Your News provided by
Today we close out the Chickasha Future Farmer of the week with President Blake White and FFA Reporter Cody Bell closing out the year.
Monday, Dec. 31st
State Lawmakers Hear Concerns About Fracking
Grady County residents who are voicing concerns about fracking-related earthquakes are getting the attention of their state lawmakers. State Senator Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle and State Representative Brad Boles of Marlow were both part of a town hall-type meeting in Bridge Creek recently to hear concerns from residents who have oil rigs right across the street from their homes. Paxton said-
Paxton will serve as vice chairman of the Senate Energy Committee during the upcoming legislative session. He will also serve as Vice Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, and he'll be a member of the Senate Rules Committee.
Ninnekah School Administrator's Court Hearing Postponed
Ninnekah School Superintendent Todd Bunch has had his domestic violence court date postponed to next month. Bunch has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor in Garvin County District Court over allegations that he broke into his girlfriend's home in Lindsay and tried to smother her with a pillow. The court case has been re-scheduled for January 30th following an agreement between all parties. Bunch is being allowed to remain on the job until the case has been adjudicated.
Ceremony to Honor Out-going County Commissioner
Grady County Commissioner Windle Hardy will be recognized for his work with a special ceremony later this week. Hardy served several years as the commissioner for District 1, which is the northern part of Grady County. A farewell party will be held this Friday, January 4th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom No. 1 at the Grady County Courthouse.
Correction Regarding Law Enforcement Academy Story
We have a correction to make regarding the story we aired earlier this month about the Grady County Sheriff's Office Reserve Law Enforcement Academy. We initially reported that there was only one woman who completed the course. We've learned that there were actually four women who received their reserve law enforcement certification following the extensive course. We apologize for the error.
Community Theatre to Hold Auditions for Mary Poppins, Jr.
The Chickasha Community Theatre is already making plans for its first performance of 2019. Open auditions for the March production of Mary Poppins Junior are scheduled next week. All performers must be between the ages of 10 and 18 and no older than 18 by March 4th. Auditions will be Monday, January 7th and Tuesday, January 8th at the Washita Theatre at 6 p.m. both nights. Should any callbacks be needed they will be Wednesday, January 9th at 6 p.m. See the Chickasha Community Theatre Facebook page for more info.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $45.33 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is up to $53.21.
Natural gas is down to $3.30 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,285 and silver is $15.55.
Saturday, Dec. 29th
Panel Recommends State Tax Credit Changes
A state panel recommends eliminating or changing several economic tax incentives offered by the State of Oklahoma. Among the proposals is the repeal of at least one energy tax-credit. The Oklahoma Incentive Evaluation Commission voted unanimously to repeal the Energy Efficient Residential Construction Tax Credit. The group also recommends ending the Quality Jobs Investment Program and the New Products Development Income Tax Exemption. The panel also suggests overhauling the New Investment and New Jobs Tax Credit, which offers some businesses $2,500 per new employee over a five-year period. The website OK Energy Today reports the panel submitted the recommendations in a letter to Gov. Mary Fallin and legislative leaders. The members said they considered numerous public comments regarding nearly a dozen incentives offered by state government.
Missing Teen Located
A teen who went missing from Kingfisher County has been found and she is OK. Authorities say 14-year old Katelynn Renshaw disappeared after going to her father's work with him late Thursday afternoon. The family initially feared she was abducted but now says she ran away from home after she was angry with her parents. Reports say the teen got in trouble for talking to an older man on social media. Renshaw was found attending a basketball game in Duncan on Friday. That’s about 2 1/2 hours from her home. Reports say she wouldn't say how she got to Duncan. The girl's family said authorities were able to ping the teen’s cel phone. Several law enforcement agencies took part in the search.
Video Footage Helps Capture Thief
Authorities have arrested a man they say broke in a county-owned barn in McClain County. Video surveillance showed a masked man in the county barn in the town of Wayne. Reports say he stole a laptop, some tools, and even the security cameras. The video, however, had already been uploaded to the Cloud. Our partners at KWTV News 9 say authorities were able to download the video and post it on Facebook where the suspect was identified. The suspect's name was not disclosed.
Dollar 98 To Ring In 2019
A local band will help ring in the New Year for their hometown. Dollar-98 will perform at the Elks Lodge Monday night, which is New Year's Eve. The Red Dirt band has been around nearly 20 years with members Aaron Warren, Lonnie Warren, Justin Warren, and Warren Roach. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m and the group will play starting at 9:00 p.m. Monday night. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 for couples and you must be 21 to get in.
Local Businesses Offer Free Rides Home
A couple of Chickasha businesses will be offering free rides home for those to celebrate a little too much New Year’s Eve. Don's Taxi Service and DMH and Sons Automotive are offering free rides home from local bars for those who don't have designated drivers Monday night. DMH is offering the rides from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for trips up to five miles. If you live outside of Chickasha or are at a party outside of town there will be a fee.
Friday, Dec. 28th
Grady County Deputy Kennell Captures escaped Comanche County Inmate
In an update: on the Captured of Evans in Chickasha. Our own Grady County Sherriff Deputy Kennel, captured 32 year old John Henry Evans, who had escaped around 1 in the morning on October 31st from Comanche County Detention Center. At 11:15 Wednesday the Sherriff office caught up with Evens at the Chickasha Library. This is not the first time Evans has escaped from confinement. Evans Had also escaped from a penitentiary in Oklahoma County in 2016.Evans was being held on several complaints including possession of a stolen vehicle and contributing to the delinquency of minors, but now faces Many More charges and Time.
Grady County Rescue Dog Training Facility Damaged In Storms
“Ground Zero” Emergency Training Center near Tuttle was ravaged by high winds during the storm that drained 3.32 inches in less than 24 hours on Chickasha. The wind Ripped roofs and twisting sheet metal, but none of the 18 dogs were hurt. “Ground Zero” equips dogs with the capacity to find and save people after natural or man-made disasters. Oklahoma Football Legend, Barry Switzer and his wife Becky founded the organization about two years ago.
Oklahomans to be honored in National Rose Parade
Four Oklahomans will be honored in the Tournament of Roses Parade at 10:00 AM on Tuesday.
Spreading the message, of the gift of donation. Oklahomans who are honored are:
Hance Henrie. Hance’s life was taken by a drunk driver. Through Hance, the gift of sight was given.
Sandy Pekrul. After an unexpected event, Sandy did not survive, and became an organ donor saving the lives of others, including Mike McClellin, who will be riding the float.
Mike McClellin. Mike was born with Nail Patella syndrome, and receive his transplant from Sandy in 2011,
Kaylee Rayburn. Kaylee was born with a liver disease. At 11 months old, she received her healthy liver and now a is in college. 44 donors and 26 recipients will be representing the importance of donations Tuesday.
For information, go to lifeshareok.org.
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority generates $9M
Since Oklahomans legalized medical marijuana, The Marijuana Authority has granted almost 23,Thousand patient licenses, and thousands on the commercial side. To keep up with the demand, the may hire workers to cover the influx and inspections in 2019. At 2500 dollars, Businesses renew OMMA licenses every year while patients are required to every 2 years at $100.
Oklahoma Senate Bill 60, prohibiting superintendents to be paid with state-appropriated funds.
State Sen. Ron Sharp, a former teacher said Senate Bill 60, would prohibit schools from using state-appropriated funds to pay superintendents, and would require school districts to use local funds. Instead, using property, motor fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees and cigarette taxes to pay salaries. For more information search legiscan.com for Oklahoma SB60.
Charges dropped against former Stephens County deputy in K-9 death
Former Stephens County deputy, Matthew Peck, is no longer facing charges related to the death of his K-9 partner after the case was dismissed; when the DA’s office said they couldn’t move forward without a definitive cause of death in the case. Peck was originally charged in 2016 with one felony charge of Cruelty to Animals after his partner, Bak died, and from allegedly being left in the back the patrol car on a 99 degree day. According to court documents, on August 17, 2018, the Stephens County District Attorney’s office dropped the felony charge, and December 26 refiled a misdemeanor charge of Killing a Police Dog which was dismissed.
Beware Of Growing Scam Involving Gift Cards
Imposters telling people to purchase gift cards, and give the numbers on the back of the cards to them. Between January and September this year, 26 percent of scam victims, paid with a gift card. The federal trade commission advises if someone calls demanding you pay them with a gift card, don't! If you think you've been scammed, report it to the card company, and the FTC at ftc.gov .
SCOOP Swine Jackpot
The SCOOP Winter Classic Pig Show presented by AFR Insurance & Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association will be at the Grady County Fairgrounds at the Center Indoor Arena in Chickasha starting today through Saturday (Dec 28 – 29, 2018). Jackpot & Ownership rules apply. And contestants will be competing for over 50 Thousand dollars in cash and prizes.
Law Enforcement Team up to Combat Drunk Driving,
While you enjoy the holidays, Police and Hwy Patrol want to make sure nobody drives under the influence, and everyone gets home safe. Patrols will start on Saturday, and continuing through Sunday. Last year, 324 people died in drug/alcohol-related accidents. If you are drinking, have a plan to get home safe. They will be watching!
Obits
Memorial services for Helen J. Hall, of Verden, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning, in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Chickasha. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Duane in the National Veterans Cemetery in Elgin, at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at ferguson-funeralhome.com
Raeanna Snider of Ninnekah, Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday afternoon, at the Alex High School Gymnasium. Interment will be at the Heaven’s Gate Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at sevierfuneralhome.com
Funeral services for Ronald Dale Prather of Cement, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday afternoon in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel. Interment is in the Ninnekah Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home. Condolences expressed at ferguson-funeralhome.com.
Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend.
Chickasha Police officer Andrew Peck, and Joe Green, is this week’s guest on our KOOL Conversation. And will be talking about the citizen Police Academy starting in February.
On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, this week’s guest is State Senator Lonnie Paxton.
The KOOL Conversation, airs right after the 8 o’clock news tomorrow morning. That is followed at 8:30 by Real Estate Today. We have links on our website at KOOL1055FM.COM and you’ll see them under the community tab.
Thursday, Dec. 27th
Retailers and AARP are joining forces to warn about a growing scam:
Imposters preying on emotions to pad their pockets, by demanding gift cards be used for services rendered. The callers say to purchase gift cards, and give the numbers on the back of the cards to them. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 26 percent of scam victims, paid with a gift card between January and September this year. To tackle the growing problem, major retailers are teaming up with the AARP in a new public service alert. The federal trade commission advises if someone calls demanding you pay them with a gift card, don't! If you think you've been scammed, report it to the card company, and the FTC at ftc.gov .
Law Enforcement Team up to Combat Drunk Driving,
With holiday gatherings, and Bringing in the New Year, typically, comes the urge to drink alcohol and have a great time. While you enjoy the holidays, Police and Hwy Patrol want to make sure you live to see another one by making sure nobody drives under the influence, and everyone gets home safe. Patrols will start on Saturday, and continuing through Sunday. Last year, 656 people were killed in crashes in Oklahoma; 324 of those were drug/alcohol-related. Up from 43 percent from 2016. There is absolutely no reason for impaired driving collisions to happen. If you are drinking, have a plan to get home safe. They will be watching!
Vehicle Tag photo program catches uninsured
A program designed to crack down on uninsured drivers using automatic license plate scanning technology has located 2,100 violations in the first weeks of its deployment. Prosecutor for the Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion Program, Amanda Couch, Said notice letters sent to the registered vehicle owners include a picture of the plate that the camera took, with instructions to provide proof of insurance on the vehicle, agree to keep the vehicle insured for two years, and pay $174 dollar fee. Scan license plates are compared to a database; then forwarded to the state UVED.
OEA pushes continued needs.
It's been eight months since teachers walked out for needed funding, but as part of a three-year plan, the OEA is asking for a $3,000 salary increase for teachers, $2,500 increase for support staff, $150 million for school operations, and an 8 percent cost-of-living-adjustment for education retirees. According to the National Education Association, Oklahoma teachers now rank 37th in average pay, and 44th in per pupil spending.
Agencies effected by government shutdown.
A government shutdown does not mean the government will completely shut down. Employees and services deemed “essential” will remain in place. If you receive V.A. or Social Security you are covered. According to U.S. Representative Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, Social Security benefits are not subject to appropriation Laps, and disabled veterans receiving disability compensation or pension checks should continue to receive payments, but funding is subject to change in the future if no bill passes. And if continued, about one half of federal employees, could receive furlough, until a bill, or a continuing resolution is passed to pay for normal operations.
Just a few days to share with the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign.
Lt. David Brittle of the Grady/Caddo Salvation Army said, between now and Dec. 30, there will be unmanned Red Kettle drop off points at Jake's Rib, Chisholm Trail Travel Plaza, and Chickasha McDonald's. and you can donate at the Grady/Caddo Salvation Army headquarters at 2402 S. 16th St. in Chickasha.
SCOOP Swine Jackpot
The SCOOP Winter Classic Pig Show presented by AFR Insurance & Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association will be at the Grady County Fairgrounds at the Center Indoor Arena in Chickasha starting tomorrow through Saturday (Dec 28 – 29, 2018). Pigs must be Oklahoma Youth Expo nominated, no matter the age of the showman. Jackpot & Ownership rules apply. And will be competing for over 50 Thousand dollars in cash and prizes.
Obits
Funeral service for Danny Lee Wheeler, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 this afternoon, at the Sevier Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home. Danny graduated from Chickasha High School in 1958, and served in the United States Air Force then began with the Chickasha Police Department in 1966, and retired in 1987 as a Major and Assistant Police Chief, .and is member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Condolences may be made at sevierfuneralhome.com .
Memorial services for Helen J. Hall, of Verden, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning, in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Chickasha with Rev. Michael Oberlender officiating.
Services and arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Duane in the National Veterans Cemetery in Elgin, at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at ferguson-funeralhome.com
Raeanna Snider of Ninnekah, Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday afternoon, at the Alex High School Gymnasium. Interment will be at the Heaven’s Gate Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at sevierfuneralhome.com
Wednesday, Dec. 26th
Agencies effected by government shutdown.
A government shutdown does not mean the government will completely shut down. Employees and services deemed “essential” would remain in place. If you receive V.A. or Social Security you are covered. According to U.S. Representative Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, Social Security benefits are not subject to appropriation Laps, and disabled veterans receiving disability compensation or pension checks should continue to receive payments, but funding is subject to change in the future if no bill passes. And if continued, about one half of federal employees, could receive furlough, until a bill, or a continuing resolution is passed to pay for Normal operations. Government funding is typically signed by Oct. 1, but again, that didn’t happen.
Just a few days to share with the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign.
Lt. David Brittle of the Grady/Caddo Salvation Army said donations are down from last year, total around $43 thousand, just short of the needed $65 thousand. However, between Dec. 26 and Dec. 30, there will be unmanned Red Kettle drop off points at Jake's Rib, Chisholm Trail Travel Plaza, and Chickasha McDonald's. The community can also drop off cash or check donations at the Grady/Caddo Salvation Army headquarters at 2402 S. 16th St. in Chickasha. Funds are used for district programs like, the food pantry, the clothing closet, and donations stay in Grady and Caddo Counties.
Governor Kevin Stitt has new guidance for Oklahoma funds management.
He says Oklahoma needs to maintain a much larger savings account projecting up to a $2 billion dollar buffer. Greater state savings would allow lawmakers to mitigate the impact of economic downturns without creating longer-term structural problems caused by the red tape associated with federal stimulus dollars. To his credit, Stitt cautioned lawmakers that this year’s surplus is “not a blank check.” Also stating, Lawmakers don’t have to say “no” to every agency, but do need to use the word if state finances are to stabilize.
President Trump gets the "First Step Act" Passed.
Criminal justice reform advocates say a federal bill signed into law last week could influence future state legislation; allowing thousands to leave prisons early. Last Friday, President Donald Trump signed bipartisan criminal justice legislation which includes measures:
- Allowing thousands of federal inmates to leave prisons earlier
- Ease some mandatory minimum sentences
- Reduce the disparity between sentences by retroactively applying the 2010 Fair Sentencing Act
- and Giving judges more discretion in sentencing.
Chickasha Campus Robotics Team Wins State Qualifier
Congelation’s to Chickasha Campus Robotics Team consisting of Ethan Tucker, Ryan Tinder, Jake Abston, Ethan Trip, for Winning State Qualifier. There all from Tuttle High School, and are enrolled in Pre-Engineering at CV Tech. This is the first time Chickasha Campus has won a state VEX Robotics qualifying tournament, and is now among 24 who will compete at the state VEX Robotics tournament in March 2019 at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.
SCOOP Swine Jackpot
The SCOOP Winter Classic Pig Show presented by AFR Insurance & Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association will be at the Grady County Fairgrounds at the Center Indoor Arena in Chickasha Friday and Saturday (Dec 28 – 29, 2018). Pigs must be Oklahoma Youth Expo nominated, no matter the age of the showman. Jackpot & Ownership rules apply. And will be competing for over 50 Thousand dollars in cash and prizes.
Military spouses are set to get a little more in the coming year.
If you are active duty, and live off post, The Department of Defense released the 2019 Basic Allowance for Housing rates. Setting a BAH rates increase of an average of 2 and 1/2 percent, on January 1. Equaling $21 billion dollars. At an entry level of E-1 PVT in 2018 was BAH was $702 dollars a month, and with the increase a young soldier razing a family off post will receive approximately 850 dollars. The BAH element, offsets out-of-pocket expense for the member, and is part of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.
Obits
Funeral service for Danny Lee Wheeler, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 Tomorrow afternoon, at the Sevier Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home. Danny graduated from Chickasha High School in 1958, and served in the United States Air Force, then began with the Chickasha Police Department in 1966, and retired in 1987 as a Major and Assistant Police Chief, .Danny is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Condolences may be made at sevierfuneralhome.com .
Monday, Dec. 24th
New Police recruits get ready to start training in January.
The three recruit Police officers are scheduled to attend formal academy training in early January, and begin Field Training immediately after. On December 20th, newly hired Chickasha Police Officers Colten Bridges, Kalep Mooney, and Kirsten Thomas were sworn in; by Judge Z. Joseph Young, accepting the oath of office of their new positions. Swearing the Oath of Office is not only a legal requirement, but also reinforces to recruit officers the position of public trust that they have accepted, and are expected to uphold. The officer selection process is extremely rigorous, and these young officers represent the future of the Chickasha Police Department in our community.
Chickasha Campus Robotics Team Wins State Qualifier
Congelation’s to Chickasha Campus Robotics Team consisting of Ethan Tucker, Ryan Tinder, Jake Abston, Ethan Trip, for Winning State Qualifier. There all from Tuttle High School, and are enrolled in Pre-Engineering at CV Tech. This is the first time Chickasha Campus has won a state VEX Robotics qualifying tournament, and is now among 24 who will compete at the state VEX Robotics tournament in March 2019 at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. In the finals, CV Tech was paired with a team from Edmond.
Chickasha Schools Release Statement Regarding Lawsuit
A statement from the Chickasha Public School district has been released regarding a civil lawsuit filed against the district. The statement, written on Chickasha schools stationery does not have the signature or name of a school official or representative. However, Superintendent Jack Herron told KOOL/RANCH News that the statement was sent to a number of media outlets. The statement reads in part that Oklahoma school law is well established regarding the obligations of administrators and school boards, regarding alleged misconduct by school employees. The statement also reads that district representatives have confidence that the district and all the defendants named in the lawsuit will be vindicated. The lawsuit was filed by Pam Ladyman and Yohance Brown who were suspended last December over allegations of failure to report child abuse and embezzlement. Both employees were cleared of wrong-doing. The suit claims that Ladyman and Brown were victims of slander and libel and the defendants intentionally inflicted emotional distress on them.
Woman Hospitalized After Pick-up Hits Tree
57-year old Regina Williams of Alex, suffered trunk, internal, and leg injuries and was trapped inside the pick-up for about 45 minutes. She was taken by air ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was last in serious condition. The accident happened near the junction of U.S. Highway 62 and the Alex highway Friday Morning. The highway patrol reports that Williams was driving south on the Alex highway and was distracted looking at the tree line before running off the road.
SCOOP Swine Jackpot
The SCOOP Winter Classic Pig Show presented by AFR Insurance & Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association will be at the Grady County Fairgrounds at the Center Indoor Arena in Chickasha Friday and Saturday (Dec 28 – 29, 2018). Pigs must be Oklahoma Youth Expo nominated, no matter the age of the showman. Jackpot & Ownership rules apply. And will be competing for over 50 Thousand dollars in cash and prizes.
Oklahoma National Guard participates in readiness pilot program
Maj. Geoff Legler, Oklahoma National Guard Public Affairs
OKLAHOMA CITY- Oklahoma is one of seven states currently participating in a pilot program designed to better serve the needs of Service Members and their families. The Building Healthy Military Communities (BHMC) pilot program is a multi-year initiative that aims to better understand the unique challenges faced by geographically dispersed Service Members and their families that may impact their readiness, resiliency and well-being. In Oklahoma, the program is currently focused on Service Members and their families living in six counties. Those counties are Oklahoma, Tulsa, Payne, Creek, Pottawattamie and Comanche. Key among these challenges are poor food choices and a lack of exercise; mental health issues and substance abuse; and a limited understanding of benefits available to Service Members and their families to include Tricare health coverage. For access to BHMC Oklahoma Newsletters, please visit ok.ng.mil/Pages.
Vehicle Fire Closes Turnpike
A vehicle caught fire after a crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike between Chickasha and Newcastle Friday night. Investigating trooper said there were only minor injuries, and no one had to be taken to the hospital just after 8:30 p.m. Friday westbound at Mile Marker 96; close to the toll booth. Causing a shutdown of both westbound lanes of traffic for nearly 2 1/2 hours. The names of those involved were not released.
Several Graduate Law Enforcement Academy
Eighteen students graduated during formal ceremonies Friday night at the Canadian Valley Technology Center. The course was offered by the Grady County Sheriff's office. Cadets attended two or three classes every week for the last several months, and had to pass several tests along the way. The sheriff's office Public Information officer Lisa Hatchett was the only woman in the class.
About six of the reserve officers will join the Grady County Sheriff's Office while others will be working in law enforcement in the state.
Military spouses are set to get a little more in the coming year.
If you are active duty, and live off post, The Department of Defense released the 2019 Basic Allowance for Housing rates. Setting a BAH rates increase of an average of 2 and 1/2 percent, on January 1. Equaling $21 billion dollars. At an entry level of E-1 PVT in 2018 was BAH was $702 dollars a month, and with the increase a young soldier razing a family off post will receive approximately 850 dollars. The BAH element, offsets out-of-pocket expense for the member, and is part of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.
