Saturday, Nov. 11th
Tom Cole Critical of Sell-off of U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves
4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) says the Biden Administration's selling off much of the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserves has significantly reduced energy production in the U.S. In his recent media column Cole says the administration sold off more than 40 percent of the reserves at a time when China and Iran are increasing their oil production. Cole says America's emergency oil supplies are at their lowest levels in 40 years. And with war breaking out in the Middle East he said that presents a unique threat to not only the U.S. but also allies like Israel and others around the world. Cole recalled how another Middle East war in the 1970s led to an embargo of oil coming to the U.S. from Arab members of OPEC. Cole said the decision to sell the reserves was done for political expedience rather than meaningful effect and it did not have any effect on energy prices.
Walk to Benefit Local Residents Battling Lou Gehrig's Disease
Several Chickasha families who have lost loved ones to Lou Gehrig's Disease or who are currently fighting the illness have united to raise awareness of the affliction. Lou Gehrig's Disease is the common name for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It's a progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain that send signals to muscles throughout the body, eventually rendering them useless but it does not affect the brain. There is no cure and victims can suffer for years. One of the most notable persons to suffer from ALS was Dr. Stephen Hawking, who lived more than 50 years before his death in 2018 at the age of 76. Kenny Howell and Dwight Sehon are among those who have formed a local Walk for the Cure this weekend. The group has sold more than 150 t-shirts to raise funds which will help Merita and Dennis Beatty as Dennis is now fighting a battle with ALS. The fundraiser is tomorrow at 2 o'clock starting at the Century 21/Mosley Insurance office at 428 West Grand Avenue and there are a one mile, two mile, and three-mile walks mapped out. Howell says they are not yet a 501 (c) 3 non-profit group but they will begin work on that after the first of the year. You can follow the group on Facebook - ALS: Walk for the Cure.
Veterans Day Ceremonies Set
Today is Veterans Day, a national holiday set aside to honor men and women serving in the armed forces and paying tribute to those who lost their lives while serving in the military. The day was first noted at the end of World War I as Armistice Day which went into effect in the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918. Veterans Day ceremonies are being held nationwide. The Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee held a program at the Grady County Veteran's Memorial in Chickasha's Shannon Springs Park and the City of Blanchard held a veterans day parade.
Obituary
Marilyn Johnson
Funeral service for Marilyn Johnson, 97, of Lawton will be at held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13th at McRay Funeral Home. She and her husband owned and operated an interior decorating shop in Lawton and a nursing home in Temple.
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Friday, Nov. 10th
Charges Filed in Connection with Deaths of Mom, Unborn Child
It was nearly three years ago that two small children found their mother's lifeless body in the family's Chickasha apartment. The body of 37-year old Ashley Cannon was found Nov. 30th of 2020. Her throat had been cut. Ashley's unborn child that was due within a few weeks also died. This week, Grady County prosecutors filed two murder charges against a Lawton couple in connection with the deaths. 37-year old Kenneth Johnson was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His wife, 39-year old Katrina Johnson, was charged with accessory to murder. District Attorney Jason Hicks credits the persistence of all the agencies involved with the investigation.
Kenneth Johnson was originally a person of interest in connection with the deaths but was not arrested after telling investigators he had an alibi. The OSBI was called in to help out and about three months ago turned evidence over to Hicks’ office for review. Kenneth Johnson is currently behind bars in the Lawton Correctional Facility serving time on unrelated charges. Katrina Johnston was arrested in Oklahoma City by a fugitive task force. Hicks said he will pursue the death penalty in both cases.
Caddo County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Crimes
A Cyril man pleads guilty to more than a dozen felony counts of child rape and sexual assault. 33-year old Jeffery Reginald Moyer waived his right to a jury trial and pleaded guilty in Caddo County District Court this week. Caddo County authorities arrested Moyer in August of last year. He was accused of raping and molesting a child for six years starting when the child was only five years old. District Judge Kory Kirkland sentenced Moyer to 25 years in prison to be followed by 25 years’ probation.
Anadarko's City Manager to Return to Lawton
Anadarko's city manager is leaving. Richard Rogalski was named executive director of the Lawton Economic Development Authority yesterday (LEDA). Rogalski spent about a year and half as city manager. He is returning to Lawton where he previously worked in economic development and also served as deputy city manager until retiring in the spring of 2022. The LEDA is a division of the City of Lawton, and Rogalski will also work with the Lawton Economic Development Corporation. The two entities will share in the payment of his $140,000 annual salary. The Lawton Constitution reports that Rogalski will remain in Anadarko for 30 days however he will be available to complete some of the projects he started.
Veterans Day Ceremonies Set
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. There will be numerous programs around the area, the state, and the nation to honor the men and women who gave their lives to protect America's freedoms - and also those who are currently serving or have served in the armed forces. Among the ceremonies will be one at the Grady County Veterans Memorial in Chickasha’s Shannon Springs Park. The Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee will host the program at 11:00 a.m. Guest speaker is Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess. Following the program veterans and their guests will be served lunch at the Chickasha Elks Lodge. Blanchard will have a Veterans Day program starting at 9:30 a.m. downtown with music from the Andrews Sisters which will be followed by a parade at 10:30 a.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.74 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $80.01.
Natural gas is $3.04 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,957 and silver is $22.61.
Obituary
Lola ‘Aileene’ McGill
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date for Aileene McGill, 86, of Chickasha. She and her husband Charley were long-time Realtors. Viewing will be through Sunday, Nov. 12th at Sevier Funeral Home.
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Thursday, Nov. 9th
Minco Voters to Decide School Bond Proposal
There have been a lot of improvements made in the Minco school district in recent years. School officials are hoping to use that momentum to make even more upgrades should voters approve a special bond election next week. Voters will decide a more than $22 million bond issue. Superintendent Kevin Sims says the bonds will be used to build a new football complex with an eight-lane track and a new fieldhouse for the football and track programs.
School officials have held a number of community meetings in recent weeks to discuss the proposal. It is a 16-year bond proposal and Sims said property taxes would increase about 4 percent should it pass. The issue will be decided next Tuesday, Nov. 14th. Voters can cast ballots early as in-person, absentee voting can be done at the Grady County Election Board in Chickasha today and tomorrow.
Alpaca Blast-Off Returns to Grady County Fairgrounds
One of the most unique events held at the Grady County Fairgrounds each year takes place this weekend. Alpaca producers from several states will take part in what's called the Alpaca Blast-Off which is hosted by Alpacas of Oklahoma. President Debbie Ashley discusses some of the events that will take place.
There is also a youth division where the animals maneuver around an obstacle course, and there's also a costume contest where the kids and their alpacas are dressed up. Nearly 60 alpaca producers are bringing about 200 animals to the event. It will run Saturday and Sunday starting at 9:00 a.m. both days and there's no cost for those who would like to watch the events.
Darko Library Hosts Program for Dementia Patient Caregivers
Caring for patients who have dementia can be emotionally and physically challenging. The Anadarko Community Library will host a program to offer support and provide resources and guidance to caregivers. The library and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes will host Dr. Thomas Teasdale who is one of the co-principal investigators with the Oklahoma Dementia Care Network. He'll discuss his insights on dementia care and the latest advances in the field. The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes will demonstrate the impact that music has on memory and discuss music’s potential as a source of solace and connection for dementia patients. It's a free, hour-long program at the Anadarko Library next Tuesday, Nov. 14th beginning at 5:30 p.m. The program is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Grant and the state Department of Libraries.
'Christmas Town' Prepares for Season
The City of Chickasha is preparing to return to its Christmas Town designation. The Festival of Light opens Nov. 18th and crews have been working the last couple of days erecting the large downtown Christmas tree downtown which this year is at the corner of 6th and Chickasha Avenue. Plus the Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the lighted Christmas parade the night of Dec. 2nd. Another holiday tradition is The Christmas Tour of Homes. Locations this year are the home of Matt and Christina Wray; the home of Robert and Stacy Arthur; St. Luke's Church; the USAO president's house; and the Resurrection House and Life Skills Institute. The Tour of Homes will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2nd. Tickets are $15 with all proceeds benefitting the Resurrection House. Ticket outlets include Jay's Jewelry; the Okie Mountain Trading Company; First National Bank; the Mosley Insurance Agency; Kendall's Flowers; Liberty National Bank; Creme de la Creme; Hairy's Hair Salon; and Casbah Hair Salon.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.33 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.55.
Natural gas is $3.11 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,951 and silver is $22.56.
Obituary
Rita Hughes
A graveside service for Rita Hughes, 76, of Edmond and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13th in the Alex Cemetery. She was a loan officer at what was once Superior Bank which is now Arvest Bank. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, Nov. 8th
Chix Officials May Consider Closing Public Pool
The City of Chickasha has spent a lot of money making repairs to the municipal swimming pool at Shannon Springs Park over the last few years. Is it time to think about permanently closing it? The city recently commissioned a study of the pool and it showed there are several problems which will need to be dealt if the pool is to open next summer. City Manager Keith Johnson told the city council this week officials will need to take a hard look at the issues and decide what to do.
The pool is about 40-years old. Johnson said details of the study will be presented to the city council in a future meeting.
Chix Public School Foundation Issues Grants
Chickasha public school students will benefit from thousands of dollars in grants that were recently awarded by the Chickasha Public School Foundation. The Foundation was able to fund 38 of the 43 requests, and awarded $47,000 in grants out the $60,000 in total grants sought. Grant totals were nearly $16,000 at the high school; nearly $15,000 at Grand Elementary; more than $7,000 at the Middle School; Nearly $3,400 at Lincoln School; and nearly $2,200 at the Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center. The band program which impacts three schools received a grant of nearly $3,100. Foundation director Gab Shepard said the foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants in the 37-year history of the organization.
Chix Schools JOM Marks Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month which is held to celebrate and commemorate the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. There is a program in some Oklahoma public schools called the Johnson O'Malley program which is commonly called JOM. Funding is made possible by the Choctaw Nation though it is for students or parents who are members of any federally-recognized tribes. The Chickasha schools JOM program will hold at Indian Taco fundraiser today with the help of the Masonic Lodge. It will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge at 112 ½ S. 6th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.37 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.61.
Natural gas is $3.14 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,969 and silver is $22.42.
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Tuesday, November 7th
Operation Greenlight Underway
A week-long national program to honor and support military veterans is getting its first recognition in Grady County. It's called Operation Greenlight. A formal ceremony was held on the steps of the Grady County Courthouse yesterday. In addition to honoring veterans the campaign is also to raise awareness of the challenges that some veterans face, especially those who have been in combat. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess said not all veterans received the respect they deserved when they came home, and tells the meaning of the green light.
Another speaker was Tommy Howell with the Disabled American Veterans. He said that every 22 seconds a military veteran dies from suicide. He encouraged veterans and those who know a veteran who may need help to reach out for assistance through the DAV, American Legion, or Veterans of Foreign Wars groups. The Grady County Courthouse is being illuminated at night with green lights in support of the program this week. The City of Chickasha is also supporting Operation Greenlight as Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley issued a proclamation designating this week as Operation Greenlight week during last night’s city council meeting.
Chix Man Says City Gov't Not Doing Enough for Residents
A Chickasha businessman wants the City of Chickasha to do more for its residents. Charlie Burruss addressed the city council last night saying smaller towns in the region are doing more for their communities.
Burruss said it seems citizens concerns aren't being addressed because there is a thick layer of insulation between the citizens and the city's decision makers.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.82 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.18.
Natural gas is $3.26 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,972 and silver is $22.72.
Obituaries
Gary Goforth
A graveside service for Gary Goforth, 54, of Chickasha will be held at 11 o’clock Wednesday, Nov. 8th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was the chief engineer for Hampton Inn. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Joseph Cocheran
A memorial service for Joseph Cocheran, 75, of Pocasset will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11th in the Pocasset Cemetery. He was a truck driver and a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Monday, Nov. 6th
'Operation Greenlight' for Military Veterans Begins
You may be seeing a lot of green lights glowing on some county and municipal buildings over the next few days. It's called Operation Greenlight which is a national promotion for county and municipal governments to shine green lights in support of veterans and raise awareness of challenges they face. There will be a ceremony on the steps of the Grady County Courthouse this afternoon with Sheriff Gary Boggess serving as the guest speaker. The public is invited to the program which will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The courthouse will be closed during the ceremony. Tonight, the Chickasha City Council is expected to issue a proclamation supporting Operation Greenlight. Businesses and households are also encouraged to participate by shining a single green light throughout the week.
Veterans Day programs will be held Saturday
Veterans Day is this coming Saturday, Nov. 11th and there will be ceremonies and activities to honor those who served and those who died while serving in the Armed Forces. The Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee will hold its annual ceremony at the Grady County Veterans Memorial in Chickasha's Shannon Springs Park. It will get underway at 11 o'clock and Sheriff Boggess will also serve as the guest speaker for that event. The City of Blanchard will have its annual Veterans Day Parade Saturday. The Andrews Sisters will perform at 9:30 a.m. downtown with the parade to start at 10:30.
Chix Airport Project Payment to be Discussed
The Chickasha City Council is expected to authorize a more than $250,000 payment for improvements being made at the airport when the panel meets tonight. It's the second payment to Tri-City Seal Company for its work on rehabilitating the runway and taxi-ways.
Central Business District Grants to be considered
The council is also to consider awarding some Central Business District grant re-imbursements to a couple of downtown business owners. A grant of more than $65,000 is being sought by Weston DePriest at 406 Chickasha Avenue for renovation work done for The 5th Street Boutique; and a grant of more than $25,000 is being sought by Alex Warnes with GPP Development at 301 Chickasha Avenue for renovations done for the Wild Ox Axe Throwing venue. Both grants are being recommended for approval by the Chickasha Economic Development Council.
Library's 'Food for Fines' for December expected to be approved
The council is also expected to approve a proposal by the library to again offer a Food for Fines program for the month of December, to allow patrons to donate food in place of paying fines for overdue materials. The food will be donated to local food pantries.
Festival of Light to Offer 'Sneak Peek' Before Opening
We're less than two weeks away from the opening of the Festival of Light (FOL). Director Logan Lassley said 4 1/2 million lights will shine in Shannon Springs Park this year. This is the 31st year for the festival and the official opening date is Saturday, Nov. 18th. Lassley said they will have a 'sneak-peek' on Friday, the 17th however, it won't be for drive-through traffic.
The ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, carousel, and carriage rides are all back. The festival will open at 6 p.m. nightly Nov. 18th through Dec. 31st. Shuttles will be available from downtown Chickasha Friday and Saturday nights only beginning Dec. 1st through Dec. 23rd.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.51 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.89.
Natural gas is $3.52 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,994 and silver is $23.31.
Obituary
Karen Sue Jennings
A graveside service for Karen Sue Jennings, 65, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7th at Rose Hill Cemetery. She worked at Maremont/Gabriel and also was a Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir at Grand Assembly of God Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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