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Mollman Media News

2018, Aug. 23rd-25th

 

 

 

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In “Getting to know your Chickasha Fire Department” wemeet Firefighter Dallas Smith. . Click Here To Hear the Story!

 

 

 

Saturday, Aug. 25th

 

Suspect(s) Sought in Blanchard Break-in

Authorities are continuing to gather evidence in connection with the break-in of a home near Blanchard. It happened near the Winter Creek Golf Course just after 1 o'clock Friday afternoon. Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir says a search for the suspect or suspects began shortly thereafter. It's believed the suspects may have been able to avoid being caught, as there have been no arrest over night that appear to be related to the burglary. Weir said a man checking on some rental property saw a suspicious vehicle in the driveway. When he went to check the house, he heard some movement inside. A neighbor stopped by, and was able to block the suspicious pickup from leaving the yard. Investigators followed footprints to a nearby creek and the highway patrol brought in a plane to help with an aerial search. Weir said there were no descriptions available of the suspect or suspects. The sheriff said the pickup that was left behind had not been registered for two years, and that it might be difficult to find the owner. If you have information that can help find the suspects, call the Grady County Sheriff's office, or Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. You can also give anonymous tips on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.

 

Oilfield Worker Injured

An oilfield worker was airlifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after falling at a location near Alex yesterday. The unidentified 70-year old man fell about 15 feet. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said the extent of the man's injuries were not known, but he was flown to an Oklahoma City hospital. The accident happened a couple of miles south of Alex near CR 1470 and CS 2910.

 

School-Zone Speeder Results in Drug Arrests

A car going too fast in a school zone leads police to arrest two people with prescription drugs and marijuana. It happened early Wednesday morning when a Chickasha police officer's radar indicated a car was going 32 miles per hour in a 20-mile per hour school zone near the middle school. Police say they found baggies filled with a number of Xanax pills, methamphetamine, and about 85 grams of marijuana in the car. 24-year old Devin Ray Robnett of Chickasha, and 18-year old Lorena Ward of Piedmont were taken into custody. Both face a felony charge of drug possession with intent to distribute, and a misdemeanor charge of having drug paraphernalia. Ward is out of jail after posting $20,000 bond. Robnett remains in jail with his bond also at $20,000.

 

Landrie Turner Family, Friends Keep Her Memory Alive

It's an emotional time at the Grady County Fair for the Grant and Tiffany Turner family of Amber. It’s their first fair without their 8-year old daughter, Landrie, who died in an ATV accident at their home this past April. Landrie loved animals, and was already experienced in the show ring. She had shown at the spring livestock show, and would have been showing at this week's fair. To help keep Landrie's memory alive, the Turner family and friends got together to do something special. During the cake auction at the fair Thursday night, the group combined to pay $1,000 for one of the items - with all that money going back to the county fair in Landrie's honor. Landrie would have been nine years old yesterday.

 

Grady County Fair Ends Today

The fair wraps up today, with the poultry, rabbit, beef, and dairy shows. There's a 4H tractor driving contest which includes a written test, an FFA Ag Olympics, and a kiddie pedal-tractor pull. The carnival will be open all day, and live music under the big-top tonight is with Austin, Texas-based The T.J. Wicks Band.

 

DOXA Extreme Rodeo Continues

Also this weekend, the huge DOXA extreme rodeo continues in Alex. It's held at the 400-acre Winter Creek Farms, where Robert Williams hosts the event for the third straight year, boasting 50 events in five arenas in a five-day period. Today there's team roping, DOXA extreme pasture roping, youth bareback and barrel racing, and Cord McCoy's ranch rodeo. There's a running with the bulls event, with the L.J. Jenkins bull riding event and the bull fighting finals tonight. The event runs through Sunday.

 

Friday Night High School Football Scores

Minco 27, Wynnewood 14

Konawa 26, Rush Springs 20

Anadarko 30, Harrah 7

Plainvew 26, Elgin 9

Seiling 51, Carnegie 20

MVG 58, Canton 50

Bray-Doyle 36, Maysville 28

Pauls Valley 19, Lindsay 18

 

 

Friday, August 24th

 

 

Antique Guns Stolen from Military Veteran's Home

A Vietnam veteran says his collection of about 30 antique guns was recently stolen from his home. Michael Dickenson says the theft occurred when he was away from his Grady County ranch when the guns were taken last Thursday or Friday. A friend had called Dickenson to let him know that someone broke into his house. The guns aren't the only things missing. Dickenson says the ammunition to the guns was also taken along with a lot of his Marine Corps records, including his honorable discharge papers. Dickenson tells KFOR-TV that he's worried that one of his guns might be used in a crime, or that the thief or thieves could return and use one of the weapons on him. Dickenson told investigators he doesn't think it was a random theft. Dickenson is offering a $1,000 reward for information that helps lead to the arrests of those responsible. Anonymous tips can also be given to the Grady County Crimestoppers by calling 405-224-TIPS, or by leaving an anonymous tip on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.

 

Grady County Fair Continues

Hundreds of people spent part of their Thursday to take in the opening day of the Grady County Fair. Many head to the Grady County Fairgrounds each year to catch up with long-time friends and acquaintances whom they only see at the fair. Scheduled activities today include the swine show at 6 p.m. Live music under the big top will be the Southwind Band, a western swing band based in Oklahoma which has a sound similar to Asleep at the Wheel. Tonight's the final night for armband night for the carnival, and the carnival will open at noon tomorrow. Saturday events include the poultry and rabbit shows, beef and dairy shows, the OHCE pet show, the 4H tractor driving contest, and FFA Ag Olympics. Live music tomorrow night is the T-J Wicks Band. Wicks is a former student of local musician Joe Settlemires.

 

DOXA Extreme Rodeo Continues Near Alex

Some of the country's top cowboys and cowgirls are competing at the Doxa Extreme Rodeo underway at Winter Creek Farms in Alex. It’s 50 events in five arenas over five days at the sprawling 400-acre ranch. Today, there's the yearling bull futurity, team roping, calf roping, break-away roping, and barrel race exhibitions. Tonight’s feature is free-style bull fights. There are a number of youth rodeo events as well. The rodeo runs through Saturday. Visit the following website for more information: www.doxarodeo.com

 

In Person, Absentee Voting Continues

Early voting is available again today ahead of next Tuesday's primary run-off election. Voters can cast ballots at their county election board offices until 6 p.m. today, or from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow. Regular precincts will be open all day on Tuesday. Voters will need to show their voter registration card or a valid Oklahoma identification.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Next Friday, August 31st is International Prescription Drug Overdose Awareness Day. Jenna Cansler with Red Rock Behavioral Health Services is this week’s guest on our KOOL Konversation to discuss the issue. Also, fall and winter programs and other benefits with the Chickasha Area YMCA will discussed on Real Estate Today with John Mosley. We have links to both programs elsewhere on this website. Find them under the Community tab.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down slightly to $67.83 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was off a nickel to $74.73.

Natural gas was up a bit to $2.96 per million BTUs.

Metals are higher. Gold is $1,197 and silver is $14.71

 

 

Thursday, Aug. 23rd

 

 

Consumer Spending Reaches Record High in Grady County

Consumer spending in Grady County may have reached an all-time high. If sales tax revenue numbers are correct, spending topped $131 million in May. The previous best month for consumer spending was last December, estimated at $105 million. Consumer spending for May was up 29 percent compared to the previous month, and more than double from May of a year ago. We estimate consumer spending when we see the sales revenues paid to the county from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. For the month of July, the county received a record $985,000 in sales tax revenue. We combine that number with the sales tax rate at the county level - which is just three-quarters of a penny – to estimate consumer spending. The county sales tax revenue is distributed to several areas, all of which were approved by county voters. The fairgrounds receives $329,000; Grady Memorial Hospital, $291,000; 20 fire districts share in $164,000 - so each one receives about $8,000; 7 senior nutrition centers share in $164,000 - so each one receives more than $23,000. Tuttle Emergency Medical Services receives $30,000; and Rush Springs EMS receives $7,500.

 

Grady County Fair Underway

It's opening day at the Grady County Fair. The doors swing open at 10 o'clock this morning, as many of the more than 125 commercial vendors have already set up their booth displays. All the still exhibits have been judged and those items can be seen today.  All the cakes for the cake auction need to be in between noon and 2:30 in the north exhibit building, with the cake judging about 3 o'clock, and cake auction just after 7 o'clock. The first of the livestock shows is at 1 o'clock with the goat show, followed by the sheep show at 4. The carnival opens at 6 p.m. with tonight and tomorrow being armband nights. The grand opening of the fair will be at 7 p.m., with fair honorees Myrtle Elston and Mark Rathe to be recognized. Live music under the outdoor tent tonight features Tim Brauer and First Look. The fair runs through Saturday.

 

Early Voting Starts Ahead of Primary Run-off Election

Early voting is underway ahead of next Tuesday's primary run-off election. In-person, absentee voting is available at county election boards over the next few days. The ballots are highlighted by Republican run-offs for governor, Lt. Governor, attorney general and labor commissioner. There are a couple of Grady County races. Republicans in District 1 and Democrats in District 3 will elect county commissioners. In District 1, incumbent Windle Hardy faces Michael Walker. In District 3, incumbent Ralph Beard faces Lee Dorman. Also, all Ninnekah school district patrons will decide a couple of special bond issues which total $550,000. In-person, absentee voting is available until 6 o'clock tonight, then from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Two File for Bridge Creek Fire Protection District Board

Two candidates have filed for separate offices with the Bridge Fire Protection District board of trustees. Christina McCune has filed for a full term in Office No. 5 and Jeffrey Wellman has filed for a one-year unexpired term for Office No. 1. The filing period runs through Friday and candidates must file at the Grady County  Election Board.

 

Region Has New Manufacturing Alliance Rep

The manufacturing sector in central and southwest Oklahoma has a new contact to help their operations. Scott Smith is the region's new representative for the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. Smith will serve the Grady and Canadian County regions and will have an office at the El Reno campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center. Smith is from Blanchard and previously worked as the manager for government and economic development partnerships for the state department of career tech. He also worked for 20 years in the manufacturing industry. Smith will partner  with CV Tech's Business and Industry Service division to assist companies in the region.

 

FFA Students to Perform at National Convention

A Chickasha FFA student has been selected to be part of a special program in Indiana this fall. Clay Grossnicklaus is the reporter for the group.

 

                

 

Another local FFA student, Eli Hargus of Ninnekah, was selected to sing in the National FFA Choir at the Indianapolis Convention.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX up for the 5th straight day, to $67.86 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude climbs to $74.78.

Natural gas slips to $2.95 per million BTUs.

Metals were lower. Gold is $1,188 and silver is $14.64.

 

 

 

Wednesday, Aug. 22nd

 

State Auditor to Address Grady County Excise Board

Oklahoma State Auditor Gary Jones will be in Chickasha next month discussing his office's role in reviewing county records. The visit was scheduled in light of  the discovery that Grady County elected officials were overpaid. Jones was asked to explain how audits at the county level work. District Attorney Jason Hicks asked Jones to attend the next Grady County Excise Board meeting to provide an explanation. During a special meeting of the county excise board yesterday,  the panel set aside an additional $20,000 to pay for a detailed state audit of county books. That’s over and above what the panel normally budgets for a typical state audit. Officials hope to try and determine how the salaries of elected officials were miscalculated. Jones is scheduled to be at the Sept. 5th excise board meeting.

 

Turnpike Motorcycle Race Tops 125 MPH

Two motorcycles were caught racing at speeds topping 125 miles an hour on the  H.E. Bailey Turnpike Monday afternoon. Trooper Patrick Surber says he spotted the motorcyles on crotch rockets headed westbound near Mile Marker 94, about two miles west of the Chickasha toll gate. One of the men pulled over, but the other kept racing down the highway, then turned west at Mile Marker 83 and sped through downtown Chickasha. Other troopers who joined the pursuit ended the chase because of the dangerous speeds through the city. The second bike rider was last seen heading north on U.S. Highway 81. Surber said the man he pulled over had just gotten his motorcycle out of impound earlier in the day. He was identified as 21-year old Joshua Benton from the Tulsa area, who said he didn't know the other individual and that they just started racing. Benton was ticketed for reckless driving and for not having a motorcycle endorsement. He did not go to jail. Surber is asking anyone who may have information about the other rider to contact the highway patrol. The bike he was riding is described as a lime green crotch-rocket style motorcycle. He was wearing a black helmet and had curly hair and is believed to be Caucasian.

 

Grady County DAV Hosts Tommy Franks Traveling Museum

It's a big day at the Grady County DAV office. The Tommy Franks traveling museum will be on location and open to the public today. The traveling museum is part of Frank’s larger museum and leadership institute based in Hobart. The retired four-star Army general was the commander leading American and coalition troops during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. The DAV mobile office will be on hand to help any and all veterans with claims and benefits, and the Patriot Guard Riders will be on hand, too. That's all going on from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. today at the Grady County DAV office in downtown Chickasha.

 

Volunteer Group Aids Kids in DHS Custody

There is a local group that provides support for children who are taken from their homes due to abuse or neglect. It's called Court Appointed Special Advocates - or CASA for short. Debbie Stamper is the Grady County coordinator for the program. She tells how this nationwide program got started.

 

               

 

It's a volunteer program where individuals meet with the children at least on a monthly basis, to make sure their needs are being met by DHS and the court system. One of the annual fundraisers for the Grady County CASA group is the giveaway of a children's playhouse at the Grady County Fair. For information, contact the local CASA office by calling 405-224-0404, or visit the website: www.casav4c.org

 

Bridge Creek Fire Protection Board Filings Begin

The filing period opens today for individuals who may want to serve on the Bridge Creek Fire Protection District Board of Trustees. There are two offices open on the panel. A five-year term is open for Position No. 5 and a one year unexpired term is available for Position No. 1. Candidates will need to file at the Grady County Election Board over the next three days. If an election is needed, it will be held later this fall.

 

Deadline Looms for Producers Considering NAP Coverage

Small grain producers have just a few more days to decide if they want to purchase what's known as NAP coverage for their crops. Mark Jackson says wheat pasture insurance needs to be in place before planting starts next month. Jackson explains the Non-insured Assistance Program.

 

                

 

Next Friday, Aug. 31st is the deadline to purchase NAP insurance for cool-season grasses that are used for grazing.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $67.35 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude is up to $72.63.

Natural gas is up to $2.98 per million BTUs.

Gold is up to $1,203 and silver is down slightly to $14.78.

 

 

 

Tuesday, Aug. 21st

 

Oscar Nelson Sworn In as New Chix City Councilman

There's a new face on the Chickasha City Council. Oscar Nelson took the oath of office during last night's council meeting. The council approved Nelson’s appointment as recommended by Mayor Chris Mosley. Nelson will fill the final few months remaining on the term for the Ward 3 office after the resignation of Cody Turpin. The 42-year old Nelson owns and operates a family sod farm. He says wants to help the city become better.

 

                

 

Nelson holds a mechanical engineering degree from OSU and worked at Tinker Air Force base a few years before buying the sod farm from his father and uncle in 2014. Nelson and his wife Burgundy have two girls, ages 5 and 9. They live in and are restoring an historic Chickasha home, the former home of long-time Chickasha teacher, Mary Bailey. She was the daughter of the first district judge in Grady County.

 

Sales Tax Rebate Plan Transferred to New Developer

The city council approved the transition of a sales tax rebate agreement from one developer to another last night. The panel approved transferring the agreement from Steve Laforge to a Norman-based firm called Chickasha Development, LLC. The principle partner in the firm is Eric Fleske, with Fleske Holding Company. The agreement will allow Chickasha Development to receive a portion of sales revenues generated by businesses that locate in an area south of Grand Avenue between 4th and 9th Streets once improvements are made. City Manager John Noblitt says there's no timetable on when any work might begin.

 

Council OKs Settlement Talks in RV Park Lawsuit

The council also took action to end a lengthy lawsuit the city has been dealing with for several years. Curtis Hart with the Muscle Car Ranch has been battling the city for the right to develop an RV Park at the ranch. The council gave the city manager approval to negotiate a settlement.

 

Inflated Elected Official Salaries on Tap for Discussion

The issue regarding the over-payment of salaries for Grady County elected officials will be re-visited in a special meeting of the county excise board this morning. The problem came to light earlier this month when it was learned the salaries had been miscalculated for several years. This past year alone, it was determined that each elected official received $20,000 more than they should have. Sheriff Jim Weir has been the most out-spoken about the issue, saying elected officials don't set their own pay.

 

2018 Fair Princess Named

The 2018 Grady County Fair Princess hails from Verden. Kylee Tallent was the overall winner out of the 11 contestants in last night’s pageant. Tallent - who is a sophomore - gets a $500 cash prize, and will have a big presence at the fair this week. First runner-up was Addison Alred of Tuttle; 2nd runner-up was Cayden Copeland of Amber; and 3rd runner-up was Haylee Coatney of Ninnekah. Miss Congeniality was Preslee Pitree of Ninnekah; and Miss Photogenic was Tate Neasbitt of Tuttle.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $66.43 a barrel.

London-based Brent is up to $72.21.

Natural gas is steady at $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is higher to $1,200 and silver is also higher to $14.81.

 

 

 

Monday, Aug. 20th

 

New Chickasha City Council Rep may be Appointed

It apparently hasn't taken long for Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley to find a replacement to fill a vacancy on the city council. One of the first items for the council to consider when it meets tonight is the appointment of a new Ward 3 councilman. It's not known who Mosley has picked. An opening was created a couple of weeks ago, when Ward 3 councilman Cody Turpin resigned at the end of the council’s June 6th meeting. Turpin won the seat in the 2017 city council election. He had to resign since he moved out of Chickasha and to the Oklahoma City area.

 

Law Suit, Possible Transfer of Sales Tax Rebate Agreement

Part of Closed-Door Session of City Council Meeting

Part of tonight’s agenda also calls for the council will go behind closed doors to discuss two issues. One of them is a lawsuit filed against the city by Curtis Hart.  The other is to talk about whether the city should transfer a sales tax rebate agreement with developer Steve LaForge to a new developer. A few months ago, the council approved a plan that would help LaForge develop the region south of Grand Avenue between 4th and 9th Streets. The council will also consider going out for bids to replace an air conditioning unit in the terminal at the airport. Officials say the unit that cools the lobby, bathrooms, and airport office is about 20 years old, and the cost of repair is almost as much as a new system. Officials estimate it will cost $7,500. The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall.

 

Rush Springs Aquifer Study Released

A lengthy study of an important source of groundwater for portions of southern and western Oklahoma has been released by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The information concerns the underground water area that's known as the Rush Springs Aquifer. The study included about 4,700 square miles in eight counties including Grady, Caddo, Canadian, Blaine, Custer, Washita, Comanche, and Stephens counties. A state law required the Water Resources Board to determine the aquifer's "maximum annual yield". The detailed report indicates the region averaged 28 inches of rain per year dating back to 1905. Groundwater use over the past 50 years was about 70,000 acre-feet per year, with 91 percent used for irrigation and about 8 percent for public water supplies. It provides information for the construction of a groundwater flow-model  - to simulate various groundwater resource management proposals.  To see the detailed report, click on the following link:  https://www.owrb.ok.gov/studies/groundwater/rushsprings.php

 

Princess Contest Kicks Off Grady County Fair Week

Today is the unofficial start of the 104th Grady County Fair. The opening event is the fair princess pageant, where about a dozen young ladies are hoping to reign over the three-day event. There are talent, evening gown, and interview competitions. The top three contestants will win cash prizes. A reception for all candidates will be at 5:00 p.m. this afternoon with the talent competition starting at 6:30 p.m. The pageant will be held in the community building at the fairgrounds.  Also for the fair, still exhibit entries will be accepted from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Exhibitors are asked to pick up their numbers and tags at the OSU extension office today or tomorrow morning, however exhibitors can get them at the fairgrounds tomorrow. The fair itself opens at 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning with a grand opening Thursday night.

 

Buying Hay? Check it's Quality

Checking agriculture news, hay may be hard to find this year. Livestock producers are encouraged to check any hay they might purchase, as the quality can vary. Shiann Burns with Grady County OSU Extension -

 

                

 

Burns says if possible, try and determine the Relative Feed Value of the hay. An ideal value is 150.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was up Friday, but down for the week, to $65.91 a barrel.

London-based Brent crude was down for the week, to $71.83.

Natural gas was up Friday, and virtually unchanged for the week, at $2.94 per million BTUs.

Metals had a down week, with gold at $1,193 and silver at $14.74.

 

 

 

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