Saturday, Oct. 28th
Wind Farm Operator Plans Improvements
Officials with Next Era Energy, a company that has numerous wind farms across the Sooner State, say they are proposing a number of improvements. Plans have been announced to 're-power' many of its current wind turbines with new technology and installing new turbines - instead of building additional wind farms. The website OK Energy Today reports that Next Era plans to re-power 740 megawatts of wind operations over the next three years. Next Era officials said they are super-excited about the projects which are part of the company's long-term growth plan. Next Era Energy reported third-quarter earnings of nearly $2 billion which is an increase of nearly 14 percent over the third quarter of last year.
Chix Man Gets Federal Prison Term For Role in Drug Overdose Case
A Chickasha man is sentenced to 10 years in a federal prison for his role in a drug overdose case. 23-year old Marcus Lamar Richardson pleaded guilty to a charge of distributing fentanyl last December. A federal judge recently handed down the sentence. The Southwest Ledger cites court documents that say the incident occurred in December of 2021. Richardson pleaded guilty to providing a pill containing fentanyl to a co-defendant, who delivered it to another person. The victim over-dosed and would have died had it not been for the live-saving efforts of Chickasha police. The judge said it only took a half a pill for the victim to overdose. The co-defendant, Brianna Rechell Hugar, also pleaded guilty to distribution and was sentenced to two years in federal prison.
Downtown Chix' Ne'ewollah Festival Today
Downtown Chickasha's Ne’ewollah Festival returns this afternoon and this evening. Many merchants and vendors will be along Chickasha Avenue from 4th Street to 8th Street to welcome costumed kiddos and distribute free candy. There will also be carnival games and inflatables, and pumpkin decorating at the Chickasha Area Arts Council. Trick-or-treating and games begin at 4:00 p.m. and a costume contest at the Chickasha Community Theatre. Registration for the costume contest will start at 5:00 p.m. and the contest begins at 5:30. Also, the YMCA will host a first ever Civic Club and Non-Profit Chili Cook Off. That begins at 5 to p.m. Tickets are $5 each which is good for five samples of chili. All the proceeds benefit the civic clubs.
Scooters Coffee Now Open in Chix
Chickasha's newest coffee shop is now open. Scooters Coffee features hot and iced coffees, teas, and smoothies. They even have pastries. Scooters is located in the 400 block of Grand Avenue across from Joe’s Maytag and opens at 7:30 a.m. each morning.
Talk Show Topics
Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess is this week’s guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today guests are USAO president Kayla Hale and university athletic director Mike Ross. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, Oct. 27th
Chix City Council to Again Consider Tax Increment Finance Districts
A special meeting of the Chickasha City Council has been called for the group to consider starting the process of creating one or more new Tax Increment Finance Districts. During the meeting the panel will discuss a resolution to declare the intent to consider the approval of an unidentified project under the Local Development Act, forming a review committee, and directing the committee to make recommendations. The council will also consider hiring a financial counseling service to provide legal assistance through the process. The Review Committee would include one representative of the city council; one from the city’s planning commission; one designated by Grady County; one from the county health department; one from the Chickasha school district; one from the Canadian Valley Technology Center school district; and one from the Grady County EMS district. There would be three at-large individuals to be selected from a list of names provided by city council members - one of which will be a representative of the business community. The special meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 30th at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.
Tip Leads to Arrest of Drug Trafficking Suspects
Caddo County authorities put a dent in some of the illegal drug activity in that region. Anadarko police and Caddo County sheriff's deputies arrested 50-year old Toriano Holcomb and 20-year old Kayla Parker this week after finding hundreds of pills laced with Fentanyl and numerous other drugs. According to a post on the Anadarko Police Department's Facebook page, authorities received information about suspicious activity on East Sunset Circle. Wednesday afternoon, authorities executed a search warrant on a home where they found more than 500 pills along with cocaine and methamphetamine. Toriano has a nearly 20-year history of criminal activity dating back to 2005. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor theft charged earlier this month; and he was on probation for pleading guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge from July of last year. Both Toriano and Parker have been charged with one felony count of aggravated trafficking and remain in the Caddo County Jail on $250,000 bond each.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.21 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $87.93.
Natural gas is $3.21 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,995 and silver is $22.97.
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Thursday, Oct. 26th
'Orphan Train' Programs set in Chix and Anadarko
During a roughly 75-year span in American History more than 250,000 orphaned or surrendered children in the eastern part of the country were placed on trains and sent west - to be given away at train stations along the way. It was the subject of a 2012 book written by Alison Moore called Riders on the Orphan Train. Orphan trains operated from the mid-1850s up to 1929. A program developed by the National Orphan Train Museum in Concordia, Kansas will be held at both Chickasha and Anadarko libraries. The Oklahoma Humanities Council is funding the programs which are free and open to the public. It includes live music, video, and storytelling. The program will be held at the Chickasha Public Library tonight at 6:30 and at the Anadarko Community Library at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow.
Medicare Sign-Up Underway
We're seeing and hearing an enormous amount of information about the sign-up period for Medicare and open enrollment for health care coverage. Individuals who have recently turned or will soon turn 65-years old are eligible for Medicare. Ray Walker is the director of the Medicare Assistance Program with the state insurance department. He urges individuals to spend some time to review their Part D prescription drug program.
Walker said individuals don’t have to change but that it is always good to shop around. Individuals can get free help from the Medicare Assistance Program by going to the website oid.ok.gov or call 800-763-2828.
Chix Chamber Receives State Awards
The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce is getting more recognition at the state level. The organization received a number of Communication Excellence Awards at the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce Executives gala recently. The chamber picked up an award for digital media for its Tuesday Takeover program; an event marketing award for its Building a Legacy video for the chamber's 100th anniversary celebration; and another award for its campaign regarding its membership drive.
PSO Noted for Employing U.S. Military Vets
Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) has been recognized for hiring and supporting U.S. military veterans. For the fifth straight year PSO has been named a Veteran Employer Champion by the Oklahoma Veteran Alliance. The alliance also recently named PSO its Veteran Employer of the Year. Nearly 200 military vets are employed and the utility has a dedicated veteran recruiter. A prepared statement from PSO says that veterans bring character, discipline, and team building skills, they improve services to PSO customers, and make it a stronger company.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.39 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $90.13.
Natural gas is $3.01 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,001 and silver is $23.24.
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Wednesday, Oct. 25th
Former County Commissioner OK's Plea Agreement
to Charges of Spying on his Former Employees
The saga of a former Grady County commissioner came to an end this week. In a plea agreement reached with a special prosecutor, former District 1 Commissioner Mike Walker pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge related to allegations that he spied on his employees while he was in office. Walker was initially charged with multiple felony counts which included unlawful use of communication, intimidating witnesses, and conspiracy. He pleaded guilty to a count of interfering with county business. Walker was given a five-year deferred sentence, ordered to pay $400 in fines, and agreed to not run for public office during the term of his probation.
Charges first filed in 2021
Walker was initially charged with embezzlement in May of 2021 for allegedly using county resources for personal gain. But a Grady County jury found him innocent of those charges. Then in February of 2022, special prosecutor Brian Hermanson filed the spying and conspiracy charges. Here's Walker's attorney, Bret Burns-
Walker remained in office for more than a year after the embezzlement charges were filed before losing his re-election bid last year. Since then Burns said Walker has been driving trucks for a private company.
'Hero' Rescues Victims of Car Crashing into Ravine
A Caddo County man is being hailed as a hero after rescuing several people after their car crashed into a ravine and caught fire. Our partners at KWTV-News 9 reports that Cord Coffey sprang into action last Saturday when he was driving down the road near Binger. He was following a car that had to veer off the road to keep from hitting an on-coming vehicle. The car plunged down the ravine and overturned. Coffey called 9-1-1 then scrambled up-and-down the ravine four times as the car began to burn. Injured were Berdina Kodaseet, her 10-year old granddaughter Brooklyn 'Beans' Kodaseet and two unidentified men who were friends of Berdinas. Binger, Cogar, and Anadarko Fire Departments all responded to put out the fire and treat injuries which ranged from cuts to shoulder injuries but none were life-threatening. In a Facebook post, the Binger Fire Department commended Coffey for his 'selfless act of heroism.'
Grady County Residents Can Get Well Water Tested
Grady County residents who would like their well water tested to make sure it is safe can get that done next month. The Oklahoma Water Resources Center will be at the OSU Extension Office to offer help. Officials will be at the extension office on Tuesday, Nov. 7th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will also hold an informational meeting. Well water will be tested for nitrates, total dissolved solids, acidic levels, and bacteria and officials will help individuals understand and safeguard the quality of their drinking water. It's a free program and individuals can reach out to the extension office by calling 405-224-2216 to find out how to collect samples.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.74 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $88.07.
Natural gas is $2.97 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,981 and silver is $22.57.
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Tuesday, Oct. 24th
OKC Group Searches for Missing Chickasha Man
Relatives of a missing Chickasha man are still searching for answers about where he might be. Richard Houston walked away from the Life Skills Institute nearly two months ago and still has not been heard from. This past Saturday, members of the Oklahoma City Metro Search and Rescue team volunteered to search the wooded area next to Wal-Mart to try to find any clues. Five individuals and two K9s spent about three hours searching but were unable to find anything. Houston has been missing since August 31st. The investigation is now being led by the OSBI. Anyone with information on Houston can e-mail the agency at: tips@osbi.ok.gov
Suspect Arrested After Alegedly Trying to Start Bar Fight
A Texas man is facing charges that include assaulting a police officer and a nurse after it’s alleged he tried to instigate a bar fight. 41-year old Brandon Michael Davis was arrested by Chickasha police late Saturday night. Police were summoned to the un-named bar to find Davis allegedly drunk and aggressive. He threatened officers and was arrested after a brief struggle. KSWO-TV reports that Davis was taken to a hospital where it is also alleged that he tried to spit on a nurse. Prosecutors have charged Davis with a felony for assault on a medical care provider and misdemeanors for assaulting an officer and public intoxication. He remains in the Grady County Jail after his bond was set at $100,000. He's to announce his attorney Nov. 3rd and a preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled for Nov. 8th.
Civic Leader Raymond Rust Dies
Long-time Rush Springs civic leader Raymond Rust has died. Rust was 82-years old when he passed away while visiting family members in California recently. Rust was a banker, educator, businessman, and farmer. He was a long-time member of the Rush Springs Lions Club and helped with the watermelon festival and rodeo for many years. He also served for 40 years on the board of trustees for Grady Memorial Hospital and helped to open the Rush Springs Family Clinic. The clinic got started when Rust donated the property where the clinic is built. Rust is survived by his wife of more than 62 years, Merlene; daughter Renee and her husband Bert; daughter Tammy and her husband, Gary; and son Raymond, III and his wife DawnElla and their families. A funeral service for Raymond Rust will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28th at the Rush Springs High School Auditorium.
Animal Rescue Group Holds Fundraiser Today
A group that works to find forever homes for abandoned dogs and cats at the Chickasha Animal Shelter will have its annual fund-raiser today. The Chickasha Animal Rescue Transport Association (CARTA) works with national groups to help reduce the number of animals in the shelter and prevent them from being euthanized. Nancy Vaden volunteers at the shelter almost every other day.
CARTA is a non-profit group that also holds occasional low-cost spay and neuter clinics. Today’s fundraiser is a silent auction which will be held at Interurban from 5:30 to 8:30 tonight. There are numerous gift baskets donated by local merchants. Also, Interurban is also helping the animal shelter with Burger Day - where one dollar from each hamburger sold goes to the shelter for food, treats, blankets, and other items to help care for the animals.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.49 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $89.83.
Natural gas is $2.93 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,978 and silver is $23.04.
Obituaries
Wanda Rinn
A memorial service for Wanda Rinn, 92, of the Sands Springs area and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Jean Brittain
A graveside service for Jean Brittain, 82, of Shawnee, and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27th at Fairlawn Cemetery. She worked at Nowata Gardens. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Monday, Oct. 23rd
Two Fires Break Out Simultaneously on the Bailey Turnpike
High winds and dry conditions had Chickasha and Grady County firefighters battling grass fires for several hours yesterday. A couple of fires broke out just a couple of miles apart from each other along the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. One was next to the Chickasha Sports Complex which forced officials to close part of the turnpike for a couple of hours. Chickasha and Ninnekah Fire Departments battled that blaze. The other was northeast of Chickasha near the Love’s and McDonald's around mile marker 85. Chickasha, Amber, Friend, and Naples departments fought those flames for about three hours. It charred about 20 acres of grassland. No structure damage was reported in either fire. Grady County Fire Chief Rodney Gregory said it wasn’t clear how either of those fires started. The threat for wildfires will be possible again today with afternoon temperatures still warmer than normal with highs in the low-to-mid 80s and winds gusting to 25 miles per hour. It's been more than two weeks since the region has had any significant precipitation. That will change however, as rain will be moving into Oklahoma tonight with occasional showers and storms through Wednesday.
Grady County Historical Society Turns 50
2023 is a milestone year for the Grady County Historical Society and Museum. The groups are celebrating 50 years of preserving the past for the enjoyment of future generations. Pat Cunningham is the curator of the museum and has numerous stories about the thousands of photographs and artifacts on hand. Here's one about group of students who came in for a recent tour-
The historical society will have its golden anniversary gala on Monday, Nov. 6th at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Tickets are available at the museum. Get more information on the Grady County Historical Society Facebook page.
USAO Hosts Speakers on American Democracy
USAO will host a program to foster discussion about the nature and status of American democracy this week. The Ada Sipuel-Fisher Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing will host the program. It will examine themes of liberty, justice, and equality - and discuss how the U.S. transformed from a global leader in advancing civil liberties and political rights to a back-sliding democracy - and how that transformation is impacting the social contract between the government and its citizens. Arlie Hochschild and Reginald Betts will serve as keynote speakers. The program opens today and runs through Wednesday. Betts will also be the featured speaker at the Ableson Religious Reconciliation Lecture which will be held at 7 o'clock Wednesday night at the USAO Ballroom. The event is free and open to the public.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.75 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $92.16.
Natural gas is $2.90 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,988 and silver is $23.32.
Obituary
Mary Cunningham
Funeral service for Mary Cunningham, 85, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24th at the Ninnekah First Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and a long-time member of the Lucille-Bluebonnet OHCE. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
