Saturday, November 11th
Pursuit Involved Stolen Truck from Grady County
A Grady County man who called police after seeing his stolen pick up leads to a lengthy high speed pursuit in the Oklahoma City area. Shane Jones of Bridge Creek says his pickup was stolen while he was at a doctor's appointment last week. Friday morning, November 10th, he spotted the truck towing a trailer in southwest Oklahoma City, so he called police. After about a three-hour chase, authorities managed to take 25-year old Brenton James Hager into custody after he crashed the pick up into a Cleveland County pond. Hager is on probation on previous charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle and drug possession, and had served time behind bars for similar crimes.
Crash With Semi Injures SUV Driver
An Anadarko woman is hospitalized in serious condition after a traffic accident involving a semi. 64-year old Margo Stephenson was flown by helicopter to an Oklahoma City hospital suffering from head, trunk, and internal injuries. The crash that happened on U. S. Highway 281 about a mile north of Anadarko about 1:00 p.m. Friday. The Highway Patrol reports Stephenson was eastbound on a county road and failed to yield at a stop sign, broadsiding the semi's trailer. She was trapped in her SUV for about 20 minutes. The driver of the semi, 27-year old Bryson Baker of Comanche, was not injured.
Crashes With Big Rigs on the Rise
It's at least the third accident within the last 10 days involving semis. Two of the them resulted in deaths. 89-year old Donald Taylor of Minco died when his pick up was hit by a semi in Union City earlier this week. A semi rollover near Gracemont recently claimed the life of 28-year old Tobias Martinez of Anadarko.
Fatal Crash Near Apache
One man dies and another hospitalized when a pick up crashes into a creek in southern Caddo County. 50-year old Kendall Coker of Mt. View succumbed to his injuries in the crash that happened northwest of Apache about 4:30 a.m. Friday. The driver of the truck, 38-year old George Kodaseet, also of Mt. View was taken to an OKC hospital, and was last in fair condition. The Highway Patrol said it wasn't clear what caused Kodaseet to veer off the road and crash.
One Behind Bars in Embezzelment-Theft Probe
Tuttle police have made an arrest in connection with an alleged embezzlement and/or theft. In custody is 30-year old Christopher Sean Danle who taken into Friday on complaints of embezzlement and receiving, possessing or concealing stolen property. No details about his arrest were availalbe. Danley will spend the weekend in jail, and is expected to go before a judge Monday morning to hear the complaints against him.
K-9 Officer Grants Awarded
The votes have been counted in a one-month on-line national campaign for police departments hoping to get grants for their K-9 officer programs. Unfortunately, the Chickasha Police Department was not among the top agencies in the effort. The waste-disposal company Aftermath awarded more than $15,000 in grants to eight departments which were selected to participate. Dozens of agencies were depending on votes from their local citizens. A police department in Illinois was selected to receive the top $5,000 grant. Other grants went to departments in Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Georgia, Ohio, and Florida.
Weekend Program
Here's what we're talking about this weekend: Christy Clift and Whitney Brooks with the literacy group Altrusa are on our KOOL Konversation. They'll be talking about their work to help adults and youth to improve their reading skills and education, as well as their 25th annual Hall of Trees Fundraiser that's coming up. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, Rick Howell and Jay Freede with the Oklahoma branch of the National Association of Royalty Owners will discuss their work, and the continuing mini-boom underway in the SCOOP and STACK oil and gas plays in the region. The KOOL Konversation, coming up about this time next hour, followed at 8:30 by Real Estate Today. We have links to both programs in our website, KOOL 1055 fm - dot - com.
Friday, November 10th
Minco Man Dies in Crash With Semi
That fatal crash in Union City Thursday morning involving a semi and a pick-up kills a Minco resident. Donald Taylor, 89, died in the crash. It happened at a particularly dangerous intersection, near the Love's store just north of Union City on U.S. Highway 81. Taylor was trying to turn onto the highway when his truck was hit by the big rig. The identity of the truck driver wasn't available, and it wasn't known if he or she was injured. Officials say there have been seven major accidents at that location in the last two years. Union City officials and the state Department of Transporation have been working to lessen the risk of bad accidents there. ODOT has lowered the speed limit in that area from 70 to 55 mph, but there are still motorists who speed through that region.
Person of Interest in Mysterious Death Arrested
Authorities in Caddo County have arrested a man who is a person of interest in connection with the death of a Carnegie woman. Byron Yeahquo, 32, also known as Byron Tongkeamah, was arrested by Carnegie Police on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant this week. He's being held in the Caddo County Jail. The OSBI was looking for Yeahquo, and are wanting to talk to him about the death of Cindy Kaudlekaule, whose body was found along a county road east of Carnegie a couple of weeks ago. The Lawton Constitution reports the Caddo County Sheriff's Office indicates Yeahquo is connected to a gang called the Indian Brotherhood.
Coffee Cup Assault Suspect Charged
A Chickasha man is accused of smashing a coffee cup on the head of a woman so hard, the cup shattered into pieces. Police arrested Quentin Griffith, 63, after answering a 911 call about a domestic disturbance. A woman claimed she and Griffith were arguing prior to the attack. After being struck the woman grabbed her cel phone and ran outside to hide in the bushes, where she called police. Griffith spent some time in jail, then posted bond after being charged with a misdemeanor. A probable cause affidavit on file did not indicate if the woman went the hospital, though she did have a knot on her head.
Alex Landfill Expansion Update
Here's a follow-up to a story you've only heard on Ranch News. We reported a couple of weeks ago that the Southern Plains Landfill in Alex is wanting to expand its operation. We talked to District Manager Jeff Bedick about the plans. He says there is still plenty of room on their 76-acre landfill and he estimates it could last another 15 years. The landfill owner, Waste Connections, is trying to plan for the future. An application for expansion has been on file at the State Department of Environmental Quality for about a year. Bedick said a copy of that permit can be seen at the Chickasha Library. Bedick says they have worked to verify the location of any ground water sources, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers has surveyed the area. Right now, he says they are waiting for a response from the DEQ before the process can continue. Bedick said property owners near the landfill have been sent notifications on the request to expand.
New Pipe Storage Company Expands Here
A new pipe storage facility will be coming to the region. C-TAP, a Colorado-based company for casing, tubing, trucking, and storage has purchased 29 acres in the north part of Chickasha, near the city's water treatment plant. Economic Development Director Christy Elkins made the announcement at yesterday's meeting of the Economic Development Council.
Elkins compares it to the Garrett yard in Amber. Before they can get started, a new rail spur must be built off the Stillwater National rail line. CTAP's website indicates it been in business for nearly 30 years. It has sales offices in Oklahoma City and Dallas, and pipeyards in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah as well as in the northeast part of the country. Elkins expects the move to generate about 15 jobs that will pay an average of $16 an hour. However, the hiring process won't start until some time next year.
Academic Person
Time to highlight an individual putting in some extra effort for Chickasha Public Schools. Our Dennis Linam has that story.
Veterans Day Program
Tomorrow is Veterans Day, and a number of programs are being held throughout the region to honor the men and women who have, or are currently serving in the armed forces. In Chickasha, the Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee will have its program at the Grady County Veterans Memorial in Shannon Springs Park. Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt is the guest speaker. The program will start at 11 a.m. tomorrow.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX surges past $57 to $57.17 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is just under $64.
Natural gas up to $3.20 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,284 and silver is $17.02
Thursday, November 9th
Another Candidate to Run for Vacant House Seat
A retired educator from Marlow has announced he'll be running for a vacant seat in the state House of Representatives. Charles Murdock, 71, says he's a candidate for House District 51, the seat previously held by Chickasha's Scott Biggs, who stepped down from the post last week. Murdock is a Democrat, who ran for the seat unsuccessfully in 2016. Murdock says many house Republicans are not willing compromise because of party politics.
Also announcing their candidacy for the post this week was Chickasha businessman Dustin Payne who will run as a Republican. The filing period for the vacant seat is next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Candidates will file at the State Election Board. A special primary election will be held January 9, 2018.
Missing Man Found
A man missing from Chickasha earlier this week has been found, and he's OK. Chickasha Police issued a Silver Alert for 67-year old Gene Burgess early Wednesday. He and his wife had stopped at a convenience store late Tuesday. Burgess has early-onset Alzheimer's and lost the keys to the couple's car. His wife had walked to a nearby motel, where Burgess was supposed to meet her, but Burgess never arrived. The alert canceled after Burgess was in Edmond mid-day Wednesday at a home the couple owns there.
Property Tax Statements in the Mail
Property owners throughout Grady County should be receiving their 2017 property tax statements in the mail. County treasurer Robin Burton says her office put thousands of statements in the mail last week.
Those statements represent about $56 million in property taxes, most of which goes to fund local school districts. Property owners who have their property taxes included in their monthly mortage payments should not get a statement. You can pay the entire amount, or, pay half by January 15th. If you choose that option, the second half is due by April 15th.
Historic Downtown Building Needs Repair
Supporters of the historic Washita Theatre in downtown Chickasha say the aging building may have to close, if some desperately needed repairs aren't made. The building is home to the Chickasha Community Theatre. It's estimated that about $100,000 is needed for structural repairs, a new roof, and water-proofing work. A local family is jump-starting a big fund-raising campaign to repair the building. The Elmer DeHart family will match the first $50,000 donated to the rehabilitation of the theatre. Kristy Jarnagin says the theatre will also need additional funds for interior repairs. For information, contact Jarnagin at Jay's Jewelry. All contrubtions are tax-deductible.
Tuttle, Bridge Creek to Hold Elections
Voters in Tuttle and Bridge Creek will be going to the polls next week. However, they can cast ballots early if they want. In-person, absentee voting will be available today and tomorrow at the Grady County Election Board. For Tuttle school district patrons, there's a special election to decide two issues. One would allow the district to purchase laptops and iPads for students, as well as purchase text books. It would also fund technology upgrades to improve wifi access and internet service. A second issue would allow the district to upgrade transportation, including busses and suburbans. The combined value of the bond issues is just over $3 million. Bridge Creek voters will also decide a special bond issue, and the Bridge Creek Fire Protection District general election will also be held. Early voting at the election board from 800 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today and tomorrow. Otherwise, regular polling places will be open next Tuesday.
FFA Student Places High in Speech Contest
A Chickasha High School FFA student turned in a good performance at a recent speech contest. Clay Grossnicklaus was third in the Intermediate Division of Southwest District competition hosted by American Farmers and Ranchers. His speech was on the topic of Science and Natural Resources.
4H Share the Fun Results
4H youth throughout Grady County put their talents on display at the annual Share the Fun event at Minco last weekend. 34 youth took part in a dozen acts, which included singing, dancing, or acting. Brooke White lists some of the winners.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $56.81 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $63.49.
Natural gas is $3.17 per million BTUs
Gold is $1,288 and silver is $17.15.
Tuesday, November 7th
Residents Discuss Pros, Cons of Code Enforcement
Chickasha residents both for and against some code enforcement ordinances addressed last night's Chickasha City Council meeting. And while the council took no action following more than an hour of discussion, the panel opened the door for compromise. Torry Wise was among those opposed to the ordinance that deals with parking on the grass.
Speaking for the enforcement of the issue was Rick Johnston.
Mayor Hank Ross and City Manager John Noblitt both said the city has not issued any tickets for not painting homes over the last few years; and only a few tickets for parking on the grass. Councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander said the city needs to be honest, fair, and credible, and that city officials are willing to work with citizens. He also said the community needs to work as a whole in order to create a city everyone wants. Councilman Cody Turpin says there are a lot of scared people, and that the city needs to do a better job of informing the public of its proposals.
City Manager Has Council Backing
Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt gets a vote of confidence from the city council. After spending an hour and a half in a closed-door meeting, Mayor Hank Ross said Noblitt has the full support of the council. Noblitt's been on the job for about six months.
No Action on Wind Farm Proposals
Also after the exectuvie session, Ross also said there was no action taken concerning the appraisal of city-owned land at Lake Chickasha, regarding a proposed wind farm lease.
Woman Makes Good Calls in Attempted Robbery
A woman sitting in her vehicle in a church parking lot waiting to go to work gets a scare. Police say a man with a gun tried to get inside her SUV. But the woman quickly locked her doors, and backs away from the suspect and calls police. Chickasha police quickly answer, find the suspect nearby, and take him into custody without incident. This all unfolded before dawn last Friday morning at Epworth Methodist Church. A probable cause affidavit from Chickasha police say responding officers found the suspect did have had a loaded 9mm. When officers took the suspect to jail,they found suspected meth and PCP in his possession. Lawrence Paul Anderson, 38, was arrested on complaints of possession of a firearm after conviction; and drug possession. The website On Demand Court Records indicates Anderson pleaded guilty to drug charges from a 2010 arrest. Anderson remains in jail. Bond has not yet been established.
Motorcycle Rider Recuperates
A Chickasha man remains hospitalized after the motorcycle he was riding was hit by a pick-up. John Hunter was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with what police called serious injuries. Hunter was last in good condition. The accident happened in front of the Jimmy's Egg Restaurant east of 4th and Grand about 4:15 p.m. Sunday. Authorities say Hunter was eastbound on Grand Avenue, when the pick-up pulled out from Wal-Mart and hit him. The driver of the pick-up, 19-year old Dalton Chaney, was not injured. Officials say no tickets were issued, as the accident remains under investigation.
Author Receives National Recognition
An Oklahoma author wins a national award. Duncan native John Dwyer picks up two gold medals during the annual Will Rogers Medalion Awards ceremony in Ft. Worth recently. The gold medals are for Dwyer's book entitled, The Oklahomans: The Story of Oklahoma and its People, Volume One." Dwyer was the speaker at last night's Grady County Historical Society annual meeting, and tells our Dennis Linam:
It took Dwyer more than 10 years to write the book. He's already working on a sequel.
Fire Departments to Receive Unexpected Cash
Some volunteer fire departments in the region will be getting a boost in funding. The money will be donated by Midship Pipeline, which will be building a natural gas pipeline through the region over the next several months. The company will be donating $200,000 to 64 fire departments, including some in Canadian, Grady, Garvin, and Stephens counties. in Grady County 17 volunteer fire departments each will receive a little more than $3,000. When completed, the pipeline will extend 200 miles, and wil connect new gas production from the SCOOP and STACK plays to growing markets in the Gulf Coast of Southeast regions of the country. A formal presentation will be held in Oklahoma City tomorrow.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX jumped to $57.35 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude climbs to $64.37.
Natural gas was up to $3.13 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,277 and silver is $17.05.
Monday, November 6th
Code Enforcement Ordinances Back for Discussion
The Chickasha City Council will again tackle the sensitive issue of enforcing certain city codes when it comes to maintaining personal property. Two issues are to be reviewed during tonight's council meeting. One pertains to the exterior of homes, especially when it comes to peeling, flaking, and chipping paint. Another deals with parking on the grass. Approved parking surfaces currently are gravel driveways installed before 2008, or hard-surface driveways. The city council is also to discuss holding yet another public auction to lease mineral rights. The latest section expected to go up for auction is about 200 acres near Lake Chickasha. The council will also go behind closed doors to discuss the performance of city manager John Noblitt; and to discuss the appraisal of property near Lake Chickasha, regarding a proposed wind farm lease. The city council meets at 5:30 this afternoon at city hall.
New Construction Slows
October was a slow month for new construction in Chickasha. The city's Community Development Department approved just $105,000 in new construction, the lowest month for new construction projects this year. Only seven total permits were issued. The largest was awarded to Char-Don Builders for a $57,000 commercial remodel at 126 Kansas Avenue. The remaining six permits were for residential additions and remodels. New building permits through the first 10 months of 2017 total more than $49.1 million.
Man Injured in Chickasha Crash
A serious traffic accident in Chickasha yesterday. We don't have any details, but we know the crash happened about 4:30 p.m. Sunday in front of the Jimmy's Egg restaurant. There were unconfirmed reports of at least one injury. Chickasha police confirmed they were investigating the crash, but provided no additional information.
Motorcycle Accident Hospitalizes Blanchard Man
A Blanchard man is critically injured in a motorcycle accident. 31-year old Michael Goldsmith was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City Hospital with numerous arm, leg, trunk, and internal injuries. The crash happened near Davis in southern Oklahoma yesterday. The highway patrol reports Goldsmith was speeding along a state highway and failed to go around a curve. He laid the bike on its side and hit a guardrail. He was wearing a helmet.
Salvation Army Bell-Ringing Campaign Here Soon
The Salvation Army division which serves the Grady and Caddo County areas is preparing for its annual Red Kettle campaign. All the proceeds will benefit needy families in the two-county region. The kick-off will be this Thursday at the Salvation Army’s new location, 2402 S. 16th in Chickasha. Meet the new commanders, Lt. David and Amanda Brittle, the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and needy families can still sign up for the Angel Tree program. The open house is Thursday, November 9th, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Substitute Teachers Sought
Chickasha schools are seeking substitute teachers. The school board recently approved an increase in substitute pay, $75 a day for certified subs, and $65 a day for non-certified. A workshop for substitute teachers will be held tomorrow morning at 8:30 at the school administration building. Candidates should have two forms of identification. Contact Susan Parr by calling 222-6500.
Agriculture Info
In agriculture news, Marty New, who is a livestock specialist with Oklahoma State, will be in Chickasha tomorrow. He'll be speaking at the Grady County Ag producers meeting in the morning. New will address the impacts of forage quality in a supplementation program. That meeting at 7 a.m. at the OSU extension office in Chickasha. In a couple of weeks, Laura Goodman, who is a range specialist with OSU extension, will address a joint gathering of Grady and Caddo county cattle producers. Goodman will discuss pasture grass identification at the Caddo County Fairgrounds on Monday, Nov. 20th at 6:30 that evening. You're asked to contact the extension office in Anadarko if you plan to attend.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX up last week to $55.64 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude up to $62.07.
Natural gas is $2.98 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,273. Silver is $16.91.
Saturday, November 4th
Our Chickasha Schools Academic Person of the week is Shane Harris! Tune in to 106. The Ranch at 7 and 8 AM Friday Nov. 3rd to hear Shane’s story!
Governor Sets Special Election for Biggs' House Seat
Gov. Mary Fallin wasted little time in scheduling a special election for the vacant District 51 seat in the State House of Representatives. And the filing period will be in a few days. The post was previously held by Chickasha Republican Scott Biggs, who resigned from the seat this week. The filing period will be November 13-15. The special primary election will be January 9th, and if needed, the special general election is March 6th. If the special general election is not needed, it will be January 9th. The district includes the eastern part of Grady County, western McClain County, and part of Stephens County.
Jury Awards Millions in Wrongful Death Suit
The family of a Blanchard teen who died in house fire is awarded a multi-million dollar judgement. A Grady County jury returns an $8.5 million wrongful death verdict in the death of 19-year old Kylie Andrews. She and one other person died in the fire that occurred in Murray County in 2013. The Andrews family alleged the rented home the two were staying in was unsafe, because the landlord did not provide a smoke detector. The jury awarded $5 million in compensatory damages, and $3.5 million in punitive damages.
Fundraiser Set for Ninnekah Police Chief
Ninnekah Police Chief Scott Miller is recovering after suffering a severe hand injury from a power saw. Miller cut off part of the thumb and forefinger on his right hand, while putting a roof on his home recently. Supporters are holding a barbecue dinner and silent auction this afternoon (Saturday) to help him with medical expenses.
Charges Filed in Ninnekah Theft
Also in Ninnekah, police arrest a suspect in connection with a residential burglary. The suspect has a prior record of theft and drug possession. Tommy Overstreet, 56, of Ninnekah is alleged to have taken a generator, a welder, and other shop tools from a shed. Overstreet was formally charged with felony burglary and misdemeanor concealing stolen property charges. The website On Demand Court Records indicates Overstreet spent some time in jail on 2008 Grady County charges of declaration of false ownership in a pawn as well as unidentified charges out of Stephens County. He's also scheduled to enter a plea on an unrelated drug charge, stemming from a 2016 arrest. Overstreet is out of jail after posting a $20,000 bond.
Most-Wanted Person Behind Bars
One of the individuals featured on this week's Grady County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted List is in custody. Michael Owen Gillleland, 42, was wanted on an outstanding warrant for a motion to revoke the sentence he received after pleading guilty to rape in connection with a 2006 charge. He spent a few years in prison and was still on probation. Gilleland was arrested by Chickasha police late last night on a misdemeanor warrant for shoplifting. He’s also facing an unrelated misdemeanor charge of assault and battery in connection with an alleged shoplifting incident following an arrest just last month.
Weekend Interview
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Grady County Treasurer Robin Burton is on our KOOL Konversation program. The 2017 tax statements have just been mailed out, and she'll have information about that and other duties of her office. We have the interview linked to our website, so you can listen to them whenever you want. Go to www.1061theranch.com and you'll find the link under the Community tab.
Friday, November 3rd
Fatal Semi Rollover
An Anadarko truck driver dies when his big rig crashes on a Caddo County road. Tobias Martinez, 28, died in the accident that happened east of Gracemont about 10 o'clock Thursday morning. The highway patrol reports the semi failed to go around a curve, ran off the road and rolled one-half time. Martinez died at the scene. Officials say Martinez was hauling the toxic chemical, hydrogen sulfide. The chemical did not leak, and officials had to bring in another tanker to transfer the chemical. The trooper called to the scene is still investigating as to what might have caused Martinez to run of the road.
State Lawmaker Steps Down
Chickasha State Representative Scott Biggs has abruptly resigned his seat in the state legislature. Biggs submitted a letter to house leaders yesterday, saying the resignation is effective immediately. Biggs was in his second term in the House of Representatives. He said he was taking a job with the federal government. He didn’t provide details, but we have this from Farm Broadcaster Ron Hays
Lindel Stoop has been acting state director for the Farm Service Agency. A special election will be held to fill Biggs' House District 51 seat, which includes most of eastern Grady County.
Lt. Gov. Candidate Stops By
Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy spent some time in Chickasha yesterday. She has announced that she will be a candidate for Lieutenant Governor next year.
Murphy has been on the corporation commission for nine years. She says if Oklahomans want something different at the state capital, she's ready to be part of something different.
Grady County Fairgrounds has New Marketer
A new marketing director is in place at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Andy Maher is on the job. He was among a dozen candidates who applied for the post. Maher says he knew a little about Grady County's new indoor arena that just opened a couple of months ago, and was excited to see it for the first time.
Maher spent three years as the general manager with the Woodward County Fairgrounds and Events Center. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as facility director for Mooreland schools. He takes over the Grady County Fairgrounds marketing duties from Peggy McMahan, who retired last month. Maher and his wife Sharyse have three sons. Hayes is a freshman at OSU, Logan is a senior at Mooreland High School and Grant is a 4th grader.
Academic Person of the Week
Our Dennis Linam spotlights an individual doing exceptional work in Chickasha Public Schools.
Thanks, Dennis!
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX climbs to $54.51 a barrel, the highest price in 2 1/2 years.
London-based Brent crude up to $60.62.
Natural gas up to $2.93 per million BTUs.
Gold fairly steady at $1,276 and silver up to $17.13.
Thursday, November 2nd
Update on Unrest in Chickasha Schools
Teachers and support employees of Chickasha schools have released a statement regarding their recent "no-confidence" votes against the district's school board and superintendent. While they haven't talked to the media, a news release from members of the Chickasha United Teachers Association, and the Chickasha Association of Support Employees say they are concerned about the district's financial situation. The joint statement by the unions says they are concerned with the school board's decision to allow Superintendent Dave Cash to take a leave of absence and continue to be paid by the district, even though he's employed by another company. The statement says the unions are also concerned that the board is interviewing for an interim superintendent who would also be paid. The statement also says union members don't understand the school board's thinking, since there are already two assistant superintendents who are qualified, and would not be an extra salary to pay. The school board is not paying Cash his regular salary, but are paying what the board calls a stipend of $2,500 per month to continue overseeing school finances and policy.
Mixed News on Consumer Spending
Consumer spending was down across Grady County in August. It's estimated that spending was down about 6.8 percent from July to August of this year, to about $81.6 million. However,it is the third best month in the calendar year. Also, the number is up more than 50 percent compared to August of last year. We estimate consumer spending when we see the sales tax revenue for the county, and factor in a three-quarters of a penny sales tax. The county received over $614,000 in sales tax revenue in October, paid on August retail purchases. Here's the breakdown:
-The Grady County Fairgrounds receives $204,000;
-Grady Memorial, $180,000
-20 fire districts share in $102,000; each one receives $5,100;
-7 senior nutrition centers share $102,000, each one gets $14,000;
-Tuttle EMS receives, $19,000;
-Rush Springs EMS receives $4,700.
Also use tax collections, sales taxes paid on Internet purchases were $70,000 which is up from $55,000 last year.
City of Chickasha Consumer Spending
Consumer spending in Chickasha for August was steady from July to August, about $24 million. That number is up about 20 percent compared to the same time last year. The city collected $894,000 on those August retail purchases. use tax collections were more than double from last year, to more than $85,000.
Injured Officer Surprised by Help
More support for Chickasha Police Sgt. Matt Schoolfield. The national Soldier's Wish campaign surprised Schoolfield yesterday, telling him the organization will renovate his bathroom to help him with the injuries he suffered in a shootout in September. Mark Ochsenbein is the director of the Soldier's wish campaign.
Schoolfield says the amount of support his family has received in the last few weeks is indescribable.
The Soldier's Wish campaign is supported by Subway Restaurantw.A good portion of the materials and labor for the bathroom have been donated. Plus, the local Galleria Furniture store donated a new recliner.
Gas Line Ruptured
A gas leak at a contruction site in downtown Chickasha this morning. Emergency crews were called out to main branch of First National Bank at 3rd and Chcikasha Ave. Unofficial reports are that contractors digging up some concrete in the alley ruptured a Centerpoint Energy natural gas line, about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Chickasha Police, fire department, and Centerpoint Energy crews responded, but there were no evacuations. Traffic on one block of 3rd Street was shut down for about an hour.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX down slightly, to $54.30 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $61.29.
Natural gas was steady at $2.89 per million BTUs.
gold is $1.277 and silver is $17.10.
Wednesday, November 1st
2017, Week of Oct. 9th Through 13th
Our Chickasha Schools Academic Persons of the week is Larry Abram! Tune in to 106. The Ranch at 7 and 8 AM Friday Oct. 13th to hear Larry’s story!
