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Mollman Media News Archives for 2022-12

2022, Dec. 12th-17th

Saturday, Dec. 17th

 

Has Oklahoma Had its Last Energy Boom?

There's been slow improvement in Oklahoma’s energy sector over the last year or so but a new report indicates things may never return to the glory days of when hydraulic fracturing created a boom about 10 years ago. The Oklahoman reports that there are fewer jobs in the sector now than when fracking in shale deposits had the industry going like gang-busters starting in 2014. The report cites that low energy prices, energy policy, and lingering effects of COVID-19 are a few of the reasons. One economist says there are fewer people working in the industry today than what had been typical in the past when oil was hovering around the current price of about $80 a barrel. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show about 30,000 Oklahomans currently hold down drilling and extraction jobs. That's less than half the number of workers in 2014 at the height of the western Oklahoma shale boom when oil was $100 a barrel. The Oklahoman also reports that there are fewer oilfield service-related jobs today. Other reasons for the decline include that Oklahoma has diversified its economy so it is not as dependent on the fossil fuel industry. New jobs have been created in other sectors that require the same skill-sets as some of the oilfield jobs that come and go. Some of them are in the aerospace industry. The report also shows that some energy companies are shifting their focus from production and growth to returning profits to investors.

 

State Lawmakers Just Week's Away from Legislative Session

State lawmakers are already making preparations for the next legislative session which will get underway in February. State Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) talks about a couple of bills he'll be working on –

 

              

 

Rep. Lowe and Rep. Brad Bowles (R-Marlow) are this week's guests on our Real Estate Today program. On our KOOL Konversation this week’s guest is Jermaine ‘Bird’ Burdow, a speaker with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes who tells us his faith helped him get through difficult times in his life. Find podcasts to both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Seth McCool

Funeral service for Seth McCool, 40, of Mt. View and formerly of the Chickasha and Verden area will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19th at the United Methodist Church in Mt. View. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Ray and Martha's Funeral Home in Mt. View.

Robert Sims

Funeral service for Robert Sims, 76, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Dec. 20th at the First Baptist Church of Ninnekah. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Friday, Dec. 16th

 

Tempers Flare at Corporation Commission Meeting

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission on Thursday voted to close the utility rate cases regarding storm costs associated with the February 2021 Polar Vortex. The vote came after heated exchanges between commission chair Dana Murphy and member Bob Anthony. From the start of the rate-increase process last year Anthony has fought against the plans for utilities to pass their fuel costs on to consumers. OK Energy Today reports that Anthony accused Murphy of a cover-up in yesterday's meeting. He said the panel failed to hold public hearings on the efforts of PSO, CenterPoint Energy and others to use the Winter Securitization Act approved by state lawmakers and the governor. Murphy said the approvals included reviews and that compliance reports were filed but Anthony disagreed. Anthony said staff members of the Corporation Commission hindered and stonewalled his efforts to learn details of the act. Murphy and member Todd Hiett voted to close the cases while Anthony opted not to vote.

 

Driver Hospitalized Following Ninnekah Crash

One person was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital following a two-car collision in Ninnekah Wednesday night. The accident happened about 7:30 p.m. near U.S. Highway 81 and South 16th Street. Ninnekah Police officer Ryan Ersland said a Rush Springs woman was attempting to enter the highway from the Dollar General Store parking lot when her car was hit by a northbound vehicle.  The unidentified Rush Springs woman was taken by medical helicopter to OU Medical Center where she was last in stable condition. The driver of the other vehicle was an unidentified juvenile who was taken by private vehicle to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. It was not known if the teen was admitted. The northbound lanes of the highway were closed for about 45 minutes after the crash.

 

New Superintendent Named for Alex Schools

A new superintendent has been named for Alex Public Schools. Just last week we reported on the retirement of current administrator Keith Weldon which will be effective at the end of the school year. A post on the Alex Public Schools website says the new superintendent is Ead Simon who has been in the Roff school system for 21 years. Simon will finish out the school year at Roff and will begin duties at Alex July 1st. Simon and his wife Lana will be in the Alex community in the coming months and the school board encourages patrons to welcome them to the Longhorn family.

 

It's the Last Weekend for Festival of Light Shuttle Service

This is the last weekend for Festival of Light visitors to take a shuttle from downtown Chickasha to Shannon Springs Park. This may be the biggest weekend of the season for visitors wanting to see the lights so the shuttle service provides a good option to avoid an extended wait time. The shuttles leave from the Leg Lamp and the Rock Island Railroad Depot about every 30 minutes between 6 and 11 tonight and tomorrow. Round-trip tickets are $2 per person. Some downtown restaurants and stores will be open. Officials say that the Red Ryder BB Gun and quilt exhibit will not be open this weekend due to some unforeseen issues.

 

Chix Chamber Announces Gift Card Winning Numbers

The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce announced the winning ticket numbers for the $10,000 in gift card give-aways yesterday. We've not yet heard of any winners claiming their prizes. The winning number for the $5,000 in gift cards is 43517; the winning number for the $3,000 in gift cards is 44912; and the winning number for the $2,000 in gift cards is 21029. Prizes must be claimed by 3:15 this afternoon or new winning tickets will be drawn. The numbers are available on our Facebook page and on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.11 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.21.

Natural gas is $6.97 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,795 and silver is $23.23.

 

Obituary

Holly VanOrder

A memorial service for Holly VanOrder, 38, of Chickasha will be held at noon Saturday, Dec. 17th at Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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Thursday, Dec. 15th

 

State Panel to Again Consider Utility Rate Hikes

Some Oklahoma utility companies are again asking the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to let them pass along their high fuel costs to customers. Utility officials say the costs continue to be associated with the sub-freezing temperatures that occurred in February of 2021 during a weather phenomenon we've come to know as the Polar Vortex. Officials with Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), CenterPoint Energy (now Summit Energy), Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E), and Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG) were seeking the approval. Several utilities have already received approval to pass some of those costs on to consumers. Monthly utility bills have already increased by around $5 per month with those increases effective for the next 20 years or even longer. The requests were to be heard in today's meeting of the Corporation Commission. Also at the meeting, officials with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) were to ask for a moratorium on rate hikes and customer disconnects.

 

States Blame Oklahoma for Most Illegal Pot Trafficking 

There are claims around the country that Oklahoma is the No. 1 source of illegal marijuana trafficking in some states. That's according to officials with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN). Bureau spokesman Mark Woodward tells KOCO-TV that eastern states from Rhode Island to Florida are pointing to Oklahoma for problems in those areas. Woodward said a lot of the illicit pot in Oklahoma can be traced to criminal groups in China, Russia, and Bulgaria. Woodward said the state has an estimated 2,000 farms that are under investigation for fraudulently obtaining their licenses or moving their product from those farms to the black market. Woodward said the agency has received a commitment from state lawmakers to provide the office additional funds so agents can have a 24-7 focus on the criminal elements within the marijuana industry.

 

Carnegie Man Arrested After Pursuit

A high-speed pursuit from Verden to Chickasha early Wednesday lands a Caddo County man in jail. Verden Police Chief Jason Cox said it began to unfold about 1:15 a.m. Wednesday when police radar indicated a motorist driving 60 mph through town in a 35 mph zone. Officer Jeryt Henson attempted to make a traffic stop but the driver sped away. Speeds topped 100 miles per hour as the chase went eastbound on U.S. Highway 62 with the motorist running several vehicles off the road. The driver was still traveling at 100 miles per hour when he approached the Chickasha fire station at 16th and Choctaw. The motorist eventually pulled over at 4th and Choctaw where he was arrested without incident. In custody is 54-year old Dee Neal Cook who listed a Carnegie address. Cook claimed that he was trying to get away from someone who wanted to kill him. He also allegedly admitted to being high on meth. Prosecutors have charged Cook with felony charges of endangering others while eluding and reckless driving. Cook is currently on probation after serving time for pleading guilty to felony weapons charges out of Caddo County following a 2018 arrest. He's also facing municipal charges out of Mt. View. Cook remains in the Grady County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

 

Chix Chamber to Hold 'Buy Chickasha' Gift Card Drawings

A few fortunate shoppers will be able to buy some extra Christmas presents this holiday season. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will hold its Buy Chickasha campaign gift card drawings this afternoon. $10,000 in gift cards will be given away with the top prize being $5,000 in gift cards to merchants who participated in the Buy Chickasha promotion. Over the last month, shoppers were able to get one ticket to the drawing for every $10 in merchandise they purchased.

 

Officer, Civilian to be Honored by Chix Police Department

The Chickasha Police Department will be honoring two individuals for their work this year. Sgt. Scott Ely was named the officer of the year and Animal Control Officer Layce Graham was named Civilian of the Year. Both will be recognized at a reception at the police department Wednesday, Dec. 21st.

 

Animal Shelter Offers Low-Cost Spay-Neuter Clinic

Pet owners who are considering spaying and neutering their dogs and cats can get a discount on those services next week. The Chickasha Animal Shelter will provide the low-cost sterilization procedure next Wednesday, Dec. 21st. Pets will need to be dropped off at the shelter between 6 and 7 in the morning and they will be taken to an Oklahoma City veterinarian. The fur babies will be back later that afternoon and can be picked up between 5 and 6. For information, contact the shelter by calling 405-222-6093 and leave a message.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.28 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.70.

Natural gas is $6.43 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,789 and silver is $23.37.

 

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Wednesday, Dec. 14th

 

Fed, State Agents Continue Hand Sanitizer Fires Probe

Investigators with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) were in Chickasha yesterday looking around the office of a company linked to those massive hand sanitizer fires that took place this past summer. Bordwine Development Company was fined a record $6 million by the DEQ for the alleged introduction of hazardous materials into the environment and because he didn't have a permit to store millions of gallons of expired hand sanitizer at the former Chickasha Manufacturing Company and other locations which burned to the ground. KFOR TV reported that Assistant State Fire Marshal James Fullingim said they have no indication that someone intentionally set the fires but that they know someone did something - and that it could have been a careless act. KFOR also reported that Bordwine's attorney filed new documents saying Bordwine followed DEQ rules pointing to agency guidelines that require an item to be solid waste before it becomes hazardous. A statement from the DEQ stated that expired hand sanitizer is hazardous waste as it exhibits the characteristic of ignitability. DEQ believes the exceptions cited by Bordwine's attorney aren't applicable in this situation. An administrative hearing on the matter will be held in March.

 

Grady County Firefighters Benefit from Grant 'Challenge'

Grady County rural fire departments get an early Christmas present. Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the Grady County Farm Bureau, and State Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) combined to give a total of $1,200 to the Grady County Fire Board this week. The funds were presented to the Grady County Fire Department at this week's Grady County Commissioners meeting. Stormy Duffle is the president of the Grady County Fire Board.

 

              

 

Steve Standridge with the Grady County Farm Bureau said the state offiice issued a challenge to Grady County to raise funds and Sen. Paxton also helped out. Standridge said $100 will be going to each of the 12 rural fire departments.

 

State Airport May be New Home for Special Ops Pilots

An Oklahoma National Guard air base may soon be the nation's hub for special operations pilots. According to the Military Times, Will Rogers World Airport has been tabbed to be a new location for a new armed overwatch fleet. The air force plans to replace more than a dozen MC-12 Liberty Reconnaissance training planes. Officials say Will Rogers would receive 28 new planes and about 80 personnel to support the mission of the 310th Special Operations Squadron. Before the change takes place the airport must pass a review of its ability to meet the fleet's operational needs and how the new planes could affect existing missions and an environmental impact study must also be performed. Both are expected to take place next year.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $80.68.

Natural gas is $6.93 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,819 and silver is $23.88.

 

Obituary

James 'Glynn' Richardson

A memorial service for ‘Glynn’ Richardson, 61, of Spring, Texas and formerly of the Chickasha and Amber area will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17th at Newsong Church.

 

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Tuesday, Dec. 13th

 

Early Morning Storms Included Tornado Warnings

A series of tornado warnings were issued for parts of the region early this morning as thunderstorms moved through central Oklahoma. The first warning was issued just before 5 a.m. as strong thunderstorms moved through the Chickasha area and into Lindsay. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for southeastern Grady, northeastern Garvin, and southern McClain counties. Radar indicated a possible tornado near the rural Grady County community of Bailey with the storms tracking toward Erin Springs and Lindsay. Another tornado warning was issued a few minutes later for southern McClain County and parts of Cleveland County. There have been no immediate reports of damage from these storms in this area, however there were reports of damage in the eastern McClain County town of Wayne south of Purcell. It's a very rare occurrence for tornados to form in December but the spring-like weather system moving across the state overnight was favorable for tornado development. Rainfall totals from the storm included 2.2 inches of rain west of Rush Springs at the Acme Mesonet station, nearly an inch of rain in Chickasha and Apache; six-tenths of an inch of rain at Ft. Cobb, and about a half-inch of rain at Minco.

 

Residential Construction Leads Chix Building Report

Nearly $900,000 in new construction projects in the City of Chickasha were approved by the city's Community Development Department last month. Officials approved 15 permits for residential and commercial construction. Residential construction included a new home on Country Club Drive for Merrick Construction for $400,000; and a new home in the Sleepy Hollow Addition for Raush-Coleman Homes valued at $160,000. Remodeling permits were issued to Grayline Properties for a home in the 2000 block of S. 13th for $80,000; to Killian Renovation for a home in the 1300 Block of W. Missouri for $54,000; to Bordwine Development for a home in the 1900 block of Louisiana for $50,000; to Jarrod Short for a home at 16 Highland Drive for $40,000; to Bingham Rentals for a home at 138 Orchard for $25,000; and one to an unlisted vendor in the 1200 block of S. 14th Street for $20,000. A commercial remodeling permit was issued to an unlisted vendor for upgrades in the 1600 block of S. 4th Street for $18,000.

 

City of Anadarko Employees Reach Milestones

A number of employees for the City of Anadarko were recognized for their service to the community. According to a recent post on the city's Facebook page - Regina Jones was honored for 25-years; Police Chief Eric Harlan, police officer Todd Palmer, Kay Howard, and Rocky Barlett were honored for 15 years; Assistant Police Chief Dustin Chandler, Megan Shosh, Max Franklin, and Jo Spangelhour were recognized for 10 years; and police officer Jordan Stone was recognized for five years of service.

 

Utility Provides Thousands of LED Bulbs to Needy Families

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is teaming up with several relief organizations to provide free LED light bulbs to needy families. Nearly 120,000 of the energy-saving bulbs have been provided by PSO's Shine-A-Light program. LED bulbs can last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. This year 22 food pantries serving 100 communities are taking part including the Salvation Army serving Grady and Caddo counties; the Compassion Center and Assumption Catholic Church in Duncan; and the food bank and Salvation Army in Lawton.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.17 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.99.

Natural gas is $6.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,798 and silver is $23.71.

 

Obituary

Sara Adkins

A memorial service will be held at a later date for Sarah Adkins, 84, of Chickasha. She was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Dec. 12th

 

First Responders Intervene in Suicide Threat

There were some tense moments for Chickasha police and first responders after they were dispatched to an individual threatening suicide near the downtown area. Authorities were summoned to the railroad overpass in the 100 block of East Choctaw Ave. just before 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Traffic was detoured around the area while first responders talked to the individual. In a press release, police said officials talked to the individual for about an hour and were able to prevent anything from happening. The individual was not injured and taken to a medical facility for evaluation.

 

Driver Hospitalized After Turnpike Crash

A driver is hospitalized after the car he was driving veered off the interstate and hit a tree. The crash happened about 3:00 a.m. Sunday near mile marker 77 on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike just west of Chickasha. The trooper dispatched to the accident reported that the vehicle was eastbound on the highway when it careened off the road. 23-year old Alexander Osmond of Surprise, Arizona was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was last in fair condition. Osmond was wearing his seatbelt. The accident remains under investigation.

 

Chix School Sup't to get Annual Performance Review

Chickasha school superintendent Rick Croslin will undergo his annual performance review in a closed-door session which is part of tonight’s monthly meeting of the Chickasha Board of Education. Croslin has been with the district for about 2 1/2 years, coming on board in March of 2020. The panel will also discuss a cooperative agreement with Pioneer Schools to allow its students to participate in middle school soccer for the spring of 2023. The group will also discuss a memorandum of understanding with the three unions within the district: the Chickasha United Teaching Association, The Chickasha Association of Support Employees, and the Chickasha Organization of Professional Administrators. The panel will recognize the Chicken Express Employees of the Month for both November and December. The November employees were Mike Elliott and Janice Cockrum at Lincoln Elementary and the December employees are Peggy Leonard and Leta Pruitt at the middle school. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school district's administration building.

 

Anadarko School Board Also Meets

The Anadarko school board will also hold its monthly meeting tonight. The panel will consider the Title Seven Impact Aid Indian Policies and Procedures, and fundraisers for the FFA and honor society.  The panel is also expected to approve an overnight trip request for the high school band to perform at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio later this month. The trip is scheduled for Dec. 26th through 30th. No. 12-ranked Washington will face No. 20-ranked Texas in the contest. The Anadarko school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the Anadarko school administration office.

 

'Live' Chocolate Celebration to Return to Chix Library

Following two years of virtual celebrations the Friends of the Chickasha Library will hold its annual Chocolate Celebration in person next year. Several thousand servings of chocolate will be available at the fundraiser and the library friends are seeking corporate and table sponsors. Each table sponsor should provide 200 individual servings of chocolate. Usually there are 15-20 tables with an estimated 4,000 individual treats available. Sponsors can reach out to the library for information by calling 405-222-6075 or Angie Lewis at 405-779-6969 or e-mail angieslewis13@gmail.com. Tickets for the chocolate celebration will be available after the first of the year. Tickets are $6 each and allows individuals to select six chocolate servings. The 11th annual chocolate celebration will be Monday, Feb. 13th at Epworth United Methodist Church.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.02 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.10.

Natural gas is $6.24 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,803 and silver is $23.66.

 

2022, Dec. 5th-10th

Saturday, Dec. 10th

 

State Official Concerned About Mixed Energy News

Tax collections on oil and gas production in the state have been fairly strong this year. However, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel says a downward trend could be getting underway. He said that falling energy prices means the state receives less in tax revenues from oil and gas production. While gross receipts to the treasury over the past year set a record high for six straight months, November collections fell below $160 million. It was the first time since April that month-to-month collections fell. McDaniel said while lower prices at the pump are providing needed relief for consumers, the slowdown in demand and drop in commodity prices will impact collections in the future. The website OK Energy Today reports the monthly Oklahoma Business Conditions Index fell quite a bit last month. The index issued by Creighton University fell from 51.3 to 39.8. It’s the first time in two years that the index has been below 50. It indicates a forecast for an economic slowdown over the next three to six months.

 

Regional Well Completions Submitted

A number of energy companies have filed oil and gas well completion reports for wells in the region. Citizen Energy reports three wells near Pocasset are producing about 12,000 metric cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas per day. The wells are in section 20 of Township 8 North and Range 7 West which is three miles south of Pocasset. They were drilled to a depth of nearly 25,000 feet.

Marathon Oil reports two significant gas wells in the Alex area. The Gretsky wells were producing about 21,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. They are in section 11 of Township 4 North and 6 West five miles south of Alex. The wells were drilled to a depth of more than 25,000 feet.

Continental Resources filed completion reports on three Grady County wells on a single pad producing about 14,000 Mcf of natural gas and more than 900 barrels of oil per day. A location was not listed in the report on the website ok energy today.

CPRP Services has a well three miles north of Lindsay in McClain County bringing in nearly 800 barrels of oil and 1,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. The Blanca well is in section 4 of Townshp 5 North and Range 4 West and was drilled to a depth of 19,000 feet.

Camino Natural Resources reported on the Cattlemens wells southwest of El Reno. Two wells have combined to produce nearly 800 barrels of oil and more than 5,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. The wells are one mile south of El Reno and west of U.S. Highway 81 and were drilled to a depth of more than 18,000 feet.

 

Obituary

Nidia Reed

Funeral service for Nidia Reed, 67, of Oklahoma City will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14th at Greater New Zion Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.


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Friday, Dec. 9th

 

Numerous Earthquakes Shake Grady County

Some Grady County families have been dealing with a number of earthquakes that have been occurring over the last few weeks. About 20 earthquakes have been rattling the region and one family is worried that the tremors could damage their home. Kevin McMomas told KOCO News that his home is old and sits only a sand rock base without a concrete slab. He said they usually hear a 'boom' and then they feel a wave and the whole house shakes. There has been oil and gas drilling activity in the region and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission has ordered companies to stop their operations while officials investigate what might be causing the tremors.

 

Forgery Victim Sues Bank

We have a follow-up to a story we had several weeks ago about a Chickasha woman charged with more than 90 counts of forgery. Tamara Walters was arrested in October after writing more than $400,000 in fraudulent checks on her mother's checking account. Walters’ mother is now suing the bank for allowing that to happen. The lawsuit was filed against Liberty National Bank in Oklahoma County District Court last week. The checks were written over a period of about a year with most checks being for $3,000 or more. Walters told police that she had a gambling addiction and spent the money at a casino. Walters is out of jail after posting a $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled for Jan. 18th.

 

Suspect Charged in Alleged Animal Cruelty Case

Chickasha police investigate a disturbing case of animal cruelty. Authorities were called to a home near 19th and Montana this past Tuesday. A probable cause affidavit indicates an individual called police and told them that a dog had died inside her neighbor's home. The officer dispatched to the residence said when he got to the door he detected a strong odor of feces and urine. The woman who answered the door did tell the officer that one of her dogs had died. The officer found the dead animal and two other dogs which appeared to be suffering from starvation as they had sunken stomachs and visible bones. There was dog food in the home but it was not accessible to the animals. The officer arrested Tabatha Davidson-Riley for animal cruelty. The dead animal and two surviving dogs were turned over to animal control. Prosecutors have charged Davidson-Riley with a felony for animal cruelty and she is out of jail after posting a $10,000 bond.

 

CareFirst Clinic Welcomes New Doctor

A new family medicine physician is on board at a Chickasha medical clinic. Dr. Ahmad Musa is on staff at CareFirst Wellness Associates which was previously Southern Plains Medical Center. Mura is originally from Jordan and talks about his early training.

 

              

 

After some time in Chicago he went to New York to earn his accreditation that allows international doctors to work in the U.S. Mura and his family live in Newcastle.

 

Inaugural Wine, Craft Show is Saturday

A first-time event will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds this weekend. It's the Chickasha Wine and Craft Show which will feature more than 70 vendors to include wine, beer, home decor, jewelry, art, woodwork, and baked goods. Admission is free and it is a family-friendly event. Photos with Santa will be available. It will be held in the north exhibit building at the fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 10th)

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.46 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.15.

Natural gas is $5.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,806 and silver is $23.27.

 

Obituary

Karry French

Funeral service for Karry French, 56, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 10th at the First Baptist Church of Verden. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. 

Ollie 'Juanita' Snider

Funeral service for Juanita Snider, 89, of Blanchard will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12th at the Tri-City Worship Center in Newcastle. Arrangements are also with McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Thursday, Dec. 8th

 

Updated List of School Board Filings

Unless there were some 11th hour filings for school board posts late Wednesday, here is the list of candidates who filed for posts on regional school boards:

Grady County

Zack McGill ran unopposed for his seat on the Chickasha school board; John Nicholas filed unopposed at Amber-Pocasset; Ryan Beck was unopposed at Minco; Del Ford was unopposed at Rush Springs; Michele McRay ran unopposed at Pioneer; and Jessica Hammons was unopposed at Friend. Three candidates have filed at Alex with incumbent Tom Ketchum drawing Skyler Foster and Shelby Johnson as challengers; Stevie Kaye McMillan and Norman Wood filed at Verden; Russell Thompson and Mark Fulton filed at Ninnekah; and John Oaks and Glenda Fenimore filed at Middleberg. There will be two school board races in Bridge Creek where Robyn Esparza and Micah Regier filed for Office 1 and Sharita Hill and Terry Fincent filed for Office 3.

McClain County

Jacob Zweifel filed unopposed at Blanchard; Steve Long and Veronica Rivera filed at Dibble; Tiffany Elcyzyn filed unopposed at Newcastle; and Doyle Greteman filed unopposed for Mid America Technology Center school board.

Caddo County

Kathy Kappelle filed unopposed at Anadarko; Steve Pelzer and Karen Glass filed at Cement; Sean Hughes filed unopposed at Cyril; Cassi Crowell was unopposed at Ft. Cobb-Broxton; Timberly Goucher was unopposed at Gracemont; Dustin Tackett was unopposed for his post on the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center school board; Jennifer Dorsey was unopposed at Binger-Oney; Katrina Wetselline was unopposed at Boone-Apache; Michael Longhat was unopposed at Carnegie; Michael Brown was unopposed at Lookeba-Sickles; Jodi Combs filed unopposed at Hinton; LaNae Meacham and Amber Sturgeron filed unopposed for separate seats at Hydro-Eakly. There is a two-day period for candidates to withdraw and for individuals to protest the filing of any of the candidates.

 

Tuttle FFA Livestock Judging Team Wins National Contest

The Tuttle High School FFA livestock judging team was recognized at the state capitol recently after winning a national competition. Team member Cheyenne Emerson tells the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network about the team’s advisors C.L. McGill and Carey Middlestaadt, starting with McGill-

 

              

 

Two Oklahoma college livestock judging teams also were recognized at the state capital for winning national titles. They are Oklahoma State University and Northern Oklahoma College.

 

Chix Library Names New Director of Youth Program

There's a new face at the Chickasha Public Library. Drew Cooper is the new youth library director. She recently moved to Oklahoma from South Carolina where she also served as youth library director. Chickasha Library Director Lillie Huckaby said Cooper is eager to work with area youth and is making plans for all ages and already has some projects going this month. A meet-and-greet reception for Drew Cooper will be held at the library from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. this afternoon and evening

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.01 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.17.

Natural gas is $5.72 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,794 and silver is $22.89.

 

Obituaries

Bradley Rubac

No service is scheduled for Bradley Rubac, 65, of Minco. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

Dorothy Wright

A graveside service for Dorothy Wright, 87, of Norman and formerly of the Tuttle and Minco area will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9th at Fairlawn Cemetery in Tuttle. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

Albert Kinsey

Funeral service for Albert Kinsey of Chldress, Texas will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

 

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Wednesday, Dec. 7th

 

City of Chix Seeks Bids on Water, Sewer Line Projects

Some water and sewer line projects for the City of Chickasha are expected in the coming year. This week the city council approved the re-bidding of a sewer line replacement project near the intersection of U.S. Highway 62 and 16th Street, a line that has been in need of replacement for about four years. Previous bids for the project were rejected because they were higher than engineer's estimates. The council also approved going out for bids for the second part of a water-line relocation project associated with the Highway 81 bypass.  The project is eligible for nearly 60 percent reimbursement from the state department of transportation.

 

DHS Now Able to Help Chix Residents Pay Water Bills

Chickasha residents having difficulties paying their water bills may be able to get some financial assistance. The city council approved a contract with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to help customers who meet DHS guidelines. The agency receives federal funding to help provide relief to low income families. Funds can be used to pay delinquent accounts and prevent households from getting their water services cut-off.  The program is similar to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps households pay summer cooling and winter heating costs. Households will be eligible for one-time assistance.

 

Final Payment Approved for Festival of Light Upgrade

The city council also approved a final payment of just over $5,000 associated with the installation of new electrical panels at Shannon Springs Park for the Festival of Light (FOL). The panels were added to the section of the park north of the dam for the new Frozen Forest light display which added 500,000 lights to FOL. The project was awarded to ETI of Chickasha for a total of just over $100,000. The Festival of Light provided the funds for that project.

 

Veterans Program to be held at Festival of Light Tonight

Today marks the 81st anniversary of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor which led to the United States getting involved in World War II. Area military veterans are invited to take part in a special program at Chickasha's Festival of Light tonight. A short presentation will be held at the Amphitheater for veterans and their families at 6:00 p.m. Parking will be available around the gift shop area. Veterans will have access to all the attractions until 8:00 o'clock this evening.

 

More Candidates File for Regional School Board Posts

Today is the final day for candidates to file to run for school board offices  Here is a partial list of candidates who have filed-

Grady County

Zack McGill has filed at Chickasha;  Steve McMillan has field at Verden; Mark Fulton and Russell Thompson have filed for the same office at Ninnekah; Tom Ketchum and Shelby Johnson have filed for the same seat at Alex; John Nicholas has filed at Amber-Pocasset; Del Ford has filed at Rush Springs; Michelle McRay has field at Pioneer; Jessica Timmons has filed at Friend; and Glenda Fenimore and Josh Oaks have filed for the same office at Middleberg.

McClain County

Steve Long has filed at Dibble; Tiffany Elcyzyn has filed at Newcastle, and Doyle Greteman has filed at Mid America Technology Center.

Caddo County

Sean Hughes has filed at Cyril; Cassi Crowell at Ft. Cobb-Broxton; Timberly Goucher at Gracemont; Jennifer Dorsey at Binger-Oney; Katrina Wetselline at Boone-Apache; Michael Longhat at Carnegie; Michael Brown at Lookeba-Sickles; Jodi Combs at Hinton; LaNae Meacham and Amber Sturgeon have filed for two different seats at Hydro-Eakly; and Dustin Tackett at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center.

The filing period closes at 5 o'clock this afternoon.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.25 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.97.

Natural gas is $5.47 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,786 and silver is $22.62.

 

Obituaries

George Graham

A memorial service for George Graham, 66, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8th at Sevier Funeral Home.

Johnny Bond

Funeral service for Johnny Bond, 78, lifelong Grady County resident will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10th at Cowboy Country Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, Dec. 6th

 

Developer Proposes Investment in Downtown Chix

An Anadarko native who went on to thrive as a California businessman is turning his attention to Chickasha. Chet Hitt made a presentation to the Chickasha City Council last night with a plan to invest several million dollars in the downtown area. Hitt said he is under contract to purchase several properties including the old Savoy hotel and hopes to bring more eating establishments, a souvenir shop, and even horse stables to the area around the Rock Island Depot. We talked to Hitt after his presentation-

 

              

 

Hitt has built successful businesses in both California and Arizona. The city council may ask him to submit a request for a proposal for his plan which could top the $5 million mark. If approved Hitt hopes to begin construction next year.

 

Ninnekah Students Back in Class After Threat

Students in the Ninnekah school district are back in the classroom today after a day of virtual learning yesterday after a threat was issued toward the district. Superintendent Ashley Davis posted a letter on the district's website last night saying school officials received information Sunday night about a threat to student safety. The threat was turned over to Ninnekah police and the Grady County Sheriff's Office. The shift to virtual learning was made to allow law enforcement time to conduct the investigation and reach all parties involved as well as to protect students and staff. Davis thanked law enforcement for their quick action to investigate the threat.

 

Alex School Superintendent Stepping Down

Alex school superintendent Keith Weldon is retiring. Weldon notified the school board recently that he'll be stepping down at the end of the school year. Weldon has been with the district for three years but he has spent about 34 years in education as a teacher and an administrator. He began his teaching career in Wichita, Kansas and he also taught in Stonewall, Okla. He served as principal in the Varnum and Colcord school districts then served as superintendent at Calumet for 19 years before being hired at Alex. A search for a new superintendent is underway.

 

School Board Candidate Filings

A number of candidates came forward to file for school board posts on the first day of filing yesterday. In Grady County school districts, Zack McGill has filed for re-election for Chickasha school board; John Nicholas has filed for re-election at Amber-Pocasset; Mark Fulton and Russell Dean Thompson have filed at Ninnekah; incumbent Tom Ketchum and Shelby Johnson have filed at Alex; Del Ford filed at Rush Springs; and Josh Oaks filed at Middleberg. In McClain County, incumbent Steve Long has filed for re-election at Dibble; incumbent Tiffany Elcyzyn has filed at Newcastle; and Doyle Greteman of Lindsay has filed for school board at Mid-America Technology Center. In Caddo County, Cassie Crowell has filed at Ft. Cobb-Broxton; Katrina Wetselline has filed at Apache; LaNae Meacham has filed at Hydro-Eakly; and Dustin Tackett has filed for re-election to the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center school board. The filing period runs through tomorrow.

 

Pursuit Suspect Was 'Trying to Spread God's Message'

Now an update to a story we first aired over the weekend about a woman who led Rush Springs police on a pursuit. The suspect told officers she was not running...she was ‘trying to spread God's message’. A probable cause affidavit indicates the woman was driving 73 miles per hour in a 55-mile per hour zone. The pursuit lasted nearly 25 minutes as the chase went north on Highway 81 to Chickasha. A county deputy deployed stop sticks near U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 19 but she kept going. She eventually came to a stop in a residential area at 16th and Alabama where she was taken into custody without incident. When asked if she was under the influence of drugs she said ‘yes, marijuana and life’. Arrested was 31-year old Adrianna Laue of Ft. Worth, Texas. She has been formally charged with misdemeanors which include eluding, possession of marijuana, and a municipal DUI. She remains in jail on a $4,000 bond.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.93 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.68.

Natural gas is $5.58 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,787 and silver is $22.69.

 

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Monday, Dec. 5th

 

'Threat' Brings Virtual Learning Day to Ninnekah Schools

Authorities with Ninnekah Public Schools are taking precautions after an unspecified threat was made toward the district. A statement posted on the district's website last night does not provide a lot of information but indicates that law enforcement was notified and made contact with an unidentified individual who is reported to have made the threat. Out of precaution Ninnekah schools will have virtual learning today. Officials said student and staff safety are a priority and the move to virtual learning was made in order to verify all safety measures.

 

Multi-Vehicle Morning Crash Closes H.E. Bailey Turnpike 

A four-vehicle pile-up northeast of Chickasha on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike shut down a portion of the interstate this morning. The accident occurred in the westbound lanes 6:45 a.m. near mile marker 89. Westbound traffic was diverted onto the shoulder to get around the crash site. The highway patrol reported it was an injury accident but provided no other details.

 

One Teen Dead, One Injured After High-Speed Pursuit

One Caddo County teenager is dead and another hospitalized following a high-speed pursuit and crash in western Oklahoma over the weekend. The highway patrol reports that officers from the Sayre and Cordell police departments were involved in the pursuit when the crash occurred about 3:00 a.m. Saturday. A 15-year old girl driving a 2001 GMC Yukon lost control of the vehicle then ran off the road and hit a building in Sayre. A 13-year girl riding in the SUV was pinned inside the wreckage for about 30 minutes and died at the scene. The driver was taken to a hospital in Elk City where she was last in good condition. Both teenagers had Apache addresses but their names were not released. Authorities have not indicated why they were pursuing the vehicle.

 

Open Records Questions to be Discussed By Chix City Council

The Chickasha City Council will go behind closed doors tonight to discuss the state's open meeting and open records acts as they pertain to the city's Economic Development Council (EDC). In October, a resident sent an e-mail to city hall questioning the way the EDC uses some of its funding. The individual said since the EDC receives funding from the city the agency should have to abide by those acts. However, EDC officials say since private funds are also involved it is not required to release that information.

New 'Grapple' Truck Purchase Proposed

The council is to discuss spending nearly a quarter-million dollars for a new grapple truck for picking up brush and limbs. The current truck has been unreliable and repairs have been costly. The cost of the new truck is just over $233,000 and it is being purchased from a state contract.

Public Hearing Scheduled for Residential Use-on-Review Request

The panel will also hold a public hearing to consider a use-on-review request from Micah McCarty. McCarty is wanting to build a more than 600 square-foot building in the 600 block of S. 22nd Street that will not be on a lot with a home, although a home is expected to eventually be built at that address. The building also won't meet the city's facade requirements. Officials say there have been no complaints about the proposal and the planning commission has recommended that the council approve the use-on-review.

 

School Board Filings Underway in Many Areas

The filing period is underway for candidates who want to run for posts that are open on school boards throughout the state. Candidates must be residents within the office boundaries within the school district in which they live. Candidates must file their declarations at the county election board where their school district is located. It's a three-day filing period - so the filing deadline is at 5 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Individuals may withdraw their candidacy anytime through 5 p.m. Friday and individuals wanting to protest the filing of a candidate may do so Thursday or Friday before 5 p.m. each day. Should three or more candidates file for one office a primary election will be held Feb. 5th. If two candidates file  for the same office the election will be held April 4th. If no candidates file then no election will be needed.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.98 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.57.

Natural gas is $6.28 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,808 and silver is $23.27.

 

Obituary

John ‘Rick’ Everly

Funeral service for Rick Everly, 76, of Edmond and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

2022, Nov. 28th-Dec. 3rd

Saturday, Dec. 3rd

 

One Arrested Following Early-Morning Pursuit

A pursuit that started in Rush Springs and ended in Chickasha before dawn this morning lands one person behind bars. Scanner reports indicated the pursuit began around 4:30 a.m. when Rush Springs police attempted to make a traffic stop. The motorist opted to make a run for it and headed north on U.S. Highway 81. The pursuit continued through Ninnekah and in to Chickasha and at some point got to the area of 16th and Country Club Road. The chase continued north on 16th Street and ended near 16th and Grand Ave. after authorities deployed stop sticks to disable the vehicle. In custody is 31-year old Adrianna Laue. No hometown was available. She is being held in the Grady County Jail on complaints of eluding and speeding.

 

State Office Urges Oklahomans to Check FCC Map

to Confirm or Update Accuracy of Broadband Service 

A new state agency that will oversee the expansion of broadband service across the state needs your help. The Oklahoma Broadband Office would like Oklahomans to check their addresses on a map made available by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to see if it matches what the FCC has listed for you. Kirk Martin is the interim director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office. He said they have reason to believe that some of the information on the map is not accurate and in some cases lists service where it isn't even available. Users will be able correct any inaccurate data that may be listed. This process will help determine how much federal funding Oklahoma will receive to improve broadband service especially in rural areas. Broadband service varies widely from county to county. The map shows that only about 19 percent of Grady County residents have reliable internet service while only 8 percent of Caddo County residents do. The deadline to check the map is Jan. 13th of 2023. The website is:

broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home

 

Grady County Lawmaker to Lead State Senate Panel

A Grady County state lawmaker will serve as chairman of a state senate committee during the upcoming legislative session. Sen. Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle will chair the Energy and Telecommunications panel. Paxton was appointed to the post by Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat. Paxton was also appointed to serve on the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee as was Kingfisher State Senator Darcy Jech.

 

Community Christmas Parades Held Today

Several communities in the region have Christmas parades today.  Marlow had its parade this morning while Chickasha and Anadarko have parades tonight. In Chickasha, the theme is Christmas Movies and will feature about 50 entries. The parade route is along Chickasha Avenue and will start near the YMCA and head east to 1st and Chickasha to Avenue and end at the Leg Lamp and the railroad depot. Anadarko’s parade theme is Elf on the Shelf and will start at the railroad tracks and run west on Main Street. Both parades start at 6 p.m.

 

Obituaries

John ‘Rick’ Everly

Funeral for ‘Rick’ Everly, 76, of Edmond and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and National Guard.

Louis ‘Javare’ Lipscomb

Funeral for ‘Javare’ Lipscomb, 34, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

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Friday, Dec. 2nd

 

USAO President to Retire

USAO president John Feaver will be stepping down from his post. Feaver announced his decision to retire yesterday though his retirement is not effective until December of 2023. For more than 20 years Feaver has led the university to great heights and worked to preserve the history of what was the first all-women's college west of the Mississippi River. Feaver is currently the longest tenured president of all of the state's colleges and universities with 22 years at the post. However he's been associated with USAO over the course of five decades. He was appointed to the faculty in 1980; named a vice president in 1988; and became just the 12th president in USAO's 114-year history in 2000 succeeding Roy Troutt. In a prepared statement, Feaver said it is not enough to say that leading the university has been the honor of his life. He said the college has stood the test of time despite many headwinds and that he will always be humbly thankful to have been part of the institution for so long. The university's board of regents will begin its search immediatetly for the next president.

 

Gracemont Crash Victims Identified

The highway patrol has released the names of three people previously unidentified who died or suffered life-threatening injuries in that head-on collision north of Gracemont Wednesday night. 47-year old Jennifer Embree and 24-year old Aaron Wipf - both of Oklahoma City - perished in the accident. 52-year old Christopher Mosley of Elk City continues to battle life-threatening injuries. All were in a vehicle that investigators say crossed the center line of the highway and collided with an oncoming vehicle. The driver of that vehicle, 27 year old Antoinette Evilsizor of Arizona, also died.

 

Suspect Charged After Second Arrest 

for Alleged Illegal Transportation of Drugs

A man initially arrested in October for the alleged illegal transportation of marijuana, then released after prosecutors dismissed the case, has been re-arrested. Verden police arrested Xulin Zheng of Elmore City on October 6th. A probable cause affidavit indicates that an officer made a traffic stop on a van speeding through a school zone. Zheng was behind the wheel of the van and the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana inside. There were some language barriers between the two men and they tried to use a translation app to help communicate. Zheng did ask to talk to his attorney. In a search of the vehicle, authorites found more than 34 pounds of marijuana. Prosecutors this time have formally charged Zheng with one felony count of trafficking. He is out of jail after posting a $30,000 bond.

 

Minco Honey Festival is Tomorrow

The town of Minco will host its annual honey festival tomorrow. This is the 32nd year for the festival always held the first Saturday in December. There will be tours of the Ross Honey Company; the Great Plains Cotton Gin; and the wind turbines that surround the community. There's a honey bake-off, a morning pancake breakfast, and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors. Minco's Favorite Son, Emmy Award-winning Lucas Ross from Freedom 43's Rise and Shine morning television show will also be on hand.

 

Grant Issued to Friends of the Chickasha Library

Here's an early Christmas present for the Friends of the Chickasha Library. The group has received a $5,000 grant from the Arvest Foundation. Arvest Bank representatives Leslie Sanchez and Zac Robbins presented the contribution which will help distribute free books to children throughout Grady County. The library recently partnered with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library which mails free books to the homes of children five years old and younger each month. Cindy Wheeler with the Friends of the Library said early literacy is important for children and the funds will make a huge difference to families in the area.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.22 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.42.

Natural gas is $6.74 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,813 and silver is $22.88.

 

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Thursday, Dec. 1st

 

Three Die in Caddo County Head-on Crash

A head-on collision in Caddo County killed three people and left one person in critical condition. The accident happened just before 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30th on U.S. Highway 281 about five miles north of Gracemont. The highway patrol reports the driver of one vehicle crossed over the center line of the highway and hit an oncoming car. The only deceased victim to be named is 27-year old Antoinette Evilsizor of Cottonwood, Arizona. She was driving the car that was hit by the vehicle which crossed into her lane of travel. None of the three individuals in the other vehicle have been identified as investigators have been unable to notify relatives. A 47-year old woman from Oklahoma City who was driving the car and a 24-year old Oklahoma City man perished. A 52-year old man from Elk City who was also a passenger had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and was last in critical condition.

 

Suspect Arrested After High-Speed Chase

A high-speed pursuit from Pocasset to Amber last week lands a man in jail. 40-year old Trent Proctor of Norman was arrested following the pursuit last Friday afternoon. A probable cause affidavit indicates that a Grady County deputy spotted a vehicle with an expired tag leaving the Salt Creek Casino. When the deputy tried to make a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle sped away southbound of Highway 81 then turned east onto CR 1280 toward Amber. Speeds topped 100 miles per hour as the suspect vehicle forced motorists to pull of the narrow road. The vehicle reportedly went airborne over the railroad tracks in Amber and continued east through town and put several more motorists in harms’ way. The pursuit ended when the suspect turned onto a dead-end road and crashed into a tree. Proctor was not seriously injured but an ambulance from Tuttle was dispatched and he was taken to a Norman hospital for treatment. After being treated Proctor was taken to the Grady County Jail. During a routine search of the car deputies allegedly found Fentanyl-laced pain pills and meth. Prosecutors have charged Proctor with felony trafficking and eluding. He remains in jail on a $300,000 bond.

 

New Chickasha Police Officer Sworn In

A new officer has joined the Chickasha Police Department. Justin Veach was sworn in to his new post recently. Veach is a 2017 Chickasha High School graduate and in just three years earned a degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. After his 2020 graduation from Southwestern Veach began his law enforcement career in Gracemont. A Chickasha Police Department Facebook post indicates Veach is passionate about law enforcement and he is excited to be back in his hometown.

 

Chix Library Again Offers Food-for-Fines in December

We’ve turned the calendar to the month of December and as has been the case for more than 20 years, the Chickasha Public Library offers its food-for-fines program. Anyone who has overdue books or materials they have borrowed from the library and have not returned, they can pay their fine by donating non-perishable food items which will be given to the Chickasha Emergency Food Pantry. No minimum donation required. Last year, more than $1,600 in fines were forigven. Library patrons who don’t have overdue items and the general public are invited to help out with the food drive.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.55 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.43.

Natural gas is $6.93 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,793 and silver is $22.30.

 

Obituaries

Roy True, Jr.

Funeral service for Roy True, Jr., 91, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2nd at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Jan Bailey

Funeral service for Jan Bailey, 76, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3rd at McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Wednesday, Nov. 30th

 

Lawsuit Claims Negligence in Minco Welder's Death

It was September of last year when Joey Bonds of Minco died in a welding accident after a tanker-trailer he was working on exploded.  Bonds widow, Kristin, has filed a civil lawsuit in Grady County District Court alleging negligence in connection with her husband’s death. The Oklahoman reports that the tanker-trailer Joey Bonds was working on carried hazardous materials the day before the explosion - one so violent that many believed it was an earthquake. Named in the lawsuit are Firestone Trucking Company, which owned the tanker-trailer; CFT LLC which is a transport company also owned by Firestone; and Zurich American Insurance Company. The Oklahoman reports that CFT had been cited by a federal agency for three serious safety violations that resulted in Bonds' death. Attorney Bret Burns is seeking a judgement of more than $75,000 for Firestone's alleged negligence of safety laws.

 

Two Drivers Injured in Separate Crashes with Animals

Separate traffic accidents involving vehicles hitting animals sends two people to hospitals. One crash happened northeast of Lindsay just before 4:00 p.m. Tuesday.  24-year old Cheyenne Watson of Krebs swerved to avoid a deer, ran off the road, flipped end-over-end, and landed upside down off the roadway. Krebs was taken to a Norman hospital with neck injuries and was admitted in fair condition.

             A truck driver ran into some cattle standing in the road near Gotebo. That accident happened Monday evening about 2 1/2 miles south of that Kiowa County town. 72-year old Ronald Nabors of Eufaula was driving his semi northbound on State Highway 54 when he hit three cows. The semi ran off the road and overturned and Nabors was pinned in the cab for about 20 minutes. He was airlifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with arm and internal injuries and was last in stable condition.

 

Chickasha Schools Create 'Wall of Honor'

Chickasha Public Schools has created a new Wall of Honor to recognize former students and/or employees. Superintendent Rick Croslin said candidates should be those who have made a difference in the district or the community-

 

              

 

Croslin said nominees must have brought unusual positive attention to CHS or modeled the highest personal and professional qualities for students. Nominations are due by Jan. 20th. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the school district's website.

 

Rock Island Ride Distributes Funds to Non-Profits

Back in October more than 300 cycling enthusiasts spend some time in the Chickasha area for the annual Rock Island Ride bicycle tour. Tour organizers recently distributed more than $10,000 raised during the event to several non-profit organizations. The Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo counties, the Emergency Food Pantry, and the Mobile Meals program each received $3,000; the Shop with a Cop program for the Chickasha Police Department received $1,000; and the Rock Island Ride 4H group was awarded $200 for having the most enthusiastic stop during the ride. The funds were made possible by a portion of the entry fees in the ride and corporate donors.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.20 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.03.

Natural gas is $7.24 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,773 and silver is $21.67.

 

Obituaries

Clifford Hartman

Funeral service for Clifford Hartman, 92, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2nd at Laverty Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

‘Micki’ Kiser

Funeral service for Mildred 'Micki' Kiser, 100, of Palestine, Texas and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday afternoon at McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, Nov. 29th

 

New Natural Gas Processing Plant to be Built

A Texas-based energy firm announces plans to build a natural gas cryogenic processing plant just outside Chickasha next year. Iron Horse Midstream officials report the plant will be able to process 200 million cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas per day. The website OK Energy Today reports that the plant is expected to be operational in about a year. The company already has an existing 120-acre complex in Grady County and the two plants combined will be able to process up to 425 Mcf of natural gas per day. Officials also say the plants should be able to produce even more depending on customer needs. Iron Horse CEO Tim Roberts said as production activity in the area continues to increase that building this second plant is a natural and necessary growth opportunity. He added that expanding their processing provides capacity where it is needed - in the core of the basin - where they have access to numerous high-quality, residue gas markets. The Iron Horse system includes some 300 miles of high- and low-pressure natural gas gathering pipelines.

 

GMH, Five Oaks Begin Software Upgrades

Software upgrades are underway at Grady Memorial Hospital and the Five Oaks Medical Group. Officials say they are converting to a new patient record system to provide faster service and the most accurate records and charts which is expected to dramatically increase the ability to serve their patients. Officials say as with all new systems there will be an adjustment period and there may be some delays over the next 60 to 90 days. Officials thank everyone for their understanding as the improvements are being made.

 

Chickasha's Lighted Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 3rd

Chickasha's annual lighted Christmas parade will be one of the largest ever. Nearly 50 entries have registered for the parade which will be held this Saturday night Dec. 3rd. Chamber of Commerce officials say the parade is expected to last about an hour. The theme of the parade is Christmas movies and entries are to feature decorations based on a holiday film. Parade participants can begin checking in about 5:00 p.m. at 7th and Chickasha Avenue and line up west toward the high school. The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the route running east on Chickasha Avenue and ending at the Leg Lamp and the Rock Island Railroad Depot. Judges will be selecting a first, second, and third place float or entry with first place winning $300; second place winning $200; and 3rd place winning $100. The parade honorees are Dr. Abby Housmann and Dr. Luke Toho from Grady Memorial Hospital.

 

Pesticide Application Certification Program Offered

Ag producers wanting to earn their pesticide application certification have a chance to do that this week.  Topics to be covered include an herbicide program for wheat producers and new products that are available; a review of required regulations that private applicators in Oklahoma have to meet; and aspects of CoAXium wheat production and Agressor AX herbicide. The program will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds Thursday, Dec. 1st with registration starting at 9:00 a.m. and the program running until about 1:30 p.m. with lunch provided. The certification is being hosted by the Apache Farmers Co-op.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.24 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.19.

Natural gas is $6.71 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,766 and silver is $21.47.

 

Obituary

Charles Butler

Funeral service for Charles Butler, 79, of Lawton will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30th at the Greater Faith Apostolic Church in Lawton. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Nov. 28th

 

City of Chix to Apply for Grant for Upgrades at Shannon Springs Park

With the Festival of Light (FOL) underway at Shannon Springs Park the Chickasha City Council is applying for a grant that –if approved - would help pay for some needed upgrades at the park. During last week’s council meeting the panel passed a resolution to apply for a $2 million grant from the State Department of Transportation to improve sidewalks and other infrastructure at the park which has been eroding over the years. If approved, the city would have to provide a 20 percent match or $400,000 toward the grant to help improve the 'walkability' of the park.

Another Payment Made for Shannon Springs Park Electrical Work

The council also approved the third installment of paying for additional electrical panels at the park needed for more lights for FOL. This installment was for more than $47,000 payable to Electrical Technologies, Inc. of Chickasha.

Inflation Blamed on Cost Increase for H-Tea-O Project

The council gave its approval to change an economic development agreement with Moonlight Ownership Company. That firm is bringing in the H-Tea-Oh business which is being located at 4th and Missouri. Officials with the State Department of Transportation indicated that inflation caused costs of some items to increase by an additional $5,700 which increases the project to more than $37,000.

Council OK's Lease For Site to Collect Limbs, Brush

The council also approved leasing some city-owned land to Waste Connections which is the contractor that provides the city's trash pick-up services. Waste Connections will lease about 10 acres of property near the Public Works Headquarters for $2,000 a month. The area will be used as a storage site for limbs and brush until the debris can be properly disposed of. The agreement is for one year and is to automatically be renewed each year unless the lease is terminated.

Tattoo Parlor Permit Issued

Following a brief public hearing the council also approved a use-on-review permit for a new tattoo parlor in the downtown area for Garrett Hall. The permit did have the support of the Planning Commission. Fees are $1,100 per year and $275 per artist. It allows the city to check the parlor for up-to-date state health licensing.

 

Teens Hospitalized After Caddo County Crash

Two teenagers are hospitalized after a car ran off a Caddo County road, hit guard rail, and landed in a creek. 19-year old Samuel Lankister of Ft. Cobb and 18-year old Jesse Hefley of Elgin were both air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and were last in fair condition. The highway patrol reports the accident occurred on CR 1325 about a half-mile east of Ft. Cobb just after 1:00 a.m. this morning. Both teens were wearing their seatbelts. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

 

Driver Hospitalized After Roll-Over Accident Near Alex

A Lindsay woman was hospitalized after being thrown out of her car after it crashed and rolled in foggy conditions. 23-year old Krystal Torres was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was admitted in fair condition. The accident happened about 7:30 Saturday night near the intersection of SH 19 and CS 2890 which is three miles west of Alex. The trooper investigating the accident alleged Torres had been drinking.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.28 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.63.

Natural gas is $7.02 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,776 and silver is $21.74.

 

Obituaries

J.B. Shaw

A graveside service for J.B. Shaw, 94, of Lawton and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Charles Butler

Funeral service for Charles Butler, 79, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

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