Saturday, Oct. 7th
Three Critically Injured in Crash near Carnegie
State troopers are still investigating a late-night crash near Carnegie where three people have been hospitalized in critical condition. The accident happened just before midnight on State Highway 58 about a mile-and-a-half north of Carnegie. 20-year old Damian Rodgers of Carnegie was the driver of one of the vehicles. He was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head, arm, and leg injuries. Two passengers in the other car, 19-year old Sunni Phillips of Lawton and 19-year old Kelsey Knight of Piedmont were also taken to Oklahoma City with critical injuries. Phillips and Knight were pinned in their vehicle for an unknown amount of time before first responders were able to get them out.
Cyril Crash Victims Identified
We now know the names of the woman who died and two others seriously injured in that deadly crash that happened near Cyril earlier this week. Killed in the crash was 67-year old Brenda Naputi of Lawton. Two other people in the car with her were last in critical condition, including 72-year old Cris Naputi of Lawton and 84-year old Roberta Cole of Pennsylvania. All were in a 2023 Kia Soul that was involved in a head-on collision with a pickup during heavy rains Wednesday afternoon.
Lawmaker Pays Tribute to Fallen WWII Soldier
A Grady County state lawmaker pays tribute to a Chickasha soldier who died in World War Two. State Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) and several other state lawmakers went to Europe to attend a leadership conference where they discussed the leadership principles involved in planning the D-Day invasion of June 6th, 1944, which turned the tide of the war. Afterwards, they visited the American Cemetery where more than 9,000 soldiers who died in the European Theater are buried. Among the soldiers there are Private Johnnie Mike Rivas - who Lowe says is the uncle of local attorney, Ryland Rivas. Lowe placed an Oklahoma Flag and an American flag on Private Rivas' tombstone. Lowe said that Rivas has done a lot of research about his Uncle Mike and said he was with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He landed safety in Normandy on D-Day but stayed behind to cover for some fellow soldiers and was killed in action at the age of 23. Ryland said his uncle was the first member of the Comanche Nation to lose his life during WW II.
Talk Show Topics
On the KOOL Konversation our guests are Kenny Howell, Dwight Sehon, and Suehzen Mosley who will discuss their work to begin a local support group for those impacted by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. On Real Estate Today guests are Chickasha Assistant City Manager Rachel Bernish and the city’s Public Works Director Jim Crosby. Find podcasts of programs under the Community tab on this website.
High School Football Scores
Chickasha 41, Woodward 0
Blanchard 20, Tuttle 6
Newcastle 40, Bridge Creek 3
Perkins-Tryon 62, Anadarko 13
Minco 37, Chr. Heritage 7
Dibble 50, Elmore City-Pernell 0
Rush Springs 27, Wayne 8
Apache 61, Cordell 6
Lindsay 48, Little Axe 6
Marlow 40, Dickson 0
Alex 50, Central Marlow 0
Velma-Alma 64, Cyril 14
Mt. View-Gotebo 58, Temple 8
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Friday, Oct. 6th
Proposed TIF District Discussion Set for Council Work Session
There is a program used by some communities which allow them to use sales tax revenues to support the development or re-development of certain areas. It's called Tax Increment Financing and it has previously been used in Chickasha to spur development in the south part of town. The issue was discussed briefly in a city council meeting last month where Councilman Kelly Boyd questioned the proposal to create a new TIF district.
The Chickasha City Council will be hold a special work session to discuss this most recent suggestion of a new TIF district. The work session is open to the public and it will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10th at city hall.
Suspect in Custody for Alleged Ash Tray Attack
A Chickasha man serving probation for one crime is now behind bars for allegedly attacking his brother with an ash tray. A Grady County warrant had been issued for the arrest 35-year old Trevor Jay Stevens in August. He was arrested in Caddo County earlier this week and transferred to the Grady County Jail. A probable cause affidavit from Chickasha police says the two men were arguing when Stevens hit his brother in the head with the ash tray and then left the home. Paramedics told the brother he would most likely need stitches. Stevens is facing a felony charge of assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with this most recent arrest. Stevens is on probation after pleading guilty to a 2021 charge of felony eluding. Prosecutors have filed a motion to revoke his probation on that charge. Stevens remains in the Grady County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
Junior Social Workers Hold Spaghetti Day
Hundreds of plates of spaghetti will be served today as the Chickasha Junior Social Workers hold their annual spaghetti day. This is the 58th annual Spaghetti Day and is the group’s biggest fund-raiser of the year. Tobi Neidy says all the money raised helps a number of local projects.
Spaghetti Day takes place at the Grady County Fairgrounds in the north exhibit building and you can dine in or drive through. Serving times are from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults and $7 for kids 10 and under.
Hospital Foundation Hosts Golf Tournament
The Grady Memorial Hospital Foundation is getting ready for its annual golf tournament. The Foundation is a non-profit group dedicated to fund-raising on behalf of the hospital which helps to purchase new equipment which recently included a 3D mammography machine. The tournament will be held at Winter Creek Golf and Country Club on Monday, Oct. 23rd. The Foundation still has a few spots remaining for corporate sponsorships many of which include a team of four players in the tournament. Sponsorships are tax-deductible. Entry is $125 per person and $500 for a four-player team. For information, contact Emily Miracle at the hospital by calling 405-224-2300.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.31 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.07.
Natural gas is $3.17 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,836 and silver is $21.22.
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Thursday, Oct. 5th
Rain May Have Led to Fatal Accident
Heavy rain may have led to a deadly head-on crash in Caddo County yesterday. The highway patrol reports that a pick-up and a small SUV collided on U.S. Highway 277 two miles east of Cyril. It happened just after 3:00 p.m. The driver of the 2023 Kia Soul – a 67-year old woman from Lawton – died. A passenger - an 84-year old man from Pennsylvania was critically injured. Their names have not been released as relatives have not been notified. The driver of the truck who is from Texas was not injured. The accident shut down the highway for more than four hours.
Ninnekah, Blanchard School District Voters
Can Vote Early in Special Bond Elections
Early voting is underway in special bond elections for voters in Ninnekah and Blanchard school districts. At Ninnekah, voters are deciding two proposals.The first is a $19.5 million bond to build a new gymnasium and do some renovations at the high school and agriculture facility. The second is a $400,000 transportation bond. In Blanchard, voters also have two issues to decide. One is a $69 million bond issue to build new classrooms at the high school, build a new fieldhouse, and move the baseball and softball fields to the high school campus and other projects. The second is a $1.5 million transportation bond. Voters can cast ballots today and tomorrow at the county election board office where they are registered to vote. Otherwise, regular precincts will be open next Tuesday, Oct. 10th.
Couple Arrested for Allegedly Driving Stolen U-Haul Van
Minco police arrest a man and his wife for allegedly driving a stolen moving van. A probable cause affidavit indicates that Monday evening, an officer made a traffic stop on a U-Haul van which was leaning to one side. He was concerned that there might be mechanical and safety issues. When he called in the tag number the officer was told that the van had been reported stolen out of Norman. U-Haul representatives said they had rented the van to the couple a few weeks ago and they never brought it back. Arrested were 44-year old Calvin Haynes and 47-year old Angela Haynes of Paoli. Both have been charged with felonies for unauthorized use of a vehicle and Angela is also facing a felony drug charge. Both remain in the Grady County Jail on $5,000 bond each.
Open House Tonight for Chix School's Memorial Stadium
(EDITOR'S NOTE - This story includes corrected information regarding the Homecoming parade which was aired on the 7:00 a.m. news this morning.)
The excitement continues to build at Chickasha High School for Homecoming Week. Tonight, there is an open house for the public to check out all the renovations that occurred at Memorial Stadium over the last few months. Visitors are welcome to walk on the new field turf installed on the football field and the new 8-lane track around the field. Officials also installed a new video scoreboard and sound system, and renovated the home-side seating area of the stadium. The open house will be from 6 to 7:30 tonight. That will be followed by a Homecoming bonfire that will be held across the street at the softball complex parking lot. Tomorrow afternoon, it's the Homecoming parade through the downtown area at 4:00 p.m. and tomorrow night the football game with Woodward.
Used Book Sale Set at Chickasha Library
The Chickasha Public Library and the Friends of the Library are getting ready for their annual fall used book sale. More than 200 boxes of books for readers of all ages, reference materials, Book CDs and DVDs which have been donated to the library will be available. The sale will run for two weeks, starting next Monday, Oct. 9th and running through Saturday, Oct. 21st. The sale will be held during the library's regular hours although there will be no sales on Sunday, Oct. 15th. Library officials suggest a contribution of at least one dollar per item. Proceeds will used to purchase new books and materials.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.22 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.81.
Natural gas is $2.96 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,835 and silver is $21.24.
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Wednesday, Oct. 4th
Staged DUI Crash Sends Message to Chix High School Students
It's homecoming week at Chickasha High School. There is excitement throughout the hallways as the students prepare for the Homecoming Parade Friday afternoon and the football game Friday night. But students got a big shock yesterday when there was a terrible crash in front of the high school. There were numerous police and fire personnel and other first responders treating several students who had suffered serious injuries - and it was reported that at least one person had died. Thankfully, it was not what it appeared to be. The police and fire departments staged a mock fatal DUI crash to send a message to students about the dangers of drinking and driving. A post on the police department's Facebook page indicated that they hope it serves as a reminder for students about the dangers of driving impaired.
Young Volunteer Firefighter Dies in Motorcycle Accident
A teenager who was a volunteer for the Blanchard Fire Department is being remembered for his dedication to his community. 18-year old Jake Reid died in a motorcycle accident this past weekend. Red had just graduated from Blanchard High School this past spring, and he joined the fire department before he even earned his diploma. Reid joined his father who also volunteers at the fire department. Our partners at KWTV-News 9 report that Reid started working as a dispatcher for the police department shortly after graduation while also serving with the fire department. He had hoped to become a full-time firefighter. His funeral will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning at the First Baptist Church in Blanchard.
Ninnekah Woman Hospitalized After Crash with Semi
A young Ninnekah woman was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after a near head-on collision with a semi in southern Oklahoma. 19-year old Destiny Clemens was admitted in stable condition. The accident happened a few minutes before 5:00 a.m. Tuesday north of Ardmore. The highway patrol reports that Clemens crossed the center line of a state highway and struck the right front side of an oncoming semi. The truck driver was not injured. The trooper investigating the crash said that Clemens was buckled up but that she was inattentive behind the wheel.
Big Rig Driver Injured in Semi Rollover
A Lindsay truck driver is hospitalized after a rolling his big rig in Stephens County. 39-year old Raymond Palmer was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in stable condition. The accident happened about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday on a county road north of Velma. The highway patrol reports that Palmer may have been driving too fast to take a curve. The truck ran off the road and rolled twice. The Velma Fire Department had to use its Jaws of Life to get Palmer out of the truck.
Chix Police Department to get New Pursuit SUV
The Chickasha Police Department will be getting a new vehicle decked out with thousands of dollars in added equipment. The city council this week approved the purchase of a 2021 Dodge Durango all-wheel-drive SUV from the Kansas Highway Patrol with a price tag of nearly $32,000. The council also approved the purchase of nearly $20,000 in addition equipment from Metro Emergency Upfitters from state contract and an in-car camera system at the cost of an additional $7,000 from Watchguard/Motorola, a sole-source provider. Police Chief G.G. Music called it a Police Interceptor Unit (PIU). He says the city has purchased several of these SUVs from the Kansas Highway Patrol and most have less than 50,000 miles on them.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.23 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $90.92.
Natural gas is $2.95 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,837 and silver is $21.28.
Obituary
Martin ‘Marty’ Green
Funeral service for Marty Green, 63, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6th at McRay Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Oct. 3rd
Missing Man's Sister Worried About Her Brother
It's been over a month since anyone has seen 46-year old Richard Houston. He was last seen August 31st at Chickasha's Life Skills Institute and Resurrection House. Houston's sister Kimberly Adair talked to our partners at KWTV News 9 and said it is unusual that he has not reached out to her.
Adair said that Richard has been battling addiction and homelessness but that he made the hard decision to turn his life around and that he had been clean since June. Adair says she doesn't believe her brother would leave without saying anything. The OSBI is now leading the investigation. Anyone with information about Richard Houston is asked to contact OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov
EDC Director Addresses Transparency Issue
Improving the transparency of the work of the Chickasha Economic Development Council (EDC) was discussed during last night's Chickasha City Council meeting. EDC president Jim Cowan spent about 30 minutes talking about the EDC's partnership with an arm of city government called the Chickasha Industrial Authority (CIA). Cowan says the EDC holds open meetings once a month that are open to the public and that they provide reports that show how their money is spent and what they do.
He also discussed the EDC's efforts to help current businesses as well as recruiting new businesses. He says he welcomes all comments about the work between his office and the city and even if someone thinks it’s wrong he's willing to talk about it.
Blanchard School District Voters to Decide Big Bond Issue
Blanchard school district voters will decide a multi-million bond issue next week that would bring a lot of changes to the district if it’s approved. Superintendent Brady Barnes says the district has grown quite a bit over the last decade.
Included in the $69 million bond proposal are eight new classrooms and a storm shelter for the high school and improve security throughout the district. The measure would also move the high school baseball and softball fields to the high school campus and build a new fieldhouse which would include space for a new soccer program. It's a 16-year bond issue and Barnes said it would not increase property taxes. He said valuation of property in the district has increased about 50 percent from the 2019 bond issue when it was $70 million to $105 million today. A second proposal on the ballot is a $1.5 million transportation bond which would allow the district to spend $300,000 a year over a five-year for school buses, people movers, and other vehicles. Voters will go to the polls next Tuesday, Oct. 10th to decide the issues.
Early-Morning Turnpike Crash Closes Roadway Briefly
A crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike near the Grady and Caddo county line shut down part of the highway for about 30 minutes early this morning. The Highway Patrol reports it was a single-vehicle crash that left debris all over the interstate. It happened about 12:30 this morning near mile marker 68 about 12 miles southwest of Chickasha. There was no word of any injuries or what may have happened.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.92 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude dipped to $90.71.
Natural gas is $2.84 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,842 and silver is $21.32.
Obituary
Russell Geimausaddle
Funeral service for Russell Geimausaddle, 68, of Carnegie will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4th at the Botone Church in Carnegie. He was a roofer. Arrangements are with Ray and Martha's Funeral Home in Carnegie.
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Monday, Oct. 2nd
Teen Presented Life-Saving Award
A teenager is credited with saving the lives of about a dozen people after a fire broke out an Anadarko apartment complex last week. 17-year-old Kezerae Ferrell, a junior at Anadarko High School, was presented with a Citizen Lifesaving Award from city officials in a ceremony held Saturday at the site of the fire, The Landmark Apartments. Anadarko Fire Chief Greg Stone said Ferrell put her own life at risk. Ferrell tells RANCH News-
Among those in the apartments at the time of the fire was a family with two young children. Nobody was hurt. The fire that caused more than $750,000 in damage. Many of the fire victims were on hand at the ceremony to thank Ferrell for her heroics. A Landmark Apartments Tenants Fund has been established at First State Bank of Anadarko to help the fire victims. Also, Anadarko First Baptist Church is accepting donations of clothes, furniture, and household items for the families.
One Dead, One Critically Hurt in Separate Motorcycle Accidents
There were two motorcycle accidents in the Blanchard area within an hour of each other over the weekend. One motorcycle rider died and the other is battling life-threatening injuries. The fatal crash occurred about 8:30 p.m. Saturday on the Norman Spur of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike near mile marker 106 east of Blanchard. 40-year old Edward Tabor of Purcell died. The highway patrol reports that Tabor had stopped in the roadway and was struck from behind by a small SUV driven by Kayte Madero of Tecumseh. Neither Madero nor two small children in the car with her were hurt. Just after 9:30 p.m. Saturday a motorcycle failed to go around the curve at Highway 62 and South Truman Avenue in Blanchard. 50-year old Daniel Roberts of Blanchard was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was last in critical condition. Neither motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet.
Police SUV Purchases On Chix City Council Agenda
The Chickasha City Council tonight will consider a rezoning request for a businessman to build a new laundromat. The applicant has asked to re-zone three lots from residential to commercial use. A vacant home just south of the Campus Corner convenience store at 16th and Grand Ave. has been torn down to make way for the development. The city’s planning commission has recommended that the re-zoning be approved. The council will also consider the purchase of a couple of used SUVs for the police department. Both are 2021 Dodge Durangos. One is from the Kansas Highway Patrol and the other is from state contract and each one costs nearly $32,000. The police department is also asking for more than $38,000 to purchase a voice and radio recorder. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
Beef Cattle Specialist to Address Monthly Ag Meeting
The Grady County Ag Producers will their monthly meeting tomorrow morning. OSU Extension beef cattle specialist Dr. David Lalman will be the guest speaker. The program will get underway at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning at the extension officer in Chickasha at 9th and Choctaw Ave.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.71 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $95.38.
Natural gas is $2.94 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,851 and silver is $21.87.
Obituary
Karon Sauer
A graveside service Karon Sauer, 83, of Norman and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7th at Rose Hill Cemetery. She worked for the Department of Human Services. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Saturday, Sept. 30th
State Poverty Level Below National Level: Study
A new study shows Oklahoma's poverty level is below the national average. Joe Dorman, director of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, points to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau that shows more than one out of every five children in the state live in households which are at or below the poverty level. In his weekly column Dorman says that for 2023 the poverty level for a single parent with one child is just under $20,000 a year or about $1,600 per month. The poverty level for a family of four with two parents and two children is only $30,000 a year or about $2,500 per month. Dorman says it’s hard enough just to survive at those levels let alone thrive. Dorman writes that as state lawmakers meet for a special session next week he encourages them to look for ways to improve conditions for Oklahoma families and children enduring poverty. He said workforce development and childcare assistance are often discussed and both are critical for economic success and that lawmakers need to focus on those areas if they want to see better opportunities for future generations.
Sen. Lankford Blames State Medical Marijuana Law
for Spike in Foreign Ownership of Oklahoma Farm Land
Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford says the medical marijuana industry can be partly to blame for an increase in foreign ownership of farmland in the Sooner State. Lankford made the comment at the start of senate hearing in Washington, D.C. recently where he campaigned for his proposed legislation, the Security and Oversight of Landholdings Act. The website OK Energy Today reports that Oklahoma is eighth in the nation for having land owned by foreign entities after state leaders passed the medical marijuana law in 2018. He said the year after that law passed, Oklahoma had more land sales to foreign entities than any other state in the U.S. He said it was the most liberal medical marijuana bill in the country at that time and there was a rush by foreign owners to buy up the state's farm land. He said it was a shift that surprised a lot of people based on how quickly it happened.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Tobi Neidy with the Chickasha Junior Social Workers is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today, our guests are USAO men's and women's basketball coaches Chris Francis and Darrick Matthews. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, Sept. 29th
Art Festival, Food Truck Championship Highlight Weekend
Chickasha's population is expected to at least double will all the weekend activities that will be going on. It all starts today with the opening of the 15th annual Rock Island Arts Festival. The 400 and 500 blocks of Chickasha Avenue are blocked off for the next three days as nearly 100 artisans and crafters will display their talent and have numerous items for sale. The festival is hosted by the Chickasha Area Arts Council. The festival will have food trucks and live music all three days, with the stage for events set up at the intersection of 6th and Chickasha Avenue near the Grady County DAV Center. There kids activities across the street from the DAV center with inflatables and a sand pile.
Oklahoma Food Truck Championship
Saturday will be the big day, with the spotlight on the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship. More than 30 food trucks are competing for some $10,000 in cash prizes. Barbecue, Mexican food, perhaps international cuisine and dessert trucks will be featured. That event will take up space on Chickasha Avenue from the Leg Lamp to 4th Street, with live music tomorrow afternoon with featured bands being The Imaginaries and Dollar 98. Also tomorrow, some 200 bike riders are signed up for the Rock Island Ride. Dozens of people will also take part in a domestic violence awareness campaign, called the Together We Heel walk. Also this weekend, the Muscle Car Ranch hosts its annual Twister Fest concert, which will feature some 50 bands on five stages. that event opens this afternoon and runs through Sunday.
Anadarko Receives Grant to Help Revitalize Downtown
The City of Anadarko has received a grant to create a downtown amphitheater. Anadarko is one of just 25 communities across the country which received Hometown grants from T-Mobile. It's a $50,000 grant which will build the outdoor amphitheater at the site where the former Miller Theatre was located. The theater had to been torn down a couple of years ago. It will be called the Miller Theatre Park and will include a raised stage, concession stand with mural which will honor the city's rich Native American history, an outdoor greenspace with seating and restrooms. Anadarko residents are invited to a special celebration announcing the grant which will be held by T-Mobile and city officials at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3rd at 2nd and West Main Street.
Crane-Truck Driver Hospitalized After Rollover
A crane truck driver is hospitalized after suffering a medical problem while driving in Blanchard. 56-year old David Sturm of Oklahoma City was last in fair condition. The accident happened just before 6:00 p.m. last night on 290th Street just east of Meridian. The highway patrol reported that Sturm initially ran off the street and hit a mail box, then re-entered the roadway where the truck rolled 3/4 of a turn and blocked both lanes for an undetermined amount of time.
Earthquakes Blamed on Drilling Activity
A recent swarm of earthquakes in the Duncan and Velma area are believed to be linked to recent oil drilling and fracking. One of the strongest earthquakes was a 3.7 tremor registered by the Oklahoma Geological Survey. The website OK Energy Today cites a report from the Norman Transcript that the operator, Continental Resources, has gone off-line for the time being but that after-shocks could impact the area over the next several days.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.71 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $95.38.
Natural gas is $2.94 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,889 and silver $23.29.
Obituary
Cheryl Whitmire
A memorial service for Cheryl Whitmire, 73, of Chickasha will be held by the family at a later date. She was a waitress and worked at Wal-Mart. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Thursday, Sept. 28th
Elementary Student Issues 'Threat' on School Bus
Classes are being held as scheduled at Ninnekah schools today after a possible threat may have been made by an elementary student. The Grady County Sheriff's Office said a 4th grade student made a threat on a school bus yesterday afternoon. A post on the sheriff's office Facebook page indicated that Ninnekah school administrators handled the incident. The post was attributed to Sheriff Gary Boggess who indicated that at no time were any students in harm's way and that Ninnekah school officials don't take any threat lightly and that the situation would be taken care of quickly to keep kids safe.
Fire Damages Anadarko Apartments
A fire at an Anadarko apartment complex Tuesday night caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and left about a dozen people without homes. The blaze erupted at the Landmark Apartments at West 5th Street and Oklahoma Avenue about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Fortunately nobody was hurt. Anadarko firefighters summoned help from Gracemont, Verden, and Chickasha fire departments and crews were on the scene for about five hours. Anadarko Fire Chief Greg Stone estimated damage at $775,000. Stone said it appeared that an electrical short in the attic of one of the apartments sparked the blaze. Many of the families displaced were able to stay with other family members. He said the Anadarko First Baptist Church, The Caddo and Delaware Nations, and the Red Cross helped to provide some relief to the displaced residents.
Two Hurt in Turnpike Crash
Two people were taken to the hospital following a multi-vehicle crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The accident happened in the eastbound lanes of the turnpike around mile marker 92 about 7:00 a.m. Tuesday. The highway patrol reports that a pickup was pulling a vehicle on a car dolly well below the minimum speed limit. A vehicle came up from behind and rear-ended the vehicle being towed. The names of those involved in the crash were not released. The OHP said their injuries were not life-threatening. The crash did move one of the concrete barriers in the median into a westbound lane of traffic. The highway was closed for three hours.
Onward Chickasha Survey Continues
Chickasha residents have a few more days to provide feedback on what they'd like the city to look like in the future. The Onward Chickasha project is an 18-month effort to provide ideas that will take the city into the middle part of the century. Landon Jones is with Guernsey and Associates, an Oklahoma City firm hired to conduct the survey. He said the survey includes-
The last day to provide input on this segment is Friday, Oct. 6th. Residents can go to the website www.onwardchickasha.org and it takes about 20 minutes. Jones said that Guernsey representatives will have a booth at the Oklahoma Food Truck championship on Saturday to help get info out.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $93.68 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $96.55.
Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,892 and silver is $22.81.
Obituaries
Susan White
A memorial service for Susan White, 61, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29th at College Heights Baptist Church. She was a CNA and worked with the Chickasha Opportunity Workshop. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Precious Savoie
A memorial service for Precious Savoie, 23, of Lawton will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30th at Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church in Lawton. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, Sept. 27th
Child Abuse Suspect Faces Charges in Two Counties
A suspect wanted in connection with a child abuse investigation is booked into the Grady County Jail. 45-year old Jason Leroy Slape of Oklahoma City was moved from the Mayes County Jail in northeastern Oklahoma to Chickasha earlier this week. He’s facing a felony charge of child abuse by injury which was filed in Grady County District Court last December. At his initial court appearance yesterday a judge set bond at $40,000. No details about the investigation were immediately available. Slape is facing charges of assault and battery in Mayes County.
Rock Island Weekend About to Get Underway
The City of Chickasha is getting ready for an influx of thousands of visitors this weekend. The Rock Island Weekend as it is called will include the 15th annual Rock Island Arts Festival hosted by the Chickasha Area Arts Council. Nearly 100 vendors will line a couple of blocks in downtown Chickasha for three days. Sue Getman with the arts council said says the vendors will be set up in the 400 and 500 blocks of Chickasha Avenue.
The Arts Festival opens Friday and runs through Sunday and there will be live music and food trucks all three days.
Food Truck Championship
A big event Saturday will be the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship. About 30 food trucks will be competing for $10,000 in cash prizes. It will take place along Chickasha Avenue from the Leg Lamp to 4th Street and will also have live music Saturday afternoon and evening.
Rock Island Ride
Saturday morning, the Rock Island Ride bicycle tour is anticipating more than 200 riders with courses ranging from 10 to 60 miles.
Together We Heel Walk
Also Saturday morning is the Together We Heel Walk against domestic violence for the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network.
National Horse Show
A big event at the Grady County Fairgrounds is already underway. The National Welsh Pony and Cob Show runs through Sunday.
Twisterfest
There is also live music at Chickasha's Muscle Car Ranch which is hosting its 9th annual Twisterfest. That also runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with more than 50 bands playing on five stages throughout the ranch. An added attraction this year is professional wrestling which will have two shows Saturday night.
USAO Prof Puts Uses Grant for Public Art
A USAO professor receives a community-based grant to help with her work. Jordan Vinyard is the dean of the university’s School of Visual and Performing Arts. She was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition - which was made possible by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Vinyard's project is called ’This Little Piggy Has Meaning, This Little Piggy has None’ and consists of kinetic sculptures that playfully address how we define community values. There are eight fabricated piggy banks which can be found on the USAO campus and throughout the community.
Anadarko Library to Host Chocolate Celebration
The Anadarko Community Library is getting ready to celebrate all things chocolate. The library and Friends of the Library will host their annual chocolate celebration next week. There will be thousands of servings of chocolate goodies to choose from. Tickets are $7 each which allows the purchaser to select six servings of chocolate per ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. There will also be an auction of chocolate desserts. The chocolate celebration is Tuesday, Oct. 3rd from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the auction will begin about 6:00 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.39 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $93.96.
Natural gas is $2.65 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,912 and silver is $23.02.
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Tuesday, Sept. 26th
Study Shows County Deputies are Poorly Paid
A recent study shows that county sheriff's offices are losing deputies because of low wages. State Senator Darrell Weaver of Moore held an interim study on the issue at the state capital yesterday. One sheriff said his budget only allows him to pay jailers, dispatchers, and other essential employees about $10 an hour - and deputies only slightly above that. Weaver says that's not enough for these dangerous and taxing jobs. County sheriffs say they are losing staff to cities and tribal and state agencies that are able to pay higher salaries. Also taking part in yesterday's study were sheriffs and lawmakers from Texas who virtually shared ideas on what has helped them raise pay and reduce turnover. Weaver said public safety should always be a top priority of government at any level. He said he's confident that lawmakers can come up with sensible solutions.
Interim Study Set to Better Help Domestic Violence Victims
Finding ways to better help victims of domestic violence will be the subject of an interim study at the state capital next week. State Rep. Ross Ford of Tulsa, a former police officer, will hold the study with the House Judiciary Committee. Ford said he also wants to address the generational impact of domestic violence. He said he'd like to look at early-intervention programs that would help victims leave their attackers. Ford said it will be a timely discussion since recent reports show Oklahoma leads the nation in domestic violence for both men and women and that the state is third in the country for the number of women killed by their significant others. The hearing will be held Wednesday, Oct. 4th at 9:30 a.m. in Room 450 at the state capital.
Kiowa Tribal Leaders Look to Make Hobart a 'Smart City'
We reported last week that leaders of the Kiowa Tribe are reaching out to other tribes in an attempt to develop a plan to improve internet service to tribal members. The Kiowas are also working with the City of Hobart to try and make that community a Smart City. Kiowa Tribal Chairman Lawrence Spottedbird has invited the mayor of Pharr, Texas to Hobart to discuss that community's transformation from one of the worst-connected cities of its size -- to one where it built a majority of its own high-speed broadband network and launched and manage WiFi service in just 18 months. Pharr, Texas Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez will meet with Hobart and Kiowa Tribe officials tomorrow to talk about creating and implementing broadband infrastructure which would provide the foundation to develop employment opportunities as well as opportunities for schools, residents, and small businesses.
Senior Citizen Gored By Longhorn
A 75-year old man visiting the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge was recently gored by a longhorn. The unidentified man will be OK as officials reported his injuries were not life-threatening. KSWO-TV reports the man was in the refuge listening to elks bugling and may have gotten a little too close to the animal. Refuge officials remind visitors that when they are out in nature to stay a good distance away from wildlife. One basic guideline is that if you can't cover up the animal with your thumb raised on an outstretched arm - you are probably too close.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.68 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $93.29.
Natural gas is $2.64 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,930 and silver is $23.29.
Obituaries
Clyde ‘Butch’ Robertson
A memorial service for ‘Butch’ Robertson, 69, of Verden will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He served as the mayor of Verden and also worked for the town and also worked for the City of Chickasha.
Lydia Roberston
A memorial service for Lydia Roberston, 61, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Monday, Sept. 25th
OSBI to Assist with Investigation of Missing Chickasha Man
Chickasha police have called in the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to help with the investigation of a missing man. 46-year old Richard Clarence Houston has not been seen for more than three weeks. He was last seen Aug. 31st near the Chickasha post office. Authorities have not released a lot of information about Houston other than his physical description. He's Caucasian, 5’-5” tall, weighs about 300 pounds, has short brown hair, a mustache and goatee, and his right leg has been amputated below the knee. A photo of Houston is posted on the police department's Facebook page. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chickasha police by calling 405-222-6050.
Two Hospitalized After Crash with Farm Equipment
Two people are hospitalized after their car rear-ends a tractor pulling some farm equipment. 75-year old Glen Edwards and 73-year old Jeremy Edwards - both of Ft. Cobb - were taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where they were admitted in stable condition. The driver of the tractor, 70-year old John Wyatt of Hydro, was not hurt. The accident happened just after 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon north of Eakly. The trooper investigating the accident said the driver of the car, Glen Edwards, was distracted when he looked at his GPS just before the accident occurred.
OHP Continues Probe of Double-Fatality Accident
The highway patrol is continuing its investigation of a double-fatality accident involving two semis and a small SUV that happened Saturday evening. The crash claimed the lives of 60-year old Gracielia Hawkins and 61-year old Maria Daniel both of Weatherford who were in a Kia Soul. The accident happened just before 6 p.m. Saturday near mile marker 109 on I-40 in Canadian County which is close to Geary. Neither truck driver was seriously hurt. One of them was 68-year old Cordele Brandon of Chickasha who was treated and released at the scene.
Assistant Chix City Manager Named 'Woman of the Year'
A big honor for a City of Chickasha employee. Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Rachel Bernish was named Woman of the Year at the annual conference of the Oklahoma Municipal League last week. Bernish won the award for communities with populations over 5,000 residents. In a press release announcing the award, Municipal League executive director Mike Fina said Bernish’s work modernized municipal processes and has led to better relationships between citizens and city hall. Chickasha City Manager Keith Johnson calls Bernish a transformative, dynamic leader who daily makes an impact for staff and citizens. She was noted for transitioning the Community Development Department from a paper-based system to an inter-active digital one. She also developed a program to help needy citizens borrow tools, receive equipment, and request volunteer assistance in order to work through or avoid code violations.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.03 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $93.27.
Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,942 and silver is $23.82.
Obituary
Elaine Tannis
A memorial service for Elaine Tannis, 72, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked as a loan officer and served on the board of directors for the Chickasha Senior Nutrition Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the nutrition center.
