Friday, April 26th

Missouri Traffic Stop Leads to Illegal Pot Business in Lindsay

An investigation into a fake delivery van in Missouri leads to a Lindsay company suspected of operating an illegal marijuana business. Earlier this week, agents with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) served a search warrant at Bright Stones LLC in Lindsay where agents seized more than 9,000 marijuana plants and more than 200 pounds of processed marijuana. OBN spokesman Mark Woodward said the investigation began in January when Missouri police stopped a fake Amazon van for traffic violations. When authorities searched the van they found nearly 250 pounds of marijuana that had been picked up in Lindsay. Woodward alleges that Bright Stones had obtained its license by fraud by using a 'straw ownership' scheme. He said the main target of the investigation has been linked to numerous other illegal marijuana operations in the state. No arrests have been made as agents continue their investigation.

USAO Adds OCCC to Partnership Role

USAO has announced a partnership with a second neighboring two-year college. Officials have now announced that USAO and Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) are uniting in an effort to re-define the state's academic landscape. A press release from USAO indicates the partnership will combine OCCCs extensive reach and USAOs specialized liberal arts curriculum to help students as they progress from associate's degrees to bachelor's degrees. Just a few weeks ago USAO announced a similar partnership with Redlands Community College in El Reno which will start this fall.

USAO graduation ceremony moved indoors

USAO's spring commencement is tomorrow. Originally scheduled to be outdoors on the oval, the ceremony has been moved indoors to Te Ata Memorial Auditorium due to the forecast for rain. The ceremony will get underway at 11:00 a.m.

Chix Police Department Tests New Lobby Hours

The Chickasha Police Department has revised its office hours in hopes of being more accessible to individuals who may need non-emergency assistance or want to pay fines. The lobby is now open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Friday, hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A post on the department's Facebook page says there will be an undetermined trial period for the new hours. Officials say individuals who need to pay tickets can do so on-line: chickashaok.municipalonlinepayments.com

Chix Schools Administrator Noted for His Work

A Chickasha public schools administrator has been recognized for his work. Jerry Don Bray who is assistant superintendent and the district's athletic director was named District 14 Administrator of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators.

Cowboy Hill Music Venue Postpones Weekend Show

A new music venue in Caddo County is postponing a weekend concert because of the forecast of inclement weather. Cowboy Hill LLC was formed to help preserve the cowboy and Western culture and lifestyle. The venue was scheduled to host Chickasha country and gospel singer-songwriter Danny Steagall, as well as Steve Story, and cowboy poet Straw Berry tomorrow night (Saturday, April 27^th). DeAnna McCall with Cowboy Hill said the show has been re-scheduled for Saturday, May 4^th at 7:00 p.m. Cowboy Hill is eight miles west of Binger on SH 152 and one mile north on CS 2530. For information on its mission and future performances visit the Facebook page Cowboy Hill LLC.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.36 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $88.02.

Natural gas is $1.65 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,362 and silver is $28.02.

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Thursday, April 25th

Update on Chickasha's Proposed TIF Districts

New information was brought to light for Chickasha's proposed Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts yesterday. A review committee - appointed to consider if the districts would be beneficial for the city - heard from Nate Ellis of the Public Finance Law Group yesterday. Ellis said officials are projecting that nearly 20 businesses could locate in the proposed downtown TIF district. A hotel, office space, and multi-family properties could locate in the TIF district proposed along Highway 62 from the fairgrounds east to the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. KOOL/RANCH News talked to Ellis after the meeting and he gave a summary of the how they would determine how much money might be realized and how it would be distributed.

The city funds would be used in install water and sewer lines and other infrastructure to help spur development in those areas. Officials are proposing 25-year plans for the two areas.

Governor Vetoes Bill Supporting Domestic Violence Victims;

Legislators Attempting to Over-ride

A bill supporting domestic violence victims has been vetoed by Gov. Kevin Stitt.  However, state lawmakers could over-ride that veto. SB 1470 is called the Survivors' Act. It would allow domestic violence victims to enter evidence of abuse they suffered if they are convicted of crimes they committed against their attackers. That evidence could lead to shorter prison sentences for the victims. The measure was overwhelmingly approved by both the house and senate. The senate has already voted to over-ride the veto, 46-1. The measure now goes to the house for an over-ride vote where members initially passed the bill, 84-3. Stitt called the proposal bad policy. The state district attorneys association supported the governor's veto. A group called the Oklahoma Survivors Justice Coalition has been working for two years with victims, domestic violence service providers, human trafficking shelters, and lawyers of abuse survivors to get the measure passed. The group said the bill has been supported locally and nationally by conservatives and liberals as common-sense sentencing reform.

Anadarko Library to Host Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit

The Anadarko Community Library will host a traveling exhibit from The Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The exhibit called Voices and Votes is part of The Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service and is being assisted by a collaboration of state humanities councils. The exhibit examines the nearly 250 year-old American experiment of a government ‘of, by, and for the people”. The exhibit opens in July 20th and will run through August 31st. The Anadarko library is just one of a handful of libraries in the state selected to host the exhibit.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.81 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $88.02.

Natural gas is $1.65 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,336 and silver is $27.66.

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Wednesday, April 24th

Chickasha's TIF District Review Panel to Meet

The panel assembled to consider whether the City of Chickasha should create two new Tax Increment Finance Districts will hold a special session today. Among the items up for consideration are proposed infrastructure improvements and related costs, and proposed development assumptions. In the group's first meeting in January the panel got a look at two proposed districts - one of which includes a section of downtown Chickasha and the other area east of downtown along U.S. Highway 62 to the H.E. Bailey Turnpike.

City's Parks and Rec Board to Tour Shannon Springs Park Pool

The City of Chickasha's Parks and Recreation Board will get look at the city's municipal swimming pool in a special meeting tomorrow night. The panel will initially meet at City Hall at 6 p.m. to open the meeting and discuss fee recommendations and a non-exclusive use agreement with the YMCA. The panel will briefly adjourn and then re-convene at the pool in Shannon Springs Park for a tour. An inspection of the pool commissioned the city recommended more than $2 million in upgrades. The pool is expected to be open this summer.

Vehicle Fire Slows Down Turnpike Traffic

A vehicle fire slowed down traffic on part of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike early this morning. The outside lane of eastbound traffic around mile marker 70 was closed southwest of Chickasha. It happened just after 12:30 a.m. It was blocked for about 90 minutes and re-opened about 2:00 a.m. No details of the fire were provided.

Profanity Leads to High Bond in Misdemeanor Case

A Chickasha man who failed to show up for a court appearance for a misdemeanor charge is being held in jail on an unusually high bond of $500,000. Why? He signed a court document with an expletive. 31-year old Joshua Nathaniel Ashley was arrested Sunday because he failed to show up for a hearing in March. The hearing was scheduled after Ashley was arrested in December for driving without a license. In his court appearance Monday he signed “f--- you” on the court minute document and Special District Judge Gina Lowe set his bond at a half-million dollars. Ashley is to announce his attorney May 2nd and his case placed on the May 3rd disposition docket.

Suspect Sought for Wrongly Living at Oilfield Site

A felony warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Grady County man accused of illegally living at an oilfield site. The warrant was issued yesterday for 47-year old Ronnie Lynn Frick of Rush Springs. KSWO-TV cites court documents that say deputies were dispatched to an oilfield site in the Ninnekah area where a couple of employees had detained Frick. Deputies said that it appeared Frick had been living there for some time. The warrant is for trespassing and damage to critical infrastructure. It carries maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.

Whole Grain Breads in Diet Said to Have Health Benefits

Many nutrition experts say bread is not the healthiest of foods due to being high in calories and carbohydrates. However there are some benefits to eating whole grain breads and products. KenLynn Chaney with Grady County 4H shares this information.

She also said consuming whole grains can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.19 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.29.

Natural gas is $1.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,331 and silver is $27.48.

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Tuesday, April 23rd

Jury Selection Begins for Suspect Accused of Murder, Animal Cruelty

A woman arrested for murder and numerous counts of animal cruelty more than three years ago may finally go to trial. Jury selection began yesterday in Stephens County District Court for Karen Jean Pritchard of Marlow. Pritchard was arrested in February of 2021 after investigators were initially called to look into reports of a puppy mill. Authorities found nearly 170 neglected animals on Pritchard's property. Pritchard was later charged with murder after the body of Ashley Anderson was found rolled up in a tarp and stuffed in a metal shipping container. Media reports at the time indicate that Anderson was believed to have been working for Pritchard. The two had gotten into an argument and Pritchard said she accidentally ran into Anderson with her pickup, and Anderson died of those injuries. Pritchard is facing life in prison if convicted of murder and up to five years behind bars on each of 138 counts of animal cruelty.

Alleged Phone Thief Also Accused of Kicking Cop

A Caddo County woman is charged with crimes ranging from robbery to assault on a police officer. 46-year old Ellen Twohatchet of Ft. Cobb was arrested by Anadarko police last week. KSWO-TV reports that officers were called to a business where it was alleged that Twohatchet ran up to a woman in a car to use her phone. Court documents indicate that Twohatchet reached inside the vehicle, grabbed the phone, and then broke it. Police later found Twohatchet and after placing her in handcuffs she allegedly kicked an officer in the face. Twohatchet is charged with felonies of robbery and assault on a police officer and misdemeanors of public intoxication and malicious injury to property. Her bond was set at $22,000. She's facing four years to life in prison if convicted.

Speaker Named for USAO Graduation Ceremony

Graduation time is nearing for seniors at USAO. Commencement for the 2024 graduating class will be this weekend. Guest speaker is Cliff Hudson, former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Sonic Corporation. Hudson spent nearly 35 with Sonic where he also spent time as general counsel, chief financial officer, and chief operating officer. He holds degrees from OU and the Georgetown University Law Center. He is the recipient of a number of honors from OU including the Regents Award and an honorary doctorate's degree. The ceremony is scheduled to be outdoors on the USAO Oval at 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning weather permitting.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.85 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.29.

Natural gas is $1.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,295 and silver is $27.00.

Obituaries

Gloria Prince

Funeral service for Gloria Prince, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 25th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was the widow of the late Doug Prince, a former Grady County commissioner.

Darryle Phillips

No service is scheduled for Darryle Phillips, 78, formerly of Chickasha. She was a nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital for several years. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Monday, April 22nd

Water Line Project Closes Chickasha Street

Starting this morning, First Street in Chickasha will be closed between Alabama and Missouri Avenues for a couple weeks of while crews finish a water line project they've been working on over the last month. Motorists will have to use Second Street or Sheppard Street to go north or south however city officials say all the cross streets should remain open. The improvements are being funded in part by a Community Development Block Grant.

Economic Development Officials Revise Strategy

Economic development has a lot of meanings and for many it means job creation. Chickasha Economic Development President Jim Cowan said the effort used to be trying to attract large manufacturing companies but the focus has changed to find smaller companies and to help existing businesses. However he said the effort is still there to try to entice the larger companies to locate to the area.

Cowan is expecting some activity this summer but was not at liberty to elaborate.

Chix Fire Department Looks to Add to Staff

The Chickasha Fire Department is currently accepting applications for new candidates. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego says they are looking to fill two or three positions and are encouraging men and women to apply.

After hiring there will be an in-house six-to-eight week academy. The application period runs through the first of May.

Chickasha Clean-up Days Scheduled

City officials have announced dates for the community-wide spring clean-up campaign. It will be held Wednesday, May 15th through Saturday, May 18th. Residents will be able to take trash and unwanted items to the public works headquarters on North Genevieve for free. Residents will have to show proof of residency with a utility bill, or stop by city hall to request a dump ticket. Hours of operation will be Wednesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Items that will not be accepted include tires, batteries, oil, paint, liquids, pesticides, Freon, or hazardous materials.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.14 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.11.

Natural gas is $1.75 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,374 and silver is $28.17.

Obituaries

Dixie Cobb

Funeral service for Dixie Cobb, 94, of Chickasha was held at 11:00 a.m. this morning (Monday, April 22^nd) at College Heights Baptist Church. She helped to start Sooner Horse Trailers in Duncan.  Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

David Cowan, Jr.

Funeral service for David Cowan, Jr., 84, of Verden was held at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon (Monday, April 22^nd at McRay Funeral Home. He was a special education teacher, served as the director of the Oklahoma Regional Education Service Center, and was an adjunct professor at USAO.

Toni Caicco

A graveside service for Toni Caicco, 76, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23^rd at Fairlawn Cemetery. She was born in Chickasha, lived in Dibble, and worked for the unemployment office. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

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