Saturday, Aug. 5th
Regional Oil and Gas Well Update
We have some updates on oil and gas well production reports to share today. Four Garvin County wells on a single pad are jointly bringing in more than 3,600 barrels of oil and more than 10,000 metric cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas per day. They are the Torero wells drilled by CPRP Services of Oklahoma City and are in the Woodford Formation of the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province (SCOOP). They are in Section 30 of Township 3 North and Range 3 West a few miles south of Lindsay near the town of Purdy. They are drilled to a true vertical depth of more than 11,000 feet with total drilling at more than 23,000 feet.
Twin Wells Producing East of Chix
Camino Natural Resources has a couple of wells on a single pad in Grady County jointly producing nearly 900 barrels of oil and more than 4,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. They are the Shockey and the Golden Driller wells in section 36 of Township 7 North and Range 7 West about a mile east of Chickasha. They are in the Springer and Woodford formations in the SCOOP and were drilled to a true vertical depth of about 14,000 feet with total drilling at more than 25,000 feet.
American Indian Exposition Wraps up This Weekend
The American Indian Exposition in Anadarko wraps up today. Among the activities are a 5K run this morning, a softball tournament which runs through tomorrow, as well as primitive and traditional bow shooting competition. There is a parade through downtown at 10 o'clock this morning. Indian horse relay racing runs through tomorrow with championships Sunday afternoon. Tonight at the Caddo County fairgrounds it’s the men's dancing competition including the national fancy dance special. Head singer is John David Ballard.
City of Newcastle Building New Sports Complex
Construction is underway on a new sports complex for the City of Newcastle. The complex is being built near State Highways 76 and 130 which is just west of the city near Jack's Corner. Architect drawings show seven baseball and softball fields. They plan to include adding turf to some of the natural grass fields as well as walking trails, picnic areas, and 500 parking spaces. Our partners at KWTV New 9 say Newcastle received a $1.2 million grant last year to help pay for the project.
Church Hosts Back-to-School Bash for Chickasha Students
This is the last weekend of summer vacation for students in a number of school districts. Among them are students in Chickasha public schools who will return to classrooms next Thursday, Aug. 10th. To help get them ready Michigan Avenue Baptist Church is hosting its annual back-to-school bash and resource fair from 9 a.m. to noon today. They'll be giving away more than 400 backpacks along with school supplies and personal care items. Free haircuts and sports physicals will be available and community service organizations will be on hand. Students must be accompanied by parents. Families are asked to park at the Canadian Valley Technology Center and the Towns End bus will shuttle families to and from the church. They will be serving lunch and snow-cones. Teachers are welcome and each will receive a free goodie bag and t-shirt and can enter a drawing to win cash prizes. Teachers can also submit a list of their classroom needs. By the way, parents of Chickasha students will not have to purchase most school supplies. The Chickasha Public School Foundation provides many of the supplies needed throughout the year in all grades but there are a few exceptions.
Chix PD Hosts Ice Cream with a Cop
Also today, Chickasha police will have Ice Cream with a Cop. Officers will be on hand at Chickasha's Dairy Queen and free junior ice cream cones will be served to kids 12-and-under from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Kendra Gift and Dena Craig with the Southwest Oklahoma Development Authority are on our KOOL Konversation program. Jamie Jones from the Grady County Fairgrounds is our guest on Real Estate Today. Podcasts of both programs can be found under the Community tab on this website.
Obituary
Regina Mitchell
Funeral service for Regina Mitchell, 70, of Ninnekah will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 7th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was a home-maker as well as a bookkeeper for her husband Harry's diesel truck repair service.
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Friday, Aug. 4th
Transformer 'Tumble' Explained
A 63-thousand pound transformer fell off a flatbed trailer in downtown Chickasha created some excitement last week. The incident happened about 8:30 last Wednesday morning, July 26th. It shut down traffic on 4th street for about six hours. The Southwest Ledger reports the transformer was en route from Houston to Oklahoma City. Ledger reporters say they talked to truck driver who was northbound on 4th street when he saw an SUV driving through the intersection and he hit the brakes on the big rig. When he did, the weight of transformer shifted and it broke five chains that were supposed to keep the transformer on the trailer. There were no injuries. Two cranes from an Oklahoma City firm were called in to lift the 31 1/2 ton transformer back on to trailer. A hazardous materials crew from an environmental clean-up company out of Wayne brought bags of safety solvent to soak up non-toxic mineral oil which spilled out of the unit. No street damage was reported but a curb had a large chunk taken out of it. The unidentified driver told The Ledger he was ticketed for having an unsecured load. The fine is $174.
'Reservation Dogs' Actor Back Home in Caddo County
There was a big turnout in Anadarko last night for the re-opening of McKee's Indian Store. The Caddo Nation recently purchased the store in an attempt to begin a resurgence of business to downtown Anadarko. Many of those attending turned out to see teenage actor Lane Factor, who plays the role of Cheese on the hit FX series Reservation Dogs. Factor, who just recently turned 18, is a member of the Caddo Nation and was chosen as this year's Celebrity Indian of the Year for the American Indian Expo. He talks about his early acting success and hopes it’s something he can keep doing:
Reservation Dogs is in its third and final season. Factor says his immediate future is unclear because of the current actor's strike.
Monster Trucks to Feature Teen Driver
Monster trucks return to the Grady County Fairgrounds this weekend. And a 14-year old girl will be driving one of them. Faith Phreed is among the youngest monster truck drivers in the world. Phreed drives the truck known as Animal House. She's following in the footsteps of her father Shane who has been driving monster trucks for years. He's driving Robo Machine, War Wizard, and Monster Mutt. There will be three shows over the next couple of days. The first is 8 p.m. tonight and there are two shows tomorrow. The first will be at 3 p.m. and the second at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available at the gate.
Chix Public Pool Closing Soon
The swimming season will be ending soon at the Chickasha municipal swimming pool at Shannon Spring Park. Lewis Knisley with the YMCA which manages the pool says the pool will have its regular hours through next Wednesday, Aug. 9th which will be the final day for open swimming. The pool will be open for limited hours on Saturday, Aug. 12th and Aug. 19th from 10-6 for limited pool parties. Contact the YMCA for information.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.55 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.14.
Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,968 and silver is $23.59.
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Thursday, Aug. 3rd
City of Chix Officials Update Infrastructure Work
A water line break discovered in the north part of Chickasha early Wednesday has been repaired. City crews spent most of the day repairing the break at 10th and Illinois. That's north of the Chickasha Public Schools administration building across from Line Creek. The break caused several areas to have no or low-water pressure most of the day. Repairs were completed by 5:00 p.m.
North Side Water Line Flushed Overnight
City officials also indicated that a fire hydrant would be opened overnight near 11th and Frisco to remove air from the line. Water pressure could be low in that area this morning but is expected to return to normal later today.
14th and Missouri Intersection to Re-open Tomorrow
City officials also indicate that the intersection of 14th and Missouri will be re-opening tomorrow. The intersection has been closed since mid-June after part of the intersection collapsed following heavy rains. Nearly $300,000 in repairs were completed last week and officials are just waiting for the concrete to cure. The intersection will re-open at 7:00 a.m. Friday.
Two Candidates File for Minco Mayor Post;
Town's Former Police Chief Files to Serve Again
Two candidates have filed to run for Mayor for the town of Minco. Dena Sanford and Susan Hollandsworth both submitted formal documents to run for the post in the three-day filing period which ended yesterday. There is now a two-day withdrawal and protest period for candidates to withdraw their names, or for anyone wanting to challenge their eligibility and qualifications. One candidate filed for the vacant police chief position. Former Minco Police Chief Neal Locke filed for the post. The special election is scheduled Sept. 12th.
Early Voting Begins for Special Elections in Chix, Carnegie
Early voting is underway in some areas that are having special elections next week. That includes voters who live in the Chickasha city limits who will decide if a 1 1/4 cent sales tax should be approved to pay for the construction of a new water treatment plant. If approved there would be a net increase in the sales tax of one half of one percent. A current sales tax will expire December 31st and the new tax would take effect January 1, 2024. There is also early voting for residents living in the town of Carnegie to cast ballots regarding the extension of the PSO easement agreement. Voters can cast ballots early at the county election board offices where they are registered. Early voting is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow. The actual election is next Tuesday, Aug. 8th.
American Indian Expo Continues
Today is Day Two of the American Indian Exposition in Anadarko. Among the highlights is a grand opening reception at the re-opened McKee Indian Store downtown. The Caddo Nation recently acquired the store which has historically served as a supplier of arts and craft items for Indigenous artists and traditional Indigenous clothing. Caddo Nation Chairman Bobby Gonzalez says Native Americans make up more than 70 percent of the population in Anadarko but there are very few businesses owned and operated by Indigenous people or tribes. He hopes to change that by working to revitalize Anadarko's Main Street area. The store also includes the Susan Peters Gallery. Peters is known for discovering the original Kiowa Six artists. Wikipedia indicates that she was honored by the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians in 1954 and is enshrined in the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame. She passed away in 1965 at the age of 91. Among those expected to attend is actor Lane Factor who is known for his role as Cheese in the FX hit show Reservation Dogs. The reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight.
Salvation Army Holds Sign-ups for Shoes, Socks, Skivvies
The Salvation Army serving Grady and Caddo counties will have sign-ups this week for families wanting to apply for the Shoes, Socks, and Skivvies giveway. In Anadarko families can register at 515 West Garrett between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. Grady County families can sign-up Saturday, August 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Chickasha Salvation Army at 2402 S. 16th. Families must Provide children’s ID’s; proof of need (such as pay stubs or SNAP letter); children's birth certificates; shot records or school records; and child's clothing sizes.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.49 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $83.20.
Natural gas is $2.47 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,968 and silver is $23.61.
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Wednesday, Aug. 2nd
Athena Brownfield Autopsy Report Unveiled
An autopsy conducted by the state medical examiner's office indicates that Athena Brownfield died from pneumonia and malnutrition. Athena was the four-year old Cyril girl who was first reported missing in January. Her body was found buried in the Agawam area about a week later. Athena was reported missing after her 5-year old sister was found wandering in the street by a mail carrier. Shortly after being reported missing the childrens' care takers, Alysia Adams and Ivon Adams were arrested. Ivon is charged with felonies of murder and child neglect - Alysia is charged with two counts of felony child neglect. Both have preliminary hearings set in Caddo County District Court in Anadarko on Oct. 4th.
Grady County Courthouse Re-opens Today
The Grady County Courthouse will be re-opening this morning. The courthouse was closed Monday after a water line that is part of building’s large air condition units ruptured and flooded a couple of offices. County Commissioner Kirk Painter said contractors were quick to respond to make repairs and finished work earlier than anticipated. He said the county has annual contract with Streets, LLC out of Oklahoma City which is a commercial plumbing and mechanical needs firm. Painter said workers were on-site within an hour of being called Monday morning. The estimated cost of repairs was not immediately available. Painter said there is some water damage in Judge Gina Lowe's courtroom on the second floor and well as in Assessor Bari Firestone's office on the first floor.
New USAO President Has Active First Day
USAO's new president spent her first official day on campus yesterday with the university's senior leadership team discussing the start of school which is just a few weeks away and writing thank you notes to donors. Kayla Hale takes the reins of the presidency from long-time president John Feaver who recently retired. Hale previously served as a vice president for the University of Tulsa. She has been in Chickasha several times over the last few weeks getting familiar with the community and is looking forward to get the university more involved in the area.
She also plans to open the president's home on campus to be used as another location for chamber of commerce and business leaders to hold meetings and will be inviting students and faculty to the home.
Filing Period Ends Today for Minco Special Election
Prospective candidates for the mayor and police chief positions in Minco have one more day to file for the upcoming special election. As of late yesterday the only candidate to file is acting-mayor Susan Hollandsworth. She was named acting mayor following the resignation of previous mayor Keith McMullen in June. Former police chief Joshua Fletcher also resigned but no candidates have yet filed for that post. Hollandsworth has served on the Minco council for about 15 years and is a life-long Minco resident. Candidates have to file their declarations of candidacy at the Grady County Election Board by 5 o'clock this afternoon. The special election is scheduled for Sept. 12th.
American Indian Expo Returns
After a three-year absence the American Indian Exposition returns to Anadarko today. The expo was put on hold during the pandemic. The four-day event opens with a parade through downtown Anadarko followed by activities at the Caddo County fairgrounds. This marks the 88th anniversary of the first Indian Expo which features ceremonies and cultures from the 15 Native American tribes in Oklahoma. There are a number of arts and crafts and food vendors, a 5K run, and more. The expo runs through Saturday. See the American Indian Expo 1935 Facebook page for information.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.37 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.91.
Natural gas is $2.56 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,985 and silver is $24.42.
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Tuesday, Aug. 1st
Grady County Courthouse Closed for Repairs
(Update- Repairs have been completed as of Tuesday afternoon. The courthouse will re-open at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 2nd)
The Grady County Courthouse is closed as repairs to a broken water line are underway. The break was discovered as workers arrived Monday morning. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said a water line from a large air conditioning unit ruptured in the attic above the top floor of the building which caused some damage in at least two offices below. Thompson said crews will have to replace about a 20-foot section of the water line and will also have to remove some asbestos discovered in the historic courthouse. While the courthouse is closed all other county offices will be open.
Break-in Reported at Chix Public Works Headquarters
Chickasha police are investigating a break-in that occurred at the city's Public Works Headquarters. Police Chief G.G. Music said authorities were notified of the break-in the morning of Saturday, July 22nd. Music provided no details about the incident other than to say it is still under investigation.
City of Chix has Record Month for Sales Tax Collections
A new report shows that the City of Chickasha had a record month for sales tax collections. The July sales tax report from the Oklahoma Tax Commission shows the city collected nearly $1.4 million in sales tax revenues. That's a more than 17 percent increase from June and a more than 24 percent increase from July of 2022. In his recent media column Jim Cowan with the city's economic development council said while inflation is a factor in the increase - consumer spending actually out-paced inflation. That $1.4 million in sales tax revenue indicates that more than $37 million was spent on taxable goods and services at Chickasha retail outlets. At the county level Grady County coffers collected more than $780,000 in sales tax revenue. That represents nearly $105 million in consumer spending county-wide during that same period.
Grady County 4Hers do well at State 4H Roundup
Grady County was well represented at the state 4H Roundup in Stillwater last month. 22 members attended the three-day event and several brought home some of the top awards. Sage Payne won first place in the communications contest with her Animal Science Digital Presentations and Alexandraya Brown was runner-up. Georgia Nelson won first place in the Plant and Natural Sciences Digital presentations. County 4Hers took the top two spots in the Food Showdown. The team of Kenlynn Chaney, Katie Jones, and Shane Williamson won the event and will represent Oklahoma at the National 4H Food Showdown. Alexandraya Brown, Haden Shipley, and MJ Shipley were runners-up. Caden Cowell was a winner in the talent contest with his vocal work in performing arts. Cowell, Makenzie Clodfelter, and Mesa Payne were all selected to perform prior to the honors night assembly. Four members were selected to attend the National 4H Congress in Atlanta this fall. Charramaiyne Brown, Kenlynn Chaney, Maggie Evans, and Abby Pettijohn will be taking the trip. One 4Her was elected to a state office. Shelby Kelsey will serve as the state vice president during the upcoming school year. Collectively, Grady County 4Hers received $6,000 in college scholarships.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.80 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.43.
Natural gas is $2.26 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,993 and silver is $24.65.
Obituary
Terry Woolridge
No service is scheduled for Terry Woolridge, 62, of Medicine Park and formerly of Minco. He was a machinist and a welder. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or any medical research foundation.
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Monday, July 31st
BREAKING-
The Grady County Courthouse is closed through Wednesday, August 2nd due to a water line break from an air conditioning unit that runs through the attic. All ofther Grady County offices will remain open. The courthouse is scheduled to re-open Thursday, Aug. 3rd at 8:30 a.m.
Admitted Drug Trafficker Sentenced
An admitted drug trafficker who pleaded guilty to distributing drugs laced with fentanyl will spend 20 years in prison. Last week 34-year old Garrett John David Woodle of Purcell pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury. The information is posted on the Grady County Sheriff's Office Facebook page and cites an announcement by U.S. attorney Robert Troester. Woodle had been the subject of a joint investigation by the Grady County Sheriff's Office and the sheriff's office Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Capt. Jim Peek last September. A federal grand jury returned a four-count Super-ceding Indictment against Woodle in May. The indictment indicated that Woodle provided fentanyl to an individual who overdosed. The victim survived after getting two doses of Narcan and other medical treatment. As part of the plea agreement federal prosecutors agreed to not advocate for more than 20 years in prison.
Former USAO Regent Passes Away
Longtime USAO regent David McLaughlin has died. The successful Oklahoma businessman spent ten years on the panel. Outgoing USAO President John Feaver writes that McLaughlin's service is unmatched and that was a great human being who went to extraordinary efforts to improve the lives of everyone he came in contact with. His family contributed to a number of USAO projects including the construction of the classroom at the university’s habitat area which is dedicated to his wife Jean. Other projects include upgrades to the university's athletic facilities (the soccer field is named in his family’s honor) and providing student scholarships.
Chix Chamber to Celebrate Centennial
Officials with the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the organization's 100th birthday tomorrow. The chamber was created August 1st, 1923 although various groups doing similar work began prior to the turn of the 20th century. A come-and-go birthday open house will be held at the chamber from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. tomorrow which will include inter-active exhibits featuring the chamber's journey. It will also be a day filled with networking and other opportunities for chamber members which now total about 375. In addition to celebrating the chamber's achievements the group looks forward to an even brighter future.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.58 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.99.
Natural gas is $2.64 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,995 and silver is $24.43.
Obituaries
Elbert Bottoms
A graveside service for Elbert Bottoms, 91, of Chickasha was held at 10:00 a.m. today (Monday, July 31st) at Laverty Cemetery. He served in the National Guard, was an electrician, and worked for Maremont. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Karliene Spradlin
A graveside service for Karliene Spradlin, 89, of Ardmore and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 1st at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Sidney Henderson
A graveside service for Sidney Henderson, 66, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 4th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
