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Our Chickasha Schools Academic Persons of the year are in a Tie for principals of the year; Dr. Ashanti Alexander and Rhonda Snow. Teacher of the Year, is Michael Voyles.
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Monday, May 21st
Lindsay Woman Dies in Weekend Traffic Accident
From this past weekend, there was a fatal traffic accident at the Tabler Y east of Chickasha. 27-year old Kayla Blake Braziel of Lindsay died in the crash that happened about 11:30 p.m. Friday. Tabler Y is about six miles east of Chickasha. The Highway Patrol reports that Braziel was westbound on State Highway 39 and failed to yield from a stop sign. Her vehicle was hit by a pickup driven by 46-year old Niles Thomas of Fayetteville, Arkansas who was westbound on U.S. Highway 62. Thomas, and an unidentified nine-year old girl in the truck with him were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where they were both treated and released. Two other people in the pick-up, an adult woman and an unidentified eight-year old boy were not hurt.
Lighting Blamed for House Fire
Lightning is said to be the cause of a house fire in Chickasha yesterday. The fire erupted just after 3:00 p.m. Sunday in the 900 block of West Iowa. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said they were called in to assist Chickasha firefighters with the blaze. Myers said the home was being remodeled. There was no word on damage.
Music Festival, Traffic Light Plan on Tap for City Council
A three-day music festival, and going out for bids for some traffic signal modifications are among the items to be discussed by the Chickasha City Council tonight. TwisterFest is scheduled for June 15th through 17th at the Muscle Car Ranch. The council will consider allowing that event to be held. Regarding the signalization project, officials want to see traffic move more smoothly on 4th Street between the H.E. Bailey Turnpike and Choctaw Avenue. The council will also go behind closed doors to discuss the status of negotiations with the fire and police unions. The council may adopt a memorandum of understanding with the Fraternal Order of Police Local 129 and the International Association of Firefighters Local 2041 regarding new collective bargaining agreements for the 2019 fiscal year which starts July first. The council will also consider approving an ordinance for the final plat for more new home construction in the Sleepy Hollow Addition. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall.
County Mineral, Surface Rights Owners to Meet
Issues affecting mineral rights owners will be discussed during the annual banquet of the Grady County Mineral and Surface Owners Association tomorrow night. Guest speaker is Dr. Shannon Ferrell from Oklahoma State University, who is well-versed in contracts, as well as oil-and-gas, and agriculture. Ferrell will also review solar and wind issues as they relate to surface owners. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Grady County Fairgrounds. For information, call the Grady County Extension Office, 405-224-2216.
Sample Ballots Out for June 26th Primary Election
Sample ballots are available for the June 26th primary election. The ballots can be seen at local county election boards. There are numerous Republican and Democratic candidates for governor and lieutenant governor. Locally, there are three candidates for District Judge in Grady and Caddo counties. There are also three Democratic candidates for Grady County Commissioner in District Three; and three Republican candidates for the District One Commissioner post. There is also a Republican primary for McClain County Commissioner in District 3, and both a Republican and Democratic primary for McClain County Commissioner in District 1. By the way, the final day to register to vote in the June 26th primary is Friday, June 1st. Register at your county election board, or pick up applications at most any tag office, post office, or library. Applications may also be downloaded from the state Election Board website which is www.elections.ok.gov
Water Needs for Livestock
Water needs for livestock increase during spring and summer months. Shiann Burns with Grady County OSU Extension talks about typical water needs for cattle.
Other factors which determine water consumption is whether the herd has any shade. Wind may also help animals get some relief from the heat.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.28 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.41.
Natural gas is $2.84 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,284 and silver is $16.36.
Saturday, May 19th
Two Perish in Separate Traffic Accidents
Two people have lost their lives in separate traffic accidents in southwest Oklahoma. One of the accidents happened east of Chickasha at what is known as the Tabler Y. 27-year old Kayla Braziel of Lindsay died in the crash at the junction of U.S. Highway 62 and State Highway 39. The accident happened about 11:30 p.m. Friday. The Highway Patrol reports Braziel was traveling east on Highway 39 and failed to yield from a stop sign. Her vehicle was hit by a pick-up driven by 46-year old Niles Thomas of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Braziel died at the scene. Thomas and a 9-year old girl who was a passenger in the truck were both taken to the hospital, where they were treated and released. Two other passengers in the truck, including an 8-year old boy, were not hurt.
The other fatal accident was yet another crash involving a semi, which killed a Cache teenager. That crash happened about 12:30 p.m Friday just west of Lawton. State troopers say the unidentified 17-year old girl also failed to yield from a stop sign, and her vehicle was hit by a semi driven by Brian Neugebauer of Indiahoma. He was not injured.
Van Rollover Injures Anadarko Man
A Caddo County man is hospitalized after his van ran off the highway and rolled. 29-year old Tony Toppan of Anadarko suffered head and leg injuries in the crash that happened on State Highway 9 between Carnegie and Mt. View just before 5 p.m. Friday. The Highway Patrol says Toppan fell asleep at the wheel and ran off the road. He was partially thrown out of the right rear door of the van, and his legs were pinned underneath the wreckage. Two Good Samaritans managed to free Toppan from underneath the van before paramedics arrived.
Silver Alert Issued for Missing Norman Man
A Silver Alert has been issued for a man missing from Norman. 75-year old Charles French was last seen about two weeks ago. The only physical description Norman police have is that he's Caucasian. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeve green, blue, and beige plaid shirt, blue jeans and boots. French may be driving a gray, 1991 GMC SC-3 pickup with Oklahoma tag BZC-878. The Silver Alert was issued because police say French has a medical or physical disability and is in danger of serious injury or even death. If you come in contact with Charles French, call local police.
'Supernatural' Replica Car Reported Stolen
Tuttle and Oklahoma City police are looking for a replica of a car on a popular TV show that was reported stolen this week. It's a 1967 Chevy Impala, restored to look exactly like the vehicle on Supernatural. Car owner Jan Ashworth said it took her four years just to find the car, which is a four-door hard top. It took another year and a half to restore the vehicle. Ashworth said the individual restoring the car was supposed to deliver it to her Wednesday night. He told her his truck had some engine trouble, and he pulled over on Highway 4, and got lost on his GPS. Four men stopped to admire the car, but then stole the man's truck, trailer, and the Supernatural car. Authorities have recovered the truck and the trailer, but not the classic Chevy. Ashworth is offering a reward for the return of the car.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. A free outdoor summer concert series is scheduled at USAO. Misti McClellan with the USAO Alumni Association will be on our KOOL Konversation to talk about that event, and other alumni programs. There is a link the program elsewhere on this website. Find it under the Community tab.
Friday, May 18th
Man With Violent Past Faces Charges in Two Counties
Grady County authorities say a man who has a violent past has been arrested and is facing charges in two counties. 34-year old Michael Lee Hassler is in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond. He was taken into custody earlier this week after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He’s accused of putting a tracking device on his ex-girlfriend's car. The Lindsay man is facing felony charges in Grady County for stalking in violation of a protective order and attempted intimidation of a witness. He's facing a felony firearms charge and misdemeanor charges of assault and battery and drug possession in Garvin County. Grady County authorities began an investigation of Hassler last Friday when it was alleged he was stalking his ex. An emergency protective order was issued against Hassler last month in Grady County. Officials also say a protective order had also been filed against him in Garvin County in March. Hassler and the victim have a five-month old child together. Documents filed in Grady County District Court allege that Hassler threatened to take the child from her. It's also alleged Hassler used credit cards belonging to the mother of his ex-girlfriend, and posted nude pictures of his ex on social media. Hassler faces up to 16 years in prison if convicted.
CHS Seniors Prepare to Receive Diplomas
About 160 Chickasha High School seniors will cross the stage to pick up their diplomas tonight. The 2018 graduating class will start the day with a breakfast at Bible Baptist Church, then they'll have one more practice of tonight's formal ceremony. As is the custom, the class votes to have three members talk to them during graduation about the past, present, and future. Grady McKnight will talk about the past; Brittany Alexander, the present; and Tamia Murray, the future. Two of the 13 valedictorians will also address their classmates. Sam Gerdts and Ian Turpin will present the class with challenges to make a difference in people's lives. The other valedictorians are Emiliee McKinley; Krishna Patel; Bailey Battershell; Ethan Christian; Vatrea Ellis; Erin Powell; Ashlin Tryczak; Madeline Roberson; Su Xhian Lim; Emily Friend, and Brayden Layman. The ceremony will be held at the high school sports arena and activity center. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with the ceremony starting at 7:00 p.m.
Project Graduation Set for CHS Seniors
The seniors will again have a safe place to celebrate after receiving their diplomas. The Chickasha Optimist Club hosts Project Graduation, which offers a drug- and alcohol-free event. There will be food, games, a live DJ, a money machine, and drawings for thousands of dollars in door prizes, including a television and a dorm-sized refrigerator. Project Graduation will be held at the Chickasha Area YMCA from about 10 p.m. to midnight.
First National to Renovate Buffalo Branch Lobby
Chickasha's oldest financial institution will be upgrading one of its branches in a few weeks. First National Bank will be remodeling its Buffalo Branch in Chickasha at 6th and Grand Avenue. Randy Talley is Vice President of Marketing for First National.
Talley says the lobby will be closed starting Saturday, June 2nd and is expected to re-open on Monday, June 18th. The lobby and the west-side drive-through lanes will be closed during the renovation, however the motor banking center north of the bank will have normal operating hours. The drive-up ATM will also be available. The bank recently completed a more than $3 million renovation to the main branch in downtown Chickasha.
Alternative Energy Sources May Lower Mid-Day Utility Rates
If you look at your monthly electric bill closely, you know you pay a higher rate during the day than you do at night. A new report suggests that developments in alternative energy sources may change that.
That's Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.49 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.30.
Natural gas is $2.86 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,286 and silver is $16.41.
Thursday, May 17th
Residents Warned About Fraudulent Roofing Companies
Chickasha officials say fly-by-night roofing companies are already contacting homeowners to solicit business in the aftermath of this week's storm. City Planner Gene Winsett warns property owners to be cautious of anyone who may be looking to make a quick buck.
Winsett said often times the swindlers will have someone climb on the roof of a home while another person tries to sell their services to the homeowner. Winsett said any door-to-door salesmen should have a solicitors permit from the city. Companies are also supposed to have city and state licenses. Winsett said if you think you have roof damage, start with a call to your insurance company. If you suspect a fraudulent roofer is in your neighborhood, contact police or city hall.
Record Gift Announced for USAO
USAO announces the receipt of a big financial present on its 110th anniversary. The Nita Giles Estate has awarded the university $7 million, the largest gift USAO has ever received. The announcement was made to a group of university supporters in Lawson Hall yesterday, in a room now dedicated to the Giles family. Nita and her parents, the late State Senator Ray and Mary Giles, were all long-time backers of USAO. Johnny Shults was a long-time friend of Nita Giles, who said she was like a second mother to him when his parents passed away when he was young.
USAO president John Feaver said the funds would be used for student scholarships and faculty and staff development.
CHS Seniors Wrapping Up Work
Chickasha High School seniors are now counting the hours until graduation. Today’s senior week activities include a picnic at Shannon Springs Park, and baccalaureate services tonight. Friday morning will be a senior breakfast at Bible Baptist Church and a final commencement practice. Graduation will be at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the high school activity center. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Click it or Ticket Campaign Set
With Memorial Day weekend coming up, law enforcement groups will be combining efforts to keep motorists safe. Another Click It or Ticket Campaign will run May 21st through June 3rd, with an emphasis on making sure you're wearing your seat belt. Authorities say nearly half of all highway deaths in Oklahoma in 2016 were because seat belts weren't being used. Last year, more than 300 agencies took part in the Click It or Ticket campaign. More than 8,000 seat belt violations and nearly 250 child passenger restraint violations were found.
Energy Prices Continue Climb
It's been a bull market for oil prices in recent weeks. After starting Wednesday on a down note, Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission says prices finished higher.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.49 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79 to $79.28.
Natural gas is $2.81 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,286 and silver is $16.39.
Wednesday, May 16th
Damage Mounts in the Wake of Severe Storms
It was chaos in Chickasha as torrential rains and gale-force winds blew through the city Tuesday. An estimated 2 1/2 inches of rain fell within an hour, and reports of 90 miles per hour winds caused a lot of damage. Fortunately, there were no injuries. One teenager survived a terrifying ordeal when his car ran off a city street and flipped into a creek bed which was raging with flood waters. Chickasha high school senior Kaleb Gray said he managed to get out safely.
The fast water pushed his 2002 Mercury Cougar through a storm drain under 16th Street near the entrance to Cottonwood Creek Golf Course. The storm also tore the roof off of Gator's Convenience Store, east of Highways 81 and 19. Owner Gator Pyle.
Pyle said he winds blew his satellite dish off the roof and into the windshield of a pickup in the parking lot, missing the driver by inches. The Southern Hills Baptist Church at 27th and Country Club Road had major roof damage. Pastor Kent Hibboard said one of his parishioners witnessed the damage.
Nearly 2,000 PSO customers were without electricity when several utility poles with high voltage power lines went down at Country Club and Sooner Road. There was a lot of residential and commercial street flooding. City of Chickasha officials tried to close down traffic on 4th Street between Grand Avenue and Choctaw. Fire trucks and ambulances had a difficult time getting through flooded streets. Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt says crews are still assessing damage to city streets in a number of residential and business areas. There is also a lot of tree damage. Noblitt asks residents to put their limbs on the curb and city crews will pick them up.
Man Sentenced After Blind Plea for Teen's Shooting Death
The man charged with the shooting death of a Chickasha teen last summer has entered a blind plea to a felony charge of second degree manslaughter charge. 31-year old Boone Buben entered the plea in Grady County District Court yesterday. A judge sentenced Buben to four years in prison, with one year suspended. Buben was arrested following the shooting death of 13-year old Andrew White last June. Buben said the shooting was accidental.
Chickasha Man Dies in Panhandle Crash
A Chickasha man has died when the car he was driving was hit by a semi in the Oklahoma Panhandle. 27-year old Alejandro Espino died the crash that happened last Wednesday south of Keyes in Cimarron County. The highway patrol reports that Espino was driving a car that failed to yield at a stop sign and was hit by the big rig. Authorities say Espino was identified following an autopsy by the state medical examiner. State troopers indicate they initially had been given false information about Espino's identity.
GOP Candidates to Stop in Chickasha
A handful of candidates running for state offices are slated to address the monthy meeting of Grady County Republicans. Former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, a candidate for governor; State Representative Leslie Osborn, a candidate for Labor Commissioner; and Charlie Prater, candidate for State Auditor and Inspector are all scheduled to attend tomorrow night's gathering. The Grady County GOP meets the third Thursday each month at Canadian Valley Technology Center. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m..
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.31 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.43.
Natural gas is $2.83 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,290 and silver is $16.27.
Tuesday, May 15th
Damage Reported From Monday Night Storms
A Rush Springs couple escapes injury after a large tree limb crashes into their home during last night's round of strong thunderstorms. Grady County Fire Department spokesman Buddy Myers says the 4-6 inch limb fell into their bedroom about 10:15 p.m. Monday while they were sleeping. Myers said volunteer fire crews removed the limb and covered the roof to prevent further damage. Myers said the damaged occurred at the home of David Thompson, which is about seven miles southwest of Rush Springs on the county line road with Stephens County.
District Attorney Among Those Opposed to SQ 788
Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks is among those opposed to State Question 788, which is a proposal to legalize medical marijuana. Hicks said many law enforcement groups are opposed to the issue, which will be on the June 26th primary election ballot. He says he's concerned that it will allow individuals to have a large amount of marijuana. He says that's unlike a prescription for pain killing drugs you get from your doctor.
Hicks says among the groups opposed to SQ 788 are the state district attorneys association, the state sheriffs and police chief associations, and the Oklahoma Medical Association.
Car Slams in to Semi at Dangerous Intersection
At least two people were taken to the hospital when a car crashes into a tanker truck. The accident happened about noon Monday at U.S. Highway 62 and State Highway 19C, also known as the Alex Highway. Injuries were not believed to be serious. It was actually the second of two crashes that happened at the intersection. The first was a minor fender-bender just south of Highway 62. While state troopers were investigating that accident, an eastbound car collided with the big rig. The names of those involved were not available. Authorities say the driver of the tanker truck failed to yield from a stop sign.
Theives Break in to Home Through Doggie Doore
It took a pretty small thief to break into a vacant Chickasha home. Authorities say someone broke into the house through a doggie door. Chickasha police say there were indications of forced entry. Authorities say an electric stove and a refrigerator were stolen from the home in the 1200 block of South 6th. The home had been empty for some time. The last time the home was checked was about three weeks ago. The only description of the stolen appliances is that they were both white. If you have information about the break-in, you're asked to contact Chickasha police, by calling 405-222-6050 or Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS.
More Tips to Stay Safe During Severe Weather
Last night's strong thunderstorms are another reminder of the fierce spring weather that hits the Sooner State. Susan Routh with Grady County OSU Extension says new technology lets you get the latest information on severe weather even when you are away from home.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.96 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.23.
Natural gas is $2.84 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,309 and silver is $16.43
Monday, May 14th
One Dead When Motorcycle Hits Semi
Motorycle accidents are on the rise in the region and across the state. This past weekend in Grady County, a motorcyclist dies when he hits a semi head-on. 23-year old Forrest Smith of Lexington died in the accident that happened just after 10:00 a.m. Sunday. The accident happened south of Tuttle on State Highway 4, about 3 1/2 miles south of State Highway 37. The highway patrol reports that Smith was southbound when he crossed over the center line and crashed into the semi. The driver of the semi, 56-year old William Campbell, Jr. of Dallas, was not hurt. The accident closed Highway 4 for nearly four hours.
Man Hospitalized in Caddo County Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle rider is critically injured in a crash in Caddo County. 49-year old James Reynolds of Westcliffe, Colorado suffered numerous injuries in the crash that happened about 8:30 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 40 north of Hinton. The highway patrol reports that Reynolds was eastbound on the interstate and tried to exit. He lost control of the bike and hit a sign. The highway patrol reports that neither Smith nor Reynolds were wearing a helmet.
SUV Rollover Sends Anadarko Man to the Hospital
A traffic accident involving an SUV sends an Anadarko man to the hospital with serious injuries. 26-year old Keanah Cozad was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after the crash. A passenger in the vehicle, 36-year old Kolette Holder of Gracemont, was not hurt. That accident happened about five miles north of Ft. Cobb on Primitive Road just before 4:00 p.m. Saturday. The highway patrol reports Cozad was driving at a high rate of speed when the vehicle went off the road and rolled one time, throwing Cozad out of the SUV. Holder was able to drive Cozad to Ft. Cobb State Park where first responders were summoned.
New Chickasha Police Officer Finishes CLEET Training
A Chickasha police officer has finished her CLEET training. Charli Nye wrapped up her 16-week academy in Ada, and is now ready to begin field training. CLEET certification includes classroom instruction on subjects from law and ethics to accident investigation, CPR and First Aid, and officer survival. There's also firearms training, defensive driving, and learning how to conduct standard field sobriety tests. Nye has previously worked as an administrative assistant with the police department and at city hall.
Three Groups Share Elks Lodge Grants
Several area non-profit groups are getting a boost courtesy of the Chickasha Elks Lodge. Mobile Meals, Special Olympics, and Santa's Workshop all share in $2,500 in grants provided by the Elks. Sherri Lewis with the Elks Lodge says local funds raised by the group are matched with funds from their national headquarters.
Grants are also used to help the Elks host their annual kids fishing derby which will be coming up on June 9th. Funds also help with the Grady County Veterans Memorial at Shannon Springs Park.
Growth Continues in Energy Sector
The number of active oil and gas rigs across the country is up for six consecutive weeks. Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission has the Sooner State numbers.
Skinner reporting Baker Hughes registers 1,045 rigs across the country, up 18 percent from the same time last year.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX was down Friday, but up for the week to $70.70 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.12.
Natural gas is $2.80 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,320 and silver is $16.67.
