Saturday, Nov. 23rd

 

Festival of Light Opens Tonight

Chickasha residents are getting into the holiday spirit a little early as the city prepares to entertain tens of thousands of visitors to the Festival of Light. From passenger cars and trucks, school and church buses and tour buses - many visitors will be seeing Chickasha for  the very first time. There are many things to do at the festival and some life-changing moments take place with several marriage proposals each year. Elizabeth Allen said there's a special display area for those who want to  pop the question.

 

              

 

The souvenir and gift shop will be offering lots of items for sale, including hot cocoa and coffee and the popular cinnamon rolls and there will also be a number of food trucks. We've told you about the newest attraction - the ice skating rink - to go along with the Ferris wheel, carousel, carriage rides, and Santa Claus. The Festival opens at 6:00 p.m. tonight and will be open every night through New Year's Eve.

 

Historic Refuge Home is Being Restored

An historic home on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge which was nearly bulldozed is being restored. The home, just a half-mile from the refuge's visitor center, was built in 1927 by early settlers Ben and Margaret Ferguson. In the 1930s, the military took the land over so the artillery range at Ft. Sill Army Base could be expanded. The home became part of the refuge when the military and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had a land swap in the 1950s. A feature story of the home recently aired on KSWO-TV indicated that most of the home was destroyed by fire about 10 years ago. The Friends of the Wichitas began restoring the home about six years ago. Officials collected about $70,000 in donations to make some repairs. Officials are hoping the work can be completed by the end of the year.

 

Wind-damaged Flags at Ft. Sill Cemetery Being Repaired              

A number of U.S. flags at Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin were recently damaged by high winds. Some of them were shredded by the windstorm and the cemetery is asking for help to repair them. While the flags could simply be retired and new flags put in their place, these flags hold special meaning as they came off the caskets of military veterans who are in their final resting place at the cemetery. The Lawton Constitution reports that officials were hoping to find some volunteers to hand-stitch the flags but many of them are six-feet long and the job was too over-whelming. They have found a couple of businesses that will machine-repair the flags, but at a cost. Bill Pitts, who has volunteered at the cemetery since it opened 18 years ago hopes to get more community involvement to maintain the cemetery's flags.

 

High School Football Scores

Tuttle 14, Broken Bow 13

Alex 44, Laverne 30

Lindsay 15,Eufaula 14

Thomas 47, Minco 45

Mangum 28, Dibble 6

 

 

Friday, Nov. 22nd

 

Festival of Light Opens This Weekend

There's lots of anticipation for the 27th annual Festival of Light which begins this weekend at Chickasha's Shannon Springs Park. Most organizers have lost track of how many lights are being used but at last count it was estimated at 3 1/2 million. There won't be a grand opening celebration but the event will officially open at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow night (Saturday, November 23^rd). Elizabeth Allen with the festival said it will open a little earlier for the newest attraction which is the ice skating rink.

 

              

 

Among the other attractions are a carousel, a ferris wheel, and carriage rides. The festival features the tallest lighted Christmas tree in the state which stands at 162 feet tall. Patrons can drive or walk through and the local flying school Chickasha Wings will offer flights over the festival from the Chickasha airport. The festival will be open every night through New Year's Eve.

 

Walk With a Doc Program Saturday

Chickasha doctors are using a new method to meet their patients and the general public. It's called Walk with a Doc which is a monthly program organized by physicians, nurses, and staff at Grady Memorial Hospital and Five Oaks Medical Group. Abby Housman is a family practice doctor who will lead this month's program.

 

              

 

Walk with a Doc is held the 4th Saturday of each month starting at 9 a.m. at Shannon Springs Park and runs about an hour. If the weather is too cold or unpleasant it's moved indoors to the Chickasha High School activity center.

 

Burglary Suspects Charged

Two men are in custody and charged with felonies after allegedly breaking in to a Chickasha business. Police reports show that officers were summoned to H and R Diesel just west of 29th and U.S. Highway 62 late Tuesday night to investigate a burglary in progress. 24-year old Brayden Huckaba of Chickasha and 22-year old Hunter Lee Jeans of Sterling were taken into custody. Prosecutors charged both men with felony grand larceny in their initial appearances in Grady County District Court yesterday. Both remain in jail pending a $7,000 bond. Their next court date is Jan. 20th when their preliminary hearing conferences are scheduled.

 

Pocasset Burglary Suspect in Custody              

A man wanted for allegedly burglarizing a rural Grady County home is in custody. 29-year old Brandon Leslie Shepard was arrested for the theft of several thousand dollars in items from a home in the Pocasset area. A probable cause affidavit indicates the burglary occurred in July. Among the items taken included an ATV, go cart, several guns, tools, jewelry and other items. A warrant for Shepard's arrest was issued in August and he was booked into the Grady County Jail earlier this week. Shepard, who listed a Chickasha address, is charged with two felony counts of knowingly concealing stolen property. He remains in jail on a $7,000 bond and a preliminary hearing conference is scheduled in January.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Chickasha schools interim superintendent Jenifer Stegman and the district’s Athletic Director Jerry Don Bray are guests on the KOOL Konversation program. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, guests are Dottie Overal and Pam Walker with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.58 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $63.97.

Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,478 and silver is $17.33.

 

 

Thursday, Nov. 21st

 

Chickasha Kidnapping Suspect in Custody

New information today about a reported kidnapping we told you about earlier this week. Chickasha police say the suspect is in custody for not only kidnapping but the brutal assault of a woman. 24-year old Daniel Desean Neff was arrested by Oklahoma City police early Monday morning. A Chickasha police affidavit indicates the victim alleges she endured about an hour of abuse including being beaten with her own cell phone, thrown to the ground and stomped on, and choked to the point of nearly passing out. She also alleged Neff threatened to kill her with a knife. After the assault, the victim said they went to an Oklahoma City hotel and that Neff concealed her swollen face and black eye. The victim said she managed to call her mother and tell her where they were. The mother then called Oklahoma City police who went to the hotel and took Neff into custody.  Neff is still in the Oklahoma County Jail and is expected to be transferred to Grady County. He's charged with felony counts of kidnapping, domestic assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault by strangulation.

 

Grady County Jail Faces Lawsuit

A lawsuit has been filed against the Grady County Jail which alleges that jailers are to blame for the death of an inmate who committed suicide. 20-year old Justin Thao took his own life while behind bars back in 2017. His relatives accuse jail employees of breaking the law and jail standards. Our partners at KWTV News 9 report that Thao was in solitary confinement, and the jailers ignored his calls for help. The family says video surveillance from the jail indicates Thao screamed for help more than 20 times over the course of an hour and 15 minutes. The family is suing for damages in excess of $75,000.

 

Suspect Arrested For Drug Trafficking 

A Chickasha woman is jailed on a $150,000 bond on a charge of drug trafficking. Police arrested 18-year old Mackenzie Lynn Everhart early Wednesday morning following a traffic stop in the 100 block of South 7th. Authorities found what was believed to be methamphetamine in the car. After being taken to jail authorities asked if she had any other drugs on her, and she admitted having some in her genitals. A probable cause affidavit indicates officials confiscated a total of 40 grams of meth.

 

Chix School Board Considers District Repairs

The Chickasha school board is considering how to pay for some needed repairs to school facilities and building some safe rooms. The board met in a special meeting yesterday with a representative from BOK Financial to discuss the possibility of calling a special bond election to finance the projects. Officials say the roof on the high school activity center is leaking in several places, and a number of air conditioning units at some schools are as much as 40 years old. The panel is also considering building some safe rooms at Lincoln School. The BOK Financial representative said the board could possibly call a special bond issue asking voters to approve up to $2 1/2 million for repairs and projects. School board members said they need to put together a list of priorities and hold some public meetings to garner support for the projects. The school district still has three more series bonds to pay for, which were sold to build the high school activity center and Bill Wallace School. Those bonds won't expire until the year 2026.

 

 Chix Schools Superintendent Interviews Postponed              

The school board was to hold some interviews for superintendent candidates today, but officials have postponed those interviews. Board president Zack McGill said the board will hold a special meeting next month to hold the interviews in Oklahoma City. McGill said the meeting will include their consultants with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.

              

New Convenience Store Opens

Chickasha’s new Domino's convenience store has opened. The store was built from the ground up at 4th and Missouri Avenue.  It took about seven months for contractors to complete the $2.5 million project after picking up the building permit in April of this year.  The store officially opened for business last night.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.11 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.40.

Natural gas is to $2.56 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,469 and silver is $17.18.

 

 

Wednesday, Nov. 20th

 

Minco Man a Victim of Duncan Shooting

Duncan police have identified the three people who died in the double murder-suicide that took place this past Monday. The two victims shot to death while sitting in their car were 39-year old Aubrey Perkins of Minco and 31-year old Rebecca Vescio-Varela of Duncan. The gunman who then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound was 43-year old Wbiliado Varela, Jr, also of Duncan. Authorities say that Varela and Vescio-Varela were common law husband-and-wife, and that Perkins was dating Vescio-Varela.  KSWO-TV reports that Perkins had made big changes in his life. He'd been in prison for 16 years and became involved in the prison ministry where he came to know Pastor Bobby Boyles of the Long View Church in Binger. Boyles said Perkins was helping to build a new church, and that Perkins was a tremendous Christian with a strong faith and biblically wise beyond his years. Boyles says they plan on holding a memorial service for Perkins inside the unfinished church because of how much Perkins helped them over the last few months.

 

Chickasha Police Seek Kidnapping Suspect

A kidnapping suspect is on the run and Chickasha police are searching the perpetrator. According to a recent report from the Chickasha police blotter, an arrest warrant has been issued. However a name was not included in the report. It's not known if the suspect is a man or woman. The blotter shows that a police officer was summoned to police headquarters about 1:00 a.m. Monday to take a domestic violence report. The victim alleged the abuse took place at three separate locations - the area of 8th and Iowa Avenue; the 800 block of South 6th Street; and in the 1300 block of South Shepherd Street. The warrant is for complaints which include kidnapping and domestic abuse by strangulation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chickasha police by calling 405-222-6050 or Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also leave an anonymous tip on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.

 

Grady County Sales Tax Revenues Climb

There’s been a recent uptick in sales tax revenue collections throughout Grady County. The amount increased about 9.5 percent from September to October to $906,000. However, that total is down about 16.5 percent from October of last year. The county has a three-quarters of a penny sales tax which is distributed to several programs, all of which were approved by voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds collects a little more than $300,000. It's the 11th time in the last 16 months for the fairgrounds to receive more than $300,000. Grady Memorial Hospital receives more than $267,000. 20 county fire departments share in just over $150,000 so each one receives $7,500. The seven senior nutrition centers also share in $150,000 and each one collects nearly $22,000. Tuttle EMS receives nearly $28,000 and Rush Springs EMS picks up about $7,000.

 

Tips Provided for National Scam Awareness Week              

This is National Scam Awareness Week and Public Service Company of Oklahoma is offering information to help customers protect themselves against imposters claiming to represent the utility. Four common signs of a scam include: 1) someone calling to demand an immediate bill payment over the phone; 2) demanding that you pay with a pre-paid debit card; 3) asking for personal or account information; and 4) asking to meet you somewhere in person to make a payment. Officials say to be suspicious of anyone calling and threatening to cut off service unless a payment is made immediately. Should that happen PSO officials say hang up and call PSO to verify your account and report the attempted scam. You can call PSO toll-free at 1-888-216-3523.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.21 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $60.91.

Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,475 and silver is $17.25.

Wednesday, Nov. 20th

 

Minco Man a Victim of Duncan Shooting

Duncan police have identified the three people who died in the double murder-suicide that took place this past Monday. The two victims shot to death while sitting in their car were 39-year old Aubrey Perkins of Minco and 31-year old Rebecca Vescio-Varela of Duncan. The gunman who then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound was 43-year old Wbiliado Varela, Jr, also of Duncan. Authorities say that Varela and Vescio-Varela were common law husband-and-wife, and that Perkins was dating Vescio-Varela.  KSWO-TV reports that Perkins had made big changes in his life. He'd been in prison for 16 years and became involved in the prison ministry where he came to know Pastor Bobby Boyles of the Long View Church in Binger. Boyles said Perkins was helping to build a new church, and that Perkins was a tremendous Christian with a strong faith and biblically wise beyond his years. Boyles says they plan on holding a memorial service for Perkins inside the unfinished church because of how much Perkins helped them over the last few months.

 

Chickasha Police Seek Kidnapping Suspect

A kidnapping suspect is on the run and Chickasha police are searching the perpetrator. According to a recent report from the Chickasha police blotter, an arrest warrant has been issued. However a name was not included in the report. It's not known if the suspect is a man or woman. The blotter shows that a police officer was summoned to police headquarters about 1:00 a.m. Monday to take a domestic violence report. The victim alleged the abuse took place at three separate locations - the area of 8th and Iowa Avenue; the 800 block of South 6th Street; and in the 1300 block of South Shepherd Street. The warrant is for complaints which include kidnapping and domestic abuse by strangulation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chickasha police by calling 405-222-6050 or Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also leave an anonymous tip on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.

 

Grady County Sales Tax Revenues Climb

There’s been a recent uptick in sales tax revenue collections throughout Grady County. The amount increased about 9.5 percent from September to October to $906,000. However, that total is down about 16.5 percent from October of last year. The county has a three-quarters of a penny sales tax which is distributed to several programs, all of which were approved by voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds collects a little more than $300,000. It's the 11th time in the last 16 months for the fairgrounds to receive more than $300,000. Grady Memorial Hospital receives more than $267,000. 20 county fire departments share in just over $150,000 so each one receives $7,500. The seven senior nutrition centers also share in $150,000 and each one collects nearly $22,000. Tuttle EMS receives nearly $28,000 and Rush Springs EMS picks up about $7,000.

 

Tips Provided for National Scam Awareness Week              

This is National Scam Awareness Week and Public Service Company of Oklahoma is offering information to help customers protect themselves against imposters claiming to represent the utility. Four common signs of a scam include: 1) someone calling to demand an immediate bill payment over the phone; 2) demanding that you pay with a pre-paid debit card; 3) asking for personal or account information; and 4) asking to meet you somewhere in person to make a payment. Officials say to be suspicious of anyone calling and threatening to cut off service unless a payment is made immediately. Should that happen PSO officials say hang up and call PSO to verify your account and report the attempted scam. You can call PSO toll-free at 1-888-216-3523.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.21 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $60.91.

Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,475 and silver is $17.25.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 19th

 

Shooting in Duncan Kills 3, Including the Gunman

The shooting deaths of three people at the Duncan Wal-Mart store yesterday drew national attention. Law enforcement agencies were summoned to the store just before 10:00 a.m. Monday after a gunman opened fire on a car in the store’s parking lot. A man and a woman inside the car died. The gunman then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. District Attorney Jason Hicks told the Oklahoman that officers were on the scene within a minute of when the first 9-1-1call came in. Stephens County sheriff's deputies and the highway patrol also responded. Authorities have not yet released the names of those who died.

              

Anadarko Man Accused of Crimes Against his Girlfriend

An Anadarko man is accused of kidnapping and abusing his girlfriend. 22-year old Trace Noah Totherow was arrested by Anadarko police last week after officers responded to a domestic violence call. The victim alleges that Totherow was mad at her because she got home late. Totherow remains in the Caddo County Jail on a $20,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference is scheduled for December 19th.

 

State Has First Case of Equine Herpesvirus              

A concern for horse owners, as a case of equine herpesvirus has been confirmed in Oklahoma. Veterinarians with the state Department of Agriculture say a horse stabled at Remington Park had a positive test of EHV-1. The animal was euthanized and the infected barn has been put on quarantine for 14 days. Signs of the virus include fever, incoordination, and weakness or paralysis of the back legs. The illness is highly contagious between horses but it cannot be transmitted to humans.

 

Grady County Property Tax Statements Mailed

Grady County property tax statements have been mailed out. County Treasurer Robin Burton says her office mailed nearly 37,000 statements. The total ad valorem taxes to be collected for 2019 is more than $72 million. That's an increase of more than 13 percent from the previous year. Property owners have the option of paying all or half the amount due by January 15, 2020. The second half of the property taxes would be due April 15, 2020.

 

Chix City Council OKs Use of Final Tourism Dollars

The last few dollars remaining in a tourism fund at Chickasha City Hall will be used to improve lighting in the area of the Rock Island Railroad Depot. In last night’s Chickasha City Council meeting the panel approved using the final $20,000 in the fund to place some additional utility poles in the area to help improve lighting around 1st and Chickasha Avenue. The project was recommended by the Economic Development Council. The council also approved an annual service agreement with a company for the cardiac monitors at the fire department at a cost of $7,500 and approved some modifications on a wind lease agreement with MSR-1 Corporation. The council also allowed the Oklahoma Health Aging Initiative at OU to offer health promotion programs at the library. Firefighter Richard Prather was recognized for 25 years of service. The council also approved a memorandum of understanding between the police department and the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN) to offer assistance and services to victims of domestic violence. The council also okayed a request from Grand Assembly of God to waive fees for the use of Shannon Springs Park in April of 2020 to hold the community Easter Egg Hunt.

 

Ice Rink Under Construction for Festival of Light

The Festival of Light opens this weekend, and the newest addition to the festival is under construction. The ice skating rink is being built just north of the gift shop and underneath the 160 foot tall lighted Christmas tree. The skating rink will be open every day of the Festival, and skates will be available to rent. The rink is scheduled to be open at 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

 

Chickasha Christmas Parade Set December 5th             

Another holiday favorite is Chickasha's night-time lighted Christmas parade. The parade will be Thursday, Dec. 5th at 7 p.m. The parade route will start at 8th and Chickasha Avenue and travel east on Chickasha Avenue to finish at the Rock Island Railroad Depot. A snowball fight will once again take place at the depot after the parade. The theme for the parade this year is ‘Frozen’. Floats, antique cars, trucks and tractors, and walking groups are all invited to take part. Entry is $25 and cash prizes will be awarded to the top entries. Applications are available at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce, 221 West Chickasha Avenue and should be turned in by Friday, Nov. 29th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.05 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.44.

Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,467 and silver is $17.07

 

Monday, Nov. 18th

 

Wildfire Destroys, Damages Temporary Housing Units

Several temporary housing structures were destroyed and many others damaged in a weekend wildfire near Ninnekah. The fire erupted about 4:00 p.m. Saturday near Old Highway 81 and Old Fred Road. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department tells KOOL/RANCH News that 73 unused and unoccupied housing units were being stored on the property. There were no injuries. Myers said that about 40 fire fighters from a number of county fire departments were dispatched to the fire including Ninnekah, Pioneer, Acme, Farwell, Alex, and Bradley which dispatched a total of 25 trucks to fight the flames. Only about five acres of grassland burned. Four structures were destroyed, about seven had some level fire damage, and nearly every one of the units had smoke damage. One nearby property owner lost a shed but his home avoided damage. Crews spent more than 5 1/2 hours at the scene Saturday afternoon and evening. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 

Biker Hospitalized After Crash

A motorcyclist was hospitalized after his Harley was hit by a pick-up. 24-year old Coby Scott of Fletcher was taken to a Lawton hospital where he was last in fair condition with leg injuries. The accident happened about 11:30 p.m. Sunday four miles west of Fletcher. The highway patrol reports that a pick-up driven by 22-year old Timberlee Hobbs of Cyril failed to yield. The trooper investigating the accident reported that both Scott and Hobbs may have been drinking.

 

Chix City Council to Honor Firefighters

Veteran firefighters will be recognized for their service with the Chickasha Fire Department during tonight's city council meeting. The council will honor those who have 25-years of service with the department. The council will also consider a request to install eight utility poles in city easements at the Rock Island Railroad Depot. The Economic Development Council is recommending the council spend about $20,000 in tourism funds to pay for the extension of the Christmas tree lights and other lights at the depot. The council is expected to approve a memorandum of understanding with an agency which helps victims of domestic violence. The agreement would continue a partnership the city has with the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN). The memorandum would allow the police department to continue to assist the agency in providing victims with services they need. An extra holiday may be added for non-union city employees. The council will consider adding Christmas Eve as a holiday. The recommendation from administrators comes after the holiday was added to the collective bargaining agreements with both the police and fire unions. If approved, city employees will have 10 paid holidays each year. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Chickasha City Hall.

 

USAO Concert Band to Perform

The USAO concert band will perform a selection of marching songs at the Chickasha High School Auditorium tonight. The band is under the direction of adjunct music professor, Norman native Kaleb Benda. Benda earned a bachelor's degree at North Texas University and a master's degree from Oklahoma City University. Benda also is the artistic director and conductor of the Oklahoma Chamber Orchestra which is a group of volunteer musicians. He also serves as assistant conductor for the Enid Symphony Orchestra. The USAO concert band performance is at 7:30 p.m. tonight, again at the CHS auditorium and admission is free.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.72 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $63.30.

Natural gas is $2.69 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,459 and silver is $16.78.

 

 

Sat, Nov. 16th

 

Suspect Faces Charges in Animal Cruelty Case

Injured and neglected horses found with little food or water leads to animal cruelty charges being filed against a Grady County man. Authorities arrested 31-year old Berry Marshall Randall of Blanchard this week. A warrant for his arrest was issued back in the summer when authorities were called out to check on the welfare of a couple of injured animals outside Blanchard. One of the horses had a serious leg injury and had to be put down. A veterinarian said a second injured horse needed medical treatment. Randall was booked into the Grady County Jail on two felony counts of animal cruelty. He is out of jail after posting a $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled in January.

 

Details Of Missing Woman who was Found 

We have more details about a story we told you about yesterday, regarding a recent case of a missing elderly Grady county woman who had wandered away from her rural home. We reported that the Anadarko Police Department's K9 team of Hayden Young and Pasco helped to find the missing woman. Grady County sheriff's officials say they received a 9-1-1 call about 4:00 a.m. Friday, November 8th about the 74-year old woman missing from her Farwell area home, which is northwest of Rush Springs. Relatives say she suffers from the early stages of dementia. Family members searched the area and were unable to find her, so they called the Grady County sheriff's office. Grady County deputies, members of the Grady County Fire Department, and the Anadarko PD K9 team were all summoned to help. Officials say the woman was found about 6:00 a.m. Friday in a brushy area about 100 yards from her house. Officials say they had searched that same area earlier with no success. The woman had some scratches but was taken to a Duncan hospital for treatment then allowed to go home.

 

'Gold Star Families Highway' Dedicated

A road which leads to the Ft. Sill National Cemetery near Elgin is christened to honor families military men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. A ceremony was held yesterday to name a portion of U.S. Highway 277 west of Elgin as Gold Star Families Highway. Gold Star families, state officials and others attended the event. Signs will soon be placed along a four-mile stretch of 277 between the H.E. Bailey Turnpike and Porter Hill.

 

Sheriff's Office Updates 'Wanted' List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has an updated 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.

 

High School Football Scores

Tuttle 17, Chickasha 7

Minco 41, Elmore City 7

Cashion 45, Rush Springs 0

Dibble 28, Crossings Chr. 20

Alex 52, Empire 6

Waurika 54, Cyril 6

Lindsay 49, Lexington 46

Kingfisher 45, Marlow 42 (3 OT)

Timberlake 28, Mt. View-Gotebo 24

 

Friday, Nov. 15^th

 

Construction Nears Completion on New Convenience Store

Contractors are putting the finishing touches on Chickasha's newest convenience store. Domino's has been under construction for the last several months at 4th and Missouri Avenue. City Planner Gene Winsett says operators are hoping to open their doors within a matter of days. Winsett said with construction nearly complete, the city and contractors have come to an agreement for contractors to make repairs to Missouri Avenue which was damaged by heavy truck traffic going in and out of the construction zone. Repair work will narrow traffic to just one lane in the 400 Block of West Missouri Avenue for a few days with the work expected to be completed late Sunday. Officials urge motorists to avoid the 400 block of West Missouri while those repairs are made.

 

Burger King to Return to Chickasha              

A national hamburger chain will be returning to Chickasha. Burger King will be building a new restaurant where OK Skateland was once located. Winsett said contractors picked up a building permit for the project recently. A timeline wasn't immediately available on when they expect the restaurant to open. Winsett also said construction crews are moving dirt to build a new street that will run west from the Burger King restaurant to the neighborhood behind Homeland. Developers plan to build retail and business spaces as well as some additional homes and duplexes in that area.

 

K9 Officer Locates Missing Woman

A couple of local law enforcement agencies combine efforts to find an elderly woman who went missing from her home. All the details about the incident weren’t immediately available. However, according to a Facebook post from the Anadarko Police Department the agency received a call from the Grady County Sheriff's Office for assistance. The woman had been missing from her home for several hours. Anadarko Police Officer Hayden Young and his K9 partner Pasco were sent to help and were able to find the woman who was unharmed and returned home safely.

 

Semi Driver Injured in Crash Near Ft. Cobb Lake

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into a traffic accident involving a semi near Ft. Cobb Lake. 64-year old Francis Macanarney of Pratt, Kansas suffered head injuries in the accident. He was taken to a Weatherford hospital where he was admitted in good condition. The accident happened just after 10:30 p.m. Thursday near State Highway 146 and CR 1250, about 7 1/2 miles northeast of Ft. Cobb. The trooper's report of the accident offers no details on what might have happened.

 

'Buy Chickasha' Campaign Begins Next Week

Chickasha business leaders have announced a campaign for shoppers to support their hometown merchants during the holiday shopping period. The Chamber of Commerce has developed a Buy Chickasha program which gives local shoppers an opportunity to win up to $5,000 in cash. Chamber President Cassandra Ersland says it will create a unique experience for shoppers and give local retailers an extra advantage. Here's how it will work - just by visiting a local merchant, individuals will receive one ticket. Then, they receive one ticket for each $10.00 in merchandise purchased. A shopper can get a maximum of 100 tickets per purchase. Participants must be at least 18. There are about 20 businesses taking part. The Buy Chickasha Campaign starts next Monday, Nov. 18^th and runs through Sunday, Dec. 15th. Tickets will go into a hopper with three winning tickets to be drawn on Monday, Dec. 16th. Cash prizes of $5,000; $3,000; and $2,000 will be awarded. Businesses who are key sponsors of the Buy Chickasha Program are the First National Bank, Two Vets Clothing Company, Hilliary Communications, and Salt Creek Casino.

 

SCOOP Region Has Another Big Producing Well

While the number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas is down considerably from year ago levels, there are a number of active wells in the region producing some good numbers. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports Marathon Oil has a location near Lindsay bringing in about 1,300 barrels of oil and more than 1,700 metric cubic feet of natural gas on a daily basis. It's the Newby well located about three miles south of Lindsay.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Lt. David Brittle with the Salvation Army serving Grady and Caddo Counties is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, USAO baseball coach and assistant athletic director Mike Ross is the guest. We have links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.                                       

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.77 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.28.

Natural gas is $2.64 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,466 and silver is $16.86.

 

 

Thursday, Nov. 14th

 

First Step Taken to Create a Trust Authority

for the Grady County Fairgrounds              

Grady County commissioners this week took the first formal action to create a trust authority for the Grady County Fairgrounds. The panel unanimously approved a resolution announcing the intention of establishing a public trust authority for the purposes of managing the grounds, buildings, equipment and facilities of the fairgrounds and events center and conducting agricultural, and industrial fairs and expositions.

 

Tuttle Officials Pleased with Election Results

Officials in Tuttle are thanking voters for approving two tax issues in this week's special election. City Manager Tim Young said it was the first time in several decades that voters approved a general obligation bond. The $2 million plan will build a new police department. Young discusses the first order of business for that project.

 

              

 

Young said they will either build a new 5,000 sq. ft. building or purchase an existing building. Groundbreaking more than likely won't occur until next fall with the completion estimated for the summer or fall of 2021. Tuttle voters also approved a one-half of one cent increase in the city sales tax, with the funds to be used for street improvements. Young says it’s for 10 years and will be implemented April 1, 2020. The first additional revenue from the sales tax increase won’t be realized until June. The first street improvement projects could begin next summer.

              

Fireball May have Been Part of Metor Shower

There were reports of a large fireball seen in the Chickasha area just before 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night. We've not been able to get a confirmation about what it might of have been, but there is an active meteor shower visible in Oklahoma nearly the entire month of November. It's the Leonid meteor shower. The website www.timeanddate.com reports that the Leonids will peak this weekend from Sunday night in to Monday morning. The best time to catch the meteor shower tonight will be after midnight. You could see up to 15 occurrences per hour.

 

Dog Show, Arts and Crafts Celebration set for Chickasha

It's another big weekend in Chickasha with a couple of events at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The Sooner Circuit Cluster of Dog Shows opened this morning and runs through Sunday. Two kennel clubs will actually be conducting shows over the next four days. Hundreds of the top dogs in the country will be shown, as exhibitors look to earn points in order to qualify for national dog shows like the Westminster Dog Show and the Eukanuba Dog Show next spring. Admission is free and open to the public. Also at the fairgrounds this weekend is the Grady County OHCE Celebration of Crafts Show. More than 40 vendors will have arts, crafts, and numerous gift items available for the upcoming holidays. A number of county OHCE groups will have food items you can freeze and use for Thanksgiving and other holiday meals. Santa will be there for pictures, there is a quilt turning both days, and something new this year is an alpaca petting area. Indian tacos will be available both days as well. The Celebration of Crafts runs Friday and Saturday in the north exhibit building at the fairgrounds.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.12 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.37.

Natural gas is $2.60 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,469 and silver is $17.02.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 13th

 

Tuttle Voters OK Tax Hikes

for Police Station, Street Upgrades

(EDITOR'S NOTE - This version is corrected from an earlier story regarding the voting on the two issues.)

The City of Tuttle will be building a new police station after voters approved a $2 million general obligation bond in yesterday's special election. Voters also approved a sales tax increase to pay for street repairs. The general obligation bond issue passed by only 16 votes, 276 to 260. The bonds will be paid off over 25 years with an increase in property taxes. The proposition to increase the Tuttle sales tax won with 55 percent voter approval, 295 to 241. It calls for increasing the sales tax by one-half of one percent with the proceeds to be used for street repairs.

              

Minco, Anadarko Election Results

In a close city council race in Minco, Karen Dirickson defeated Mandy Addington by six votes. The unofficial tally shows Dirickson won 46 to 40. She will serve the remainder of an unexpired term on the council. In Anadarko, voters approved seven propositions to update city policies. About 135 voters cast ballots with each proposition receiving at least 62 percent approval.

 

Chix Superintendent Candidate Interviews to Begin              

Interviews with candidates interested in being the next superintendent of Chickasha schools will begin next week. The Chickasha board of education met with its consultant from the Oklahoma State School Boards Association yesterday to review the applicants. School board president Zack McGill says the panel will hold the first round of interviews next week with a second round of interviews to be held the second week of December. A new superintendent is expected to be announced sometime after the first of the year.

 

School Board Candidate Filing Dates Scheduled              

The filing period for candidates interested in running for school board positions throughout Oklahoma is coming up soon. For Chickasha schools, Office No. 5 is up for election. The post is currently held by Christy Clift who was appointed to the post earlier this year. It is a five-year term, which will begin next year. There are school board posts open in nearly every school district. The filing period is Monday, December 2nd through Wednesday, Dec. 5th. Should elections will be held in February.

 

Suspect Charged with Throwing Rocks at Cop

Throwing rocks at a cop lands a Chickasha man in jail. A Chickasha police officer was called to the neighborhood of 16th and Virginia Avenue before dawn last Thursday morning to check out a report of a man walking down the street and yelling. The officer located the man and a police affidavit indicates the suspect threw a handful of rocks at the officer’s cruiser. The officer got out of his car and the suspect continued throwing rocks. The officer deployed his taser but it had no effect on the suspect. There was a brief scuffle but the officer eventually took the suspect into custody. Prosecutors have charged 49-year old Michael Jay Christian with a misdemeanor of assault with a dangerous weapon. It carries a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and six months in jail upon conviction. Christian was released after a posting a $2,500 bond. The case has a December 6th court date.

 

Turnpike Overpass Repairs Slows U.S. Highway 81 Traffic              

There is some traffic congestion to contend with in Chickasha for the rest of the week. Motorists on U.S. Highway 81 at the junction of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike will be hindered. It's due to some work being done on the turnpike overpass over Highway 81 just south of 4th and Grand Avenue. All the northbound traffic on Highway 81 has been moved to the southbound lanes - and there is only one lane of traffic in each direction for a couple of blocks. We were unable to reach anyone with the turnpike to find out what kind of work is being done. We were told by an individual with the state department of transportation that the work should be completed by the end of the week.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.80 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.06.

Natural gas is $2.62 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,465 and silver is $16.90.

 

 

Tuesday, Nov. 12th

 

Chickasha Schools ACT Test Scores Below State Average

For the first time in the last five years, ACT scores for Chickasha school students were lower than the state average. The board of education will see the numbers when the group meets for its regular November meeting tonight. Average ACT scores were lower than the state average in the four key areas tested as well as the overall composite score. The numbers were provided by an ACT testing firm out of Iowa. The composite score of 18.3 was below the state average of 18.9. English had the lowest score of 16.9 with the state average being 18.2. The highest score was in reading at 19.5 which was just below the state average of 19.6. Math was 17.9 with the state average of 18.3; science was 18.5 which was below the state average of 19.0. There were 150 students who took the ACT test which was almost double the number tested in 2018.

 

School Board to Review Superintendent Applications              

It will be a long day for the Chickasha board of education. They'll be holding a special meeting this afternoon to review applications for superintendent. The group will meet behind closed doors with its consultant from the Oklahoma State School Boards Association. The school board will then have its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the school administration building. Among the discussion items is a possible bond resolution to take to school district voters. There was no information regarding the proposed resolution on the agenda for tonight's meeting.

 

Boat, RV Storage Public Hearing Canceled              

Now an update to a story we told you about yesterday. A public hearing WILL NOT be held by the Chickasha Planning Commission today regarding a re-zoning proposal by Chickasha businessman Kelly Boyd. Boyd sought to re-zone agriculture property to a Planned Unit Development area in hopes of opening a boat and recreational vehicle storage business. City Planner Gene Winsett said the public hearing was taken off the Planning Commission's agenda late last week. The Planning Commission will meet to hold a public hearing on a use-on-review request from John Wood to open a liquor store in the 1500 block of Stewart Drive. The Planning Commission meets at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon at city hall.

 

 City Council to Re-hear Issues from Oct. 21st Meeting             

The Chickasha City Council has a special meeting tonight. The group will basically be going over the same business which was dealt with during a meeting last month, when officials thought they had the minimum number of council representatives to hold a meeting. Five council members attended the Oct. 21st meeting which included Mayor Chris Mosely and four of the eight other council members. City Manager John Noblitt told the group during last week's council meeting that the city charter indicates that the mayor cannot be included as part of a quorum. Some of the items to be reconsidered are re-zoning requests for possible medical marijuana dispensaries at 1111 West Choctaw Avenue and at 1426 S. 4th Street; and a re-zoning request to build a miniature golf course near the city's sports complex. Other issues to be revisited are an economic development grant to Crazy 8 Cafe and an economic development agreement with Viridian Coffee of Duncan to open a similar coffee shop locally. The special meeting will get underway at 6:30 tonight at City Hall.

 

Minco, Tuttle, Anadarko Special Elections Underway

Special elections are underway in several area communities. In Minco, voters are deciding on a candidate to fill an un-expired term on the city council. In Tuttle, voters are deciding two tax-increase proposals. One is a $2 million general obligation bond to build a new police department. The second is a one-half of one penny sales tax increase which would pay for street repairs. In Anadarko, voters are deciding a number of proposals which would update some city codes and policies. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.

 

Livestock Specialist to Address Cattlewomen Group

Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Specialist Derrell Peel will be in Chickasha tonight. He'll be addressing a meeting of the Grady County Cattlewomen. The group will meet at 6:30 tonight at the Grady County OSU Extension Office.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.86 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.18.

Natural gas is $2.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,454 and silver is $16.75.

 

 

Monday, Nov. 11th

 

Effort Continues to Develop Boat, RV Storage Business

(EDITOR'S NOTE - Chickasha City Planner Gene Winsett notified us Tuesday, Nov. 12th that the public hearing for the boat and RV park storage business had been pulled from the Planning Commission agenda)

A Chickasha businessman continues his attempt to develop a boat and recreational vehicle storage location. The Chickasha Planning Commission will hold a public hearing tomorrow for Kelly and Carrie Boyd. They want to re-zone agriculture property to what's called a Planned Unit Development. The Boyds have been working for several years to develop the business on their property near 29th and Georgia Avenue, but nearby property owners are against the proposal. Earlier this year, a proposal to re-zone the property to commercial use was to be considered by the city council, but the Boyd's decided to pull the item from the agenda from the meeting that night after a number of people opposed to the plan were in attendance. The Planning Commission will also hold a public hearing regarding a request from John Wood to open a liquor store at 1523 Stewart Drive. The location is just north of Brandt's, and between the Subway store on 4th Street and Jungle Ice. The Planning Commission will meet at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon at city hall.

 

America Pauses to Honor Military Veterans

Today is Veterans Day and numerous ceremonies will be held around the country to honor those who served in the Armed Forces. Fourth District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole released a statement saying ‘without question, we owe a constant debt of gratitude to generations of veterans who made sacrifices to ensure the safety of our homeland, and who faithfully fought to promote and preserve America's freedoms.’ Federal, state, and county offices are closed as are some city offices. Chickasha City Hall is among those municipal offices closed. Veterans Day ceremonies in the region include the Grady County Veterans Day program which was held at the Chickasha Elks Lodge due to the weather. Chickasha City Councilman Tom Rose, who retired as a Lt. Colonel after 22 years with the U.S. Army was the guest speaker. In Anadarko, a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial at the Caddo County Courthouse was held this morning.

 

Garvin County Man Perishes in Rollover

A Maysville man has died in a single vehicle accident in McClain County. 32-year old Carry Jonathon Stratton died in the crash which happened late Saturday night near Wayne. The Highway Patrol reports that Stratton's truck left the roadway, rolled 1 1/2 times and landed upside down. Stratton was ejected from the truck and was pronounced dead after being air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital.

 

Longtime Owner of Ma and Pa Settle Grocery Dies

Longtime Chickasha businessman Derrell Settle has died. Settle and his late-wife Deanna owned and operated Ma and Pa Settle Grocery for many years. There will be a graveside service at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12^th at the Spring Creek Cemetery near Gracemont. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

New Anadarko Tag Agent May be Named

Anadarko could have a new tag agent this week. Stephanie Novotny is to be considered for the post when the Oklahoma Tax Commission meets tomorrow. The previous tag agent retired a couple of months ago and there had been concern that the office might close.

 

USAO Prof has Article Published

A professor at USAO has had an article published in a recent edition of a magazine from the Oklahoma Humanities Council. Dr. John Bruce is a professor of language and literature. His article called 'Against Tinsel and Trickery: Communicating the Tenuous Threads of Connection in Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway,' is in the Fall-Winter edition of the council's publication. A release from USAO indicates Bruce's article examines how Woolf's 1925 novel broke new ground through her 'representation of time through the thought, experiences, and shifting perspective of her characters.' Bruce says the novel helped to define a technique which would become a mainstay of 20th century literature.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.24 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.51.

Natural gas is $2.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,466 and silver is $16.87.

Sat, Nov. 9th

 

Domestic Violence Suspect Held on $500,000 Bond

A Caddo County man who spent time in prison for a violent crime is back behind bars, alleged to have been involved in another enraged attack on a family. 50-year old Timothy Daniel Kitson of Hydro was arrested earlier this week after authorities were called to investigate a domestic violence call where shots were fired. Kitson is facing charges which include shooting with intent to kill, burglary, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. A judge set bond at $500,000. A preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled on January 21st of next year. Kitson spent about 18 months behind bars in connection with an assault and battery arrest out of Custer County back in 2009.

 

Anadarko Police Seek Missing Teen

Anadarko police are looking for a missing teenager. Authorities posted information on the department's Facebook page that 13-year old Jody Isaacs, Jr. went missing sometime Wednesday. Isaacs is Caucasian, about 5'4" tall and weighs about 145 pounds. He has shoulder-length sandy blonde hair and is clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a gray OSU shirt and black shorts. Anyone with information is asked to reach out to the Anadarko Police Department by calling 405-247-2411.

 

Grady County Sheriff Updates Wanted List

The Grady County Sheriff's office has released a new 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.

 

Grant May Help Put More Veterinarians in Rural OK

There is an effort to address the shortage of veterinarians in rural Oklahoma. Dr. Rosslyn Biggs of Chickasha is with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University. Ron Hays with the Radio Oklahoma Ag network reports that Biggs-

              

 

That's Ron Hays with the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Elizabeth Allen and Cassandra Ersland with the Festival of Light are this week's guests on our KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley our guests are Grady County Fairgrounds Executive Director Andy Maher and Grady County Fair Board member Steve Standridge. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

High School Football Scores

Chickasha 28, Anadarko 16

Blanchard 33, Harrah 7

Cashion 40, Minco 13

Elgin 13, Newcastle 10

Bridge Creek 18, Blackwell 13

Alex 74, Burns Flat-Dill City 62

Tuttle 33, Cushing 20

Rush Springs 22, Healdton 6

Ringling 50, Apache 0

Kingston 33, Lindsay 12

Marlow 35, Purcell 27

Snyder 36, Cyril 12

Carnegie 46, Geary 23

 

Friday, Nov. 8th

 

Grady County Fairgrounds 'Trust' to be Created

Some management changes are going to be made at the Grady County Fairgrounds over the next few months. Officials are in the process of creating a trust. Fairgrounds director Andy Maher explains why.

 

              

 

The Grady County Fair Board and Grady County Commissioners are behind the change. Maher said it won't change how the fairgrounds is operated. He says the trust is similar to those that are in place for Grady Memorial Hospital and the Grady County Jail. County commissioners this week approved a letter of engagement to work with the Center for Economic Development Law to begin the first of a three-phase legal process to create the trust.

 

Chix School Board to Review Superintendent Applicants              

The application period is over for candidates interested in being the next superintendent for Chickasha Public Schools. Now, the local board of education has the task of sifting through the candidates and deciding who to invite for interviews. The school board has a special meeting next Tuesday afternoon with it’s consultants from the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, the group leading the effort to find the next superintendent. The meeting is a closed-door session since the panel is discussing a personnel issue. Interviews with potential candidates will be scheduled over the next few weeks. A new superintendent could be named after the first of the year. The school district is currently being led by Jennifer Stegman, who was appointed to the post on an interim basis this past spring.

 

Early Voting Today for Minco, Tuttle, Anadarko Elections

Early voting continues today for upcoming elections in Minco, Tuttle, and Anadarko. In Minco, voters are deciding a post on the city council. Karen Dirickson and Mandy Addington are seeking an unexpired term. In Tuttle, voters are deciding two proposals - one is a $2 million general obligation bond proposal for 25 years to build a new police station - and another is a one-half of one percent sales tax increase for street improvements. Anadarko residents are deciding a number of issues which city officials say are needed to modernize some city policies and procedures. Minco and Tuttle voters can cast in-person, absentee ballots until 6:00 p.m. tonight at the Grady County Election Board. Anadarko voters can cast ballots until 6:00 p.m. at the Caddo County Election board. Voters will be able to cast ballots at their regular precincts next Tuesday, November 12th.

 

USAO Professor Receives National Award

USAO history professor Kevin Crow is being nationally recognized for his work. Crow will receive the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pa. A news release from the university says the award recognizes those who promote an understanding and appreciation for the country's rich heritage, principles, and unique freedoms. The Freedoms Foundation was created in 1949 as a national non-profit, non-partisan, and non-sectarian group to promote the ideals and principles of a free, democratic society. Crow will receive the award from the group's Oklahoma City Volunteer Chapter next spring.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Elizabeth Allen and Cassandra Ersland with Chickasha's Festival of Light are this week's guests on our KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, the guests are Grady County Fairgrounds Executive Director Andy Maher and Grady County Fair Board member Steve Standridge. We have links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.15 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.29.

Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,466 and silver is $16.93.

 

 

Thursday, Nov. 7th

 

Cement Schools Close due to Alleged Threat

Public school officials across the country are taking any alleged threats against their schools seriously. Officials at Cement Public Schools canceled classes today due to some alleged threats made against personnel. Cement School Principal Travis Clift posted a message on Facebook late last night saying that classes would be canceled today. His post indicated that alleged threats were made toward a school employee. He did not go into details about the threats. Clift stated that the threats were being investigated by the Caddo County Sheriff's Office.

 

Muscle Car Ranch Continues Effort

to be De-Annexed from Chickasha City Limits

The owner of Chickasha's Muscle Car Ranch continues his years-long effort to get the ranch removed from the Chickasha City Limits. Curtis Hart has battled the city for about 30 years. This past summer, the city council voted down his most recent attempt to be de-annexed, even though the plan was recommended by city manager John Noblitt. Hart says-

 

              

 

Hart and his supporters want to create a south side chamber of commerce, and wants more communication city-wide when it comes to scheduling activities.

 

              

 

On his Facebook posts, Hart says a trial date could be set next month in his on-going effort to de-annex his 80-acre Muscle Car Ranch from the city.

 

Caddo County Mails Out 2019 Property Tax Statements

Caddo County officials are putting the 2019 tax statements in the mail. Treasurer Regina Mosier says they are sending out about 27,000 statements. The office has been certified to collect just a little under $18 million in property taxes. That's an increase of just under 6 percent from the previous year. Mosier said that property taxes may be paid in full by December 31st. Taxpayers have an option of paying half of the due amount by December 31st with the second half due by March 31st of next year. The Grady County treasurer's office is preparing to mail out its property tax statements later this month.

 

Conservation Work on Tribal Land Discussion Underway

Native American tribes, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and USDA are working together  on a plan to assist with conservation programs on tribal lands. Farm Broadcaster Ron Hays has more.

 

              

 

 

Shoplifting Suspect Had Outstanding Warrant

A woman who had a warrant out for her arrest is in more trouble with the law after allegedly being caught shoplifting. 38-year old Krista Leanne Cassity of Chickasha was arrested Monday after police were called to investigate an alleged theft at the Dollar General Store at 6th and Grand Avenue. A Chickasha police affidavit indicates Cassity first gave officers a false name, then admitted doing so because she had an outstanding warrant. Authorities found about $20 of store merchandise in her purse including a jar of peanut butter, Kool-Aid, some gloves, and disinfectant spray. Cassity has been charged with felony impersonation and misdemeanor shoplifting and obstruction charges in connection with this most recent arrest. She was wanted for violating a deferred sentence she received for pleading guilty to drug charge from a 2017 arrest. Her initial bond was set at $20,000 but it was reduced to $2,500. Cassity is currently out of jail and awaits a Nov. 19th preliminary hearing conference.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.35 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $61.74.

Natural gas is $2.83 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,482 and silver is $17.50.

 

 

Wed, Nov. 6th

 

Semis Crash; One Taken to the Hospital

A truck driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after an accident involving two semis. The accident happened on State Highway 39 two miles west of the Grady and McClain County line about 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. Unofficial reports indicate both semis were headed east on the highway. One of the big rigs tried to pass a third vehicle and sideswiped the other semi. The truck driver trying to pass lost control, hit a guardrail, rolled onto its side and slid off the road. Traffic was narrowed to one lane for a couple of hours after the crash. The names of the truck drivers were not released.

 

Two Sent to Hospital After Caddo County Accident

A car slams into a pickup in Caddo County sending two men to the hospital. The accident happened just after 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of a couple of county roads three miles south of Carnegie. 57-year old Spencer Chalepah of Lawton was admitted to a Lawton hospital in fair condition with internal injuries. 27-year old Casey Troub of Carnegie was treated and released with minor injuries. A passenger in Troub's pickup, 27-year old Dylan McGee of Midwest City, refused treatment. The Highway Patrol trooper dispatched to the crash reported that Chalepah failed to yield and crashed into Troub's pickup.

 

27th Annual Festival of Light Nears

The opening of Chickasha's Festival of Light (FOL) is about 2 1/2 weeks away. This will be the 27th year for the festival which will run Saturday, Nov. 23rd through New Year’s Eve. Volunteers and crews from the City of Chickasha have been working for several weeks to get things in place at Shannon Springs Park. This Friday, one of the biggest projects could use a few volunteers, putting thousands of lights on the bridge over the pond. Contact the Chamber of Commerce by calling 405-224-0787 if you can help.  FOL organizers are also looking for volunteers to help at the front and back gates through the season. The newest attraction for the festival, a real ice skating rink, will be installed just a few days before the festival begins.

 

Voting Underway in FSA County Committee Elections

It's election time for agriculture producers. Ballots are being mailed to producers to vote in Farm Service Agency county committee elections. For most counties the election is for Local Area Administrative Office No. 3, typically the southern third of a county. Mark Jackson with the Grady County Farm Service agency says committee members play an important role in assisting with USDA farm programs.

 

              

 

In Grady County, Lynn Alexander is the only candidate on the ballot. In Caddo County, Ethan Hrbacek and Lynn Dietrich are the candidates. Ballots need to be returned to FSA offices by Dec. 2nd. Winners will take office in January and will serve a three-year term.

 

Veterans Day Ceremonies Set for Chickasha and Anadarko

Veterans Day is coming up next Monday, Nov. 11th. The Veterans Day ceremony traditionally held at the Grady County Veterans Memorial in Chickasha's Shannon Springs Park will be moved indoors due to the forecast of cold weather. The ceremony will be held at the Chickasha Elks Lodge, at 1818 West Country Club Road starting at 11 a.m.. U.S. Army Lt.-Col. Tom Rose (Ret.) of  Chickasha is the guest speaker. Afterwards, the Elks Lodge will serve lunch to veterans, family and friends. In Anadarko, the Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial at the Caddo County Courthouse Monday morning at 10 a.m.

 

Two Inducted into Grady County 4H Hall of Fame

Two Grady County youth have been inducted into the Grady County 4H Hall of Fame. Blake White of Chickasha, now a freshman at Oklahoma State University, was a state 4H project winner in geology. Cortney Evans is a home school student who is currently a 4H Healthy Living Ambassador and is the West District Representative on the State 4H Council.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.23 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.96.

Natural gas is $2.86 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,486 and silver is $17.51.

 

 

Tuesday, Nov. 5th

 

City Council to Vote Again on Zoning Changes

Some re-zoning measures which were approved by the Chickasha City Council last month will have to go back before the panel for another vote. During the council’s Oct. 21st meeting, Mayor Chris Mosley was one of only five of the nine council members who attended. All voted to approve the re-zoning requests and a few other issues. However, City Manager John Noblitt told the council last night-

 

              

 

Noblitt said a special city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 12th to hold official votes on the items which were considered on Oct. 21st. That included re-zoning properties near 4th and Tennessee Avenue and in the 1100 block of West Choctaw to operate medical marijuana dispensaries and re-zoning  property near the city's sports complex for a miniature golf course.

 

Council OK's Payment for Street Repairs

It took less than 15 minutes for the city council to conduct its business last night. All nine city council members attended last night's meeting. The group approved street repair projects on Maple Lane and Ponderosa Drive and authorized the combined payment of some $66,000 for both projects to Bordwine Development. The panel also waived bidding requirements to hire a State Department of Transportation vendor to finish the repairs of a sinkhole at 4th and Colorado Avneue at a cost not to go over $16,000. The council also approved the library's annual Food for Fines program for the month of December.

 

New Homes Lead October Construction in Chix

October was another million dollar month for new construction in Chickasha. The city's Community Development Department issued 10 permits for new construction for a total of just over $1 million. Topping the list is a $430,000 home in the 3400 block of Pondridge Road to be built by Reese Homes. Officials also approved building permits for the construction of two homes on Skyline Drive by McComas and Associates, each valued at $125,000. A residential remodel permit for $125,000 was issued for a home in the 1300 block of Arizona for Carl and Ashley Melland. In the commercial sector, a building permit was issued to Crazy 8 Cafe for its new location at 424 Chickasha Avenue for just over $100,000. And an industrial remodel permit was issued to Bill McDuff in the 200 block of North 6th Street for $20,000. Since the first of the year, nearly $11.5 million in new construction projects have begun in the city. That's less than half of the new construction approved in the first 10 months of 2018.

 

'Shop with a Cop' Returns              

The Chickasha Police Department will be working with Chickasha Public Schools again this year for its Shop with a Cop program. It’s is designed to help under-served children during the holidays. Assistant Police Chief G.G. Music hopes to help about 40 children this year. The youth will be selected by teachers and counselors at Bill Wallace, Grand Avenue, and Lincoln School. Hillary Communications and retired judge John Herndon and his wife Loretta are the most recent contributors to Shop with a Cop. The day set aside for the event is Friday, Dec. 6th. For information, contact Assistant Chief Music at the police department by calling 405-222-6050.

 

Third-Party CDL Testing to Begin

One of the many new laws now in effect in Oklahoma is allowing third-party Commercial Driver's License (CDL) testing. Oklahoma joins 40 other states in offering the service. State Sen. Rob Standridge of Norman said it should address a costly testing backlog in the trucking industry. The law allows private companies and career techs to conduct CDL testing. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has approved rules and is in the process of working with prospective vendors.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.54 per barrel.

London-based Brent is $62.13.

Natural gas is $2.82 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,506 and silver is $18.07.

 

 

Monday, Nov. 4th

 

Input Sought on FEMA Grant for Master Drainage Plan

You may remember a few years ago that City of Chickasha officials were considering a controversial plan to increase water usage rates to pay for a plan to deal with flooding issues. That plan met with a lot of opposition from residents and businesses and was never implemented. Earlier this year, the city received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop a master drainage plan. FEMA officials will hold a community meeting next week to get public input on the proposal. The meeting will be held at the Canadian Valley Technology Center on Thursday, November 14th at 6:30 p.m.

 

Street Repair Projects Top Chix City Council Agenda

A number of street repair projects are to be discussed by the Chickasha City Council tonight. The panel will consider paying Bordwine Development nearly $20,000 for work completed on Maple Lane. The council will consider authorizing a second payment to Bordwine Development for recent repairs on Ponderosa Drive of more than $46,000. The Municipal Authority will consider waiving bid requirements for final repairs at 4th and Colorado Avenue where a sinkhole was repaired earlier this year. The panel is expected to use a State Department of Transportation provider at a cost not to exceed $16,000. The council is expected to approve an amnesty program for overdue materials at the library. Each December, the library offers a Food for Fines program and distributes the food to local food pantries. The city council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall.

 

Church Begins Program to Help Needy Families

Get Homes Compliant with Chickasha City Codes

A Chickasha church has begun a program to help low-income families and senior citizens take care of properties which fall out of compliance with city codes. Trinity Baptist Church is spear-heading the effort, but officials say there has been a lot of interest from other churches throughout the county that are interested in implementing similar programs. It’s called ACTS, Affirming Community Through Service. Pastor Billy Elkins says he got the idea from a church in the Oklahoma City area.

 

              

 

Groups who would like to help with the project can contact the church by calling 405-224-3769. Applications from families who might need the help are also available from the church.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.20 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $61.69.

Natural gas is to $2.71 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,512 and silver is $18.10.

 

 

Saturday, Nov. 2nd

 

 

 

Electric Vehicle 'Charging Network' Installation Underway

The Sooner State is among the nation’s leaders when it comes to the use and support of electric vehicles. Officials announced Friday that a statewide charging network will be in place by the first of the year to support the growing trend of electric vehicles. David Jankowsy is the founder and president of Francis Renewable Energy, the company installing dozens of charging stations right now.

 

              

 

Oklahoma Secretary of Energy Kenneth Wagner says he believes the effort will help the state lead the country in what he calls a 'low-carbon' economy which will create jobs and drive industry-related businesses to the region. A number of electric vehicles known as EVs were on display at the announcement held at Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman. It featured electric cars from Tesla, Nissan, and Chevrolet. Ford Motor Company displayed a proto-type of an all-electric F-150 pickup, and Ford is also developing a Mustang-inspired electric SUV.

 

Minco Man Faces Cattle Rustling Charges

A Grady County man is accused of cattle rustling. 64-year old Paul Dewayne Allen of Minco is facing felony counts of larceny of domestic animals and conspiracy following an investigation in Caddo County. The Lawton Constitution reports that a game ranger began looking into the alleged theft of a couple of calves from the Cogar area back in June.  Allen had his initial appearance on the charges in Caddo County District Court this week. He was released on his own recognizance and is to be back in court in January for a preliminary hearing conference.

 

Okla. Judge Blocks State Law which Fines Railroads

An effort to prevent trains from blocking intersections in Oklahoma cities and towns has been derailed. A U.S. district judge issued a temporary injunction against cities and the state of Oklahoma which prevents the enforcement of a new law which just went on the books a few months ago. Judge Charles Goodwin of Oklahoma City granted the injunction sought by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad. The railroad filed a lawsuit against the State Corporation Commission and the cities of Edmond and Davis challenging the new law. The law called for railroads to be fined up to $1,000 if trains blocked an intersection for longer than 10 minutes without a good reason. Judge Goodwin sided with BNSF officials who said that federal offices have jurisdiction over railroads, not states and cities.

 

U.S. Sen. Inhofe Comments on ISIS Leader's Death

Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe praised the work of U.S. Special Forces in their recent mission which led to the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Inhofe serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Inhofe said President Trump called him at 3 o'clock in the morning to let him know about the success of the mission.

 

              

 

Inhofe said al-Baghdadi was responsible for killing thousands of innocent people.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Billy Elkins, Winona Simmons, and Randy Talley with Trinity Baptist Church are on our KOOL Konversation to discuss a new program called ACTS, which stands for Affirming Community Through Service. It’s a program to help low-income families and senior citizens with home maintenance projects. On Real Estate Today, our guest is Alex School Superintendent Jason James. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

High School Football Scores

Chickasha 29, Clinton 13

Anadarko 38, Elk City 10

Cushing 20, Blanchard 14

Weatherford 28, Newcastle 17

Tuttle 56, Harrah 7

Rush Springs 26, Walters 0

Dibble 33, Apache 14

Mannford 27, Bridge Creek 13

Lindsay 34, Dickson 0

Marlow 68, Bethel 34

8-man Football

Alex 64, Cyril 14

Snyder 58, Carnegie 26

Central High 32, Empire 28

Waurika 60, Bray-Doyle 0

Mt. View-Gotebo 34, Thackerville 8

 

 

Friday, Nov. 1st

 

Lack of Donations May Force Free Medical Clinic to Close

For 25 years, the Access Medical Clinic in Chickasha has provided free medical care to low income families. The clinic is in danger of closing due to a lack of funding. Volunteer doctors, nurses, and pharmacists treat about 700 patients a year who are individuals and families who have no resources to pay for routine health care.  The clinic provides free medical care and prescription medication. The clinic provides about $500,00 in medical care each year on a budget of only $20,000. Several doctors and pharmacists volunteer their time at the clinic and nursing students at the Canadian Valley Technology Center also assist.  Drs. Bruce Storms and Randy Jenkins are among those who volunteer. Many churches and the ministerial alliance are among those who regularly provide contributions. The main source of donations used to come from the local United Fund which is no longer in existence. If you'd like to help, contact Shirley Spina by calling 405-222-8594.

 

New Election Board Secretary Appointed

Grady County will soon have a new election board secretary. Katrina Hughes was appointed to the post by the State Election Board. Hughes will fill the post currently held by interim election board secretary, Denise Robinett. She filled the post after the previous election board secretary, JoAnne Hames, was fired. Hughes currently works for the Grady County treasurer's office and previously worked for local CPA Helen Garrison, and with Chickasha public schools as a payroll specialist and building secretary. Hughes takes over the post on Nov. 18th.

 

Sheriff's Office Updates Wanted List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has issued an updated 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.

 

Sex Offender Arrested for Living with a Minor

A convicted sex offender is back behind bars for allegedly residing with a child. 40-year old Michael Richardson of Rush Springs was convicted of three felony counts of lewd molestation out of Grady County back in 2006. Now, he's charged as a sex offender living with a child in Stephens County. The Lawton Constitution and KSWO-TV report that DHS requested a deputy conduct a welfare check, and found Richardson to be living in Marlow with a woman and her 8-year old son. If convicted, Richardson could be sentenced to three years in prison and up to a $3,000 fine. Richardson remains in the county jail in Duncan pending a $40,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference is has been scheduled next month.

 

Manslaughter Suspect Arrested

Now a follow-up to a story from earlier this week regarding a woman wanted in connection with a double-fatality accident. 32-year old Nina Holden is now behind bars in Lawton. Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Holden last week. She is charged with two counts of manslaughter in connection with the violent crash that occurred in September. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that Holden's blood-alcohol-content was more than three times the level considered to be under the influence. Investigators say Holden tried to pass a vehicle in a no-passing zone when she hit an on-coming vehicle head-on, killing two people.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $54.18 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $60.23.

Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,512 and silver is $18.08.

 

 

Thursday, Oct. 31st

 

Thieves Steal Car Left Running in Front of a Day Care

One person is behind bars and police are looking for several other persons of interest in connection with the theft of a car from a Chickasha neighborhood. It happened early Monday morning when a mom was dropping off her children at a day care in the Sleepy Hollow addition. The mom had left her car running  while taking the kids inside when her car was stolen. A police affidavit indicates the woman called police and said her cell phone - which was still in the car - was pinging in the downtown area. Police located the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop. But the car sped away and headed east on U.S. Highway 62. A pursuit began, and speeds reached 125 miles per hour with the driver of the stolen car nearly causing several accidents. The driver eventually pulled over near the Tabler Y and she was arrested without incident. 23-year old Erica Marie Hafer-Seder of Oklahoma City told police that she had been with several other individuals. One of them threatened her if she didn't follow him to Oklahoma City. Prosecuters have formally charged Hafer-Seder with felony eluding and possession of stolen vehicle. She's also facing a misdemeanor drug charge. She remains in jail in lieu of a $30,000 bond. Anyone with information regarding the other persons of interest is asked to call Chickasha police or Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also leave anonymous tips on the Grady County Crimestoppers Facebook page.

              

Sales Tax Revenue Drops in Grady County              

Grady County sales tax revenues dropped significantly from August to September of this year. Revenues in September were about $883,000, which was down 24 percent from August. That’s the lowest level since May of 2018. Here's how the county sales tax revenue is distributed: The Grady County Fairgrounds collected about $275,000; Grady Memorial Hospital received $244,000; each of the seven senior nutrition centers picked up about $20,000; the 20 fire districts received nearly $7,000; Tuttle EMS collected about $25,000; and Rush Springs EMS received a little more than $6,000. All of those projects were approved by Grady County voters.

 

Hallowe'en, Fall Festivals Listed

There are a lot of trick-or-treating and fall festival activities this afternoon and tonight for Hallowe’en. Hundreds of costumed characters will invade downtown Chickasha tonight for Ne'ewollah, where businesses will hand out treats from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There's a carnival at the YMCA, where Arvest Bank will serve free hot dogs. Food trucks will also be downtown. The costume contest will be at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Chamber of Commerce. Also downtown, The USAO Haunted House at the Art Wrecker Studio will start at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 and it's NOT recommended for children 12 and under. College Heights Baptist Church holds its fall festival with lots of games, activities and candy from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and USAO Student Services has a fall festival on the USAO oval with a costume contest, games, and treats. In Anadarko, about 40 businesses are participating in Safe Streets for trick-or-treaters. That's from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. this afternoon. A map is available on the Anadarko Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

 

Need for Blood Donations Increases

Officials with the Oklahoma Blood Institute say there is a critical need for O-negative blood right now. There are blood drives in the area the next couple of days so if you are an eligible donor you're asked to roll up your sleeve. Grady Memorial Hospital is holding a blood drive TODAY until 4:30 p.m. and KOOL 105 and 106.1 The Ranch will hold a blood drive tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Chickasha YMCA. Schedule an appointment ahead of time on the blood institute’s website: www.obi.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.06 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $60.61.

Natural gas is $2.69 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,507 and silver is $18.10.

 

 

Wednesday, Oct. 30th

 

Suspect Arrested for Threatening Text Messages

We have new information about a story we first told you about yesterday, regarding a man arrested for computer fraud. 29-year old Timothy Tyler Cook of Guthrie was taken into custody after a warrant was issued for his arrest last week. A probable cause affidavit from the Grady County Sheriff's Office alleges that Cook was sending threatening text messages to an ex-girlfriend. On-line court records indicate that an emergency protective order was issued against Cook by a woman in the Blanchard area earlier this month. The woman provided the deputy with numerous text messages that Cook had sent her over the last several months. In recent text messages it's alleged that Cook threatened to kill the woman and himself. Cook is being held in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled for Dec. 4th.

 

Warrant Issued for Suspect in Double-Fatality Crash

An arrest warrant has been issued for a woman accused of causing a double-fatality car crash near Elgin last month. Comanche County authorities have issued the warrant for 32-year old Nina Holden. She's facing two counts of manslaughter. Investigators say that Holden's blood-alcohol level was 0.275 which is more than three times the level considered to be under the influence of alcohol.

 

Chickasha Schools Get New Buses              

(EDITOR'S NOTE - An earlier version of this story had incorrect information regarding the monthly payments being made. We apologize for the msitake) Some Chickasha public school students are getting to ride brand new school buses. The district received five new 75-passenger school buses from the Summit Bus Company of Oklahoma City last week. Normally, a school district will put a transportation bond issue on a ballot for voters to decide, however, the school board went a different route to buy them. Interim superintendent Jennifer Stegman said-

 

              

 

The district is paying about $14,000 a month for the new buses, and while it’s not needed now each of them have air conditioning. The five buses that are being replaced did not have air. Each bus also has security cameras and two-way radios.

 

Chix Police Receive OneOK Grant              

The Chickasha Police Department receives a grant to pay for some health and safety equipment. A First Responders grant from OneOK was presented to the department this week. The grant totaled more than $1,200. Officials say the money will be used to replace pads for the department’s Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) which are used to revive individuals who are having heart attacks.

 

Women Pilots to be Recognized              

Thanks to the efforts of an early pilot from the region, women who enjoy soaring in the wild blue yonder will be recognized this week. Friday is the third annual Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day.  The event is held in conjunction with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and numerous other groups. It's to promote Oklahoma's second largest industry and serves as an opportunity to encourage young girls and women to pursue careers in that field. The event recognizes the efforts of Chickasaw pioneer aviator Pearl Carter Scott of Marlow. She learned to fly at the age of 13 with the help of Wiley Post and became the youngest pilot in the U.S. at the time with her first solo flight in 1929. Friday’s event will be held at Will Rogers World Airport. The keynote speaker is Rear Admiral Peg Klein (Ret.) who spent 35 years in the Navy and currently serves as a dean at the U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island.

 

Marlow Water Skier Wins Gold at Senior Games

His age indicates he's a senior citizen but he's doing things that people much younger might do. 67-year old Mike Bray of Marlow has won a couple of gold medals for water skiing in the Senior Pan American Championships. Bray won gold for being part of Team USA’s top team and an individual gold medal. The competition was held in Peru recently, where he competed against skiers from North and South America. It's not the first time Bray has won gold a medal. He also won as a member of Team USA at last year’s Senior World Water Skiing Championship.

              

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $55.64 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $61.59.

Natural gas is $2.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,492 and silver is $17.82.

 

 

Tuesday, Oct. 29th

 

Homicide Suspect Found Competent for Trial              

It's been over a year since a man was found beaten to death and a woman severely injured outside a Caddo County home in Carnegie. A suspect in the case, Isaiah Redbird, has been found competent to stand trial in federal court in the Western District of Oklahoma. Redbird was arrested in Arizona about a week after the body of Byron Tongkeamah Jr. was found in  September of 2018. A woman who was with Tongkeamah was found wandering the streets of Carnegie suffering from a severe head injury. Since the crime occurred on Native American Trust Land, the investigation has been handled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI.

 

Car-jacking Suspect Sought in Tuttle

Tuttle authorities are looking for a suspect who carjacked a vehicle near a Tuttle school Monday morning. The school was placed on lockdown after the car-jacking occurred about 9:00 a.m. The vehicle was found just a few blocks from the school. Investigators were able to find the car after pinging the victim’s  cell phone which was still in the car. The victim was not hurt. A resident had heard the carjacker abandoned the vehicle because he didn't know how drive a car with a manual transmission. There were reports that the suspect may have been picked up by someone in a red car. Anyone with information about the carjacking is asked to call Tuttle police or Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also leave an anonymous tip on the Grady County Crimestoppers Facebook page.

 

Suspect Sought for Computer Crimes is in Custody

A man being sought by the Grady County Sheriff's Office for alleged computer fraud is behind bars. 29-year old Timothy Tyler Cook of Guthrie was booked into the Grady County Jail just before noon yesterday. A judge issued a warrant for Cook's arrest just last Thursday. After being arrested, Cook went before a judge for his initial appearance on the charge Monday afternoon. Cook remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.

              

Festival of Light is Hiring for Upcoming Season             

If you're looking for a part-time job during the upcoming holiday season, Chickasha's Festival of Light has a number of jobs available. From security, to positions with the new ice skating rink, and park manager there are several spots to be filled. The festival opens Saturday, Nov. 23rd and will run through New Year’s Eve. Applications can be found on the website www.festivaloflight.org or you can contact the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce by calling 405-224-0787.

 

Salvation Army Accepting Angel-to-Angel Applications              

The Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo counties is now taking applications from families who may need some help during the upcoming holidays. The Angel-to-Angel program offers needy families assistance in providing gifts for their children. Lt. David Brittle with the Salvation Army says there have been a lot of layoffs in the energy sector recently. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 22nd. Applications are available at the Salvation Army headquarters in Chickasha (open Monday through Thursday) or at Southwest Youth and Family Services offices in Chickasha and Anadarko. Applicants will need proof of residency, identification, and proof of income for one month.

 

Five Oaks Medical Group Hosts Trick-or-Treating Tonight

There are a few opportunities for youngsters to trick-or-treat before Hallowe'en night. The Five Oaks Medical Group in Chickasha will be doling out candy from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. this afternoon and tonight.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.81 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $61.57.

Natural gas is $2.44 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,494 and silver is $18 to $17.79.

 

 

Monday, Oct. 28th

 

Time to Prepare for Winter Weather

Early forecasts for winter weather in Oklahoma call for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson says no one really knows how bad the weather could get. Those in the business of letting us know about weather conditions can only give their best guesses about what will happen with any particular winter storm.

 

              

 

Thompson said now is a good time to change out the supplies in your disaster preparedness kit, including fresh water and fresh non-perishable food items and new batteries for flashlights. For those with generators, they need to be checked out to make sure they'll be in good shape if you need them. For winter weather preparedness tips, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website at www.fema.gov

 

Benefit For Firefighter's Family Successful

The life of a young volunteer Grady County fireman was celebrated over the weekend, as friends and supporters of Blaine Alexander gathered for a benefit barrel race. Alexander died in a traffic accident near Fort Cobb about a month ago in a non-fire related crash. Alexander enjoyed rodeos. Britney Volentine is a close family friend who said Blaine would take the shirt off of his back for anyone. She put the barrel race together to raise money for the family. About 30 barrel racers took part and they collected about $5,000.

 

Author Adds Local Flavor in New Book

Duncan, Oklahoma author John Dwyer's new book Mustang has a lot of regional flavor. As a matter of fact, Dwyer named one of the main characters in his new book after former Chickasha High School and OU basketball player, Bob Patton.

 

              

 

Dwyer will be in Chickasha next Monday to serve as guest speaker for the Grady County Historical Society's annual meeting and fund raiser. Contact Pat Cunningham at the historical society museum in downtown Chickasha for tickets.

 

AEP-PSO Optimistic About Future

The top brass of the parent company of Public Service Company of Oklahoma say things are looking good financially for the firm. Officials with American Electric Power (AEP) say their earnings have been boosted by renewable energy investments. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports that AEP is increasing its operating earnings guidance range for 2019 to nearly $4.25 per share. In Oklahoma, AEP has filed for approval of additional wind power. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has scheduled hearings for January of next year. Chairman and CEO of AEP, Nicholas Akins, said with the lowest unemployment rate on record in their territory and wages growing faster than inflation, it is an optimistic time for the company.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.02.

Natural gas is $2.30 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,508 and silver is $18.08.