Saturday, February 8th
Oklahoma Gets Help to Fight Childhood Obesity
Oklahoma school districts are being encouraged to apply to receive state-of-the-art youth fitness centers. In an effort to combat childhood obesity, the National Foundation for Governors Fitness Councils has awarded the Sooner State three of these $100,000 fitness centers through its 2020 Don't Quit! Campaign. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt made the announcement this week. Stitt said that he looks forward to seeing how these facilities will help move the needle in improving health outcomes in Oklahoma. In a press release, an official with the foundation said that they have declared war on the childhood obesity, saying the preventable disease is a serious problem that can follow a child into adulthood. The application period is open through March 20th and schools may also submit a written essay or video. To download an application and for more information visit http://natgovfit.org/nominate-your-school/
Former Area Police Chief Dies
The former police chief for both Cement and Cyril has died. David Burns spent a total of 14 years in law enforcement in the 1970s and 80s before going on to work with Dolese Brothers. He then went to work for Oklahoma Natural Gas where he retired in 2015. Burns was 66 when he passed away recently.
Bill Would Require Two Crew Members on Freight Trains
A bill that would require a minimum of two crew members on a freight train has been introduced at the state capital by a Grady County state lawmaker. Chickasha State Rep. David Perryman says HB 2874 could help prevent a bad situation, or, keep a bad situation from turning into a local catastrophe. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports that a recent change by the Federal Railroad Administration left out a two-person crew requirement on freight trains. Perryman said much of the freight hauled by freight trains is combustible or caustic in nature. He said the elimination of the nationwide rule is a sign that the federal government wants states to take care of the issue. Perryman's bill is pending in the House transportation committee.
Friday, February 7th
Chix Mayor Sets Goals for Second Term
Since he didn’t draw an opponent in the spring city council election, Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley can now turn his attention to his next two years in office. Mosley say he wants to focus on attracting families to move to Chickasha, create jobs, and improve city streets. One project he's already been working on with other city leaders is creating new park to be located next to the Rock Island Railroad Depot.
Mosley said officials are working with the Chickasaw Nation as well as the Oklahoma City Energy Football Club Foundation to help fund the project, but that additional donors are being sought. A map of the proposed park can be seen at city hall.
Two School Districts Mourn Deaths of Teens
Two Oklahoma school districts are mourning the deaths of students who died in traffic accidents this week. Two students at Moore High School died when the driver of a pick-up ran into members of the school's cross country team during their practice on Monday. In Newcastle, high school sophomore Emily Waymire lost her life in a crash that happened on Tuesday. The accident also seriously injured Emily's sister and mother. A GoFundMe account has been established to help the Waymire family with funeral and medical expenses.
Crash Closes Roads Near Bridge Creek School
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating an early morning traffic accident that occurred near Bridge Creek School. The accident happened just after 5:00 a.m. near CR 1250 and CS 2975 which is southeast of the school. The accident closed the roadway for about an hour and a half. Information about the accident was not immediately available.
Sheriff's Office Updates 'Wanted' 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 contact the sheriff's office by calling 405-222-5085.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Danny Wedel and Jerry Renshaw with the Southwest District Livestock Show are this week's guests on our KOOL Konversation. We have a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $50.95 a barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $54.93.
Natural gas is $1.86 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,572 and silver is $17.76.
Thursday, February 6th
Chix Mayor, Two Councilmen Run Un-opposed for Seats
Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley and two city councilmen will be serving another two years on the city council. Mosley, Ward 3 councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander, and Ward 4 councilman Zack Grayson drew no opponents in the three-day filing period for city council which ended yesterday. There will be at least one new council member. Clark Van Dyck filed un-opposed to serve in Ward 2. Current Ward 2 councilman Joe Molder did not run for re-election. Chickasha voters will have one council post to decide in the April city council election. Ward 1 city councilman David Sikes will face challenger Dewey Mosshart, IV.
Tanker Truck Driver Hurt After Crashing into Creek
A truck driver escaped serious injury when his tanker truck careens into a creek and was pinned in the partially submerged cab for about 30 minutes. 42-year old Todd Dinsmore of Ninnekah was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in good condition with arm, trunk, and internal injuries. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said the rescue team faced some challenges getting Dinsmore out of the cab and then up about a 20-foot embankment.
The accident happened about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at U.S. Highway 62 and West Winter Creek. That's about a mile east of Cimarron Trailers. The Highway Patrol reported that Dinsmore may have been driving too fast for the road conditions. We have video of the crash on our Facebook page.
Former Chickasha Mayor Harold Jackson Dies
Former Chickasha mayor Harold Jackson has died. Jackson, who owned the Chickasha McDonald’s restaurant, was 77 when he passed away at his Chickasha home on Tuesday. Jackson spent eight years as mayor in the 1990s. Jackson grew up in Marlow and played football for the Outlaws 1959 state championship team. He served in the U.S Army Reserves before attending and graduating from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Central State College. He was first a teacher, coach, and college professor. He and his late-wife Kay bought their first McDonalds in Mt. Pleasant, Texas in 1981 and purchase the Chickasha store and other locations in 1985. The Jacksons were heavily involved in civic activities, creating a camp for special needs students and working with Oklahoma's Special Olympics. Funeral service for Harold Jackson will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 7th at Epworth United Methodist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kay and Harold Jackson Scholarship Fund at USAO.
Early-Voting Underway in Some School, Council Elections
There are some school board and city council elections scheduled next week, though early voting gets underway today. In-person, absentee voting is available at local county election boards. There are school board elections in Alex and in Carnegie, and there is a special bond issue for Middleberg School. There's also a city council election in Marlow. You can only vote early at your county election board office. In-person, absentee voting can be done until 6:00 p.m. today or from 8:00 a.m. to 6 :00 p.m. tomorrow. Regular precincts will be open on Tuesday, February 11th.
Dallas String Quartet to Perform at USAO
When thinking about a string quartet, most might believe that classical music will be produced by the tuxedo-wearing musicians. There's a twist to that generalization in the next edition of USAO's Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series. Not only does the Dallas String Quartet perform classical music, its selections also include genres which include rock and roll. The quartet is referred to as Bach Meets Bon Jovi. The group performs a blend of contemporary classical and pop music. The group has performed for U.S. presidents and at sporting events like the college football playoffs and NFL and NBA games. They've played in symphony halls and alongside artists like Chicago and Josh Groban. The Dallas String Quartet performance will be Thursday, Feb. 20th at USAO. Tickets are now available at the USAO business office.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $50.75.
London-based Brent crude is $55.28.
Natural gas is $1.86 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,570 and silver is $17.80.
Wednesday, February 5th
Sen. Paxton Supports Governor's Goals
State lawmakers are spending the first week of the legislative session getting organized for the weeks ahead. State Senator Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle likes what Gov. Kevin Stitt is doing, as the governor is looking to make Oklahoma a top-10 state.
Paxton was recently appointed assistant majority floor leader in the Senate.
New Candidate Files to Run for City Council
A race has developed in the second day of filing for Chickasha City Council. It's in Ward 1, where Dewey Mosshart IV has filed to challenge incumbent David Sikes. As of late Tuesday, Mosshart was the only new candidate to file for city council. To this point, Mayor Chris Mosley, Ward 4 councilman Zack Grayson, and Ward 3 councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander have filed unopposed for re-election and Clark Van Dyck has filed unopposed for the seat in Ward 2. Today is the last day of the filing period for city council as prospective candidates face a 5:00 p.m. deadline to submit paperwork at city hall.
Chix Native Named City's Economic Development Director
There's a new executive director for the Chickasha Economic Development Council but he's not new to Chickasha. Jim Cowan has been brought on board to lead the group. Cowan is a Chickasha native who most recently served a small business consultant in the Oklahoma City area. At one time he was himself a small business owner as he operated the Bricktown Brewery in Oklahoma City. Cowan says he'll be spending a lot of time in his first few weeks meeting with local business owners—
Cowan is a Chickasha High School graduate. His father was the late John Cowan who was a long-time administrator with Chickasha Public Schools.
Library's Chocolate Celebration Nears
Valentine's Day is a little more than a week away and so is an event where you can pick up some chocolate for your Valentine and help a worthy cause at the same time. The 8th Annual Chocolate Celebration for the Chickasha Public Library is coming up. It will feature literally thousands of servings of chocolate to choose from. Tickets are $6 each and can be purchased in advance at the library. Each ticket allows you to select six chocolate treats you can share with your Valentine. The event is Thursday, February 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church. Tickets will also be available at the door. Proceeds benefit a number of library projects.
What's Causing the Drop in Oil Prices?
Crude oil fell below $50 a barrel for the first time in over a year yesterday. The price for West Texas Intermediate dropped to $49.61 per barrel. Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission explains some reasons for the recent fall in price.
More Energy, Metals Prices
London-based Brent crude is $53.96.
Natural gas is $1.87 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,555 and silver is $17.55.
Obituaries
Tim McClure
A memorial service for 63-year old Tim McClure of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 8th at First Christian Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 7th with visitation with family also on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Tuesday, February 4th
Chickasha Sees Spike in New Construction
January is normally a slow month for new construction but last month saw nearly $2.5 million in projects approved in the City of Chickasha. It’s the best January total since 2017. The Community Development Department approved 16 permits last month. Leading the way were a couple of permits totaling more $1.5 million for a new addition and some renovations at LSPI. Also on the commercial side, USAO was approved for $150,000 in upgrades to its art studio at 218 Chickasha Avenue. Also, N and G Renovations won approval for a $50,000 remodel at 520 Pennsylvania. The city also approved building permits for seven new single-family homes each listed at a value of $100,000. Most are to be built in the new addition in the 2500 block of West Country Club Road.
Council OK's Economic Development Incentive Payment
The Chickasha City Council has signed off on paying nearly $200,000 in economic development incentive money to a local company. During last night’s city council meeting, the council approved the payment to Chickasha Today, LLC which remodeled a couple of empty buildings downtown which now house new businesses. The company also plans to renovate three other buildings in the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue, and have tentatively been approved for an additional $250,000 of incentive money. The company is investing $1.4 million of its own funds to those projects. In other action, the council approved emergency roof repairs for city hall. City Manager John Noblitt said that work crews discovered some problems while installing new heat and air units. The council voted to waive bidding requirements and authorized Crawford Roofing to make the repairs not to exceed $11,000.
City Councilman Partners with New Taxi Service
A Chickasha city councilman is teaming up with a business partner to operate a new taxi service. Councilman Zach Grayson and Matt LaFee are starting up Rock Island Transportation Service. The city council approved the company's application to operate the taxi in last night’s meeting. Grayson recused himself from voting on the issue. There were no comments for or against the proposal during a public hearing. The application shows that the police department inspected and approved a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan and a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan to be used by the company. The vehicles have a $1 million commercial insurance policy on them. The taxi service is based at 114 Chickasha Avenue.
Mayor, Four Others File for City Council
The mayor, three of Chickasha's four city councilmen, and a newcomer were among the first to file to run for office in the spring city council election. Mayor Chris Mosley, Ward 1 councilman David Sikes, Ward 3 councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander, and Ward 4 councilman Zack Grayson all filed for re-election. The newcomer is Chickasha businessman Clark Van Dyck who has filed in Ward 2. The filing period runs through Wednesday at 5 p.m. with candidates filing at city hall. The city council election is in April.
Suspected Arsonist Appears in Court
A suspected arsonist appeared before a judge in a Grady County courtroom yesterday. 44-year old Gary James Eugene Branom was arrested by Chickasha police last week in connection with a fire at a local convenience store. Prosecutors have charged Branom with one felony count of arson. Branom remains in the Grady County Jail pending a $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference was scheduled for March 10.
Chickasha's Annual Ward Meetings Begin
Chickasha residents can meet city administrators and their city council representatives in a series of ward meetings over the next few months. Ward meetings have been scheduled for three of the city's four wards with the first meeting set next Monday night, February 10th. Residents in Ward 4 will kick things off. These are informal meetings for residents to share ideas about the city's future and to discuss any concerns they may have. Residents are asked to submit questions ahead of time by sending them via e-mail to: info@chickasha.org Next Monday's Ward 4 meeting will be held in the city council chambers at city hall starting at 6:30 p.m. If you're not sure what ward you live in you can download a map from the city's website: www.chickasha.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $50.11 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $54.45.
Natural gas is $1.82 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,574 and silver is $17.74.
Obituary
Funeral service for 100-year old Charlotte Morris of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 6th at Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
Monday, February 3rd
Chix School Board to Review Lawsuit
A lawsuit filed against former members of the Chickasha Board of Education and former school administrators is the subject of a special meeting of the school board tonight. Special Services Director Pam Ladyman and former athletic director Yohance Brown filed suit in December of 2018 alleging slander, libel, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Named in the lawsuit are former superintendent Dave Cash; former interim Superintendent Cindy Schmidt; former high school principal Michelle Pontikos; and former high school assistant principal, Kim Nelson. Also named in the suit are former school board members Doug Brown, Julie Badgett-Sinn, Julie Hibbard, and former school board attorney, Richard O'Carroll. Ladyman and Brown filed the suit after they were suspended in December of 2017, accused of failure to report child abuse and embezzlement of taxpayer dollars. The suit alleges that public statements made by the defendants exposed the plaintiffs to public hatred, contempt, ridicule, or disgrace. The special meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. today at the school administration building, The lawsuit will be discussed behind closed doors.
Company Seeks Economic Development Funds
A Chickasha company is requesting nearly $200,000 of some $450,000 in funds it has been approved to receive for economic development projects the firm created in downtown Chickasha. It's one of several items to be considered by the Chickasha City Council when it meets tonight. Chickasha Today, LLC is requesting the reimbursement after the firm remodeled buildings for what is now the Canadian River Brewery and The Speak Lounge. The firm has proposed a total investment of $1.4 million to re-develop five commercial spaces in the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue. The funds were initially approved by the city council in January of 2018. Just last month, the Economic Development Council recommended the funds should be awarded. The city council will also consider a one-year extension of its agreement with Chickasha Today, LLC to develop three other properties in the downtown area. The city council will also consider a request to extend an economic development project with J.R. Trammell and the D.J. Trammell Family Trust, which is renovating the old Williams Shoe Store. The panel will also consider an ordinance to approve the revised final plat for Phase Two of the Third Addition in the Sleepy Hollow Addition. Also scheduled is a public hearing to consider an application by Rock Island Transportation Services to operate a taxi service. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall.
Chickasha City Council Filing Period Underway
The filing period for the spring Chickasha city council election is underway. Over the next three days, residents interested in running for city council can file at city hall. The mayor's seat and one seat in each of the city's four wards are up for election. Candidates must have been a registered voter and a resident of the ward they want to represent for six consecutive months prior to the filing period. The filing fee is $25. The filing period is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, tomorrow, and Wednesday. The city council election will be in April.
Veterans' Mental Health Clinic Planned for Lawton
A new mental health facility for military veterans is being planned for Lawton. A group called the Cohen Veterans Network said it will invest about $6 million to build the facility. Network officials say it's part of an effort to invest $275 million to build 25 such facilities across the country - to provide help and support to veterans and their families suffering from mental health issues. The announcement was made last week by Ben Robinson, Oklahoma Secretary of Military Veterans Affairs and representatives from the Cohen group. Officials hope to open the Lawton facility sometime in 2023.
Ag Marketing Meeting Set Tuesday
An agriculture marketing meeting is set for tomorrow morning at the Grady County OSU Extension Office. Guest speaker is Aaron Lokey with the Chickasha Country Store. The meeting is free and open to the public and will get underway at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 4th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $51.56 per barrel.
London-based Brent Crude is $58.16.
Natural gas is $1.84 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,583 and silver is $17.80.
