Saturday, Oct. 28th

 

Wind Farm Operator Plans Improvements

Officials with Next Era Energy, a company that has numerous wind farms across the Sooner State, say they are proposing a number of improvements. Plans have been announced to 're-power' many of its current wind turbines with new technology and installing new turbines - instead of building additional wind farms. The website OK Energy Today reports that Next Era plans to re-power 740 megawatts of wind operations over the next three years. Next Era officials said they are super-excited about the projects which are part of the company's long-term growth plan. Next Era Energy reported third-quarter earnings of nearly $2 billion which is an increase of nearly 14 percent over the third quarter of last year.

 

Chix Man Gets Federal Prison Term For Role in Drug Overdose Case

A Chickasha man is sentenced to 10 years in a federal prison for his role in a drug overdose case. 23-year old Marcus Lamar Richardson pleaded guilty to a charge of distributing fentanyl last December. A federal judge recently handed down the sentence. The Southwest Ledger cites court documents that say the incident occurred in December of 2021. Richardson pleaded guilty to providing a pill containing fentanyl to a co-defendant, who delivered it to another person. The victim over-dosed and would have died had it not been for the live-saving efforts of Chickasha police. The judge said it only took a half a pill for the victim to overdose. The co-defendant, Brianna Rechell Hugar, also pleaded guilty to distribution and was sentenced to two years in federal prison.

 

Downtown Chix' Ne'ewollah Festival Today

Downtown Chickasha's Ne’ewollah Festival returns this afternoon and this evening. Many merchants and vendors will be along Chickasha Avenue from 4th Street to 8th Street to welcome costumed kiddos and distribute free candy. There will also be carnival games and inflatables, and pumpkin decorating at the Chickasha Area Arts Council. Trick-or-treating and games begin at 4:00 p.m. and a costume contest at the Chickasha Community Theatre. Registration for the costume contest will start at 5:00 p.m. and the contest begins at 5:30. Also, the YMCA will host a first ever Civic Club and Non-Profit Chili Cook Off. That begins at 5 to p.m. Tickets are $5 each which is good for five samples of chili.  All the proceeds benefit the civic clubs.

 

Scooters Coffee Now Open in Chix

Chickasha's newest coffee shop is now open. Scooters Coffee features hot and iced coffees, teas, and smoothies. They even have pastries. Scooters is located in the 400 block of Grand Avenue across from Joe’s Maytag and opens at 7:30 a.m. each morning.

 

Talk Show Topics

Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess is this week’s guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today guests are USAO president Kayla Hale and university athletic director Mike Ross. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Friday, Oct. 27th

 

Chix City Council to Again Consider Tax Increment Finance Districts

A special meeting of the Chickasha City Council has been called for the group to consider starting the process of creating one or more new Tax Increment Finance Districts. During the meeting the panel will discuss a resolution to declare the intent to consider the approval of an unidentified project under the Local Development Act, forming a review committee, and directing the committee to make recommendations. The council will also consider hiring a financial counseling service to provide legal assistance through the process. The Review Committee would include one representative of the city council; one from the city’s planning commission; one designated by Grady County; one from the county health department; one from the Chickasha school district; one from the Canadian Valley Technology Center school district; and one from the Grady County EMS district. There would be three at-large individuals to be selected from a list of names provided by city council members - one of which will be a representative of the business community. The special meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 30th at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.

 

Tip Leads to Arrest of Drug Trafficking Suspects

Caddo County authorities put a dent in some of the illegal drug activity in that region. Anadarko police and Caddo County sheriff's deputies arrested 50-year old Toriano Holcomb and 20-year old Kayla Parker this week after finding hundreds of pills laced with Fentanyl and numerous other drugs. According to a post on the Anadarko Police Department's Facebook page, authorities received information about suspicious activity on East Sunset Circle. Wednesday afternoon, authorities executed a search warrant on a home where they found more than 500 pills along with cocaine and methamphetamine. Toriano has a nearly 20-year history of criminal activity dating back to 2005. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor theft charged earlier this month; and he was on probation for pleading guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge from July of last year. Both Toriano and Parker have been charged with one felony count of aggravated trafficking and remain in the Caddo County Jail on $250,000 bond each.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.21 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.93.

Natural gas is $3.21 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,995 and silver is $22.97.

 

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Thursday, Oct. 26th

 

'Orphan Train' Programs set in Chix and Anadarko

During a roughly 75-year span in American History more than 250,000 orphaned or surrendered children in the eastern part of the country were placed on trains and sent west - to be given away at train stations along the way. It was the subject of a 2012 book written by Alison Moore called Riders on the Orphan Train. Orphan trains operated from the mid-1850s up to 1929.  A program developed by the National Orphan Train Museum in Concordia, Kansas will be held at both Chickasha and Anadarko libraries.  The Oklahoma Humanities Council is funding the programs which are free and open to the public. It includes live music, video, and storytelling. The program will be held at the Chickasha Public Library tonight at 6:30 and at the Anadarko Community Library at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow.

 

Medicare Sign-Up Underway

We're seeing and hearing an enormous amount of information about the sign-up period for Medicare and open enrollment for health care coverage. Individuals who have recently turned or will soon turn 65-years old are eligible for Medicare. Ray Walker is the director of the Medicare Assistance Program with the state insurance department. He urges individuals to spend some time to review their Part D prescription drug program.

 

              

 

 

Walker said individuals don’t have to change but that it is always good to shop around. Individuals can get free help from the Medicare Assistance Program by going to the website oid.ok.gov or call 800-763-2828.

 

Chix Chamber Receives State Awards

The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce is getting more recognition at the state level. The organization received a number of Communication Excellence Awards at the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce Executives gala recently. The chamber picked up an award for digital media for its Tuesday Takeover program; an event marketing award for its Building a Legacy video for the chamber's 100^th anniversary celebration; and another award for its campaign regarding its membership drive.

 

PSO Noted for Employing U.S. Military Vets

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) has been recognized for hiring and supporting U.S. military veterans. For the fifth straight year PSO has been named a Veteran Employer Champion by the Oklahoma Veteran Alliance. The alliance also recently named PSO its Veteran Employer of the Year. Nearly 200 military vets are employed and the utility has a dedicated veteran recruiter. A prepared statement from PSO says that veterans bring character, discipline, and team building skills, they improve services to PSO customers, and make it a stronger company.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.13.

Natural gas is $3.01 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,001 and silver is $23.24.

 

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Wednesday, Oct. 25th

 

Former County Commissioner OK's Plea Agreement

to Charges of Spying on his Former Employees

The saga of a former Grady County commissioner came to an end this week. In a plea agreement reached with a special prosecutor, former District 1 Commissioner Mike Walker pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge related to allegations that he spied on his employees while he was in office.  Walker was initially charged with multiple felony counts which included unlawful use of communication, intimidating witnesses, and conspiracy. He pleaded guilty to a count of interfering with county business. Walker was given a five-year deferred sentence, ordered to pay $400 in fines, and agreed to not run for public office during the term of his probation.

Charges first filed in 2021

Walker was initially charged with embezzlement in May of 2021 for allegedly using county resources for personal gain. But a Grady County jury found him innocent of those charges. Then in February of 2022, special prosecutor Brian Hermanson filed the spying and conspiracy charges. Here's Walker's attorney, Bret Burns-

 

              

 

 

Walker remained in office for more than a year after the embezzlement charges were filed before losing his re-election bid last year. Since then Burns said Walker has been driving trucks for a private company.

              

'Hero' Rescues Victims of Car Crashing into Ravine

A Caddo County man is being hailed as a hero after rescuing several people after their car crashed into a ravine and caught fire. Our partners at KWTV-News 9 reports that Cord Coffey sprang into action last Saturday when he was driving down the road near Binger. He was following a car that had to veer off the road to keep from hitting an on-coming vehicle. The car plunged down the ravine and overturned. Coffey called 9-1-1 then scrambled up-and-down the ravine four times as the car began to burn. Injured were Berdina Kodaseet, her 10-year old granddaughter Brooklyn 'Beans' Kodaseet and two unidentified men who were friends of Berdinas. Binger, Cogar, and Anadarko Fire Departments all responded to put out the fire and treat injuries which ranged from cuts to shoulder injuries but none were life-threatening. In a Facebook post, the Binger Fire Department commended Coffey for his 'selfless act of heroism.'

 

Grady County Residents Can Get Well Water Tested

Grady County residents who would like their well water tested to make sure it is safe can get that done next month. The Oklahoma Water Resources Center will be at the OSU Extension Office to offer help. Officials will be at the extension office on Tuesday, Nov. 7th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will also hold an informational meeting. Well water will be tested for nitrates, total dissolved solids, acidic levels, and bacteria and officials will help individuals understand and safeguard the quality of their drinking water. It's a free program and individuals can reach out to the extension office by calling 405-224-2216 to find out how to collect samples.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.74 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $88.07.

Natural gas is $2.97 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,981 and silver is $22.57.

 

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Tuesday, Oct. 24^th

 

OKC Group Searches for Missing Chickasha Man

Relatives of a missing Chickasha man are still searching for answers about where he might be. Richard Houston walked away from the Life Skills Institute nearly two months ago and still has not been heard from. This past Saturday, members of the Oklahoma City Metro Search and Rescue team volunteered to search the wooded area next to Wal-Mart to try to find any clues. Five individuals and two K9s spent about three hours searching but were unable to find anything. Houston has been missing since August 31st. The investigation is now being led by the OSBI. Anyone with information on Houston can e-mail the agency at: tips@osbi.ok.gov

 

Suspect Arrested After Alegedly Trying to Start Bar Fight

A Texas man is facing charges that include assaulting a police officer and a nurse after it’s alleged he tried to instigate a bar fight. 41-year old Brandon Michael Davis was arrested by Chickasha police late Saturday night. Police were summoned to the un-named bar to find Davis allegedly drunk and aggressive. He threatened officers and was arrested after a brief struggle. KSWO-TV reports that Davis was taken to a hospital where it is also alleged that he tried to spit on a nurse. Prosecutors have charged Davis with a felony for assault on a medical care provider and misdemeanors for assaulting an officer and public intoxication. He remains in the Grady County Jail after his bond was set at $100,000. He's to announce his attorney Nov. 3^rd and a preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled for Nov. 8th.

 

Civic Leader Raymond Rust Dies

Long-time Rush Springs civic leader Raymond Rust has died. Rust was 82-years old when he passed away while visiting family members in California recently. Rust was a banker, educator, businessman, and farmer. He was a long-time member of the Rush Springs Lions Club and helped with the watermelon festival and rodeo for many years. He also served for 40 years on the board of trustees for Grady Memorial Hospital and helped to open the Rush Springs Family Clinic. The clinic got started when Rust donated the property where the clinic is built. Rust is survived by his wife of more than 62 years, Merlene; daughter Renee and her husband Bert; daughter Tammy and her husband, Gary;  and son Raymond, III and his wife DawnElla and their families. A funeral service for Raymond Rust will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28^th at the Rush Springs High School Auditorium.

 

Animal Rescue Group Holds Fundraiser Today

A group that works to find forever homes for abandoned dogs and cats at the Chickasha Animal Shelter will have its annual fund-raiser today. The Chickasha Animal Rescue Transport Association (CARTA) works with national groups to help reduce the number of animals in the shelter and prevent them from being euthanized. Nancy Vaden volunteers at the shelter almost every other day.

 

              

 

 

CARTA is a non-profit group that also holds occasional low-cost spay and neuter clinics. Today’s fundraiser is a silent auction which will be held at Interurban from 5:30 to 8:30 tonight. There are numerous gift baskets donated by local merchants. Also, Interurban is also helping the animal shelter with Burger Day - where one dollar from each hamburger sold goes to the shelter for food, treats, blankets, and other items to help care for the animals.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.49 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $89.83.

Natural gas is $2.93 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,978 and silver is $23.04.

 

Obituaries

Wanda Rinn

A memorial service for Wanda Rinn, 92, of the Sands Springs area and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Jean Brittain

A graveside service for Jean Brittain, 82, of Shawnee, and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27th at Fairlawn Cemetery. She worked at Nowata Gardens. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Oct. 23rd

 

Two Fires Break Out Simultaneously on the Bailey Turnpike

High winds and dry conditions had Chickasha and Grady County firefighters battling grass fires for several hours yesterday. A couple of fires broke out just a couple of miles apart from each other along the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. One was next to the Chickasha Sports Complex which forced officials to close part of the turnpike for a couple of hours. Chickasha and Ninnekah Fire Departments battled that blaze. The other was northeast of Chickasha near the Love’s and McDonald's around mile marker 85. Chickasha, Amber, Friend, and Naples departments fought those flames for about three hours. It charred about 20 acres of grassland. No structure damage was reported in either fire. Grady County Fire Chief Rodney Gregory said it wasn’t clear how either of those fires started. The threat for wildfires will be possible again today with afternoon temperatures still warmer than normal with highs in the low-to-mid 80s and winds gusting to 25 miles per hour. It's been more than two weeks since the region has had any significant precipitation. That will change however, as rain will be moving into Oklahoma tonight with occasional showers and storms through Wednesday.

 

Grady County Historical Society Turns 50

2023 is a milestone year for the Grady County Historical Society and Museum. The groups are celebrating 50 years of preserving the past for the enjoyment of future generations. Pat Cunningham is the curator of the museum and has numerous stories about the thousands of photographs and artifacts on hand. Here's one about group of students who came in for a recent tour-

 

              

 

 

The historical society will have its golden anniversary gala on Monday, Nov. 6th at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Tickets are available at the museum. Get more information on the Grady County Historical Society Facebook page.

 

USAO Hosts Speakers on American Democracy

USAO will host a program to foster discussion about the nature and status of American democracy this week. The Ada Sipuel-Fisher Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing will host the program. It will examine themes of liberty, justice, and equality - and discuss how the U.S. transformed from a global leader in advancing civil liberties and political rights to a back-sliding democracy - and how that transformation is impacting the social contract between the government and its citizens. Arlie Hochschild and Reginald Betts will serve as keynote speakers. The program opens today and runs through Wednesday. Betts will also be the featured speaker at the Ableson Religious Reconciliation Lecture which will be held at 7 o'clock Wednesday night at the USAO Ballroom. The event is free and open to the public.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.75 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $92.16.

Natural gas is $2.90 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,988 and silver is $23.32.

 

Obituary

Mary Cunningham

Funeral service for Mary Cunningham, 85, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24th at the Ninnekah First Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and a long-time member of the Lucille-Bluebonnet OHCE.  Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Chix Attorney Serves on State Broadband Governing Panel

A lawyer from Chickasha is serving on a state board that is guiding the effort to get high-speed Internet service to rural Oklahoma. Amanda Mullins was unanimously elected vice chairman of the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board in the group's meeting this month. She was appointed to the post by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Mullins will work with Jim Meek who is the new chairman of the group. Meek is the treasurer and a director with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Mullins is a private practice attorney and is the attorney for the City of Chickasha. The website OK Energy Today quoted Mullins as saying ‘it’s an honor and a privilege to serve the board and the public during this exciting time of broadband expansion’. She said it will provide new access and opportunities that are vital to the state's future. The board is responsible for providing oversight of the state broadband office, hiring its executive director, and approving and overseeing the award of more than $1 billion in federal grants to Internet Service Providers which will develop the infrastructure needed to get reliable Internet service to under-served areas.

 

State Highway 19 Upgrades Expected to Start Next Year

Improvements along a stretch of the state highway between Chickasha and Lindsay are expected to begin after the first of the year. Jay Earp with the State Department of Transportation discusses the multi-million dollar project-

 

              

 

 

The contractor is Silver Star Construction Company of Moore and work is expected to begin in February. They'll be reducing some hills to make some additional passing lanes and there will be eight-foot shoulders on each side.

 

Talk Show Topics

Ray Walker, the director of the Medicare Assistance Program with the Oklahoma Insurance Department, is this week’s guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today, our guest is Pat Cunningham with the Grady County Historical Society and Museum. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Friday, Oct. 20th

 

Consumer Spending in Grady County is Down

Consumer spending at Grady County retail outlets fell to its lowest level in nearly two years. Based on sales tax revenues returned to the county from the Oklahoma Tax Commission, it's estimated that consumer spending was $71.2 million for July. It was off more than 26 percent from June and down about 28.5 percent from July of last year. It's the lowest level for consumer spending since October of 2021. Grady County received just over $536,000 in sales tax revenue last month - sales taxes that were paid on the purchase of taxable goods and services in July. Here's how the sales tax revenue is allocated:

The Grady County Fairgrounds received $178,000;

Grady Memorial Hospital received $158,000;

Each of the seven senior nutrition centers received $13,000;

Each of the 20 fire districts received about $4,500;

Tuttle EMS received $16,000, and;

Rush Springs EMS received about $4,100.

 

Police Officer, Wife Receive New Home Heat, Air System

A veteran police officer who gives back to his community will be rewarded for his work. David Woods, who has been with the Duncan Police Department for 25 years, was selected as the winner of DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning and Lennox 'Feel the Love' program. David and his wife were among a number of families submitted as nominees to receive a free heating and cooling system for their home. A couple of years ago, Woods began a non-profit band called 'Von Hawks Rising' and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for children impacted by trauma and illness. David's wife is a nurse who recently lost her job due to a facility closure. The air conditioning system in their home recently went out and it was beyond repair. DeHart crews will be installing the new system in the couple’s Lake Humphreys-area home today.

 

Chix Antique Auto Club Fall Swap Meet Continues

There are a lot of treasures to be found at the Chickasha Antique Auto Club's fall swap meet that's underway. Mark Youngblood is from east Texas and has been restoring cars for 40 years. He has a few parts for sale and also some porcelain signs that enthusiasts may be looking for –

 

              

 

 

Literally hundreds of vendors have items to sell and trade. The swap meet is held on the auto club's 35-acre site next to the Grady County Fairgrounds. There are also indoor vendors and an arts and crafts show in the north exhibit building of the fairgrounds. The swap meet runs through tomorrow. Admission is free and paid parking benefits local charities.

 

Bigfoot Story Telling Tonight

The Legend of Bigfoot has provided some interesting stories throughout the years. Tonight, there's a program in Anadarko to provide some insight. The Delaware Nation will hold a Bigfoot Story Telling event at Randlett Park. Guest speakers include Bryan Terrell, a Cryptid Field Investigator; and Lauren Smith of Nite Callers Bigfoot Radio. There will be arts and crafts, a costume contest, vendors, food trucks and there is even a Bigfoot calling contest. That's all from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight.

 

Kids, Kites, and Frights Tomorrow

Tomorrow in Anadarko, the largest kites in the world will be featured in the annual Kids, Kites, and Frights event. There are numerous activities from arts and crafts, inflatables, live music, vendors, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating, and a pumpkin pie eating contest.  Activities at the Anadarko Airport will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.37 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $92.38.

Natural gas is $2.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,995 and silver is $23.38.

 

Obituary

'Maggie' Griffith

Funeral service for Margaret 'Maggie' Smith, 68, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23rd at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked at C and R Print Shop, Walmart, and the USAO Bookstore. She also volunteered with Relay for Life and the Chickasha Animal Shelter.

 

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Thursday, Oct. 19th

 

Arrest Warrant Issued in Alleged Animal Cruelty Case

Grady County and state authorities are investigating a disturbing case of animal cruelty where several sheep were found dead and others kept in confined spaces. An arrest warrant was issued last week for 70-year old James Mclevaney of the Bradley area. KSWO-TV cites court records which indicate there were dead animals as well as more than two dozen sheep crowded into a space too small to hold that many animals. Grady County sheriff’s deputies and officials with the State Department of Agriculture are listed as investigating agencies. An employee of Mclevaney told officials that a water tank was not adequate for the number and type of sheep on the farm. Mclevaney is facing one felony charge of animal cruelty and nearly 30 misdemeanors for failure to keep animals in a suitable enclosure. Mclevaney reportedly told investigators that he wasn't legally required to contain the sheep nor dispose dead animals. Mclevaney faces up to five years in prison if convicted of the charges.

 

Silver Alert Issued for Missing Tuttle Woman

Authorities continue to ask Oklahomans to be looking a missing Tuttle woman. The Highway Patrol issued a Silver Alert for 74-year old Gail Loughridge. She was last seen at her home about 8:00 a.m. Tuesday. She drives a 2015 white four-door Kia Optima with Oklahoma tag No. JPD-671. She is Caucasian, 5'2'' tall, weighs 110 pounds, and has shoulder-length light brown hair. Officials say she experiences memory loss and has other signs of dementia. Anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1.

 

Chix Antique Auto Swap Meet Underway

Antique car and truck enthusiasts from across the country and around the world are converging on Chickasha over the next few days. The Chickasha Antique Auto Club's fall swap meet gets underway this morning. Yesterday was move-in day for many of the vendors who have parts, fully-restored vehicles, and transportation memorabilia for sale or trade. One of them is Bob Doucette and some of his friends from Pampa, Texas-

 

              

 

 

He also has a 1960 Chevy Impala muscle car, and older model Corvette, and antique tractors he's working on. There are hundreds of vendors at the swap meet which takes place on the auto club's 35-acre site just east of the Grady County Fairgrounds. There are also indoor vendors located inside the north exhibit building at the Fairgrounds. The swap meet runs through Saturday. Admission is free and paid parking benefits local charities.

 

New Events Added to Downtown Chix' Ne'ewollah Festival

Costumed characters from princesses and superheroes to ghouls and goblins will be invading dowtown Chickasha later this month for the annual Ne'ewollah Festival. The event is being expanded to include lots of carnival-type games, inflatables, obstacles courses, and pumpkin decorating. Also new will be a Civic Club chili cook-off. There will be a costume contest in front of the Washita Theatre and free hot dogs will be served. The event is hosted by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. Ne'ewollah will be Saturday, Oct. 28th from 4-7 p.m. in the 400 through 700 blocks of Chickasha Ave. See the chamber's Facebook page for information.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.32 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $91.50.

Natural gas is $3.06 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,962 and silver is $23.03.

 

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Wednesday, Oct. 18th

 

Fatal Rush Springs Shooting Still Under Investigation

In a KOOL-RANCH News follow-up from the past weekend, a fatal shooting that happened in Rush Springs is still under investigation. Grady County deputies were called to a home last Friday where a man had been shot to death and another man suffered stabbing injuries. The man who suffered the stabbing injuries is alleged to have fired the fatal shots at the other. The man who was stabbed was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. The case has been turned over to the district attorney’s office. District Attorney Jason Hicks tells KOOL-RANCH News that the investigation is on-going and he has not yet decided if formal charges will be filed or if the shooting will be considered as being in self-defense. Hicks said the man who died was shot three times - the stabbing victim suffered leg and arm injuries.

 

Two High School Football Coaches Face Charges

for Alleged Conduct Against Student-Athletes

Two longtime high school football coaches who are in the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame have been charged in connection with allegations that they harassed and bullied players. Ringling Coach Phil Koons was charged with a misdemeanor in Jefferson County District Court yesterday. Koons, whose coaching stops also include Tuttle, is accused of using 'profane, degrading, and derogatory language toward student athletes' between August of 2021 and Febuary of this year. The charge comes almost six months after the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation completed an inquiry into the allegations. If found guilty he faces up to a year in jail and a $500 fine. An attorney for some of the players who allege the mistreatment and who plans to sue the Ringling school district said the charge should disqualify Koons from coaching and teaching. Koons was initially suspended from coaching and from his high school principal duties but was later re-instated.

Kingfisher coach also charged

In a related story regarding alleged abuse from a coach, charges have been filed against long-time Kingfisher football coach Jeff Myers. Myers and three others have been charged with misdemeanors in connection with hazing allegations initially brought forth in February and March of 2022. A lawsuit filed in that case is awaiting a decision from the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

 

It Feels Like Summer, But Prepare for Winter

With afternoon high temperatures to be in the 80s over the next few days you may not be thinking about the cold weather Oklahoma is bound to have in the upcoming winter months. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson says now is the time to make plans for what to do should a winter snow or ice storm hit. Thompson said among the tasks to think of is to change out the food and water in your emergency storm supplies.

 

              

 

 

He said there is always a chance that power could be out for several days. Individuals who have portable generators should make sure they are operating correctly, and if you need to use them, keep them outdoors and away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide from getting into your home.

 

Painting Project to Benefit Chix School Foundation

If you're looking for some fall decor for your home or office, here's a way for you take part in a semi do-it-yourself project and help a non-profit group. The Chickasha Public School Foundation has teamed up with Carrie Chavers at the Chickasha Art Center to serve as a fund-raiser for the Foundation. You can paint your own Pumpkin Truck painting in the event this Thursday night. Chavers has drawn the outline of a pickup with pumpkins and fall decor in the bed of the truck and she'll show you how to paint it. The event will be this Thursday night, Oct. 19^th at the Stage downtown between Brandi's Bar and Grill and The Flower Shop Winery and Pizzeria. The event will be from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $40 and some of the proceeds will be donated to the Foundation. Register on-line at TheChickashaArtCenter.com or call or text Chavers at 405-574-6689. Pre-payment is required.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $89.90.

Natural gas is to $3.08 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,957 and silver is $23.41.

 

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Tuesday, Oct. 17th

 

Film Rep Hopes 'Twisters' Movie Work Will Resume Soon

The filming of the Twisters movie in Chickasha has been delayed for more than three months because of the Screen Actors Guild of America strike in Hollywood. John Cowan is the site director for the film and gave an update at last night's city council meeting. He's hoping the strike will end soon.

 

 

              

 

 

In the meantime several blocks of the movie set at 17th and Minnesota remain fenced off.

Council OKs 'Negotations' for Public Safety Building

The city council gave city officials the go ahead to spend up to $1 million for a public safety and municipal services building. Following a 10-minute closed-door session as the Chickasha Municipal Authority (CMA) arm of the city, the panel voted unanimously to give City Manager Keith Johnson - who doubles as the CMA trust manager - to negotiate a contract with an unnamed individual or business. Johnson would not disclose what the purpose of the building would be.

City to get new street sweeper

It's been a few years since the City of Chickasha has had a street sweeper. Last night the council approved spending nearly $330,000 on a new machine to be purchased from an Oklahoma City firm. The city manager said the previous unit was damaged in a fire and that the city received an insurance settlement of some $118,000 which will go toward to purchase of the new one. It wasn't clear when the machine will be delivered.

Airport hangar projects approved

The council also gave its approval to award two contracts totaling more than $2 million to build new hangars at the airport. Diversified Construction was awarded a nearly $1.1 million contract to build a T-hangar, and W. L. McNatt was awarded a nearly $960,000 contract to build a couple of box hangars.

Laundromat re-zoning approved

The panel approved a request for businessman Bassm Alzoubi to re-zone some residential property to commercial use at 16th and Park Avenue to build a laundromat, a process that has taken several months to complete. The approval came after a public hearing in which no one spoke for nor against the issue. The city's Planning Commission recommended that the re-zoning be approved.

Plat for new housing development passes

The group also approved the preliminary plat for a new housing development along West Country Club Road. The plat is for seven lots on 4 1/2 acres to build some duplexes. It's to be called Haven Pointe and the developer is a Yukon firm, Remington Properties.

Changes to Business District Grant Agreement ok'd

The council also approved some revisions to the city's Central Business District Building Grant Agreement and Guidelines.  The city manager said many of the changes are to bring clarity to the application process and the increase some reimbursement costs from $20 a square foot to $25 a square foot.

 

USDA Rep to Discuss Federal Grant Program

A representative from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be in Chickasha today to discuss how small businesses and agriculture operations can benefit from federal grants. Kenneth Corn is the state director for the USDA Rural Development Program and will be reviewing the Rural Energy for America Program. It's designed to assist operations in rural areas with energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy projects. Corn, who previously served as the city manager for Anadarko and as a state lawmaker will give his presentation at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $9 to $89.65.

Natural gas is $3.11 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,922 and silver is $22.88.

 

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Monday, Oct. 16th

 

Chix Airport Hangar Project May be Awarded

A contract to build some new hangars at the Chickasha Municipal Airport is among the items to be considered by the Chickasha City Council when the panel meets tonight. Officials are recommending a nearly $1 million contract to W.L. McNatt Company to build two box hangars subject to the city receiving a grant. The council will also consider buying a nearly $320,000 air street sweeper from J and R Equipment out of Oklahoma City.

Proposed Laudromat, New Housing Addition to be Considered

The group will hold a public hearing to consider a request from businessman Bassm Alzoubi to re-zone some property at 16th and Park Ave. from residential to commercial use to build a laundromat. Also to be reviewed is a preliminary plat for the Haven Pointe housing development on West Country Club Road. The applicant is Remington Properties from Yukon and is for 4 1/2 acres where 14 duplex units may be built. The council will also go behind closed doors to discuss the purchase or appraisal of real estate although there's no explanation of what that might be. Mayor Chris Mosley will sign proclamations for Code Enforcement Month in October and First Responder Appreciation Day Oct. 28th. The city council meets tonight at 6:30 at city hall.

 

Motorcyclist Hospitalized After Hitting Cable Barrier

A motorcycle rider was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after crashing her bike near Ninnekah last night. The highway patrol reports that 50-year old Laura Robinson of Duncan was northbound on U.S. Highway 81 when - for an unknown reason - she veered into the median and struck a cable barrier. She suffered head, neck, and limb injuries and was last in good condition. The accident happened just after six o'clock last night about two miles south of Ninnekah. Robinson was wearing a helmet.

 

Suspect Arrested for Trespassing on CHS Football Complex

A man who was asked to leave a Chickasha High School football game was later arrested and charged for trespassing. 29-year old Keith Wayne Dalton of Chickasha was asked to leave the football game on Friday, Oct. 6th. A probable cause affidavit from the Grady County Sheriff’s Office indicates that authorities were called out to Memorial Stadium on Monday, Oct. 9^th to question a man who was in the bleachers watching some female athletes who were running and jogging. The man was told he could not be there due to safety concerns. The school resource officer who was also there identified the man has being the individual who was asked to leave the game the previous Friday. Dalton was arrested on a complaint of trespassing on school property after being forbidden. Prosecutors have charged him with a misdemeanor for interfering with school activities and his bond was set at $2,500. He's to announce his attorney this Wednesday and the case was placed on the Grady County Court misdemeanor disposition docket for this Friday.

 

Grady County Ag Producers Meet Tuesday Morning

Grady County agriculture producers will get the opportunity to hear from a rangeland ecology specialist from OSU extension. Dr. Laura Goodman will be discussing stocking rates and range management tomorrow morning at the Grady County OSU Extension Office. It is scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.69 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.89.

Natural gas is $3.24 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,929 and silver is $22.75.

 

Saturday, Oct. 21st

 

Chix Attorney Serves on State Broadband Governing Panel

A lawyer from Chickasha is serving on a state board that is guiding the effort to get high-speed Internet service to rural Oklahoma. Amanda Mullins was unanimously elected vice chairman of the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board in the group's meeting this month. She was appointed to the post by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Mullins will work with Jim Meek who is the new chairman of the group. Meek is the treasurer and a director with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Mullins is a private practice attorney and is the attorney for the City of Chickasha. The website OK Energy Today quoted Mullins as saying ‘it’s an honor and a privilege to serve the board and the public during this exciting time of broadband expansion’. She said it will provide new access and opportunities that are vital to the state's future. The board is responsible for providing oversight of the state broadband office, hiring its executive director, and approving and overseeing the award of more than $1 billion in federal grants to Internet Service Providers which will develop the infrastructure needed to get reliable Internet service to under-served areas.

 

State Highway 19 Upgrades Expected to Start Next Year

Improvements along a stretch of the state highway between Chickasha and Lindsay are expected to begin after the first of the year. Jay Earp with the State Department of Transportation discusses the multi-million dollar project-

 

              

 

 

The contractor is Silver Star Construction Company of Moore and work is expected to begin in February. They'll be reducing some hills to make some additional passing lanes and there will be eight-foot shoulders on each side.

 

Talk Show Topics

Ray Walker, the director of the Medicare Assistance Program with the Oklahoma Insurance Department, is this week’s guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today, our guest is Pat Cunningham with the Grady County Historical Society and Museum. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Friday, Oct. 20th

 

Consumer Spending in Grady County is Down

Consumer spending at Grady County retail outlets fell to its lowest level in nearly two years. Based on sales tax revenues returned to the county from the Oklahoma Tax Commission, it's estimated that consumer spending was $71.2 million for July. It was off more than 26 percent from June and down about 28.5 percent from July of last year. It's the lowest level for consumer spending since October of 2021. Grady County received just over $536,000 in sales tax revenue last month - sales taxes that were paid on the purchase of taxable goods and services in July. Here's how the sales tax revenue is allocated:

The Grady County Fairgrounds received $178,000;

Grady Memorial Hospital received $158,000;

Each of the seven senior nutrition centers received $13,000;

Each of the 20 fire districts received about $4,500;

Tuttle EMS received $16,000, and;

Rush Springs EMS received about $4,100.

 

Police Officer, Wife Receive New Home Heat, Air System

A veteran police officer who gives back to his community will be rewarded for his work. David Woods, who has been with the Duncan Police Department for 25 years, was selected as the winner of DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning and Lennox 'Feel the Love' program. David and his wife were among a number of families submitted as nominees to receive a free heating and cooling system for their home. A couple of years ago, Woods began a non-profit band called 'Von Hawks Rising' and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for children impacted by trauma and illness. David's wife is a nurse who recently lost her job due to a facility closure. The air conditioning system in their home recently went out and it was beyond repair. DeHart crews will be installing the new system in the couple’s Lake Humphreys-area home today.

 

Chix Antique Auto Club Fall Swap Meet Continues

There are a lot of treasures to be found at the Chickasha Antique Auto Club's fall swap meet that's underway. Mark Youngblood is from east Texas and has been restoring cars for 40 years. He has a few parts for sale and also some porcelain signs that enthusiasts may be looking for –

 

              

 

 

Literally hundreds of vendors have items to sell and trade. The swap meet is held on the auto club's 35-acre site next to the Grady County Fairgrounds. There are also indoor vendors and an arts and crafts show in the north exhibit building of the fairgrounds. The swap meet runs through tomorrow. Admission is free and paid parking benefits local charities.

 

Bigfoot Story Telling Tonight

The Legend of Bigfoot has provided some interesting stories throughout the years. Tonight, there's a program in Anadarko to provide some insight. The Delaware Nation will hold a Bigfoot Story Telling event at Randlett Park. Guest speakers include Bryan Terrell, a Cryptid Field Investigator; and Lauren Smith of Nite Callers Bigfoot Radio. There will be arts and crafts, a costume contest, vendors, food trucks and there is even a Bigfoot calling contest. That's all from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight.

 

Kids, Kites, and Frights Tomorrow

Tomorrow in Anadarko, the largest kites in the world will be featured in the annual Kids, Kites, and Frights event. There are numerous activities from arts and crafts, inflatables, live music, vendors, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating, and a pumpkin pie eating contest.  Activities at the Anadarko Airport will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.37 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $92.38.

Natural gas is $2.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,995 and silver is $23.38.

 

Obituary

'Maggie' Griffith

Funeral service for Margaret 'Maggie' Smith, 68, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23rd at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked at C and R Print Shop, Walmart, and the USAO Bookstore. She also volunteered with Relay for Life and the Chickasha Animal Shelter.

 

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Thursday, Oct. 19th

 

Arrest Warrant Issued in Alleged Animal Cruelty Case

Grady County and state authorities are investigating a disturbing case of animal cruelty where several sheep were found dead and others kept in confined spaces. An arrest warrant was issued last week for 70-year old James Mclevaney of the Bradley area. KSWO-TV cites court records which indicate there were dead animals as well as more than two dozen sheep crowded into a space too small to hold that many animals. Grady County sheriff’s deputies and officials with the State Department of Agriculture are listed as investigating agencies. An employee of Mclevaney told officials that a water tank was not adequate for the number and type of sheep on the farm. Mclevaney is facing one felony charge of animal cruelty and nearly 30 misdemeanors for failure to keep animals in a suitable enclosure. Mclevaney reportedly told investigators that he wasn't legally required to contain the sheep nor dispose dead animals. Mclevaney faces up to five years in prison if convicted of the charges.

 

Silver Alert Issued for Missing Tuttle Woman

Authorities continue to ask Oklahomans to be looking a missing Tuttle woman. The Highway Patrol issued a Silver Alert for 74-year old Gail Loughridge. She was last seen at her home about 8:00 a.m. Tuesday. She drives a 2015 white four-door Kia Optima with Oklahoma tag No. JPD-671. She is Caucasian, 5'2'' tall, weighs 110 pounds, and has shoulder-length light brown hair. Officials say she experiences memory loss and has other signs of dementia. Anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1.

 

Chix Antique Auto Swap Meet Underway

Antique car and truck enthusiasts from across the country and around the world are converging on Chickasha over the next few days. The Chickasha Antique Auto Club's fall swap meet gets underway this morning. Yesterday was move-in day for many of the vendors who have parts, fully-restored vehicles, and transportation memorabilia for sale or trade. One of them is Bob Doucette and some of his friends from Pampa, Texas-

 

              

 

 

He also has a 1960 Chevy Impala muscle car, and older model Corvette, and antique tractors he's working on. There are hundreds of vendors at the swap meet which takes place on the auto club's 35-acre site just east of the Grady County Fairgrounds. There are also indoor vendors located inside the north exhibit building at the Fairgrounds. The swap meet runs through Saturday. Admission is free and paid parking benefits local charities.

 

New Events Added to Downtown Chix' Ne'ewollah Festival

Costumed characters from princesses and superheroes to ghouls and goblins will be invading dowtown Chickasha later this month for the annual Ne'ewollah Festival. The event is being expanded to include lots of carnival-type games, inflatables, obstacles courses, and pumpkin decorating. Also new will be a Civic Club chili cook-off. There will be a costume contest in front of the Washita Theatre and free hot dogs will be served. The event is hosted by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. Ne'ewollah will be Saturday, Oct. 28th from 4-7 p.m. in the 400 through 700 blocks of Chickasha Ave. See the chamber's Facebook page for information.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.32 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $91.50.

Natural gas is $3.06 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,962 and silver is $23.03.

 

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Wednesday, Oct. 18th

 

Fatal Rush Springs Shooting Still Under Investigation

In a KOOL-RANCH News follow-up from the past weekend, a fatal shooting that happened in Rush Springs is still under investigation. Grady County deputies were called to a home last Friday where a man had been shot to death and another man suffered stabbing injuries. The man who suffered the stabbing injuries is alleged to have fired the fatal shots at the other. The man who was stabbed was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. The case has been turned over to the district attorney’s office. District Attorney Jason Hicks tells KOOL-RANCH News that the investigation is on-going and he has not yet decided if formal charges will be filed or if the shooting will be considered as being in self-defense. Hicks said the man who died was shot three times - the stabbing victim suffered leg and arm injuries.

 

Two High School Football Coaches Face Charges

for Alleged Conduct Against Student-Athletes

Two longtime high school football coaches who are in the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame have been charged in connection with allegations that they harassed and bullied players. Ringling Coach Phil Koons was charged with a misdemeanor in Jefferson County District Court yesterday. Koons, whose coaching stops also include Tuttle, is accused of using 'profane, degrading, and derogatory language toward student athletes' between August of 2021 and Febuary of this year. The charge comes almost six months after the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation completed an inquiry into the allegations. If found guilty he faces up to a year in jail and a $500 fine. An attorney for some of the players who allege the mistreatment and who plans to sue the Ringling school district said the charge should disqualify Koons from coaching and teaching. Koons was initially suspended from coaching and from his high school principal duties but was later re-instated.

Kingfisher coach also charged

In a related story regarding alleged abuse from a coach, charges have been filed against long-time Kingfisher football coach Jeff Myers. Myers and three others have been charged with misdemeanors in connection with hazing allegations initially brought forth in February and March of 2022. A lawsuit filed in that case is awaiting a decision from the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

 

It Feels Like Summer, But Prepare for Winter

With afternoon high temperatures to be in the 80s over the next few days you may not be thinking about the cold weather Oklahoma is bound to have in the upcoming winter months. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson says now is the time to make plans for what to do should a winter snow or ice storm hit. Thompson said among the tasks to think of is to change out the food and water in your emergency storm supplies.

 

              

 

 

He said there is always a chance that power could be out for several days. Individuals who have portable generators should make sure they are operating correctly, and if you need to use them, keep them outdoors and away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide from getting into your home.

 

Painting Project to Benefit Chix School Foundation

If you're looking for some fall decor for your home or office, here's a way for you take part in a semi do-it-yourself project and help a non-profit group. The Chickasha Public School Foundation has teamed up with Carrie Chavers at the Chickasha Art Center to serve as a fund-raiser for the Foundation. You can paint your own Pumpkin Truck painting in the event this Thursday night. Chavers has drawn the outline of a pickup with pumpkins and fall decor in the bed of the truck and she'll show you how to paint it. The event will be this Thursday night, Oct. 19^th at the Stage downtown between Brandi's Bar and Grill and The Flower Shop Winery and Pizzeria. The event will be from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $40 and some of the proceeds will be donated to the Foundation. Register on-line at TheChickashaArtCenter.com or call or text Chavers at 405-574-6689. Pre-payment is required.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $89.90.

Natural gas is to $3.08 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,957 and silver is $23.41.

 

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Tuesday, Oct. 17th

 

Film Rep Hopes 'Twisters' Movie Work Will Resume Soon

The filming of the Twisters movie in Chickasha has been delayed for more than three months because of the Screen Actors Guild of America strike in Hollywood. John Cowan is the site director for the film and gave an update at last night's city council meeting. He's hoping the strike will end soon.

 

 

              

 

 

In the meantime several blocks of the movie set at 17th and Minnesota remain fenced off.

Council OKs 'Negotations' for Public Safety Building

The city council gave city officials the go ahead to spend up to $1 million for a public safety and municipal services building. Following a 10-minute closed-door session as the Chickasha Municipal Authority (CMA) arm of the city, the panel voted unanimously to give City Manager Keith Johnson - who doubles as the CMA trust manager - to negotiate a contract with an unnamed individual or business. Johnson would not disclose what the purpose of the building would be.

City to get new street sweeper

It's been a few years since the City of Chickasha has had a street sweeper. Last night the council approved spending nearly $330,000 on a new machine to be purchased from an Oklahoma City firm. The city manager said the previous unit was damaged in a fire and that the city received an insurance settlement of some $118,000 which will go toward to purchase of the new one. It wasn't clear when the machine will be delivered.

Airport hangar projects approved

The council also gave its approval to award two contracts totaling more than $2 million to build new hangars at the airport. Diversified Construction was awarded a nearly $1.1 million contract to build a T-hangar, and W. L. McNatt was awarded a nearly $960,000 contract to build a couple of box hangars.

Laundromat re-zoning approved

The panel approved a request for businessman Bassm Alzoubi to re-zone some residential property to commercial use at 16th and Park Avenue to build a laundromat, a process that has taken several months to complete. The approval came after a public hearing in which no one spoke for nor against the issue. The city's Planning Commission recommended that the re-zoning be approved.

Plat for new housing development passes

The group also approved the preliminary plat for a new housing development along West Country Club Road. The plat is for seven lots on 4 1/2 acres to build some duplexes. It's to be called Haven Pointe and the developer is a Yukon firm, Remington Properties.

Changes to Business District Grant Agreement ok'd

The council also approved some revisions to the city's Central Business District Building Grant Agreement and Guidelines.  The city manager said many of the changes are to bring clarity to the application process and the increase some reimbursement costs from $20 a square foot to $25 a square foot.

 

USDA Rep to Discuss Federal Grant Program

A representative from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be in Chickasha today to discuss how small businesses and agriculture operations can benefit from federal grants. Kenneth Corn is the state director for the USDA Rural Development Program and will be reviewing the Rural Energy for America Program. It's designed to assist operations in rural areas with energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy projects. Corn, who previously served as the city manager for Anadarko and as a state lawmaker will give his presentation at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $9 to $89.65.

Natural gas is $3.11 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,922 and silver is $22.88.

 

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Monday, Oct. 16th

 

Chix Airport Hangar Project May be Awarded

A contract to build some new hangars at the Chickasha Municipal Airport is among the items to be considered by the Chickasha City Council when the panel meets tonight. Officials are recommending a nearly $1 million contract to W.L. McNatt Company to build two box hangars subject to the city receiving a grant. The council will also consider buying a nearly $320,000 air street sweeper from J and R Equipment out of Oklahoma City.

Proposed Laudromat, New Housing Addition to be Considered

The group will hold a public hearing to consider a request from businessman Bassm Alzoubi to re-zone some property at 16th and Park Ave. from residential to commercial use to build a laundromat. Also to be reviewed is a preliminary plat for the Haven Pointe housing development on West Country Club Road. The applicant is Remington Properties from Yukon and is for 4 1/2 acres where 14 duplex units may be built. The council will also go behind closed doors to discuss the purchase or appraisal of real estate although there's no explanation of what that might be. Mayor Chris Mosley will sign proclamations for Code Enforcement Month in October and First Responder Appreciation Day Oct. 28th. The city council meets tonight at 6:30 at city hall.

 

Motorcyclist Hospitalized After Hitting Cable Barrier

A motorcycle rider was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after crashing her bike near Ninnekah last night. The highway patrol reports that 50-year old Laura Robinson of Duncan was northbound on U.S. Highway 81 when - for an unknown reason - she veered into the median and struck a cable barrier. She suffered head, neck, and limb injuries and was last in good condition. The accident happened just after six o'clock last night about two miles south of Ninnekah. Robinson was wearing a helmet.

 

Suspect Arrested for Trespassing on CHS Football Complex

A man who was asked to leave a Chickasha High School football game was later arrested and charged for trespassing. 29-year old Keith Wayne Dalton of Chickasha was asked to leave the football game on Friday, Oct. 6th. A probable cause affidavit from the Grady County Sheriff’s Office indicates that authorities were called out to Memorial Stadium on Monday, Oct. 9^th to question a man who was in the bleachers watching some female athletes who were running and jogging. The man was told he could not be there due to safety concerns. The school resource officer who was also there identified the man has being the individual who was asked to leave the game the previous Friday. Dalton was arrested on a complaint of trespassing on school property after being forbidden. Prosecutors have charged him with a misdemeanor for interfering with school activities and his bond was set at $2,500. He's to announce his attorney this Wednesday and the case was placed on the Grady County Court misdemeanor disposition docket for this Friday.

 

Grady County Ag Producers Meet Tuesday Morning

Grady County agriculture producers will get the opportunity to hear from a rangeland ecology specialist from OSU extension. Dr. Laura Goodman will be discussing stocking rates and range management tomorrow morning at the Grady County OSU Extension Office. It is scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.69 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.89.

Natural gas is $3.24 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,929 and silver is $22.75.

Saturday, Oct. 14th

 

One Dead, One Taken to Hospital after Domestic Shooting

One man is dead and another was taken to a hospital following an argument that escalated into violence. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess said his office received a phone call about shots being fired at a Rush Springs area home about 4:30 p.m. Friday. KSWO-TV reports that Boggess said one man stabbed another and the stabbing victim shot and killed his attacker. The stabbing victim was taken to a hospital to be treated for a leg injury. Boggess said no arrest was made and that the case has been turned over to the district attorney's office to determine if the shooting was in self-defense.

 

Theft Suspect Recently Freed After Guilty Plea to Previous Charges

A man with an obscenity tattooed on his forehead has been arrested for allegedly stealing oilfield equipment. This was just weeks after he was released from jail after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and other charges. 43-year old Harley Justin Adams of Apache who has 'F*** IT" was arrested by Grady County deputies early Thursday morning. Details of his arrest weren't available but on-line court records indicate he was formally charged with a felony for larceny of oilfield equipment and a misdemeanor for eluding. His bond was set at $50,000.  Adams recently pleaded guilty to couple of charges out of Caddo County including felony possession of stolen vehicle in connection with an arrest in Apache last December. He was then arrested by Caddo County authorities in May and in July he pleaded guilty to felonies of drug trafficking, having a stolen vehicle, having a firearm while committing a felony, and obstruction. Adams was sentenced to five years with all but 67 days suspended and then released.

 

Expectant Mother Accused of Smoking Meth Charged with Neglect

A pregnant woman is facing a child neglect charge for allegedly smoking meth and harming her unborn child. 25-year old Crista Lynn Hays of Chickasha was arrested by the District Six Task Force this week. A probable cause affidavit indicates that an agent reviewed a video call Hays had with her fiancee who is in the Grady County Jail. A comment was made about Hays smoking and what it could do the fetus. Agents later talked to Hays who said she is in her 31st week of pregnancy with the baby due in December, and that she admitted smoking meth about 10 times during the pregnancy. Hays told the agent that a recent exam showed she was not positive for meth. Hays bond was set at $25,000 and she is to be back in court Nov. 8th.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson is our KOOL Konversation program. On Real Estate Today, our guest is Jay Earp with the State Department of Transportation. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Friday, Oct. 13th

 

Chix Mayor Discusses City's Recent Growth

Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley says the city has a lot going for it with the all the growth that has taken place in the last few years. In his State-of-the-City address yesterday Mosley reflected on development that has happened in just the last couple of years in both the commercial and residential sectors.

 

              

 

 

He said the city has set records for sales tax revenues in two of the last three months and estimated that it could reach a record $15 million this year. He said consumer spending at retail outlets from July through September was about $135 million. The mayor said the reason is that more than just Chickasha residents are spending money in the city on a regular basis.

 

              

 

 

He also said the number of people visiting Chickasha this year could reach 4 million individuals who are coming to town for events like the Festival of Light, the Leg Lamp, and the Oklahoma Food Truck championship.

Mayor supports TIF proposal

The Mayor did briefly mention the proposal to create a new Tax Increment Finance District which the city council will be considering in the near future. He supports the move, saying it would help to fund water, sewer, and street projects. He said the city does face challenges and there is a lot of work to do but when all is said and done - the harvest will be bountiful.

 

Ex-Con Back in Jail for Alleged Axe Handle Assault

A Chickasha man with a lengthy criminal record is back in jail for allegedly using an axe handle to attack another man. 60-year old Andon Lamont Johnson - also known as Shoopy - was arrested by Chickasha police earlier this week. Prosecutors have formally charged Johnson with a felony for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and his bond was set at $200,000. On-line court records show Johnson spent 17 years behind bars after pleading guilty to assault charges stemming from a 2004 arrest.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson will be on our KOOL Konversation program discussing winter weather preparedness. On Real Estate Today, our guest is Jay Earp with the State Department of Transportation. He'll be discussing many of the local road and bridge repair projects currently underway, the updated eight-year plan for the region and the state, and the latest on the U.S. Highway 81 bypass of Chickasha.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.91 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.00.

Natural gas is $3.34 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,900 and silver is $22.26.

 

Obituary

Valt Harris

A graveside service for Valt Harris, 73, of Ninnekah will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a concrete finisher, and ran an RV park.  Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Thursday, Oct. 12th

                                                                        

Chix Mayor to Give State-of-the-City Address

Plans to build a new water treatment plant and an update on the U.S. Highway 81 bypass project are a couple of topics that could be addressed by Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley in his annual State-of-the-City address today. The mayor is expected to discuss a wide range of issues during his presentation at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The annual address is hosted by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce.

 

Second Person Dies after Cyril Crash

A second person has died as a result of a traffic accident that occurred during a thunderstorm in Cyril last week. 72-year old Cris Naputi of Lawton recently passed away from injuries he sustained in the crash. 67-year old Brenda Naputi also of Lawton died in the crash. It happened on U.S. Highway 277 east of Cyril last Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 4th.

 

Former Governors in Chix to Commemorate

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Work

A couple of former Oklahoma governors will be in Chickasha tonight. Govs. Frank Keating and Brad Henry will be promoting the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and celebrating its 77 years of work. It’s the 77 for 77 Campaign as the foundation is holding events in each of Oklahoma's 77 counties. The district chair for this region is Dr. Bruce Storms. The program will be held at Brandi’s Bar and Grill from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight.

 

Site Teachers Honored at Chix Public Schools

Chickasha Public Schools are recognizing some teachers for their work. Each fall the district honors one teacher at each school as the Site Teacher of the Year. This year they are - high school teacher Bethany Goble; middle school teacher Greg Gibson; Lincoln Elementary teacher Mike Elliott; Grand Elementary teacher Megan Crowder; and Bill Wallace teacher Mary Curtis. The announcement was posted on the Chickasha Public Schools Facebook page and website. All are now candidates for the district teacher of the year award which will be announced at the Chickasha Public School Foundation Gala next spring.

 

Solar Eclipse Watch Parties in Chix, Anadarko

Many Oklahomans are anticipating the solar eclipse that will take place on Saturday. It won't be a total eclipse but much of central Oklahoma could see about 80 percent of the event as the moon blocks much of the sun's rays from reaching Earth. 

Chickasha

The watch will be held at the Leg Lamp and families are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs. About 100 solar glasses and hand-held viewers will be available for sale with proceeds going to the Chickasha Community Foundation.

Anadarko

The Anadarko Community Library will host a program at the Randlett Park basketball courts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. which will include some inter-active science and art activities. The library will have a limited supply of eclipse glasses. The eclipse will begin about 10:20 a.m. with the peak about 11:48 a.m. and ending about 1:23 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.49 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.82.

Natural gas is $3.38 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,894 and silver is $22.35.

 

Obituary

Lonnie ‘Babe’ Layman

Funeral service for Lonnie ‘Babe’ Layman, 74, of Chickasha will be at held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, October 16^th at Bible Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran, owned and operated his own welding company, and also taught welding at the Canadian Valley Technology Center. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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Wednesday, Oct. 11th

 

Results from Tuesday's School Bond Elections

Voters in the Ninnekah Public School District gave their overwhelmingly approval to a couple of school bond issues in yesterday’s special elections while voters in the Blanchard Public School District passed  just one of two bond issues.

Ninnekah

More than three out of every four voters supported a $19.6 million plan to build a new gymnasium, and to make improvements to the high school and the district’s ag barn. The unofficial vote was 175 to 53 (76 percent). A second $400,000 bond to purchase school buses and other vehicles passed by a similar margin, 174 to 57 (75 percent).

Blanchard

School district voters narrowly defeated a $69 million bond that would have funded numerous projects. The plan fell 42 votes shy of the 60 percent super-majority needed for passage (870 to 650 or 57 percent). Among the projects it would have funded were new classrooms for the high school, a gymnasium that was to double as a storm shelter, and a new fieldhouse for football and a new soccer program. Voters did pass a $1.5 million transportation bond 993 to 534 (65 percent).

 

Second Expansion for Grady County Jail Underway

The Grady County Jail will be expanding again. A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday for the project that will adding space to the jail annex. Here’s Jail Administrator Jim Gerlach-

 

              

 

 

The expansion will add about 10 cells with room for an additional 40 inmates and has an estimated cost of $4.2 million. It will increase the total capacity of the main jail and the annex to a combined 800 inmates. It’s already the third largest jail in Oklahoma. Officials say taxpayer funds will not be used to pay for the project. Funding will come from the Grady County Criminal Justice Authority which oversees the jail operations. The panel recently approved a budget of just over $14 million for the fiscal year. Gerlach said they have paid the $18 million debt on the original jail down to about $5 million.

 

Awareness Walk Fundraiser set for Local ALS Group

There is a concerted effort to create a local support group for those who have lost loved ones to Lou Gehrig's disease. The actual name of the affliction is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It's a progressive disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord but does not affect the brain itself. Kenny Howell and Dwight Sehon both lost their wives to ALS and there have been several other Chickasha residents who have died or are currently battling ALS. Howell and Sehon are among those spearheading a walk to help raise awareness about Lou Gehrig's disease and raise money to help local families who are affected by it. It's called ALS: Walk for the Cure. It will be held on Sunday Nov. 12th which will be the second anniversary of the death of Kenny's wife, Marla. There will be a one mile, two mile, and three mile walk. Information can be found on the group’s Facebook page ALS: Walk for the Cure. T-shirts are available for $25 each.

 

'Fright Night' Set on Perfect Date for the Event

Several groups are combining efforts to hold Chickasha's first-ever Fright Night. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and the Chickasha Community Theatre are co-sponsoring the event on an appropriate night - this Friday, the 13th. The main event will be an adult-oriented costume parade led by a horse-drawn hearse that will begin at the Shakespeare Wine Company and end at the Leg Lamp. There is a pumpkin carving contest, pumping decorating, and costume parties. There will be ghost stories after the parade. Activities start about 6 p.m. with the parade at 7:30 p.m. Organizers suggest that parade attendees be 18 and older. The ghost stories will be at 9 p.m. at the community theatre.

 

Caddo County Traffic Advisory

Traffic on State Highway 9 between Ft. Cobb and the Apache Y will be intermittently narrowed to one lane for the next few weeks. Officials with the state department of transportation say it’s part of an on-going project. A pilot vehicle will be leading traffic through the work zone for the duration of the project which is expected to run through the end of October.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.97 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.65.

Natural gas is $3.38 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,883 and silver is $22.24.

 

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Tuesday, Oct. 10th

 

Voters Deciding Bond Issues

for Ninnekah, Blanchard School Districts

Voters in the Ninnekah and Blanchard school districts will decide special bond issues today. In Ninnekah, voters will decide two issues totaling nearly $20 million. The first proposal is for $19.6 million to build a new gymnasium, and renovate, repair, and remodel the ag barn. The second proposal is a $400,000 transportation bond to purchase school buses and other vehicles. Officials say there would be no property tax increase should the measures pass.

Blanchard School District Also with Two Bond Issues

The first proposition for Blanchard Public School District voters is a $69 million bond issue to build new classrooms at the high school, an auxiliary gym at the high school that would serve as a storm shelter; purchase property for a future school site; build a new fieldhouse for football and a new soccer program; and move the baseball and softball fields to the high school campus. A second bond issue is a $1.5 million transportation bond. Blanchard school officials also say there would be no property tax increase if the measures are approved. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.

 

TIF District for Chix on Special Work Session Agenda Tonight

Should another Tax Increment Finance District be created for the City of Chickasha? It will be discussed in a special work session of the city council tonight. A proposal was brought before the council last month where officials said they wanted to consider forming two TIF districts although no locations were announced. City Manager Keith Johnson said the talks are in the very early stages-

 

              

 

 

Tonight's work session is open to the public. It will get underway at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Transportation Commisson Updates Eight-Year Work Plan

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved a new eight-year plan for highway improvements for the state. Jay Earp is the engineer for District Seven of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) which serves Grady, Caddo, Comanche, and Stephens counties He talks about the overall plan for the state and what is planned for south central Oklahoma.

 

              

 

 

Earp said the plan calls for road construction on the U.S. Highway 81 west bypass of Chickasha to begin in 2028. The plans can be seen on the state department of transpotration's website: oklahoma.gov/odot              

 

Verden Casino Closing

The Kiowa Casino in Verden will be closing at the end of the month. Officials with the Kiowa Tribe and the Kiowa Casino Operations Authority say the casino will be closing its doors on Tuesday, Oct. 31st. The casino opened in 2010 and provided more than 13 years of service to the area. Officials say the decision was not made lightly, and they extend their deepest gratitude to their guests, team members, and the Verden community for their unwavering support. The casino will be reducing their hours of operation over the next few weeks. As of this week, they will be closed Monday and Tuesday, and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.38 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $88.15.

Natural gas is $3.38 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,871 and silver is $21.92.

 

Obituaries

Patricia Skitt

Funeral service for Patricia Skitt, 62, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12^th at Sevier Funeral Home. She worked at Delta Faucet and Wal-Mart.

Connie Dabney

A family graveside service for Connie Dabney, 87, of Edmond and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16th at Fairlawn Cemetery. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and many local organizations. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Oct. 9th

 

SWAT Team Arrests Man After Standoff

There were some tense moments for Chickasha police and the Grady County Sheriff's Office over the weekend. Saturday afternoon, a man barricaded himself inside an apartment at the Carriage Plaza Apartments at 1920 S. 22^nd Street and fired shots at police. Chickasha police records indicate officers were called to the complex about 4:25 p.m. for an undisclosed reason. Information posted on the Grady County Sheriff's Office Facebook page indicates that police summoned the sheriff's office SWAT team for help. Several apartments were evacuated and the SWAT team tried to get the man to surrender peacefully but he refused to do so. The SWAT team then launched tear gas into the apartment and the man still refused to surrender. The team then made the decision to force its way into the apartment and was able to take the man into custody. No one was injured during the ordeal. Arrested was 33-year old Travis Rose who was handed over to the police department. Rose is being held in the Grady County Jail on complaints of discharging a firearm, threatening acts of violence, and resisting arrest. 

 

Former Sheriff Jim Weir Inducted into Sheriff's Hall of Fame

Former Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir has been inducted to the Oklahoma Sheriff's Association Hall of Fame. Weir spent more than 15 years with the sheriff's office. He was first hired as a deputy in 2006 after retiring from the Oklahoma City police department following 25 years of distinguished service. In 2007 he was named deputy of the year then was promoted to undersheriff in 2008. He was elected sheriff in the fall of 2012 and retired earlier this year after serving a decade as sheriff.

 

Chickasha Truck Driver Uninjured After I-35 Crash

A Chickasha truck driver was not injured in a recent crash where his big rig was rear-ended in a Garvin County accident. 59-year old Tracy Johnson was southbound on I-35 when an SUV was merging onto the interstate. The highway patrol reports that the SUV driver attempted to pass a third vehicle and ran into back of Johnson's Freightliner. The SUV driver from Wynnewood was flown by a medical helicopter to an Oklahoma City hospital with head injuries where he was admitted in stable condition. The accident happened at mile marker 74 on I-35 about 12:30 p.m. last Wednesday.

 

Local Bank Offers 'Live Teller' ATMs

ATM machines are quite handy when you need some quick cash but you don't get to have a conversation with a friendly teller when you make your transaction. Arvest Bank will change that in Chickasha this week. They are opening a new ATM which will allow customers to have face-to-face communications with Arvest tellers via a video screen. The ATM is at 413 West Country Club Road where associates will be on hand from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday of this week to show how it works. The ATM live tellers will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular ATM services will still be available 24 hours a day. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon for the new ATM at 11 o'clock tomorrow morning.

 

Chix Community Blood Drive Today

KOOL and RANCH Radio stations along with the YMCA are co-hosting another community blood drive today with the Oklahoma Blood Institute. The OBI Bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot at 7^th and Chickasha Ave. from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. today and you don't need an appointment. The best times for walk-ins will be from 12:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and almost any time after 3:00 p.m. Your single blood donation can save the lives of three people. For an upcoming blood drive in your area, go to the website obi.org.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.79 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.58.

Natural gas is $3.34 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,864 and silver is $21.81.

 

Obituary

Thomas Ropp

Viewing for Thomas Ropp, 66, of Ninnekah will be from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He operated his own dirt yard, worked at a chemical plant, and as a crane operator.

Saturday, Oct. 7th

 

Three Critically Injured in Crash near Carnegie

State troopers are still investigating a late-night crash near Carnegie where three people have been hospitalized in critical condition. The accident happened just before midnight on State Highway 58 about a mile-and-a-half north of Carnegie. 20-year old Damian Rodgers of Carnegie was the driver of one of the vehicles. He was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head, arm, and leg injuries. Two passengers in the other car, 19-year old Sunni Phillips of Lawton and 19-year old Kelsey Knight of Piedmont were also taken to Oklahoma City with critical injuries. Phillips and Knight were pinned in their vehicle for an unknown amount of time before first responders were able to get them out.

 

Cyril Crash Victims Identified

We now know the names of the woman who died and two others seriously injured in that deadly crash that happened near Cyril earlier this week. Killed in the crash was 67-year old Brenda Naputi of Lawton. Two other people in the car with her were last in critical condition, including 72-year old Cris Naputi of Lawton and 84-year old Roberta Cole of Pennsylvania.  All were in a 2023 Kia Soul that was involved in a head-on collision with a pickup during heavy rains Wednesday afternoon.

 

Lawmaker Pays Tribute to Fallen WWII Soldier

A Grady County state lawmaker pays tribute to a Chickasha soldier who died in World War Two. State Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) and several other state lawmakers went to Europe to attend a leadership conference where they discussed the leadership principles involved in planning the D-Day invasion of June 6th, 1944, which turned the tide of the war.  Afterwards, they visited the American Cemetery where more than 9,000 soldiers who died in the European Theater are buried. Among the soldiers there are Private Johnnie Mike Rivas - who Lowe says is the uncle of local attorney, Ryland Rivas. Lowe placed an Oklahoma Flag and an American flag on Private Rivas' tombstone.  Lowe said that Rivas has done a lot of research about his Uncle Mike and said he was with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He landed safety in Normandy on D-Day but stayed behind to cover for some fellow soldiers and was killed in action at the age of 23. Ryland said his uncle was the first member of the Comanche Nation to lose his life during WW II.

 

Talk Show Topics

On the KOOL Konversation our guests are Kenny Howell, Dwight Sehon, and Suehzen Mosley who will discuss their work to begin a local support group for those impacted by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. On Real Estate Today guests are Chickasha Assistant City Manager Rachel Bernish and the city’s Public Works Director Jim Crosby. Find podcasts of programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

High School Football Scores

Chickasha 41, Woodward 0

Blanchard 20, Tuttle 6

Newcastle 40, Bridge Creek 3

Perkins-Tryon 62, Anadarko 13

Minco 37, Chr. Heritage 7

Dibble 50, Elmore City-Pernell 0

Rush Springs 27, Wayne 8

Apache 61, Cordell 6

Lindsay 48, Little Axe 6

Marlow 40, Dickson 0

Alex 50, Central Marlow 0

Velma-Alma 64, Cyril 14

Mt. View-Gotebo 58, Temple 8

 

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Friday, Oct. 6th

 

Proposed TIF District Discussion Set for Council Work Session

There is a program used by some communities which allow them to use sales tax revenues to support the development or re-development of certain areas. It's called Tax Increment Financing and it has previously been used in Chickasha to spur development in the south part of town. The issue was discussed briefly in a city council meeting last month where Councilman Kelly Boyd questioned the proposal to create a new TIF district.

 

             

 

The Chickasha City Council will be hold a special work session to discuss this most recent suggestion of a new TIF district. The work session is open to the public and it will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10th at city hall.

 

Suspect in Custody for Alleged Ash Tray Attack

A Chickasha man serving probation for one crime is now behind bars for allegedly attacking his brother with an ash tray. A Grady County warrant had been issued for the arrest 35-year old Trevor Jay Stevens in August. He was arrested in Caddo County earlier this week and transferred to the Grady County Jail. A probable cause affidavit from Chickasha police says the two men were arguing when Stevens hit his brother in the head with the ash tray and then left the home. Paramedics told the brother he would most likely need stitches. Stevens is facing a felony charge of assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with this most recent arrest. Stevens is on probation after pleading guilty to a 2021 charge of felony eluding. Prosecutors have filed a motion to revoke his probation on that charge. Stevens remains in the Grady County Jail on a $30,000 bond.

 

Junior Social Workers Hold Spaghetti Day

Hundreds of plates of spaghetti will be served today as the Chickasha Junior Social Workers hold their annual spaghetti day. This is the 58th annual Spaghetti Day and is the group’s biggest fund-raiser of the year. Tobi Neidy says all the money raised helps a number of local projects.

 

              

 

Spaghetti Day takes place at the Grady County Fairgrounds in the north exhibit building and you can dine in or drive through. Serving times are from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults and $7 for kids 10 and under.

 

Hospital Foundation Hosts Golf Tournament

The Grady Memorial Hospital Foundation is getting ready for its annual golf tournament. The Foundation is a non-profit group dedicated to fund-raising on behalf of the hospital which helps to purchase new equipment which recently included a 3D mammography machine. The tournament will be held at Winter Creek Golf and Country Club on Monday, Oct. 23rd. The Foundation still has a few spots remaining for corporate sponsorships many of which include a team of four players in the tournament. Sponsorships are tax-deductible. Entry is $125 per person and $500 for a four-player team. For information, contact Emily Miracle at the hospital by calling 405-224-2300.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.31 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.07.

Natural gas is $3.17 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,836 and silver is $21.22.

 

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Thursday, Oct. 5th

 

Rain May Have Led to Fatal Accident

Heavy rain may have led to a deadly head-on crash in Caddo County yesterday. The highway patrol reports that a pick-up and a small SUV collided on U.S. Highway 277 two miles east of Cyril. It happened just after 3:00 p.m. The driver of the 2023 Kia Soul – a 67-year old woman from Lawton – died. A passenger - an 84-year old man from Pennsylvania was critically injured. Their names have not been released as relatives have not been notified. The driver of the truck who is from Texas was not injured. The accident shut down the highway for more than four hours.

 

Ninnekah, Blanchard School District Voters

Can Vote Early in Special Bond Elections

Early voting is underway in special bond elections for voters in Ninnekah and Blanchard school districts. At Ninnekah, voters are deciding two proposals.The first is a $19.5 million bond to build a new gymnasium and do some renovations at the high school and agriculture facility. The second is a $400,000 transportation bond. In Blanchard, voters also have two issues to decide. One is a $69 million bond issue to build new classrooms at the high school, build a new fieldhouse, and move the baseball and softball fields to the high school campus and other projects. The second is a $1.5 million transportation bond. Voters can cast ballots today and tomorrow at the county election board office where they are registered to vote. Otherwise, regular precincts will be open next Tuesday, Oct. 10th.

 

Couple Arrested for Allegedly Driving Stolen U-Haul Van

Minco police arrest a man and his wife for allegedly driving a stolen moving van.  A probable cause affidavit indicates that Monday evening, an officer made a traffic stop on a U-Haul van which was leaning to one side. He was concerned that there might be mechanical and safety issues. When he called in the tag number the officer was told that the van had been reported stolen out of Norman. U-Haul representatives said they had rented the van to the couple a few weeks ago and they never brought it back. Arrested were 44-year old Calvin Haynes and 47-year old Angela Haynes of Paoli. Both have been charged with felonies for unauthorized use of a vehicle and Angela is also facing a felony drug charge. Both remain in the Grady County Jail on $5,000 bond each.

 

Open House Tonight for Chix School's Memorial Stadium

(EDITOR'S NOTE - This story includes corrected information regarding the Homecoming parade which was aired on the 7:00 a.m. news this morning.)

The excitement continues to build at Chickasha High School for Homecoming Week. Tonight, there is an open house for the public to check out all the renovations that occurred at Memorial Stadium over the last few months. Visitors are welcome to walk on the new field turf installed on the football field and the new 8-lane track around the field. Officials also installed a new video scoreboard and sound system, and renovated the home-side seating area of the stadium. The open house will be from 6 to 7:30 tonight. That will be followed by a Homecoming bonfire that will be held across the street at the softball complex parking lot. Tomorrow afternoon, it's the Homecoming parade through the downtown area at 4:00 p.m. and tomorrow night the football game with Woodward.

 

Used Book Sale Set at Chickasha Library

The Chickasha Public Library and the Friends of the Library are getting ready for their annual fall used book sale. More than 200 boxes of books for readers of all ages, reference materials, Book CDs and DVDs which have been donated to the library will be available. The sale will run for two weeks, starting next Monday, Oct. 9th and running through Saturday, Oct. 21^st. The sale will be held during the library's regular hours although there will be no sales on Sunday, Oct. 15th. Library officials suggest a contribution of at least one dollar per item. Proceeds  will used to purchase new books and materials.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.22 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.81.

Natural gas is $2.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,835 and silver is $21.24.

 

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Wednesday, Oct. 4th

 

Staged DUI Crash Sends Message to Chix High School Students

It's homecoming week at Chickasha High School. There is excitement throughout the hallways as the students prepare for the Homecoming Parade Friday afternoon and the football game Friday night. But students got a big shock yesterday when there was a terrible crash in front of the high school. There were numerous police and fire personnel and other first responders treating several students who had suffered serious injuries - and it was reported that at least one person had died. Thankfully, it was not what it appeared to be. The police and fire departments staged a mock fatal DUI crash to send a message to students about the dangers of drinking and driving. A post on the police department's Facebook page indicated that they hope it serves as a reminder for students about the dangers of driving impaired.

 

Young Volunteer Firefighter Dies in Motorcycle Accident

A teenager who was a volunteer for the Blanchard Fire Department is being remembered for his dedication to his community. 18-year old Jake Reid died in a motorcycle accident this past weekend. Red had just graduated from Blanchard High School this past spring, and he joined the fire department before he even earned his diploma. Reid joined his father who also volunteers at the fire department. Our partners at KWTV-News 9 report that Reid started working as a dispatcher for the police department shortly after graduation while also serving with the fire department. He had hoped to become a full-time firefighter. His funeral will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning at the First Baptist Church in Blanchard.

 

Ninnekah Woman Hospitalized After Crash with Semi

A young Ninnekah woman was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after a near head-on collision with a semi in southern Oklahoma. 19-year old Destiny Clemens was admitted in stable condition. The accident happened a few minutes before 5:00 a.m. Tuesday north of Ardmore. The highway patrol reports that Clemens crossed the center line of a state highway and struck the right front side of an oncoming semi. The truck driver was not injured. The trooper investigating the crash said that Clemens was buckled up but that she was inattentive behind the wheel.

 

Big Rig Driver Injured in Semi Rollover

A Lindsay truck driver is hospitalized after a rolling his big rig in Stephens County. 39-year old Raymond Palmer was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in stable condition. The accident happened about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday on a county road north of Velma. The highway patrol reports that Palmer may have been driving too fast to take a curve. The truck ran off the road and rolled twice. The Velma Fire Department had to use its Jaws of Life to get Palmer out of the truck.

 

Chix Police Department to get New Pursuit SUV

The Chickasha Police Department will be getting a new vehicle decked out with thousands of dollars in added equipment. The city council this week approved the purchase of a 2021 Dodge Durango all-wheel-drive SUV from the Kansas Highway Patrol with a price tag of nearly $32,000. The council also approved the purchase of nearly $20,000 in addition equipment from Metro Emergency Upfitters from state contract and an in-car camera system at the cost of an additional $7,000 from Watchguard/Motorola, a sole-source provider. Police Chief G.G. Music called it a Police Interceptor Unit (PIU). He says the city has purchased several of these SUVs from the Kansas Highway Patrol and most have less than 50,000 miles on them.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.23 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.92.

Natural gas is $2.95 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,837 and silver is $21.28.

 

Obituary

Martin ‘Marty’ Green

Funeral service for Marty Green, 63, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6th at McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, Oct. 3rd

 

Missing Man's Sister Worried About Her Brother

It's been over a month since anyone has seen 46-year old Richard Houston. He was last seen August 31st at Chickasha's Life Skills Institute and Resurrection House. Houston's sister Kimberly Adair talked to our partners at KWTV News 9 and said it is unusual that he has not reached out to her.

 

              

 

 

Adair said that Richard has been battling addiction and homelessness but that he made the hard decision to turn his life around and that he had been clean since June. Adair says she doesn't believe her brother would leave without saying anything. The OSBI is now leading the investigation. Anyone with information about Richard Houston is asked to contact OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov

 

EDC Director Addresses Transparency Issue

Improving the transparency of the work of the Chickasha Economic Development Council (EDC) was discussed during last night's Chickasha City Council meeting. EDC president Jim Cowan spent about 30 minutes talking about the EDC's partnership with an arm of city government called the Chickasha Industrial Authority (CIA). Cowan says the EDC holds open meetings once a month that are open to the public and that they provide reports that show how their money is spent and what they do.

 

              

 

 

He also discussed the EDC's efforts to help current businesses as well as recruiting new businesses. He says he welcomes all comments about the work between his office and the city and even if someone thinks it’s wrong he's willing to talk about it.

 

Blanchard School District Voters to Decide Big Bond Issue

Blanchard school district voters will decide a multi-million bond issue next week that would bring a lot of changes to the district if it’s approved. Superintendent Brady Barnes says the district has grown quite a bit over the last decade.

 

              

 

 

Included in the $69 million bond proposal are eight new classrooms and a storm shelter for the high school and improve security throughout the district. The measure would also move the high school baseball and softball fields to the high school campus and build a new fieldhouse which would include space for a new soccer program. It's a 16-year bond issue and Barnes said it would not increase property taxes. He said valuation of property in the district has increased about 50 percent from the 2019 bond issue when it was $70 million to $105 million today. A second proposal on the ballot is a $1.5 million transportation bond which would allow the district to spend $300,000 a year over a five-year for school buses, people movers, and other vehicles. Voters will go to the polls next Tuesday, Oct. 10th to decide the issues.

 

Early-Morning Turnpike Crash Closes Roadway Briefly

A crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike near the Grady and Caddo county line shut down part of the highway for about 30 minutes early this morning. The Highway Patrol reports it was a single-vehicle crash that left debris all over the interstate. It happened about 12:30 this morning near mile marker 68 about 12 miles southwest of Chickasha. There was no word of any injuries or what may have happened.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.92 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude dipped to $90.71.

Natural gas is $2.84 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,842 and silver is $21.32.

 

Obituary

Russell Geimausaddle

Funeral service for Russell Geimausaddle, 68, of Carnegie will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4th at the Botone Church in Carnegie. He was a roofer. Arrangements are with Ray and Martha's Funeral Home in Carnegie.

 

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Monday, Oct. 2nd

 

Teen Presented Life-Saving Award

A teenager is credited with saving the lives of about a dozen people after a fire broke out an Anadarko apartment complex last week. 17-year-old Kezerae Ferrell, a junior at Anadarko High School, was presented with a Citizen Lifesaving Award from city officials in a ceremony held Saturday at the site of the fire, The Landmark Apartments. Anadarko Fire Chief Greg Stone said Ferrell put her own life at risk. Ferrell tells RANCH News-

              

 

 

Among those in the apartments at the time of the fire was a family with two young children. Nobody was hurt. The fire that caused more than $750,000 in damage. Many of the fire victims were on hand at the ceremony to thank Ferrell for her heroics. A Landmark Apartments Tenants Fund has been established at First State Bank of Anadarko to help the fire victims. Also, Anadarko First Baptist Church is accepting donations of clothes, furniture, and household items for the families.

 

One Dead, One Critically Hurt in Separate Motorcycle Accidents

There were two motorcycle accidents in the Blanchard area within an hour of each other over the weekend. One motorcycle rider died and the other is battling life-threatening injuries. The fatal crash occurred about 8:30 p.m. Saturday on the Norman Spur of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike near mile marker 106 east of Blanchard. 40-year old Edward Tabor of Purcell died. The highway patrol reports that Tabor had stopped in the roadway and was struck from behind by a small SUV driven by Kayte Madero of Tecumseh. Neither Madero nor two small children in the car with her were hurt. Just after 9:30 p.m. Saturday a motorcycle failed to go around the curve at Highway 62 and South Truman Avenue in Blanchard. 50-year old Daniel Roberts of Blanchard was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was last in critical condition. Neither motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet.

 

Police SUV Purchases On Chix City Council Agenda

The Chickasha City Council tonight will consider a rezoning request for a businessman to build a new laundromat. The applicant has asked to re-zone three lots from residential to commercial use. A vacant home just south of the Campus Corner convenience store at 16th and Grand Ave. has been torn down to make way for the development. The city’s planning commission has recommended that the re-zoning be approved. The council will also consider the purchase of a couple of used SUVs for the police department. Both are 2021 Dodge Durangos. One is from the Kansas Highway Patrol and the other is from state contract and each one costs nearly $32,000. The police department is also asking for more than $38,000 to purchase a voice and radio recorder. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Beef Cattle Specialist to Address Monthly Ag Meeting

The Grady County Ag Producers will their monthly meeting tomorrow morning. OSU Extension beef cattle specialist Dr. David Lalman will be the guest speaker. The program will get underway at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning at the extension officer in Chickasha at 9^th and Choctaw Ave.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.71 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $95.38.

Natural gas is $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,851 and silver is $21.87.

 

Obituary

Karon Sauer

A graveside service Karon Sauer, 83, of Norman and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7th at Rose Hill Cemetery.  She worked for the Department of Human Services. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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Saturday, Sept. 30th

 

State Poverty Level Below National Level: Study

A new study shows Oklahoma's poverty level is below the national average. Joe Dorman, director of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, points to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau that shows more than one out of every five children in the state live in households which are at or below the poverty level. In his weekly column Dorman says that for 2023 the poverty level for a single parent with one child is just under $20,000 a year or about $1,600 per month. The poverty level for a family of four with two parents and two children is only $30,000 a year or about $2,500 per month. Dorman says it’s hard enough just to survive at those levels let alone thrive. Dorman writes that as state lawmakers meet for a special session next week he encourages them to look for ways to improve conditions for Oklahoma families and children enduring poverty. He said workforce development and childcare assistance are often discussed and both are critical for economic success and that lawmakers need to focus on those areas if they want to see better opportunities for future generations.

 

Sen. Lankford Blames State Medical Marijuana Law

for Spike in Foreign Ownership of Oklahoma Farm Land

Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford says the medical marijuana industry can be partly to blame for an increase in foreign ownership of farmland in the Sooner State. Lankford made the comment at the start of senate hearing in Washington, D.C. recently where he campaigned for his proposed legislation, the Security and Oversight of Landholdings Act. The website OK Energy Today reports that Oklahoma is eighth in the nation for having land owned by foreign entities after state leaders passed the medical marijuana law in 2018. He said the year after that law passed, Oklahoma had more land sales to foreign entities than any other state in the U.S. He said it was the most liberal medical marijuana bill in the country at that time and there was a rush by foreign owners to buy up the state's farm land. He said it was a shift that surprised a lot of people based on how quickly it happened.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Tobi Neidy with the Chickasha Junior Social Workers is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today, our guests are USAO men's and women's basketball coaches Chris Francis and Darrick Matthews. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Friday, Sept. 29th

 

Art Festival, Food Truck Championship Highlight Weekend

Chickasha's population is expected to at least double will all the weekend activities that will be going on. It all starts today with the opening of the 15th annual Rock Island Arts Festival. The 400 and 500 blocks of Chickasha Avenue are blocked off for the next three days as nearly 100 artisans and crafters will display their talent and have numerous items for sale. The festival is hosted by the Chickasha Area Arts Council. The festival will have food trucks and live music all three days, with the stage for events set up at the intersection of 6th and Chickasha Avenue near the Grady County DAV Center. There kids activities across the street from the DAV center with inflatables and a sand pile.

Oklahoma  Food Truck Championship

Saturday will be the big day, with the spotlight on the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship. More than 30 food trucks are competing for some $10,000 in cash prizes. Barbecue, Mexican food, perhaps international cuisine and dessert trucks will be featured. That event will take up space on Chickasha Avenue from the Leg Lamp to 4^th Street, with live music tomorrow afternoon with featured bands being The Imaginaries and Dollar 98. Also tomorrow, some 200 bike riders are signed up for the Rock Island Ride. Dozens of people will also take part in a domestic violence awareness campaign, called the Together We Heel walk. Also this weekend, the Muscle Car Ranch hosts its annual Twister Fest concert, which will feature some 50 bands on five stages. that event opens this afternoon and runs through Sunday.

 

Anadarko Receives Grant to Help Revitalize Downtown

The City of Anadarko has received a grant to create a downtown amphitheater. Anadarko is one of just 25 communities across the country which received Hometown grants from T-Mobile. It's a $50,000 grant which will build the outdoor amphitheater at the site where the former Miller Theatre was located.  The theater had to been torn down a couple of years ago. It will be called the Miller Theatre Park and will include a raised stage, concession stand with mural which will honor the city's rich Native American history, an outdoor greenspace with seating and restrooms. Anadarko residents are invited to a special celebration announcing the grant which will be held by T-Mobile and city officials at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3rd at 2nd and West Main Street.

 

Crane-Truck Driver Hospitalized After Rollover

 A crane truck driver is hospitalized after suffering a medical problem while driving in Blanchard. 56-year old David Sturm of Oklahoma City was last in fair condition. The accident happened just before 6:00 p.m. last night on 290th Street just east of Meridian. The highway patrol reported that Sturm initially ran off the street and hit a mail box, then re-entered the roadway where the truck rolled 3/4 of a turn and blocked both lanes for an undetermined amount of time.

 

Earthquakes Blamed on Drilling Activity

A recent swarm of earthquakes in the Duncan and Velma area are believed to be linked to recent oil drilling and fracking. One of the strongest earthquakes was a 3.7 tremor registered by the Oklahoma Geological Survey. The website OK Energy Today cites a report from the Norman Transcript that the operator, Continental Resources, has gone off-line for the time being but that after-shocks could impact the area over the next several days.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.71 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $95.38.

Natural gas is $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,889 and silver $23.29.

 

Obituary

Cheryl Whitmire

A memorial service for Cheryl Whitmire, 73, of Chickasha will be held by the family at a later date. She was a waitress and worked at Wal-Mart. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Thursday, Sept. 28th

 

Elementary Student Issues 'Threat' on School Bus

Classes are being held as scheduled at Ninnekah schools today after a possible threat may have been made by an elementary student. The Grady County Sheriff's Office said a 4th grade student made a threat on a school bus yesterday afternoon. A post on the sheriff's office Facebook page indicated that Ninnekah school administrators handled the incident. The post was attributed to Sheriff Gary Boggess who indicated that at no time were any students in harm's way and that Ninnekah school officials don't take any threat lightly and that the situation would be taken care of quickly to keep kids safe.

 

Fire Damages Anadarko Apartments

A fire at an Anadarko apartment complex Tuesday night caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and left about a dozen people without homes. The blaze erupted at the Landmark Apartments at West 5th Street and Oklahoma Avenue about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Fortunately nobody was hurt. Anadarko firefighters summoned help from Gracemont, Verden, and Chickasha fire departments and crews were on the scene for about five hours. Anadarko Fire Chief Greg Stone estimated damage at $775,000. Stone said it appeared that an electrical short in the attic of one of the apartments sparked the blaze. Many of the families displaced were able to stay with other family members. He said the Anadarko First Baptist Church, The Caddo and Delaware Nations, and the Red Cross helped to provide some relief to the displaced residents.

 

Two Hurt in Turnpike Crash

Two people were taken to the hospital following a multi-vehicle crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The accident happened in the eastbound lanes of the turnpike around mile marker 92 about 7:00 a.m. Tuesday. The highway patrol reports that a pickup was pulling a vehicle on a car dolly well below the minimum speed limit. A vehicle came up from behind and rear-ended the vehicle being towed. The names of those involved in the crash were not released. The OHP said their injuries were not life-threatening. The crash did move one of the concrete barriers in the median into a westbound lane of traffic. The highway was closed for three hours.

 

Onward Chickasha Survey Continues

Chickasha residents have a few more days to provide feedback on what they'd like the city to look like in the future. The Onward Chickasha project is an 18-month effort to provide ideas that will take the city into the middle part of the century. Landon Jones is with Guernsey and Associates, an Oklahoma City firm hired to conduct the survey. He said the survey includes-

 

              

 

 

The last day to provide input on this segment is Friday, Oct. 6th. Residents can go to the website www.onwardchickasha.org and it takes about 20 minutes. Jones said that Guernsey representatives will have a booth at the Oklahoma Food Truck championship on Saturday to help get info out.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $93.68 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $96.55.

Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,892 and silver is $22.81.

 

Obituaries

Susan White

A memorial service for Susan White, 61, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29th at College Heights Baptist Church. She was a CNA and worked with the Chickasha Opportunity Workshop. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Precious Savoie

A memorial service for Precious Savoie, 23, of Lawton will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30th at Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church in Lawton. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

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Wednesday, Sept. 27th

 

Child Abuse Suspect Faces Charges in Two Counties

A suspect wanted in connection with a child abuse investigation is booked into the Grady County Jail. 45-year old Jason Leroy Slape of Oklahoma City was moved from the Mayes County Jail in northeastern Oklahoma to Chickasha earlier this week. He’s facing a felony charge of child abuse by injury which was filed in Grady County District Court last December. At his initial court appearance yesterday a judge set bond at $40,000. No details about the investigation were immediately available. Slape is facing charges of assault and battery in Mayes County.

 

Rock Island Weekend About to Get Underway

The City of Chickasha is getting ready for an influx of thousands of visitors this weekend. The Rock Island Weekend as it is called will include the 15th annual Rock Island Arts Festival hosted by the Chickasha Area Arts Council. Nearly 100 vendors will line a couple of blocks in downtown Chickasha for three days. Sue Getman with the arts council said says the vendors will be set up in the 400 and 500 blocks of Chickasha Avenue.

 

              

 

 

The Arts Festival opens Friday and runs through Sunday and there will be live music and food trucks all three days.

Food Truck Championship

A big event Saturday will be the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship. About 30 food trucks will be competing for $10,000 in cash prizes. It will take place along Chickasha Avenue from the Leg Lamp to 4^th Street and will also have live music Saturday afternoon and evening.

Rock Island Ride

Saturday morning, the Rock Island Ride bicycle tour is anticipating more than 200 riders with courses ranging from 10 to 60 miles.

Together We Heel Walk

Also Saturday morning is the Together We Heel Walk against domestic violence for the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network.

National Horse Show

A big event at the Grady County Fairgrounds is already underway. The National Welsh Pony and Cob Show runs through Sunday.

Twisterfest

There is also live music at Chickasha's Muscle Car Ranch which is hosting its 9th annual Twisterfest. That also runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with more than 50 bands playing on five stages throughout the ranch. An added attraction this year is professional wrestling which will have two shows Saturday night.

 

USAO Prof Puts Uses Grant for Public Art

A USAO professor receives a community-based grant to help with her work. Jordan Vinyard is the dean of the university’s School of Visual and Performing Arts. She was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition - which was made possible by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Vinyard's project is called ’This Little Piggy Has Meaning, This Little Piggy has None’ and consists of kinetic sculptures that playfully address how we define community values. There are eight fabricated piggy banks which can be found on the USAO campus and throughout the community.

 

Anadarko Library to Host Chocolate Celebration

The Anadarko Community Library is getting ready to celebrate all things chocolate. The library and Friends of the Library will host their annual chocolate celebration next week. There will be thousands of servings of chocolate goodies to choose from. Tickets are $7 each which allows the purchaser to select six servings of chocolate per ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. There will also be an auction of chocolate desserts. The chocolate celebration is Tuesday, Oct. 3rd from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the auction will begin about 6:00 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.96.

Natural gas is $2.65 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,912 and silver is $23.02.

 

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Tuesday, Sept. 26th

 

Study Shows County Deputies are Poorly Paid

A recent study shows that county sheriff's offices are losing deputies because of low wages. State Senator Darrell Weaver of Moore held an interim study on the issue at the state capital yesterday. One sheriff said his budget only allows him to pay jailers, dispatchers, and other essential employees about $10 an hour - and deputies only slightly above that. Weaver says that's not enough for these dangerous and taxing jobs. County sheriffs say they are losing staff to cities and tribal and state agencies that are able to pay higher salaries. Also taking part in yesterday's study were sheriffs and lawmakers from Texas who virtually shared ideas on what has helped them raise pay and reduce turnover. Weaver said public safety should always be a top priority of government at any level. He said he's confident that lawmakers can come up with sensible solutions.

 

Interim Study Set to Better Help Domestic Violence Victims

Finding ways to better help victims of domestic violence will be the subject of an interim study at the state capital next week. State Rep. Ross Ford of Tulsa, a former police officer, will hold the study with the House Judiciary Committee. Ford said he also wants to address the generational impact of domestic violence. He said he'd like to look at early-intervention programs that would help victims leave their attackers. Ford said it will be a timely discussion since recent reports show Oklahoma leads the nation in domestic violence for both men and women and that the state is third in the country for the number of women killed by their significant others.  The hearing will be held Wednesday, Oct. 4th at 9:30 a.m. in Room 450 at the state capital.

 

Kiowa Tribal Leaders Look to Make Hobart a 'Smart City'

We reported last week that leaders of the Kiowa Tribe are reaching out to other tribes in an attempt to develop a plan to improve internet service to tribal members. The Kiowas are also working with the City of Hobart to try and make that community a Smart City. Kiowa Tribal Chairman Lawrence Spottedbird has invited the mayor of Pharr, Texas to Hobart to discuss that community's transformation from one of the worst-connected cities of its size -- to one where it built a majority of its own high-speed broadband network and launched and manage WiFi service in just 18 months. Pharr, Texas Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez will meet with Hobart and Kiowa Tribe officials tomorrow to talk about creating and implementing broadband infrastructure which would provide the foundation to develop employment opportunities as well as opportunities for schools, residents, and small businesses.

 

Senior Citizen Gored By Longhorn

A 75-year old man visiting the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge was recently gored by a longhorn. The unidentified man will be OK as officials reported his injuries were not life-threatening. KSWO-TV reports the man was in the refuge listening to elks bugling and may have gotten a little too close to the animal. Refuge officials remind visitors that when they are out in nature to stay a good distance away from wildlife. One basic guideline is that if you can't cover up the animal with your thumb raised on an outstretched arm - you are probably too close.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.68 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.29.

Natural gas is $2.64 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,930 and silver is $23.29.

 

Obituaries

Clyde ‘Butch’ Robertson

A memorial service for ‘Butch’ Robertson, 69, of Verden will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28^th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He served as the mayor of Verden and also worked for the town and also worked for the City of Chickasha.

Lydia Roberston

A memorial service for Lydia Roberston, 61, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Sept. 25th

 

OSBI to Assist with Investigation of Missing Chickasha Man

Chickasha police have called in the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to help with the investigation of a missing man. 46-year old Richard Clarence Houston has not been seen for more than three weeks. He was last seen Aug. 31st near the Chickasha post office. Authorities have not released a lot of information about Houston other than his physical description. He's Caucasian, 5’-5” tall, weighs about 300 pounds, has short brown hair, a mustache and goatee, and his right leg has been amputated below the knee. A photo of Houston is posted on the police department's Facebook page. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chickasha police by calling 405-222-6050.

 

Two Hospitalized After Crash with Farm Equipment

Two people are hospitalized after their car rear-ends a tractor pulling some farm equipment. 75-year old Glen Edwards and 73-year old Jeremy Edwards - both of Ft. Cobb - were taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where they were admitted in stable condition. The driver of the tractor, 70-year old John Wyatt of Hydro, was not hurt. The accident happened just after 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon north of Eakly. The trooper investigating the accident said the driver of the car, Glen Edwards, was distracted when he looked at his GPS just before the accident occurred.

 

OHP Continues Probe of Double-Fatality Accident

The highway patrol is continuing its investigation of a double-fatality accident involving two semis and a small SUV that happened Saturday evening. The crash claimed the lives of 60-year old Gracielia Hawkins and 61-year old Maria Daniel both of Weatherford who were in a Kia Soul. The accident happened just before 6 p.m. Saturday near mile marker 109 on I-40 in Canadian County which is close to Geary. Neither truck driver was seriously hurt. One of them was 68-year old Cordele Brandon of Chickasha who was treated and released at the scene.

 

Assistant Chix City Manager Named 'Woman of the Year'

A big honor for a City of Chickasha employee. Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Rachel Bernish was named Woman of the Year at the annual conference of the Oklahoma Municipal League last week. Bernish won the award for communities with populations over 5,000 residents. In a press release announcing the award, Municipal League executive director Mike Fina said Bernish’s work modernized municipal processes and has led to better relationships between citizens and city hall. Chickasha City Manager Keith Johnson calls Bernish a transformative, dynamic leader who daily makes an impact for staff and citizens. She was noted for transitioning the Community Development Department from a paper-based system to an inter-active digital one. She also developed a program to help needy citizens borrow tools, receive equipment, and request volunteer assistance in order to work through or avoid code violations.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.03 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.27.

Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,942 and silver is $23.82.

 

Obituary

Elaine Tannis

A memorial service for Elaine Tannis, 72, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26^th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked as a loan officer and served on the board of directors for the Chickasha Senior Nutrition Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the nutrition center.