Saturday, May 11th

 

Escaped Caddo County Jail Inmates Captured

Three inmates who escaped from the Caddo County are back in custody. Reports indicate the men were found in a cemetery in southwest Oklahoma City. Hector Hernandez, Michael Brown, and Davantae Winters managed to escape from the Anadarko jail sometime late Thursday or early Friday. All three have lengthy criminal records – with Winters recently being arrested for murder. Hernandez was in for aggravated trafficking and Brown for aggravated assault. In a Facebook post, Caddo County Sheriff Spencer Davis says numerous law enforcement agencies were involved in the search. It's not clear how the escapees were tracked to Oklahoma City. At one point officials had reason to believe they could have found a way to get out of state and even posted be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) advisories at airports. Authorities say they are checking the jail’s security video to see how they managed to escape. It's not the first time that inmates have escaped from the jail. Four inmates escaped back in 2013 just two years after that jail was built.

 

Swap Meet, Garage Sales, and Monster Trucks 

Today's the final day for Chickasha Antique Auto Club’s spring swap meet. It's been a good week for bargain hunters and those looking for parts for their renovation projects. The swap meet is held just east of the Grady County Fairgrounds and some vendors are also indoors at the fairgrounds. Chickasha's city-wide garage sales are also wrapping up today and are being held in conjunction with the swap meet. Other events happening include the final two performances of Extreme Monster Trucks with one at 2 o’clock this afternoon and the other 8 o'clock tonight.

 

Highway 81 Project To Slow Traffic in Southern Grady County

Some road work will impact traffic on U.S. Highway 81 south of Rush Springs next week. Officials with the state department of Transportation say north- and southbound traffic will be narrowed to one lane from State Highway 7 south to the county line from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Officials say motorists should expect delays and urge them to use caution while driving through that area.

 

Talk  Show Topics

Drew Cooper, the youth services director with the Chickasha Public Library is on the KOOL Konversation. On Real Estate Today we have two segments, one with USAO President Kayla Hale, and the second with Zach Boles and Bobby McFarland with the Chickasha Community Alliance. Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Friday, May 10th

 

Judge Sets High Bond for Pursuit Suspect

A woman who led a police officer on a high speed chase and rammed into the officer’s SUV has been formally charge in connection with the pursuit. 59-year old Karen Butler Christy of Comanche is facing felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and endangering others while eluding. She was also charged with a misdemeanor for obstructing an officer. Butler was arrested early Tuesday morning after a Rush Springs officer was nearly hit head-on by Butler when she was driving the wrong way on U.S. Highway 81. She remains in jail on a $150,000 bond and an application has been filed with the court to determine Butler's competency.

 

Suspect Arrested on Minor Charges Last Fall

Now Accused of Felony Drug Trafficking

A Caddo County man is behind bars for allegedly trafficking drugs. 43-year old Donald Leroy Wright of Ft. Cobb was arrested by Anadarko police last week. He was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over for not having insurance. KSWO-TV cites court documents that allege a K-9 officer alerted its handler that drugs may be in the vehicle. Authorities did not find any drugs during a routine search of the vehicle, but after he was taken to jail Wright gave authorities two baggies which contained nearly 25 grams of meth. Wright was previously arrested by Anadarko police on two separate occasions last fall and charged with misdemeanors of drug possession and DUI. The district attorney’s office wants to revoke Wright’s bond on those charges and he’s now being held on a $260,000 bond.

 

Help Available for Communties Seeking Federal Grants

Applying for federal grants can be a daunting task for communities seeking funds for needed infrastructure projects. The Center for Rural Affairs has a couple of documents that can be downloaded from its website that may help. A ‘Grant Application Guide for Rural Communities’ and a 'Grant Writer Resource List' are available from the website: cfra.org/rural-resources

 

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Tomorrow

It's said to be the largest one-day food drive across the country. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive originated by the National Association of Letter Carriers is tomorrow. Letter carriers are asking their patrons to place non-perishable food items next to their mail boxes on Saturday. Plastic bags are being distributed with the mail this week that may be used or many probably have other plastic grocery bags which can be used. All the food collected will immediately be distributed to local food pantries.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.26 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.58.

Natural gas is $2.30 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,384 and silver is $28.98.

 

Obituaries

Raymond Lovelace

 A graveside service for Raymond Lovelace, 81, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Marvin ‘Leroy' Cobb, Jr.

Funeral service for Leroy Cobb, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 14th at College Heights Baptist Church. He worked in the oilfield and retired as a drilling consultant. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Thursday, May 9th

 

Chix Police Say Department's Phone Number is being 'Spoofed'

Chickasha police are warning of a scam regarding fake telephone calls that appear to be coming from the police department's main phone number. It’s called Spoofing. A post on the department's Facebook page says a caller claims to be from Homeland Security and that call recipients have been involved in criminal activities. The scammer is also using badge numbers and mentioning Chief G.G. Music’s name in the call. The call appears to be coming from the department's main number of 405-222-6050. Authorities say anyone who gets such a call should hang up and not share personal information. Individuals should then call the police department to report the spoofed call. Officials say Homeland Security would never call from the police department's phone number and ask for information. The post also says neither police nor Homeland Security would ever ask for money or account information over the phone.

 

Antique Auto Spring Swap Meet Begins

One of the largest antique auto swap meets in the southwest part of the country is underway in Chickasha. The Chickasha Antique Auto Club is hosting its annual spring swap meet. Vendors began arriving yesterday to set up shop at the club's 35-acre site just east of the Grady County Fairgrounds. Several hundred vendors have numerous items as well as vehicles in various stages of restoration and even fully restored vehicles for sale or trade. There are also vendors at the Grady County Fairgrounds that will have transportation-related memorabilia and collectibles for sale. The swap meet runs through Saturday. Admission is free. There is a fee for parking with proceeds going to local charities.

City-wide garage sales accompany the swap meet

In connection with the swap meet there are city-wide garage sales going on over the next three days. Residents do not have to purchase a permit from city hall to have a sale. The Chamber of Commerce is helping out. Individuals can post their sales on an inter-active map which is posted on the chamber's Facebook page. The chamber says those with left over items can take them to Shannon Springs Park on Monday where officials with Goodwill Industries will collect them. Goodwill will also donate a portion of the proceeds to Chickasha's Festival of Light.

 

Chickasha Couple Ready for Walk to Stillwater

A Chinese proverb says the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. While a walk to Stillwater is not nearly 1,000 miles, Chickasha's Stewart and Beth Ann Meyer have taken that walk so many times over the years that they've walked nearly 3,000 miles! Since 2001, the Meyers have made the 125-mile walk from Chickasha to Stillwater to promote Oklahoma's Special Olympics. They'll start their journey tomorrow morning but tonight, they'll have an event for anyone who might want to help their cause. Their 18th annual Craig's Walk will be held at the Chickasha High School football stadium. It's a come-and-go-event and families are welcome to support their cause. T-shirts are available and proceeds will go to Special Olympics or any donation would be appreciated. There will be live music with Tim Brauer and First Look. Craig's Walk is from 5-7 tonight and then the Meyers will leave Chickasha tomorrow morning and head to Minco on the first leg of their journey. They'll arrive in Stillwater next week in time for the opening ceremonies of the state Special Olympic summer games at Boone-Pickens Stadium where more than 4,500 athletes will be taking part.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.99 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.04.

Natural gas is $2.19 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,315 and silver is $27.84.

 

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Wednesday, May 8th

 

Father Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Abuse of Infant

A Grady County man is to spend 10 years in a federal prison after pleading guilty to child abuse. A federal grand jury charged 33-year old Evander Dayle Yanito with child abuse in May of last year. The charge was filed after an investigation by Chickasha police in August of 2022. The Washita Valley Community News reports that an affidavit indicates Yanito told medical personnel that a two-month old was having trouble breathing. The infant was first taken to Grady Memorial Hospital and then OU Children's Hospital. While at Children's Hospital Yanito is said to have admitted to police and the Department of Human Services that he caused bodily harm to the baby. In addition to his 10-year prison sentence Yanito will also serve three years' probation. The case was heard in Federal court as Yanito is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and the crime took place within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.

 

Missing Toddler Found 

There were some tense moments for a Chickasha family after a two-year old went missing. Chickasha police say the child was reported missing about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday from a home near 16th and Iowa Avenue. Lt. Gillian O'Brien said the boy was found about four blocks away near 12^th and Colorado Ave. a few minutes after the report was filed and returned home. O'Brien said that the boy sneaked his way outside of the house. She said the case has been referred to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

 

Legislator Re-appointed to Regional Panel

A regional state lawmaker will continue his work with a national energy committee. State Representative Brad Boles (R-Marlow) has been re-appointed to the southern office of the Energy and Environment Committee of the Council of State Governments. The council is the nation's largest non-partisan organization that serves all three branches of state elected and appointed officials. The group holds regional meetings to address shared energy and environmental concerns. Boles was first appointed to the council in 2022.

 

Former Lt. Gov. Appointed Interim President at Cameron

Former Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Jari Askins has a new job. She's been appointed to serve as the interim president of Cameron University. The Duncan native also served several years as the Democratic Leader in the State House of Representatives. Askins recently stepped down from her post as the administrative director of the courts. If her appointment is approved Askins will start July 22nd and help regents with a national search for Cameron's 19th president. Current president John McArthur will be retiring this summer.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.38 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.33.

Natural gas is $2.21 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,321 and silver is $27.44.

 

Obituaries

Judy Foster

Funeral service for Judy Foster, 74, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 10th at First Baptist Church. She worked at Gabriel for a number of years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Jason Cole

Funeral service for Jason Cole, 54, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11th at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Wilma ‘Sally’ Richardson

A memorial service for Sally Richardson, 82, of Cement will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11th at Cement's First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Cathy Blakley

A memorial service for Cathy Blakley, 73, of Oklahoma City will be held at noon Saturday, June 1st at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. She worked at UCO in the language pathology department. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, May 7th

 

Chix Council OK's Road Improvement Project

The Chickasha City Council unanimously approved a road improvement project in its meeting last night. The city will partner with Grady County commissioners to improve 16th Street from Country Club Road to Pikes Peak Road. The agreement calls for the city to pay $100,000 for asphalt needed for the project. The remaining cost of the asphalt and the labor will be provided by District 3 county commissioner Gary Bray and his crew. It wasn't clear when that work might begin.

Contract with county jail also approved

The council also approved extending a contract with the Grady County Jail to house prisoners arrested by Chickasha police for fiscal year 2025. The rates will remain the same at $50 per day per inmate and $35 for prisoners who are held less than 24 hours.

YMCA denied free use of park buildings

The council denied a request by the YMCA to use the Shannon Springs Park Bathhouse and the community center at Washita Valley Park at no charge this summer. The Parks and Recreation Board recommended the denial. The Y will be able to use those facilities for its summer day care programs but will have to pay the fees associated with them which are estimated at $30 per hour.

 

Police Officers Honored for Life-Saving Work

The work of Chickasha police Officers Trenton Freeman, Walker Powell, and Christopher Butler was noted during last night's meeting. Police Chief G.G. Music announced that Freeman was presented a life-saving award from the Oklahoma Association of Police Chiefs for his efforts when he answered a call about a suicidal individual in November of last year. Music presented both Powell and Butler life-saving bars for their efforts this past January when they were called to an unresponsive person who had suffered a drug overdose. The officers used Narcan and CPR to assist the individual until paramedics arrived.

 

Wrong-Way Driver Arrested After Pursuit

A wrong-way driver who led a Rush Springs police officer on a high speed pursuit topping 100 mph is in custody. Rush Springs Police Chief Chuck Clampitt said it started about 1:30 Monday morning as Sgt. Steven Fish was returning to Rush Springs after taking an individual to the Lawton-Duncan Y. He said Fish was nearly struck head-on by the on-coming motorist. Fish pursued the suspect at speeds reaching nearly 110 miles per hour through Marlow. The chase finally came to an end south of Rush Springs near the Grady and Stephens County line at U.S. Highway 81 and Blackburn Road but not before the suspect rammed Fish's vehicle. Fish managed to take the driver into custody – and while she was being booked into jail she became combative. In custody is 59-year old Karen Butler Christy of Comanche. She's being held on numerous complaints which include eluding, assault on a police officer, and assault with a deadly weapon. She could have her initial appearance on those complaints in Grady County District Court today.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.48 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.33.

Natural gas is $2.19 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,321 and silver is $27.44.

 

Obituaries

Dorothy Brandt

Funeral service for Dorothy Brandt, 93, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 9th at Holy Name Catholic Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Georgia Burt

Funeral service for Georgia Burt, 89, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 9th at Sevier Funeral Home. She worked at Chickasha Greenhouse.

Joyce Fink

A memorial service for Joyce Fink, 85, of Cleburne, Texas and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11^th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was an administrative assistant for a hospital.

 

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Monday, May 6th

 

City of Chix, Grady County to Share Cost of Road Improvement Project

A proposal for a road improvement project in the south part of Chickasha is among the items up for discussion when the Chickasha City Council meets tonight. The panel will review an inter-local agreement with Grady County commissioners regarding upgrades to 16th Street between Country Club Road and Pikes Peak Road. The agreement calls for the city to provide $100,000 to pay for the asphalt needed from the west service road at US Highway 81 to 16th Street. The county would pay any remaining cost for asphalt and all of the labor.

City expected to continue agreement with Grady County Jail

The council will also consider renewing its contract with the Grady County Jail to hold individuals arrested by the police department. The proposal calls for fees to remain the same as the current fiscal year. The cost is $50 per day per inmate and $35 for prisoners held less than 24 hours. If approved the contract would go into effect July 1st and run through June 30th of next year.

Upcoming events slated for approval

The panel will also consider approving requests for the Elks Lodge Fishing Derby at Shannon Springs Park on June 8th; the annual Juneteenth Celebration at Washita Valley Park June 14th and 15th; and the Rock Island Arts Festival and the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship Sept. 28th and 29th. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at City Hall.

 

Chix School Board to Consider Re-newing Lease

with Washita Valley Community Action Council

The Chickasha school district's board of education also meets tonight. Normally the meeting is held the second Monday of the month but it was re-scheduled due to conflicts with some of the board members. Among the items to be reviewed are leases for the Washita Valley Community Action Council for the former West Elementary School buildings. The agreement calls for the council to make payments of $1,000 per month. The school board will also recognize several employees for what is known as ABCD awards (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty). They are Rochelle Bowens at the administration office; Debbie Bradford at the high school; Leta Pruitt at the  middle school; Amanda Overby at Lincoln; Glena Brock at Grand Avenue, and Lisa Chambon at Bill Wallace. Others include Angel Scott at the Adult Learning Academy; Darla McArthur in transportation; Kyle Horton in maintenance; and Karla Schenk in child nutrition.

 

Suspect Sought for Stealing Safe with Thousands of $ from Barn

An arrest warrant has been issued for a man wanted for stealing a safe out of a Caddo County barn. Officials are looking for Matthew Troyer, 37, of Midwest City. KSWO-TV reports that the United States Department of Agriculture was notified that a Hinton man had his barn broken into and a 900-pound safe which contained $50,000 was taken. A toolbox left behind by the suspect was taken to the OSBI for analysis which reportedly determined that Troyer's fingerprints were found on it. If arrested and convicted Troyer faces penalties of up to 15 years in prison and $11,000 in fines.

 

Weed Management Info Set for Tuesday Ag Program

Grady County ag producers will hold their first meeting in May tomorrow morning. Guest speaker is Dr. Liberty Gavin who will be talking about weed management strategies. The meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of every month at the Grady County OSU Extension office starting at 7:00 a.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.11 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.96.

Natural gas is $2.14 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,329 and silver is $27.41.

 

Obituaries

Bobby Brownen

A graveside service for Bobby Brownen, 88, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 8th at the Tuttle Cemetery. He managed the Chickasha Transit Ready Mix Concrete company and also worked for Purdue homes. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Dennis Beaty

A memorial service for Dennis Beaty, 73, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association of Chickasha.

 

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Saturday, May 4th

 

Drug Trafficking Suspect Accused of Intimidating Witness

A Chickasha man already facing drug trafficking charges is back in jail for allegedly intimidating a witness. 67-year old Chris Elroy Loveless was taken into custody this week following an investigation by the district attorney's office. A probable cause affidavit indicates Loveless was at the Grady County Courthouse seeking a marriage license. Courthouse employees felt that Loveless was trying to force a woman to marry him. DA investigator Bill Bybee was called to the courthouse where Loveless began shouting at him and telling the woman to not answer any of Bybee's questions. Later, Bybee talked to the woman who said she was deathly afraid of Loveless and did not want to marry him. She said Loveless wanted to marry her so she wouldn't be willing to testify against him in connection with his 2022 arrest for drug trafficking. Loveless was booked into the Grady County Jail and has been formally charged with a felony for intimidating a witness. Prosecutors also asked to revoke his bond on the previous drug charges and Loveless remains in jail on a $125,000 bond.

 

Juveniles Caught After Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle

An investigation into the report of a stolen vehicle led to a pursuit by law enforcement early Friday morning. Grady County deputies were summoned to the Ninnekah area about 5 a.m. Scanner reports indicated that deputies were in pursuit of a suspected stolen vehicle. The vehicle was abandoned around U.S. Highway 81 and South 16th Street and reports indicated Chickasha police were called to help search for the suspect or suspects. Grady County Undersheriff Kori Brewer said authorities were able to locate two juveniles who were taken into custody. One was turned over to the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police and the other released to his parents. It was reported the vehicle was returned to the owner.

 

Lankford Joins Effort to Stop Tax Credits for EV Purchases

Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford has joined the fight to bring an end to a federal tax credit for electric vehicles and charging stations. Officials say it would stop taxpayer money from subsidizing the purchases of luxury electric vehicles by the wealthy and corporations. It called The Eliminating Lavish Incentives to Electric Vehicles Act. The measure would repeal the $7,500 tax credit for the purchase of new and used electric vehicles and eliminate the federal investment tax credit for charging stations. It would also close what is called the 'leasing loophole' that has allowed certain taxpayers and foreign entities to evade restrictions on EV incentives. The bill is supported by a number of Republican senators but no Democratic senators are on board. The website OK Energy Today reports that the bill is supported by groups which include Americans for Prosperity and the National Taxpayers Union.

 

Obituary

Bobby Brownen

A graveside service for Bobby Brownen, 88, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 8th at the Tuttle Cemetery. He managed the Chickasha Transit Ready Mix Concrete company and also worked for Purdue homes. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Friday, May 3rd

 

State Marks 25th Anniversary of May 3rd Tornadoes

May 3rd, 1999 -- one of the most destructive days in Oklahoma when it comes to severe weather. Its estimated that 67 tornadoes tore across the state that afternoon and evening...leaving miles of destruction behind. Among the first tornadoes that day began near Stecker in southern Caddo County. That twister began growing and made its way into Grady County and flattened a home south of Verden. That tornado that passed north and west of Chickasha though it damaged two hangars at the city's airport. Just a few minutes later, a twister touched down southwest of Amber at 6:23 p.m. It grew in strength and moved on to Bridge Creek where numerous homes were destroyed and four people died. It continued growing and moved on to Newcastle then to Moore, Midwest City and Del City. Estimated top winds speeds in that tornado was 300 miles per hour. It was on the ground for nearly an hour and a half, carving a 38-mile path of destruction damaging 8,000 buildings, killing 46 people, and injuring 800 more. It was the costliest tornado at the time causing more than $1.5 billion in damage.

 

Chickasha High Students Help Sulphur Tornado Victims

Many Oklahoma communities continue cleaning up from tornadoes earlier this week. The southern Oklahoma communities of Sulphur and Marietta are among those with the most damage. A lot of help and support is being offered to assist including some Chickasha High School students. Cristie Oliver's internship class is collecting things like tarps, gloves, and trash bags that will be taken to Sulphur. Students are asking individuals and businesses lend a hand. Items can be taken to the Chickasha High School today or Monday morning. Arrangements can be made for the students to pick up items. Call the high school and leave a message and someone will get back to you to schedule a pick-up time. They would like to have the items in hand by Monday afternoon.

 

5K, Open Streets Set for Saturday

There are a couple of activities scheduled tomorrow. It starts with the Chickasha Rotary Club 5K and Fun Run-Walk. The theme is ‘May the 4th Be With You’ and costumes are encouraged. Registration will start at 7:00 a.m. at the Rock Island Railroad depot with the races starting at 8:30. Afterwards, the Chickasha YMCA is will have its annual Open Streets program downtown. There will be games and activities for all ages. The kids will enjoy the inflatable water slides and there will also be sidewalk chalk art, corn hole, dancing, and touch-a-truck to name a few. Food trucks will be on hand. Chickasha Avenue will be closed to traffic from the Leg Lamp to 3^rd Street from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Anadarko First Responder Meet-and-Greet Postponed

The first responder event in Anadarko with the Anadarko Police Department and FOP Lodge 118 that was scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed. A new date has not yet been scheduled.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.95 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.67.

Natural gas is $2.04 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,309 and silver is $26.79.

 

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Thursday, May 2nd

 

Storms Continue to Cross the State

Spring weather has caused death and destruction in Oklahoma over the last week. There was more severe weather overnight but thankfully there were no tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms did bring high winds and some hail through parts of the Grady and Caddo County areas early this morning. The first thunderstorm warning for Grady County was issued just after 12:30 a.m. for storms that had 70 mile per hour winds, torrential rain, and penny-sized hail. The last of the warnings was issued about 1:45 a.m. for the northern part of Grady County. There have been no immediate reports of damage. 24-hour rainfall totals in the area from the Oklahoma Mesonet show Chickasha with about an inch of rain; Minco with nearly two inches of rain; Acme, west of Rush Springs with 1 1/4 inches; and Apache with nearly 3 1/2 inches of rain. Weather is expected to be mild much of the day with an afternoon high temperature of 78 degrees. The National Weather Service is forecasting another round of thunderstorms late this afternoon and tonight and that there will be a marginal risk for severe weather.

 

Puppy Mill Operator Convicted of Murder, Animal Cruelty

A Marlow woman is convicted of murder and dozens of animal cruelty charges. After an eight-day trial in Stephens County District Court in Duncan, a jury issues guilty verdicts to Karen Jean Pritchard. She was arrested in February of 2021 after police found the body of her former employee on Pritchard’s property. Pritchard was said to have been running a puppy mill and investigators found nearly 200 dogs in poor and unsafe conditions. Pritchard was originally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Ashley Anderson but after five hours of deliberation the panel issued the guilty verdict on second-degree murder. The jury also found Pritchard guilty of 137 counts of animal cruelty. Formal sentencing is set for July 16th.

 

Ocean Cruise to be Given Away at Regional Blood Drive

The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) is continuously urging individuals to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. The OBI is motivating current and new donors to come forward this Saturday. An anonymous individual has given OBI a seven-day cruise out of Galveston, Texas which will be awarded to one donor from all OBI ‘cruise giveaway’ blood drives that day. Destiny Lillich with the OBI says they need all types of blood however they can always use one specific blood type-

 

              

 

 

The OBI Bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot at 7^th and Chickasha Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4th. To make an appointment call George Plummer at 405-224-1560 during regular business hours.

 

4Hers Learn About Elections

As you know 2024 is a big year for elections. Voters will be casting ballots in county, state, and federal elections over the next few months. Maggie Evans is a Grady County 4Her and one of her main project areas is civic engagement. She says 4Hers are learning about the election process and that this and other lessons learned will stay with them throughout their lives.

 

              

 

 

The next election is the Primary Election June 18th, and individuals need to be registered by May 24th to cast ballots in that election. The presidential election is Nov. 5th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $88.40.

Natural gas is $2.03 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,307 and silver is $26.46.

 

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Wednesday, May 1st

 

Assault Suspect Faces New Child Neglect Charge

A man arrested after a violent outburst at a Minco home is now also accused of child neglect in connection with a separate and unrelated incident. A probable cause affidavit from a Grady County deputy sheriff indicates that 29-year old Jayson Theodore 'J.T.' Lee attacked a male relative in Minco back in March. It’s also alleged he broke several windows out of a car. A warrant was issued for Lee's arrest and he was taken into custody April 1st. He was charged with felony vandalism and misdemeanor assault and battery then released from jail on a $5,000 bond. This past weekend, Chickasha police were called to a home in the 600 block of North 17th to investigate an intoxicated individual identified as Lee. A police affidavit said Lee is the sole caretaker of his six-week old daughter and that he had gone to the liquor store. It’s alleged that Lee drank to the point that he could not care for the baby. The child was only wearing a diaper and seemed hungry. Lee was then arrested. At his initial appearance in court on Monday Lee was charged with felony child neglect and a misdemeanor for public intoxication and disturbing the peace. Lee remains in jail on a $25,000 bond.

 

Suspect In Custody for Illegally Living at Oil Field Site

A suspect wanted for illegally living at a Ninnekah oilfield site is in custody. RANCH News reported last week that an arrest warrant had been issued for 47-year old Ronnie Lynn Frick of Rush Springs. He was booked into the Grady County Jail about noon on Sunday. It's alleged Frick had been staying at the location for some time and even changed locks on a gate. Frick has been formally charged with a felony for trespassing and damage to a critical infrastructure facility. He remains in jail on a $7,500 bond.

 

Grants Available for Military Veterans Affected by Tornadoes

Military veterans impacted by tornadoes and severe storms this past weekend are eligible to receive grants from the State Department of Veterans Affairs. A statement from the agency says the grants are aimed at providing crucial support to those who have served our country and are now facing the adverse effects of the storms. The grants are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that veterans and their families receive the support and resources they need. Veterans can reach out to the state Department of Veterans Affairs by calling 405-523-4000.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.93 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.86.

Natural gas is $1.99 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,301 and silver is $26.75.

 

Obituary

Sharon Kolzen

Funeral service for Sharon Kolzen, 71, of Sterling will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 3rd at Laverty Baptist Church. She was a homemaker. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, April 30^th

 

Free Program Available to Warn of Severe Weather

Many victims of this past weekend's storms got plenty of advance notice of the numerous tornadoes that caused massive destruction Saturday night. Grady County Emergency Management officials are urging local residents and businesses to sign up for a free program that will help warn of approaching storms. It's called the Hyper Reach Emergency Mass Notification. Grady County officials use the service which allows users to get free alerts from the National Weather Service for tornado watches and warnings, and flash flood warnings. Individuals can access the service on-line at:

 hyper-reach.com/okgradycountysignup

There is also a phone number to call or text to sign up which is 405-546-2709.

 

Driver Hospitalized After Car Crashes, Burns

A Grady County driver is hospitalized after his car crashed and burned in Dibble early this morning. 73-year old Robert Roper of Alex was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with leg and internal injuries and was last in fair condition. The crash happened just after midnight at County Line Avenue and 180th Street in McClain County. The trooper investigating the crash said that Roper failed to stop at a stop sign and left the roadway, went airborne, crashed into a ditch, and caught fire. Roper was ejected from the car about 15 feet. The trooper said the Roper was not wearing a seatbelt.

 

Vehicle Fire Shuts Down Turnpike

A portion of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike that runs through Chickasha was closed after a vehicle fire late yesterday afternoon. Both eastbound lanes of the interstate were shut down near the Chickasha Sports Complex near Mile Marker 81 just before 5:00 p.m. Both lanes were closed for about 40 minutes and the turnpike re-opened about 5:30 p.m. No information about the fire was available.

 

Dibble Middle School Hosts STEM Night

A program showing students the many career opportunities available in the energy industry will be held in Dibble tonight. The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) will be hosting a STEM program this afternoon and evening. Lisa Schwarz with OERB talks about some of the groups that will be there and some of the hands-on projects that students can check out-

 

              

 

 

A number of colleges will also be on hand to show the energy-related degree programs they offer. The STEM night will be at the Dibble Middle School from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and energy partners will provide free food for everyone.

 

Governor Signs Permanent Daylight Savings Time Bill;

But Federal Officials to Determine if it's Implemented

A bill that would make Daylight Savings Time permanent in Oklahoma has been signed into law by the governor. SB 1200, also known as The Sunshine Protection Act, was overwhelmingly approved by both the house and senate. The measure would mean that there would be an extra hour of daylight during the winter and that Oklahomans would not have to adjust to time changes in the spring and fall. While many support the idea it will only happen if Congress approves legislation that would allow states to choose whether to lock the clock in Daylight Savings Time mode.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.63 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $88.49.

Natural gas is $2.03 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,326 and silver is $26.93.

 

Obituaries

Fern Pilgrim

A graveside service for Fern Pilgrim, 94, of Chickasha was held at 11 o'clock this morning (Tuesday, April 30^th) at the Moutain View, Okla. cemetery. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home. She was a homemaker.

Margaret Hair

Funeral service for Margaret Hair, 89, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2nd at Parkview Christian Church. She and her husband Larry ran a pipeline construction company. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, April 29th

 

Numerous Tornadoes Strike Oklahoma Over the Weekend

Clean up is continuing in several Oklahoma communities this morning following Saturday's tornado outbreak. There are reports that four people died and more than 100 were injured as an estimated 30 tornadoes swirled across the state. The largest tornadoes caused catastrophic damage in the southern Oklahoma towns of Sulphur and Marietta. Reports indicated both tornados were listed as an EF-3 with winds upward of 165 mph.

Tornado warnings issued locally

Tornado warnings were issued for Grady, Caddo, Stephens, and McClain counties as a supercell thunderstorm with a reported mezzo-cyclone raced from Marlow, to Alex, Blanchard, and into the Oklahoma City metro area. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said winds from the storm were 60 to 70 miles per hour and there were reports of ping pong-ball sized hail. Neither Thompson nor Grady County Fire Chief Rodney Gregory had any reports of damage. Individual who have had damage should report it to the website: damage.ok.gov

Grady County deputies sent to help

Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says he is sending five of his deputies to Love County in southern Oklahoma to assist with clean up and security in Marietta.

 

Motorcyclist Critical After Crashing into Car

A motorcycle rider was critically injured in a crash near Minco over the weekend. 34-year old Adrian Mundy of Oklahoma City was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head, trunk, and internal injuries. He was wearing a helmet. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 81 about three miles south of Minco just before 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The highway patrol reports that Mundy hit an SUV that was parked on the shoulder. The driver of the SUV identified as 50-year old Donny Choate of Choctaw who was not injured.

Child hospitalized after accident west of Minco

Three children were taken to a hospital and a five-year old was admitted with head injuries after a second crash near Minco. That accident happened just before 6:00 p.m. Saturday on State Highway 152 not far from the Grady-Caddo County line. The children were passengers in a small SUV that was rear-ended by a Jeep driven by 40-year old Darcy White of Minco. White was not injured. Two other children in the SUV were 13- and 14-years old and were treated and released. Two adults also in the SUV were not injured. The family is from Wyoming.

 

Cattle Producers Urged to Keep Up With Bird Flu Found in Dairy Cows

Cattle producers need to monitor what's happening in regards to bird flu found in some dairy cattle actoss the country. Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA), was in attendance at the annual Grady County Cattle Producers meeting this past Friday night.

 

              

 

 

Kelsey said OCA is working with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) to influence USDA's response to the situation.

 

Grady County Veterans Honored with Flagpoles and Flags

A number of Grady County military veterans were honored yesterday as a group installed flagpoles and U.S. flags at their homes. A group called Flagpoles Honoring Our Veterans spent the day installing the poles and flags at the homes of 10 veterans. There were brief ceremonies afterwards. Veterans honored include Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess, Chickasha Mayor Zach Grayson, Michael Chavers, Johnny Lewis, and Amanda Tolman. Also Josh Woods, Bill Ingraham, Marvin Shipley, George Luquette, and Willard Guffee.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.85 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $89.50.

Natural gas is $1.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,345 and silver is $27.70.

 

Obituaries

Carron Gage

Funeral service for Carron Gage, 75, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 30^th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked for Lifeline Home Health.

Peggy McGrew

A memorial service for Peggy McGrew, 82, of Ninnekah is pending with the family.

 

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