 200 voters went to the polls in the Chickasha City Council election. Ward 4 Councilman Kelly Boyd defeated challenger Eric Anderson by less than 20 votes, 115 to 97. In Blanchard, Ben White defeated Joseph Davis, 158 to 102. In Anadarko, Mayor Kelley McGlothlin was elected to a two-year term, picking up 76 percent of the vote over Patrick Michael Hayes, 92 to 29. In Alex, three people were elected to at-large officies - Amber Otey (57), Karen Johnson (55), and Jim Bisel (11); in Minco, John Chiles won a three-person race. Chiles received 62 percent of the vote (157) to defeat Rex Ramey (59) and Royce Addington (35); In Cyril, three were elected to at-large office - Monica Jackson (66), Monica Cooper (59), and Nancy Vap (49) were elected; In Lindsay, four candidates were elected to at-large offices - Mark Hall (220), Vern Roe 9213) ; Joshua Miller (140), and Don Lough (139).
School Board Election Results
at Ninnekah, Russell Thompson defeated Mark Fulton, 56 to 28; at Verden, Norman Wood defeated Stevie McMillan, 42 to 22; at Middleberg, Josh Oaks defeated Glenda Fenimore, 28 to 11; at Dibble, Steve Long defeated Veronica Rivera, 75 to 19; at Bridge Creek, two school board posts decided. Terry Vincent defeated Sharita Hill, 178 to 38 for Office No. 3; and Robyn Esparza defeated. Micah Regier 135 to 82 to fill an unexpired term for Office No. 1; at Cement, Karen Glass defeated Steve Pelzer, 74-49; at Lindsay, Larry Winn defeated Jessica Parker by 9 votes, 204 to 195; and at Marlow, Larry Johnson, II defeated Chris Shelby, 192 to 93.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.71 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.94.
Natural gas is $2.10 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,041 and silver is $25.05.
Obituary
Margaret ‘Maggie’ Barnes
Funeral service for ‘Maggie’ Barnes, 64, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Frida, April 7th at Grand Assembly of God Church. She worked in her ministry at the church’s food pantry. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the food pantry.
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Tuesday, April 4th
Worker for Jail Contractor Charged for Having Sex with Inmate
A woman who worked as the manager of the kitchen staff at the Grady County Jail has been charged with rape for allegedly having sex with an inmate. 51-year old Pamela Middleton of Ninnekah was charged with second degree rape in Grady County District Court yesterday. Middleton was employed by Tiger Commissary which is a contractor for the jail. A probable cause affidavit alleges that Middleton and the inmate had sex in the kitchen freezer several times between March 8th and March 24th. Middleton told the investigator that she initiated the contact saying she was attracted to the inmate. A warrant was issued for her arrest last Friday. She appeared in Grady County District Court yesterday and was charged with second-degree rape. She was released after posting a $25,000 bond. If convicted, Middleton could be sentenced to 1 to 15 years in prison and fined up to $10,000.
Suspect Arrested in On-going Fentanyl Investigation
A Lawton man has been arrested in the most recent Fentanyl drug investigation in Grady County. 37-year old Michael ‘Chubbs’ Gaston was taken into custody Sunday morning. Authorities met with an informant Saturday night who said they were able to purchase counterfeit pain pills laced with Fentanyl from Gaston. He was taken into custody at home in the 1400 block of South Shepherd Street. A probable cause affidavit indicates some of the drugs were found under a bedroom floor. Gaston is facing felony charges of trafficking and distribution and remains in jail on a $125,000 bond. Gaston previously was charged with a felony for drug distribution in 2021 but the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor. Gaston pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor and was sentenced to one year in jail.
'Medical Episode' Leads to SUV Crash
A Minco woman was hospitalized after her SUV ran off the road and hit a tree. 58-year old Rebecca Patterman was taken by Minco EMS to an Oklahoma City hospital and was last in fair condition. The accident happened about 4:30 p.m. Monday near the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 152. The highway patrol reported that Patterman had an undetermined medical issue that caused her to run of the highway, hit a guard rail, and then hit the tree. She was pinned in the vehicle for about 10 minutes before being freed by the Minco Fire Department.
Some Volunteer Fire Departments Get ARPA Funds
Grady County Commissioners approved some - but not all requests - for ARPA (American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) funds requested by volunteer fire departments yesterday. Funds that were approved include $80,000 for the Pioneer station for a new squad truck; $80,000 for the Harold station to build on to its existing building; $30,000 for the Rush Springs station to purchase an ATV with a trailer and a skid steer; and $30,000 to the Farwell station to build an office and a training room. Two large requests were denied including a $300,000 proposal for the Naples station to build on to its current building; and a $200,000 request from the Rush Springs station to purchase a used pumper-tanker. Commissioner Kirk Painter said some of the paperwork on those requests wasn’t property filled out but they could make corrections and re-submit them.
Some Oklahomans Voting in Council, School Board Elections
It's election day in Oklahoma. There are a number of city, town council, and school board elections on ballots throughout the region and state. Chickasha voters are casting ballots for one city council post. It's in Ward 4 with current councilman Kelly Boyd and challenger Eric Anderson seeking the office. There are also town council elections in Alex, Minco, and Cyril. Anadarko voters have a mayoral election between current mayor Kelley McGlothlin and challenger Patrick Michael Hayes. There are school board elections in Ninnekah, Verden, Dibble, Middleberg, Cement, Bridge Creek, and Marlow. Precincts are open until 7 o'clock tonight.
Chix City Councilman Steps Down
A Chickasha city councilman is stepping down. Ward Two councilman Nate McCalla recently submitted his letter of resignation. Mayor Chris Mosley made the announcement at the end of last night's city council meeting. McCalla has served two years on the panel after being appointed in 2021. McCalla said he was stepping down due to other commitments.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.42 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.93.
Natural gas is $2.09 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,000 and silver is $24.22.
Obituary
Randy Jackson
No funeral service is scheduled for Randy Jackson, 65, of Verden. He was an engineer and a welder. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Monday, April 3rd
Grady County Fire Departments Request ARPA Funds
Grady County Commissioners will consider distributing hundreds of thousands in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to Grady County volunteer fire departments. In all the group will consider awarding more than $800,000. About $300,000 has been requested by the Naples Station to build an addition to the existing station for two bays, medical parking, bathrooms, a shower and a 23 X 30 room; Rush Springs is asking for $200,000 for a used pumper/tanker and another $30,000 for an ATV with a trailer and skid unit; Naples is asking for more than $80,000 for a compressor and cascade unit; Pioneer has a nearly $80,000 request for a squad truck; the Harold Station is asking for about $80,000 to add-on to its existing building for truck parking; and the Farwell Station is requesting $30,000 to build an office and training room. Commissioners discussed the ARPA funds in their meeting this morning at the Grady County Courthouse.
Dilapidated Structures May Be Removed from Lake Chix
A proposal to remove dilapidated structures from Lake Chickasha will be considered by the Chickasha City Council tonight. The group will consider awarding a bid of nearly $47,000 to Washita Construction and Renovation. The group will also consider going out for bids to refurbish the fire protection system at city hall and to waive the bidding process and use a state contract to purchase two John Deere mowers for more than $25,000 from P and K Equipment. The panel will also consider a request from the Chickasha Rotary Club to hold a 5K on Saturday, May 6th; and a request from Western Farmers Electric Co-op to close the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue for a block party on Friday, June 9th. The group will also review a plan to allow some temporary street closures for a wind farm to move several wind turbine blades through town later this year. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
Anadarko Police Officers Honored
Two Anadarko police officers are recognized for their work. Sgt. Travis Maloy and Officer Travis Carr were named Top Cops by the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and its Buckle Down Awards program. Sgt. Maloy was recognized for having the most traffic contacts and Officer Carr had the most DUI arrests for the department in 2022.
Women in Ag Conference to be held in Ft. Cobb
Agriculture and other groups throughout Caddo County will host a Women in Agriculture and Small Business conference this week. The event will be held Thursday at the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center in Ft. Cobb. Jessica Walls with the Farm Service Agency in Anadarko talks about the guest speakers-
There will be several break-out sessions include ag marketing and ag advocacy, best management practices for livestock, estate planning and mineral leasing, and beekeeping. Registration is $20 and they'll get started about 8:15 Thursday morning. Contact the Caddo County Farm Service Agency or the OSU Extension Office for information.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.67 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.77.
Natural gas is $2.21 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,983 and silver is $23.97.
Obituaries
Sherri Amerson
A memorial service for Sherri Amerson, 58, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 4th at Parkview Christian Church. She was a health care worker. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Judy Duprez
A memorial service for Judy Duprez, 77, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4th at Chickasha’s First Christian Church. It will be followed by a come-and-go reception. She taught at Chickasha High School for nearly 40 years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chickasha Emergency Food Pantry, the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, or the National Tuberous Sclerosis Association.
