Forgot Password

Not a Member? Sign up here!

Mollman Media News

2018 February 5th - 10th

Your News

2018,  February 12th - Feb. 15th  

 

Our Chickasha Schools Academic Persons of the week is CHS Sr. Ian Turpin

Tune in to hear Ian’s story!

 

 

 

Saturday, February 10th

Fired City Hall Employee Sues City

A former Chickasha City Hall employee is suing the city for wrongful termination. Juliana Buckmaster claims she was fired after she alleged a co-worker was embezzling public funds. An attorney for Buckmaster filed the lawsuit in Grady County District Court last month. She's seeking damages in excess of $10,000. The suit claims Buckmaster was fired from her job in the utility department last August for her alleged conduct toward customers. Buckmaster said she was fired in retaliation for reporting concerns to the city manager and others in authority positions about possible embezzlement. She claims she was confront several times by superiors who treated her poorly. Buckmaster wants the case to be heard by a jury. No court date has been scheduled.

 

Man Tied to Terrorist Group Took Flying Lessons in Chickasha

A new report indicates an Oklahoman alleged to have ties with a terrorist group took flying lessons at the Chickasha airport. Naif Alfallaj of Weatherford was indicted this week by the FBI for visa fraud and making false statements. KFOR-TV reports Alfallaj was a student at the Chickasha Wings Flight school. A teacher there said Alfallaj was difficult to work with. It wasn't clear when Alfallaj attended the school. Alfallaj pleaded not guilty to FBI allegations that he concealed his application and attendance of a training camp for terrorists in Afghanistan back in 2000. It was the same camp attended by some of the hijackers involved in the 9-11 attacks.

 

Man Arrested for Seeking Nude Photos of Girls

A Chickasha man is arrested for soliciting sex and nude photos from underage girls. 21-year old Jacob Fourkiller was arrested following a two-month undercover sting operation by the Canadian County sheriff's office. It's reported that authorities found hundreds of images of underaged girls on his phone, many of which were considered to be porn.  It's alleged Fourkiller believed he was talking to a 14-year old girl from Blanchard. Instead, he was talking to the undercover officer on a social media app. Canadian County investigators arrested Fourkiller at his workplace on Wednesday. Fourkiller has been charged in Canadian County with soliciting sex with a minor. Authorities also say they may pursue similar charges in Grady County.

 

Big Response for Free Dental Care

Around 200 people were able to take advantage of free dental services that were available in Chickasha yesterday. The 29th Street Dental Clinic opened its doors for its 11th annual dentistry from the heart campaign. Dr. John Phillips says one patient was from North Dakota, who was driving through and heard about the event. We talked to James from Hinton, who waited in line about five hours to get two teeth pulled. He tells how he passed some of the time.

 

                

 

Phillips says he offers the clinic each year with the help of the his staff, additional dental hygenists, and oral surgeons that are among 100 volunteers.

 

                

 

Patients could choose to have their teeth cleaned, a filling, or to have a tooth pulled.

 

Active Grady County Arrest Warrants

Each week, the Grady County Sheriff's Office issues a list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here's public information officer Lisa Hatchett.

 

                

 

If you have information regarding any of these individuals, you're asked to contact the sheriff's office.

 

 

Chickasha Basketball Team to Play for State Title

A Chickasha basketball team will play for a state championship tonight. James Carraway Christian Academy Jaguars advanced to the title game of the Class A Oklahoma Christian School state tournament, with a 49-41 win over Bradford Christian of Pryor last night. Jassten Sanchez had 20 points to  help the Jaguars qualify for its first ever state title game. They'll play Community Christian School of Oklahoma City at 7 o'clock tonight in Norman.

               

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Information which will be helpful to many farmers market vendors will be available at an upcoming conference. Jade Owen with the Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education Project is our guest on KOOL Konversation. Find the interview under the Community tab on this website.

 

 

Friday, February 9th

 

 

 

Consumer Spending Spikes in Grady County

Last November saw the best month for consumer spending in Grady County in more than two years. Based on the most recent sales tax collection numbers, it's estimated that $100 million was spent on taxable goods and services at retail outlets in the region. That's an increase of more than 26 percent from October, and more than 77 percent over November of 2016. Grady County sales tax revenue for January, which reflects retail trade from last November, was nearly $750,000. Here's how that money is distributed. Grady County Fairgrounds gets nearly $250,000; Grady Memorial Hospital receives $221,000; Each of the county's seven senior nutrition centers collects nearly $18,000; Each of the 20 fire districts will get $6,200; Tuttle EMS is to get $23,000 and Rush Springs EMS to receive $5,700. Grady County use tax collections, paid on internet purchases, were also up dramatically, to $161,000.

 

Spending Up in Chickasha, Too

For the City of Chickasha, consumer spending last November was nearly $25 million, up about 5.7 percent from the same period the year before. City sales tax revenue was $930,000. Chickasha's use tax collection was down about 17.5 percent to $56,000.

 

Step-Up Oklahoma Plan Passes First Test

A bi-partisan plan calling for reforms in state government clears its first hurdle at the state capital. The Step Up Oklahoma plan calls for a combination of reforms and tax hikes which supporters say would eliminate abuse and waste of state funds, and end the boom-and-bust cycle of state government. Among the supporters is David Griffin, who is president and chief executive officer of Griffin Communications.

 

                

 

The measure was passed by the state House of Representatives Thursday. It now goes to the senate for consideration.

 

Long Line Forms for Free Dental Work

Dozens of people are already in line for free dental services available in Chickasha today. The 11th annual Dentistry from the Heart campaign is about to get underway at the 29th Street Dental Clinic. Some braved the elements and camped out overnight to be among the first in line. Each year, the clinic serves more than 200 patients who take advantage of the free dental work. Patients can either get their teeth cleaned, get a filling, or have a tooth pulled. Dentistry From the Heart runs until 4 o'clock this afternoon at the clinic located at 29th and Grand.

 

Personnel Changes at Chickasha City Hall

There have been some personnel changes at Chickasha City Hall. Susan McDaniel has been promoted to city clerk, and serves as a department leader. McDaniel has spent the last couple of years as assistant to the city manager. Taking over for the assistant to the city manager post is Andrea Pinkerton. She is from Duncan, where she spent a couple of years as assistant to the city clerk for the City of Duncan.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.65 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $64.81.

Natural gas is to $2.69 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,316 and silver is $16.32.

 

 

 

 

Thursday, February 8th

 

Smoke Forces School Evacuation

Grand Elementary School had to be evacuated Wednesday  after a report of smoke in the building. Students were led out of the school and taken next door to Bill Wallace School  while the fire department was called in. There were no injuries and very little damage to the school. Major Chris Dennis with the Chickasha Fire Department said there was no fire, but they did find smoke coming from a maintenance room  in one of the hallways. They traced the problem to some debris that had collected in an exhaust fan vent. Fire crews used a couple of hand-held fire extinguishers to eliminate the problem. Dennis also said heat and air technicians were called in to make sure  that equipment was working properly. Fire crews were on the scene about an hour. School officials did send out a Facebook notice that the school was evacuated and that the kids were safe. Parents were allowed to pick up their children early.

 

Two City Council Races Set; Three Candidates Unopposed               

There will be at least three new members on the Chickasha City Council later this year, and one of them will be the mayor. Seven candidates filed for the five council positions up for election this year. Two candidates had filed for mayor. Chris Mosley and Tom Rose are seeking the post currently held by Hank Ross, who did not run for re-election. One other race will be in Ward 4, where incumbent Councilman Howard Carpenter will face Zach Grayson. The city council election will be April 3rd. Running unopposed for council seats were Ward 3 councilman, R.P. Ashanti-Alexander and newcomers David Sikes in Ward 1 and Joe Molder in Ward 2.

               

Chickasha Names New Police Chief

After a nation-wide search, Chickasha's new police chief was found just a few miles away. He is Greg Anderson, who is currently a captain with the Moore Police Department. Anderson was among 27 candidates who applied and four finalists who were interviewed. Anderson has 23 years’ experience as a certified law enforcement officer with the last 12 as a supervisor. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in law enforcement administration and ethics from Mid America Christian University. He also has more than 2,000 hours of police training. Anderson is expected to be on the job March 5th. He'll take over for interim chief G.G. Music. He was filling in after former chief Stewart Steele accepted a similar position in another state.

 

Burglary Suspect Nabbed in Traffic Stop

A suspect wanted in connection with several auto burglaries is arrested following a traffic stop by Chickasha police. 18-year old Dalton Cordell Null was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over Tuesday night because of a non-working center brake light. A warrant had been issued for Null’s arrest on burglary and grand larceny charges. Null is alleged to have stolen some tools out of a pick-up at Wal-Mart, and is also suspected in residential auto burglaries which occurred in the 200 block of South 6th and near 17th and Louisiana, all of which happened last November. The arrest warrant affidavit indicates police have video surveillance in two of the incidents. Null spent Tuesday night in jail, and had his initial appearance on the charges in Grady County District Court Wednesday. He's out of jail after posting $10,000 bond.

 

Comments Sought for Proposed Food Truck, Handler Rules

The  City of Chickasha is looking for input regarding some proposed regulations concerning food truck vendors and food handlers. City Planner and Building Inspector Gene Winsett invites comment from the public during hearings on the issues next week. Winsett said the city has no current regulations regarding either issue. The hearings will be held during the Tuesday, February 13th Planning Commission meeting, which will be held at city hall starting at 4 p.m. Copies of the proposed regulations can be picked up from the Community Development office for review. Winsett said the information compiled from the hearings will be used to develop the proposed new guidelines, which will have to be approved by the city council before they are implemented.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.79 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.51.

Natural gas is $2.70 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,313 and silver is $16.24.

 

 

Wednesday, February 7th

 

 

Shooting Victim Hospitalized

A shooting victim is in fair condition in an Oklahoma City hospital this morning, after he was found in the yard of a Chickasha home. Police are looking into the shooting but have not released a lot of information. Authorities were dispatched to the  home near 10th and Harvey in the north part of the city about 2:30 p.m. yesterday. The victim was shot in the stomach with a small-caliber weapon. Police say he was conscious and coherent and taken to Grady Memorial, then air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. Police identified the victim as 31-year old Khristopher Walker of Chickasha. Authorities say he was uncooperative and would not say much about what happened.

 

Medical Examiner Releases Report on Pastor's Death

The state medical examiner has issued a conflicting report about the death of a local pastor. You probably remember the story from last June, regarding the death of Michael Dean Walworth.  A one-page report released by the medical examiner indicates Walworth suffered an apparent fire death, but the report also says his probable cause of death is unknown. Walworth's body was found between his home and his First Missionary Church next door. There was no fire at his home nor the church. Chickasha police said at the time they were investigating his death as a homicide. However, no arrests were ever made.

               

Cash, Gun Stolen from Pastor's Home

More than $2,000 in cash and a loaded gun are stolen from the home of a Chickasha minister. The home of Sister Alice Wendling with Full Gospel Church was burglarized while she was at church Sunday night. Authorities say the garage door was kicked in The safe had about $2,500 in cash was in one room and the handgun in another. Wendling thinks the burglar is someone they know, and who knew they would be away  from their home. Sister Alice said the money that was stolen was going towards building a new church gymnasium.

               

Two More Candidates File for Chix City Council

A current Chickasha city councilman, and a previously announced candidate for mayor were the only individuals to file for the spring city council election on Tuesday. Ward 3 City Councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander and  Tom Rose were the only new candidates to come forward on day two of city council filings. Two races have developed so far. Rose and Chris Mosley are the two announced candidates for mayor. The other is in Ward 4 where current councilman Howard Carpenter and challenger Zach Grayson have filed. Filing un-opposed so far is Ashanti-Alexander in Ward 3; Joe Molder in Ward 2; and David Sikes in Ward 1. Today is the final day candidates can file, at Chickasha City Hall.

 

One Candidate Files for Minco City Council

In Minco, only one candidate has filed for a city council post. Sara Jensen is seeking the Ward 2, Office 2 post that will be filled. Today is the last day to file for that election as well. Candidates file at the Grady County Election Board.

 

Open House to Celebrate Bank Renovations

After several months of renovations, Chickasha's First National Bank is ready to unveil the upgrades made to its main downtown branch and 3rd and Chickasha Ave. An open house will be held next Tuesday, February 13th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to show off the improvements made to the historic bank originally built in 1931. A ribbon cutting and dedication will be held at 3:30 p.m. that day.

 

Missing Norman Couple Found

A special needs couple missing from their Norman apartment has been found and they are ok. A Silver Alert for 59-year old Robert Osbourn and 57-year old Bertha Peppiat was canceled yesterday. Osbourn is autistic and Peppiat developmentally disabled and can't read or write. The pair was reported missing last Tuesday, when they failed to return after walking to a nearby convenience store. Norman police would only say the couple was found living in a hotel.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.39 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.86.

Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,330 and silver is $16.63.

 

Tuesday, February 6th

 

 

Chix Mayor, City Council Candidates File

One candidate for mayor and four candidates for city council were at Chickasha City Hall yesterday, filing paperwork to put their name on the spring city council election ballot. Chris Mosley was the only candidate to file for mayor. The other announced candidate, Tom Rose, says he plans on doing so today. One race has already formed. That's in Ward 4, where incumbent Howard Carpenter is being challenged by Zach Grayson. Grayson is a business partner with InterUrban Restaurant. Others filing include David Sikes, who is seeking the Ward 1 post currently held by Jerry Pittman. Sikes is a mineral manager and oil and gas consultant. As of late yesterday afternoon, the only other candidate to file was Joe Molder, who filed in Ward 2 for the seat currently held by Blake Elliott. There were no candidates filing in Ward 3, for the seat held by R.P. Ashanti-Alexander. The filing period runs through tomorrow.

 

Crash Injures Chickasha Resident

A Chickasha woman is hospitalized following a Caddo County crash. 32-year old Lacreisha Haskell was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted in serious condition after last-night's accident. The crash occurred just before midnight, about 7 1/2 miles east of Binger. The highway patrol reports that Haskell was going to fast on a curve, ran off the road, rolled one time and hit several trees. Haskell suffered numerous head, arm, leg and internal injuries.

 

Petioners to Submit Signatures Asking for School Audit

A citizens group petitioning for a state audit of the finances of the Chickasha school district will be heading to Oklahoma City this morning to turn in their documents. The group wants the state auditor and inspector to go through the books to determine if there has been a mismanagement of school funds. Petitioners said they need about 800 verified signatures in order for the audit to take place. Officials said they have obtained nearly 1,700 signatures. The state auditor will turn the documents over to the state election board, which will determine if there are enough valid signatures to call for the audit.

 

Free Dental Services to be Offered

A Chickasha dental clinic will open its doors for free dental services later this week. Dr. John Phillips and his crew at 29th Street Dental Clinic will again host the annual Dentistry from the Heart campaign. Each year, they treat more than 200 patients in a single day. Dozens of volunteers help to make the operation go smoothly. Phillips says the team includes a number of oral surgeons.

 

               

 

Dentistry from the Heart will be this Friday, Feb. 9th at the 29th Street Dental Clinic, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some patients camp out overnight to be among the first in line. Patients can choose one of three services: teeth cleaning, a filling, or getting a tooth pulled.

 

FEMA Approves Storm Shelter Rebate Plan

A plan to give  Grady County residents a partial rebate for the installation of storm shelters has been approved. A federal grant has been provided to give rebates to as many as 150 families to take part in the program. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson says there will be meetings county-wide next month to discuss the details, and to allow residents to sign up. Thompson said to qualify for a rebate, applicants must own the property where the storm shelter will be located; and the property must be the applicant’s primary residence. Mobile home owners must own the land where the shelter will be installed. Meetings will be held in Tuttle and Rush Springs on Friday, March 16th. A meeting at Tuttle City Hall will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A meeting at the Rush Springs Lions Club building will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. that evening. A third meeting will be in Chickasha on Saturday, March 17th at the Canadian Valley Technology Center from 11 am. to 2 p.m.

 

Choose Healthy Sweet Treats Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is about a week away. Teachers who may have gatherings for their young students might consider serving healthy sweet treats instead of pre-packaged candies. Here’s Susan Routh with Grady County OSU Extension.

 

                

 

She also suggests setting up a table with cut-up vegetables, whole-grain pita chips, and low-fat cheese cubes with tomato salsa. Make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on whole-wheat bread, and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make Valentines.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $64.15 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $67.62.

Natural gas is $2.74 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,345 and silver is $16.79.

 

 

Monday, February 5th

 

 

Filing Period Opens for City Council Candidates

Candidates for city council in two communities are getting their paperwork in order today. The filing period is now underway for council posts in Chickasha and Minco. There are five council posts to be filled in Chickasha, including mayor. The city will have a new mayor when the April 3rd election comes around. Current Mayor Hank Ross will not be running for re-election. Two candidates who have already announced their plans to run for mayor are Chris Mosley and Tom Rose. The other four Chickasha City Council offices up for election are Jerry Pittman in Ward 1; Blake Elliott in Ward 2; R.P. Ashanti-Alexander in Ward 3; and Howard Carpenter in Ward 4. Candidates file at Chickasha City Hall. The filing period runs through Wednesday. There is one Minco city council post to be filled. That is Ward Two, Office 2. Candidates for that post file at the Grady County Election Board.

 

City Lawsuit Update Expected

An update on a lawsuit filed by the City of Chickasha against a firm that failed to follow through on a promise to expand to the area will be provided to the city council tonight. The lawsuit against Word Industries will be discussed behind closed doors with the city attorney. The lawsuit regards a $250,000 loan the city provided to the company to help with re-location expenses. Company officials announced in January of 2016 that they were moving to the region, but the move never materialized. The council will meet at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

New Hotel Boosts Building Report

Winter months aren't normally big months for building permit applications at Chickasha City Hall, but January was an exception. Permits for more than $3.6 million in construction were approved by the city's community development department last month. Topping the list was the permit for the new Best Western Plus Hotel to be built near the Grady County Fairgrounds. A ground-breaking ceremony for the hotel was held in December. That permit was among nine building permits issued in January. One other commercial work order was for a $3,500 upgrade for the Pregnancy Testing and Guidance Center at 12th and Choctaw.  Seven residential construction permits were approved totaling about $160,000.

 

Four Hospitalized Following Two Weekend Crashes

Weekend traffic accidents in the region sent four people to hospitals, with two victims admitted in critical condition. A crash west of Anadarko injured three men. 39-year old Steven Meyers of Anadarko was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted in critical condition 33-year old Charles Price Jr, and 47-year old Michael Downs, both of Cyril, were taken to a Lawton hospital and admitted in fair condition. That accident happened just after midnight Sunday morning. Price was driving a car that failed to go around a curve on a county road and hit a tree. The trooper on the scene reported an odor of alcohol at the site. The other crash critically injured a Marlow man. 33-year old Shane Sacco was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital when his SUV crashed northeast of Walters late Saturday night. The trooper on the scene of that crash says Sacco was taking a curve too fast when he ran off State Highway 65 and rolled nearly two times.

 

Cattle-on-Feed Numbers Released

In agriculture news, nearly 11.5 million head of cattle were on hand in feedlots around the country as of January 1st. That's up more than 8 percent from the previous year, and the largest on-feed count in six years. Shiann Burns with Grady County OSU Extension has other numbers concerning the report.

 

                

 

She said placement numbers for the 600- to 900-pound animals were down a little more than 4.5 percent.

               

More Contributions for Chickasha's Animal Shelter

Another nice contribution to the city of Chickasha's Animal Shelter. Tractor Supply has donated a half-ton of dog food to help care for lost and abandoned animals. A pallet loaded with several 25- and 50-pound bags of food were delivered to the shelter last week.  Lt. Traye Alexander was thankful for the contribution, saying the city appreciates the donations from residents and businesses. Just a few weeks ago, the Oklahoma division of the Humane Society of the United States donated some needed equipment and supplies to the shelter.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $64.45 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $68.58.

Natural gas is to $2.84 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,340 and silver is $16.85.

Weather

Recently Played

Fancy

By Reba McEntire

3:58am