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Tuesday, August 7th
Info Allegedly Leaked Regarding City Manager Evaluation
Confidential information regarding a recent evaluation of Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt may have been leaked by someone on the city council. The council held a closed-door meeting to discuss Noblitt's job performance last month. Noblitt had this to say during last night's council meeting.
Noblitt didn't name any names regarding the allegation. He added that he would be happy to discuss future evaluations in public, but respectfully asked the council to honor the executive sessions and not disclose information that was shared behind closed doors.
Ward 3 Councilman Cody Turpin Resigns
City Councilman Cody Turpin has resigned. Turpin submitted his letter of resignation at the end of last night's council meeting.
Turpin was in his first term on the council. He defeated long-time councilman Phyllis Steelman for the post in March of 2017. Turpin said he moved to the Oklahoma City area. The council may appoint a new councilman to finish the remaining eight months left on Turpin’s term. The seat will be then be filled in the city council election next spring.
City Effort to Re-Coup Economic Development Loan Continues
The City of Chickasha will continue its effort to try and recoup an economic development loan issued to a company that never re-located to the region. Following a 40-minute closed door meeting, the council unanimously voted to proceed with collection activity against Tom Word of Word Industries. The council received a favorable judgement in a lawsuit against Word regarding the $250,000 loan. The judgement issued earlier this year gave Word until October 1st to sell some property he owns on Grand Lake and turn those proceeds over to the city. None of that property has been sold at this time, however. If the property isn't sold, the city can sue to foreclose on that property in an attempt to get the money back.
Computers Crash Again at Dep't of Public Safety
There are more computer problems for the Department of Public Safety today. The agency announced this morning that for the second time in two weeks, its entire computer system is down. The agency is unable to process any applications for driver’s licenses or state identification cards. Officials say they are not sure when the system will be back on-line. They ask that you monitor its website and/or social media for updates. The website is www.ok.gov/dps
1st National to Celebrate Buffalo Branch Renovations
A newly renovated lobby and updated technology are now in place at a branch of Chickasha's oldest financial institution. The First National Bank Buffalo Branch at 6th and Grand was recently transformed as contractors worked around the clock, squeezing a three-month project down to a mere two weeks. The lobby was renovated for customer convenience, creating space for improved customer flow. The branch is one of the busiest of all locations for lobby transactions, and it also has eight drive-thru lanes. A ribbon cutting to celebrate the renovations will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, August 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be refreshments, and to go along with the branch's nickname, they'll be serving buffalo slider sandwiches.
Countdown to County Fair Continues
The Grady County Fair is now just over two weeks away. Fair princess candidates have a mandatory meeting tomorrow, and the alfalfa exhibits for both the county fair and state fair are to be entered tomorrow as well. One of the cutest activities at the fair is the children's pet show. Susan Routh with Grady County OSU Extension.
The children's pet show is Saturday, August 25th at 4:30 p.m.
Bridge Creek Fire Protection District Board Filings Re-scheduled
Authorities have announced the new filing period for the Bridge Creek Fire Protection District board of Directors. Originally scheduled in June, the filing period was postponed. Two positions will be filled. One is a five-year term for Office No. 5 and the other a one-year unexpired term for Office No. 1. The filing period will be Wednesday, Aug. 22nd through Friday, Aug. 24th. Candidates wanting to run for the post will file at the Grady County Election Board.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX was higher, to just over $69 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is up to $73.75.
Natural gas also saw an increase, climbing to $2.86 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,223 and silver is $15.49.
Monday, Aug. 6th
Loan to No-Show Industrial Prospect Set for Council Discussion
A lawsuit filed by the City of Chickasha against an industrial prospect that failed to bring its operations to town will be discussed during a closed-door session during tonight’s regularly scheduled city council meeting. The city is suing Tom Word of Word Industries for $250,000. The Economic Development loan was awarded to help Word move his operations from the Tulsa area to Chickasha a couple of years ago, but the move never materialized. The council is also expected to go out for bids to replace the roof at Fire Station No. 2 at 16th and Country Club. The roof was damaged during a hailstorm this spring, and the building is experiencing leaks. City officials say an insurance claim has been filed to cover the expected cost. The panel is expected to go out for bids for an unmarked car for the police department. The move comes after the council turned down an emergency request to waive competitive bidding and purchase a vehicle from state contract. Along the same line, the council will discuss another request to waive bidding and buy a utility vehicle for the city’s sports complex from state contract for about $8,000. The council is also to honor Brande Bradford at the library as the city's employee of the month. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall.
Lots of New Construction, but Dollar Value Down
A lot of construction projects were approved in the City of Chickasha last month, but the dollar amount for the projects approved was down from the previous month. 18 permits totalling $580,000 were authorized through the city's Community Development Department in July. It's only the second month in 2018 where the value of the total number of construction projects authorized were below the $1 million mark. 11 of the 18 permits were for commercial projects. The largest was for the Bradley Machine Shop in the industrial park for $130,000 to add 6,000 sq. ft. of storage. A project for $75,000 was awarded to Standley Systems for a remodel; and Verizon Wireless was awarded a permit for $70,000 for a cell phone tower on North 4th Street. A contractor was awarded a $43,000 remodel permit for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in Shannon Springs Park. Braum's was issued a permit to add a second drive-through lane. City officials said they are still unable to discuss what businesses are going into the new building under construction in the Shoppes at Chisholm Trail next to the Cotton Patch Restauant. Total new construction in Chickasha for the first seven months of the year is about $17.8 million.
One Critical, One Unhurt When Vehicle Crashes and Burns
A vehicle crashes and bursts into flames, critically injuring the driver while a passenger manages to escape serious injury. 20-year old Jason Morgan of Chickasha suffered numerous injuries in the accident that happened about six miles north of Velma in Stephens County late Friday night. A passenger, 20-year old Johnnie Jones of Amber, refused treatment at the scene. It wasn't reported what kind of vehicle the two men were in. The highway patrol reports the vehicle failed to go around a curve on a paved county road and went into a broad slide for about half the length of a football field. The vehicle rolled nearly four times, throwing both Morgan and Jones out of the vehicle before it caught fire.
FEMA Grant for Storm Shelter Rebate Program Delayed
There's a delay at the federal level regarding Grady County's approval for another round of FEMA rebates to help residents install storm shelters. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said all of the information he submitted to the State Office of Emergency Management has been approved and sent to the FEMA office in Denton, Texas. He says FEMA is double-checking some of the information in the grant application.
Thompson said more than 340 applications were taken for the storm shelter rebate program earlier this spring. He's hoping the funding can be approved for as many as 250 storm shelters.
State Rig Count Steady; Nation's Number Down
The rig count held steady in Oklahoma last week at 137. That’s five more than at the same time last year. Nationwide, the count was down four - to 1,044 - which is up 90 from a year ago.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX had a down week, to $68.49 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude was also lower, to $73.21.
Natural gas with a bit of a gain, to $2.85 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,215 and silver is $15.32.
Saturday, August 4th
Chickasha Police Release Statement on Pursuit
Chickasha police have released a statement about a high-speed pursuit they were involved in earlier this week. Re-capping the story we first reported on Thursday, officers were pursuing a domestic violence suspect late Wednesday night when he fled from police at speeds topping 100 miles per hour. Authorities say two police officers were injured and one of them was hit head-on by the suspect. The officers weren't identified, but authorities say they weren't seriously injured. Two police cruisers were damaged during the chase as the pursuit went down some rough county roads. The pursuit went all the way to Anadarko and back to Chickasha. Officials stopped the pursuit for safety reasons after the one officer was involved in the head-on collision. Police know who they are looking for but they aren't releasing his name or information about the vehicle he was driving. The suspect is still believed to be at-large.
Man Accused of Assault, Holding Gun to Girlfriend's Head
A Chickasha man faces felony charges after its alleged he assaulted his girlfriend and held a gun to her head. 28-year old Dylan Thomas Palmer is charged with pointing a firearm and domestic abuse/assault and battery, stemming from the alleged attack that occurred at a Chickasha apartment back in May. Palmer's bond was set at $25,000.
Loan Company Burglary Suspect Charged
The man accused of breaking into a downtown Chickasha business is formally charged with the crime. 22-year old Lindbergh Albert Carey was charged with nearly a half-dozen felonies and remains in jail pending $45,000 bond. Passers-by called police when they saw a man breaking into a loan company at 4th and Kansas Wednesday night. After he was taken to jail its alleged Carey attacked three detention officers, none of which were seriously hurt.
State Department of Veterans Affairs Makes Changes
A new administrator is in place for one sector of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. Shawn Kirkland was appointed as the new state homes director yesterday, and hopes to address criticisms which were raised in an audit released earlier this week. Kirkland is the administrator of the Ardmore Veterans Center, and will continue in that role as he works with the state office. Doug Elliot is the executive director of the state office. He says Kirkland will discuss regulatory changes with administrators in each of the seven Veterans Affairs centers in Oklahoma.
Nationally-known Southern Gospel Trio to Perform
One of the nation's top southern gospel groups is bringing its inspirational music to the region. The Jim Brady Trio tours the country and performs about 45 weeks a year. Together, Jim and Melissa Brady have written and recorded more than 200 songs, and have been performing since they were teenagers. The third member of the group is Layke Jones, whose resume includes being a guest vocalist with the Grammy-award winning Gaither Vocal Band. The trio will be releasing a new CD next month, but they are including some of the recordings on the current tour. Jim Brady says one of his favorites is one called "Lost".
The Jim Brady Trio will perform two concerts Sunday, August 5th at Bible Baptist Church, one at 10:45 a.m. and the other at 6:00 p.m. The concerts are free and open to the public.
Roaming Tortoise Found
A Marlow tortoise that went missing last week is back home. The family of Paul Korn says the 30-pound African-spurred tortoise had wandered away from home before, but not as long as he had been gone this time. Korn said he worried that he might be stolen or that someone picked him up and took him for their own pet. A local couple heard about the missing tortoise and notified police, who returned the tortoise to its rightful family.
Grady County Sheriff's Warrant List
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 by calling 405-222-5085.
Talk Show Topics
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. He has an update on a FEMA grant he's been working to help pay for the installation of storm shelters. On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, Andy Maher and Jamie Jones from the Grady County Fairgrounds are this week's guests. We have links to both programs elsewhere on this website. You’ll find them under the Community Tab.
Friday, Aug. 3rd
Domestic Violence Suspect Sought After Eluding Police
Chickasha police are looking for a suspect in a domestic violence investigation who led authorities on a high-speed chase. The suspect managed to get away, but it's believed that authorities know his identity. The pursuit occurred late Wednesday night. While police have not released any information about the pursuit, sources say scanner traffic indicated the chase began when police were called to investigate a domestic violence complaint. The suspect sped away from the home west on Grand Avenue, with speeds reaching 100 miles per hour even before leaving the city limits. It was reported the chase went to the Verden area, with Grady and Caddo county sheriff's deputies, Verden police, the highway patrol, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs all joining the pursuit. The suspect circled back to Chickasha where at some point authorities lost him. Unofficial sources say a Chickasha police officer was injured when he crashed his cruiser. The injuries were said to be minor, and the officer returned to duty the next day. The Chickasha police blotter said investigators were submitting information to the district attorney requesting an arrest warrant for the suspect, whose name was redacted. The complaints include domestic assault by strangulation, using a vehicle as a deadly weapon, eluding police while endangering others, and escape after arrest.
Passers-by Help Police Nab Burglary Suspect
Thanks to some alert citizens, Chickasha police catch a man breaking into a downtown business. This also occurred Wednesday evening. A police affidavit indicates two witnesses driving by the business called in to report a man breaking the windows at Heartland Loans at 4th and Kansas. The suspect was still there when police arrived. The affidavit also indicates the suspect vandalized the business while he was inside. He was arrested on complaints of burglary and vandalism complaints. When police took him to jail, the suspect is alleged to have assaulted three corrections officers and even threatened to kill one of them. In custody is 22-year old Lindbergh Albert Carey of Chickasha. He's charged with several felonies, including burglary, malicious injury to property, and three counts of assault and battery on a police officer. Bond has not yet been set.
A Trio of Gas Wells Hit it Big in STACK
Continental Resources is reporting some major gas well production in the STACK play, especially in an area in northern Caddo and in to Blaine County. The website OK Energy Today reports that one of the largest wells is eight miles west of Geary which had an initial production of nearly 26,000 million cubic feet of natural gas. Another well six miles north of Hydro was producing more than 18,000 million cubic feet of natural gas. A third well about a mile northeast of Hydro was producing 16,000 million cubic feet of natural gas. None of the wells were producing oil.
Voter Registration Deadline for Primary Run-off is Today
The August 28th primary run-off election is a little over three weeks away. For anyone wanting to vote, or needing to update their voter registration, the deadline to do so is today. In Grady County, the ballot will include the Republican run-off for governor and a Republican run-off for Grady County Commissioner in District One. Democrats have a county commissioner run-off in District 3. Ninnekah school patrons will decide a couple of special bond issues. To register to vote, or to update voter registration, visit your county election board. Applications are available at libraries, tag offices, the post office, or on-line at www.elections.ok.gov
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX was higher, to $68.96 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude rose to $73.45.
Natural gas was up to $2.18 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,216 and silver if $15.34.
Thursday, Aug. 2nd
Chickasha Water Line Cleanout Underway
Crews at Chickasha's water treatment plant have started a yearly project designed to clean out the city's water lines. Every August, contractors switch the combination of chemicals placed in the drinking water. Debbie Seagroves is the Project Manager for USW, the city's contractor for water treatment.
Seagroves said the transition started Wednesday, as they began filling the city's three water towers with chlorine-only treated water. That water will begin flowing through the system today, and officials will also start flushing city fire hydrants, to help move the water through the system quickly. Some residents may experience cloudy water for a brief time. The water may also have a chlorine smell and taste. Seagroves said if that happens, open your tap for a few minutes to clear out the line which runs to your home or business. In September, officials will return to using a chlorine-ammonia combination of chemicals, which reduces the level of trihalomethanes (TTHM’s). Environmental regulators say TTHM’s are cancer-causing agents.
Schools Re-opening; Anadarko Back-to-School Expo Tonight
School districts throughout Oklahoma are getting ready to re-open classrooms for the upcoming school year. Most will be opening within the next couple of weeks. Chickasha schools open two weeks from today on Thursday, Aug. 16th. Teachers and support employees will begin meeting for in-service training on Monday, August 13th. Anadarko schools open next week, on Thursday, August 9th. Anadarko will host its 7th annual back-to-school expo later today. It's a come-and-go event where students and their parents can get important information about their classes, and many services available from the school and community service organizations. The first 80 students get free hair cuts, there are free dental check-ups, free books, and, there's free hot dogs, popcorn and drinks. There is also a meet-and-greet with new Anadarko School Superintendent Jerry McCormick. Students can enter a drawing to win a big screen TV and other nice prices. The expo is from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. tonight at Anadarko’s Warrior Fieldhouse.
DPS Officials Hope Computers are Back On-line
Officials with the Department of Public Safety hope to have all the problems with their computer system repaired. The entire system crashed after a power outage last weekend, and tag offices statewide were unable to issue or renew any driver's licenses or state identification cards. They thought the problem was fixed late Tuesday, but more repairs were needed Wednesday when they were still unable to issue new licenses or ID cards. Officials said the entire operation was back to normal late yesterday afternoon.
PSO Ordered to Pass Tax Savings on to Customers
PSO customers will be getting a refund - but not in the way you might think. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved a $30 million reduction in PSO’s utility rates yesterday. Customers won't be getting a check in the mail. Instead, the refund will come as a reduction of electric bills by a little more than $6 a month for the rest of the year. The reduction was prompted by Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter, who suggested savings from federal tax cuts implemented last December should be passed on to PSO customers.
4Hers Earn Thousands in Scholarships
The hard work of a number Grady County 4Hers paid off in a big way at the state 4H Roundup in Stillwater last week. In all, 14 Grady County youth attended, and combined they received over $10,000 in college scholarships. 4H Educator Liz Taylor says a few were honored as being among the top 4Hers in the state.
Kale Kennedy was also elected to serve as the Western District representative on the State 4H Leadership team. A number of Caddo County youth also attended 4H Roundup. They were Kodee and Rylee Hrbacek, Aubree Howell, Maci Whitney, and Emma Arrington. Some of the workshops they attended were the basics of being a doctor, equine care, teamwork makes the dream work, wacky science, and field crop judging.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX slips to $67.66 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude was steady at $74.25 a barrel.
Natural gas was down to $2.76 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,224 and silver is $15.38.
Thursday, Aug. 2nd
Chickasha Water Line Cleanout Underway
Crews at Chickasha's water treatment plant have started a yearly project designed to clean out the city's water lines. Every August, contractors switch the combination of chemicals placed in the drinking water. Debbie Seagroves is the Project Manager for USW, the city's contractor for water treatment.
Seagroves said the transition started Wednesday, as they began filling the city's three water towers with chlorine-only treated water. That water will begin flowing through the system today, and officials will also start flushing city fire hydrants, to help move the water through the system quickly. Some residents may experience cloudy water for a brief time. The water may also have a chlorine smell and taste. Seagroves said if that happens, open your tap for a few minutes to clear out the line which runs to your home or business. In September, officials will return to using a chlorine-ammonia combination of chemicals, which reduces the level of trihalomethanes (TTHM’s). Environmental regulators say TTHM’s are cancer-causing agents.
Schools Re-opening; Anadarko Back-to-School Expo Tonight
School districts throughout Oklahoma are getting ready to re-open classrooms for the upcoming school year. Most will be opening within the next couple of weeks. Chickasha schools open two weeks from today on Thursday, Aug. 16th. Teachers and support employees will begin meeting for in-service training on Monday, August 13th. Anadarko schools open next week, on Thursday, August 9th. Anadarko will host its 7th annual back-to-school expo later today. It's a come-and-go event where students and their parents can get important information about their classes, and many services available from the school and community service organizations. The first 80 students get free hair cuts, there are free dental check-ups, free books, and, there's free hot dogs, popcorn and drinks. There is also a meet-and-greet with new Anadarko School Superintendent Jerry McCormick. Students can enter a drawing to win a big screen TV and other nice prices. The expo is from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. tonight at Anadarko’s Warrior Fieldhouse.
DPS Officials Hope Computers are Back On-line
Officials with the Department of Public Safety hope to have all the problems with their computer system repaired. The entire system crashed after a power outage last weekend, and tag offices statewide were unable to issue or renew any driver's licenses or state identification cards. They thought the problem was fixed late Tuesday, but more repairs were needed Wednesday when they were still unable to issue new licenses or ID cards. Officials said the entire operation was back to normal late yesterday afternoon.
PSO Ordered to Pass Tax Savings on to Customers
PSO customers will be getting a refund - but not in the way you might think. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved a $30 million reduction in PSO’s utility rates yesterday. Customers won't be getting a check in the mail. Instead, the refund will come as a reduction of electric bills by a little more than $6 a month for the rest of the year. The reduction was prompted by Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter, who suggested savings from federal tax cuts implemented last December should be passed on to PSO customers.
4Hers Earn Thousands in Scholarships
The hard work of a number Grady County 4Hers paid off in a big way at the state 4H Roundup in Stillwater last week. In all, 14 Grady County youth attended, and combined they received over $10,000 in college scholarships. 4H Educator Liz Taylor says a few were honored as being among the top 4Hers in the state.
Kale Kennedy was also elected to serve as the Western District representative on the State 4H Leadership team. A number of Caddo County youth also attended 4H Roundup. They were Kodee and Rylee Hrbacek, Aubree Howell, Maci Whitney, and Emma Arrington. Some of the workshops they attended were the basics of being a doctor, equine care, teamwork makes the dream work, wacky science, and field crop judging.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX slips to $67.66 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude was steady at $74.25 a barrel.
Natural gas was down to $2.76 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,224 and silver is $15.38.
Wednesday, August 1st
Earthquake Recorded near Dibble
A whole lotta shakin' goin' on in the Dibble area early this morning. Some residents experienced an earthquake. The tremor hit about 5:10 a.m. a couple of miles east of Dibble, near the junction of State Highways 39 and 59. The Oklahoma Geological Survey said the quake measured 3.5 on the Richter Scale. Nearly 40 people have reported feeling the earth move.
Standley Systems Expands; Buys Tulsa Firm
A Chickasha office equipment firm has purchased a similar company in Tulsa. Standley Office Systems has acquired Document Imaging Solutions, also known as DIS. The company has 175 accounts in the Tulsa region which are primarily in public school systems. In a statement, Standley Systems CEO Tim Elliott said like all current Standley customers, the new accounts will receive 24-7 live, in-person support within four hours of a call. He said former DIS customers will have direct access to solutions experts for document management and IT services, as well as hardware and software solutions. Standleys has added 20 more employees statewide, bringing its total to 140 full-time staff members for the 84-year old company.
CV Tech District Grows
The entire Canadian Valley Technology Center district is growing by leaps and bounds. Outgoing superintendent Greg Winters said it's the fastest-growing district among all career-techs in Oklahoma. Officials have had to build another wing at the El Reno campus, after having to turn away 250 students last year. Winters says a lot of the growth is in the health field. Winters said they also work with energy companies, including Halliburton, which has expanded a portion of its operations to El Reno.
Winters also said a new energy company that just moved to Chickasha in the last year has reached out to the tech center to help its employees with computer technology training.
GOP Candidate Stops in Chickasha
One of the Republican candidates for governor made a campaign stop in Chickasha yesterday. Tulsa businessman Kevin Stitt hopes to lead a change in direction at the state capital. Even though he's never run for public office before, he says a non-politician needs to take the reins of state leadership.
Stitt will face former Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett in the Aug. 28th primary run-off election. The winner goes on to the general election in November.
Abandoned Animals Spared
A number of abandoned animals facing euthanization will instead be finding new forever homes. The Chickasha Animal Shelter recently sent several cats and dogs to be part of a group called Fetch Fido a Flight. Animal Control Officer Layce Graham said the local animals were among more than 100 that were flown out of state to adoption agencies. The Chickasha Police Department's Facebook page indicates there were 15 dogs and 10 cats from the local animal shelter that were saved.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX slipped below $70 to $68.76 a barrel. That's down 5 percent for July.
London-based Brent crude falls to $74.25, down about 4 ½ percent in July.
Natural gas is $2.78 per million BTUs which is off about 4 percent for July.
Gold is $1,231 and silver is $15.47.
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Tuesday, July 31st
