Saturday, Dec. 9th
OHP Identifies Crash Victims
Three senior citizens, all in their 70s, were identified as those who died in that deadly crash on the H.E. Bailey turnpike Thursday afternoon. Officials say a total of nine vehicles including a semi were involved and 16 people, including three children, were in those vehicles. None of the children whose ages ranged from 2 to 15 years old were injured. Among those who died were 77-year old Bedford 'Junior' Rowland, of Altus and his wife, 76-year old Marcia. The third fatality was 74-year old Phillip Stephens of Lubbock, Texas. KOCO-TV reports that Junior was a well-known educator in southwest Oklahoma. He retired as campus director of the Southwest Technology Center. He was also a more than 45-year member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a board member of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma and earned the organization's highest recognition, the Masonic Medal of Honor.
Anadarko Police Seek Info on Fatal Shooting
An investigation into a fatal shooting is ongoing in Anadarko. Authorities say 36-year old D'Angelo Pollard was found dead Thursday night from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. A post on the department's Facebook page says they received several calls about shots being fired at a home in the 100 block of Moran Street near the Caddo County Fairgrounds about 10:15 Thursday night. Police are asking anyone who may have information to call 405-247-2211 and press Option 3. Information can also be e-mailed to APD@cityofanadarko.org
Festival of Light is Runner-up in National Light Display Poll
Chickasha's Festival of Light gets some major recognition from a national publication. The festival finished runner-up in an on-line national poll conducted by USA Today for the nation's top 10 best public holiday light displays. The top spot went to Duluth, Minnesota. The paper said that the festival is all about superlatives and calls it the granddaddy of all light shows. More than 250,000 visitors come from around the world to see the display at Shannon Springs Park. The festival is in its 31st year and is open every night through New Year’s Eve.
Energy Company Distributes Funds to Worthy Causes
A pipeline company has provided some Christmas cheer for projects in the region it serves. Midship Pipeline, partly owned by Cheniere Energy, is helping first responder groups and other charitable projects in regional counties. $8,500 was awarded to fire departments at El Reno and Calumet and another $8,500 was awarded to Canadian County Emergency Management. The company also gave $10,000 to plant trees in the new park being developed in downtown Chickasha. Other contributions were made to rural hospitals, agriculture education, and science, technology, engineering, and math programs.
Obituaries
Karen Plummer-Lee
A memorial service is pending for Karen Plummer-Lee, 83, of Chickasha. She worked at a nursing home and volunteered at the Southern Oaks Church of Christ food and clothing room. The service is pending with McRay Funeral Home.
Peggy Scott
A private memorial service is scheduled for Peggy Scott, 87, Chickasha. She worked at Gabriel for nearly 20 years. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
‘Gene’ Campbell
A memorial service for Charles 'Gene' Campbell, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22nd at Ferguson Funeral Home. He worked in the oil field for more than 50 years.
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Friday, Dec. 8th
Three Dead, Two Hospitalized After Multi-Vehicle Crash
Three people died and two others were taken to hospitals after that multi-vehicle pile-up on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike just outside Chickasha yesterday. The accident happened southwest of town in the east bound lanes near mile marker 76 about 1 p.m. Much of the highway was closed for several hours. The highway patrol has not released the names of those who died or were injured. Troopers believe the crash happened as a result of smoke from a grass fire just off the turnpike. Officials are still trying to determine what sparked that blaze.
Wind-whipped Fires Put Strain on Several Fire Stations
The turnpike fire was one of several in the region that erupted and quickly spread with the warm temperatures, high winds, and dry vegetation. Sources tell KOOL/RANCH News that crews battled as many as five fires in the Chickasha area alone yesterday. Numerous municipal and volunteer fire departments were summoned to help beat back the flames. One was near Wheeler Farms west of 29th and Idaho; another east of Ninnekah in the area of Highway 19 and Dell Street. The Amber Fire Department posted on its Facebook page that they were summoned to a structure fire north of town and called in Tuttle and Bridge Creek departments for help.
Regional School Board Filings
Some, but not all regional school districts will have school board elections early next year. Several races developed during the filing period that was held earlier this week.
Grady County
There will be school board elections for Ninnekah, Rush Springs, and Minco schools. At Ninnekah incumbent Delanie Berry drew three challengers in Damon Stephens, Mark Fulton, and Jeff Chadrick. At Rush Springs Joe Harris, Joe Jones, and Brittany McWilliams have all filed; and at Minco Paige Teel, Jared Rumley, David Brummell, and Mike Herrel have all filed.
No election will be needed for the Chickasha school district as incumbent Robyn Morse ran unopposed. At Amber-Pocasset both Tyler Lowe and Brad Hunter filed unopposed for their posts. At Verden Roxi Tallent filed unopposed; and at Tuttle, Randy Claypool filed un-opposed. At Pioneer Seth DeHart ran unopposed; at Friend Caleb McClung filed unopposed; and at Middleberg T.J. Murray filed unopposed.
Caddo County
There will be an election for the Binger-Oney school district as Gary Farrow and Cameron Stephens have filed for Office 4. In Anadarko Richard Ross and Greg Delaney filed unopposed for their school board seats; at Cement Darrell Williams filed unopposed; at Cyril Victoria Woodward filed unopposed; and at Gracemont Kathy Butler filed unopposed. At Ft. Cobb-Broxton Brent Bellamy was unopposed; at Carnegie Travis Goergen was unopposed; and at Apache Gregory Roberts was unopposed. At Lookeba-Sickles Michael Brown filed unopposed; at Hydro-Eakly Johnny Stotts filed unopposed; and for the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center Tom Haley of Binger filed unopposed.
Today is the final day for candidates to withdraw and for protests to be filed. The school board primary elections will be in February and if any run-offs are needed they will be in April.
Chix Wine and Craft Festival Tomorrow
The second annual Chickasha Wine and Craft Festival will be held tomorrow. More than 70 vendors will have arts and crafts, jewelry, woodworking, food, and of course hand-crafted wine and beer. Admission is free and it is a family-friendly event. The festival will be held at The Grady County Fairgrounds in the north exhibit building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday).
Area Christmas Celebrations
Blanchard will have its annual Christmas on Main Street event with Santa making an appearance and free rides on the city’s new train from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. There’s a children’s Christmas concert at 5 p.m. with the parade starting at 6 p.m. After the parade the City of Blanchard will issue a proclamation congratulating the Blanchard High School football team for winning the Class 4A championship last week.
Anadarko will have its Christmas Extravaganza parade tomorrow night starting at 6 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.34 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $74.05.
Natural gas is $2.59 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,045 and silver is $24.12.
Obituary
Dennis Claflin, Jr.
A come-and-go celebration of life for 76-year old Dennis Claflin, Jr. of Ninnekah will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 9th) at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and also farmed and worked in the oilfield.
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Thursday, Dec. 7th
Lamp Shade 'Incident' Leads to Salvation Army Benefit
The latest lamp shade episode in downtown Chickasha is gaining a lot of traction on social media. Developer Chet Hitt was told by city officials to take down a lamp shade on a city-owned lamp post in front of Hitt's Savoy 1902 Hotel recently. One of Hitt's favorite sayings is that he likes to turn lemons into lemonade. As a result of the ‘incident’ he's using his social media platform to promote a T-shirt drive to benefit the Salvation Army. The shirts include a depiction of The Grinch sneaking away with a lamp shade with the inscription 'The Grinch Who Stole Chickasha's Lamp Shade'. Hitt would like to sell 1,000 t-shirts. During Monday night's Chickasha City Council meeting Hitt was critical of two people on social media who are outspoken opponents of some of the work being done by the city and the Economic Development Council - Torry Wise and Dwain Sehon. Hitt said they never have anything positive to say. After Monday's meeting, Sehon took exception to that comment and told KOOL-RANCH News that he has supported many community projects.
Sehon also said he supported the bond issue to help Chickasha schools build the high school activity center with a new auditorium and fieldhouse.
High Bond set for Sexual Assault Suspect
(EDITOR'S NOTE - A previous version of this story contained erroneous information which indicated that the suspect had pleaded guilty to previous unrelated charges. We apologize for and regret the error)
A Grady County judge has set bond at $100,000 for a sexual assault suspect. 61-year old Rex Sanders, Jr. was arrested this week in connection with an assault that occurred in October. It's alleged that the attack occurred when the victim fell unconscious after drinking alcohol and eating some edible marijuana. Sanders is to announce his attorney next week and a preliminary hearing conference is set for Dec. 20th.
Fire Crews Attend Training for Oil, Gas Well Site Fires
Several Grady County and regional firefighters were able to sharpen their skills during some recent training. Crews from Amber, Friend, Pioneer, Minco, Blanchard, Bridge Creek, and Newcastle attended the training in Stillwater at the Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training program. Grady County Fire Chief Rodney Gregory said the training was hosted by Oklahoma Oil and Gas and the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB). The training focused on the different types of dangers regarding oil and gas well sites.
Chix Municipal Court Offers Food for Fines Program
Individuals who have traffic tickets or fines with the City of Chickasha will be able donate food to help pay their fines. The Municipal Court will allow individuals to get $10 off their fines for every one item donated. A maximum of $100 will be taken off their fines. They will accept canned goods including vegetables, fruit, meat and tuna; and well as canned or bagged beans, bagged or boxed rice, cereal, boxed macaroni and cheese, boxed crackers, and even a four-pack of bathroom tissue. The individuals who have the tickets or fines will have to personally deliver the items. Anyone with outstanding warrants may participate without fear of being arrested and will be set up on a payment plan if money is still owed. All the food donated will be given to the Emergency Food Pantry. Items can be dropped at the Chickasha Police Department Monday, Dec. 18th through Thursday, Dec. 21st between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.38.
London-based Brent crude is $74.30.
Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,050 and silver is $24.28.
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Wednesday, Dec. 6th
Onward Chickasha Project Continues
A project called Onward Chickasha continues asking residents to share what they think the city should look like in the future. The 18th-month project is in its fourth of six phases and officials gave an overview of the work so far at this week's city council meeting. Laura Bergey of the Guernsey Consulting firm is the project manager. She said they've just developed a Community Vision Statement-
There are 10 areas that were created for the vision statement. They include being a healthy, safe, and inviting community; a thriving and inclusive community; growth and prosperity; distinctive character; and a good quality of life. Others are parks and public spaces; high quality infrastructure and public services; economic opportunities; a premier educational system; and a fiscally responsible community. There will be another open house for the public to continue discussion about the project. That will be next Tuesday, Dec. 12th at the Canadian Valley Technology Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The inter-active program can be accessed on-line at Onward Chickasha.org.
Remains of Soldier who Died at Pearl Harbor
to be Buried in Carnegie on Attack's Anniversary
The remains of an Oklahoma soldier who died at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 have returned home. Private First Class Robert Taylor will be buried in the Carnegie cemetery tomorrow. His remains were identified through DNA provided by his nephew, William Biggers. Biggers tells KSWO-TV that he was asked to provide DNA eight years ago to see if it may match any of the remains of those who died. Biggers was notified two years ago of the match to his uncle. PFC Taylor was aboard the USS Oklahoma and had just turned 23 years old a couple of weeks before the attack. PFC Taylor will be laid to rest tomorrow on the 82nd anniversary of the attack which killed 2,403 U.S. personnel (including 68 civilians) and destroyed or damaged 19 U.S. Navy ships which included eight battleships.
Kidnapping Suspect Jailed
A Blanchard man is accused of kidnapping and beating his girlfriend. 45-year old Russell Allen Poindexter was arrested early Monday morning. A probable cause affidavit shows that Grady County deputies and the highway patrol were with a domestic assault victim in a pickup on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike near mile marker 92 late Sunday night. It’s alleged Poindexter told the woman to get in the floorboard in the back seat of the pickup and be quiet. But she made herself visible and asked deputies to call an ambulance. She suffered facial injuries and had a bruised neck and said Poindexter threatened to kill her. The woman was taken to the hospital and Poindexter was taken to the Grady County Jail. He's been charged with kidnapping and domestic assault and battery by strangulation and remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.
Sexual Assault Suspect Behind Bars
A Grady County man is facing up to 10 years behind bars in connection with an alleged sexual assault against an unconscious victim. An arrest warrant was issued for 61-year old Rex Sanders, Jr. of Rush Springs last Friday and sheriff’s deputies picked him up yesterday. Court documents indicate that the assault occurred in October of this year after the victim consumed alcohol and a marijuana edible. Sanders remains in jail and bond has not yet been set.
Some School Board, Town Council Filings to-date
Today is the final day for candidates to file to run for some school board and town council posts. Some of the filings include:
Grady County
Chickasha School Board - Robyn Morse for Office 4
Alex School Board - Kelby Ketchum for Office 4
Amber-Pocasset School Board - Tyler Lowe for Office 2 and Brad Hunter for Office 4
Friend School Board - Caleb McClung for Office 1
Middleberg School Board - T.J. Murray for Office 1
Pioneer School Board - Seth DeHart for Office 1
Minco School Board - Mike Herrel and Jared Rumley for Office 4
Rush Springs School Board - Joe Harris for Office 4
Verden School Board - Roxi Tallent for Office No. 4
Caddo County
Anadarko School Board - Richard Ross for Office 3 and Greg Delaney for Office 4
Candidates have until five o'clock this afternoon to file their declarations of candidacy at the county election board offices where their districts are located.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.32 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.20.
Natural gas is $2.71 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,038 and silver is $24.47.
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Tuesday, Dec. 5th
Should Council Reps Vacate Seats
for Missing Too Many Meetings?
Two Chickasha city councilmen are being criticized for their lack of attendance at council meetings. Kelly Boyd and Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander have missed a lot of meetings over the past year. Business owner Tim Elliott says the City Charter indicates that representatives should attend at least 75 percent of regularly scheduled meetings during a 12-month period. Boyd has only attended 64 percent and Ashanti-Alexander only 68 percent. The charter calls for the seats to be automatically vacated. Ashanti-Alexander says he’s being targeted and feels his family is in danger.
Elliott said he wasn’t attacking anybody and that his concern is that Ashanti-Alexander and Boyd are not satisfactorily doing the jobs they were elected to do. Mayor Chris Mosley cited an attorney general's opinion which says the accused incumbent office holder must be afforded due process before a decision is made. He said the issue would have to part of a future council meeting with discussion in an open session before any action could be taken.
Downtown Lamp Shade Draws More Discussion
There was more discussion about a lamp shade placed on a city-owned lamp post just before Thanksgiving. City Manager Keith Johnson said he initially didn't think there was a problem since business owners put Hallowe’en decorations on the lamp posts.
Developer Chet Hitt said he put up the lamp shade but was not coerced by anyone to do it. During last night's meeting Hitt he said the city council should let the city manager do his job.
Hitt said it’s no secret that the Leg Lamp is the reason he is investing in the community. He said the video he posted after taking the lamp shade down has received 70,000 views and an overwhelming number of people liked it.
Council OKs Purchase of Building for New Fire Station
The city council did authorize the purchase of the former Chief Fire and Safety building last night. The panel approved spending $995,000 for the buildings owned by Banner Fire Department. The site will be used for a new fire station and by the Chickasha Police Department. The city does not bear the entire cost of the property. The city manager said Grady County EMS will reimburse the city $500,000.
Purchase of new fire trucks delayed
The panel tabled action on the purchase of two new firetrucks, saying they need to discuss financing the more than $2.5 million cost for those vehicles.
Council OKs Demolition of Nuisance Property
The council did authorize the demolition of some public nuisance property at 616 Pennsylvania Avenue. The property owner asked for six more months to bring the dilapidated buildings up to code. But the council sided with Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Rachel Bernish who said that the site had become detrimental to the health, benefit, and welfare of the public, it created a fire hazard, and that it was dangerous to other property.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.04 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.03.
Natural gas is $2.69 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,043 and silver is $24.73.
Obituary
Carolyn Hixon
A graveside service for Carolyn Hixon, 82, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7th at Fairlawn Cemetery. She worked for the Chickasha Mattress Factory for nearly 35 years. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Monday, Dec. 4th
City of Chix Plans for Third Fire Station
The Chickasha City Council will consider purchasing a building that is expected to be a third fire station for the community. The panel will consider purchasing the former Chief Fire and Safety Building for just under $1 million when the panel meets tonight. The council gave City Manager Keith Johnson approval to negotiate a purchase price for the site a few weeks ago. The proposal is to buy the building at 927 S. 4th Street from Banner Fire Equipment for $995,000.
Firetruck purchases proposed
The council is also to consider purchasing two new fire trucks. One is a 100-foot aerial truck for nearly $1.7 million and the other is an engine/pumper truck for more than $882,000. Both units are from Heartland Fire Trucks.
Public hearing set for nuisance property
The council will also hold a public hearing regarding dilapidated buildings at 616 Pennsylvania Ave. City officials have been working with property owners for more than year to get the property within city codes. The hearing will be held to determine if the site has become detrimental to the health, benefit, and welfare of the community.
Downtown grant proposal set for discussion
Also to be considered is a proposal to extend the city's central business building-grant rules. The proposal would allow current and past grant recipients to submit past projects that might be eligible under new rules recently adopted by the council. There will also be an update concerning the Onward Chickasha long-range comprehensive plan project, and the city's new Assistant Police Chief Daimon Alexander will take his oath of office. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall. The meeting will be televised on Optimum Cable Channel 3.
Lifeskills Institute Opens Women's Shelter
Officials with Life Skills Institute held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new women's shelter over the weekend. Alicia Haan will lead the women's program which will be a little different from the men’s program.
The shelter was dedicated to Kent and Julie Hibbard who created the Resurrection House more than 30 years ago.
Filing Period Opens For School Board, Town Council Posts
The filing period for numerous school board posts and town council offices is underway. It's a three-day filing period which runs through Wednesday with elections to be held in early 2024. Candidates will file at the county election board office where their district is located.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.07.
London-based Brent crude is $78.88.
Natural gas is $2.81 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,087 and silver is $25.52.
Obituaries
Ola Mae Morrison
Funeral service for Ola Mae Morrison, 84, of Amber will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5th at the First Baptist Church of Amber. She and her husband Ken ran Ken's Steak House for many years. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Karin Boltz
No service is scheduled for Karin Boltz, 84, of Cody, Wyoming. She was an accomplished violinist, played in the Powell, Wyoming Orchestra and was a member of the Wyoming Fiddlers Association. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Kenard Swearingen, Jr.
Funeral service for Kenard Swearingen, Jr., 19, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Larry Middleton
Funeral service for Larry Middleton, 66, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
