Saturday, March 27th

 

Jury Recommends 600+ Years in Prison For Man

Convicted of Having Explosives, Weapons

A Grady County jury is recommending a man spend more than 600 years in prison after convicting him of having explosives and firearms. 34-year old Eric Casey Zeiset was found guilty of 20 counts which include having explosives, firearms, and stolen vehicles. The verdict came Thursday night after a four-day trial. An arrest warrant was issued for Zeiset in January of 2019 after the District Attorney's Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Narcotics found numerous weapons at a home south of Verden. Zeiset was later arrested in a joint effort of Verden Police and state troopers. In a written statement, District Attorney Jason Hicks said Zeiset is dangerous and should be behind bars for a significant period of time. Hicks said while the jury's recommendation of 620 years may seem excessive, the reality is that most of the crimes he was charged with are considered non-violent and not ones where a defendant is required to serve 85-percent of a sentence. Formal sentencing is scheduled for June 3rd.

 

Infant Hospitalized After Traffic Accident

A baby is hospitalized after being injured in a traffic accident near Anadarko. The one-year old boy was air-lifted to Children's Hospital with a head injury where he was admitted in serious condition. The child's name was not disclosed. He was in a car safety seat in a vehicle driven by 24-year old Jose Zavalza of Anadarko. He and 28-year old Hilda Vasquez also of Anadarko were not hurt. The accident happened on State Highway 9 three miles west of Anadarko about 3:00 p.m. Friday. The highway patrol said Zalvaza rear-ended a car driven by 23-year old Mariah Villaneuva, also of Anadarko who also was not hurt.

 

'The Imaginaries' Release Debut Album

A husband-and-wife musical duo whose careers have Grady County roots have released their first album. Maggie McClure and Shane Henry, known as The Imaginaries, debuted their self-titled album through ONErpm Friday. Henry is from the Verden area. The Oklahoman reports that the couple battled through a number of setbacks including the pandemic, other health issues, and tour cancellations. While they frequently backed each other up on individual performances they didn’t actually perform together until 2018. Along with their music recordings they teamed up with Reagan Elkins and his Intellego Media group based in Chickasha to create music videos which have been entered in numerous virtual film festivals. Among them is a short-film of their song "Revival" which features the couple as Great Depression-era bank robbers who give up their life of crime to seek redemption. They've filmed a mini-movie with Elkins with their song "Walking on Wire" which is featured in the Oklahoma-made movie ‘Infamous’ starring Hollywood actress Bella Thorne, a portion of which was filmed in Chickasha.

 

Holy City Schedules Two Passion Play Performances

The annual Prince of Peace Easter pageant at the Holy City of the Wichitas will have the first of two performances tonight. This is the 96th year for the show which follows the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Last year's performance was postponed because of the pandemic, so organizers are excited to once again bring the Passion Play to a live audience. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. There is a slight chance for thunderstorms and temps will be in the 60s so extra blankets, coats, and rain gear may be necessary. The performance is viewed in an area called Audience Hill.  There is no charge to attend. A second performance will be held next Saturday night. It will start at 8:30 p.m. both nights.

 

Obituary

Yvonne Brame

Funeral service for Yvonne Brame, 85, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

 

Friday, March 26th

 

All Okla Adults Soon to be Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination

The fourth phase of COVID-19 vaccinations in Oklahoma begins next week. All Oklahomans 18-years and older will be eligible. Officials with the State Health Department said that's an additional 500,000 people who can get the shot. Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed said there is no longer a need to screen groups or for anyone to wonder if they are eligible. Reed said since there are three vaccines available and supply is consistent and growing state health officials will continue opening more access points to make the vaccine more readily available.

 

Regional Schools Receive PSO Robotics Grants

A couple of regional school districts get some help for their robotics programs. Chickasha Public Schools and the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center are among more than a dozen schools to getting assistance from Public Service Company of Oklahoma. The schools shared in the more than $22,000 distributed to more than a dozen schools in the PSO service areas. All the schools participate in what's known as the FIRST robotics competition (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Individual school grants range from $500 to about $2,000. PSO Vice President for External Affairs Tiffani Jackson said they are glad to support the robotics teams and are hopeful the experiences will spark an interest in STEM fields as students consider their education and career paths.

 

Sheriff's Office Wanted List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has updated its list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here's Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett-

 

              

 

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

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.56 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $61.95.

Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,729 and silver is $25.24.

 

Obituaries

Mildred ‘Granny' Talley

 Funeral service for Mildred "Granny" Talley, 83, of Verden will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 27th, at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Marcie Ohs

Memorial service for Marcie Ohs, 61, of Agawam will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 31st at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, March 25th

 

Scammers Use Chix PD's non-Emergency Phone Number

Chickasha police say to beware of scam artists who are using the department's non-emergency telephone number. The warning is posted on the department’s Facebook Page  and indicates the scammers are using an app to make it appear they are calling from the office number 405-222-6050. Officials say callers are pretending to be a police officer and telling individuals that their identities have been compromised. Officials believe the calls may be coming from outside the United States as the individuals have difficulty speaking English and it sounds like they are reading from a script. The post said officers may conduct routine business and interviews from the non-emergency number and should identify themselves when they do call. Officials say if you don't feel comfortable speaking to someone saying they are with the police department, ask for an officer to come to you or schedule an appointment to meet at the police department.

 

ER Patient Accused of Assauling Medical Staff, Officer              

A patient being treated in a hospital emergency room is arrested for assaulting medical personnel. A report on the daily Chickasha police blotter indicates officers were called to Grady Memorial Hospital Tuesday afternoon regarding an unruly patient. Authorities arrested 28-year old Nickolas Blaine Klinekole of Cyril. Prosecutors have charged him with two felony counts of assault on an officer and a misdemeanor for public intoxication. Klinekole remains in jail in lieu of  $20,000 bond.

 

Pursuit Suspect Arrested A Second Time

A man arrested after leading Rush Springs police on a high speed chase a couple of weeks ago is in more trouble with the law. 21-year old Deonta Dshawn Hartsfield of Duncan was arrested March 9th after driving through Rush Springs at speeds topping 100 miles per hour.  He is facing felony eluding and drug possession charges in connection with that arrest and paid a $10,000 bond to get out of jail. Rush Springs police pulled Hartsfield over again this past Tuesday night and arrested him on complaints of speeding, making a false bomb threat, and DUI. Hartsfield remains in jail pending any formal charges that may be filed by prosecutors stemming from this week’s arrest.

 

Bond Set for Alleged Drug Dealer

Alleged drug dealer Samuel Mirich had his initial court appearance on a number felony charges in Grady County District Court on Wednesday. Mirich had his bond set at $150,000 and is to announce his attorney April 15th with a preliminary hearing conference scheduled April 28th. He was wanted in connection with drugs, stolen guns, and stolen vehicles found at a Dibble area home earlier this month. Authorities also seized a number of animals from the property based on findings that the animals were abused and neglected.

 

Man Arrested for Alleged Assault on His Mom, Grandmother

A Blanchard man wanted for assaulting his mother and grandmother last year was arrested this week. An arrest warrant for 45-year old David Wade Kusik was issued in June of 2020 after he got into an argument with the women about money. A probable cause affidavit indicates a struggle ensued and as one of the women tried to call 9-1-1 on her cell phone, Kusik grabbed the phone and broke it - then drove away in his grandmother's car. Kusik is charged with a felony for unauthorized use of a vehicle, and misdemeanors for disrupting an emergency call and domestic assault and battery. He is out of jail after posting a $7,500 bond.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.18

London-based Brent crude is $64.41.

Natural gas is $2.52 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,733 and silver is $24.94.

 

Wednesday, March 24th

 

Drug Distribution Suspect Now in the Grady County Jail

The man authorities say was responsible for distributing drugs out of a home near Dibble is in the Grady County Jail. 39-year old Samuel David Mirich was transferred from the Oklahoma County Jail late last night. A Grady County arrest warrant was issued for Mirich earlier this month after deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in eastern Grady County. At the home investigators found numerous drugs, more than 100 weapons believed to have been stolen, and several stolen vehicles. Mirich was located in Oklahoma City a couple of weeks ago following a joint effort of the Grady County Fugitive Task Force and U.S. Marshals. Marshals arrested Mirich after he crashed a vehicle while trying to elude them. Mirich is facing felony charges in Grady County of drug possession with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm after conviction, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

 

'Minute with the Mayor' Debuts

The City of Chickasha has started a new video segment with Mayor Chris Mosley. The program called Minute with the Mayor debuted on the City's Facebook page last night. Mosley says he'll be talking to department heads about their duties and projects they are working on. In this week’s segment, the mayor says the effort to pick up the trees and limbs left over from last October’s ice storm continues.

 

              

 

Mayor Mosley also urged residents to use the Request Tracker link on the city's website to report any issues they have. And, he said residents can submit comments and questions to him at: mayor@chickasha.org

 

New Superhero Teaches Electrical Safety

There is a new superhero who is educating children and their families about electrical safety. Captain Wattage was created in a partnership between Public Service Company and the National Theatre for Children. It's a live-stream event geared toward children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program will begin April 12th. It includes a live host who sets up and recaps a series of educational videos, and even leads a question-and-answer session with viewers in real time. The program is supplemented by a complete on-line curriculum which includes hands-on lessons, inter-active activities, games, e-books, and more. More information is available on line at www.national theatre.com under the Captain Wattage link.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $60.79.

Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,732 and silver is $25.35.

 

Obituaries

Andre Malone

Funeral service for Andre Malone, 47, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 25^th at the First and Georgia Church of Christ. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

David Reed

Funeral service for David Reed, 66, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 26th at Grand Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends Fur Change.

Maxine Stewart

Funeral service for Maxine Stewart, 93, formerly of Alex, will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 27th at the Main Street Church of Christ in Alex. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Berean Children’s Home of Bugue Chitto, MS.

 

Tuesday, March 23rd

 

USAO to Co-Host Anti-Racism Conference

USAO will partner with an internationally-known group to address racism in a virtual conference later this spring. The program is through USAO's Ada Lois Sipuel-Fisher Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing program. The joint conference is with the Institute for the Healing of Memories. The three-day conference will take a look at the inter-related themes of diversity, alienation, and community and examine the characteristics of systematic racism and its impact on daily life. The keynote speaker is Father Michael Lapsley, an Anglican priest, an anti-apartheid activist, and founder of the Institute for Healing of Memories. The theme of the conference is Building Bridges and Dismantling Racism for the Common Good. The conference is free and open to the public. Register on-line at www.usao.edu/buildingbridges

 

Fundraiser Set for Grady County Deputy and Family

The Grady County Sheriff's Office is reaching out to help one of its own. Deputy Mark Ingram and his family lost their home and all their belongings in a house fire last month. The sheriff's office will be holding a benefit spaghetti lunch and dinner and a silent auction for the family Wednesday, March 24th. The fundraiser will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds Community building for both lunch and dinner. Times will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  and also from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The meals are by donation and you can dine in or get your orders to-go.

 

Violent Assault Suspect Jailed              

A suspect alleged to have been involved in violent attack at a Chickasha motel is in custody. Chickasha police arrested 31-year old Simon Segura Martell last week after being called to the Quality Inn to investigate a 9-1-1 call about a fight in progress. A probable cause affidavit indicates that when police arrived a man was found in a pool of blood with a severe head injury. The victim was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where doctors said he had a broken jaw. The victim was then taken to an Oklahoma City hospital for additional treatment. The affidavit cities video surveillance showing that Martell appeared to be stomping on something. Witnesses say the victim came to Martell's room and tried to attack him with a knife.  Martell has been formally charged with a felony for aggravated assault and battery and he remains in jail on a $100,000 bond. He is to announce his attorney April 15th and a preliminary hearing conference is tentatively set for April 28th.

 

OHP Seeks Students for Cadet Academy

High school juniors and seniors who have an interest in a career in law enforcement might consider applying for a week-long cadet lawman academy put on by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Trooper Eric Foster says it offers a first-hand look at what it takes to be a state trooper. He says the camp will include some physical training as well as a lot of hands-on activities.

 

              

 

About 80 students will be accepted for the academy which will be held in June on the campus of Connors State College in Warner. Students must have at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average, and signed endorsements from a principal or superintendent, an official from a local Elks Lodge, and a state trooper. Applications are due by April 1st.

 

Emergency Planning Committee to Meet Virtually

The quarterly meeting of Grady County's LEPC, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, will be held via a Zoom conference next week. The meeting is set for Wednesday, March 31st from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Members will receive an invitation to the meeting via e-mail sometime this week. Bruce Anthony of Tuttle is the chairman and Rainbow Wilson is the vice chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.55 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $64.62.

Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,744 and silver is $25.68.

 

Obituaries

Sybil Scott

A private graveside service will be held for Sybil Scott, 98, of the Chickasha and Minco area. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be given to the Minco Church of Christ or the Southern Oaks Church of Christ.

Joan Spearman

A graveside service for Joan Spearman, 79, of Chickasha was held Tuesday, March 23^rd at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Monday, March 22nd

 

Lt. Governor to Headline Chamber Awards Banquet

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell will be in Chickasha next month. Pinell will be the guest speaker at the 98th annual Chickasha Chamber of Commerce awards banquet. He is expected to discuss the importance of tourism and shopping locally to communities. As Lt. Governor, Pinnell oversees the State Department of Tourism and Recreation and the state's efforts to promote tourism which is considered the state’s third largest industry. He also serves on the executive committee of the Department of Commerce where he focuses on small business growth, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The chamber awards banquet will be held Friday, April 9^th at the Grady County Fairgrounds and Event Center. Ticket reservations are available through March 29th.

 

Coronavirus Vaccination Clinic Today            

The state Department of Health is teaming up with Indian Health Services to provide a coronavirus vaccination clinic today. The clinic will be held at Chickasha’s Southern Oaks Church of Christ. The clinic was announced late last week and appointments were filled up by Friday afternoon. This will be the Moderna vaccine and those who get their shots today will get their second vaccinations at their same appointment times in four weeks.

 

Teen Hospitalized After Falling Out of ATV

A Texas teenager was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital following an ATV accident west of Binger. The 13-year old boy was admitted in serious condition with a head injury. His name was not reported as state troopers do not release the names of juveniles involved in accidents. The youth was one of three teenagers riding in the Polaris ATV on a county road about eight miles west of Binger. He fell out of the ATV when he leaned against the door and it opened.

 

Some Caddo County Precincts to Close for School Elections

Several Caddo County precincts will be closed for the upcoming April 6th school elections. For the Binger-Oney School District, the Carnegie Memorial Building in Carnegie and Lookeba City Hall will be closed; for the Apache School District, the Alden Fire Department will be closed; and for the Lookeba-Sickles School District, the Highland Methodist Church, the Binger Community Building, and the Hinton Fire Station will be closed. Voters in those precincts need to reach out to the Caddo County Election Board to make arrangements to vote by mail, or by in –person, absentee voting.

 

Virtual Peanut Expo Set Thursday

Peanut producers might consider taking part in a virtual Peanut Expo this week. Producers and others involved in the peanut industry will hear from experts who will be providing updates on varieties, marketing, and an industry outlook. Ron Sholar, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Peanut Commission, calls it the premier education and training event in the region for this year. Dr. Marshall Lamb, a well-known peanut scientist, will have a peanut outlook; Bob Parker, President and CEO of the National Peanut Board will discuss national trends; and there will be discussions on peanut disease and weed control. The virtual expo will be held this Thursday, March 25th. To participate, individuals need to RSVP Josh Bushong with Oklahoma State University or Ron Sholar with the Oklahoma Peanut Commission.

 

Nation's Rig Count Climbs, Oklahoma Steady

There is a little more activity in the energy industry across the country although Oklahoma was not part of that trend-

 

              

 

That's Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.42 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $64.53.

Natural gas is $2.54 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,734 and silver is $25.67.

 

Obituaries

Sandra Marshall

No service was held for Sandra Marshall, 80, formerly of Chickasha. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

Arlessia Kennell

Funeral service for Arlessia Kennell, 63, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Ernie Sheltry, Jr.

A memorial service for Ernie Sheltry, Jr., 74, of Ninnekah will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 27th at the Fellowship of American Indians Church in Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fellowship of American Indians Church.

 

Saturday, March 13th

 

 

U.S. Marshals Arrest Wanted Grady County Man

U.S. Marshals have arrested a man suspected of having numerous stolen guns, stolen vehicles, and drugs at a rural Grady County home. 38-year old Samuel David Mirich, who lists a Blanchard address, was arrested in Oklahoma City Thursday. A Grady County arrest warrant was issued for Mirich after authorities found the items at home in the Dibble area west of the Grady and McClain County line on March 2nd. Mirich was identified as one of two suspects who fled the home as authorities arrived to investigate a report of a stolen vehicle. U.S. Marshals were able to locate Mirich with the help of the Grady County Fugitive Task Force. Deputies Les Sanders and Phillip McCarthy spent the last couple of weeks chasing down leads. One of those leads helped U.S. Marshals find Mirich at an undisclosed location in northwest Oklahoma City. Sanders said the arrest didn't come easy as Mirich led authorities on a high-speed pursuit which ended when Mirich crashed. Mirich was taken to a hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries then taken to the Oklahoma County Jail. It is expected that Mirich will eventually be taken to the Grady County Jail to face the local charges. The initial investigation began when sheriff's deputies found more than 100 stolen guns, several stolen vehicles, and drugs. Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir said at the time that Mirich had a lengthy criminal record, including a guilty plea to being an accessory to a Cleveland County murder a few years ago.

 

Cyril Couple Sought on Child Neglect Warrants

Arrests warrants have been issued for two Cyril people who are accused of exposing their pre-teen child to drugs. Caddo County authorities are looking for 32-year old Caitlin Sinclair Biggs and 26-year old Austin Scott Wylie. The warrants are for four counts of child neglect. The Lawton Constitution cites reports from Cyril police which indicate that the 12-year old boy had recently been removed from the home and is now staying with guardians.  The child told police that Biggs and Wylie would smoke marijuana in front of him and talked about taking acid and eating hallucinogenic mushrooms. He also said the couple took him to a Stillwater medical marijuana farm where they worked and isolated him in what he called a 'container.' He also said he was also forced to wait in the family truck in the snow while Biggs and Wylie worked at the farm.

              

Two Hurt in Semi-SUV Crash Near Lindsay              

Two people are hospitalized after yet another accident involving a semi and a passenger vehicle. One of the victims is in critical condition after the crash near Lindsay last night. The two people hospitalized are from New York and authorities have not released their names as relatives have not been identified. The accident happened just before 7:00 p.m. Friday on State Highway 59 east of Lindsay. The highway patrol reports the couple's SUV failed to yield at a stop sign and was hit by a semi driven by 36-year old Michael Weisenbeck of Lindsay. Weisenbeck suffered minor injuries but was taken to a Purcell hospital where he was treated and released. It's the third accident in the region this week involving semis and passenger vehicles. One occurred at the Tabler Y and another involved a tanker truck and a pickup south of Lawton where two people were critically injured when both vehicles caught fire.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. On our KOOL Konversation we have the second part of our two-part program with District Attorney Jason Hicks. He talks about his frustration with the State Pardon and Parole Board and the state's criminal justice reform program in a press conference after murder charges were filed against Lawrence Paul Anderson. On Real Estate Today our guest is Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson who talks about severe weather preparedness this spring season. Find links to both programs under the Community Tab on this website.

 

Friday, March 12th

 

Grady County Sales Tax Revenues Increase

Sales tax revenues across Grady County are on an upswing although they have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The collections were up for the second straight month in February to $467,000 – an increase of 16 percent from January and up 30 percent compared to December. Sales tax revenues are distributed to a number of projects which have all been approved by Grady County voters. For February, the Grady County Fairgrounds received $156,000; Grady Memorial Hospital collected $138,000; seven senior nutrition centers shared in $78,000 with each one getting 11,000; 20 county fire departments shared $78,000 with each one getting $3,900; Tuttle EMS collected $12,000; and Rush Springs EMS picked up $3,000.

 

Passerby Calls in Ninnekah Fire

An early morning fire in Ninnekah is snuffed out quickly by fire crews and first responders thanks to an alert driver passing by. Grady County fire officials say the fire was called in about 4 a.m. by Charlesanna Ryans, who noticed a glow around the Mitch Kilgore mobile home on Old Fred Road. Ryans drove up to the mobile home and saw a wooden deck on fire. Ryans called 9-1-1 and pounded on the side of the mobile home to awaken the residents. Grady County Deputy Corie Loftice was first on the scene and tried to douse the flames with a garden hose. The Ninnekah Fire Department sent four trucks and five firefighters to the home. The deck valued at $5,000 was totally destroyed while the mobile home had some minor smoke damage but nobody was hurt. The fire started from embers falling out of a chiminea that hadn't been completely extinguished from the night before.

              

Chickasha Man Wanted for Alleged Child Sexual Assault

A Chickasha ex-con is being sought for the alleged sexual assault of a teenager. Caddo County authorities have issued an arrest warrant for 51-year old Tony Ray Brookshire. The Lawton Constitution cites court documents which allege Brookshire molested a 13-year old girl in Cement between October and November of last year. Brookshire has several prior drug convictions out of Grady County, including one from last summer. He faces anywhere from 20 years to life in prison if convicted of the most recent charge.

 

Carnegie Residents Injured in Crash

Two people – one of them a teenager - are critically injured after a pickup crashes near Medicine Park. 46-year old Timothy Bailey, Sr. and an un-named 16-year old boy both of Carnegie were taken by air ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital. A woman in the truck, 39-year old Courtney Davis also of Carnegie refused treatment. The accident happened northeast of Medicine Park just before 2:00 p.m. Thursday. The highway patrol said Bailey was at the wheel when the truck ran off the road then hit an embankment, a concrete barrier, and a power line pole.

 

Purcell Man Hurt in Tabler Y Accident             

That crash that happened at the Tabler Y Thursday morning sent one person to hospital. 53-year old Gregory Bay of Purcell was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital where was admitted in serious condition. The Highway Patrol reports that Bay attempted to turn east onto U.S. Highway 62 and was hit by an eastbound semi driven by 31-year old Billy Hogg of Splendora, Texas who was not hurt.

              

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.02 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $69.63.

Natural gas is $2.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,699 and silver is $25.58.

 

Obituaries

Jacob Trevino

Funeral service for Jacob Trevino, 41, will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13th at Grace Christian Center in Anadarko. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

LaDana Burson

Funeral service for LaDana Burson, 69, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas funeral Home.

Mike Craig

Funeral service for Mike Craig of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 15th at First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the El Reno FFA program.

 

Thursday, March 11th

 

Emergency Crews Dispatched to Semi, Pick-up Collision

Breaking – A traffic accident between a semi and a pickup occurred just before 7 o’clock this morning at the Tabler Y. That is about six miles east of Chickasha on U.S. Highway 62 at the junction of State Highway 39. Listen for updates on KOOL News at noon and at 5:00 p.m. (Thursday, March 11th)

 

Contractor Begins Brush Pickup

A contractor hired by the City of Chickasha to pick up downed trees and limbs from last October's ice storm hit the streets yesterday. Crews from Greenbelt Turf Management out of Wilson, Oklahoma won the bid for the clean-up and the contract was signed yesterday. Mayor Chris Mosley said he knows residents are eager to see everything cleaned up. He urges residents and property owners to get debris to the curb because they are expecting the clean up to be completed quickly. Crews are working with two tandem grapple trucks and they started near the Chickasha Middle School yesterday (Wednesday) and are working west from there. Next week, a fleet of smaller trucks and trailers will sweep neighborhoods where some limbs have already been collected by city workers.  The city was unable to pick up some debris because it was too close to low hanging power lines, trees, and gas meters.

 

Two Critically Hurt in Tanker-SUV Crash

Two people are critically injured in a fiery near head-on collision involving an oil tanker and an SUV. 56-year old Bobby Starcher of Marlow and 39-year old Yolonda Powell of Lawton were both taken by air ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital. The accident happened just before noon yesterday south of Lawton and near the Comanche and Cotton County line. The highway patrol reports that Powell crossed the center line and hit the tanker, then both vehicles caught fire. First responders were hampered in their rescue efforts due to the intense flames and the crash also sparked a grass fire. Officials with the State Department of Environmental Quality were called out to monitor the crash site for potential hazards from the burning fuel. Roadways were closed for about five hours.

 

Deadline Nears to List Personal Property with Assessor

Grady County property owners have until next Monday to list all personal property with the county assessor’s office without penalty. March 15^th is also the deadline and to apply for any property tax exemptions individuals may qualify for. In a press release, County Assessor Bari Firestone said anyone who has purchased a home, opened a business, acquired or sold equipment for a business, acquired or sold farm equipment, or purchased or sold a manufactured home, should report that information to the assessor's office. She said many individuals received assessment papers by mail and those papers need to be signed and returned by March 15th even if there are no changes from the previous year. Any improvements made to property should be reported which includes square footage added to your home, a storage building, deck, shed, porch, or barn. There is a 10 percent penalty for filing after March 15th and the fine increases to 20 percent if it’s filed after April 15th. Those who may be eligible for exemptions include disabled veterans and senior citizens. Contact the assessor's office for more information.

 

Paxton Bill OK'd By Senate; Heads to House              

Legislation from Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) gets approval from the full senate. SB 959 would change the way Oklahoma would fill one of its U.S. Senate seats, should one become vacant in the middle of its six-year term. As it stands right now, the governor would call a special election to fill the vacancy and Paxton said that costs upwards of $4 million. If approved, the bill would spare the state that expense, by allowing the governor to appoint someone to that post for the remainder of the term. However, the appointee would not be able to run for the post at the next scheduled election. The appointee must have been a registered voter in the same party as the previous U.S. Senator for five years. The measure now goes to the State House of Representatives for consideration.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $64.44 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $67.90.

Natural gas is $2.69 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,734 and silver is $26.41.

 

Obituaries

Barbara Kennedy

Funeral mass for Barbara Kennedy, 71, of Amber will be at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 20th at Holy Name Catholic Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, March 10th

 

State Lawmaker Apologizes for Racist Remark

Marlow State Representative Brad Boles has issued an apology for using a racist term. The Associated Press reports that Boles apologized for using the term 'colored' to describe black babies during debate on an anti-abortion bill on the floor of the State House of Representatives. During a moment of privilege Boles said he used a word that was not what it was intended to be. He apologized to members of the house or anyone who listened to the debate on-line and that he was truly sorry. State Democratic Party Chair Alicia Andrews, who is black, had called for Boles to publicly apologize and that she was disturbed that he would use the term at all. She said folks her grandmother's age used the term and that it's been weeded out in the hearts of good people for 60 years. A spokesman for House Speaker Charles McCall said it wasn't clear if Boles would face disciplinary action for the remark.

 

Two Hurt in Motorcycle Crash

Two people were injured in an early morning motorcycle accident southwest of Chickasha but weren’t at the scene when first responders arrived. The highway patrol, a sheriff’s deputy and Ninnekah Fire Department were called out to a rural area southeast of Norge about 4:00 a.m. A woman had called 9-1-1 and said she had a broken arm. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said Chickasha EMS later received a call from a home in Chickasha about a woman being injured in a motorcycle accident and she was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. Myers said the driver of the motorcycle also eventually made his way to the hospital. Neither the victims’ names nor their conditions were available.

 

Driver Clocked at 100 miles per hour in Rush Springs

A driver caught speeding through Rush Springs at more than 100 miles per hour is facing reckless driving and drug charges. 20-year old Deonta Dshawn Hartsfield of Duncan was arrested Monday afternoon after a Rush Springs police officer clocked him at 107 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone. The vehicle eventually pulled over about seven miles north of Rush Springs. In routine search of the car the officer found drugs and drug items in the trunk. Hartsfield is charged with felony eluding and misdemeanor drug charges and remains in the Grady County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

 

Old U.S. Highway 81 Construction Continues

Road construction work continues on old U.S. Highway 81 in Ninnekah. Starting today, contractors for the State Department of Transportation will be milling the old concrete highway between the Ninnekah Water Department and Old Fred Road. Grady County crews will be hauling off the debris and using it for its projects. That work is expected to take about a week. There are detours in the area.

 

Dibble Sailor Home after Deployment

A Dibble sailor recently completed a nearly year-long overseas deployment. Christopher Rodriguez-Crispo is a Chief Retail Service Specialist with the Navy who is stationed in Washington State. He was assigned to the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and spent the last 11 months with the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets, which included freedom of navigation operations as part of Operation Freedom Sentinel. The mission began in 2015 and followed Operation Enduring Freedom in which U.S. troops continue working with allies in the global war on terrorism.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX slides to $64.01 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude dips to $67.52.

Natural gas was fairly steady at $2.66 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,708 and silver is $25.77.

 

Tuesday, March 9th

 

More Oklahomans Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine

Phase 3 of the state health department's COVID-19 vaccination program is underway. Officials say it’s due to an increasing vaccine supply and the flexibility of the state's distribution plan. It also means that counties can roll out the vaccines based on their population and needs. Oklahomans now eligible to get the vaccine are staff and students in educational settings outside of pre-K through 12 and critical infrastructure personnel. About 3.5 million of Oklahoma’s 4 million residents are now eligible for the vaccine. Individuals in the new priority group can register through the state's vaccine scheduler portal if they haven't already done so.  After registration, available appointments will be shown on the portal. It is still expected to take several months before the immunization process will be completed.

 

Lawmakers Face Legislative Session Deadlines

State lawmakers are working on hundreds of bills this week as they approach one of several deadlines during the legislative session. Representative Brad Boles (R-Marlow) says the house passed nearly 180 bills last week and sent them to the senate for consideration and nearly 300 bills are still eligible to be considered this week. Among Boles' favorites is HB 1602 which is called the Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act. If it makes it through the legislative process, it would require Internet companies to obtain explicit permission to collect and sell personal data. The house also approved HB 2648 which is called the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act, saying anything that might lead to the closing of a place of worship would be considered a burden on the freedom of religion, a right guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. It would prevent any government from forcing churches to close, which Boles says has happened in other states last year. In the state senate, a bill has been passed which would provide tax credits to businesses that host blood drives. It's SB 905, sponsored by Senator David Bullard (R-Durant). He said he worked with the Oklahoma Blood Institute on the measure in an attempt to build up blood supplies which have been critically low during the pandemic and winter storms. The tax credit would be $20 per employee-donor to businesses that host on-site blood drives. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

 

Several New Chickasha Businesses to Open Doors

Some new businesses have or will be opening their doors in Chickasha in the next few weeks. In his Good Stuff column this week, Economic Development Director Jim Cowan writes that Tammie's Bling has just opened downtown. The Iron Tree Coffee Shop is planning on opening next month in the new development just south of 4th and Chickasha Avenue, next to the Perrrefite Gift Shop. Everyone is anticipating the opening of the Jungle Ice Fun Zone which is the miniature golf course which is near the city's sports complex. And a new bicycle shop called Legendary Bicycles will be opening downtown in late summer or early fall. Cowan was also on hand for the grand opening of the Merit Auto Group dealerships last weekend which are at the former locations of the Byford Auto Group. Cowan also expects a couple of surprises that will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Festival of Light Earns Regional Award

Put another feather in the cap of the Festival of Light. The festival was recently named Best Festival during the annual Chickasaw Country awards program. The Festival of Light received the award over events like the Okie Noodling Festival in Pauls Valley, the Artesian Arts Festival in Sulphur, the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival in Tishomingo, and the National Sand Bass Festival in Madill. Chickasaw Country is a 13-county region in the south-central part of the state.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $65.06 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $68.24.

Natural gas is $2.66 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,699 and silver is $25.72.

 

Obituary

Denny Trammell

Funeral service for Denny Trammell, 72, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday March 11^th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam.

 

Monday, March 8th

 

Driver Hospitalized Following Weekend Crash

A Grady County woman had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital over the weekend after she swerved to miss an animal then ran off the road and hit a tree. 34-year old Heather Williams of Rush Springs was last in fair condition with head injuries in an Oklahoma City hospital. An un-named 9-year old boy in the SUV was not hurt. The accident happened just after 10:00 p.m. Saturday about three miles east of Rush Springs.

 

New Chix City Manager May be Hired This Week

The City of Chickasha could have a new city manager this week. The city council has another special meeting tomorrow night to interview one candidate. The council had two interviews in a closed-door session last week. Tomorrow night’s meeting is set for 6 p.m. and will also closed to the public.

 

Public Hearings Set for Proposed Cell Phone Towers

Several proposed cell phone towers for the City of Chickasha will be reviewed during public hearings in this month’s Planning Commission meeting. Branch Communications is requesting tower locations at 527 East Choctaw, 1224 South 3rd, and 1000 S. 9th Street. The Planning Commission meets at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at city hall.

 

Bond Sale on Chix School Board Agenda

$2.7 million in bonds approved by Chickasha school district voters are expected to be sold during tonight's Chickasha Board of Education meeting. The funds will be used for numerous upgrades throughout the district and are part of what leaders called the Restoring Excellence Bonds. The district's annual audit will be reviewed, and some weight room and football equipment is expected to be declared surplus property. Also, the school calendars for the next two school years will be considered. The school board will recognize middle cchool employee Mindy Crow as support employee of the quarter and Chicken Express will recognize the February and March employees of the month. For February they were Sandy Ford and Whitney Molder at the quality academy. For March they are Alice Hurry and Patti Balinger at the Adult Learning Center. The school board meets at 6:00 p.m. tonight at the high school auditorium.

 

County Commish Meetings Return to Courthouse              

Grady County Commissioners are changing their weekly meeting locations. For the last several months they have been gathering at the county fairgrounds. Starting this morning, they will be meeting back at the commissioners’ office at the county courthouse. Items to be discussed today include a contract with a company called Spatial Data Research for the State 911 Grant, and a bid request for a double-cab 4X4 truck for District 2. The group will also discuss adding a part-time employee for emergency management. Prior to the commissioners meeting, a special meeting of the Grady County School Finance Authority was held.

 

Guardrail Work Affects Traffic Near Blanchard              

Some guardrail work will have State Highway 76 south of Blanchard down to one lane for short time this morning. This will be in the area between State Highway 74B and South Tyler Avenue. Flaggers will be on location and motorists will need to use extreme caution. There could be some delays and drivers may want to choose an alternate route. The work is expected to run from about 10:00 a.m. until noon today.

              

Fire Crews Have Hectic Weekend; Say Fire Danger High              

Grady County Firefighters responded to 11 fires over the weekend and say the risk for wildland fires will be elevated the next several days. Afternoon highs will be around 70 today and tomorrow and mid-to-upper 70s Wednesday with winds gusting to 30 miles per hour. Firefighters ask that you postpone any outdoor burning, motorists should make sure safety chains aren't dragging on the roadway, and are also asked to not throw cigarette butts out the window.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.09 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $69.76.

Natural gas is $2.70 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,689 and silver is $25.37.

 

Saturday, March 6th

 

Next Chix City Manager May be Hired Next Week

After interviewing two candidates for the vacant city manager post the Chickasha City Council may be ready to fill the seat. The council held a closed-door meeting Thursday for interviews and now have scheduled a special meeting Tuesday for another interview with one of those finalists. The agenda for the meeting is to discuss the hiring of any individual salaried public officer or employee. This will be another meeting that is closed to the public. The city council has been looking for a new city manager since former manager John Noblitt resigned in January.

 

Coronavirus Numbers Declining in Some Areas

The number of positive coronavirus cases in Grady County is on the decline. For the first time in nearly five months the state health department has moved the county out of the Orange risk category to Yellow, which is no more than 13 cases per 100,000 in population. Grady County is among 47 counties that are now in the Yellow risk area as are McClain, Garvin, and Stephens counties. Still in the Orange category are Caddo, Canadian, and Comanche counties. Grady County had been in the Orange category since last September. There have been nearly 5,700 positive tests in Grady County with 76 deaths. There are 146 active cases.

 

Some Chix Students to Return to Classroom Learning

The county's improvement in coronavirus cases means that some Chickasha Public School students will return to the classroom. School officials say it eliminates the option for students who are in the temporary remote status who had been taking classes from home. Those students will be required to return to the classroom on Monday. It does not affect the students who are on the virtual or blended pathway programs. Chickasha's total number of positive COVID-19 test  is 2,348 and there have been 45 deaths. There are 70 active cases in the city.

 

Semi Driver Sentenced in Negligent Homicide Case

A semi driver will spend some time in jail after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors in connection with a deadly accident involving a motorcycle. 45-year old Allen James Rainey of Wichita, Kansas entered a blind plea to a misdemeanor charge of negligent homicide in Grady County District Court this week. He was sentenced to one year in jail with six months suspended and fined nearly $300. The accident occurred in March of 2018 at U.S. Highway 81 and Pikes Peak Road. Rainey was at the wheel of a semi that struck and killed Jason Reagor, also of Kansas. A reconstruction of the accident indicated that Rainey's pre-impact speed was 52 miles per hour in a 45-mile per hour zone. The report said his speed was between 37 and 45 miles per hour upon impact. Witnesses say Reagor had signaled to make a turn prior to the accident.

 

Continental Resources Completes Weatherford Gas Wells

Continental Resources just recently filed completion reports of two large gas wells north of Weatherford. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports the wells were producing more than 29,000 metric cubic feet (MCF) of natural gas per day. The Truman location was producing more than 16,000 MCF of natural gas per day from a depth of nearly 25,000 feet. The Switzer location was producing more than 13,000 MCF from a depth of more than 24,000 feet in the Mississippian play. Spud dates for both wells were in March and April last year with completion dates of July and August.

 

North Texas to See Wind Farm Construction

The largest wind farm operator in the Sooner State has begun its next project south of the Red River. Enel Green Power's next wind farm will be southwest of Wichita Falls, Texas. OK Energy Today cites a report from Energy Global that the 79 wind turbines will make up the first hybrid project to integrate wind-generated power and battery storage at one site. Power from the 350 megawatt project will be sold to Kellogg Company.

 

Friday, March 5th

 

Child Hospitalized After Falling Out of Moving Truck

A 3-year old Pocasset boy is hospitalized after falling out of a moving truck. The unidentified boy was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital with head and arm injuries and admitted in good condition. The child was a passenger in 1997 Freightliner driven by 31-year Kendall Zeiset also of Pocasset who was not injured. The accident happened on an asphalt Caddo County road about five miles west of Lookeba. Zeiset told the trooper investigating the accident that he hit a pothole and the passenger door opened, causing the boy to fall out of the truck and land in a ditch. The trooper believed a defect in the truck may have caused the door to open. The boy was not in a car seat.

 

Volunteer Firefighters Tackle Numerous Fire Calls

Nearly every volunteer fire department in Grady County was summoned to battle fires or answer medical calls Thursday. Grady County Fire Department spokesman Buddy Myers said 70 firefighters and nearly 50 fire trucks were dispatched at some point. It started about 10:45 a.m. with a grass fire at the former Riverbend golf course. Crews got that fire contained in about 90 minutes but were called back out on a re-kindle a couple of hours later. Volunteers were called out to help the Chickasha Fire Department battle a fire at Country Club Road and the Norge Highway. Rush Springs was called out to a Union Pacific Railroad engine on fire near Agawam. An electrical issue may have been the cause and no one was hurt. Rush Springs also responded to a carport fire about three miles north of Rush Springs which caused about $10,000 in damage. There was also a fire southeast of the Tabler area.  In all, Myers said about 150 acres of grassland burned and two of the grass fires were started by people welding. He said anyone who might be welding to take precautions to prevent fires from starting. He said much of the state could see extremely high fire danger early next week.

 

Record Amount Paid at Jr. Livestock Show Premium Sale

A record amount of cash was paid out during the 85th annual Grady County Jr. Livestock Show premium sale last night. Nearly $250,000 was distributed to the youth. The actual auction of animals brought in nearly $130,000 with an additional $120,000 in add-ons which were paid by family, friends, and businesses. The grand champion steer from Blake Janssen of Ampo and the reserve grand champion goat by Jack Ferrell, also of Ampo each brought a record $3,500. The reserve grand steer belonging to Sage Schenk of Ampo brought $3,000.  The three other grand champion animals brought $3,200 each. Kaylee White of Rush Springs had the grand market hog, Taylor McGill of Tuttle had the grand champion lamb, and Destyn Emerson of Tuttle had the grand champion goat. The youth get to keep their animals, and now will head to the Oklahoma Youth Expo later this month.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks talks about his frustration with the state pardon and parole board and the state's criminal justice reform program on our KOOL Konversation. This is part one of a two-part program as we will air Hicks’ press conference that he held following the murder charges filed against triple murder suspect Laurence Paul Anderson. On Real Estate Today, guests are Scott Smith, the Workforce Development Coordinator with Canadian Valley Technology Center and Jim Cowan, the president of Chickasha’s Economic Development Council. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.83 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.74.

Natural gas is $2.74 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,695 and silver is $25.44.

 

Thursday, March 4th

 

OSBI To investigate State Pardon and Parole Board

Gov. Kevin Stitt has asked the OSBI to determine if any wrong-doing took place within the state pardon and parole board in regards to triple homicide suspect Lawrence Paul Anderson. Anderson had been released from prison just three weeks before his alleged crimes. The Oklahoman reports that the findings may worsen the battle between advocates pushing for criminal justice reform and prosecutors who say the reform efforts have gone too far and endanger the public. The governor told the OSBI that information had been presented to him which raises concerns that violations of state law and/or violations of the rules of the pardon and parole board may have been committed. The letter also mentions the early release of another inmate. The OSBI probe will focus on how Anderson's case to commute his sentence came up in 2020, after the pardon and parole board initially rejected the commutation request in 2019.

 

Some Chix Students May Return to Classrooms

Chickasha school officials are telling parents that students on a remote status education program may be returning to the classroom. According to a post on the school district’s Facebook page, officials say there is a downward trend in positive COVID-19 cases in Grady County. Officials say there is a possibility the county could change from a red to a yellow designation. The county would have to fall below 14.9 positive cases per 100,000 in population in order for that to happen. Currently, it’s at 15.1 positive cases per 100,000. The post said school officials should know tomorrow afternoon if the status improves. If that happens the students will return to in-person instruction on Monday, March 8^th. The change would not affect students who are on the virtual pathway of learning.

 

New Chickasha Police Officers Sworn In

Several Chickasha police officers took their oaths to protect and serve this week. Chickasha native Walker Powell, 23, previously worked as a detention officer and for Union Pacific Railroad. Malik Boardingham, 24, is originally from Anadarko and attended UCO on a football scholarship while studying criminal justice. Andrew Kammerlocker, 28, is from Newcastle and graduated from Oklahoma State with a psychology degree. Christopher Butler, 32, is from Moore and previously worked as a hospital security officer and for the Oklahoma City Housing Authority. The veteran of the new officers is Edward Bayones, who begin his law enforcement career in 2002 in Marlow and also served as a federal police officer. He's a U.S. Army veteran where he served in the Middle East during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also served with the Oklahoma National Guard and is now part of the Oklahoma Air National Guard where he serves as a flight medic.

 

Premium Sale for Grady County Jr. Livestock Show Tonight

The premium sale of the 85th annual Grady County Junior Livestock show will bring the week-long event to a close tonight. A buyer's dinner will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds at 5:30 p.m. with the sale itself getting underway at 7:00 p.m. Nearly 125 animals will be led through the show ring. Those with the top animals of the show include Blake Janssen of Ampo with the grand champion steer and Sage Schenk also of Ampo with the reserve grand. Kaylee White of Rush Springs had the grand champion market hog and Hadley Cooper of Ampo had the reserve. Taylor McGill of Tuttle had the grand champion lamb and Ainslee McComas of Ampo had the reserve Destyn Emerson of Tuttle had the grand champion goat and Jack Ferrell of Ampo had the reserve.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.28 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $64.07.

Natural gas is $2.81 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,713 and silver is $25.93.

 

Obituaries

Robert Null

Funeral service for Robert Null, 59, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 6th at Chickasha Life Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Agatha Bell

Funeral service for Agatha Bell, 40, of Hollis will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 6th at Calvary Community Church in Hollis. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, March 3rd

 

Drugs, Stolen Items Found at Dibble Area Home

One person is custody and authorities are looking for two others after investigators find drugs and dozens of stolen items at a home near Dibble. Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir says deputies were called out late Monday night by McClain County authorities to a home just west of the Grady-McClain county line. A Texas man who reported his vehicle stolen said he was able to trace the vehicle on an app to that location. When the man pinged the vehicle, deputies saw its lights flashing and heard the horn honking behind a mobile home off the roadway. Deputies saw two people leave the trailer, get in different vehicles and drive through a pasture to get away. Weir said authorities obtained a search warrant and talks about what they found-

 

              

 

Deputies arrested 32-year old Kimberly Sue Siemens on complaints that include possession of stolen property and possession of drugs with intent to distribute. The sheriff said an arrest warrant has been issued for 38-year old Samuel Mirach. He's Caucasian, 6-3 and 220 pounds with brown hair and green eyes and has a tattoo of an unidentified name on the left side of his neck. Weir said Mirach should be considered to be armed and dangerous, and asks anyone who might see him or know where he is to call 9-1-1 or local law enforcement. Weir said Mirach pleaded guilty to being an accessory to murder out of Cleveland County in 2007 and was released from prison after serving 10 years of a 35-year sentence. Weir said they do not know the name of the third suspect.

 

Couple Face Child Pornography Charges

A Chickasha man and his wife are facing child porn charges after authorities say they were found with hundreds of lewd pictures and videos. Documents on file at the Grady County Courthouse show that investigators with the Department of Homeland Security discovered Mark and Tina Moreland with nearly 600 images of child porn on a cell phone and on a computer system in December of 2019. Arrest warrants were issued just last week and both were taken into custody. Both are facing felony charges of possession of child porn and violating the state's computer crimes act. Bond has been set at $500,000 each. They face up to life in prison and thousands of dollars in fines if convicted.

 

Finalists to be Interviewed for Chix City Manager Post

The Chickasha City Council is moving quickly to find a new city manager. The panel will have a special meeting tomorrow night to interview two finalists. The interviews will be held during an executive session which is closed to the public. Mayor Chris Mosley said the two finalists were among 10 individuals who applied. Mosley said they were set to interview a third finalist but that candidate withdrew their name from consideration. Mosley, who is temporarily serving as acting city manager, said the council was originally going to hire an interim city manager but has decided against that move.

 

Verden, Cement Voters OK School Bond Issues

Voters in Verden and Cement school districts approve special bond issues by wide margins in special elections yesterday. In low voter turnout, just over 50 voters in Verden approved a $250,000 bond issue to purchase three buses. The measure passed 45 to 7. Fewer than 60 voters cast ballots for two bond issues for Cement schools. A $245,000 bond issue to make upgrades to the cafeteria kitchen, some bathrooms, and to purchase lawn mowers and maintenance equipment passed 53 to 5. A $55,000 bond issue to purchase a school bus passed 53 to 6.

 

Hay Destroyed, Grassland Charred by Flames

A wildfire fire destroyed dozens of large hay bales and charred several acres of grassland east of Chickasha yesterday. Grady County Fire Department spokesman Buddy Myers says smoke from the fire may also have caused a multi-vehicle pileup on the turnpike. Volunteer firefighters from Amber, Friend, and Naples departments were called out about 5:15 p.m. Tuesday to mile marker 89 on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The fire destroyed about 75 large round bales of hay and burned about 50 acres of grassland. About 20 firefighters and 14 trucks were on the scene for about three hours. The cause of the fire couldn’t be determined but may have been from a vehicle dragging a chain or a discarded cigarette. Myers also said several other departments were dispatched to battle smaller fires yesterday. Pocasset, Rush Springs and Bailey fire departments were called out. Myers said while the area has had some recent moisture, vegetation is dry and conditions are ripe for rapid spread of any fire that breaks out. He also said while the vegetation is dry, the ground beneath is wet – which causes problems for firetrucks.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $59.75 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.70.

Natural gas is $2.83 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,722 and silver is $26.65.

 

Obituary

Perry Pape

Funeral service for Perry Pape, 61, of Anadarko will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 5th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, March 2nd

 

City of Chickasha Hires Contractor

to Pick Up Brush from October Ice Storm

It's been more than four months since an October ice storm paralyzed much of central and western Oklahoma. The City of Chickasha has finally received FEMA funds to hire a contractor to help remove the numerous downed trees and limbs which have been sitting on the curbside since then. The city only had one crew available to do the work. Last night, the Chickasha City Council approved a $171,000 contract with Greenbelt Turf Management Company of Wilson, Okla. It was the lowest of four bids submitted for the project with the highest being $630,000. Ward 2 Councilman Clark Van Dyck was concerned that the bid was half that of the next lowest bid. Mayor Chris Mosley said that officials checked with three other cities that also contracted with Greenleaf - Newcastle, Warr Acres, and Del City - and all said they were happy with the company’s work. Mosley noted that firm did use subcontractors to help with those projects.

 

Chix City Council OKs Advertising for Dog Park Construction

The council also approved going out for bids to build a dog park at Centennial Park. Mayor Mosley said that the Badgett Family has donated $100,000 to build a more than 1 1/2 acre park. The preliminary design shows there will be separate areas for large and small dogs and that the park will be fenced in so the dogs can be off their leashes. Councilman Oscar Nelson asked if there would be additional police patrol around the park due to a recent stabbing there and that a dog was stolen out of a car recently just a few blocks from the park. There was also concern about liability issues but Mayor Mosley said that numerous signs would be posted around the park to help with that issue.

 

Hall of Fame Coach Joe Tunnell Passes Away

Legendary high school football coach Joe Tunnell has died. Tunnell coached for more than 40 years and won more than 300 games with stops at Lindsay and Rush Springs, winning at least 100 games at each school. The Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Famer won two state championships at Rush Springs. After retiring in 2000, he worked with the Oklahoma Coaches Association where he just retired last year. Tunnell was 83 when he passed away at his Rush Springs home this morning. Funeral service is pending.

 

Bridge Replacement Project Underway

Contractors for the State Department of Transportation have started the initial work to replace two bridges on U.S. Highway 62 just east of downtown Chickasha. The Manhattan Bridge Company of Tulsa was awarded a $12 million contract to build new bridges over the Washita River just east of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. ODOT resident engineer Reece Knight says both bridges will be completely removed and new bridges built in their place. The parallel bridges will each be widened from 28 feet to 44 feet and will include full-size shoulders. Crews have started the work to construct crossover lanes. Motorists will need to be cautious as traffic will be down to one lane in each direction on one bridge while the other bridge is being built. Construction is expected to take about a year.

 

Verden, Cement Voters to Decide School Bond Issues

Voters in the Verden and Cement school districts have special bond elections today. In Verden, there's a $250,000 bond issue to purchase two new school buses for rural routes and a 44-passenger activity bus. In Cement, there are two bond issues - one for $245,000 for renovations to the cafeteria kitchen and student bathrooms at the high school and elementary schools. It would also pay for exterior paint at the high school and some new mowers and maintenance equipment. There is also a $55,000 bond issue to purchase a new bus. Polls are open until 7:00 p.m. tonight.

 

Grady County Jr. Livestock Show Underway

Grady county youth are hoping to earn bragging rights for having the top cattle, sheep, swine, and goats this week. The annual Grady County Junior Livestock show is underway at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The best animals shown this week will command top dollar at the premium sale which is the highlight of the week. In the swine show yesterday, the top honors were shared by Kaylee White of Rush Springs FFA and Hadley Cooper of Ampo 4H. Kaylee had the grand champion market hog and Hadley Cooper had the reserve-grand. Hadley had the grand champion breeding gilt and Kaylee had the reserve-grand. In the showmanship competition, Chyann Emerson of Tuttle FFA was senior showman; Lindsay Massey of Verden FFA was intermediate showman; and Kendyll Dunn of Alex 4H was the junior showman. Today both the sheep and goats shows will be held. At the premium sale Thursday night, more than $125,000 is expected to be paid to the top exhibitors between the auction and additional funds provided by family, friends, and businesses.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $60.64 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $63.69.

Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,729 and silver is $26.39.

 

Obituaries
Robert “Bob” Bates

A memorial service will be held at a later date for Robert “Bob” Bates, 92, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Bates was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Tim Ketchum

A memorial service for Tim Ketchum, 56, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 5th at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Monday, March 1st

 

Chix City Manager Applicants to be Reviewed

The Chickasha City Council tonight will sift through the names of a number of candidates who have applied for the vacant city manager position. That will take place during a behind-closed-doors session as part of tonight's only regularly scheduled city council meeting for the month of March. The group is expected to schedule interviews with some of the applicants. The panel is expected to hire a contractor to help clean up the brush that still remains from last October's ice storm. There will also be discussion to solicit bids for what will be known as the Badgett Dog Park. The Badgett family has donated several thousand dollars to the city to build a dog park at Centennial Park. Bids are to be in to city hall later this month. The group is also to approve going out for bids to install water and sewer lines for the development of The Villas at Grand Avenue. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Virtual Re-Districting Town Hall Meeting Tonight              

State lawmakers will hold a virtual town hall meeting this evening to discuss re-drawing state and federal district lines. Legislators will provide an update and discuss actions regarding the proposed changes. Tuttle State Senator Lonnie Paxton chairs the senate redistricting committee. He said the rules, guidelines, and map parameters are one of the key components in the open and transparent redistricting process. The virtual town hall meeting will be held at 6 o'clock tonight and will be accessible from the state House of Representatives website at www.okhouse.gov Individuals may submit one house and one senate map with the deadline to submit them of April 4th.

 

Chix Firefighters Call Attention to Rare Diseases

Chickasha firefighters took some time this past weekend to promote Rare Disease Day. The last day of February is set aside to raise awareness for rare illnesses. Annaliese Smith, the 7-year old daughter of Chickasha firefighter Dallas Smith and wife Darci, has Wolf- Hirschhorn Syndrome which affects about one of every 50,000 babies. Annalise was born with a heart defect, a cleft palate, and has developmental delays. Some Wolf-Hirschhorn children cannot walk, but Annalise is good on her feet and loves to dance. She is non-verbal, but is able to communicate through signing. She has a therapeutic program to help improve her quality of life.

 

Passport Program Begins at Chickasha Retail Outlets

A new retail promotion is underway in Chickasha in which shoppers can qualify to win up to $500 in gift cards. The Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council have begun the Chickasha Passport Program. Starting today, shoppers are encouraged to travel to participating retail outlets. For every $10 spent, customers will receive a sticker they can place on their passport, with a maximum of three stamps per day. Once the passport is filled out, it will need to be mailed or dropped off at the chamber office. On April 1st, a drawing will be held live on the Chamber's Facebook page, where eight of the $500 gift-card bundles will be awarded. Chickasha Wings is a co-sponsor of the Passport Program. The passports are available at participating merchants and can also be downloaded from the chamber's website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.50 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.13.

Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,742 and silver is $26.91.

 

Saturday, February 27th

 

Defendant in 2012 Inmate Death Back in Grady County Jail

One of several defendants involved in the beating death of a Grady County jail inmate several years ago was returned to the jail recently. Cody Sitlington was among six men who were responsible for the 2012 death of Anthony John Mollman. According to a story in the archives of the Oklahoman, Mollman was an admitted drug offender who supplied meth to the Rouges Motorcycle Gang. Mollman is said to have died after suffering a heart attack caused by multiple blows to the head. Court records indicate that Sitlington was returned to Grady County after completing a federal sentence for an undetermined offense. Sitlington pleaded guilty to first degree murder in connection to Mollman's death, and will eventually be transferred to a state prison to begin serving his 25-year sentence he received in 2013.

 

Utilities Want to Pass Winter Storm Costs on to Customers

Oklahomans could be seeing a big increase in their utility bills as a result of last week's historic winter storm. Companies like PSO, Oklahoma Natural Gas, OG&E and others this week filed documents with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission seeking approval to recover their costs. ONG said its natural gas purchases for February were about $1.5 billion. In comparison, that’s nearly fives times more than what was spent in all of 2019 (about $306 million). PSO issued a press release saying they hope to minimize the impacts that the dramatic increases could have on customers' bills, by spreading the costs over an extended period of time. A PSO spokesman said they understand the increases may create hardships for some customers, and their priority has been to find a way to minimize those impacts. PSO said their final cost increases have not yet been determined but that it was clear that they were sharply higher than were forecast.

 

Elderly Woman Arrested for Failure to Appear for DUI 

A nearly 80-year old woman has been arrested on a warrant for failure to appear in court on a DUI charge. Glenda Jo Cone was booked into the Grady County Jail Thursday night. On-line court records indicate the 78-year old Tuttle woman was initially ticketed for a municipal DUI by Chickasha police last July and charged with a felony. Initially, her bond was set at $75,000 but it was reduced to $20,000 in September. A preliminary hearing conference was originally scheduled in December but it was re-scheduled for next month. On-line court records indicate that bond was revoked this week because she left her rehabilitation program. Cone remains in jail on a $75,000 bond.

 

Continental Resources Sues

over Drilling Permit Delays             

Continental Resources is suing a federal agency over delays of a number of drilling permits on federal lands in North Dakota. The lawsuit by the Oklahoma City-based company filed against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considered to be a challenge of the Biden administration's anti-fossil fuel moves that were put in place shortly after he took office. The website OK Energy Today says the suit claims the permits should have been approved when Donald Trump was still president. The BLM blamed some of the delays on software errors. Continental says the Department of the Interior's actions are unconstitutional because they violate the Mineral Leasing Act

 

Holy City Begins Preparations for Passion Play

The Holy City of the Wichitas is preparing for its 96th annual Easter Pageant.  A casting call is out for individuals who would like to perform, do voice-overs, make costumes, or be involved on the technical crew. Officials are looking for 300 people to be part of what's known as the Passion Play, which follows the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Volunteers are asked to help with technical aspects of the show each weekend through Easter Sunday. The pageant will take place on both Palm Sunday March 28^th and Easter Sunday April the 4th. Find out more information on the Holy City of the Wichitas website or Facebook page.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Dr. R.P. Ashanti- Alexander and Milton Bowens will be on our KOOL Konversation program discussing Black History Month and its relation to Chickasha. On Real Estate Today the guests are Mike Galloway and Seth Doulton, both of whom are members of the Monster Truck Hall of Fame. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Friday, February 26th

 

Boil Advisory Canceled

A recommendation for Chickasha and Norge water customers to boil their water has been canceled. Chickasha officials issued a voluntary boil advisory last Friday, saying that broken water lines and low water pressure after the winter storm may have contaminated the city's water supply. Managers of the city's water treatment plant say the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) indicated tests completed on several samples of water met all DEQ safety standards.

 

Motive Determined in Park Stabbing

Some details are emerging about a stabbing at a Chickasha park this week. An affidavit filed by Chickasha police say two men were fighting over a girlfriend. The affidavit states that the 16-year old girl's former boyfriend, Bryan Poafbypitty - and current boyfriend - Christian Chastain - got into a fight at Centennial Park on Tuesday. Chastain suffered multiple stab wounds and had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. Poafpybitty suffered minor injuries and went to the hospital to get stitches on a finger before he was arrested. The affidavit indicates Poafpybitty said he spent the previous night with the girl and may have touched her inappropriately. Poafpybitty was formally charged with felony counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and rape by instrumentation. He remains in jail on a $150,000 bond.

 

Chix City Council to Sift Through City Manager Applicants

The Chickasha City Council will be taking a look at the resumes of individuals who have applied for the vacant city manager post. The council has a closed-door session Monday as part of its regular meeting to discuss the resumes and qualifications of the applicants and to schedule interviews. The city has been without a city manager for about a month following the resignation of the previous manager John Noblit. The council is also expected to hire Greenbelt Turf Management to help with brush and debris removal that is still left over from the last October's ice storm. Also up for discussion is approving $7,500 in funds from the Airport Authority to help advertise an air show that the airport will hold in June.

 

Bridge to be Included on Nat'l Register of Historic Places

A bridge in Caddo County is being added to the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the Bridgeport Bridge at U.S. Highway 281 over the South Canadian River. A press release from the state Historic Preservation Office says the construction of the bridge was a challenge for the state highway commission. It was a difficult crossing and there was tension between the commission and the Bureau of Public Roads over the bridge’s route and the design. Funding was nearly halted at one point but the agencies finally agreed on a plan. The bridge was completed in 1933 and spans nearly 3/4 of a mile. It was the state's longest bridge at the time and the longest toll-free crossing on Route 66.

 

Sheriff's Office Updates Warrant List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has updated its 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.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $65.53.

London-based Brent crude is $66.88.

Natural gas is $2.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,762 and silver is $26.96.

 

Thursday, February 25th

 

Boil Advisory Continues; Water Test Results Expected

Chickasha and Norge water customers continue to be under a voluntary advisory to boil their drinking water. The advisory was issued last Friday after numerous water line breaks and low water pressure occurred throughout the City of Chickasha which were caused by the historic winter storm. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley says officials hope to hear results today of the water samples sent to the State Department of Environmental Quality for testing. Mosley said they need two negative tests before lifting the boil advisory.

 

Woman Accused of Using Pink Rifle to Make Threats

A Chickasha woman accused of threatening people at a Lawton convenience store with a rifle will undergo a mental evaluation. 36-year old Amanda Reeves is alleged to have brandished a pink .40-caliber rifle at the store this past weekend. The Lawton Constitution cites a probable cause affidavit from Lawton police saying Reeves entered the store with the rifle, pointed it at a customer, and told her she was under arrest. The customer told police she didn't think the rifle was real. Reeves has been charged with a felony count of assault with a dangerous weapon and her bond set at  $50,000. Reeves has a post-competency evaluation hearing scheduled for May 20th.           

 

Former Chix State Lawmaker Picked for Governor's Cabinet

A former Chickasha state lawmaker has been appointed to Governor Kevin Stitt's cabinet. Susan Winchester will serve as the governor's first secretary of licensing and regulation. Winchester is expected to oversee more than 80 state agencies. The appointment will need to be confirmed by the state senate. Winchester served in the State House of Representatives from 1998 to 2008 and was the state's first female Speaker Pro Temp of the house. Most recently, she was the president of the Research Institute for Economic Development and served briefly as the chief of staff for former Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb. In a prepared statement, Winchester said she is excited to work with the governor to cut red tape, get rid of excessive regulations, and to create and system that encourages success instead of preserving mediocrity.

 

Four Candidates File for Caddo County Commissioner Seat

A total of four candidates have filed to run for a vacant post on the Caddo County Board of Commissioners. Two candidates filed for the seat in the final day of filing yesterday. 52-year old Darren Farmer of Anadarko became the third Democrat to file. Two other Democrats previously filed. They are 49-year old Jeff Boren and 45-year old Jamie Williams both of Gracemont. One Republican filed for the seat. She is 74-year old Belita Jo Lee Byrd of Minco. There is a two-day protest and withdrawal period. If needed, a special primary election for the Democrats will be in April. A special general election is scheduled for later in the year.

 

Anadarko Teachers Get COVID-19 Vaccinations

A number of Anadarko school teachers have received their first COVID-19 vaccinations. About 120 teachers and staff members received the vaccinations this week. Physician's Hospital in Anadarko and the State Department of Health combined efforts to provide the vaccinations.

 

National FFA Week Celebrated

This week is National FFA Week which is set aside to recognize youth who participate in a wide range of agriculture-related projects. Let's meet some of the students with Ninnekah FFA-

 

              

 

The mission of the organization is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.22 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.18.

Natural gas is $2.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,792 and silver is $28.25.

 

Wednesday, February 24th

 

Stabbing Victim Critical After Fight in Chix Park

A stabbing victim remains hospitalized in critical condition after being injured in a fight at a Chickasha park. 19-year old Christian Chastain was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with multiple stab wounds. The stabbing took place Tuesday afternoon in the playground area of Centennial Park, a popular place for families to take their children. Chickasha police spokesman Lt. Scott Weaver was at the park as investigators were uncovering the details.

 

              

 

A Grady County sheriff’s deputy arrested 18-year old Bryan Poafpbybitty, Jr. a short distance from the park. It was not clear why the two men were fighting. Poafpbybitty is being held in the Grady County Jail on complaints of assault and or battery with a deadly weapon and rape by instrumentation.

 

Bond Denied for Triple Murder Suspect               

Triple murder suspect Lawrence Paul Anderson is facing five felony charges in connection with his alleged fatal attack on his family and a neighbor. Anderson has been charged with three counts of first degree murder, one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon - which prosecutors say is equivalent to attempted murder - and maiming. Anderson appeared in Grady County District Court for his initial appearance on the charges yesterday where a judge denied bond. Anderson’s court-appointed attorney, Al Hoch, told the judge that Anderson was competent to understand the charges which were filed against him, but indicated a mental evaluation may be needed for him to help with his defense. Following the hearing, Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks held a press conference to discuss Anderson's lengthy criminal history and again mentioned that he was released from prison after serving just three years of a 20-year prison sentence. Hicks placed part of the blame of Anderson’s early release on the state's criminal justice reform efforts.

 

              

 

Hicks said the pardon and parole board does not have time to review the hundreds of cases they review each time they meet. Hicks said he'll be working with Gov. Kevin Stitt's office to try and deal with the issue. In the meantime, a joint funeral for two of Anderson's victims will be held this weekend. A funeral service for 4-year old Kaous Yates and her grandfather Leon Pye will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27th at Grand Assembly of God Church. A viewing will take place Friday from 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Faith Medical Missions Founder Dies

A longtime Chickasha missionary has died. John Wilson, who ran the group Faith Medical Missions, died in Florida recenty following a brief illness. He was 70 years old. Wilson made numerous trips to Central and South America, Thailand, Cambodia and other countries over the last 35 years. He created Chickasha-based Faith Medical Missions about 20 years ago. He is survived by his wife Vickie, his mother, and numerous family members. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Filing Ends Today for Caddo County Commissioner Post

There are still only two candidates who have filed for a seat on the Caddo County board of commissioners.  Filing for the open District 2 post are 45-year old Jamie Williams and 49-year old Jeff Boren, both Democrats from Gracemont. Today is the last of a three-day filing period for candidates who may want to file. Filing takes place at the Caddo County Election Board and ends at 5:00 p.m. today.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.67 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.37.

Natural gas is $2.88 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,805 and silver is $27.84.

 

Obituaries

Carol May Taylor

A graveside service for Carol May Taylor, 73, of Tuttle will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25^th at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

Sandra Hunter-DeLong

A memorial service is pending for Sandra Hunter-DeLong, 63, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, February 23rd

 

Graphic Details Published Regarding Chickasha Homicides

Published reports include some gruesome details of the deaths of three people in Chickasha two weeks ago. The Oklahoman is reporting that suspect Laurence Paul Anderson cut out the heart of one of his victims and ate it. Grady County prosecutors will be filing formal charges against Anderson today. Following the hearing, District Attorney Jason Hicks will hold a press conference to discuss the case. Anderson is accused in the stabbing deaths of his uncle Leon Pye, Pye's 4-year old granddaughter, Kaous Yates, and a neighbor Andrea Blankenship. Anderson is also expected to be charged with assault on Delsie Pye, who was stabbed in both eyes. The Oklahoman reports that Anderson confessed to killing Blankenship first, telling investigators he cut out her heart then cooked and ate it. He then went across the street to commit the other crimes. In a previous story published by the Oklahoman, Hicks was angry that Anderson was released from prison last month after serving only 3 1/2 years of a 20-year prison sentence.

 

Freezing Weather Blamed on Death

The death of a Caddo County man is being blamed on last week's subfreezing temperatures. The body of 51-year old Truman "TL" Baker was found by a relative in a snow-covered pickup southwest of Anadarko Sunday night. Officials say his death does not appear to be suspicious. It wasn't clear how long Baker may have been in the truck. The Lawton Constitution reported information provided to the News and Public Relations Division of the Kiowa Tribe. It stated relatives had indicated it wasn't unusual for Baker to stay at different places for days at a time but they became concerned when they hadn't seen him when temperatures dipped well below zero last week.

 

Woman Faces Murder, Animal Cruelty Charges

A Marlow woman is facing a murder charge and more than 100 charges of animal cruelty following her arrest last week. 49-year old Karen Jean Pritchard is being held in the Stephens County Jail on a $1 million bond. KSWO-TV reports sheriff's deputies investigated a tip they received about foul play at Pritchard's home where they found the body of 31-year old Ashley Nicole Anderson. It wasn't clear how Anderson may have died. Pritchard is also accused of running a puppy mill as authorities found nearly 200 animals, most of them in terrible condition, with some requiring emergency surgery. The Humane Society of Tulsa is caring for the animals.

 

Chix City Hall Deals with Water Damage

A broken overhead fire sprinkler at Chickasha City Hall last weekend caused quite a mess. Mayor Chris Mosley said a two-inch line water line in the ceiling of the first floor ruptured just before the close of business on Friday. It caused some damage to the Community Development, finance and utility billing departments, but a damage estimate has not been determined. Mosley said damage would have been a lot worse had the break occurred after employees left for the weekend. The city posted on its Facebook page that a number of extension cords are running across the floor of city hall and that visitors should watch their step. Visitors are asked to use the east entrance off of 4th Street as the west entry door is closed. Officials say the fans are very loud so workers in the Utility Billing and Community Development Departments are unable to answer the phones. If you do call, you're asked to leave a message and someone will get back with you as soon as possible.

 

Boil Advisory Continues for Chickasha, Norge Water Users

The mayor said that the voluntary boil advisory issued last Friday is expected to be in place for several days. He said a few fire hydrants will be flushed today and tomorrow and water samples will be sent to the State Department of Environmental Quality for testing. Mosley said the city needs two negative tests before the boil advisory can be lifted. The advisory is in effect for both Chickasha and Norge water customers.

 

Two File for Caddo County Commissioner Vacancy

Two candidates have filed for an open seat on the Caddo County commissioners board. The District 2 post is vacant due to the recent death of Commissioner Randy McLemore. Filing on Monday were 49-year old Jeff Boren and 45-year old Jamie Williams, both of Gracemont and both Democrats. The three-day filing period runs through 5 p.m. Wednesday, with candidates filing at the Caddo County Election board.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.49 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.24.

Natural gas is $2.95 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,806. Silver is $27.92.

 

Obituaries

Nancy Trotter

Funeral service for Nancy Trotter, 63, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26th at The First Christian Church of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Steve “Smokey” Graves

A viewing for 76-year old Steve "Smokey" Graves of Chickasha will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

 

Monday, February 22nd

 

Water Line Repairs Continue

Chickasha water line crews spent much of their weekend repairing more water line breaks blamed on last week's historic freeze and winter storms. At least five breaks were repaired including Jackson and Franklin Streets, 17th and Iowa, 17th and Colorado, 19th and Alabama, and the 1400 block of South 20^th. That's nearly a dozen water lines repaired since late last week. City water users as well as individuals on Norge water are still under a voluntary boil advisory which was issued Friday afternoon. USW, The city's water treatment contractor, issued the precautionary boil advisory due to potential contamination of the water due to the numerous water line breaks and low water pressure. The boil advisory is in effect until further notice.

 

Parents Urged to Send Bottled

Water to School with Students

Due to the boil advisory, Chickasha school officials are urging parents to send their children to school with bottled water this week. According to a post on the district's Facebook page, officials say they are securing additional bottled water to help in the situation.

 

Filing Period Open for Caddo County Commissioner Post

The filing period opens today for a seat on the board of Caddo County commissioners. The post is for District 2 which is the seat previously held by Randy McLemore who passed away recently. Candidates must live within the district 2 boundaries of Caddo County. Candidates can file through Wednesday at the Caddo County Election Board.  A special primary election if needed will be held in April with a special general election if needed to be held later in the year.

 

State House of Reps Forms Redistricting Committee

A number of state lawmakers from the region have been appointed to the state and federal redistricting committee in the State House of Representatives. Members include Representative Toni Hasenbeck of Elgin. Hasenbeck will also serve as vice chair of the southwest region subcommittee. Also on the southwest subcommittee are Rep. Dick Lowe of Amber, Rep. Brad Boles of Marlow, and Rep. Marcus McEntire of Duncan. Serving on the south central subcommittee are Rep. Cynthia Roe of Lindsay and Rep. Sherrie Conley of Newcastle. After receiving the final data from the 2020 U.S. Census, the committee will submit revised district alignments which will be considered by the full house. The group will hold its first meeting this week to adopt policies, protocols, and a public map submission process.

 

Blood Emergency Continues

The Oklahoma Blood Institute says there is still a blood emergency in the Sooner State. The organization supplies blood to dozens of Oklahoma hospitals and last week's historic winter storm postponed a number of blood drives. If you have time today, the First Baptist Church at 4th and Colorado will have a blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tomorrow, the Friend community will have a blood drive at Sharon Baptist Church from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, Special Young Adults at 9th and Oregon will have a blood drive from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. To find a blood drive in your area, go to the website: www.obi.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $59.24 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.91.

Natural gas is $3.07 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,796 and silver is $27.61.

 

Obituary

Patsy Fowler

A private family service for Patsy Fowler, 94, was held today. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.