Saturday, Nov. 27th

 

45-Year Old Cold Case Investigation Resumes

Back in 1976 the United States of America was celebrating its bi-centennial, a man-made space craft landed on Mars, and Jimmy Carter was elected president. It's also the year that an Elmore City man went missing and has never been heard from. Garvin County authorities recently renewed the cold case investigation into the disappearance of Jimmy Don Robinson reported missing October 1^st of that year. Robinson's sister Phyllis Hines of Lindsay and her nephew, Joshua Shawn, said they wanted to be more pro-active in finding out what happened to Robinson. Hines was a little girl when her brother vanished and said she made a promise to her parents to keep searching for him. The Pauls Valley Democrat reports that Hines and Shawn thought the story was compelling and has almost become an urban legend. There was one report that indicated Robinson was killed and his body dumped in a lake and that his vehicle was recovered - but no body or vehicle has ever been found. Hines said they're not trying to have anyone arrested in connection with the disappearance – they just want to find out what happened to him.

 

Drilling Permits OK'd for STACK

With prices hovering around $80 a barrel exploration for crude oil has been increasing in parts of the STACK play which includes parts of Caddo, Canadian, and Kingfisher counties. The website OK Energy Today reports that Lynx Oklahoma Operating Company has received a permit to drill about a mile west of Gracemont. It’s the Old Glory location in Section 5 of Township 8 North and 10 West which is in the Hoxbar formation. Ovintiv is having a lot of success in the Kingfisher area and has received permits to drill two more wells southeast of Kingfisher. That's in an area where the firm had several large producing wells on a single pad in previous drilling operations. Crews will drill into the Mississippian play in hopes of finding a new pool of crude.

 

Small Business Saturday Shopping Underway

Today is another big day of shopping for gift givers. While yesterday's Black Friday deals focused on large retailers nationwide, today is Small Business Saturday where individuals are encouraged to direct their holiday shopping to their local stores. American Express launched Small Business Saturday at the height of the Great Recession in 2010. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that consumers have been eager to support businesses in their home towns. Last year, the U.S. Small Business Administration reported Americans spent $20 billion on Small Business Saturday. American Express estimates that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in that community.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Midshipman First Class Gage Vernon, a student at the U.S. Naval Academy is on the KOOL Konversation. Joe Dorman, director of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy is on Real Estate Today. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

Patricia Shatwell

A graveside service for Patricia Shatwell, 74, of Tuttle will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 29^th at Tuttle's Fairview Cemetery. Services are will Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

Friday, Nov. 26th

 

Woman Critically Injured in Collision

A Thanksgiving Day traffic accident near Alex sends two people to hospitals and one of them was admitted in critical condition. 82-year old Benita Parker of Bradley suffered internal injuries and was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. She was a passenger in a car driven by 84-year old Albert Parker. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released. The accident happened on State Highway 19 about a mile west of Alex just before 5:00 p.m. The highway patrol reports that the Parker vehicle pulled onto the highway from a county road and was hit in the drivers' side by a Jeep driven by 29-year old Justin Bennett of Oklahoma City. Bennett was not injured. Seat belts were in use by all occupants in both vehicles.

 

Chix Native Returns to Perform Free Christmas Concert

Chickasha native Jami Smith will return to her hometown to perform a free Christmas concert this weekend. Bible Baptist Church will host the outdoor concert Sunday night at the Festival of Light in Shannon Springs Park. She has a new Christmas album called "All This is Christmas'. It is her third Christmas album and it includes contributions from her 9-year old son King, as well Brennin Hunt, Gabe and Dameon Aranda, Charlie Hall, Ryan Smith, and Erick Alexander. The free concert will get underway at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, November 28^th at the Shannon Springs Park Amphitheatre.

 

Some Government Offices Closed Thru Weekend

Some local and county government offices are closed today as they have an extended Thanksgiving break. Chickasha City Hall and the Grady County Courthouse are both closed today and will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, Nov. 29th.

 

More Reasons for Shoppers to Visit Local Merchants

Many shoppers are hitting the stores for Black Friday shopping deals today as Christmas is now less than 30 days away.  During the Buy Chickasha season with Chickasha retailers the Chamber of Commerce is holding Festive Fridays. Each Friday through Dec. 10th the chamber will hold drawings for $100 gift card bundles at 3:00 p.m. Festive Fridays also double as longer shopping hours by participating merchants who are extending hours through 7:00 p.m. each Friday through Dec. 10th. For a full list of participating merchants visit the chamber's Facebook page or website.

 

Carnegie Movie Theatre Re-opens

A historic Caddo County movie theater has re-opened. The Liberty Theater in Carnegie had been closed for more than a year and a half due to the pandemic. Owner Jerry Applewhite said prior to closing it had been advertised as the longest continuously running theater in the state. KSWO-TV reports the theater opened in 1915 for silent movies. Sound wasn’t added to films until more than a decade later, in 1928. The theatre re-opened Wednesday and perhaps the most popular feature may not be the movies but the hot dogs that are served. A few early customers were at the door before the theater opened to get their first show dogs in 20 months. Applewhite said before the pandemic that about 2,000 patrons would be in for a weekend and that he would serve 2,000 show dogs each day.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.25.

Natural gas is $5.06 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,813 and silver is $23.66.

 

Obituaries

Troy Wood

A memorial service for Troy Wood, 59, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 27^th at Parkview Christian Church. He owned and operated Coastless Customs and was known for building hot rods. Those attending are asked to drive their hot rods. Arrangements are will Sevier Funeral Home.

Roger Saxon

Funeral service for Roger Saxon, 75, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 2nd at Sevier Funeral Home. He was a long-time Chickasha firefighter and a Marine Corps veteran. He also served as the commander for the local American Legion and VFW posts for many years. Memorial contributions may be made to either of those veterans groups.

 

Thursday, Nov. 25th

No news due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 24th

 

Missing Woman May be With Man Wanted for Murder

The McClain County Sheriff's Office is investigating the disappearance of a woman who has been missing for nearly three weeks. Authorities say she may be with her boyfriend who has a warrant out for his arrest in connection with a murder that occurred in San Antonio three years ago. Our partners at KWTV News 9 say relatives of 36-year old Tallen Shyann Treto-Padilla reported her missing on Friday, Nov. 5th. She was last seen driving a white 2009 GMC Acadia with Oklahoma Tag No. LPV-540 when she left her work near Wayne. Investigators believe she could be with Francisco Velasquez who also goes by the name of Mike ‘Paco’ Mendoza. U.S. Marshals are helping with the investigation. Since the missing person report was filed authorities say they've received information that Treto-Padilla may have traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border but they don't know if she is in the U.S. or Mexico. Investigators say they are weighing on the side that she is voluntarily absent because they have no indication that she was taken against her will or was forced to leave.

 

Support Shown for Veteran Who Had No Known Relatives

A U.S. military veteran who died with no known relatives was laid to rest at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery yesterday. Veterans from all branches of the military and veteran's motorcycle organizations were on hand for the funeral of Navy veteran Kenneth Stokely who served in Vietnam. KSWO-TV reported that not much is known about Stokely but those attending said all they needed to know was that he served honorably. Veteran Stephen Lewis said the oath that service men and women take never expires and all are heroes who have protected America. An American flag which would have been presented to Stokely's family was presented to VFW Post 1193.

 

Freshmen State Lawmakers to Attend Conference

State Representative Dick Lowe (R-Amber) is one of two state lawmakers being touted for their leadership abilities. Lowe and Representative Mike Dobrinski (R-Okeene) were selected to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures' Emerging Leaders Conference in Virginia next month. Both lawmakers are serving their first terms in the state house and were asked by House Speaker Charles McCall to attend. The conference offers new legislators the chance to meet with their peers, discuss putting together the best public policy, and how to communicate with Congress and key administration officials. Lowe said he looks forward to finding out what is working in other states and bring the best ideas back to the Sooner State.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.50 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.31.

Natural gas is $4.97 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,792 and silver is $23.62.

 

Obituaries

Roger Saxon

 A memorial service for retired Chickasha firefighter Roger Saxon will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 2nd at Sevier Funeral Home. He was 75 when he passed away last Friday. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Leiloni Dearinger

A memorial service for LeiLoni Dearinger, 59, of Chickasha is pending with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions of dog food may be given to local animal shelters.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 23rd

 

Investigators Break Up Illicit Drug Supply Line between Chix, OKC

More than 20 people have been arrested and more than $7 million in drugs taken off the streets in a joint investigation into a drug supply line between Chickasha and Oklahoma City. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess credits the results to a joint investigation of the sheriff's office, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. In a press release, Boggess said the investigation began in mid-September as officials sought to disrupt the distribution of deadly and highly-addictive prescription drugs laced with fentanyl. Boggess said the emphasis in Chickasha resulted in 21 arrests. Authorities have seized more than 50 fentanyl-laced pills, 11 pounds of Ecstasy tablets, eight ounces of heroin, four ounces of methamphetamine, and twelve pounds of illicitly-produced marijuana. Boggess said investigators found more than $5 million worth of drugs alone at Oklahoma City home. Boggess says the investigation is on-going and more arrests are anticipated.

 

Suspect Faces Child Porn Charges 

A Chickasha man is arrested and charged for allegedly having child pornography. 35-year old John Raymond Brewster was taken into custody at his home by Grady County sheriff's deputies last week. A probable cause affidavit indicates that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber-tip in July of 2020 which alleged someone was storing child porn on the Google g-mail infrastructure. The document indicated that the information was traced to Brewster who admitted the g-mail account was his. Prosecutors have charged Brewster with two counts of possessing child porn. His bond was set at $25,000.

 

Suspects Sought After Pursuit Tops 100 mph

A high-speed chase reached speeds estimated at nearly 140 miles per hour between Verden and Anadarko earlier this week. Verden Police Chief Jason Cox said an officer's radar indicated a vehicle was cruising westbound through Verden at more than 15 miles over the speed limit about 1:00 a.m. Monday. The officer attempted a traffic stop but the vehicle's speed increased significantly. The officer notified Caddo County authorities and Anadarko police that a vehicle believed to be a 2003 Acura was headed their way. Anadarko police spotted the car as it got into town and followed it to an apartment complex where two suspects bailed out of the car and managed to get away. Cox said the suspects may have left their wallets and some suspected drugs and open containers in the car. Authorities are looking for the individuals whose wallets and IDs were found in the vehicle.

 

BC/BS Offers Help During Open Enrollment

The open enrollment period for health insurance will be ending soon. Representatives from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oklahoma will be in Chickasha tomorrow to assist with enrollment for health insurance for calendar year 2022. They are hosting one-on-one appointments with their licensed, local specialists to help individuals choose the right plan for their families. Some may qualify for financial help. The reps will be at the Fairfield Inn just off of 4th Street from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. tomorrow. Visit the website www.bluenearyouOK.com for information.

 

Groups to Match Donations to Regional Food Bank

Today is Giving Tuesday which is held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. It's a global event which kicks off the charitable-giving season by inspiring people to give back. You will be able to double your gift if you decide to help the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Several groups are combining efforts to match all donations to the food bank up to $500,000. This holiday match campaign will continue through January 15th. Every dollar donated to the Regional Food Bank helps to provide eight meals to Oklahomans living in hunger. The food bank serves more than 40 counties in central and Western Oklahoma including Grady and Caddo counties. Donations can be made on-line at www.rfbo.org/ give

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.75 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.70.

Natural gas is $4.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is just under $1,800 and silver is $23.96.

 

Obituary

Victor Valdez

A funeral service for Victor Valdez, 77, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 27^th at McRay Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Nov. 22nd

 

Volunteer Receives National Recognition

Former Chickasha City Council woman Kim Loggins finishes runner-up for a national award. Loggins was among three candidates in the running for the National Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award. She was among 100 individuals nominated from communities with populations of less than 25,000. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley said Loggins is a trailblazer, willing to speak her mind and work hard for the benefit of the city. He said she'll go against the crowd if it means doing what is best. Loggins volunteers to help a number of groups and events throughout the year including the Salvation Army, The Festival of Light, the Rock Island Ride, and the Wings and Wheels airplane and car show.

 

CHS Students Attend UCO Black Male Summit

A number of Chickasha High School students attended the 6th annual Black Male Summit at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) last week. 12 young men joined Chickasha schools graduation coach Cristie Oliver and curriculum coordinator Milton Bowens at the summit. The theme for the event was The Bigger Picture. The event is held each year to allow those attending to discover their identities and re-imagine their futures regardless of cultural and systemic barriers. Chickasha High School alum and current UCO student Diallo Foster was among the student organizers for the event.

 

Community Thanksgiving Set; Meals to be Delivered

Preparations are underway for Chickasha's community Thanksgiving dinner. This is the 40th year for the event which provides free Thanksgiving meals to residents. Normally served at one of the local churches, the meals will be available by delivery only for the second straight year. Individuals who would like a meal can call First Presbyterian Church at 405-224-6205 or New Life Christian Church at 405-222-5433. The deadline to order meals is tomorrow and the meals will be delivered Thanksgiving Day between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Meals are free but donations are welcome.

 

Suspect Accused of Animal Cruelty

An Anadarko woman is accused of the mistreatment of animals. An arrest warrant was issued last week for 36-year old Laura Mayall for the alleged neglect of some dogs and pigs. The Lawton Constitution points to court documents that indicate Mayall's estranged husband received a phone call from an individual who said the animals were in poor condition and that one dog had died. Laura Mayall is said to have left the state for a couple of weeks and did not have anyone look after the animals. A Caddo County deputy said there was no food, one dog was skin and bones, and others appeared to be malnourished. The deputy also said the pig pen was dry, the food bowls were full of dirt, and another bowl contained only a small amount of dirty, green water. Prosecutors have charged Laura Mayall with two felony counts of animal cruelty and each is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Mayall is out of jail after posting bond. A preliminary hearing conference is scheduled for Jan. 14th.

 

Community Blood Drive Today

KOOL-RANCH Radio stations and the Oklahoma Blood Institute are hosting a community blood drive today and one lucky donor will receive a $250 gift card. Each donor will receive a chocolate bar and one of them has a golden ticket which is the gift card. All donors will also receive a pecan pie and a t-shirt. The bloodmobile will be at the YMCA parking lot at 7th and Chickasha Avenue from noon to 6 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome. For information on future blood drives in your area see the Oklahoma Blood Institute's website: www.obi.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.10 per barrel.

London-based crude is $78.89.

Natural gas is $5.07 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,843 and silver is $24.84.

 

Obituary

Patty Crowder

A memorial service for Patty Crowder, 85, of Midwest City and formerly of the Chickasha area will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 23rd at Sevier Funeral Home.

Saturday, Nov. 20th

 

Report Critical of Oklahoma Highways

A new report shows Oklahoma in the bottom half of the national rankings for its highway conditions. The Sooner State is No. 36 in the poll published in the Annual Highway Report released by The Reason Foundation. That's down two spots from last year. Oklahoma ranks in the bottom half of all 13 categories that are judged and it's the only state to not have a single ranking in the top 25. The state ranks in the bottom ten in its overall fatality rate, rural arterial pavement condition, and structurally-deficient bridges. The report is critical of the work that is being done, saying the infrastructure should be better considering what is being spent. The report shows the state spends more than $88,000 per mile of state-controlled roads and has the 18th largest highway system in the country. The survey indicated that Oklahoma commuters spend near 12 hours a year in traffic jams.

 

Anadarko Christens New Fire Engine

The City of Anadarko has its first new firetruck in more than 30 years. Firefighters and the community helped to christen the brand new Sutphen fire engine yesterday. Fire Chief Greg Stone says tells how technology changes over the years will help firefighters.

 

              

 

The price tag for the truck was about $700,000 and the city was able to obtain a federal grant to pay just over half of that cost, with a local bond paying for the rest. Also during the ceremony, Dr. John Flynn was recognized for his work with the city to provide much of the funding to train the first emergency medical technicians for the department more than 30 years ago. Today, the department has fulll-fledged paramedics.

 

Weekend Events Continue at County Fairgrounds

A couple of weekend events are continuing at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The Sooner Circuit Cluster of Dog Shows is being held inside the event center, with hundreds of the top animals in their breeds competing. That event runs through tomorrow. The Grady County OHCE Celebration of Crafts show is being held in the North Exhibit building with more than 30 vendors on hand, and OHCE groups with cakes, pies, rolls, candy and other treats...many of which can help families reduce their preparation time for the upcoming holidays. Admission and parking are free for both events.

 

Festival of Light Opens Tonight

Chickasha's Festival of Light opens for the holiday season tonight. Through the years the festival has been named one of the top holiday light displays in the state and has also received national recognition. The festival is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization with a small board of directors which meets throughout the year. All contributions are used to make improvements for the following year's event. It's open every night through New Year's Eve. Hours are from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Lts. Bobby and Crystal McFarland with the Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo counties are this week's guests on the KOOL Konversation. Ray Walker with the Medicare Assistance Program with the Oklahoma Insurance Department is our guest on Real Estate Today. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Dr. Pat Kennedy

A memorial service for 77-year old Rev. Pat Kennedy, the pastor of Chickasha's First Presbyterian Church was held today. He spent 50 years in the ministry and was with the Presbytery of Indian Nations. Memorial contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Disaster Relief Fund.

Patty Crowder

A memorial service for Patty Crowder, 85, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 23rd at Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Friday, Nov. 19th

 

The Festival of Light Opens This Weekend

Chickasha will roll out the welcome mat to tens of thousands of visitors over the next few weeks. The Festival of Light begins tomorrow night at Shannon Springs Park. This is the 29th year for the event as the 43-acre park will once again twinkle with millions of lights. Festival director Whitney Palesano says the work to prepare the park started several weeks ago-

 

              

 

The 160-foot tall lighted Christmas tree is the centerpiece of the festival. There are a number of attractions including an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, carriage rides, and a gift shop. The Festival will be open seven days a week through New Year’s Eve.

Dowtown Events Scheduled During Festival

Downtown Chickasha will have some activities during the festival. They include the 40-foot inflatable leg lamp made famous in the classic holiday film The Christmas Movie and a tall tree at the depot. The depot will also have activities every Friday and Saturday in December which will include pop-up vendors, food trucks, and photos with Santa. To help reduce the long traffic line to the Festival, a shuttle service will be available to and from the park. Chickasha Wings is also offering flights over the Festival each night that originate from the airport north of town. For information follow the Chickasha Festival of Light on Facebook or its website.

 

Animal Shelter Open House Tomorrow

The Chickasha Animal Shelter will have an open house tomorrow afternoon to display a number of recent improvements. The shelter has replaced some kennels that were 40-plus years old thanks to a grant from the Petco Foundation. Shelter manager Layce Graham says they work with non-profit groups around the country to find forever homes for the many animals that pass through the shelter and that they have occasional spay-and-neuter clinics-

 

              

 

The open house will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. tomorrow. The shelter is just north of the Grady County Fairgrounds.

 

Anadarko to Dedicate New Fire Truck

The City of Anadarko will be putting a new fire engine into service today. Officials say it’s the first new pumper truck for the city in more than 30 years. A dedication ceremony will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon. The city will also honor Dr. John Flynn for his many years of service as medical director and for his role in the development of emergency medical services for the community.

McLemore Road Project Update

Anadarko officials have a new estimate on completion of upgrades to McLemore Road, formerly Petree Road between Mission Boulevard and State Highway 8. If you remember, the guardrails for the bridge were in transit back in October when Hurricane Ida struck the New Orleans area and the guard rails were never found. Officials now believe the work could be completed by the end of next month. The guard rails are needed to meet federal standards as the project is being paid for with federal funds.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.01 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.24.

Natural gas is $4.90 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,864 and silver is $24.88.

 

Obituaries

Gregory Lee

A funeral service for Gregory Lee, 63, of Ninnekah will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 20^th at the Ninnekah First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Larry McCoy

Funeral service for Larry McCoy, 71, of Chickasha will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, November 22nd at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

 

Thursday, Nov. 18th

 

Two Suspects Charged After Child Abuse Probe

Two people are facing felony charges in connection with a Grady County child abuse investigation. 32-year old Brandon Byrd of Blanchard and his girlfriend - 31-year old Camilla Chapman-Rutledge of Cyril - were arrested by Grady County deputies Tuesday afternoon. No details of the investigation were immediately available. Byrd is charged with child abuse while Chapman-Rutledge is charged with failure to report the incident. Both remain in the Grady County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bond each.

 

COVID Closes Minco Schools

Minco schools have shut down for the rest of the week due to a spike in COVID cases. The district only had three reported cases last Friday but in a Facebook live video posted Wednesday afternoon Superintendent Kevin Sims said the number of cases grew dramatically.

 

              

 

Sims said many of those who are ill have the Delta variant which he said spreads very quickly. Minco schools will not be back in session until Nov. 29th. The district was previously scheduled to be out all next week for Thanksgiving Break. Sims is hoping the extended break will allow those who are sick will be enough time for them to get better. Sims said a junior high basketball game that Minco was supposed to play against Alex tonight has been postponed. The high school football team is scheduled to play in the second round of the playoffs tomorrow night and Sims says that game will be played.

 

Pikes Peak Road Repair Nears Completion

Upgrades to a road which is shared by the City of Chickasha and Grady County is nearing completion. Crews are in the final stages of the work to improve one mile of Pikes Peak Road between Highway 81 and 16th Street. The city and District 3 of Grady County are sharing the costs. District 3 County Commissioner Ralph Beard said crews initially ground up the old asphalt and are replacing it with new materials and will complete the road building with a 5 ½-inch layer of asphalt. The estimated cost of the project is about $250,000. The contractor is SWH Construction of Goldsby.

 

Musical Duo Releases Holiday Music Video

The Imaginaries, the local singing duo of Maggie McClure and Shane Henry, have released a new music video in time for the holidays. 'Christmas Town' was filmed entirely in Chickasha and features local performers throughout the nearly 5 1/2 minute video. McClure talks about the video and why they wanted to feature the community.

 

              

 

The video was produced in collaboration with the Chickasha Economic Development Council and directed by Reagan Elkins with Intellego Media. The music video debuted this morning and can be seen on The Imaginaries Facebook page and YouTube.

 

Dog Shows, Crafts Featured at Grady County Fairgrounds

Many of the top show dogs in the country will be paraded through the Grady County Fairgrounds this weekend. The Sooner Circuit Cluster of Dog Shows runs today through Sunday. The owners and handlers of these prized animals are working to score points that would qualify them to compete in national dog shows including The American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship and the Westminster Kennel Club national show. There are two separate kennel clubs hosting shows this weekend - one from Norman and one from El Reno. The event is being held in the Events Center at the fairgrounds. Admission is free for anyone who wants to watch the shows. Also at the fairgrounds this weekend is the Grady County OHCE Celebration of Crafts Show. More than 30 vendors will have gift items for sale and many of them are hand-made. Others will have home-made food items just in time for the upcoming holidays. The craft show will be in the north exhibit building of the fairgrounds Friday and Saturday. Admission to that event is also free and concessions will be available. Proceeds from the craft show funds scholarships that are awarded to high school and college students in Grady County.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.36 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $80.28.

Natural gas is $4.81 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,867 and silver is $25.13.

 

Obituary

Betty Jean Lambert

A memorial service for Betty Jean Lambert, 74, formerly of Chickasha will be held Saturday, November 20th in Vine Grove, Kentucky. The service was announced locally by Brown-Thomas Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Hope for Kids in Elizabethtown, Kentucky or You Cannot Be what You Cannot See in Radcliff, Kentucky.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 17th

 

Chickasha Teacher Wins National Award

An agriculture teacher for Chickasha schools earns national recognition. Emily Schmidt will receive the Ideas Unlimited Award from the National Association of Agriculture Education during the group’s annual convention in a couple of weeks. Schmidt is being recognized for her Barn Flix Livestream Project. Her agriculture communications and ag leadership classes live-streamed livestock and horse shows and other community events over the last year. In doing so, the students learned how to use technology while the community was able to access the events without traveling. A press release says the project fits within the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Language Arts which demonstrates the value of the agriculture education program beyond its own walls.

 

Cyril Man Faces Child Sex Crime Charges

An 18-year old Caddo County man is charged with child sex crimes after reportedly admitting he had been molesting children for over a year. Prosecutors have charged Manny Gene Russell of Cyril with rape and lewd and indecent acts to a child. The Lawton Constitution cites court documents that say Russell admitted to his grandmother that he was a pedophile and that he may have committed the acts 150 times over the course of a year. Both Russell and his grandmother met with Cyril police last week. It's reported that Russell told investigators he had been having bad thoughts since he was 15 and that he tried to divert his attention through hobbies. Russell remains in the Caddo County Jail on a $250,000 bond. He's to be back in court for a preliminary hearing conference on January 13th.

 

Public Input Sought on I-35 and Highway 9 Interchange

State transportation officials are seeking input on proposed upgrades to the interchange at I-35 and State Highway 9 in Norman. Authorities say improvements are needed to accommodate an increase in traffic and to address local congestion. Authorities will have four design alternatives to review during a public hearing that will be held tomorrow night. The hearing will be held at the Goldsby Community Building from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Individuals wanting to comment but can't attend the meeting will be able take part in a virtual open house on-line. Go to the website: www.oklahoma.gov/odot/programs to find the link. The virtual open house will be available starting Friday and will run through December 9th.

 

Pioneer School, USAO Choir to Hold Holiday Concert

Pioneer School and USAO will be combining efforts to hold a join holiday concert next month. The Pioneer School Honor Choir and the USAO Concert Choir will join their collective voices for a concert that will be free and open to the public. Crystal Wyatt is the director of the Pioneer Honor Choir which includes students in the third through 8th grades. The group rehearses two mornings each week before classes start. The concert will feature music for chorus, strings, piano, flute, and hand bells. The performance will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 5th at Chickasha’s First Christian Church. The church's organ, a 903-pipe Miles Organ installed in 1985, will be featured in a couple of the songs.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.43.

Natural gas is $5.17 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,863 and silver is $25.20.

 

Obituaries

Keith Urban, Sr.

 A graveside service for Keith Urban, Sr., 84, of Rush Springs will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 18^th at the Rush Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral home.

Ted Bingham

A funeral mass for Ted Bingham, 86, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 22nd at Holy Name Catholic Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mobile Meals or the Center of Family Love in Okarche.

Sheila Hayes

Funeral service Sheila Hayes, 61, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 22nd at Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 16th

 

Chix City Council OKs Firefighters Union Contract

A new collective bargaining agreement is in place between the City of Chickasha and the Chickasha Firefighters Association. The city council unanimously approved the contract after a 30-minute closed-door session that was part of last night's council meeting. City Manager Tyler Brooks said while there were some changes the agreement is about the same financially. Last year, the city contributed a lump-sum of $1,500 per firefighter for their longevity. This year, there is no longevity payment, however the city will pay $1,000 a year for a uniform allowance and $500 toward post-employment health insurance which was not part of last year's contract.

 

City Council Flips Decision on Starbucks' Sign Variance

The city council reverses its decision that may have prevented a Starbucks coffee shop from expanding to the area. Earlier this month the council voted 9-0 to deny a request for the store to have an 80-foot sign. The city currently has an ordinance limiting sign height to 45 feet. During the November 1^st council meeting Kaylee Hurych, a representative from Starbucks' parent company Vaquero Ventures, said the chain might not build a store here if the variance wasn't approved. Huryck was back at last night's council meeting to apologize.

 

              

 

After about a 10-minute public hearing the council voted 8-1 to approve the variance. The only councilman who did not change his vote was Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander who was disappointed in Huryck's earlier comments.

 

              

 

Huryck said the company is working with engineers to make sure the sign can hold up against high winds with designs that include a 12-foot underground structure. Huryck hopes construction can begin in early 2022 and that the store could be open by next summer.

 

Suspect Accused of Growing Illegal Marijuana Plants

A Ninnekah man is facing a felony charge for allegedly growing marijuana illegally. Grady County deputies received a tip in early September that 39-year old Ronald Edwin Ryans might have the illegal crop. Court documents filed following the investigation indicate Ryans told investigators that he had a medical marijuana card. Such a card allows the holder to have six mature plants and six seedlings. However deputies counted nearly 35 plants on the property and said that neither Ryans nor anyone else at the home had a card. Authorities arrested Ryans last week and he has been formally charged with cultivating a controlled drug. He was also wanted for an arrest in Rush Springs this past January for actual physical control of a vehicle and misdemeanor drug possession. Ryans is out of jail after posting a $10,000 bond and he has court dates for both cases next month.

 

Grady County Property Tax Statements Mailed 

Ad valorem tax statements have been mailed out to Grady County property owners. County Treasurer Robin Burton said more than 30,000 tax statements were sent out in three separate batches last week. The tax statements total almost $79 million which is up about $1 million from last year or 1.2 percent. Burton said many of the statements were sent to mortgage companies which will pay the taxes from escrow accounts of property owners. For others, Burton said individuals can pay the entire amount by January 15, 2022 or pay half the amount owed by that date. The balance would then be due April 15, 2022. Payments may be made at the treasurer’s office in the county courthouse. Burton said if a credit or debit card, or e-check is used there will be a fee however none of the fee goes to the treasurer’s office. Checks and statements can also be placed in the drop-box just outside the courthouse entrance. Burton said if property owners have not received their statements in the mail by December 1st to contact her office.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.88 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.05.

Natural gas is $5.01 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,875 and silver is $25.24.

 

Obituary

Kaylan Grimes

Funeral service for Kaylan Grimes, 72, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 17^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Nov. 15th

 

Chix City Council to Reconsider Starbucks' Sign Variance

Hopes for a new Starbucks coffee shop in Chickasha are re-newed. During tonight's Chickasha City Council meeting the panel is expected to reconsider a decision that Starbucks representatives said would prevent them from expanding to the city. At the November 1st council meeting the panel unanimously voted against a variance in the city's ordinance regarding how tall a store sign could be. The maximum height is 45 feet and Starbucks officials said they needed an 80-foot tall sign to draw traffic off the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The issue was brought up during an informal work session last week where City Manager Tyler Brooks recommended the council reconsider its decision. The council will have a public hearing on the issue before a formal vote.

 

Council to Get Update of Firefighter Union Talks

The city council is also to go behind closed doors to discuss the status of the collective bargaining negotiations with the Chickasha Firefighters Association for the current fiscal year. The council is also to present a retirement watch to Kelly Crowder for his 10 years of service with the department. The council will also present a plaque to Ward 2 Councilman Clark VanDyck for his service. Vandyck has spent nearly two years on the city council but is stepping down at the end of the month as he recently moved out of the city limits. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Caddo County Driver Hospitalized After Crash

A Caddo County driver is hospitalized after suffering a medical problem behind the wheel. 60-year old Betty Harley of Apache suffered trunk and facial injuries after her SUV ran off the road, crashed through two fences, and hit a house. The Highway Patrol reports that Harley was taken by ground ambulance to a Lawton hospital where she was last in stable condition. The accident happened just before 1:00 p.m. Sunday on Highway 277 north of Elgin.

 

Obituary

Marla Howell

Funeral service for Marla Howell, 65, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 16^th at Bible Baptist Church. She worked as a Realtor for more than 20 years with Century 21/Mosley Real Estate. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Saturday, Nov. 13th

 

Hospital Officials Continue Urging COVID Vaxx

Grady Memorial Hospital officials say coronavirus numbers have declined in recent weeks. Positive test rates in the lab were down to 10 percent last month although officials say through the first two weeks of November they have increased slightly. In a hospital news release, Infection Control Specialist Brad Warden says positive tests are up to 14 percent. Hospital Chief of Staff Dr. Abby Houseman says while the numbers are moving in the right direction and the likelihood of patients getting deathly ill are low, they continue to stress the importance of vaccinations saying it's the best defense against contracting the illness. Officials say policies and practices for COVID are fluid and are continuously evolving. The hospital is monitoring and adapting to the changes and mandates related to the virus. Emergency Department Director Beth Malone said they will  continue to be transparent with the public and hospital employees as changes take place to ensure everyone is kept up to date.

 

State Gas Prices Lowest in the Country

While gasoline prices in Oklahoma now average more than $3 a gallon officials say they are the lowest in the country. According to the website OK Energy Today the average price for a gallon of regular dropped two cents last week to $3.02. That's up about ten cents from a month ago but a year ago at this time the average price was $1.80 per gallon. Fuel prices are lowest in the Lawton area where it is $2.86 while Oklahoma City's average price is $2.98 per gallon.

 

Alpaca Blast-Off! Show Underway

Alpaca ranchers from across the country are in Chickasha this weekend. They are showing off their animals in an event called the Alpaca Blast Off Show. Debbie Ashley is the president of the board of directors for Alpacas of Oklahoma, a group that supports the ethical promotion of all things alpaca. Ashley says ranchers from 17 states are taking part in the event, from as far west as Washington and Oregon to as far east as Tennessee. She talks about part of the weekend activities-

 

              

 

She says alpacas are gentle and an easy livestock to raise. They are sheared about once a year and the fleece is used to make sweaters, gloves, scarves, socks and other items. The show runs through tomorrow at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Admission is free and there are a number of vendors who have alpaca products for sale.

 

Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive Begins

The Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo Counties has begun it's red kettle campaign which will run through the upcoming holidays. The first kettle of the Christmas season opened at Williams Foods in downtown Chickasha yesterday. Look for the familiar red kettles in Chickasha, Anadarko, and Newcastle in the coming days and weeks. Officials hope to collect more than $50,000 in these local red kettle drives and more than $115,000 overall with all the funds staying in the Grady and Caddo County area. Individuals and groups who would like to volunteer to ring the bells can go on-line to: www.registertoring.com and pick the days and times to help. The Salvation Army also hires part-time help to ring bells. Get more information from the Salvation Army's website or Facebook page.

 

Obituaries

Marla Howell

Funeral service for Marla Howell of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November at Bible Baptist Church. She was a long-time Realtor with Century 21-Mosley Real Estate. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Carolyn Hatchett

Funeral service Carolyn Hatchett, 81, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 16th at Parkview Christian Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Friday, Nov. 12th

 

Grady County Veterans Honored

For the first time since the pandemic, a ceremony honoring the area’s military veterans was held yesterday at the Grady County Veterans Memorial in Chickasha’s Shannon Springs Park. The guest speaker was U.S. Army Sgt. Major James Hesston of Rush Springs (Ret) who also served in the Army National Guard-

 

              

 

Hesston said that most veterans would be ready to return to active duty if called to do so-

 

              

 

Sherrie Lewis with the Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee said the day marked the 26th anniversary of the dedication of the memorial. Lewis also said there are local support groups for veterans including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Disabled American Veterans and that both groups meet monthly.

 

Amber Farm Earns Recognition

A Grady County farm family is recognized for its work. Steve and Donna Standridge were named the District Three Farm Family of the Year by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. The Standridges operate a fourth-generation farm in the Amber area. They grow alfalfa, wheat, corn, and forage sorghums used primarily for their stocker cattle operation and grow yard. Steve Standridge said they want to be known for selling a quality product of cattle - because in the end your name is what you have to sell, and if you have a quality product, buyers will come back over and over again. The Standridges are certified in the Beef Quality Assurance program.  Steve said there is no more nobler profession than one in agriculture and helping to feed the world. Donna said they could retire but they enjoy what they do and look to meet  new challenges every day.

 

Kiowa Tribe to Hold Ground-Breaking for Hobart Casino

The Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma will be breaking ground on a new casino today. The casino will be built in Hobart and it will be its fourth casino joining other locations in Verden, Carnegie, and near Devol in southwestern Oklahoma. The Kiowa Tribe and the Hobart Economic Development Council worked for several years to arrange for property in Hobart's industrial park to be used. The Lawton Constitution cites chief operating officer Jon Peters as saying it’s an exciting new page for tribal members, many of whom live in the Hobart area. Plans are to build a 17,000 sq. ft. facility that will have slot machines, table games, a restaurant, and a gift shop. It's expected to employ up to 160 people and bring in more than 300,000 customers each year, with gross revenue projections of $13 million per year.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Debbie Ashley, the president of the Alpaca Association of Oklahoma will be on our KOOL Konversation program talking about the Alpaca industry and the National Alpaca Blast Off being held in Chickasha this weekend. On Real Estate Today this week's guests are Gayla Lutts, superintendent of the Canadian Valley Technology Center, Chickasha campus director Ronnie Bogle, and marketing director Jessica Limestall. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.87 per barrel.

Natural gas is $5.15 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,850 and silver is $24.96.

 

Obituary

Barbara Schmidt

Funeral service for Barbara Schmidt, 76, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 15^th at the Plainview Mennonite Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, Nov. 11th

 

America Pays Tribute to Military Veterans

America pauses today to honor veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Initially called Armistice Day it marked the end of World War One with the signing of the armistice on the 11th hour of the 11^th day of the 11th month in 1918. Veterans Day pays tribute to all veterans living or dead and is a time to give thanks to those who served honorably whether in a military conflict or peace-time. Among the Veterans Day ceremonies today, The Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee will hold a ceremony at the Grady County Veterans Memorial in Shannon Springs Park. Guest speaker is James Hesston, retired Army Sgt. Major. On Saturday, the City of Blanchard will have a Veterans Day parade. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs thank all veterans for their service. Director Joel Kintsel said the freedoms we enjoy as Oklahomans and Americans exist because of their willingness to serve, and encourages all to reflect, respect, and honor veterans and show appreciation of the courage, commitment, and sacrifices the veterans freely gave to the country.

 

Two Injured in Armored Car Rollover

A Chickasha man is one of two people hospitalized following the crash of an armored car. 30-year old Evander Yanito was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital with internal and external injuries and was last in stable condition. A passenger, 30-year old Nicole Gonzales of Oklahoma City was also last in stable condition. The accident happened northwest of Kingfisher about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The highway patrol said Yanito was driving the armored car. The trooper investigating the accident said it was raining at the time and the vehicle ran off the road and rolled. Yanito was pinned inside the vehicle for an unknown amount of time.

 

Woman Sought in Alleged Attack on her Mother

Caddo County authorities are looking for an Anadarko woman wanted for an alleged attack on her mother. An arrest warrant was issued for 27-year old Mackenzie Cook after authorities say she assaulted her mom and threatened to burn her house down. The warrant is for felony burglary and misdemeanor charges of assault and battery, threatening to perform acts of violence, and vandalism. The Lawton Constitution cites court documents indicating the assault took place Oct. 21st. The documents indicate the two women initially got into a minor altercation at a casino and later the confrontation turned physical at the home of Cook's parents. Cook told investigators that her mother started the fight at the home but prosecutors have not filed any charges against her.

 

'Rhythmic Circus' to Perform Tonight

A combination of dancing, music, and humor hits the stage at USAO tonight. Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Rhythmic Circus is the second performance for the university's Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series. The group is an internationally renowned 12-member live music and tap dance ensemble which brings a high-energy show with a lot of positive messages. The show is sold out but some limited-seating tickets will be available.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.34 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.64.

Natural gas is $4.88 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,864 and silver is $25.14.

 

Obituaries

Matthew Adair

Funeral service for Matthew Adair, 48, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 12^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Otto Kuhlman

A private graveside service for Otto Kuhlman, 104, of Tuttle will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 13^th at the Evergreen Cemetery in Minco. He was a U.S. military veteran having served during World War Two.

Kathryn Bayne

A graveside service for Kathryn Bayne, 81, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 Monday, Nov. 15th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 10th

 

Chix Sales Tax Revenue Holding its Own

Sales tax revenue for the City of Chickasha is holding fairly steady as officials hope the numbers will eventually return to pre-COVID levels. November receipts from the State Tax Commission show Chickasha received just over $1 million in sales tax revenue. That’s based on a 30-day period from mid-September through mid-October. That number is down about 5.7 percent from last month but it is up more than 12 percent compared to the same period a year ago. The number is slightly lower than the same period in November of 2019 in the weeks before the pandemic. The sales tax revnue represents consumer spending of about $27 million at retail outlets during that 30-day period. We also have updated numbers from the city's hotel-motel tax which shows just over $57,000 collected in August. That's up about 1 percent from July but down more than 17 percent compared to last year.

 

Gas Line 'Rupture' Exercise Set Today

Grady County first responders will get their skills tested today. Grady County emergency management officials are teaming with pipeline company Targa Resources to conduct an emergency response exercise. Crews will respond to a report of a ruptured gas line east of Chickasha in the Tabler-Naples area between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. David McQuade with Targa Resources says these exercises are held to insure that in the rare instance a problem might occur that procedures in place are effective to protect people and property. Fire departments, the sheriff’s office, and police departments will all be taking part in today's drill.

 

Caddo County Voters OK Ambulance Sales Tax Extension

Caddo County voters give their overwhelming approval to extend a county-wide sales tax that funds the county ambulance service. The measure passed with 85 percent of the vote, 620 to 104. The sales tax is a one-quarter-of-a-penny sales tax which will be extended through June of 2027. Voters in Ft. Cobb and Hydro approved 25-year extensions for Public Service Company of Oklahoma. Ft Cobb voters passed the extension with every single vote, 46-0. Hydro voters passed the extension, 41-1.

 

Chix Public School Foundation Awards Annual Grants

There are a lot of happy teachers and students in Chickasha schools. The Chickasha Public School Foundation issued its annual fall grants, distributing $40,000 to purchase equipment and needed supplies. Foundation Director Gab Shepard says the Foundation presented grants to teachers in every school - nine at Grand Elementary; seven at the high school; five each at Bill Wallace and the Middle School; and four at Lincoln School. The largest grants issued were $5,000 each to the Robotics program and to the middle school to use towards the purchases of a new projector and screen for the auditorium. Shepard said there were a total of 42 grant requests submitted for nearly $78,000 in projects. The Foundation has provided $940,000 in grants throughout its 35 year history.

 

Funeral set for Chiropractor 'Doc' Adams

Longtime Chickasha chiropractor ‘Doc’ Adams has died. Adams was 67 when he passed away at his home Sunday. Born in New Zealand, Richard Adams moved to the U.S. in the late 1970s and graduated from Palmer School of Chiropractic in Iowa. He opened his Chickasha office in 1982 and served patients for nearly 40 years. He played rugby at OU. The funeral service for ‘Doc’ Adams will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 11^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

New Member Appointed to Anadarko School Board

A new member was sworn in to serve on the Anadarko board of education Monday night. The panel appointed Clarissa DeVilla to fill the Office No. 5 post which was vacant. Devilla takes the seat previously held by Derrell Sanders who stepped down as he moved out of state. DeVilla will fill the post until April of 2022. The school board also approved the retirement of long-time maintenance director David Webb. He's retiring next month after a 30-year career with the district.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.15 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.78.

Natural gas is $4.98 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,825 and silver is $24.20

 

Obituaries

Brent Hughes

A graveside service for Brent Hughes, 70, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 12^th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Kevin Hair

A memorial service for Kevin Hair, 65, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 13th at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 9th

 

Caddo County Voters to Decide

Ambulance Sales Tax Extension 

Today is election day in some Oklahoma communities. There's a county-wide election in Caddo County where voters are being asked to continue a one-fourth-of-a-penny sales tax to fund the county ambulance service. Anadarko voters who normally cast ballots at the Anadarko hospital will instead be voting at the OSU Extension office. Residents in Ft. Cobb and Hydro are voting on the extension of franchise agreements with Public Service Company of Oklahoma. If approved, the agreements would be extended 25 years. Polls will be open until 7 o'clock tonight.

 

Starbucks Sign Discussed Again in Council Work Session

Could the Chickasha City Council re-consider its decision to deny a popular coffee shop an over-sized sign? Last week, the council voted unanimously to approve a re-zoning request that would allow Starbucks to build a new store near Highway 81 and the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. However, the council unanimously denied the restaurant's request for a variance to install an 80-foot sign in order to attract traffic off of the turnpike. The city has a maximum height restriction of 45 feet - however McDonald's, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens all have signs that are well above that restriction. A representative of Vaquero Ventures, the parent company of Starbucks, told the council last week that the 80-foot sign was a make-or-break-deal for the coffee shop to open a local store.  The issue came up during a city council work session last night. The Chickasha Express-Star reports that a different representative of Starbucks' parent company discussed the benefits of the taller sign, pointing out that a 2018 traffic study indicated that 22,000 vehicles travel on the turnpike every day, and that the location could attract other businesses. The newspaper report says that City Manager Tyler Brooks is recommending approval of the Starbucks sign along with a revision of the city's sign ordinance. The city council is expected to reconsider its decision during the Nov. 15^th council meeting.

 

CV Tech Program Receives Grant

One of the programs on the Chickasha campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center receives a grant to help students. The Precision Machining class picked up a $12,000 grant from the California-based Gene Haas Foundation. Haas is the founder of a machine tool manufacturing company who also has a presence in motorsports including NASCAR and Formula One racing. The grant will be used to purchase industry-standard tools, and provide tuition and book assistance.

 

Veteran Teacher, USAO Alumni Director Passes Away

The longtime director of the USAO Alumni association and area high school teacher has died.  Myrtle Stevens was 96-years old when she passed away at her Gracemont home last Thursday. She earned a bachelor's degree at the Oklahoma College for Women, a master’s degree from OU, then earned another bachelor's degree from USAO. She taught at Ninnekah, Riverside, and Gracemont high schools and at USAO. She was the alumni director for USAO for 12 years and the university's alumni house is named in her honor. Funeral service for Myrtle Stevens will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 10th at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Anadarko.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.93 per barrel.

London-based Brent Crude is $83.43.

Natural gas is $5.42 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,825 and silver is $24.48.

 

Obituaries

Kevin Joe Hansens

Funeral service for Kevin Joe Hansens, 62, of Amber will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday November 11th at the Pocasset First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Lois Singletary

Funeral service for Lois Singletary, 95, of Tuttle will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 11th at Snowhill Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

Sharon Pennington

Funeral service for Sharon Pennington, 58, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 13th at Full Gospel Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Nov. 8th

 

Fatal Pedestrian-Pickup Accident Under Investigation

State troopers are continuing their investigation of an accident where a pedestrian died after being hit by a pick-up. The highway patrol reports that 72-year old Johnie Adams of Tuttle was pronounced dead after being taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. The accident happened about 6:45 p.m. Sunday about a half-mile south of Highway 37 on Sara Road. The driver of the pick-up, 52-year old Brad Lewis of Blanchard was not hurt. The trooper called out to the accident said the conditions of both men are still under investigation. Lewis was wearing his seatbelt. The roadway was closed for more than an hour following the accident.

 

Chix Schools Admission Policy to be Updated

A revision of Chickasha schools admission, transfer, and withdrawal policy will be considered by the board of education tonight. Officials are expected to approve the revisions as they are in conjunction with a new student transfer law that goes into effect on January 1st. The panel will also consider a proposed contract with an Oklahoma City firm to help officials begin working on the planning for a proposed bond issue which is expected to be presented to school district patrons next spring. Superintendent Rick Croslin is asking the school board to use $27,000 in the district’s building fund to contract with LWPB Architecture. Officials with the firm would tour all district buildings, evaluate existing programs, and meet with staff to discuss options of needs and possible future remodeling and expansion. The school board is also to recognize Tish Kennedy and Sue Stuke of Lincoln School as the Chicken Express employees of the month. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building. The meeting will also be streamed on the school district's website.

 

Appointee May be Named to Anadarko School Board

A new school board member is expected to be appointed to the Anadarko board of education tonight. The panel is filling a vacant post for Office No. 5 which was previously held by Derrell Sanders. The Anadarko school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the Anadarko school administration office.

 

Chickasha Chamber Readies for 'Buy Chickasha' Campaign

Many individuals have already started their gift shopping for the upcoming holidays. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will again be offering a program to encourage individuals to shop with local merchants. This will be the third straight year for the Buy Chickasha campaign where this year $12,000 in gift cards will be given away. There will be three main drawings with the top prize being $5,000 in gift cards. No purchase is necessary. Individuals can get one ticket into the drawing from each participating merchant simply by stopping in and asking for one. Customers will get one additional ticket into the drawing for every $10 in merchandise purchased at each participating store, up to 100 tickets per purchase. Participants must be at least 18 years old. The Buy Chickasha campaign starts  Monday, November 15th and runs through Sunday, December 12th. The drawings will be live on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page on Monday, December 13^th at 3:00 p.m. Winners will have 24 hours to claim their prizes or other names will be selected.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.27 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.74.

Natural gas is $5.51 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,816 and silver is $24.26.

 

Obituary

Jack Mink

Funeral service for Jack Mick, 80, of Blanchard and formerly of Cement will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 10th at the Cement First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Saturday, Nov. 5th

 

Legal Aid Helps Sort Health Care Options

We are hearing and seeing a lot of commercials about the open enrollment period for Medicare as well as the Healthcare Marketplace for non-senior citizens. A non-profit group is offering assistance to low-income residents to help Oklahomans sort through the numerous options that are available. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma offers assistance from individuals they call 'navigators'. They are individuals who have received training and are certified to help. The program was made possible by a federal grant. Navigators can help with SoonerCare, the state's Medicaid program, and Medicare. Help is available in all 77 Oklahoma counties. Individuals can call or text 405-313-1780 to see if they  qualify.

 

State Senator Named to National Women's Panel

A regional state senator will represent the Sooner State as a director for a national all-women panel. Sen. Jessica Garvin (R-Duncan) whose district includes parts of Grady County will serve on the non-partisan Women in Government board of directors. A press release indicates that directors are 'go-to' ambassadors for women in public office. The panel is a non-profit group based in Washington, D.C. which provides leadership opportunities, expert forums, and educational resources to address and resolve public policy issues.. Garvin said with more women getting elected to offices across the country the organization helps them become strong leaders who can drive sound policy. She said she looks forward to learning how she can be a better leader and be successful in advancing policies to improve the lives of Oklahomans and to make the state better.

 

Daylight Savings Time Returns Tonight

The first weekend in November brings with it Daylight Savings Time. Most of the country will be adjusting clocks backward one hour tonight. The actual time change will be at 2:00 a.m. Sunday. Newer watches, clocks, and computers will change time automatically but analog clocks will have to be adjusted manually. That means an extra hour of sleep for most but there will be an extra-hour of work for those who are on the overnight shift. It also means more daylight in the morning and less in the evening. Sunset on Sunday night will be about 5:30 p.m. Triple A of Oklahoma says motorists should be extra careful especially when driving in the early evening. They say the time change can have a negative impact on sleep patterns. Officials cite studies indicating that drivers who get less than five hours of sleep are comparable to someone driving drunk. The time change is also a reminder to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Fire officials say to change your clocks and change your batteries in those devices.

 

Obituary

Dennis Horn

A graveside service for Dennis Horn, 78, of Gracemont will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 8^th at the Carnegie Cemetery. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

High School Football Scores

Elgin 49, Chickasha 27

Tuttle 14, Blanchard 13

Anadarko 54, Kingfisher 14

Minco 53, Hobart 13

Elk City 28, Newcastle 14

Perkins-Tryon 47, Bridge Creek 0

Dibble 35, Wynnewood 27

Healdton 48, Rush Springs 14

Marlow 57, Tishomingo 18

Lindsay 32, Comanche 15

Apache 44, Carnegie 8

Empire 54, Cyril 8

Mt. View-Gotebo 54, Thackerville 6

Thursday

Strother 37, Alex 8

 

Friday, Nov. 5th

 

OBN: State Leads U.S. in Number of Black Market Pot Farms

The Sooner State leads the country in the number of black market suppliers of illegal marijuana. That's according to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN). Agency officials say there are 8,500 medical marijuana grow licenses in the state which is more than double the number of licenses in California. Authorities believe that one out of every four of Oklahoma’s grow facilities are run by criminal organizations from China, Mexico, and Russia. Authorities say that buyers from those countries (and others) are making offers for land that's up to 10 times the asking price - and they want to pay cash and want a closing within two weeks. The OBN says true ownership of medical marijuana farms is hard to determine because illegal operations use ghost owners. That’s where shell corporations hide the true ownership of farms even though it may be listed under the name of an Oklahoman.

 

Centerpoint Energy Says Expect to Pay More for Heating Bills

Centerpoint Energy customers may be paying higher home heating bills during the upcoming cold weather season. Company officials announced that if even if Oklahoma has normal winter weather that heating bills could increase nearly $25 a month on average over the next several months compared to last year. Officials say monthly bills from November of 2020 through March of 2021 averaged about $71. The estimate for the similar period during the upcoming winter months is expected to average about $95 per month. Centerpoint officials say they expect their fuel costs to be higher than in recent years because of increases in wholesale natural gas prices. Representatives said actual bills will vary based on the size and age of homes, the level of insulation, the number of gas appliances, and thermostat settings.

 

First National Bank Receives National Award

First National Bank and Trust receives some national recognition for its long-time service to the region. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, Kansas presented its Community Leader Award for 2021 to First National. The award was presented to the bank for its 129 years of service to community needs. The award was announced at a reception for stakeholders last month. State Senator Lonnie Paxton and State Representatives Dick Lowe and Brad Boles presented a resolution honoring the bank for its efforts in building community life and economic development throughout central and southwest Oklahoma. In addition, the Federal Home Loan Bank issued a $5,000 award to Life Choices of Chickasha as a salute to First National's long record of service to non-profit groups.

 

Caddo County In-Person, Absentee Voting Ends Today

Today is the final day of early voting for residents in Caddo County who want to cast ballots ahead of next Tuesday's elections. All county voters will decide a proposal to extend a one-quarter of a penny sales tax with proceeds funding county ambulances services. If approved, the sales tax would be extended through June of 2027. Also, residents in Ft. Cobb and Hydro will decide on extending franchise agreements with Public Service Company of Oklahoma for an additional 25 years. In-person, absentee voting can be done until 6 p.m. today at the Caddo County Election Board at the county courthouse. Otherwise, voters will cast ballots at their normal precincts on Tuesday, November 9th. In Anadarko, residents who normally vote at the Anadarko hospital will instead cast ballots at the OSU Extension Service.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Whitney Palesano with Chickasha's Festival of Light is this week’s guest on the KOOL Konversation. State Senators Lonnie Paxton and Darcy Jech are this week’s guests on Real Estate Today. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.81 per barrel.

London-based Brent Crude is $80.54.

Natural gas is $5.71 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,795 and silver is $23.85.

 

Obituary

David Malone

A memorial service for David Malone, 70, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, Nov. 4th

 

Patient Arrested After Alleged Attack on Paramedics

Chickasha paramedics treating a patient for low blood sugar were attacked by the patient this week. Grady County sheriff's deputies were called to assist paramedics after they responded to a call Monday night.  A probable cause affidavit indicates that the Chickasha Fire Department was dispatched to meet a vehicle that was on the way to the hospital with an individual who was having a medical  problem. The ambulance met the vehicle on U.S. Highway 62 about a mile east of the Tabler Y and a man with no pants on jumped out of the passenger side and told the paramedic he was having a low-blood sugar issue. The paramedics thought the man might be on meth. When the EMTs asked if he could start an IV the patient said ‘yes’, but when the needle was displayed he became irate and a scuffle began. That's when sheriff's deputies were called to help. The patient was eventually subdued and taken to the hospital where he was treated with insulin and then cleared to be taken to jail. The paramedics were not seriously injured. 38-year old Daniel Ryan Palmer has been charged with two felony counts of assault on a medical care provider. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $25,000 bond. It's the second time Palmer has been arrested in the last few weeks. He was picked up last month for having firearms after former conviction.

 

Suspect In Custody for Brandishing Knife at Dispensary

A Chickasha man is arrested for pulling a knife on an employee at a dispensary. Chickasha police were called to the Merchants of Marijuana on West Choctaw Avenue Tuesday afternoon. Court document indicate that employees asked the man to leave the premises and they began arguing. The man pulled out a knife and threatened to stab the employee. The man eventually left the store. Employees called police who found the man a few minutes later. Officers arrested 19-year old Jimmy Don Rogers who is facing a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon. He remains in jail on a $7,500 bond.

 

Early Voting Underway in Caddo County

Early voting is underway in Caddo County today as voters decide on a measure that would extend a county-wide sale tax. There is also a special municipal election for Fort Cobb residents. In-person, absentee voting will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today and tomorrow at the election board office in the Caddo County Courthouse. Regular precincts will be open next Tuesday and officials say one precinct in Anadarko has changed due to last month's tornado. Individuals who normally vote at the Anadarko hospital will instead cast ballots at the OSU Extension Office.

 

Bridge Work to Delay Traffic East of Chickasha

A reminder that traffic will be slow-going at the Washita River Bridge east of downtown Chickasha today. Crews will be installing a large bridge beam on the second bridge that is being built near the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. Flaggers will be on site and traffic may be stopped from time-to-time. The on and off ramps of the turnpike will be open but officials say motorists should expect congestion.

 

Congressman Sets Telephone Town Hall Meeting

Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) will hold a telephone town hall meeting next week. Constituents in the state's 4th Congressional District throughout southwest Oklahoma will hear Cole discuss current events in Washington, D.C. and he will also take questions. The town hall will be streamed on the website cole.house.gov/telephone-town-hall The telephone town hall will be Tuesday, Novemver 9^th from noon to 1 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.86 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.99.

Natural gas is $5.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,777 and silver is $23.69.

 

Obituary

Billy Ray McLean

(A previous version of this obituary included some incorrect information. This is the corrected version. We apologize for the error.) Funeral service for Billy Ray McLean, 44, of Cement will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 6^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 3rd

 

Details Released Regarding Chickasha Homicide

Investigators have released some details regarding the death of a Chickasha man last month. Authorities say the man's son beat his father in the head with a concrete block. The FBI identified the victim as Charles Ray. His son, Phillip Ray, was arrested at the residence the night of October 19th. Our partners at KWTV-News 9 cite court documents indicating that Phillip Ray told investigators that his father stared at the moon and didn't suffer. Authorities say Phillip Ray has a history of substance abuse and mental illness. A motive has not yet been determined. Federal officials are prosecuting the case as Phillip Ray is a member of a federally-recognized Native American tribe.

 

Robbery Suspect Faces New Drug Charges

A Chickasha man who was arrested for robbery earlier this year is back in jail for allegedly selling counterfeit pain pills. 26-year old Trevan DeSaun Brown was taken into custody last Friday after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Agents with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics say a confidential informant purchased pills laced with fentanyl from Brown on two occasions this past summer. His previous arrest was this past April. Brown is facing a felony robbery charge in connection with that arrest after two women alleged he held them at gunpoint while they were trying to buy two expensive puppies. Brown was out of jail on a $75,000 bond in connection with that arrest. He is now being held on a $100,000 bond in connection with his most recent arrest where he faces two felony drug charges.

 

Churches to Again Deliver Free Thanksgiving Dinners

Thanksgiving is just three weeks away - and a couple of Chickasha churches are again combining efforts to serve free Thanksgiving dinners. The First Presbyterian Church and New Life Christian Church will provide meals throughout the community on Thanksgiving Day. For many years the churches combined efforts to serve the dinner at one of their locations but that changed with the pandemic last year. The churches will again deliver meals to anyone who would like them. You can call either church to get meals delivered and the deadline for orders is Tuesday, Nov. 23rd. The numbers to call are 405-224-6205 and 405-222-5433. The meals will be delivered Thanksgiving Day between 10:30 a.m. and noon. The meals are free but donations will be accepted.

 

Continental Resources to Produce More Natural Gas

A new report shows Continental Resources is focusing on natural gas development in the Sooner State. The website OK Energy Today cites Chief Executive Officer Bill Berry as saying that's due to favorable market conditions. Natural gas prices surged to more than $6.00 per million BTUs in recent weeks. Continental generated more than $1 billion of cash flow from operations and a company record of nearly $670 million of free cash flow for the third quarter. Company officials have scheduled a conference call to discuss third quarter earnings tomorrow morning.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.91 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.72.

Natural gas is $5.55 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,782 and silver is $23.58.

 

Obituaries

Neil O’Neal

Funeral service for Neil O’Neal, 78, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 5^th at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Hearl Mink

Funeral service Hearl Mink, 82, formerly of Cement will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 5th at the Assembly of God Church in Cyril. He was a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 2nd

 

Chix City Council OK's Lease for New Park

The Chickasha City Council gives its unanimous approval to lease land near the Rock Island Railroad Depot to the Chickasha Community Foundation (CCF) to build a new city park. The Council ok'd a 15-year lease with the CCF to develop nearly seven acres south of the depot. Pat Brooks is the president of the foundation board of trustees and said the goal of the park is to generate tourism with a permanent version of the World's Tallest Leg Lamp. An inflatable version of a 40-foot leg lamp debuted in the downtown area during the Christmas season last year. Brooks echoed comments made by the city’s Economic Development Council President Jim Cowan during the October 18^th city council meeting that private money and grants will be used the develop the park. While the council unanimously passed the lease agreement Ward 4 councilman Kelly Boyd was hoping to see some preliminary designs.

 

              

 

Brooks said officials are meeting with architects later this week to come up with some preliminary drawings which will be presented to the council at a later date. Brooks said they hope to create a downsized version of places like Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City and The Gathering Place in Tulsa to hold outdoor events to increase tourism to the city.

 

Council Votes Down Sign Variance Request for Starbucks

Chickasha residents hoping that a new Starbucks coffee shop would be locating in the city got their hopes shot down during last night's council meeting. The panel unanimously approved a re-zoning request for the coffee shop to build south of 4th and Grand Avenue at the former location of the Ranch House Motel. However, the council then voted unanimously to deny a special exemption to allow a variance on the height of the sign developers were asking for. A representative of Vaquero Ventures of Ft. Worth said Starbucks needed an 80-foot tall sign so it would be visible from the turnpike. The city has a 45-foot height limit for signs. Kaylee Huryck with Vaquero Ventures said developers indicated the taller sign was a requirement for them to bring open a location in Chickasha.

Grant Reimbursement, ARPA Library Funds Approved

The city council approved a $50,000 grant reimbursement to Cody White for his remodeling of a downtown building which is now a new bicycle shop. The grant comes from economic development funds and was recommended for approval by the Economic Development Council. The city council also approved the receipt of more than $21,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds for the library which will include the purchase of WiFi hot spots and children's computers. The council also recognized the retirement of Robert Jackson, Jr. after 19 years of service with the park's department.

 

Festival of Light to Expand with December at the Depot

The Festival of Light is adding some new features for the upcoming season. Officials have created some weekend activities at the railroad depot downtown. They are calling it December at the Depot with events every Friday and Saturday nights in December. There will be pop-up shops, food trucks, amusement park rides for children, and photos with Santa. In addition, downtown visitors can purchase $2 tickets to take a shuttle to Shannon Springs Park and will not have to wait in line.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.05 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.38.

Natural gas is $5.18 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,795 and silver is $24.04.

 

Obituaries

Courtney Otey

Funeral service for Courtney Otey, 31, of Alex will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 3rd at the Southern Baptist Chapel in Alex. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to help the family with funeral expenses at the First National Bank of Alex.

Janice Wehling

Funeral service Janice Wehling, 82, Chickasha will be held at 10:30 Thursday, November 4th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Amanda Mahsetky

A graveside service for Amanda Mahsetky, 32, of Minco will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 4th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Delgado Gutierrez

Viewing and visitation for Delgado Gutierrez, 57, of Oklahoma City will be held from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6th at Sevier Funeral Home. A memorial mass will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13th at 2 p.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church.

 

Monday, Nov. 1^st

 

Chix City Council to Consider New Park

A plan to build a new park near Chickasha's Rock Island Railroad depot will be reviewed by the city council tonight. The panel heard a proposal about the idea during its October 18^th meeting to lease a portion of seven acres to two separate groups. One proposal would lease just over 6 1/2 acres to the Chickasha Community Foundation and a second proposal would lease just over 1/2-acre to the USAO Foundation. The proposed lease with the Chickasha Community Foundation would be for 15 years at a cost of $10 per year with the understanding that the first phase of the park construction would be completed by this time next year. The proposed lease with the USAO Foundation would provide an area for a university arts plaza with construction to begin within one year and completed within two years following. Jim Cowan with the Economic Development Council says the park could include a number of things-

 

             

 

Cowan said no public money would be used as it is to be provided by a combination of private funds and grants. During the Oct. 18th meeting Ward 3 Councilman Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander said that if the park becomes a reality that it needs to represent the Black community as well-

 

              

 

Ashanti-Alexander said the in the late 1950s, Chickasha had one of the few integrated Little League baseball teams in the country. He said the team had played a championship game in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 1958 but were denied a chance to play for the Southern Regional championship because a team from Mississippi would not play an integrated team.

 

Starbucks to Open Chickasha Location

It looks like Chickasha will be getting a Starbucks. The city council will hold a public hearing tonight to re-zone the area where the old Ranch House Motel sits to allow the construction of the coffee shop. The Planning Commission has recommended that the property be rezoned from residential to commercial use for that purpose. Another public hearing will be held to allow a special exemption for the store’s sign. Current regulations limit the height to 45 feet but officials are asking for an 80-foot sign in order that it would be visible from the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The council will also consider using $50,000 in economic development funds to reimburse Cody White for the remodeling of a downtown building which is now Legendary Bicycles. The panel is also to consider accepting the development contracts to install water and sewer lines for the Shadow Valley housing development. The lines would run on the north side of Country Club Road between 16th and 25th Streets. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Washita River Bridge Work to Slow Traffic Thursday

Traffic on U.S. Highway 62 east of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike will be slow going on Thursday. Crews with the State Department of Transportation say a large bridge beam will be installed on the new bridge under construction over the Washita River. Traffic could be stopped from time to time and motorists should expect delays and might plan alternate routes. The ramps on and off the H.E. Bailey Turnpike will be open but congestion will be likely. Hours for the work will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weather permitting.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.57 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.38.

Natural gas is $5.42 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,789 and silver is $23.96.

 

Obituary

Linda Richards

A graveside service for Linda Richards, 78, of Maysville will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 2nd at the Bradley Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Saturday, Oct. 30th

 

Officials Continue Natural Gas Shortage Debate

Record cold temperatures and low supplies of natural gas led to rolling blackouts throughout much of Oklahoma and Texas this past February. Eight months later officials are still debating what caused a natural gas shortage which forced power companies to shut down production when it was needed most. In a report from the website OK Energy Today officials say the problem has still not been solved. A hearing was held in the U.S. Senate this week where officials  were told that a couple of reasons for the shortage was that natural gas wasn't available and that prices were too high. Oklahoma Senator James Lankford chaired the hearing and he asked officials with the Southwest Power Pool what needs to be done to avoid a similar catastrophe in the future. Lanny Nickell, executive Vice President and CEO of the power pool, said the gas and electricity industries have to talk to each other and they haven't done a good job of doing that.

 

Wildlife Refuge to Donate Bison

to Help Revitalized Tribal Land Herds

Officials with the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will be thinning out its bison herd over the next few weeks. The animals will be donated to Native American groups across the country. The Department of the Interior created the Bison Conservation Initiative in an attempt to restore bison herds on tribal lands. Refuge Ranger Quinton Smith says there are about 800 bison currently at the refuge which is a higher number than they like to manage.

 

Hallowe'en Weekend Activities

Ghosts and goblins and princesses and superheroes will be roaming the streets looking for sweet treats this weekend. While Hallowe'en falls on Sunday this year, some communities have formal trick-or-treating tonight while many neighborhoods will be awaiting visitors tomorrow night. In Chickasha, the annual Chamber of Commerce Ne'ewollah Festival will be from 5-7 tonight with as many as 30 downtown businesses handing out candy. The YMCA will have carnival games and there is a virtual costume contest. The University of Science and Arts Art Department has a haunted house downtown at the Art Wrecker studio next to MidFirst Bank. That will be open from 7 to 10:30 and there is a $10 admission. The Bullock Memorial Center is having a fall festival from 6-8 p.m. and will be serving free hot dogs, nachos, and candy. Several churches will have trunk-or-treat events tomorrow afternoon.

 

Friday, Oct. 29th

 

State Board of Ed Lifts Emergency Suspension

of Teaching Credentials for Ninnekah Principal

The State Board of Education has lifted an emergency suspension of the teaching certification of suspended Ninnekah High School Principal David Pitts. The Oklahoman reports that while the panel lifted the emergency suspension, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister indicated that the revocation of Pitts' teaching license is still possible. The board took similar action against suspended superintendent Todd Bunch. Both men are among the defendants named in a federal lawsuit filed by more than a dozen former Ninnkeah girls basketball players who say they were sexually assaulted by coach Ron Akins. Akins has been charged with sex crimes in connection with the allegations. The state panel will schedule hearings to discuss revoking the teaching certifications of both Pitts and Bunch.

 

Drill to Test Response to Pipeline Breach Set

First responders throughout Grady County will be taking part in an emergency response drill next month. County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said the drill will be in conjunction with pipeline company Targa Resources. Thompson shared a letter from Targa officials which indicates the drill will replicate a gas line leak caused by a third party. The drill will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10th on Highway 62 east of Chickasha in the Friend and Naples area. Thompson said the drill will test response times, capabilities, notifications, and interaction with company officials.

 

Open House Today for Heidi Helping the Homeless

An open house will be held today for the new location of a non-profit that reaches out to help those who are in need. Heidi Helping the Homeless is having its grand opening at its 3rd and Minnesota Ave. location. The operation was working out of a Chickasha home for the last couple of years. The open house will run from 3-6 this afternoon and they'll be serving free hamburgers. The chamber of commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 o'clock.

 

Traffic Delays Expected East of Chickasha Next Week

Construction on the new Washita River Bridge east of Chickasha will slow down traffic in that area next Thursday. Traffic on Highway 62 will be narrowed to one lane from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4^th to allow crews to install a bridge beam, weather permitting. Flaggers will be on location and traffic will be stopped from time to time. Motorists can expect lengthy delays and may choose to use an alternate route. The ramps on and off the H.E. Bailey Turnpike will be open but congestion will be likely.

 

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.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Zack Bowles with the Life Skills Institute and the Resurrection House is on our KOOL Konversation. Mark Jernigan and David Sikes with Jerico, Inc. will be on Real Estate Today to talk about the oil and gas industry. Find links to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.80 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.32.

Natural gas is $5.78 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,796 and silver is $24.05.

 

Thursday, Oct. 28th

 

Man Arrested for Selling Fake Opioids That Led to a Death

A Chickasha resident is behind bars on a $500,000 bond after agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) say he sold opioids laced with fentanyl - drugs that may be responsible for the death of a Comanche, Okla. man. An arrest warrant had been issued for 49-year old Mark Lamar James Richardson and he was taken into custody at his Chickasha home Tuesday. Court documents indicate that agents met with the widow of man who died after taking drugs allegedly purchased from Richardson. The documents indicate the man had driven to Chickasha about ten times between August and October to purchase the counterfeit drugs. The last purchase was made Oct. 1^st and the victim was found dead on Oct. 7th. Richardson is charged with two drug-related felonies.

 

Man Arrested After Causing Convenience Store Disturbance

A confrontation at a convenience store lands a man in jail. Chickasha police were called to Love's North on Choctaw Tuesday night. An employee told officers a man who appeared to be intoxicated was trying to buy drugs and fight with customers. The employee said she asked the man to leave and a fight ensued between the two and the man used a racial slur. An officer arrested the man on a public intoxication complaint. During the book-in process at the Grady County Jail the man became irritated and said wanted to die. He turned to some African-American federal inmates being processed and used racial slurs and threatened to kill them. Prosecutors have charged 31-year old Colten Paul Weeks of Chickasha with felonies of attempted robbery and malicious intimidation or harassment as well as a misdemeanor of public intoxication. Weeks remains in jail on a $12,000 bond.

 

Tip Leads to Arrest of Wanted Man

A tip leads Grady County authorities to arrest a Chickasha man who had a warrant for his arrest. In custody is 32-year old Eric Michael Bunch who was being sought for drug possession and other charges. Sheriff's deputies saw Bunch's unoccupied pickup at the Wal-Mart parking lot late Tuesday night. It wasn't long before Bunch arrived on foot and when he spotted the officers he tried to run though officers quickly had him in custody. Bunch is facing more than a half-dozen charges which include drug possession with intent to distribute and having weapons. Bunch remains in jail on a $50,000 bond.

 

New Members to be Named to S&A Alumni Hall of Fame

Two individuals will be inducted into the University of Science and Arts Alumni Hall of Fame during the university’s homecoming festivities next week. Among them is the school’s athletic director Mike Ross who is a 2002 graduate. After spending a few years as a baseball coach at Vernon, Texas Junior College, Ross returned to his alma mater and spent 18 years with the Drover baseball program as either head coach or assistant coach. He is the university’s winningest baseball coach and led teams to two NAIA College World Series appearances. Also to be inducted is Dr. Toby Hamilton who spent more than 30 years teaching at the OU Health Sciences Center. The alumni association will also present Jarred Turner with the Young Alumni Award. He's currently a history teacher in Moore. All three will be honored in a program next Saturday, Nov. 6^th.

 

Chickasha's Festival of Light Coming Soon

It doesn't seem possible but we are only about three weeks away from the opening of Chickasha's Festival of Light (FOL). The annual holiday event will feature some 3 million lights shining in Shannon Springs Park and this is the 28th year for the event. The festival will run Saturday, November 20th through December 31^st and FOL director Whitney Palesano says the call is out for volunteers to help put the final touches on the lights the first two weekends in November. They'll start at 8 o'clock in morning on Fridays and Saturdays and local restaurants will provide free lunch. Individual and group volunteers can register on-line at: www.chickashafestivaloflight.org/volunteer Also, expect an announcement about some new offerings for this year’s festival within the next few days.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.58.

Natural gas is $6.20 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,798 and silver is $24.12.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 27th

 

Tornadoes, Funnel Clouds Spotted in Overnight Storms

Powerful thunderstorms brought hail and high winds to central Oklahoma late last night and early this morning. Storm trackers spotted funnel clouds and a possible tornado near Union City just after midnight. KWTV News 9 meteorologist David Payne issued a tornado warning for that storm which was tracking toward Mustang and Yukon. There were no reports of injuries and some reports of damage. About 1,000 OG&E customers were without power as the storms moved through. Previous to last night’s wild weather there had already been 28 tornadoes in the state this month. Precipitation totals in the area show eight-tenths of an inch of rain west of Rush Springs at Acme; about two-thirds of an inch of rain in Chickasha and Apache; a half-inch of rain in Minco; and about one-third of an inch of rain in Ft. Cobb.

 

Semi Rollover Temporarily Closes Highway

A semi rollover closed a section of U.S. Highway 81 near Rush Springs this morning. The accident happened about 2 a.m. in the southbound lanes of the highway. The road was closed for about 30 minutes while wrecker crews worked to get the big rig upright. The highway patrol reported that the driver was not hurt but did not provide any more details about the accident.

 

BIA Officer Shot in Caddo County Stand-off

A Caddo County man on probation is back in jail after a weekend stand-off with law enforcement which resulted in an officer being shot. Taaron Jay Burcum, 29, of Carnegie was taken into custody after holding police at bay for several hours. Carnegie police, the Caddo County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs all responded to a report of shots being fired at a trailer just before midnight. The Lawton Constitution cities court records that indicate that at some point during the stand-off a BIA officer suffered a gunshot wound. It wasn’t clear how serious the officer was injured. Burcum had just been released from jail on probation for previous Caddo County convictions which include eluding, burglary, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Burcum is facing new charges of shooting with intent to kill and possession of a firearm while on probation in connection with this most recent arrest.

 

Groundbreaking Held for Blanchard School Auditorium

Blanchard school officials were joined by contractors and others for a ground-breaking ceremony for the school district’s new performing arts center. It will be a 43,000 sq. ft. facility that will include a FEMA-rated storm shelter and practice rooms for the band and choir. The project is part of a 2019 bond issue approved by voters. The new auditorium is being dedicated to Grammy-award winner Jody Miller who was present for the ground-breaking as was her close friend Wanda Jackson. CMS Willowbrook Construction is the contractor for the project working with Prairie Rock Architects.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.65 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.40.

Natural gas is $5.88 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,788 and silver is $24.01.

 

Obituaries

‘Lauren’ Johnson

A graveside service for Berta Lee ‘Lauren’ Johnson, 89, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 29^th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Rev. Maurice Ford, Sr.

Funeral service for Rev. Maurice Ford, Sr., 69, of Lawton will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 29^th at the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Lawton. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home. He was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 26th

 

Father of Teen Accused of Child Abuse

A Grady County man is charged with felony child abuse for allegedly beating his teenaged daughter with an extension cord. 49-year old Amos Corralez of Tuttle was taken into custody after his 14-year old daughter told authorities her father got mad at her for having a boy in their home.  Court documents indicate this happened last Friday night. The girl alleged that Corallez threw a plate at her and hit her in the head and legs with what she believed was an extension cord.  The girl ran out of the house and to the high school where she hid in the bushes and called 9-1-1. Corralez told Tuttle police that he believed the teen was selling cigarettes and that he hit the girl with a belt. The teen was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was treated for her injuries then released to the custody of a family member. Corralez has been charged with a felony count of child abuse and he was released on a $10,000 bond.

 

Camera Helps Catch Theft Suspect

A camera placed in a deer stand helps authorities nab a suspect accused of stealing the device. Grady County deputies were called to a home in the Cement area last week where a man said he leases some land and is allowed to hunt there. He had set up a camera in a deer stand and that the camera was missing. However, he was able to remotely access the video which showed a man thought to have stolen it. Deputies spotted a man walking down the road with what appeared to be the device. At first the suspect said he bought it, then that he found it in the woods. When the deputy asked if the suspect thought he could be seen on the camera, he initially said no. Then the suspect admitted taking it. Authorities arrested 40-year old Dustin Levi Bartgis of Oklahoma City. He spent the weekend in jail and was formally charged with misdemeanors of knowingly concealing stolen property and having drugs. His bond was set at $3,000.

 

ARPA Funds May be Paid to Some County Employees

Some Grady County employees might be receiving some extra pay for working during the pandemic. Grady County commissioners discussed using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to compensate workers who performed essential duties from March of 2020 through May 4th of this year. The Chickasha Express-Star reports that an attorney providing legal advice to the commissioners about the use of ARPA funds said that a large segment of the workforce did not have the option to social distance or work at home - and that the employees may have lower-pay, hourly wage-jobs and couldn't afford to miss work. Retired employees may also be eligible. County commissioners will consider offering the extra funds after the first of the year.

 

University to Host STEM Program for Girls

An effort to encourage fifth and sixth grade girls to consider careers in technology and science will be offered on the campus of the University of Science and Arts next month. The university will hold its annual Women in Technology and Science (WITS) day. The program is coordinated by Dr. Jeanette Loutsch who is an associate professor of biology. She said that encouraging girls to explore science, technology, engineering, and math is critical for their future success no matter what career they may choose. There will be a number of inter-active workshops all led by female professionals in a STEM field. Cost is just $5 for the day and those attending should bring a sack lunch. The program will be held Saturday, November 6th on the University of Science and Arts campus at Austin Hall starting at 8 a.m. For information contact Dr. Loutsch at the university or register on-line at www.usao.edu/wits

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.99.

Natural gas climbs to $5.90 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,804 and silver is $24.39.

 

Obituaries

Earl Miracle

Funeral service for Earl Miracle, 69, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 27th at The Christian Center. He was a veteran of the Oklahoma National Guard. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Maurice Ford, Sr.

Funeral service for Pastor Maurice Ford Sr., 69, are pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Oct. 25^th

 

New Chix City Manager to Use Team Leadership Concept

Chickasha City Manager Tyler Brooks has been on the job all of two weeks and he's learning the ropes of his new post. The eight-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force says he will rely on department heads and the city council to be part of a team effort.

 

              

 

Brooks says his experience in the military prepared him for his new career.

 

              

 

Oct. 25th Grady County Jury Term Canceled

Grady County residents who received a summons for jury duty this week (Oct. 25^th) will not have to appear. The jury term that was supposed to begin this morning has been canceled. Officials say that all other weeks will continue as scheduled.

Minco Wind Farm Included in Acquisition

The wind farm at Minco is part of more than $800 million acquisition. Next Era Energy has sold the properties to its parent company - Next Era Energy Partners LP. The website OK Energy Today reports that the wind farm is part of an $824 million acquistion for Next Era Energy Partners to obtain 50 percent ownership in 13 wind and solar energy sites in Oklahoma and six other states. The Minco site which is known as Minco Wind Energy III is a nearly 107-megawatt wind farm with 66 turbines.

 

Lt. Gov. Says People Still Attracted to 'The Mother Road'

Oklahoma’s most famous highway is one of the Sooner State’s top tourist attractions. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell says more people are spending time on ‘The Mother Road.’

 

 

The Lt. Gov. was on our KOOL Konversation program over the weekend.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.53.

Natural gas is $5.28 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,800 and silver is $24.45.

 

Obituary

‘Kelley’ Morris

A graveside service for Peggy Sue ‘Kelley’ Morris, 64, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 30^th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.