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Mollman Media News Archives for 2018-08

2018, Aug. 23rd-25th

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In “Getting to know your Chickasha Fire Department” wemeet Firefighter Dallas Smith. . Click Here To Hear the Story!

 

 

Saturday, Aug. 25th

 

Suspect(s) Sought in Blanchard Break-in

Authorities are continuing to gather evidence in connection with the break-in of a home near Blanchard. It happened near the Winter Creek Golf Course just after 1 o'clock Friday afternoon. Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir says a search for the suspect or suspects began shortly thereafter. It's believed the suspects may have been able to avoid being caught, as there have been no arrest over night that appear to be related to the burglary. Weir said a man checking on some rental property saw a suspicious vehicle in the driveway. When he went to check the house, he heard some movement inside. A neighbor stopped by, and was able to block the suspicious pickup from leaving the yard. Investigators followed footprints to a nearby creek and the highway patrol brought in a plane to help with an aerial search. Weir said there were no descriptions available of the suspect or suspects. The sheriff said the pickup that was left behind had not been registered for two years, and that it might be difficult to find the owner. If you have information that can help find the suspects, call the Grady County Sheriff's office, or Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also give anonymous tips on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.

 

Oilfield Worker Injured

An oilfield worker was airlifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after falling at a location near Alex yesterday. The unidentified 70-year old man fell about 15 feet. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said the extent of the man's injuries were not known, but he was flown to an Oklahoma City hospital. The accident happened a couple of miles south of Alex near CR 1470 and CS 2910.

 

School-Zone Speeder Results in Drug Arrests

A car going too fast in a school zone leads police to arrest two people with prescription drugs and marijuana. It happened early Wednesday morning when a Chickasha police officer's radar indicated a car was going 32 miles per hour in a 20-mile per hour school zone near the middle school. Police say they found baggies filled with a number of Xanax pills, methamphetamine, and about 85 grams of marijuana in the car. 24-year old Devin Ray Robnett of Chickasha, and 18-year old Lorena Ward of Piedmont were taken into custody. Both face a felony charge of drug possession with intent to distribute, and a misdemeanor charge of having drug paraphernalia. Ward is out of jail after posting $20,000 bond. Robnett remains in jail with his bond also at $20,000.

 

Landrie Turner Family, Friends Keep Her Memory Alive

It's an emotional time at the Grady County Fair for the Grant and Tiffany Turner family of Amber. It’s their first fair without their 8-year old daughter, Landrie, who died in an ATV accident at their home this past April. Landrie loved animals, and was already experienced in the show ring. She had shown at the spring livestock show, and would have been showing at this week's fair. To help keep Landrie's memory alive, the Turner family and friends got together to do something special. During the cake auction at the fair Thursday night, the group combined to pay $1,000 for one of the items - with all that money going back to the county fair in Landrie's honor. Landrie would have been nine years old yesterday.

 

Grady County Fair Ends Today

The fair wraps up today, with the poultry, rabbit, beef, and dairy shows. There's a 4H tractor driving contest which includes a written test, an FFA Ag Olympics, and a kiddie pedal-tractor pull. The carnival will be open all day, and live music under the big-top tonight is with Austin, Texas-based The T.J. Wicks Band.

 

DOXA Extreme Rodeo Continues

Also this weekend, the huge DOXA extreme rodeo continues in Alex. It's held at the 400-acre Winter Creek Farms, where Robert Williams hosts the event for the third straight year, boasting 50 events in five arenas in a five-day period. Today there's team roping, DOXA extreme pasture roping, youth bareback and barrel racing, and Cord McCoy's ranch rodeo. There's a running with the bulls event, with the L.J. Jenkins bull riding event and the bull fighting finals tonight. The event runs through Sunday.

 

Friday Night High School Football Scores

Minco 27, Wynnewood 14

Konawa 26, Rush Springs 20

Anadarko 30, Harrah 7

Plainvew 26, Elgin 9

Seiling 51, Carnegie 20

MVG 58, Canton 50

Bray-Doyle 36, Maysville 28

Pauls Valley 19, Lindsay 18

 

 

Friday, August 24th

 

Antique Guns Stolen from Military Veteran's Home

A Vietnam veteran says his collection of about 30 antique guns was recently stolen from his home. Michael Dickenson says the theft occurred when he was away from his Grady County ranch when the guns were taken last Thursday or Friday. A friend had called Dickenson to let him know that someone broke into his house. The guns aren't the only things missing. Dickenson says the ammunition to the guns was also taken along with a lot of his Marine Corps records, including his honorable discharge papers. Dickenson tells KFOR-TV that he's worried that one of his guns might be used in a crime, or that the thief or thieves could return and use one of the weapons on him. Dickenson told investigators he doesn't think it was a random theft. Dickenson is offering a $1,000 reward for information that helps lead to the arrests of those responsible. Anonymous tips can also be given to the Grady County Crimestoppers by calling 405-224-TIPS, or by leaving an anonymous tip on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.

 

Grady County Fair Continues

Hundreds of people spent part of their Thursday to take in the opening day of the Grady County Fair. Many head to the Grady County Fairgrounds each year to catch up with long-time friends and acquaintances whom they only see at the fair. Scheduled activities today include the swine show at 6 p.m. Live music under the big top will be the Southwind Band, a western swing band based in Oklahoma which has a sound similar to Asleep at the Wheel. Tonight's the final night for armband night for the carnival, and the carnival will open at noon tomorrow. Saturday events include the poultry and rabbit shows, beef and dairy shows, the OHCE pet show, the 4H tractor driving contest, and FFA Ag Olympics. Live music tomorrow night is the T-J Wicks Band. Wicks is a former student of local musician Joe Settlemires.

 

DOXA Extreme Rodeo Continues Near Alex

Some of the country's top cowboys and cowgirls are competing at the Doxa Extreme Rodeo underway at Winter Creek Farms in Alex. It’s 50 events in five arenas over five days at the sprawling 400-acre ranch. Today, there's the yearling bull futurity, team roping, calf roping, break-away roping, and barrel race exhibitions. Tonight’s feature is free-style bull fights. There are a number of youth rodeo events as well. The rodeo runs through Saturday. Visit the following website for more information: www.doxarodeo.com

 

In Person, Absentee Voting Continues

Early voting is available again today ahead of next Tuesday's primary run-off election. Voters can cast ballots at their county election board offices until 6 p.m. today, or from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow. Regular precincts will be open all day on Tuesday. Voters will need to show their voter registration card or a valid Oklahoma identification.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Next Friday, August 31st is International Prescription Drug Overdose Awareness Day. Jenna Cansler with Red Rock Behavioral Health Services is this week’s guest on our KOOL Konversation to discuss the issue. Also, fall and winter programs and other benefits with the Chickasha Area YMCA will discussed on Real Estate Today with John Mosley. We have links to both programs elsewhere on this website. Find them under the Community tab.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down slightly to $67.83 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was off a nickel to $74.73.

Natural gas was up a bit to $2.96 per million BTUs.

Metals are higher. Gold is $1,197 and silver is $14.71

 

 

Thursday, Aug. 23rd

 

Consumer Spending Reaches Record High in Grady County

Consumer spending in Grady County may have reached an all-time high. If sales tax revenue numbers are correct, spending topped $131 million in May. The previous best month for consumer spending was last December, estimated at $105 million. Consumer spending for May was up 29 percent compared to the previous month, and more than double from May of a year ago. We estimate consumer spending when we see the sales revenues paid to the county from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. For the month of July, the county received a record $985,000 in sales tax revenue. We combine that number with the sales tax rate at the county level - which is just three-quarters of a penny – to estimate consumer spending. The county sales tax revenue is distributed to several areas, all of which were approved by county voters. The fairgrounds receives $329,000; Grady Memorial Hospital, $291,000; 20 fire districts share in $164,000 - so each one receives about $8,000; 7 senior nutrition centers share in $164,000 - so each one receives more than $23,000. Tuttle Emergency Medical Services receives $30,000; and Rush Springs EMS receives $7,500.

 

Grady County Fair Underway

It's opening day at the Grady County Fair. The doors swing open at 10 o'clock this morning, as many of the more than 125 commercial vendors have already set up their booth displays. All the still exhibits have been judged and those items can be seen today.  All the cakes for the cake auction need to be in between noon and 2:30 in the north exhibit building, with the cake judging about 3 o'clock, and cake auction just after 7 o'clock. The first of the livestock shows is at 1 o'clock with the goat show, followed by the sheep show at 4. The carnival opens at 6 p.m. with tonight and tomorrow being armband nights. The grand opening of the fair will be at 7 p.m., with fair honorees Myrtle Elston and Mark Rathe to be recognized. Live music under the outdoor tent tonight features Tim Brauer and First Look. The fair runs through Saturday.

 

Early Voting Starts Ahead of Primary Run-off Election

Early voting is underway ahead of next Tuesday's primary run-off election. In-person, absentee voting is available at county election boards over the next few days. The ballots are highlighted by Republican run-offs for governor, Lt. Governor, attorney general and labor commissioner. There are a couple of Grady County races. Republicans in District 1 and Democrats in District 3 will elect county commissioners. In District 1, incumbent Windle Hardy faces Michael Walker. In District 3, incumbent Ralph Beard faces Lee Dorman. Also, all Ninnekah school district patrons will decide a couple of special bond issues which total $550,000. In-person, absentee voting is available until 6 o'clock tonight, then from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Two File for Bridge Creek Fire Protection District Board

Two candidates have filed for separate offices with the Bridge Fire Protection District board of trustees. Christina McCune has filed for a full term in Office No. 5 and Jeffrey Wellman has filed for a one-year unexpired term for Office No. 1. The filing period runs through Friday and candidates must file at the Grady County  Election Board.

 

Region Has New Manufacturing Alliance Rep

The manufacturing sector in central and southwest Oklahoma has a new contact to help their operations. Scott Smith is the region's new representative for the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. Smith will serve the Grady and Canadian County regions and will have an office at the El Reno campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center. Smith is from Blanchard and previously worked as the manager for government and economic development partnerships for the state department of career tech. He also worked for 20 years in the manufacturing industry. Smith will partner  with CV Tech's Business and Industry Service division to assist companies in the region.

 

FFA Students to Perform at National Convention

A Chickasha FFA student has been selected to be part of a special program in Indiana this fall. Clay Grossnicklaus is the reporter for the group.

 

                

 

Another local FFA student, Eli Hargus of Ninnekah, was selected to sing in the National FFA Choir at the Indianapolis Convention.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX up for the 5th straight day, to $67.86 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude climbs to $74.78.

Natural gas slips to $2.95 per million BTUs.

Metals were lower. Gold is $1,188 and silver is $14.64.

 

 

Wednesday, Aug. 22nd

 

State Auditor to Address Grady County Excise Board

Oklahoma State Auditor Gary Jones will be in Chickasha next month discussing his office's role in reviewing county records. The visit was scheduled in light of  the discovery that Grady County elected officials were overpaid. Jones was asked to explain how audits at the county level work. District Attorney Jason Hicks asked Jones to attend the next Grady County Excise Board meeting to provide an explanation. During a special meeting of the county excise board yesterday,  the panel set aside an additional $20,000 to pay for a detailed state audit of county books. That’s over and above what the panel normally budgets for a typical state audit. Officials hope to try and determine how the salaries of elected officials were miscalculated. Jones is scheduled to be at the Sept. 5th excise board meeting.

 

Turnpike Motorcycle Race Tops 125 MPH

Two motorcycles were caught racing at speeds topping 125 miles an hour on the  H.E. Bailey Turnpike Monday afternoon. Trooper Patrick Surber says he spotted the motorcyles on crotch rockets headed westbound near Mile Marker 94, about two miles west of the Chickasha toll gate. One of the men pulled over, but the other kept racing down the highway, then turned west at Mile Marker 83 and sped through downtown Chickasha. Other troopers who joined the pursuit ended the chase because of the dangerous speeds through the city. The second bike rider was last seen heading north on U.S. Highway 81. Surber said the man he pulled over had just gotten his motorcycle out of impound earlier in the day. He was identified as 21-year old Joshua Benton from the Tulsa area, who said he didn't know the other individual and that they just started racing. Benton was ticketed for reckless driving and for not having a motorcycle endorsement. He did not go to jail. Surber is asking anyone who may have information about the other rider to contact the highway patrol. The bike he was riding is described as a lime green crotch-rocket style motorcycle. He was wearing a black helmet and had curly hair and is believed to be Caucasian.

 

Grady County DAV Hosts Tommy Franks Traveling Museum

It's a big day at the Grady County DAV office. The Tommy Franks traveling museum will be on location and open to the public today. The traveling museum is part of Frank’s larger museum and leadership institute based in Hobart. The retired four-star Army general was the commander leading American and coalition troops during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. The DAV mobile office will be on hand to help any and all veterans with claims and benefits, and the Patriot Guard Riders will be on hand, too. That's all going on from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. today at the Grady County DAV office in downtown Chickasha.

 

Volunteer Group Aids Kids in DHS Custody

There is a local group that provides support for children who are taken from their homes due to abuse or neglect. It's called Court Appointed Special Advocates - or CASA for short. Debbie Stamper is the Grady County coordinator for the program. She tells how this nationwide program got started.

 

               

 

It's a volunteer program where individuals meet with the children at least on a monthly basis, to make sure their needs are being met by DHS and the court system. One of the annual fundraisers for the Grady County CASA group is the giveaway of a children's playhouse at the Grady County Fair. For information, contact the local CASA office by calling 405-224-0404, or visit the website: www.casav4c.org

 

Bridge Creek Fire Protection Board Filings Begin

The filing period opens today for individuals who may want to serve on the Bridge Creek Fire Protection District Board of Trustees. There are two offices open on the panel. A five-year term is open for Position No. 5 and a one year unexpired term is available for Position No. 1. Candidates will need to file at the Grady County Election Board over the next three days. If an election is needed, it will be held later this fall.

 

Deadline Looms for Producers Considering NAP Coverage

Small grain producers have just a few more days to decide if they want to purchase what's known as NAP coverage for their crops. Mark Jackson says wheat pasture insurance needs to be in place before planting starts next month. Jackson explains the Non-insured Assistance Program.

 

                

 

Next Friday, Aug. 31st is the deadline to purchase NAP insurance for cool-season grasses that are used for grazing.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $67.35 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is up to $72.63.

Natural gas is up to $2.98 per million BTUs.

Gold is up to $1,203 and silver is down slightly to $14.78.

 

 

Tuesday, Aug. 21st

 

Oscar Nelson Sworn In as New Chix City Councilman

There's a new face on the Chickasha City Council. Oscar Nelson took the oath of office during last night's council meeting. The council approved Nelson’s appointment as recommended by Mayor Chris Mosley. Nelson will fill the final few months remaining on the term for the Ward 3 office after the resignation of Cody Turpin. The 42-year old Nelson owns and operates a family sod farm. He says wants to help the city become better.

 

                

 

Nelson holds a mechanical engineering degree from OSU and worked at Tinker Air Force base a few years before buying the sod farm from his father and uncle in 2014. Nelson and his wife Burgundy have two girls, ages 5 and 9. They live in and are restoring an historic Chickasha home, the former home of long-time Chickasha teacher, Mary Bailey. She was the daughter of the first district judge in Grady County.

 

Sales Tax Rebate Plan Transferred to New Developer

The city council approved the transition of a sales tax rebate agreement from one developer to another last night. The panel approved transferring the agreement from Steve Laforge to a Norman-based firm called Chickasha Development, LLC. The principle partner in the firm is Eric Fleske, with Fleske Holding Company. The agreement will allow Chickasha Development to receive a portion of sales revenues generated by businesses that locate in an area south of Grand Avenue between 4th and 9th Streets once improvements are made. City Manager John Noblitt says there's no timetable on when any work might begin.

 

Council OKs Settlement Talks in RV Park Lawsuit

The council also took action to end a lengthy lawsuit the city has been dealing with for several years. Curtis Hart with the Muscle Car Ranch has been battling the city for the right to develop an RV Park at the ranch. The council gave the city manager approval to negotiate a settlement.

 

Inflated Elected Official Salaries on Tap for Discussion

The issue regarding the over-payment of salaries for Grady County elected officials will be re-visited in a special meeting of the county excise board this morning. The problem came to light earlier this month when it was learned the salaries had been miscalculated for several years. This past year alone, it was determined that each elected official received $20,000 more than they should have. Sheriff Jim Weir has been the most out-spoken about the issue, saying elected officials don't set their own pay.

 

2018 Fair Princess Named

The 2018 Grady County Fair Princess hails from Verden. Kylee Tallent was the overall winner out of the 11 contestants in last night’s pageant. Tallent - who is a sophomore - gets a $500 cash prize, and will have a big presence at the fair this week. First runner-up was Addison Alred of Tuttle; 2nd runner-up was Cayden Copeland of Amber; and 3rd runner-up was Haylee Coatney of Ninnekah. Miss Congeniality was Preslee Pitree of Ninnekah; and Miss Photogenic was Tate Neasbitt of Tuttle.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $66.43 a barrel.

London-based Brent is up to $72.21.

Natural gas is steady at $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is higher to $1,200 and silver is also higher to $14.81.

 

 

Monday, Aug. 20th

 

New Chickasha City Council Rep may be Appointed

It apparently hasn't taken long for Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley to find a replacement to fill a vacancy on the city council. One of the first items for the council to consider when it meets tonight is the appointment of a new Ward 3 councilman. It's not known who Mosley has picked. An opening was created a couple of weeks ago, when Ward 3 councilman Cody Turpin resigned at the end of the council’s June 6th meeting. Turpin won the seat in the 2017 city council election. He had to resign since he moved out of Chickasha and to the Oklahoma City area.

 

Law Suit, Possible Transfer of Sales Tax Rebate Agreement

Part of Closed-Door Session of City Council Meeting

Part of tonight’s agenda also calls for the council will go behind closed doors to discuss two issues. One of them is a lawsuit filed against the city by Curtis Hart.  The other is to talk about whether the city should transfer a sales tax rebate agreement with developer Steve LaForge to a new developer. A few months ago, the council approved a plan that would help LaForge develop the region south of Grand Avenue between 4th and 9th Streets. The council will also consider going out for bids to replace an air conditioning unit in the terminal at the airport. Officials say the unit that cools the lobby, bathrooms, and airport office is about 20 years old, and the cost of repair is almost as much as a new system. Officials estimate it will cost $7,500. The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall.

 

Rush Springs Aquifer Study Released

A lengthy study of an important source of groundwater for portions of southern and western Oklahoma has been released by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The information concerns the underground water area that's known as the Rush Springs Aquifer. The study included about 4,700 square miles in eight counties including Grady, Caddo, Canadian, Blaine, Custer, Washita, Comanche, and Stephens counties. A state law required the Water Resources Board to determine the aquifer's "maximum annual yield". The detailed report indicates the region averaged 28 inches of rain per year dating back to 1905. Groundwater use over the past 50 years was about 70,000 acre-feet per year, with 91 percent used for irrigation and about 8 percent for public water supplies. It provides information for the construction of a groundwater flow-model  - to simulate various groundwater resource management proposals.  To see the detailed report, click on the following link:  https://www.owrb.ok.gov/studies/groundwater/rushsprings.php

 

Princess Contest Kicks Off Grady County Fair Week

Today is the unofficial start of the 104th Grady County Fair. The opening event is the fair princess pageant, where about a dozen young ladies are hoping to reign over the three-day event. There are talent, evening gown, and interview competitions. The top three contestants will win cash prizes. A reception for all candidates will be at 5:00 p.m. this afternoon with the talent competition starting at 6:30 p.m. The pageant will be held in the community building at the fairgrounds.  Also for the fair, still exhibit entries will be accepted from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Exhibitors are asked to pick up their numbers and tags at the OSU extension office today or tomorrow morning, however exhibitors can get them at the fairgrounds tomorrow. The fair itself opens at 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning with a grand opening Thursday night.

 

Buying Hay? Check it's Quality

Checking agriculture news, hay may be hard to find this year. Livestock producers are encouraged to check any hay they might purchase, as the quality can vary. Shiann Burns with Grady County OSU Extension -

 

                

 

Burns says if possible, try and determine the Relative Feed Value of the hay. An ideal value is 150.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was up Friday, but down for the week, to $65.91 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was down for the week, to $71.83.

Natural gas was up Friday, and virtually unchanged for the week, at $2.94 per million BTUs.

Metals had a down week, with gold at $1,193 and silver at $14.74.

 

 

 

Wednesday, Aug. 22nd

 

State Auditor to Address Grady County Excise Board

Oklahoma State Auditor Gary Jones will be in Chickasha next month discussing his office's role in reviewing county records. The visit was scheduled in light of  the discovery that Grady County elected officials were overpaid. Jones was asked to explain how audits at the county level work. District Attorney Jason Hicks asked Jones to attend the next Grady County Excise Board meeting to provide an explanation. During a special meeting of the county excise board yesterday,  the panel set aside an additional $20,000 to pay for a detailed state audit of county books. That’s over and above what the panel normally budgets for a typical state audit. Officials hope to try and determine how the salaries of elected officials were miscalculated. Jones is scheduled to be at the Sept. 5th excise board meeting.

 

Turnpike Motorcycle Race Tops 125 MPH

Two motorcycles were caught racing at speeds topping 125 miles an hour on the  H.E. Bailey Turnpike Monday afternoon. Trooper Patrick Surber says he spotted the motorcyles on crotch rockets headed westbound near Mile Marker 94, about two miles west of the Chickasha toll gate. One of the men pulled over, but the other kept racing down the highway, then turned west at Mile Marker 83 and sped through downtown Chickasha. Other troopers who joined the pursuit ended the chase because of the dangerous speeds through the city. The second bike rider was last seen heading north on U.S. Highway 81. Surber said the man he pulled over had just gotten his motorcycle out of impound earlier in the day. He was identified as 21-year old Joshua Benton from the Tulsa area, who said he didn't know the other individual and that they just started racing. Benton was ticketed for reckless driving and for not having a motorcycle endorsement. He did not go to jail. Surber is asking anyone who may have information about the other rider to contact the highway patrol. The bike he was riding is described as a lime green crotch-rocket style motorcycle. He was wearing a black helmet and had curly hair and is believed to be Caucasian.

 

Grady County DAV Hosts Tommy Franks Traveling Museum

It's a big day at the Grady County DAV office. The Tommy Franks traveling museum will be on location and open to the public today. The traveling museum is part of Frank’s larger museum and leadership institute based in Hobart. The retired four-star Army general was the commander leading American and coalition troops during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. The DAV mobile office will be on hand to help any and all veterans with claims and benefits, and the Patriot Guard Riders will be on hand, too. That's all going on from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. today at the Grady County DAV office in downtown Chickasha.

 

Volunteer Group Aids Kids in DHS Custody

There is a local group that provides support for children who are taken from their homes due to abuse or neglect. It's called Court Appointed Special Advocates - or CASA for short. Debbie Stamper is the Grady County coordinator for the program. She tells how this nationwide program got started.

 

               

 

It's a volunteer program where individuals meet with the children at least on a monthly basis, to make sure their needs are being met by DHS and the court system. One of the annual fundraisers for the Grady County CASA group is the giveaway of a children's playhouse at the Grady County Fair. For information, contact the local CASA office by calling 405-224-0404, or visit the website: www.casav4c.org

 

Bridge Creek Fire Protection Board Filings Begin

The filing period opens today for individuals who may want to serve on the Bridge Creek Fire Protection District Board of Trustees. There are two offices open on the panel. A five-year term is open for Position No. 5 and a one year unexpired term is available for Position No. 1. Candidates will need to file at the Grady County Election Board over the next three days. If an election is needed, it will be held later this fall.

 

Deadline Looms for Producers Considering NAP Coverage

Small grain producers have just a few more days to decide if they want to purchase what's known as NAP coverage for their crops. Mark Jackson says wheat pasture insurance needs to be in place before planting starts next month. Jackson explains the Non-insured Assistance Program.

 

                

 

Next Friday, Aug. 31st is the deadline to purchase NAP insurance for cool-season grasses that are used for grazing.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $67.35 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is up to $72.63.

Natural gas is up to $2.98 per million BTUs.

Gold is up to $1,203 and silver is down slightly to $14.78.

Thursday, Aug. 23rd

 

Consumer Spending Reaches Record High in Grady County

Consumer spending in Grady County may have reached an all-time high. If sales tax revenue numbers are correct, spending topped $131 million in May. The previous best month for consumer spending was last December, estimated at $105 million. Consumer spending for May was up 29 percent compared to the previous month, and more than double from May of a year ago. We estimate consumer spending when we see the sales revenues paid to the county from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. For the month of July, the county received a record $985,000 in sales tax revenue. We combine that number with the sales tax rate at the county level - which is just three-quarters of a penny – to estimate consumer spending. The county sales tax revenue is distributed to several areas, all of which were approved by county voters. The fairgrounds receives $329,000; Grady Memorial Hospital, $291,000; 20 fire districts share in $164,000 - so each one receives about $8,000; 7 senior nutrition centers share in $164,000 - so each one receives more than $23,000. Tuttle Emergency Medical Services receives $30,000; and Rush Springs EMS receives $7,500.

 

Grady County Fair Underway

It's opening day at the Grady County Fair. The doors swing open at 10 o'clock this morning, as many of the more than 125 commercial vendors have already set up their booth displays. All the still exhibits have been judged and those items can be seen today.  All the cakes for the cake auction need to be in between noon and 2:30 in the north exhibit building, with the cake judging about 3 o'clock, and cake auction just after 7 o'clock. The first of the livestock shows is at 1 o'clock with the goat show, followed by the sheep show at 4. The carnival opens at 6 p.m. with tonight and tomorrow being armband nights. The grand opening of the fair will be at 7 p.m., with fair honorees Myrtle Elston and Mark Rathe to be recognized. Live music under the outdoor tent tonight features Tim Brauer and First Look. The fair runs through Saturday.

 

Early Voting Starts Ahead of Primary Run-off Election

Early voting is underway ahead of next Tuesday's primary run-off election. In-person, absentee voting is available at county election boards over the next few days. The ballots are highlighted by Republican run-offs for governor, Lt. Governor, attorney general and labor commissioner. There are a couple of Grady County races. Republicans in District 1 and Democrats in District 3 will elect county commissioners. In District 1, incumbent Windle Hardy faces Michael Walker. In District 3, incumbent Ralph Beard faces Lee Dorman. Also, all Ninnekah school district patrons will decide a couple of special bond issues which total $550,000. In-person, absentee voting is available until 6 o'clock tonight, then from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Two File for Bridge Creek Fire Protection District Board

Two candidates have filed for separate offices with the Bridge Fire Protection District board of trustees. Christina McCune has filed for a full term in Office No. 5 and Jeffrey Wellman has filed for a one-year unexpired term for Office No. 1. The filing period runs through Friday and candidates must file at the Grady County  Election Board.

 

Region Has New Manufacturing Alliance Rep

The manufacturing sector in central and southwest Oklahoma has a new contact to help their operations. Scott Smith is the region's new representative for the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. Smith will serve the Grady and Canadian County regions and will have an office at the El Reno campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center. Smith is from Blanchard and previously worked as the manager for government and economic development partnerships for the state department of career tech. He also worked for 20 years in the manufacturing industry. Smith will partner  with CV Tech's Business and Industry Service division to assist companies in the region.

 

FFA Students to Perform at National Convention

A Chickasha FFA student has been selected to be part of a special program in Indiana this fall. Clay Grossnicklaus is the reporter for the group.

 

                

2018, Aug 14th-20th

Your News provided by

 

 

 

In “Getting to know your Chickasha Fire Department” wemeet Firefighter Dallas Smith. . Click Here To Hear the Story!

 

 

 

Monday, Aug. 20th

 

New Chickasha City Council Rep may be Appointed

It apparently hasn't taken long for Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley to find a replacement to fill a vacancy on the city council. One of the first items for the council to consider when it meets tonight is the appointment of a new Ward 3 councilman. It's not known who Mosley has picked. An opening was created a couple of weeks ago, when Ward 3 councilman Cody Turpin resigned at the end of the council’s June 6th meeting. Turpin won the seat in the 2017 city council election. He had to resign since he moved out of Chickasha and to the Oklahoma City area.

 

Law Suit, Possible Transfer of Sales Tax Rebate Agreement

Part of Closed-Door Session of City Council Meeting

Part of tonight’s agenda also calls for the council will go behind closed doors to discuss two issues. One of them is a lawsuit filed against the city by Curtis Hart.  The other is to talk about whether the city should transfer a sales tax rebate agreement with developer Steve LaForge to a new developer. A few months ago, the council approved a plan that would help LaForge develop the region south of Grand Avenue between 4th and 9th Streets. The council will also consider going out for bids to replace an air conditioning unit in the terminal at the airport. Officials say the unit that cools the lobby, bathrooms, and airport office is about 20 years old, and the cost of repair is almost as much as a new system. Officials estimate it will cost $7,500. The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall.

 

Rush Springs Aquifer Study Released

A lengthy study of an important source of groundwater for portions of southern and western Oklahoma has been released by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The information concerns the underground water area that's known as the Rush Springs Aquifer. The study included about 4,700 square miles in eight counties including Grady, Caddo, Canadian, Blaine, Custer, Washita, Comanche, and Stephens counties. A state law required the Water Resources Board to determine the aquifer's "maximum annual yield". The detailed report indicates the region averaged 28 inches of rain per year dating back to 1905. Groundwater use over the past 50 years was about 70,000 acre-feet per year, with 91 percent used for irrigation and about 8 percent for public water supplies. It provides information for the construction of a groundwater flow-model  - to simulate various groundwater resource management proposals.  To see the detailed report, click on the following link:  https://www.owrb.ok.gov/studies/groundwater/rushsprings.php

 

Princess Contest Kicks Off Grady County Fair Week

Today is the unofficial start of the 104th Grady County Fair. The opening event is the fair princess pageant, where about a dozen young ladies are hoping to reign over the three-day event. There are talent, evening gown, and interview competitions. The top three contestants will win cash prizes. A reception for all candidates will be at 5:00 p.m. this afternoon with the talent competition starting at 6:30 p.m. The pageant will be held in the community building at the fairgrounds.  Also for the fair, still exhibit entries will be accepted from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Exhibitors are asked to pick up their numbers and tags at the OSU extension office today or tomorrow morning, however exhibitors can get them at the fairgrounds tomorrow. The fair itself opens at 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning with a grand opening Thursday night.

 

Buying Hay? Check it's Quality

Checking agriculture news, hay may be hard to find this year. Livestock producers are encouraged to check any hay they might purchase, as the quality can vary. Shiann Burns with Grady County OSU Extension -

 

                

 

Burns says if possible, try and determine the Relative Feed Value of the hay. An ideal value is 150.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was up Friday, but down for the week, to $65.91 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was down for the week, to $71.83.

Natural gas was up Friday, and virtually unchanged for the week, at $2.94 per million BTUs.

Metals had a down week, with gold at $1,193 and silver at $14.74.

 

 

Saturday, Aug. 18th

 

Police Investigate Reports of Stalkers at Wal-Mart

Reports that stalkers are following women and young girls at Chickasha's Wal-Mart are being investigated by police. Recent Facebook posts from concerned parents and citizens indicate that one or more men were following women - including teenagers - around the store. In an least one case, the man followed them out to their car. A post on the Chickasha Police Department's Facebook page says they don't believe the incidents are related. In each report, a different male has been identified. Authorities say there is no  immediate threat to public safety. Police do ask anyone who may have experienced a similar incident, or has direct knowledge of a similar matter, to contact police. Authorities advised that you should always be aware of your surroundings. If you experience a similar incident, call police, and if it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1. The police department's Facebook post has a number of comments, including one from a woman who believed someone was following her at the store. She posted a photo with a DVD of the movie Kidnap she says was placed in her shopping cart.

 

Marlow Drug Offender on the Lam

Stephens County authorities are looking for a drug offender who has taken off her ankle monitor. Christy Marie Lauderdale of Marlow has not been seen by her parole officer for nearly three months. Authorities went to her home May 31st to conduct a welfare check. She was not there but her GPS monitor was found on a washing machine. Lauderdale was on probation for possession of a controlled dangerous drug with intent to distribute out of Stephens County, stemming from an arrest in August of last year. She's now facing a charge of escaping from the Department of Corrections. Lauderdale is Caucasian; 5 feet, 5 inches tall; and weighs 240 pounds. A photo shows her with brown shoulder-length hair and blue eyes. If you have information, call local law enforcement or the Department of Corrections escapee hotline at 405-425-2698.

 

One Hospitalized when Three Pickups Crash

A Lindsay man is hospitalized and a Cement man was not hurt when three pick-ups collide near Lindsay. 66-year old Dale Riley was taken to the Lindsay hospital with arm, trunk, and head injuries. He was last in good condition. 35-year old Matthew Smith of Cement, who driving a separate pick-up, was not hurt. The highway patrol reports that Smith was westbound on a county road when he went left of center, and hit the back of an oncoming truck, then crashed nearly head-on into Riley's truck. Three men from McAlester in the third vehicle also were not hurt. The trooper investigating the crash reported that Smith was sleepy.

 

Grady County Jury Term Canceled

Grady County residents who were recently summoned to jury duty will not have to go. The jury term which was scheduled to start on Monday, Aug. 20th has been canceled. Court Clerk Lisa Hannah says potential jurors will not have to report on Monday.

 

Pet Foods Reunion Today

Former employees of the Pet Foods Company in Chickasha are meeting for a reunion today. About 100 individuals are expected to be on hand for the get-together at Full Gospel Church. The reunion is set to start at 11:00 a.m. with a barbecue at noon. Cost is $10. A tour of the Pet plant will be held at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon.

 

Sheriff's Office Issues Most-Wanted List

Each week the Grady County Sheriff’s Office issues a list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here’s Public Information officer Lisa Hatchett.

 

         

 

If you have information regarding any of these individuals you’re asked to contact the sheriff’s office by calling 405-222-5085.

 

 

Friday, Aug. 17th

 

Missing Cement Special Needs Student is Found

A special needs child managed to wander away from school in Cement yesterday. Fortunately the 10-year old boy was found uninjured and unharmed within a matter  of minutes in a creek bed not far from the school. The boy has cerebral palsy and is autistic. Cement police said the boy walked out of the back door of the gymnasium at the elementary school about 10:00 a.m. Emergency responders from Cyril, Fletcher, the Caddo County sheriff's office and even students from the high school joined the search. While authorities said the child was in good condition, he was taken to a Lawton hospital to be examined.

 

Driver Charged in Connection with Norge Crash

The drinking driver of car that ran off the road and crashed into an occupied mobile home in Norge this week is facing a misdemeanor DUI charge. 28-year old Christopher Don Boren was arraigned on the charge in Grady County District Court yesterday. Troopers say he also didn't have insurance documents for the vehicle he was driving. Boren was released after posting a $3,000 bond.  He's to be back in court Aug. 29th to announce his attorney. The sleeping family in the mobile home were not injured.

 

Semi Crash Closes Highway 81 in Minco

A traffic accident in Minco shut down U.S. Highway 81 near Highway 152 for a while yesterday. The highway patrol initially indicated it was an injury accident involving a semi. Traffic was shut down in both directions for an undetermined amount of time. No details have been released regarding that crash that happened just after 1:00 p.m. Thursday.

 

Domestic Violence Suspect Charged

A Grady County man on probation for drug charges is behind bars after its alleged he forced a woman to crash her car into a ditch and then choked her.  41-year old Robert Shawn Dreadin, Sr. was taken into custody  in connection with the domestic violence allegations this past Monday evening. Sheriff's deputies were called to a home in the Naples area twice that night. The first time to investigate an argument, then later to look into the physical confrontation. After choking the victim, its alleged Dreadin slashed a tire on the woman’s car and then drove off in another vehicle. Dreadin has been charged with felony and misdemeanor counts of domestic assault and battery. He’s currently on probation for pleading guilty to a felony drug charge dating back to 2012. Prosecutors want to revoke the suspended sentence Dreadin received following the guilty plea. He remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.

 

More Activity in SCOOP, STACK Plays

An oil well producing more than 1,300 barrels of oil a day is within the SCOOP area.  The OMER 6-20-17-XHS is eight miles south of Lindsay. The spud date was in January and it was completed by Continental Resources in April. Records from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission indicate the well was also producing about 2 million cubic feet of natural gas from the Springer Play. The website OK Energy Today indicates that in the STACK play around Kingfisher, three wells drilled and completed by Tulsa-based Chisholm Oil and Gas were producing between 300 and 400 barrels of oil per day, and that more than 30 permits to drill have been issued in Kingfisher in the past week. More than half of those permits issued to Oklahoma Energy Acquisitions, a subsidiary of Houston-based Alta Mesa Holdings.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Donna Stamper with the Grady County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is this week’s guest on our KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, this week’s guest is Chickasha School Superintendent Jack Herron. We have links to these programs elsewhere on this website. You’ll find them under the Community tab.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up slightly to $65.46 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is up to $71.43.

Natural gas is down to $2.90 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,183 and silver is $14.64.

 

 

Thursday, Aug. 16th

 

Grady County Elected Officials Salary Issue

May Impact GOP Primary Run-off for State Auditor

Problems surrounding the over-payment of salaries to Grady County elected officials may impact the Republican primary race for State Auditor and Inspector. One of the candidates, Charlie Prater, is criticizing opponent Cindy Byrd, who is currently an employee in the state auditor's office. A story in the Oklahoman newspaper quotes Prater as saying Byrd is in charge of county audits, and that reviewing payroll is one of the most basic and fundamental elements of any fiscal audit. Byrd said an investigative audit could have identified the over-payment, but the most recent reviews in Grady County were not  that type of audit. She said an audit of the calculations used to determine pay for elected county officials is not something that is required in a financial statement audit.

 

Norge Family OK After Car Crashes into Mobile Home

A Norge family, including a two-year old boy, escape injury when a drinking driver careens off the road and hits their mobile home. Jesse Armstrong, his wife, and child were sleeping when the accident happened about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. The family was sleeping in the opposite end of the mobile home that was hit. A neighbor, Carolyn Luevano, says the crash woke her up as well, and that the speeding car did a lot of other damage, too.

 

                

 

Authorities arrested 24-year old Christopher Boren of Pampa, Texas on a DUI complaint. Luevano said three minors in the vehicle, also alleged to have been drinking, were released to their parents. Luevano says motorists speed through Norge all the time, and there have been numerous accidents. The speed limit through Norge is 35 miles per hour.

 

Chickasha Schools Back in Session

Students in Chickasha Public Schools are heading back to class this morning. Many will re-unite with friends they haven't seen all summer, and with their favorite teachers, administrators, and support staff. There are a few new faces in the classroom and in administrative roles as well. The school calendar includes a fall break Oct. 18th and 19th following the first nine weeks of school. There is a full week off for Thanksgiving. The half-way point of school ends Dec. 21st, and that’s when students will be off for two weeks for the holidays. The third nine weeks ends in mid March, to be followed by a full week off for spring break. The last day of classes will be next May 24th. Be sure to slow down in school zones and in neighborhoods where students are waiting for school buses.

 

Kiowa Tribe, VA Reach Out to Military Veterans

The Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to offer assistance to military veterans in southwest Oklahoma. The theme of the outreach is "Your Service, Our Mission: Bringing Benefits Home." Officials with the VA will be at the Kiowa Tribe Veterans Department Office at the Kiowa Housing Authority Office in Anadarko today and tomorrow. Veterans, spouses, widows, and widowers can discuss their VA claims and benefits, file claims, and may get same-day answers if information is completed. Other agencies to be on-site include Oklahoma City and Muskogee VA medical center representatives. VA officials will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both today and tomorrow.

 

Anadarko FFA Prepares for Fall Projects

FFA chapters across the state are planning their activities for the school year that is just getting started. Josey Myers is president of the Anadarko FFA and talks about the activities for the fall.

 

                

 

Anadarko has a new FFA instructor this year in Ryan Freeman.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $65.01 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $70.76.

Natural gas is to $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,180 and silver is $14.60.

 

 

Wednesday, Aug. 15th

 

Body Identified at Ft. Cobb Lake

Investigators are looking into the death of a man whose body was found afloat on the water at Ft. Cobb Lake last night. The victim has been identified as 45-year old Tony Ray McGarrah. His home town is not known. Caddo County authorities have called in the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to provide assistance. The OSBI was called in just before 8:00 p.m. Tuedsay. It's not known if last night's storms might be to blame for McGarrath’s death. The state medical examiner will determine how he died.

 

Beware of 'IRS' Phone Scam

Another telephone scam is making the rounds in the Grady County area. It's a recorded message that indicates it is from the IRS, saying potential victims owe thousands of dollars and they will be arrested and taken to jail. Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir-

 

                

 

Weir says if you get one of these calls, just hang up, and that don’t call the number that they give. He says many times the number is from out of the country. The scammers could get your personal information from your phone number. If you happen to get one of these phone calls, Weir suggests you call local law enforcement, and official will pass the information on to the attorney general.

 

Pursuit Suspect Charged with Felony

The man arrested for leading a state trooper on a high-speed pursuit is charged with a felony in connection with the chase. Prosecutors filed one count of attempting to elude against 35-year old Robert Patrick Damico. Bond was set at $100,000. Last Friday, a state trooper said he tried to pull over Damico on a traffic stop for speeding through a construction zone. A pursuit ensued which lasted about 15 minutes, and ended when Damico crashed his vehicle in a Chickasha neighborhood.  Prosecutors declined to file any charges against a second person arrested following the pursuit. Kristina Gonzalez was a passenger in Damico's truck.

 

New Economic Development Director Introduced

Chickasha's new Economic Development Director is now on board. Cody Mosley was introduced to the Economic Development Council (EDC) during the group's monthly meeting yesterday. The EDC board of directors hired him last month. Mosley is looking forward to being part of a plan to revitalize downtown Chickasha. Chickasha is one of just two cities accepted into an OU program called the Institute of Quality Communities. Mosley has worked with the group before.

 

                

 

A meeting to get public input for the proposal will be held later this fall. Mosley, his wife Chelsea, and their three-old daughter Lincoln have already moved to Chickasha.

 

Pet Milk Reunion, Tour is This Weekend

The Pet Foods plant in Chickasha has been closed for several years, but some former employees are having a reunion this weekend. City Councilman Mark Keeling along with T.L. Taylor have organized the event for this Saturday at Full Gospel Church at 922 N. 10th. Activities will start at 11:00 a.m. with lunch at noon. Cost is $10. There will also be a tour of the plant, starting at 2:00 p.m. Saturday. For information, check out the Pet Milk Gang's Facebook page, or contact T.L. Taylor by calling 405-779-7260.

 

NAP Deadline Nears for Wheat Producers

Wheat and small-grain producers have until the end of the month to decide if they want to take part in USDA's Non-insured Disaster Assistance, or NAP program. Amanda Tye with the Caddo County Farm Service Agency.

 

                

 

Cost of NAP coverage is $250.  NAP is also available for grasses, but the deadline is not until next March.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.04 a barrel.

London-based Brent is $72.46.

Natural gas is $2.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,192 and silver is $14.84.

 

 

Tuesday, Aug. 14th

 

Administrative Posts May be Filled for Chickasha Schools

A new middle school principal and some other administrative positions are expected to be filled during tonight's meeting of the Chickasha school board. Debby Martin is being recommended as the new principal at the middle school. She previously served an assistant principal there. If approved she'll take over for Dan Turner, who is now the school district's maintenance director. Long-time Lincoln School teacher Angie Morgan is expected to be named an assistant principal at Lincoln. She'll take the post previously held by Yvonne Kennedy, who recently moved over to the high school for an assistant principal spot. The school board will also make a decision regarding the start and end times for all district schools for the upcoming year. The panel may also act on the budget for the Adult Basic Education program, which had come under fire within the last couple of months. Program coordinator Dr. Lisa Johnson will present her budget recommendations, and the school board may also revise her job description. The school board meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the  school administration building.

 

Open Houses set for Chickasha Schools

Some Chickasha school buildings will have open houses tonight and tomorrow to welcome students ahead of the first day of classes on Thursday. The high school will have an open house for incoming freshmen tonight from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Middle school has an open house tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Lincoln School will have an open house tonight from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. At the high school tomorrow, seniors, juniors, and sophomores can stop by tomorrow morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or in the afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Century-old Tree Breaks; Hits House

A Chickasha family escapes injury when a part of a large tree falls next to their home. It happened at 3rd and Ada Sipuel Avenue yesterday. A large section of a tall elm tree came crashing down. Thankfully, it did not crash into the home. There is some damage to the siding, but the family is not sure to what extent. The home is owned by Kitty Nelson. Her daughter Kimbray, a cousin, and some children were home when the tree came down. Kimbray says she heard the tree come down but didn’t know what it was right away.

 

                

 

The tree is estimated to be 100 years old. We have some photos of the downed tree on our Facebook page.

 

Tips for Packing School Lunches

If you'll be sending your kids to school with lunch boxes or bags, make sure the foods you give them can be safely held at room temperature. You can add a gel pack to the lunch, which is handy should you have an insulated lunch box. However, she says-

 

                

 

If you don't have a gel pack, a juice box frozen ahead of time is a good substitute.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down to $67.20 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude dips to $72.61.

Natural gas was off slightly to $2.93 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,202 and silver is $15.04.

 


Monday, Aug. 13th

 

Crash Involving Semis Closes H.E. Bailey Turnpike Near Elgin

A six-vehicle accident with injury near Elgin on the H.E. Bailey turnpike this morning has caused a lot of problems. Both westbound and eastbound lanes ot traffic are shut down at mile marker 51 which is a couple of miles west of Elgin. Two semis were involved in the crash, which happened about 3:00 a.m. this morning. Officials were detouring westbound traffic at Elgin which is mile marker 53.

 

High-Speed Chase Suspects May be Charged Today

Two people spent the weekend behind bars after being arrested Friday following a high-speed pursuit. 35-year old Robert Patrick Damico and 32-year old Kristina Gonzales are both being held in the Grady County Jail on complaints of eluding an officer. Lt. Kerry Massey with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the two may also face other complaints. Damico and Gonzales were arrested after a trooper alleged they were speeding through a construction zone. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but they sped away. The pursuit hit speeds of 100 miles per hour and ended when the suspects crashed in a Chickasha neighborhood near 9th and Iowa.

 

Chickasha Teachers Return; Classes Start Thursday

Many Chickasha school teachers spent a few days last week getting their classrooms ready for the upcoming school year. Classes begin this Thursday, August 16th and all teachers will be returning today for in-service  training. They'll spend the next three days getting final preparations for the start of school. Teachers and support personnel will meet with Superintendent Jack Herron this morning.

 

Head Start, and Early Head Start Also Getting Underway

Head Start classes also begin soon. The program is for three and four-year old children of low-income Grady County families through the Washita Valley Community Action Council. The agency also has an Early Head Start program for children from birth to three years old which is available in both Grady and Caddo counties. Liane Howell is the coordinator, who tells us what their goals are.

 

                

 

For information, visit the Washita Valley Community Action Council at the old Bill Wallace School in Chickasha at 10th and Minnesota, or go on-line to: www.washitavalleycommunityactioncouncil.com

 

New EDC Director Expected Today

Chickasha's new economic development director is expected to be on duty today. Cody Mosley was named the new director by the Economic Development Council (EDC) board of directors last month. Mosley, who is not related to Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley, has been at Broken Arrow for the last couple of years. He's also worked for the city of Guthrie. The EDC office is moving back in with the Chamber of Commerce so Mosley’s office will be at the chamber. Mosley will be introduced to the entire Economic Development Council when the panel meets for its monthly meeting tomorrow. The group will discuss the creation of a new Community Development Advisory Committee. It’s being formed for the purpose of continued strategic economic development planning and will include the EDC, the chamber, city and county officials, as well as public schools, career tech, and USAO.

 

American Indian Expo Starts Wednesday

The American Indian Expo kicks off in Anadarko this week. The expo will run Wednesday through Saturday at the Caddo County Fairgrounds. The Kiowa Tribe will be issuing wristbands for the carnival tomorrow. It starts at the Anadarko office from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will move to Carnegie from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The wristbands are for children 4 to 10 years old, and a tribe CDIB is required. The wristband will be good for just one night of the carnival, which will be on site all four days of the expo.

 

Biggest Watermelon at Rush Springs Nears Record

Now a follow-up to the Rush Springs watermelon festival from this past weekend. The biggest watermelon grown this year tipped the scales at 192 pounds! The winning entry was submitted by the Miller family which has won the competition for the last 10 years. It is the second-heaviest watermelon in the 74-year history of the festival. The largest melon ever exhibited was 214 pounds in 2014, which also belonged to the Miller family.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was lower last week, to $67.63 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was down for the week, to 72.81.

Natural gas was up for the week, to $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,209 and silver is $15.19.

 

 

2018, Aug. 6th- 13th

Your News provided by

 

 

 

 

In “Getting to know your Chickasha Fire Department” wemeet Firefighter Joseph Lashbrook. . Click Here To Hear the Story!

 

 

 


 

Monday, Aug. 13th

 

Crash Involving Semis Closes H.E. Bailey Turnpike Near Elgin

A six-vehicle accident with injury near Elgin on the H.E. Bailey turnpike this morning has caused a lot of problems. Both westbound and eastbound lanes ot traffic are shut down at mile marker 51 which is a couple of miles west of Elgin. Two semis were involved in the crash, which happened about 3:00 a.m. this morning. Officials were detouring westbound traffic at Elgin which is mile marker 53.

 

High-Speed Chase Suspects May be Charged Today

Two people spent the weekend behind bars after being arrested Friday following a high-speed pursuit. 35-year old Robert Patrick Damico and 32-year old Kristina Gonzales are both being held in the Grady County Jail on complaints of eluding an officer. Lt. Kerry Massey with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the two may also face other complaints. Damico and Gonzales were arrested after a trooper alleged they were speeding through a construction zone. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but they sped away. The pursuit hit speeds of 100 miles per hour and ended when the suspects crashed in a Chickasha neighborhood near 9th and Iowa.

 

Chickasha Teachers Return; Classes Start Thursday

Many Chickasha school teachers spent a few days last week getting their classrooms ready for the upcoming school year. Classes begin this Thursday, August 16th and all teachers will be returning today for in-service  training. They'll spend the next three days getting final preparations for the start of school. Teachers and support personnel will meet with Superintendent Jack Herron this morning.

 

Head Start, and Early Head Start Also Getting Underway

Head Start classes also begin soon. The program is for three and four-year old children of low-income Grady County families through the Washita Valley Community Action Council. The agency also has an Early Head Start program for children from birth to three years old which is available in both Grady and Caddo counties. Liane Howell is the coordinator, who tells us what their goals are.

 

                

 

For information, visit the Washita Valley Community Action Council at the old Bill Wallace School in Chickasha at 10th and Minnesota, or go on-line to: www.washitavalleycommunityactioncouncil.com

 

New EDC Director Expected Today

Chickasha's new economic development director is expected to be on duty today. Cody Mosley was named the new director by the Economic Development Council (EDC) board of directors last month. Mosley, who is not related to Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley, has been at Broken Arrow for the last couple of years. He's also worked for the city of Guthrie. The EDC office is moving back in with the Chamber of Commerce so Mosley’s office will be at the chamber. Mosley will be introduced to the entire Economic Development Council when the panel meets for its monthly meeting tomorrow. The group will discuss the creation of a new Community Development Advisory Committee. It’s being formed for the purpose of continued strategic economic development planning and will include the EDC, the chamber, city and county officials, as well as public schools, career tech, and USAO.

 

American Indian Expo Starts Wednesday

The American Indian Expo kicks off in Anadarko this week. The expo will run Wednesday through Saturday at the Caddo County Fairgrounds. The Kiowa Tribe will be issuing wristbands for the carnival tomorrow. It starts at the Anadarko office from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will move to Carnegie from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The wristbands are for children 4 to 10 years old, and a tribe CDIB is required. The wristband will be good for just one night of the carnival, which will be on site all four days of the expo.

 

Biggest Watermelon at Rush Springs Nears Record

Now a follow-up to the Rush Springs watermelon festival from this past weekend. The biggest watermelon grown this year tipped the scales at 192 pounds! The winning entry was submitted by the Miller family which has won the competition for the last 10 years. It is the second-heaviest watermelon in the 74-year history of the festival. The largest melon ever exhibited was 214 pounds in 2014, which also belonged to the Miller family.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was lower last week, to $67.63 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was down for the week, to 72.81.

Natural gas was up for the week, to $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,209 and silver is $15.19.

 

 

Saturday, Aug. 11th

 

Drilling in SCOOP, STACK Plays Expected to Increase

Contintental Resources is boosting its overall drilling budget for the rest of the year, including here in the SCOOP and STACK regions. Reports this week that Continental will pour an additional $200 million into its drilling budget for the rest of 2018, and most of that will be invested in central Oklahoma. Higher-than-expected oil prices are the reason for the surge. The Oklahoman newspaper reports that about two-thirds of the added drilling budget is for the SpringBoard project, which includes much of the Chickasha and Lindsay area in the SCOOP, and the Kingfisher and Watonga area in the STACK. The SpringBoard plan announced a couple of months ago calls for 350 wells to be drilled in a 70-square mile area. The company wants to drill another 14 wells by the end of the year. While the announcement is expected to boost 2018 production, most of the benefit for Contintental will be in 2019 and beyond. Continental has raised its projected estimate of production this year about 10 percent, to between 290,000 and 300,000 barrels of oil per day.

 

Two in Custody After High-Speed Pursuit

Some tense moments for highway patrol troopers who were involved in a high-speed pursuit yesterday. It started just north of Chickasha on U.S. Highway 81, when trooper Michael Jewell’s radar detected a pickup speeding through a construction zone. The driver sped away, and the trooper's speed topped 100 miles per hour. The pursuit circled back into Chickasha where Chickasha police assisted. The pickup crashed in a residential area at 9th and Iowa and almost hit a house. OHP Lt. Kerry Massey-

 

                

 

Neither Trooper Jewell, nor the two people in the pickup were injured. Authorities arrested 35-year old Robert Patrick Damico, who listed a Wellston address, and 32-year old Kristina Gonzalez of Chickasha. Both are being held in the Grady County jail on complaints of eluding. Massie said additional complaints may be added, as the two were seen throwing items out of the truck during the pursuit. Massey said they were trying to find those items. We have video of the crash site on our Facebook page.

 

Watermelon Festival Underway

They’re rolling out the welcome mats in Rush Springs today, for the town's annual Watermelon Festival. The area has the distinction of being one of only a few places to grow the Black Diamond. That is different from most watermelons available in the store, which are called jubilees. The Black Diamond is rounder and the rind is a deep green color. The meat of the melon is red just like the jubilee, and some say it’s sweeter. Emiy Long is this year's Watermelon Queen. Her family is fairly new to the business but there are many who have been growing watermelons for years.

 

                

 

There are activities all day at Jeff Davis Park which is just a couple of blocks from the downtown area. 50,000 pounds – or 25 tons of watermelon will be served today. It's just one dollar for a huge wedge, but after 4:00 p.m. it's free! There are over 100 vendors  who have arts and crafts and food; a watermelon exhibit which will include the largest melons grown this year; a carnival; and a car, truck, and motorcycle show. You can even take part in a seed-spitting contest.

 

Back-to-School Events Set Today

Several events today will help Chickasha school kids returning to class next week. Shepherd Street Christian Church will have its annual outreach, with free clothing, hygiene kits, and vaccinations. They'll have games, serve hot dogs and will offer free haircuts on Monday at Washita Valley Park. New Life Christian Church is having a huge clothing sale, with everything selling for 25 cents, even name brand tennis shoes. Proceeds will help area teachers as well as a mission in Kenya. Michigan Avenue Baptist Church will have a program tonight with free back packs and hygiene kits for the first 50 students, plus free haircuts.  Hot dogs and snow cones will be served. The church at 8th and Michigan.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. The Washita Valley Community Action Council provides a number of services to the region. We talk to Sharlotte Key, Liane Howell, and Jimmie Britt on our KOOL Konversation program. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, this week's guest is Chickasha City Councilman David Sikes, who also serves on the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board.  We have links to those programs elsewhere on this website. You’ll find them under the Community tab.

 

 

Friday, August 10th

 

Sheriff Speaks Out Regarding Elected Officials' Salary Issue

A state audit has been requested to look into why some elected Grady County officials have been overpaid. The salaries of eight officials were all about $20,000 higher than they should have been last year. District Attorney Jason Hicks asked for the state audit, after the county excise board discovered the error. Hicks said the overpayments may have been going on for the last 10 years. He said salaries are determined by using a complicated math formula. Sheriff Jim Weir is not happy with the situation. He says elected officials don't set their own salaries but they'll end up taking the blame.

 

                

 

Weir said when he was elected sheriff he offered to take a salary cut and give raises to his deputies. But he was told he couldn't do that. The news comes at a bad time for a couple of county commissioners who have opponents in the upcoming run-off election. Ralph Beard will face Lee Dorman in the District 3 commissioner's Democratic run-off. There are no Republican candidates. Windle Hardy is facing Michael Walker in the District One Republican run-off. There are no Democratic candidates. The primary run-off is Tuesday, August 28th.

 

Man Charged with Trafficking Drugs

A traffic stop leads to the arrest of a man on a drug trafficking complaint. A Grady County deputy pulled over a vehicle for making an improper turn near I-44 and Highway 62 east of downtown Chickasha last weekend.  A probable cause affidavit alleges a passenger in the car gave authorities two fake names. Officials eventually identified the passenger as 27-year old Isiah Lamon-Robert Euwins of Chickasha. It's alleged the investigators found prescription drugs and methamphetamine they say belonged to Euwins and that he also had some outstanding Grady County warrants related to some previous drug charges. Euwins has been formally charged with drug trafficking and remains in jail in lieu of $125,000 bond.

 

Shooting Suspect Jailed in Anadarko

Anadarko police arrest a man in connection with a shooting. Following his arrest, 26-year old Kevin Raymond Clayton has been formally charged with shooting with intent to kill and having a firearm while committing a felony. Caddo County court documents indicate Clayton admitted to being connected to a gang but told authorities he is his own man. A judge set bond at $500,000. Clayton is to be back in court October 11th for a preliminary hearing conference. No details about the shooting were available.

 

Chickasha Back-to-School Events Set

Chickasha schools will be back in session next week. There are a couple of opportunities this weekend for parents and children to get ready for classes. An annual back-to-school community outreach at Shepherd Street Christian Church will include a lot of activities for students and their families. They include a free clothing giveaway,  hygiene packs, and free immunizations. There will also be inflatables, games and free hot dogs. The outreach will be at the church at 802 S. Shepherd from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. tomorrow. If it rains, the event will be moved to the Lincoln School Cafeteria. This outreach will also provide free haircuts for students on Monday at Washita Valley Park. Tomorrow evening, Michigan Avenue Baptist Church will hold a back-to-school block party. They will have free back packs and hygiene kits for the first 50 students and also provide free haircuts. Hot dogs and snow cones will be served. That's from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. tomorrow evening at the church at 8th and Michigan. Both events are free and open to families in Chickasha.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.81 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.07.

Natural gas is $2.95 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,217 and silver is $15.37.

 

 

Thursday, Aug. 9th

 

Have Grady County Elected Officials Been Overpaid?

Allegations have surfaced indicating that Grady County elected officials may have been overpaid and that it may have been happening for several years. It’s reported the overpayment may be as much as $20,000 a year. District Attorney Jason Hicks tells the Oklahoman newspaper that a special state investigative audit has been requested. This week, the Grady County Excise Board took action to cut the salaries of elected officials from about $80,000 a year to $60,000 a year. The positions said to have been overpaid include all three county commissioners, the sheriff, treasurer, assessor, the court clerk and the county clerk. The overpayments may go back as far as 10 years. The issue came to light after an excise board member questioned the salaries. The Oklahoman reports that the district attorney sent an e-mail to State Auditor Gary Jones, authorizing state auditors to not only look into the salaries paid to Grady County elected officials, but other county employees, too. Hicks said he does not want to limit the inquiry to salaries only. Hicks said it hasn't been determined if the overpayments were intentional or a miscalculation.

 

Fire Crews Knock Down Fracking Fire

A fire erupted at an oil rig location south of Alex early this morning. Volunteer firefighters from Alex, Bradley, Naples, and the Grady County Fire Department were summoned to the location about 3:15 a.m. Grady County Fire Department spokesman Buddy Myers said the Halliburton frac crew on site were able to remove the pump from the production line and move it to an isolated area. Myers tells what might have started the fire.

 

                

 

Fire crews were on the location for about an hour. There were no injuries. Myers estimated damage at $2,500.

 

State Unemployment Rate Hits 10-year Low

A surging state economy sends Oklahoma's unemployment tumbling. The most recent numbers show the state’s jobless rate at 3.9 percent, the lowest in 10 years. In Grady County, unemployment for June was just under the statewide percentage at 3.6 percent, which was up a fraction from May, and also up slightly from June of last year. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission reports nearly 970 Grady County workers were without a job that month, and seeking employment with the help of OESC. Caddo County unemployment for June was 4.3 percent, up from 4 percent the previous month, but down a full percentage point from 2017. McClain County unemployment was up slightly to 3.3 percent; Garvin County was steady at 3.9 percent; and Stephens County was down to 4.7 percent. Comanche County reported 4.5 percent unemployment, and Canadian County was at 3.3 percent.

 

Burglary Suspect Arrested After Manhunt

Two people are in custody in connection with a weekend burglary near Lake Burtchi. One of the suspects, a man with a heavily-tattooed face, was arrested after a lengthy manhunt. Grady County deputies and Ninnekah police were called out Sunday night to investigate a break-in and arrested a man and woman at the scene. Both were handcuffed and placed in separate vehicles. The male suspect was left unattended, and managed to drive away in a deputy's car. A short pursuit began but the suspect got away. The car was found abandoned in a ditch a few minutes later. Sheriff Jim Weir says a K9 team was brought out to help with the search, but it was called off after about four hours. Weir said they got a big break when some oilfield workers servicing a site in the area called to report a suspicious man walking down the road. It happened to be the man who took off in the deputy's car. Authorities arrested 37-year old Jason Robert Ostrom. He's been formally charged with several felonies including burglary, eluding, and drug possession. Ostrom, who lists a Checotah address, remains in jail in lieu of $450,000 bond. The woman, 38-year old Joluvine Traylor, also of Checotah, is facing burglary and drug charges. She also had outstanding warrants out of McIntosh County. Her bond was set at $150,000.

 

Arson Suspect Jailed

A Chickasha man is charged with arson and endangering the lives of firefighters in connection with a recent fire at the home where he lived. Authorities also say he may be a person of interest regarding other fires in the area. The house fire happened July 26th in the 1700 block of Arizona. After putting out the fire, investigators say they found a gasoline container,  a box of matches, a cigarette lighter and a butane torch inside that are believed to have been used to start the fire. Authorities say the man who had been living in the home, 28-year old Brett Tyler Slaton, was sought for questioning. Two days later, he was arrested at his parent's home in Ninnekah for violation of a protective order. Court documents indicate that while in jail, Slaton admitted to starting the fire at the Chickasha home. Slaton remains in jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is down to $66.94 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is down to $72.28.

Natural gas is up to $2.95 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,223 and silver is $15.52.

 

Wednesday, Aug. 8th

 

Medical Examiner Issues Findings in Ninnekah Man's Death

It's believed that no foul play is suspected in the death of a Ninnekah man whose body was found in a submerged pick-up at Lake Thunderbird a couple of months ago. The State Medical Examiner reports that 74-year old Charles Alan French's death was due to drowning. French was reported missing in May. Investigators say he was in the process of moving from Ninnekah to eastern Oklahoma when he borrowed a pick-up from a friend in Norman and was never heard from again. In early June, a boater discovered the pick-up submerged in the lake next to a boat ramp. The medical examiner's report indicates that French may have lost control of the pickup during a thunderstorm and drove into the lake.

 

Roof Repairs Needed at Chickasha Fire Station

A powerful thunderstorm that moved through Chickasha this spring did a lot of damage to a church, a convenience store, and one of Chickasha's fire stations. This week, the city council gave its approval to have the city go out for bids to replace the roof at Fire Station No. 2 at 16th and Country Club Road. Fire Chief Brian Zalewski said the roof was damaged by some of the largest hail to hit the area in the last 10 years.Zalewski said once the bid packet goes out, it will take three or four weeks for the bids to come in, and perhaps another two weeks to sift through those to choose a vendor. He thinks the work can be completed as early as December. The project is expected to be covered by the city's insurance carrier.

 

Longtime Businessman Bill Livingston Passes Away

Longtime Chickasha businessman Bill Livingston has died. Livingston was 86 when he passed away last week. Livingston owned and operated a number of businesses from manufacturing, furniture, the energy industry, and hotels. He was also a well-known thoroughbred horseman and served as president of the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Association, and helped to bring Remington park to Oklahoma. He also co-founded Lifeline Home Health and Hospice. After graduating high school in Fletcher, he spent two years in the Army. He and his late wife Joy were married for 64 years.

 

Energy Industry Brings Millions to State Bank Accounts

The energy industry continues its big contributions to the state's bank account. Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission-

 

                

 

Skinner says gross production taxes on oil and natural gas for July are up 64 percent from the same time a year ago - to nearly $69 million.

 

Matching Grant Established for Regional Food Bank

With school children returning to the classroom, the Regional Food Bank is stepping up its effort to feed hungry kids. Several organizations have united to match up to $150,000 in donations to the food bank. The Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma, Lezlie and David Hudiburg, David Gorham and an anonymous donor will help provide the matching funds for this Food for Kids drive. Food bank officials say one in four Oklahoma children don't know where their next meal will come from. The organization provides backpacks of food to youth throughout Grady and Caddo counties and much of western Oklahoma. This matching grant program runs through September 30th. Tax deductible contributions may be made on line at www.foodforkids.org

 

Farmers May Re-Allocate Base Acres in FSA Programs

In agriculture news, producers who have generic crop acreage bases now have the option to re-allocate the base to other crops. Mark Jackson with the Grady County Farm Service Agency says the allocation will be based on what crops were planted on the farm between 2009 and 2012. Jackson tells how cotton producers are affected.

 

                

 

Jackson said producers have until December 7th to decide what to do.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $69.12 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is up to $74.26.

Natural gas rises to $2.88 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,219 and silver is $15.37.

 

 

Tuesday, August 7th

 

Info Allegedly Leaked Regarding City Manager Evaluation

Confidential information regarding a recent evaluation of Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt may have been leaked by someone on the city council. The council held a closed-door meeting to discuss Noblitt's job performance last month. Noblitt had this to say during last night's council meeting.

 

                

 

Noblitt didn't name any names regarding the allegation. He added that he would be happy to discuss future evaluations in public, but respectfully asked the council to honor the executive sessions and not disclose information that was shared behind closed doors.

 

Ward 3 Councilman Cody Turpin Resigns

City Councilman Cody Turpin has resigned. Turpin submitted his letter of resignation at the end of last night's council meeting.

 

                

 

Turpin was in his first term on the council. He defeated long-time councilman Phyllis Steelman for the post in March of 2017. Turpin said he moved to the Oklahoma City area. The council may appoint a new councilman to finish the remaining eight months left on Turpin’s term. The seat will be then be filled in the city council election next spring.

 

City Effort to Re-Coup Economic Development Loan Continues

The City of Chickasha will continue its effort to try and recoup an economic development loan issued to a company that never re-located to the region. Following a 40-minute closed door meeting, the council unanimously voted to proceed with collection activity against Tom Word of Word Industries. The council received a favorable judgement in a lawsuit against Word regarding the $250,000 loan. The judgement issued earlier this year gave Word until October 1st to sell some property he owns on Grand Lake and turn those proceeds over to the city. None of that property has been sold at this time, however. If the property isn't sold, the city can sue to foreclose on that property in an attempt to get the money back.

 

Computers Crash Again at Dep't of Public Safety

There are more computer problems for the Department of Public Safety today. The agency announced this morning that for the second time in two weeks, its entire computer system is down. The agency is unable to process any applications for driver’s licenses or state identification cards. Officials say they are not sure when the system will be back on-line. They ask that you monitor its website and/or social media for updates. The website is www.ok.gov/dps

 

1st National to Celebrate Buffalo Branch Renovations

A newly renovated lobby and updated technology are now in place at a branch of Chickasha's oldest financial institution. The First National Bank Buffalo Branch at 6th and Grand was recently transformed as contractors worked around the clock, squeezing a three-month project down to a mere two weeks. The lobby was renovated for customer convenience, creating space for improved customer flow. The branch is one of the busiest of all locations for lobby transactions, and it also has eight drive-thru lanes. A ribbon cutting to celebrate the renovations will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, August 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be refreshments, and to go along with the branch's nickname, they'll be serving buffalo slider sandwiches.

 

Countdown to County Fair Continues

The Grady County Fair is now just over two weeks away. Fair princess candidates have a mandatory meeting tomorrow, and the alfalfa exhibits for both the county fair and state fair are to be entered tomorrow as well. One of the cutest activities at the fair is the children's pet show. Susan Routh with Grady County OSU Extension.

 

           

 

The children's pet show is Saturday, August 25th at 4:30 p.m.

 

Bridge Creek Fire Protection District Board Filings Re-scheduled

Authorities have announced the new filing period for the Bridge Creek Fire Protection District board of Directors. Originally scheduled in June, the filing period was postponed. Two positions will be filled. One is a five-year term for Office No. 5 and the other a one-year unexpired term for Office No. 1. The filing period will be Wednesday, Aug. 22nd through Friday, Aug. 24th. Candidates wanting to run for the post will file at the Grady County Election Board.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was higher, to just over $69 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is up to $73.75.

Natural gas also saw an increase, climbing to $2.86 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,223 and silver is $15.49.


 


Monday, Aug. 6th

 

Loan to No-Show Industrial Prospect  Set for Council Discussion

A lawsuit filed by the City of Chickasha against an industrial prospect that failed to bring its operations to town will be discussed during a closed-door session during tonight’s regularly scheduled city council meeting. The city is suing Tom Word of Word Industries for $250,000. The Economic Development loan was awarded to help Word move his operations from the Tulsa area to Chickasha a couple of years ago, but the move never materialized. The council is also expected to go out for bids to replace the roof at Fire Station No. 2 at 16th and Country Club. The roof was damaged during a hailstorm this spring, and the building is experiencing leaks. City officials say an insurance claim has been filed to cover the expected cost. The panel is expected to go out for bids for an unmarked car for the police department. The move comes after the council turned down an emergency request to waive competitive bidding and purchase a vehicle from state contract. Along the same line, the council will discuss another request to waive bidding and buy a utility vehicle for the city’s sports complex from state contract for about $8,000. The council is also to honor Brande Bradford at the library as the city's employee of the month. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall.

 

Lots of New Construction, but Dollar Value Down

A lot of construction projects were approved in the City of Chickasha last month, but the dollar amount for the projects approved was down from the previous month. 18 permits totalling $580,000 were authorized through the city's Community Development Department in July. It's only the second month in 2018 where the value of the total number of construction projects authorized were below the $1 million mark. 11 of the 18 permits were for commercial projects. The largest was for the Bradley Machine Shop in the industrial park for $130,000 to add 6,000 sq. ft. of storage. A project for $75,000 was awarded to Standley Systems for a remodel; and Verizon Wireless was awarded a permit for $70,000 for a cell phone tower on North 4th Street. A contractor was awarded a $43,000 remodel permit for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in Shannon Springs Park.  Braum's was issued a permit to add a second drive-through lane. City officials said they are still unable to discuss what businesses are going into the new building under construction in the Shoppes at Chisholm Trail next to the Cotton Patch Restauant. Total new construction in Chickasha for the first seven months of the year is about $17.8 million.

 

One Critical, One Unhurt When Vehicle Crashes and Burns

A vehicle crashes and bursts into flames, critically injuring the driver while a passenger manages to escape serious injury. 20-year old Jason Morgan of Chickasha suffered numerous injuries in the accident that happened about six miles north of Velma in Stephens County late Friday night. A passenger, 20-year old Johnnie Jones of Amber, refused treatment at the scene. It wasn't reported what kind of vehicle the two men were in. The highway patrol reports the vehicle failed to go around a curve on a paved county road and went into a broad slide for about half the length of a football field.  The vehicle rolled nearly four times, throwing both Morgan and Jones out of the vehicle before it caught fire.

 

FEMA Grant for Storm Shelter Rebate Program Delayed

There's a delay at the federal level regarding Grady County's approval for another round of FEMA rebates to help residents install storm shelters. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said all of the information he submitted to the State Office of Emergency Management has been approved and sent to the FEMA office in Denton, Texas. He says FEMA is double-checking some of the information in the grant application.

 

                

 

Thompson said more than 340 applications were taken for the storm shelter rebate program earlier this spring. He's hoping the funding can be approved for as many as 250 storm shelters.

               

State Rig Count Steady; Nation's Number Down 

The rig count held steady in Oklahoma last week at 137. That’s five more than at the same time last year. Nationwide, the count was down four - to 1,044 - which is up 90 from a year ago.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX had a down week, to $68.49 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was also lower, to $73.21.

Natural gas with a bit of a gain, to $2.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,215 and silver is $15.32.

 

Friday, August 10th

 

Sheriff Speaks Out Regarding Elected Officials' Salary Issue

A state audit has been requested to look into why some elected Grady County officials have been overpaid. The salaries of eight officials were all about $20,000 higher than they should have been last year. District Attorney Jason Hicks asked for the state audit, after the county excise board discovered the error. Hicks said the overpayments may have been going on for the last 10 years. He said salaries are determined by using a complicated math formula. Sheriff Jim Weir is not happy with the situation. He says elected officials don't set their own salaries but they'll end up taking the blame.

 

                

2018 July 30tyh- Aug 4th

Your News provided by

 

 

 

 

In “Getting to know your Chickasha Fire Department” we meet Firefighter Matt Mcnabb.

Tune in to The Ranch News Friday at 7AM and 8AM To Hear the Story!

 

Saturday, August 4th

 

Chickasha Police Release Statement on Pursuit

Chickasha police have released a statement about a high-speed pursuit they were involved in earlier this week. Re-capping the story we first reported on Thursday, officers were pursuing a domestic violence suspect late Wednesday night  when he fled from police at speeds topping 100 miles per hour. Authorities say two police officers were injured and one of them was hit head-on by the suspect. The officers weren't identified, but authorities say they weren't seriously injured. Two police cruisers were damaged during the chase as the pursuit went down some rough county roads. The pursuit went all the way to Anadarko and back to Chickasha. Officials stopped the pursuit for safety reasons after the one officer was involved in the head-on collision. Police know who they are looking for but they aren't releasing his name or information about the vehicle he was driving. The suspect is still believed to be at-large.

 

Man Accused of Assault, Holding Gun to Girlfriend's Head

A Chickasha man faces felony charges after its alleged he assaulted his girlfriend and held a gun to her head. 28-year old Dylan Thomas Palmer is charged with pointing a firearm and domestic abuse/assault and battery, stemming from the alleged attack that occurred at a Chickasha apartment back in May. Palmer's bond was set at $25,000.

 

Loan Company Burglary Suspect Charged

The man accused of breaking into a downtown Chickasha business is formally charged with the crime. 22-year old Lindbergh Albert Carey was charged with nearly a half-dozen felonies and remains in jail pending $45,000 bond. Passers-by called police when they saw a man breaking into a loan company at 4th and Kansas Wednesday night. After he was taken to jail its alleged Carey attacked three detention officers, none of which were seriously hurt.

 

State Department of Veterans Affairs Makes Changes

A new administrator is in place for one sector of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. Shawn Kirkland was appointed as the new state homes director yesterday, and hopes to address criticisms which were raised in an audit released earlier this week. Kirkland is the administrator of the Ardmore Veterans Center, and will continue in that role as he works with the state office. Doug Elliot is the executive director of the state office. He says Kirkland will discuss regulatory changes with administrators in each of the seven Veterans Affairs centers in Oklahoma.

 

Nationally-known Southern Gospel Trio to Perform

One of the nation's top southern gospel groups is bringing its inspirational music to the region. The Jim Brady Trio tours the country and performs about 45 weeks a year. Together, Jim and Melissa Brady have written and recorded more than 200 songs, and have been performing since they were teenagers. The third member of the group is Layke Jones, whose resume includes being a guest vocalist with the Grammy-award winning Gaither Vocal Band. The trio will be releasing a new CD next month, but they are including some of the recordings on the current tour. Jim Brady says one of his favorites is one called "Lost".

 

                

 

The Jim Brady Trio will perform two concerts Sunday, August 5th at Bible Baptist Church, one at 10:45 a.m. and the other at 6:00 p.m. The concerts are free and open to the public.

 

Roaming Tortoise Found

A Marlow tortoise that went missing last week is back home. The family of Paul Korn says the 30-pound African-spurred tortoise had wandered away from home before, but not as long as he had been gone this time. Korn said he worried that he might be stolen or that someone picked him up and took him for their own pet. A local couple heard about the missing tortoise and notified police, who returned the tortoise to its rightful family.

 

Grady County Sheriff's Warrant List

Each week, the Grady County Sheriff's Office issues a list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here's Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett-

 

 

If you have information regarding any of these individuals you're asked to contact the sheriff's office by calling 405-222-5085.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. He has an update on a FEMA grant he's been working to help pay for the installation of storm shelters. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, Andy Maher and Jamie Jones from the Grady County Fairgrounds are this week's guests. We have links to both programs elsewhere on this website. You’ll find them under the Community Tab.

 

 

Friday, Aug. 3rd

 

Domestic Violence Suspect Sought After Eluding Police

Chickasha police are looking for a suspect in a domestic violence investigation who led authorities on a high-speed chase. The suspect managed to get away, but it's believed that authorities know his identity. The pursuit occurred late Wednesday night. While police have not released any information about the pursuit, sources say scanner traffic indicated the chase began when police were called to investigate a domestic violence complaint. The suspect sped away from the home west on Grand Avenue, with speeds reaching 100 miles per hour even before leaving the city limits. It was reported the chase went to the Verden area, with Grady and Caddo county sheriff's deputies, Verden police, the highway patrol, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs all joining the pursuit. The suspect circled back to Chickasha where at some point authorities lost him. Unofficial sources say a Chickasha police officer was injured when he crashed his cruiser. The injuries were said to be minor, and the officer returned to duty the next day. The Chickasha police blotter said investigators were submitting information to the district attorney requesting an arrest warrant for the suspect, whose name was redacted. The complaints include domestic assault by strangulation, using a vehicle as a deadly weapon, eluding police while endangering others, and escape after arrest.

 

Passers-by Help Police Nab Burglary Suspect

Thanks to some alert citizens, Chickasha police catch a man breaking into a downtown business. This also occurred Wednesday evening. A police affidavit indicates two witnesses driving by the business called in to report a man breaking the windows at Heartland Loans at 4th and Kansas. The suspect was still there when police arrived. The affidavit also indicates the suspect vandalized the business while he was inside. He was arrested on complaints of burglary and vandalism complaints. When police took him to jail, the suspect is alleged to have assaulted three corrections officers and even threatened to kill one of them. In custody is 22-year old Lindbergh Albert Carey of Chickasha. He's charged with several felonies, including burglary, malicious injury to property, and three counts of assault and battery on a police officer. Bond has not yet been set.

 

A Trio of Gas Wells Hit it Big in STACK

Continental Resources is reporting some major gas well production in the STACK play, especially in an area in northern Caddo and in to Blaine County. The website OK Energy Today reports that one of the largest wells is eight miles west of Geary which had an initial production of nearly 26,000 million cubic feet of natural gas. Another well six miles north of Hydro was producing more than 18,000 million cubic feet of natural gas. A third well about a mile northeast of Hydro was producing 16,000 million cubic feet of natural gas. None of the wells were producing oil.

 

Voter Registration Deadline for Primary Run-off is Today

The August 28th primary run-off election is a little over three weeks away. For anyone wanting to vote, or needing to update their voter registration, the deadline to do so is today. In Grady County, the ballot will include the Republican run-off for governor and a Republican run-off for Grady County Commissioner in District One. Democrats have a county commissioner run-off in District 3. Ninnekah school patrons will decide a couple of special bond issues. To register to vote, or to update voter registration, visit your county election board. Applications are available at libraries, tag offices, the post office, or on-line at www.elections.ok.gov

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was higher, to $68.96 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude rose to $73.45.

Natural gas was up to $2.18 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,216 and silver if $15.34.

 

Thursday, Aug. 2nd

 

 

 

Chickasha Water Line Cleanout Underway

Crews at Chickasha's water treatment plant have started a yearly project designed to clean out the city's water lines. Every August, contractors switch the combination of chemicals placed in the drinking water. Debbie Seagroves is the Project Manager for USW, the city's contractor for water treatment.

 

                

 

Seagroves said the transition started Wednesday, as they began filling the city's three water towers with chlorine-only treated water. That water will begin flowing through the system today, and officials will also start flushing city fire hydrants, to help move the water through the system quickly. Some residents may experience cloudy water for a brief time. The water may also have a chlorine smell and taste. Seagroves said if that happens, open your tap for a few minutes to clear out the line which runs to your home or business. In September, officials will return to using a chlorine-ammonia combination of chemicals, which reduces the level of trihalomethanes (TTHM’s). Environmental regulators say TTHM’s are cancer-causing agents.

 

Schools Re-opening; Anadarko Back-to-School Expo Tonight

School districts throughout Oklahoma are getting ready to re-open classrooms for the upcoming school year. Most will be opening within the next couple of weeks. Chickasha schools open two weeks from  today on Thursday, Aug. 16th. Teachers and support employees will begin meeting for in-service training on Monday, August 13th. Anadarko schools open next week, on Thursday, August 9th. Anadarko will host its 7th annual back-to-school expo later today. It's a come-and-go event where students and their parents can get important information about their classes, and many services available from the school and community service organizations. The first 80 students get free hair cuts, there are free dental check-ups, free books, and, there's free hot dogs, popcorn and drinks. There is also a meet-and-greet with new Anadarko School Superintendent Jerry McCormick. Students can enter a drawing to win a big screen TV and other nice prices. The expo is from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. tonight at Anadarko’s Warrior Fieldhouse.

 

DPS Officials Hope Computers are Back On-line

Officials with the Department of Public Safety hope to have all the problems with their computer system repaired. The entire system crashed after a power outage last weekend, and tag offices statewide were unable to issue or renew any driver's licenses or state identification cards. They thought the problem was fixed late Tuesday, but more repairs were needed Wednesday when they were still unable to issue new licenses or ID cards. Officials said the entire operation was back to normal late yesterday afternoon.

 

PSO Ordered to Pass Tax Savings on to Customers

PSO customers will be getting a refund - but not in the way you might think. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved a $30 million reduction in PSO’s utility rates yesterday. Customers won't be getting a check in the mail. Instead, the refund will come as a reduction of electric bills by a little more than $6 a month for the rest of the year. The reduction was prompted by Oklahoma Attorney General  Mike Hunter, who suggested savings from federal tax cuts implemented last December should be passed on to PSO customers.

 

4Hers Earn Thousands in Scholarships

The hard work of a number Grady County 4Hers paid off in a big way at the state 4H Roundup in Stillwater last week. In all, 14 Grady County youth attended, and combined they received over $10,000 in college scholarships. 4H Educator Liz Taylor says a few were honored as being among the top 4Hers in the state.

 

                

 

Kale Kennedy was also elected to serve as the Western District representative on the State 4H Leadership team. A number of Caddo County youth also attended 4H Roundup. They were Kodee and Rylee Hrbacek, Aubree Howell, Maci Whitney, and Emma Arrington. Some of the workshops they attended were the basics of being a doctor, equine care, teamwork makes the dream work, wacky science, and field crop judging.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX slips to $67.66 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was steady at $74.25 a barrel.

Natural gas was down to $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,224 and silver is $15.38.

 

 

Thursday, Aug. 2nd

 

 

Chickasha Water Line Cleanout Underway

Crews at Chickasha's water treatment plant have started a yearly project designed to clean out the city's water lines. Every August, contractors switch the combination of chemicals placed in the drinking water. Debbie Seagroves is the Project Manager for USW, the city's contractor for water treatment.

 

                

 

Seagroves said the transition started Wednesday, as they began filling the city's three water towers with chlorine-only treated water. That water will begin flowing through the system today, and officials will also start flushing city fire hydrants, to help move the water through the system quickly. Some residents may experience cloudy water for a brief time. The water may also have a chlorine smell and taste. Seagroves said if that happens, open your tap for a few minutes to clear out the line which runs to your home or business. In September, officials will return to using a chlorine-ammonia combination of chemicals, which reduces the level of trihalomethanes (TTHM’s). Environmental regulators say TTHM’s are cancer-causing agents.

 

Schools Re-opening; Anadarko Back-to-School Expo Tonight

School districts throughout Oklahoma are getting ready to re-open classrooms for the upcoming school year. Most will be opening within the next couple of weeks. Chickasha schools open two weeks from  today on Thursday, Aug. 16th. Teachers and support employees will begin meeting for in-service training on Monday, August 13th. Anadarko schools open next week, on Thursday, August 9th. Anadarko will host its 7th annual back-to-school expo later today. It's a come-and-go event where students and their parents can get important information about their classes, and many services available from the school and community service organizations. The first 80 students get free hair cuts, there are free dental check-ups, free books, and, there's free hot dogs, popcorn and drinks. There is also a meet-and-greet with new Anadarko School Superintendent Jerry McCormick. Students can enter a drawing to win a big screen TV and other nice prices. The expo is from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. tonight at Anadarko’s Warrior Fieldhouse.

 

DPS Officials Hope Computers are Back On-line

Officials with the Department of Public Safety hope to have all the problems with their computer system repaired. The entire system crashed after a power outage last weekend, and tag offices statewide were unable to issue or renew any driver's licenses or state identification cards. They thought the problem was fixed late Tuesday, but more repairs were needed Wednesday when they were still unable to issue new licenses or ID cards. Officials said the entire operation was back to normal late yesterday afternoon.

 

PSO Ordered to Pass Tax Savings on to Customers

PSO customers will be getting a refund - but not in the way you might think. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved a $30 million reduction in PSO’s utility rates yesterday. Customers won't be getting a check in the mail. Instead, the refund will come as a reduction of electric bills by a little more than $6 a month for the rest of the year. The reduction was prompted by Oklahoma Attorney General  Mike Hunter, who suggested savings from federal tax cuts implemented last December should be passed on to PSO customers.

 

4Hers Earn Thousands in Scholarships

The hard work of a number Grady County 4Hers paid off in a big way at the state 4H Roundup in Stillwater last week. In all, 14 Grady County youth attended, and combined they received over $10,000 in college scholarships. 4H Educator Liz Taylor says a few were honored as being among the top 4Hers in the state.

 

                

 

Kale Kennedy was also elected to serve as the Western District representative on the State 4H Leadership team. A number of Caddo County youth also attended 4H Roundup. They were Kodee and Rylee Hrbacek, Aubree Howell, Maci Whitney, and Emma Arrington. Some of the workshops they attended were the basics of being a doctor, equine care, teamwork makes the dream work, wacky science, and field crop judging.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX slips to $67.66 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was steady at $74.25 a barrel.

Natural gas was down to $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,224 and silver is $15.38.

 

 

Wednesday, August 1st

 

Earthquake Recorded near Dibble

A whole lotta shakin' goin' on in the Dibble area early this morning. Some residents experienced an earthquake.  The tremor hit about 5:10 a.m. a couple of miles east of Dibble, near the junction of State Highways 39 and 59. The Oklahoma Geological Survey said the quake measured 3.5 on the Richter Scale. Nearly 40 people have reported  feeling the earth move.

 

Standley Systems Expands; Buys Tulsa Firm

A Chickasha office equipment firm has purchased a similar company in Tulsa. Standley Office Systems has acquired Document Imaging Solutions, also known as DIS. The company has 175 accounts in the Tulsa region which are primarily in public school systems. In a statement, Standley Systems CEO Tim Elliott said like all current Standley customers, the new accounts will receive 24-7 live, in-person support within four hours of a call. He said former DIS customers will have direct access to solutions experts for document management and IT services, as well as hardware and software solutions. Standleys has added 20 more employees statewide, bringing its total to 140 full-time staff members for the 84-year old company.

 

CV Tech District Grows

The entire Canadian Valley Technology Center district is growing by leaps and bounds. Outgoing superintendent Greg Winters said it's the fastest-growing district among all career-techs in Oklahoma. Officials have had to build another wing at the El Reno campus, after having to turn away 250 students last year. Winters says a lot of the growth is in the health field. Winters said they also work with energy companies, including Halliburton, which has expanded a portion of its operations to El Reno.

 

                

 

Winters also said a new energy company that just moved to Chickasha in the last year has reached out to the tech center to help its employees with computer technology training.

 

GOP Candidate Stops in Chickasha

One of the Republican candidates for governor made a campaign stop in Chickasha yesterday. Tulsa businessman Kevin Stitt hopes to lead a change in direction at the state capital. Even though he's never run for public office before, he says a non-politician needs to take the reins of state leadership.

 

                

 

Stitt will face former Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett in the Aug. 28th primary run-off election. The winner goes on to the general election in November.

 

Abandoned Animals Spared 

A number of abandoned animals facing euthanization will instead be finding new forever homes. The Chickasha Animal Shelter recently sent several cats and dogs to be part of a group called Fetch Fido a Flight. Animal Control Officer Layce Graham said the local animals were among more than 100 that were flown out of state to adoption agencies. The Chickasha Police Department's Facebook page indicates there were 15 dogs and 10 cats from the local animal shelter that were saved.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX slipped below $70 to $68.76 a barrel. That's down 5 percent for July.

London-based Brent crude falls to $74.25, down about 4 ½ percent in July.

Natural gas is $2.78 per million BTUs which is off about 4 percent for July.

Gold is $1,231 and silver is $15.47.

 

 

Tuesday, July 31st

 

 

 

Investigators Discuss Some Details of Fatal Accident

Two truck drivers involved in what was first called a fatal hit-and-run accident are cooperating with investigators, as officials try to determine exactly what happened. The state medical examiner is working to determine how 43-year old Michael Jenkins of Fletcher died. His body found near Ninnekah on Highway 277 west of Highway 81 last Friday. We talked with Capt. Ronnie Hampton with the Traffic Homicide Unit from the Highway Patrol yesterday. He said OHP and Ninnekah police continue their Investigation of the accident. Hampton said Ninnekah police located the two truck drivers named in the accident report. They were servicing a nearby well location. One driver said he saw something in the road and thought he missed it. The other driver also saw and object, and tried to straddle it. Hampton said evidence indicates that Jenkins was not standing in the road. Jenkins was seen several hours earlier in the Lawton area, but it wasn't clear how he got to Ninnekah. Once the investigation is completed the information will be turned over to the district attorney who will to determine if any charges will be filed.

 

Suspect Arrested, Charged In Home Burglary

Chickasha police arrest a man for breaking into a home and stealing clothing and jewelry, including a couple of high school state championship rings. A police affidavit indicates that officers were called to a home near 9

 

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