Saturday, January 18th
Shooting Victims Identified
We now know the names of the two people who died in a Thursday morning shooting at a Chickasha home. The bodies of 66-year old Stanley Hisel and his wife, 67 year old Deborah were discovered after police responded to reports of gunfire in the 400 block of Colorado Avenue. Authorities have arrested 36-year old Corwyn Lane King in connection with their deaths. Chickasha police and OSBI investigators have not revealed any more information. Neighbors say that Deborah was Corwyn's mother and that Stanley was his step-father. King was arrested at the home moments after the shooting. Police say he shot at police as they arrived, but his gun jammed and he threw down the weapon and was taken into custody. Initially, King was being held on a first degree murder complaint. Now he's also being held on a complaint of shooting with intent to kill for firing at officers.
Driver Dies in Rollover Accident
A deadly crash just west of Chickasha. 35-year old Tim A. Ryans of Chickasha died in the crash that happened west of Chickasha about 8:15 a.m. Friday. The accident happened about two miles west of the Norge Highway and Country Club Road. The state trooper investigating the crash believed that Ryans was driving at a high rate of speed when his car went off the road, rolled 2 1/2 times, and landed upside down. Ryans died at the scene.
Schools Locked Down When Gunman is Seen Nearby
A couple of Chickasha schools were placed on lockdown this week when a man with a firearm was seen nearby. The Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center and Grand Elementary Schools were closed by police Thursday afternoon. The Chickasha Police blotter shows authorities received a report of a suspicious man in the area of 12th Street and Grand Avenue just after 2:00 p.m. Thursday. That's just two blocks from the elementary school. Officers quickly had the gunman in custody, with unconfirmed reports saying they tackled him in the area of Shannon Springs Park. Pam Ladyman with the school administration office said the lockdown only lasted about 20 minutes and was lifted about 2:30 which was just before school was to be dismissed. Police arrested 23-year old Lane Garrett Reed on complaints of possession of a sawed-off shotgun or rifle, obstructing an officer, and for outstanding warrants. It's unclear what the warrants are for. Reed pleaded guilty last year to a misdemeanor charge of attempting to elude. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to felony domestic violence and misdemeanor drug charges in separate arrests.
Sheriff's Office New Warrant List
The Grady County Sheriff's Office has an updated 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 reach out to the sheriff's office by calling 405-222-5085.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Paul Lewis, Johnny Trammell, Cassandra Ersland and Suehzen Mosley with the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce Leadership Chickasha program are on our KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.
Obituary
Wilma Little
Obituaries today include 83-year old Wilma Little, whose family includes her daughter Cindy Robinson and husband Don of Chickasha. A memorial service will be held at Green Lawn Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas on March 7th. Local arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Friday, January 17th
Double-homicide Investigation Continues
Chickasha police haven't released any more information about the shooting deaths of two people yesterday. The names of the victims still have not been released nor have investigators revealed a motive. The OSBI has been called in to assist. Police were called to a home at 420 Colorado Thursday morning when neighbors reported hearing gunshots. Police Chief Dee Rowell said the first officer on the scene came under attack by the gunman.
Authorities say the suspect dropped the weapon because it malfunctioned. No officers were hurt. Police arrested 36-year Corwyn Lane King, who is being held in the Grady County Jail on a first-degree murder complaint.
Fire Destroys Ninnekah Home
Fire destroys a home in Ninnekah. The call came in just before noon Thursday at 111 S. Grand. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said the single-story, wood-frame home was fully engulfed when fire crews got there. Initial reports were that people were inside the burning home, but Myers said the four occupants were outside. None of them suffered any injuries. Ninnekah, Pioneer, Alex and Chickasha fire fighters responded as about 15 personnel and 10 trucks tried to beat back the flames. Myers said the cause of the fire is still under investigation but the occupants said there had been some issues with the central heating unit. The Red Cross is helping the victims.
Cyril Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Murder
A Cyril man is sentenced to life in prison after he pleads guilty to murder and shooting with intent to kill. A Comanche County judge announced the sentence for Johnny Ray Jones yesterday. Jones was arrested in connection with the shooting death of one man, and shooting and injuring another. His case was set to go to trial later this month. KSWO-TV reports that Jones will have the possibility of parole at the end of his sentence.
Anadarko School Custodian Charged with Raping a Student
An Anadarko school custodian is accused of raping a 14-year old student. 29-year old Richard Dayton Pewenofkit was arrested this week after the girl reported the allegations. The Lawton Constitution cites police documents that allege Pewenofkit gave the girl alcohol and marijuana, which led to them having an intimate relationship. The incident reportedly occurred in May of last year. The girl said she didn't tell anyone about it at the time because she thought it was her fault. Pewenofkit has been charged with rape by instrumention and forcible sodomy. He's out of jail after posting a $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled for Feb. 20th.
Burglary Charge Filed in Ninnekah Theft Report
A Ninnekah woman is accused of breaking into a pickup during a basketball game. A Ninnekah police officer reports doing a walk-through in the parking lot at the gym this week when he saw a dome light on in a pickup. He approached a woman who said she wanted to see the inside of the pickup because it looked nice. The officer ran the tag, and discovered the owner was inside the gym, and asked her to come out. At first, the owner said it didn't appear anything was missing but then saw her checkbook on the ground underneath the pickup. She said the checkbook had been in the console. Police arrested 43-year old Alisha Mae Snow on a burglary complaint. Prosecutors have charged her with a felony of third degree burglary. Snow remains in the Grady County Jail on a $10,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference has been set for March 10th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.52 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $64.62.
Natural gas is $2.07 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,556 and silver is $18.07.
Obituary
Lois Merrell
Obituaries today include 84-year old Lois Merrell of Chickasha. Funeral was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 17th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Thursday, January 16th
BREAKING - Chickasha Police Investigate Deaths
Two people were found deceased in a Chickasha home this morning and one person is in custody. KOOL/RANCH News talked to Chickasha Police Chief Dee Rowell at the scene-
Officials have not released the names of the victims nor the person who was arrested.
Man Hospitalized After Fiery Crash with Semi
A semi and pickup burst into flames following a late-night crash east of Chickasha. Both drivers were able to escape from their vehicles, however the pickup driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The crash happened just before midnight on U.S. Highway 62 about four miles east of Chickasha. It was near the area known as Hibarger Hill. The highway patrol reports an empty water tanker was attempting to turn into a private drive and failed to yield to the oncoming pickup. The driver of the pick-up, 70-year old Ronald Coffee of Pauls Valley, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was admitted in fair condition with internal and arm injuries. The driver of the semi, 44-year old Marcus Coleman of Wynn, Arkansas was not hurt. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said Chickasha Fire and EMS, along with Friend, Naples, and Alex fire departments were called out. The roadway was closed for about three hours.
Program Aims to Help High School Students Plan Future
High school students are being encouraged to make plans for what they want to do in life well before they get their diplomas. Canadian Valley Technology Center (CV Tech) is working to help them under a state law passed in 2017. The measure is called the Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP). It was supported by the state department of education and is even backed by a $2 million private grant. In a news release CV Tech officials say they are working with administrators and counselors from sending schools to encourage students to advance beyond a high school diploma - whether it’s learning a skill in career tech, attending college, or maybe both. Goals for students include self-discovery, career exploration, academic planning, and personal financial literacy. Parents and family members are urged to help and support students in their growth and development.
Southwest District Livestock Show Scheduled
One of the largest spring livestock shows in Oklahoma will be returning to Chickasha next month. About 1,000 youth will be exhibiting more than 2,000 animals during the Southwest District Livestock Show. The event will be held Feb. 12th through 15th at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The only show larger is believed to be the Oklahoma Youth Expo, which will be in Oklahoma City in March. The Chickasha show is for youth from 14 southwest Oklahoma counties only, with 4H and FFAers from areas that include Yukon, Elk City, and Altus. Exhibitors can earn up to $1,000 with their animals. The show has a grand champion, reserve grand, and bronze or third place prizes for cattle, sheep, swine, and goats. A new event this year is an agriculture mechanics contest. Youth are also encouraged to apply for the Vernon Crose Memorial Scholarship. Pre-registration for exhibitors is due by Feb. 1st.
Chickasha Sports Complex Prepares for Spring
Another active spring and summer is anticipated at the City of Chickasha's sports complex. Officials are already forming a number of sports leagues. For youth, there is flag football, baseball, and softball leagues. For adults there’s flag football and slow-pitch softball. Registration for all the sports is open through Feb. 21st. For information, contact city hall or find registration forms on the city's website, www.chickasha.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.81 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $64.
Natural gas is to $2.12 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,555 and silver is $18.00.
Wednesday, January 15th
Middleberg Student Suspended; Threats Alleged
A Middleberg School student has been suspended after it's alleged he threatened to stab and shoot another student. The mother of the 11-year old victim called the Grady County Sheriff's Office after the incident occurred last Friday. The mom said school officials did not tell her about the incident. KFOR-TV reports that the fellow student threatened to stab the boy in the face with a pencil and the confrontation escalated to the point where the other student said quote 'I'm gonna shoot you with my shotgun and I don't miss.' Grady County Undersheriff Phil Blevins said the sheriff's office wasn't notified of the threat until Monday, and doesn't know why school officials waited to report the incident. A statement issued by the school indicated that at no time was a student stabbed or almost stabbed, and that at no time were any students in danger. The statement did indicate that school officials were notified of a verbal threat and that the suspected student was removed from the classroom and sent home with parents until further investigation. The victim's mother said she's contacted State School Superintendent Joy Hoffmeister because she's not happy with how the school handled the situation.
Rush Springs Voters Fail to Pass School Bond Issue
Rush Springs voters have turned down another school bond issue. A proposed $3.9 million bond issue failed to get the super-majority of votes needed for passage in yesterday’s special election. The measure received 54 percent of yes votes, 282 to 249 - but fell 36 votes shy of the 60 percent voter approval needed for passage. School officials had hoped to make some needed improvements to the school auditorium, install a new track around the football field, and upgrade the parking lot at the football stadium.
Man Arrested After Social Media Phone Deal Goes Wrong
The grab-and-go theft of a cell phone and some cash lands a Rush Springs teen behind bars. 19-year old Bryce Alexander Gray was arrested after a woman tried to buy her granddaughter a new phone through social media. A probable cause affidavit indicates that the victims met Gray at the Rush Springs Library last Friday. Gray is alleged to have gotten into the victim's vehicle where they went to his home because he had forgotten the phone charger. It's alleged Gray took $200 in cash and the phone and ran from the scene. Authorities managed to track the suspect down and take him in to custody on Sunday. The district attorney’s office has charged Gray with a felony count of grand larceny. He remains in the Grady County jail pending a $50,000 bond. He's to announce his attorney Feb. 20th and a preliminary hearing conference is scheduled set for March 10th.
Alleged Shoplifter Faces Drug Charge
A Chickasha man faces a felony drug charge after being caught for alleged shoplifting. Prosecutors have charged 29-year old Tryan Brown with possession with intent to distribute. A probable cause affidavit indicates police were called to Wal-Mart last Saturday to investigate a shoplifting complaint. Store authorities had detained Brown after he failed to pay for all of the $84 in items he had taken through the self-checkout. The items included Red Bull drinks, a cheesecake, and a piece of furniture for a desk. Brown became combative and told police he paid for the items, and resisted officers when they tried to detain him. Officers said they found marijuana though Brown said he had a medical card, but police didn't find it. Officers also found about 19 grams of methamphetamine. Brown remains in the Grady County jail on a $25,000 bond. He's to announce his attorney Feb. 20th with his next court date on March 6th.
Grain Producers Face Crop Reporting Deadline
Small grain producers need to take action today to report their acreage numbers to their local Farm Service Agency. Mark Jackson with the Grady County office says it's important to make a call today to avoid a financial penalty.
Jackson said all acreage of cropland must be reported in order for producers to be eligible for USDA's ARC and PLC programs.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.23 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $64.49.
Natural gas is $2.19 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,553 and silver is $17.87.
Obituary
Donal Leverett, Sr.
Obituaries today include 85-year old Donal Leverett, Sr. of Chickasha. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 18th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. He served in the Army reserves, and he and his twin brother Ronal were part of the 1954 Amber basketball team which won a state championship.
Tuesday, January 14th
New Chix School Superintendent To Start Early
New Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin will be on board earlier than first planned. July 1st was originally going to be Croslin's first official day but that has been moved up to March 23rd. School board president Zack McGill made the announcement during last night's school board meeting that Croslin will begin the week following spring break. Until then, Croslin will spend a couple of days a week in the district.
Supt's First Order of Business - Building Relationships
KOOL/RANCH News had an exclusive interview with the new superintendent yesterday. We asked him about his 100-day plan he proposed to the school board during his interviews. Croslin said the first thing is building relationships with the community and to restore trust between the community and the school district. Croslin said it will be a team effort.
Croslin said he and his wife Jennie met about 300 people in his first day in Chickasha on Monday. He said he was impressed with many of the school facilities and that he'll work with teachers to improve academic performances at all grade levels.
Potential School District Land Sale Delayed
A proposal to sell about 2.5 acres of land owned by the Chickasha school district to the Chickasha Senior Nutrition Center was tabled at last night's school board meeting. The land sits on the east side of the high school campus where the nutrition center and the Borden Park Community Center are located. School board president Zack McGill said the district is considering selling the property as the district has budget challenges. With the oil and gas industry on a downward trend, officials wanted to explore some financial options. He said a long-term strategic planning process will begin in the spring. Interim Superintendent Jennifer Stegman, who was at last night's meeting, said the district's mid-term allocation from the State Department of Education was down nearly a half-million dollars from last year. That was due to an increase in ad valorem funding. She said when there is an increase in ad valorem revenues that state funding falls. Stegman said the district funding was only down about $2,000 from the same time a year ago.
Anadarko School Superintendent's Contract Extended
In Anadarko, School Superintendent Jerry McCormick has had his contract extended for three years. Anadarko school board president Skip Hamill said the new agreement will keep McCormick at Anadarko through June of 2023. Assistant Superintendent Danny Pittman’s contract was extended through June of 2021. The Anadarko panel also formally accepted the resignation of head football coach Chris Paddlety. Officials are currently searching for a new head coach for the Warriors. The board also approved fund-raising efforts for the high school band to travel to the Citrus Bowl next year.
Rush Springs Voters Decide Bond Issue Today
Voters in the Rush Springs school district are heading to the polls today. A nearly $4 million bond issue would pay for upgrades to the auditorium, a new track around the football field, and parking lot upgrades at the football stadium. The measure needs 60 percent voter approval for passage. Polls will be open until 7:00 p.m. tonight.
Construction Worker Critically Injured
A freak accident occurred near Binger where a construction worker was critically injured. 34-year old Jose Ramirez of Oklahoma City was part of a four-man crew working just south of U.S. 281 and Highway 152 about 1:00 p.m. Monday. The highway patrol reports that Ramirez was riding in the back of a Ford F550 pickup. The wind caught a construction sign in the back of the truck which hit Ramirez in the head. Ramirez was knocked out of the truck where his head then hit the pavement. He was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.08 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $64.20.
Natural gas is $2.18 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,545 and silver is $17.80.
Obituaries
Jerry Buckner
Obituaries today include 81-year old Jerry Buckner of Chickasha. Funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 15th at Full Gospel Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Norma Jean Hubblethwaite
Graveside service for 82-year old Norma Jean Hubblethwaite of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 15th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are also with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Monday, January 13th
Chickasha Schools' New Superintendent in Town Today
It was a week ago today that the Chickasha school board announced the employment of a new superintendent. The new administrator will be in town today to meet school employees and the community. Rick Croslin has worked the last several years with the Putnam City school district. He's currently working on his master's degree at OU. Croslin will first meet with school employees personnel, making the rounds throughout the district this afternoon. Tonight, there is a meet-and-greet community reception for Croslin and his wife Jennie. That will be held from 5:00 p.m. to about 6:00 p.m. at the high school commons area. Croslin is tentatively set to start on July 1st, but Croslin and school officials say it could be earlier. In the meantime, Croslin is expected to spend a couple of days a week in Chickasha. Croslin and his wife will be moving to Chickasha later this year.
Bid from Sr. Ctr; Newer Car Buy on School Board Agenda
After the meet-and-greet with the new superintendent, the Chickasha school board will hold its first regular meeting of 2020. The meeting will be held at the high school auditorium, and will get underway at 6:00 p.m. The panel will discuss a proposal to approve the bid for the Senior Citizens Center. The group will also review the possible purchase of a school vehicle to replace one which was totaled in an accident. The purchase price is not to be more than $18,000. The school board will also recognize Homer Hulme, who recently donated $36,000 to support numerous extra-curricular activities. Hulme's contribution will help 18 extra-curricular programs. The board of education will also recognize employees of the month. Middle school teacher Kerrie Edwards and Middle school receptionist Charlotte Tapp will receive gift certificates from Chicken Express for being recognized as school district employees of the month.
Highway 81 Cable Barrier Installation Begins
A road construction project on U.S. Highway 81 between Rush Springs and Marlow will occasionally narrow traffic to one lane for several months. Contractors for the State Department of Transportation will be installing cable barriers in the median of the highway, similar to what was recently completed south of Ninnekah. Traffic will be down to one lane intermittently from State Highway 17 in Rush Springs south the State Highway 29 in Marlow starting today and running for possibly the next three months. The project is expected to be completed around mid-April. The estimated cost of the project is $1.6 million and it was awarded to Action Safety Supply Company of Oklahoma City.
National Guard Soliers Heading to Kuwait
About 130 Oklahoma National Guard soldiers have been deployed for a mission to the Middle East. The men and women of the First Battalion of “A” Battery with the 158th Field Artillery Division will be spending about a year in Kuwait. A deployment ceremony was held at the gymnasium at Lawton High school yesterday. KSWO-TV reports that Lt. Charles Neely said he's proud of this group of soldiers and that they are better equipped than he was during his deployment 15 years ago. The troops will initially spend a month at Ft. Bliss, Texas before heading overseas.
Vehicles, Including Church Van, Spray-Painted in Tuttle
In Tuttle, police are trying to find the culprits who spray-painted several cars and even a church vehicle over the weekend. The vandalism was discovered Sunday morning. A total of five vehicles were damaged including a van owned by the Tuttle Christian Church. The vandals used yellow spray paint to write profanities on some of the vehicles. KFOR-TV reports that the vandalism was confined to about a three-block area. Residents think that teenagers are responsible.
Cong. Tom Cole Schedules Grady County Stops
4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole has a couple of stops in Grady County next week. On Wednesday, January 22nd, Cole will be stopping in Alex that morning to discuss expansion of rural broadband service and he’ll be in Chickasha that afternoon for a community forum. Cole will be addressing the public at 2:00 p.m. that afternoon at the Canadian Valley Technology Center. The program is free, but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, contact the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce by calling 405-224-0787.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX fell nearly 6.5 percent last week to $59.04 per barrel. London-based Brent crude tumbled about 5 percent to $64.98. Natural gas gained about 3.5 percent to $2.20 per million BTUs. Gold starts the week at $1,551 and silver opens at $17.98.
