Saturday, December 12th
Winter Storm to Impact Oklahoma
Oklahomans are bracing for a winter storm that is expected to bring several inches of snow many parts of the state. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of central, southern, and southwest Oklahoma - while a Winter Storm Warning is in place for northwest parts of the state. The advisories are in place from midnight tonight and run through 6:00 p.m. Sunday. The weather service is forecasting that central, southwestern, and southern areas could see two to four inches or more of snow which will make travel difficult. Much of central Oklahoma will see rain Sunday morning turning to snow by mid-morning with afternoon high temperatures only in the mid-30s.
Child Hospitalized with Rare Illness
The family of a Chickasha first-grader is hoping for the best after he was diagnosed with a rare illness. 7-year old Joseph Klipp is a student at the Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center. He has been diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis - which is a swelling of the brain and causes the body's immune system to attack healthy cells and tissues in the brain or spinal cord. A Google search shows that a 2018 study indicates it affects about 14 out of every 100,000 people. Joe was playing in his back yard on November 30th when he suddenly started having seizures. He was first taken to Grady Memorial Hospital then air-lifted to OU Children’s Hospital Oklahoma City where he has gone through a number of treatments and procedures. His parents, Anthony and Nikisshah Klipp, are both teachers in the district and they do have medical insurance, however treatment costs have exceeded their coverage. A benefit fund for the Klipps has been established at the First National Bank to help defray the growing costs.
Union City High School Coach Dies from COVID-19
Longtime area high school basketball coach Robert Duvall has died from the coronavirus. Duvall came out of retirement three years ago to coach and teach Union City and previously was at Minco schools for many years. Union City Superintendent Becky Slothower posted on the school's Facebook page that Duvall enjoyed making a meaningful difference for students and that he was a man of strong moral character who had a special way of connecting with students. There's no word as yet about funeral services.
Refuge to Host Controlled Hunt
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will be holding some controlled deer and elk hunts. The hunts are held with the cooperation of the State Department of Wildlife to help manage the population of the animals. Next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday the hunts will focus on the Rocky Mountain Elk population. Some public-use areas of the refuge will be closed during that time. Information is available on the refuge's website and Facebook page.
Talk Show Topic
Ahsa Morin with the Red Cord is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. The Red Cord is a non-profit group looking to stop human trafficking in southwest Oklahoma. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.
Obituaries
Steve Base
Funeral service for Steve Base, 74, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15th at the Plainview Mennonite Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Alice Terry
Graveside service for Alice Terry, 95, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Ashtin Richie
Funeral service for Ashtin Richie, 27, formerly of Anadarko are pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Friday, December 11th
Caddo County Man Arrested for Alleged Rape of Teen
A Caddo County man is behind bars after a teenager accused him of rape. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation reports that 20-year old JoeAbe Eroh was arrested at his place of employment Thursday. The location of his arrest was not included in the OSBI news release. After his arrest, he was taken to a Lawton detention center. He's expected to be transferred to Caddo County today. The Caddo County District Attorney's Office requested the OSBI's help in the case last month after the girl told her parents that Eroh had sexually assaulted her several times. The attacks are said to have taken place in Carnegie over a three-month period. Eroh is facing two counts of first degree rape. It's not clear when he may have his initial appearance on the charges.
Bicycle Memorial Believed Stolen
The disappearance of a special memorial placed at the site where a Chickasha man died has infuriated a number of people who believe the memorial has been stolen. Scott Womack died in August of last year when he was hit by a pickup while riding his bicycle near his home just southwest of Chickasha. Family friend Tammy Pittman donated a specialized Ruby road bike to serve as the memorial. She painted it white and it was known as a ghost bike. The bike was welded and bolted to a frame. Pittman said the bike was not rideable and she’s furious to think that someone would steal a memorial. The bike was last seen at the memorial around Nov. 30th. Scott's widow Chelley has filed a report with the Grady County Sheriff's Office. Anyone with information about the incident or who may have seen the white-painted Ruby road bike is asked to contact the sheriff's office by calling 405-224-0984 or the Chickasha and Grady County Crimestoppers Hotline, 405-224-TIPS. Information may also be posted on the Crimestoppers Facebook page.
Sheriff's Office Issues Annual Awards
A number of Grady County Sheriff's Office employees have been recognized for their efforts during the past year. Awards were issued recently at the annual law enforcement appreciation banquet at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Danny Booth was named the Deputy of the Year; Dave Begue was named the Reserve Deputy of the Year; Amanda Cox picked up the Dispatcher of the Year honor; Darrell Pitchford is the Executive Deputy of the Year; Retired Lt. Roy Spratt was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award; and Sheriff Jim Weir presented his Sheriff's award to Chaplain Kim Hayes.
Filing Period Set for 2021 Chix City Council Posts
The Chickasha City Council this week approved a resolution to schedule the 2021 city council election. The election will be held in April and four seats will be up for election. The council representatives whose terms are expiring include Brian Gerdes in Ward 1; Kim Loggins in Ward 2; Oscar Nelson in Ward 3; and Jim Hopkins in Ward 4. All are two-year terms. The filing period will be Monday, Feb. 1st through Wednesday, Feb. 3rd and candidates will file at city hall. Candidates must live within the boundaries of the ward in which they want to represent and must have been a registered voter in the ward for the previous six months. There is a $25 filing fee.
Laura Jobe Services Scheduled Tomorrow
The wife of Oklahoma Hall of Fame basketball coach Jerry Jobe has died. Laura Jobe was 84 when she passed away on Wednesday. The Jobes spent many years in Chickasha, where Jerry coached the high school basketball team to a state title in 1963. Survivors include husband Jerry; three children, Sherry, Terry, and Kelly and their families. A celebration of life for Laura Jobe will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12th at the Westside Church of Christ in Norman. Burial will be in Chickasha's Rose Hill cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $46.78 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $50.25.
Natural gas is $2.55 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,833 and silver is $23.87.
Thursday, December 10th
Regional Highway Projects Included
in ODOT's Updated 8-year Plan
The State Transportation Commission this week approved an updated eight-year plan for state highway improvements. It's a $6 billion plan with more than 1,300 construction and safety projects through the year 2028. Among a few of the projects in this region include the continued work on the U.S. Highway 81 west bypass of Chickasha. Previous projects approved include the replacement of two bridges over the Washita River on U.S. Highway 62 just east of downtown Chickasha. It also includes improvements on old U.S. Highway 81 from State Highway 19 south to Ninnekah. Also planned is the addition of paved shoulders along State Highway 4 in the Bridge Creek area from the H.E. Bailey Turnpike north to State Highway 37 which is a $9 million project scheduled for the 2028 fiscal year.
School Board Filing Updates
A handful of area school districts will be scheduling elections for school board offices next year. Only one school board election will be needed in Grady County. That's for the Canadian Valley Technology Center School Board where incumbent Travis Posey of Chickasha is being challenged by Dennis Crawford of Alex. That election will be in April of next year. Filing unopposed were Cara Gerdes at Chickasha; Amy McLemore at Alex; Michael Bradford at Ampo; Andrew Dawkins Jr. at Bridge Creek; Caleb McClung at Friend; Kendal Carr at Middleberg; Charles Burchfield at Minco; Diane Carroll at Ninnekah; Seth DeHart at Pioneer; Christie Heath at Rush Springs; Stacie Schmidt and Chris Bond filed unopposed for separate offices at Tuttle; and Brian Lee and Michael McClane filed unopposed for separate offices at Verden. In McClain County, there will be an election for the Dibble School Board as Jason Ott and Omie Spieker have filed. That election will also be in April. In Newcastle, there will be three candidates on the ballot in February for Office No. 1 where Darrin Abel, Jeff Dingee, and Jeremy Gilbertson have all filed. Also at Newcastle, Tiffany Elcyzyn filed unopposed for Office No. 3; David Paulk filed unopposed at Blanchard; and Michael Dillinger filed unopposed for the post on the Mid America Technology Center School Board.
Additional School Board Filings
In Caddo County, two candidates have filed for the Anadarko School Board. Melody Redbird-Post and Jerry Marcum are seeking Office No. 1 which is the seat currently held by Jackie McComas. At Binger-Oney, there will be an election for Office 3 after Jennifer Dorsey and Brandi Leal both filed for that post. Tyler Howser filed unopposed for an office at Binger-Oney. An election will also be needed in Apache, as Tamara Saupitty and Greg Roberts filed for Office No. 4. Also in Apache, Jennifer Smith ran unopposed for Office No. 1. Others in Caddo County filing unopposed - at Cement it was Belinda Chandler; At Cyril, it's Dustin Rhodes and Larry Martin unopposed for separate offices; at Gracemont, Darren Dorrell and Mike Jennings filed unopposed for separate offices; at Ft. Cobb-Broxton, Dennis Klugh was un-opposed; at Carnegie, Roger Knauss filed unopposed; at Lookeba-Sickles, Sarah Farr and Tommy House filed unopposed for different seats; at Hinton, Shane Kimble is unopposed; at Hydro-Eakly, Dustin Carney had no challenger; and for the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center School Board Phillip Perryman filed unopposed.
Still More School Board Filings
In Canadian County, Travis Norton filed unopposed at Union City. In Garvin County, three candidates have filed for Office No. 1 on the Lindsay School Board. They are Landon Webb, Jim Beckham, and Julie Martin. Gena Fletcher had also filed but she has since withdrawn her candidacy. In Stephens County, Cody Bannister filed unopposed for the Marlow School Board and for Central High, Cooper McCarley filed unopposed.
Salvation Army Urges 'Rescue Christmas'
With just two weeks left for the Salvation Army Red Kettle drive, officials are less than half-way to their goal established for the Grady and Caddo county regions. Contributions are just over $30,000 and the goal is $75,000 for the two counties. Sgts. Brian and Tracy Brinlee say the coronavirus is to blame for the diminished contributions as there are fewer people shopping in the stores where they have their bell ringers located. The Brinlees say donations can be accepted virtually on the website: www.RescueChristmas.org Individuals should enter their zip code to ensure contributions stay in their communities. Several area restaurants also have table top tents where patrons can make donations by using their cel phones. The Brinlees also mentioned that the Angel Tree gift distribution will be next Thursday, Dec. 17th at the Chickasha Salvation Army Church at 2404 S. 16th Street which is close to the Bill Wallace School. It will be a drive-through pick-up in order to minimize contact. The pickup times will be between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $45.52 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $48.86.
Natural gas is $2.44 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,838 and silver is $24.01.
Obituaries
Martha Young
Funeral service for Martha Young, 79, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11th at Sharon Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Baptist Church.
Charlotte Welch
A private family service will be held for Charlotte Welch, 80, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Ruby Pennel
A private family service will be held for Ruby Pennel, 92, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Wednesday, December 9th
Police Continue Search for Double Homicide Suspect
It's been just over a week since the body of 37-year old Ashley Cannon was found in her Chickasha apartment. Police continue checking on leads on what they are calling a double homicide, regarding a person of interest they want to talk to in connection with the deaths of Cannon and her unborn child. The person they are looking for is believed to be the father of baby Nala - but so far authorities say the identity of the man they are looking for isn't known. Anyone who may have information is asked to call police or the Chickasha and Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS or leave information on the Crimestoppers Facebook page. In the meantime, the funeral for Ashley and Nala will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12th at Chickasha's 1st Baptist Church at 4th and Colorado. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Minco Police Nab 3 for Allegedly Printing Fake Money
Minco police have arrested three people in connection with an operation for allegedly printing counterfeit money. An officer pulled over a car just after midnight Sunday because the third brake light on the vehicle they were in was not working. Neither the driver nor the two passengers had valid drivers licenses. The officer found not only drugs which tested positive for methamphetamine but also thousands of dollars in counterfeit bills. Also found were two printers officials believe were being used to print the fake money. In total, police say more than $3,500 in counterfeit money was found, along with the drugs and a sawed-off shotgun. Grady County prosecutors have charged all three individuals with felonies of forgery, drug, and weapons possession. 38-year old Kevin Daniels of Elgin is being held on a $100,000 bond. 25-year old Robert Ryans and 44-year old Elena Rose Pitchford, both of Lawton, are both held on $25,000 bond each.
The Latest in School Board Filings
Today is the final day of the three-day filing period for individuals wanting to serve on local school boards. In Grady County, the latest filings available include Cara Gerdes at Chickasha; Diane Carroll at Ninnekah; Seth DeHart at Pioneer; Brian Lee at Verden; Amy McLemore at Alex; Christie Heath at Rush Springs; and Chris Bond and Stacie Schmidt have filed for separate offices at Tuttle. No information was available regarding candidates filing for the Canadian Valley Technology Center school board. In McClain County, David Paulk has filed at Blanchard and Michael Dillinger has filed for the Mid America Technology Center school board at Wayne. In Caddo County school board filings include Jerry Marcum at Anadarko; Larry Martin and Dusty Rhodes for separate offices at Cyril; Belinda Chandler at Cement; Mike Jennings and Darren Dorrell for separate offices at Gracemont; Dennis Klugh at Ft. Cobb-Broxton; Brandie Leal and Tyler Howell for separate offices at Binger-Oney; Jennifer Smith and Gregory Roberts for separate offices at Apache; Roger Knauss at Carnegie; Tommy House at Lookeba-Sickles; Shane Kimble at Hinton; and Phillip Perryman of Apache has filed for a post on the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center school board. In Canadian County, Travis Norton has filed at Union City. In Garvin County, Landon Webb and Gena Fletcher have filed at Lindsay; In Stephens County, Cody Bannister has filed at Marlow and Cooper McCarley has filed at Central High. If needed, school board elections will be held in February. The filing period runs through at 5:00 p.m. today at county election boards.
Chickasha Firm Named A Top Workplace
A Chickasha company has been named one of Oklahoma's top workplaces. CMS Willowbrook made the list of top employers compiled by the Oklahoman. The list is created from employee feedback gathered through a third-party administrator. The anonymous survey measures 15 areas that are critical to the success of any organization. It's the second straight year for CMS Willowbrook to make the list.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $45.60 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $48.84.
Natural gas is $2.40 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,864 and silver is $24.45.
Obituaries
Ken Morrison
A private graveside service will be held for Ken Morrison, 87, of Amber. He owned and operated Ken's Steak House. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Amber-Pocasset FFA.
Alonzo “AC” Hays
A graveside service for “AC” Hays, 82, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18th at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery. He worked for Standley Systems for a number of years and was a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Christian Church or the Lawton/Ft. Sill Veterans Center.
Janice Sherman
A private family service will be held at a later date for Janice Sherman, 77, of Lawton. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Tuesday, December 8th
Chickasha Flood-prevention Study Released
Chickasha officials heard some details of a plan designed to reduced future flooding problems in the city. A drainage study developed by the engineering firm of Smith Roberts Baldischwiler was presented in a public hearing during last night's city council meeting. Marc Long who is the firm's director of municipal engineering summarized the study-
Long presented a Powerpoint presentation during the 11-minute public hearing and said the study is recommending a five-phase program over several years that might alleviate future flooding. It does have a hefty price tag - between $9 million and $12 million. Long said there are a number of ways to finance the project such as general obligation bonds and grants. The presentation should soon be posted to the city's website: www.chickasha.org A second public hearing on the issue will be held next month but the date has not been set.
Chickasha Limb Pick-up 33% Complete
City of Chickasha work crews continue picking up downed trees and limbs felled by the freak ice storm in late October. City Manager John Noblitt said crews have made it through about one-third of the city and that it will take several months before their work is done. Noblitt said they are still hoping for FEMA to act on an emergency disaster request which would provide some needed funding to help pay for clean-up costs which are expected to top $1.3 million. Noblitt said that city crews will only make one pass through the city and that anyone who has not yet placed debris on the curb should do that as soon as possible. Currently, the city does not charge to pick up the storm debris but there will be a time when the free pick up will come to an end. Officials remind residents to not place the debris near gas meters, utility poles and lines, or under other trees.
Day One of School Board, Town Council Candidate Filings
A number of school board candidates filed paperwork yesterday ahead of the February school elections. In Grady County, Cara Gerdes has filed for the post she currently serves with the Chickasha school board; Diane Carroll has filed at Ninnekah; Seth DeHart has filed at Pioneer; Brian Lee has filed at Verden; Amy Mclemore has filed at Alex; Christie Heath has filed at Rush Springs; and Chris Bond has filed at Tuttle. Filing has also begun for the spring city council election in Tuttle. Scott Dickson has filed for the Ward 4 post there. In Caddo County, first day filers include Jerry Marcum at Anadarko; Belinda Chandler at Cement; Mike Jennings and Darren Dorrell have filed for separate offices at Gracemont; Brandie Leal has filed for an unexpired term at Binger-Oney; Gregory Roberts has filed for an unexpired term at Apache; Roger Knauss has filed at Carnegie; Shane Kimble has filed at Hinton; and Phillip Perryman of Apache has filed for a post on the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center school board. The filing period runs through Wednesday at 5 p.m.
New Caddo County 4H Educator Named
There's a new 4H educator on board at the Caddo County OSU Extension office. Jace Prough has been on the job for about a week. He's an Altus native who earned his bachelor's degree in Ag Leadership from Oklahoma State.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $45.76 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $48.79.
Natural gas is $2.40 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,864 and silver is $24.57.
Obituaries
Diana Callahan
Funeral service for Diana Callahan, 70, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9th at the Pocasset First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Felicia McConnell
A graveside service for Felicia McConnell, 59, of Alex will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9th at the Laverty Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Richard Barker
A graveside service for Richard Barker, 69, of Amber will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10th at the Bailey Cemetery in Bray. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Sandy Murray
A graveside service for Sandy Murray, 74, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Monday, December 7th
Missing Woman with Special Needs is Found
Grady County authorities say a woman with special needs who had gone missing from the Bridge Creek area has been located and she's OK. The Bridge Creek Fire Department had posted on its Facebook page that 31-year old Mary Terronez had gone missing Sunday afternoon. The post indicated Terronez has the mental capacity of a 10-year old. The fire department updated its post late last night indicating that Terronez had been found and was safe. It did not say where or when she was found.
First Public Hearing for Chix Drainage Study Tonight
An engineering firm charged with the task of putting together a master drainage plan for the City of Chickasha will present its findings to the city council later today. The public will have a couple of opportunities over the next few weeks to comment on the proposal. The council will hold a special work session ahead of tonight’s regularly-scheduled council meeting to get details, then the first of two public hearings on the study will be held during the regular council meeting. The work session starts at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. A second public hearing on the plan will be held next month but the date has not been set. The council is also to discuss a proposal to cross-deputize officers from the Chickasaw Nation with the police department; consider the sale of a city-owned lot at Grand Lake; and consider the solicitation of bids for the rehabilitation of Douglas Street and street repairs in the 800 block of Utah Avenue. The group is also expected to approve a resolution to schedule the next city council election in April, and review a request from the Economic Development Council to create art designs for the crosswalks in downtown Chickasha.
School Board Filing Period Underway
Individuals who would like to serve on their local school boards can take the first step in the process over the next few days. A three-day filing period is underway for many public school districts statewide for the annual school elections which will be in February. Candidates will file at the county election board in the county where their school is located. Candidates must live within the office boundary of the school district on which they want to serve. The filing period runs through Wednesday afternoon.
Chix Mayor Proclaims J and W Grill Day
Today is J and W Grill Day in Chickasha. Major Chris Mosley signed a proclamation which celebrates two things - J and W Grill's 63rd anniversary and the life of the late Darren Cook, the long-time J and W Grill owner who passed away this summer. The family established a Darren Cook Foundation and the proceeds from business today will all be donated to Santa's Workshop. Several other restaurants are also donating proceeds from today's business to the foundation including Jake's Rib, A and E Grill, InterUrban, The Crazy 8 Café, Alexander Eats, and Chicken Express. Many of the restaurants also have donation boxes for patrons to donate new toys which will also go to Santa's Workshop. Brandi Terry at J and W Grill also says they are also still selling t-shirts with proceeds also going to charity.
State Senate Re-Districting Meeting Set
Oklahoma state lawmakers this week begin holding a series of meetings to discuss drawing new state senate districts. Tuttle State Senator Lonnie Paxton is the chairman of the Senate Select Committee on re-districting. Paxton will be leading a meeting in Chickasha Thursday, December 10th to get public input. A press release from the state capital says at each of these meetings, presenters will give an overview of the redistricting process and cover the principles of the process. The meetings will be live-streamed when possible. Thursday's meeting in Chickasha will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds Community Building starting at 6:00 p.m. Each meeting will follow pandemic protection protocols. Those wishing to comment on redistricting who may not want to attend can e-mail comments to: redistricting@oksenate.gov
Teacher, Army Vet Wins Subway Shopping Spree
A Ft. Sill Army veteran wins a big shopping spree. Shala Morita, now a teacher at Lawton MacArthur Middle School, won a $10,000 shopping spree from a Lawton Subway restaurant. Morita had stopped for lunch at the restaurant on the Air Force Exchange for lunch recently where she won Subway's Sip, Rip, Ultimate Trip Sweepstakes. While in the Army Morita served three years as an air defense artillery officer, including a tour in Saudi Arabia. KSWO-TV reports Morita said she will use part of her winnings to buy supplies for her classroom.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $46.26 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $49.25.
Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,834 and silver is $23.86.
