Saturday, Sept. 9th
Doctor Dies While Fighting Fire at his Home
Longtime family practice doctor Gayle Bounds has died. Bounds passed away while fighting a fire at his home southwest of Dibble. Grady County Undersheriff Kori Brewer said deputies and the Grady County Fire Department were dispatched to the Bounds’ home about 5 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Brewer said that a fire got out of a burn pit and was approaching the family home. Brewer said that Bounds suffered a medical episode while fighting the fire. No one else was home at the time. The home was not damaged. Brewer said the state medical examiner will determine the doctor's cause of death.
OHP Investigates Fatal Fletcher Crash
Authorities are investigating a deadly crash in the Fletcher area this morning. We don't have any details other than two vehicles were involved and that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol shut down traffic near Northeast 120th Street and King Road just before 3:30 this morning.
Details Emerge Regarding Arrest of Caddo County Pursuit Suspect
KOOL-RANCH News has updated information about the arrest of a Caddo County man after a pursuit this week. We reported that 45-year old Evan McElhaney was being held in the Caddo County Jail on a $500,000 bond after being charged with multiple felonies. KSWO-TV cites court documents which indicate authorities were called to the Crows Roost area at Ft. Cobb Lake Tuesday morning to investigate a man who was believed to be intoxicated and shooting at several homes. As officers surrounded McElhaney's home and waited for the arrival of a Special Response Team, McElhaney sped away in his pick-up. He initially managed to elude authorities, however he was located several hours later and led authorities on a pursuit but they were able to get him stopped and take him in to custody. McElhaney is facing charges which include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, shooting with intent to kill, running a road block and eluding.
Benefit Car Show Helps Tuttle Teen Battling Rare Illness
The Tuttle community is rallying behind a teenager battling a rare form of Parkinson's Disease for which there is no cure. Hunter Edge has been in a Houston hospital for several months and is under-going experimental treatments which have already cost several hundred thousand dollars. Hunter is the son of Dusty and Lindsay Edge and family friend Jason Johnston has put together a car show today to help the family pay for the mounting medical bills. Members of the Tri City Cruisers and the Thursday Night Cruisers of Mustang are hosting the car show today at Coal Creek Winery. More than 40 trophies will be awarded, food trucks will be on hand, and proceeds from the day will go to the Edge family.
Ft. Sill Soldiers Complete Basic Training
Nearly 400 Ft. Sill soldiers were recognized for completing their basic training this week. Soldiers from Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Division; and Fox Battery, 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery Division were commended for their work and will now head to various advanced training schools.
High School Football Scores
Chickasha, idle
Anadarko, idle
Bridge Creek, idle
Tuttle 35, Noble 7
Piedmont 21, Blanchard 7
Newcastle 35, Plainview 21
Minco 33, Apache 23
SW Covenant 55, Alex 0
Mt. View-Gotebo 38, Cyril 6
Lindsay 38, Atoka 7
Marlow 42, Comanche 6
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Friday, Sept. 8th
Cyril Home Invasion Suspect Arrested
An alleged gunman is facing a half-dozen felony charges after a recent break-in at a home in Cyril. 48-year old John Raymond Moore is facing the charges in Caddo County District Court. KSWO-TV points to court documents which allege Moore broke into the home, pointed an assault rifle at two people and threatened to kill them. Moore told investigators that he made the threats because one of the victims was telling lies about him. Moore is facing charges which include burglary, having a firearm after former felony conviction, and disrupting an emergency phone call. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years in prison. His bond was set at $25,000.
Another Caddo County Pursuit Leads to Arrest
Caddo County authorities recently found themselves in a high-speed pursuit for the second time within a week. The most recent chase led to the arrest of a Ft. Cobb man. Evan McElhaney is facing felony charges which include assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, shooting with intent to kill, endangering others while eluding, and avoiding a road block. Those charges have also filed in Caddo County this week. No details of McElhaney's arrest were available. His bond was set at $500,000. Just last week, Caddo and Grady County authorities were involved in the pursuit of a suspect who stole a pickup from Cement. Adam John Sherwood is facing multiple charges in connection with that pursuit.
Early Voting Ends Today for CV Tech, Minco Elections
Early voting resumes today for a couple of special elections set for next week. Voters in the Canadian Valley Technology Center's sending school districts in Grady, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties are deciding a $75 million bond issue. Proceeds would be used for safety and security improvements and new classrooms at the Chickasha campus and the contruction of a public safety training facility in El Reno. Also, Minco voters will be electing a new mayor. Voters can cast in-person, absentee ballots until 6:00 p.m. today at the county election board office where they are registered to vote. Regular precincts will be open next Tuesday, Sept. 12th from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Pirates, Glass Blowers Join Chix Art Walk Tonight
Downtown Chickasha will be alive tonight with the monthly second Friday art walk. Numerous artisans, bands, and performing artists will be scattered along Chickasha Avenue from the Leg Lamp to the Chickasha Area Arts Council and the Chickasha Art Center, as well as Shakespeare Wine Company on Kansas Avenue. Coordinator Dana Helms says pirates will be roaming throughout the venues. Helms says the event has grown ever since the first art walk in February.
There are a couple of glass blowers, live music will be at the new Wild Ox Axe Throwing venue, the Rock Island Candy Company, the Petroleum Building and the Leg Lamp. A food truck will be available and a local nursery will have plants and flowers. Hours for the art walk have been extended this month and will run from about 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.87 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $89.92.
Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,948 and silver is $23.36.
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Thursday, Sept. 7th
State Attorney General Says Fentanyl Battle Must Continue
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says the state needs to continue its never-ending battle against the deadly drug Fentanyl. The topic was among the issues Drummond addressed during a presentation at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Drummond said the process to put the deadly drug into a pill is inexpensive. The pill looks like prescription Oxycotin which can be sold on the street.
Drummond puts a lot of blame on Chinese drug cartels saying they know that Fentanyl is fatal but that they consider the deaths collateral damage so they can make huge profits.
Drummond said federal officials say that Oklahoma is Ground Zero for much of the drug trade in the country.
Chix Police Department Introduces New Officers
We have some background information on Chickasha's newest police officers who took their oaths of office at this week's city council meeting. Two of them are military veterans.
Trenton Freeman
Freeman is a 2018 graduate of Chickasha High School then enlisted in the Marines. After serving four years he joined the department last year. He has already completed his CLEET training.
Martin Amerson
Amerson graduated from Rush Springs High School and joined the Army where he was stationed at Ft. Sill. He served as a HIMARS crew member and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel.
Jonithan Horse
Horse graduated from Amber-Pocasset and also attended Canadian Valley Technology Center. He previously was an Animal Control Officer for the city. Amerson and Horse will begin CLEET training next month.
Anadarko Library Hosts Senior Diabetes Series
Senior adults in the Caddo County area who suffer from diabetes can take advantage of a short-term weekly program to learn more about their disease and how to manage it. The Anadarko Public Library is partnering with the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative to offer the course. The program is called Diabetes and Beyond which is designed to provide seniors and their caregivers with self-management information to improve their quality of life. There is information on how diabetes affects the body, how to monitor changes, meal preparation, and encouraging family involvement. The free program is held at the library every Wednesday at noon through Oct. 11th. Instructors are provided by the OU Health Sciences Center.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.54 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $90.60.
Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,945 and silver is $23.42.
Obituary
Brenda Rodgers
Funeral service for Brenda Rodgers, 67, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Friday, Sept. 8th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was a homemaker.
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Wednesday, Sept. 6th
TIF District Proposals to go to Chix Council Work Session
The Chickasha City Council delayed action last night on hiring a law firm to help the city develop what's known as Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts. City Councilman Kelly Boyd said a previous TIF district didn't work out as well as officials had hoped.
City Manager Keith Johnson said hiring a law firm would not necessarily mean that a TIF district is inevitable but the firm would provide guidance along the way.
Johnson said there is early discussion about two potential TIF districts. The council will have a future work session to get more details about the proposals.
Chix Police Department has Three New Officers
Three new officers for the Chickasha Police Department were sworn in during last night's council meeting. Martin Amerson, Jonithan Horse, and Trenton Freeman all took oaths to protect and serve. All grew up in and around the Chickasha area.
Former Chix Fire Chief to be Laid to Rest Today
Former Chickasha Fire Chief Brian Zalewski will be laid to rest today. Zalewski was 50-years old when he passed away last week. A funeral service will be at 2 o'clock this afternoon at Chickasha's Bible Baptist Church. The service will be led by Chaplain Kim Hayes and Fire Chaplain Richard Prather. Burial will be in the Westview Cemetery west of Rush Springs.
Okla's Attorney General to be in Chickasha
Attorney General Genter Drummond will have a stop in Chickasha today. Drummond will have a noon meeting at the Chamber of Commerce.
Gala to Honor USAO's Feaver, Hale
The current president and the immediate past president of USAO will be recognized at the Oklahoma History Center. A green-and-gold gala will be held to salute recently retired President John Feaver to celebrate his legacy and many decades of service to the university. New USAO President Kayla Hale is the first female president of the university which is historically known for being a women's college until the 1970s. The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 16th at the Oklahoma History Center with a cocktail hour and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. Cocktail attire is required. Individual tickets are $150 and tables for 10 are $1,000. Other sponsorships are also available. Tickets can be purchased on-line at: usao.edu/gala
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.69 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $90.04.
Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,951 and silver is $23.73.
Obituaries
Bob Cantrell
A private service was held recently for 83-year old Bob Cantrell. He spent several years at Friend School as superintendent, principal, teacher, and coach and he also worked for Chesapeake Energy. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.
Jackie Keen
A private graveside service will be held at a later date for Jackie Keen, 70, of Tuttle. She was a homemaker, loved to cook, loved her rescue dogs, and was a big Beatles fan. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Kellie Keeler
A memorial service for Kellie Keeler, 61, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Sept. 5th
Chix City Council to Formally Adopt Sales Tax Hike
Chickasha voters overwhelmingly approved an increase in the city's sales tax last month with the proceeds to be used to build a new water treatment plant. Tonight, the Chickasha City Council will consider a resolution to formally adopt the 1 1/4 cent sales tax increase which will go into effect Jan. 1st. The overall city sales tax will increase just 1/2 of one percent as a current sales tax expires Dec. 31st.
Panel to discuss OKC law firm to help form TIF district
The panel will consider an agreement with a law firm to help create a tax increment finance (TIF) district within the city. The proposal is with The Public Finance Law Group of Oklahoma City,
Pact to build new hangar at the airport to be reviewed
During the Municipal Airport Authority segment of tonight's meeting the group will discuss a proposed contract with Diversified Construction of Oklahoma to build a new 10-unit T-hangar at the airport at the cost of $1.2 million and consider accepting a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for $600,000. The panel will also consider going out for bids to design a couple of box hangars.
Sports complex concessions expected to remain with current vendor
Back to city council business, the group is expected to again award concessions at the city's sports complex to JW Concessions. Three bidders were seeking the contract however JW Concessions was the only one to supply all the information needed in the request for proposals. JW Concessions has had the contract for the last five years. The company will pay the city 25 percent of its earnings.
Cable permit agreement, homecoming parade to be considered
Also to be considered is a five-year cable permit agreement with Cebridge Acquisition, L.P. The council is expected to approve a request from the Chickasha High School student council to hold the annual football Homecoming parade downtown on Friday, Oct. 6th.
County Road Improvement Project Keeps Expanding
A proposal to make improvements to a Grady County road has grown to nearly four times its original price tag. Officials have been working for several years to upgrade what's known as Amber Road which is CR 1280 between Amber and Pocasset. County Commissioner Kirk Painter says there have been a lot of changes made to the proposal.
Painter is hoping the project could start sometime in early 2025.
Caddo County Fair Premium Sale Tonight
The premium sale for the animals shown during last week's Caddo County Fair will be held tonight. Tucker Freie of Anadarko had the grand prospect steer; Walker Maxwell of Hinton at the grand market steer; Reagan Bickerstaff of Anadarko had the grand barrow; Ashlyn Maddox of Hydro-Eakly had the grand wether lamb; and Jennica Williams of Ft. Cobb-Broxton had the grand wether goat. Nearly 60 animals will be sold tonight at the Caddo County Fairgrounds in Anadarko.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.55 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $86.84.
Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,956 and silver is $23.87.
Obituaries
Mark Hale
A graveside service for Mark Hale, 68, of Chickasha was held at 10:00 a.m. this morning (Monday, Sept. 5th) at the Pioneer Cemetery. He worked for the railroad, in the oilfield, and as a truck driver. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Pamela Ratliff
Funeral service for Pamela Ratliff, 64, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 6th at Sharon Baptist Church. She worked at Grady Memorial Hospital for more than 30 years. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Princeton Awbrey
Funeral service for Princeton Awbrey, 33, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 6th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Monday, Sept. 4th
No news due to the Labor Day holiday.
