Saturday, February 13th
Gov. Issues State of Emergency in Advance of Winter Storm
A state of emergency has been declared in all 77 Oklahoma counties in anticipation of a massive winter storm. State and local officials are putting together their emergency reponse preparations in what many are calling life-threatening conditions. In a statement, the governor said the state is prepared and ready to respond. He encourages everyone to pay attention to the weather and to check on neighbors. The governor has called out the National Guard to assist state troopers, emergency management, homeland security, the state department of transporation, and the turnpike authority over the next several days. The highway patrol encourages residents to stay home to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Authorities say they will be prepared for rescues and reminds Oklahomans that the rescues are dangerous for all involved. ODOT is preparing for the worst-case scenario, and is anticipating several days of around-the-clock response to rescues.
Space Heater Blamed on Mobile Home Fire
Fire destroys a mobile home in the Farwell area. Ninnekah, Farwell, and Acme volunteer fire departments were called out Thursday night. Grady County Fire Department spokesman Buddy Myers said a resident was sleeping and woke up to the fire and tried to put it out. The man was unable to douse the flames and ran to his grandfather’s house about a half-mile way to call firefighters. The 1,000 sq. ft. mobile home was fully involved when crews arrived. The cause of the fire was traced to a space heater, which was placed too close to some clothes that caught fire. It's the second space-heater related fire this week. Damage was estimated at $60,000.
Tip Leads to Arrest of Drug Trafficking Suspect
Drug trafficking charges have been filed against a woman accused of having meth moved between Oklahoma City, Chickasha and Duncan. It's reported the drugs were being moved for a prisoner. Stephens County authorities arrested Guadalupe Mechelle Thompson this week after getting a tip about what was happening. KSWO-TV reports that investigators got a warrant to track the mule's car via GPS. Police made a traffic stop on the vehicle and a K9 officer alerted officers that narcotics were present. Authorities seized more than a half-pound of methamphetamine. A probable cause affidavit indicates the driver provided information about Thompson, who was brought in for questioning. Thompson is said the mule was transporting the drugs because she had a driver's license.. Thompson is in the Stephens County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Filing Period for Caddo County Commissioner Post Delayed
The filing period for the vacant District 2 seat on the Caddo County Commissioner board has been re-scheduled because of the approaching winter storm. The filing period has been pushed back a week, and is now set for Monday, Feb. 22nd through Wednesday, Feb. 23rd. The seat became vacant following the death of former commissioner Randy McLemore. Candidates will file at the Caddo County Election board. If needed, a special primary election will be in April and a special general election would be held in September.
Wildlife Refuge Cancels Events Due to Storm Forecast
The Wichita Mountains Wildife Refuge has issued an emergency closure order to ban recreational activities like hiking and fishing in advance of the winter storm. Officials also said the road to the top of Mt. Scott is also closed because of icy conditions, and camping reservations have been canceled. Officials say the winter storm is a dangerous risk to visitors, refuge staff and first responders who may be called for search-and-rescue operations. The order goes into effect at sunset this evening and recreational activities will resume when it is safe to do so.
Sheriff's Office Most Wanted List
The Grady County Sheriff's office has updated its list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here is 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.
Obituary
Neal Hawthorne
A graveside service for Neal Hawthorne, 74, of Ninnekah will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in Vietnam. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Friday, February 12th
OSBI Agents Follow-up on Double Homicide
For the second time in three days, OSBI agents were in Chickasha Thursday to determine if a third victim may have died at the hands of a suspected killer. The Oklahoman reports that murder suspect Lawrence Paul Anderson admitted to investigators that he killed a neighbor prior to his fatal attacks on his uncle and the uncle's four-year old granddaughter. The OSBI has not released any information regarding Thursday's follow-up investigation. The name of the potential third victim has not been revealed. The Oklahoman reports that Anderson was released from prison three weeks ago, after serving just three years of a 20-year sentence for having a gun and doing drugs. The Oklahoman also reports that Anderson was a convicted cocaine dealer, first sentenced in 2006 after arrests on drug and weapons charges and attacking his girlfriend. Anderson has been arrested but is still hospitalized after he also was injured in the fatal attacks on Leon Pye and four-year old Kaeos Yates.
Final Public Hearing Scheduled
for Chix' Master Drainage Proposal
Despite the forecast of a winter storm, the Chickasha City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting Monday night. The meeting will be held via teleconference. On the agenda are several public hearings including one on a master drainage plan which was previously discussed last month. Individuals who want to comment during any public hearings or participate in the citizen comment section will have to create a free Zoom account in order to do so. Otherwise, individuals can watch the meeting on the city's website, www.chickasha.org The meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.
Local School Districts Set Bond Elections
Verden and Cement school district voters will go to the polls to decide special bond issues next month. Verden voters will decide a $250,000 transportation bond issue. If approved the bonds would be paid off within five years of their date of issuance. Cement voters will have two bond issues on the ballot. One is for $245,000 for constructing, equipping, repairing and remodeling schools and acquiring furniture, fixtures, equipment, and improving school sites. The second is for $55,000 for transportation needs. Those bonds also would be paid off in five years if approved by voters. Both elections are scheduled for March 2nd.
Southwest District Livestock Show Continues
The Southwest District Livestock Show heads into its third day today as exhibitors will be leading their swine through the arena. The swine show typically has the largest number of animals and is held over two days. Danny Wedel is the general superintendent of the show and says while they had more animals register than ever before, many exhibitors opted to stay home this year because of the cold weather. He said they didn't want to take the chance of their animals getting sick ahead of the county stock shows and the Oklahoma Youth Expo.
The results of the Prospect Steer show are: Ryder Klaasen of Hydro-Eakly had the grand champion, Tucker Freie of Anadarko had the reserve, and Madison Shout of El Reno had the bronze. In the heifer show, Cierra Collins of Frederick had the grand, Hays Devine of the Friends 4H had the reserve, and Claire Collins of Frederick had the bronze. In the chicken show, Presley Johnson of Tipton had the grand, Cassi Ray of Cordell had the reserve, and Emma Ray also of Cordell had the bronze. In the Agriculture Mechanics show, Ryder Bailey of Ninnekah was grand champion; Brandon Stanford and Andy Bolanos of Erick were reserve, and Casen McKenzie and Corbin Davidson of Elgin were bronze.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.24 per barrel.
London-based Brent Crude is $61.64.
Natural gas is $2.86 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,820 and silver is $27.20.
Obituaries
Lavetta Ogle
A graveside service for Lavetta Ogle, 90, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13th at Fairlawn Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Oklahoma Baptist Homes or a charity of your choice.
LeBraun Marquis Brown
Funeral service for LeBraun Marquis Brown, 26, of Midwest City will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13th at the Divine Wisdom Worship Center in Midwest City. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Thursday, February 11th
OSBI Investigates Double Homicide in Chickasha
Two people including a four-year old are dead and two others are hospitalized following a disturbance at Chickasha home Tuesday night. The OSBI is investigating but the agency hasn't released a lot of details of what happened. One person is in custody although he is one of the two people who were hospitalized. Authorities found the bodies of 67-year old Leon Pye and 4-year old Kaeos Yates in the home. Leon's wife Delci also suffered injuries and she was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Chickasha police say they received a 9-1-1 hang up call Tuesday evening at the home in the 200 block of Minnesota. When officers arrived they heard someone inside calling for help. Officers forced their way into the home where they found the four individuals. Authorities have not said what type of injuries were inflicted. The injured suspect was identified as 42-year old Lawrence Paul Anderson. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries but is in police custody. The district attorney's office is reviewing the case to consider what charges may be filed. Authorities did not indicate a motive for the attack.
'Blood Emergency' Declared
Officials with the Oklahoma Blood Institute say there is an emergency blood shortage in the state. There is less than a one-day supply of blood available for hospitals. The wintry weather is one of the big reasons for a recent drop in donations. Here's Zelda Sullivan with the Oklahoma Blood Institute.
Sullivan says the blood is also needed for cancer and burn patients and that convalescent plasma from those who have recovered from COVID-19 is needed to help current patients with the infection. Sullivan urges previous and new donors to find a blood drive in their community. Check out the website www.obi.org to find a blood drive near you.
Hillary Communications Announces Expansion
A southwest Oklahoma-based company has acquired a similar firm in Iowa. Hillary Communications announces in a news release that the company has acquired Prairieburg Telephone Company. The release states that Hillary's experience and expertise in serving rural communities will better serve the needs in its new market. Hillary Communications is a third-generation company that has been around for 60 years. It’s grown from serving one community with 100 access lines covering 22 square miles, to now more than 19,000 customers in 22 counties in Oklahoma and Texas. The firm offers Internet, voice, and Hillary TV.
Southwest District Livestock Show Results
The first results are in from the Southwest District Livestock Show. Sayde Allen of Canute had the grand champion ewe in the sheep show. Mason Smith of Elk City had the reserve and Landi Brooking of Altus had the bronze. For the wether lambs, Colt Randall of Canute had the grand, Jack Thomas of Elk City had the reserve, and Avary Bellamy of Ft. Cobb-Broxton had the bronze. For the wether goats, Addy Schneberger of Carnegie had the grand, Sayde Allen of Canute had the reserve, and Kinley Pruett from Jackson County had the bronze. Show Superintendent Danny Wedel also said they added a chicken show to the event for the first time this year. It’s called the broiler show which will take place today, as will the cattle show. The Southwest District Livestock Show runs through Saturday at the Grady County Fairgrounds.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.68 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $61.47.
Natural gas is $2.91 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,842 and silver is $27.17.
Wednesday, February 10th
Chickasha Homicide Under Investigation
Chickasha police confirm the city's third homicide of 2021. Lt. Scott Weaver said authorities have called in the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for assistance. Weaver said Chickasha police and fire fighters were dispatched to the 200 block of Minnesota about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday to investigate a disturbance. A home was cordoned off with yellow police tape. Weaver did not say if the victim was male or female, and did not indicate how the person may have died. Weaver said a person of interest was taken into custody but did not identify that individual.
Chix Voters OK School Bond Issues
Chickasha voters approve the two Restoring Excellence Bond Issues for Chickasha Public Schools. Both issues passed by a more than 2-to-1 margin in yesterday’s special bond election. In a light turnout, less than 800 voters cast ballots. A $2.3 million bond issue for various upgrades on all Chickasha campuses passed 541 to 247. A $400,000 transportation bond passed 550 to 249. Superintendent Rick Croslin said he and the school board are humbled and grateful for the support. The bonds will allow the district to begin restoring schools, purchase curriculum and technology, and address many other needs. The passage of the bonds means that property taxes in the school district will go up next year. The annual increase on a home valued at $100,000 will be $35 per year.
Julie Martin Wins Seat on Lindsay School Board
In Lindsay, Julie Martin wins a seat on the school board. Martin picked up 83 percent of the vote in a three-person race. Just over 350 voters cast ballots. Martin collected 295, Jim Beckham received 32, and Landon Webb, 28.
Southwest District Livestock Show Underway
Youth throughout southwest Oklahoma will be in Chickasha over the next four days for the Southwest District Livestock Show. The youth come from the 14 counties south of I-40 and west of I-35. In addition to showing livestock, some individuals and groups have submitted entries into the agriculture mechanics competition. Today features judging for the ag mechanics projects and the sheep and goat shows. The cattle show will be tomorrow with the swine show taking up both Friday and Saturday.
Bullock Center to Mark Black History Month
A Chickasha group will commemorate Black History Month with a drive-thru soul food fundraiser. The Bullock Memorial Community Center will hold this first-time event on Saturday, Feb. 20th. The theme of the event is The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. Charlotte Oliver is the president of the group. She says when their ancestors worked the fields, the women and children picked greens, potatoes, black-eyed peas, corn, and green beans. They cooked chicken, pig's feet, ears, tails and chitlins because that's all they had. At the end of the day, families thanked God for the food for their souls, which is how the term soul food was originated. The upcoming drive-thru soul food dinner will include chicken wings, greens, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, and cornbread. Donations are $10 per plate and volunteers will bring your food to your car. The Bullock Memorial Community Center is at 917 S. 1st. To order in advance, call or text 405-274-6268 or 405-905-7715 or e-mail; chickashabullock@gmail.com
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.36 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $61.09.
Natural gas is $2.83 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,841 and silver is $27.34.
Tuesday, February 9th
Fire Leaves A Grady County Family Homeless
A grandmother and her two teenaged grandchildren are without a home after a fire destroys their mobile home and belongings. The three were inside the mobile home when the fire erupted just before 8:00 p.m. Monday. It happened about eight miles south of Lake Burtchi. 12 fire trucks and 18 fire fighters from the Ninnekah, Pioneer, and Farwell volunteer departments were dispatched and spent about 2 1/2 hours at the scene. One of teens suffered minor burns on her hand but she did not have to be taken to the hospital. Investigators say the fire started in the living room from a faulty portable propane heater. Estimated loss is $120,000. The Red Cross was contacted to help the family who is staying with relatives.
Teens Injured When Pickup Hits Train
An icy road leads to a pick-up crashing into a freight train, sending two teenagers to the hospital. The accident happened yesterday afternoon north of Okarche in Kingfisher County. Two Chickasha men were aboard the Union Pacific train and were not injured. The engineer was identified as 43-year old Clinton Baxter and the conductor was identified as 56-year old David Johnson. The unidentified teens, 18-year old and 15-year old boys from Kingfisher, were taken to separate Oklahoma City hospitals where they were last in stable condition. The highway patrol reports that the 18-year old driver of the pickup slid on the slick roadway and struck the side of the train. The pickup then hit a railroad sign and spun around, ejecting the teens from the truck.
Air Show May be Coming to Chickasha
Chickasha officials are looking to bring an air show to the city this year. After an Oklahoma City air show scheduled for this summer was canceled, officials are looking to bring some of those participants to Chickasha. Chickasha has hosted an annual Wings and Wheels fly-in and car show in June the last several years. The Chickasha industrial Authority held a meeting this morning to consider a Tourism Promotion Program application for $5,000 to help promote the event.
Airport Advisory Panel to Meet
Speaking of the Chickasha airport, the Airport Advisory Board will hold a special meeting this afternoon to also discuss providing funds to promote the air show which is scheduled for June 19th. The panel will also consider the construction of an awning for the airport courtesy vehicles, consider soliciting repairs for one of the hangars, and the installation of a flag pole.
Chickasha, Lindsay School District Voters Cast Ballots
Today is the day that Chickasha school district voters will decide two bond issues that officials call the Restoring Excellence Bond issue. There are two proposals which total $2.7 million on the ballot. Officials say it is the second phase of a three-phase program to make upgrades throughout the district. The first phase is underway, with a $4.5 million storm damage insurance claim which is allowing the district to replace the roofs on every school. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight. Also today, Lindsay school district voters are casting ballots for a post on the school board. Jim Beckam, Julie Martin, and Landon Webb are on the ballot. A run-off will be needed if none of the candidates get a majority of votes.
Anadarko Board of Education to Sell Bonds
The Anadarko school board has a special meeting today to sell $820,000 in general obligation bonds. The bonds are part of a larger voter-approved measure that allowed the district to build the new safe rooms and athletic facility at the football field.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.97 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $60.56.
Natural gas is $2.88 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,843 and silver is $27.74.
Obituaries
Cindy Philpott
Funeral service for Cindy Philpott, 63, of Seminole and formerly of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10th at Chickasha's First Christian Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. She was a U.S. Army veteran and was an elementary school teacher in Chickasha where she was known as Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Clouse.
Monday, February 8th
Chickasha Schools Special Bond Election is Tomorrow
Two special bond issues totaling $2.7 million will be decided by voters in the Chickasha Public School district tomorrow. One bond issue is for $2.3 million which would be used for upgrades on every school campus. A second bond issue for $400,000 would assist the school with transportation needs. Both bonds need a super-majority of 60 percent voter approval to pass. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow.
Wife of Anadarko Boys Basketball Coach Injured in Crash
The wife of Anadarko High School boys basketball coach Doug Schumpert was seriously injured in a head-on collision last weekend. Christine Schumpert was heading to Kingfisher to watch Anadarko play basketball Friday night, when a pick-up crossed over the center line of U.S. Highway 81 in El Reno and crashed into her car. Anadarko Superintendent Jerry McCormick said both her legs were broken, she has several broken ribs, and a fractured spine. She will have surgery on both legs. Mrs. Schumpert was listed in fair condition at an Oklahoma City hospital this morning. She has taught at Mission Elementary School for several years.
Chix School Board to Consider Skeet Shooting Team
(EDITOR'S NOTE - The school board meeting was postponed due to a winter weather advisory issued for central and southern Oklahoma. The meeting has been re-scheduled with the time to be announced later) A skeet shooting team for Chickasha Public Schools will be considered when the board of education meets for its regular February meeting tonight. Superintendent Rick Croslin, Athletic Director Jerry Don Bray, and School Resource Officer and Grady County Deputy Sheriff Mark Ingram will discuss the proposal. The school board will also hear staff reports on college readiness and drop-outs, consider renewing an agreement with the OU College of Nursing, and review a proposal to construct a brick backstop at Elliott Field. The board is also to recognize the Chicken Express Employees of the Month, both of whom are employed at the Quality Academy. Sandy Ford is to be honored as the Certified Employee of the Month and Whitney Molder as Support Employee of the Month. Also, the school board is to recognize Mindy Crow at the middle school as the support person of the quarter. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the high school auditorium. The meeting will be aired on the district's YouTube channel which can be accessed from the school's website, www.chickasha.k12.ok.us
Beef - It's What's up for Discussion
Beef will be the topic of a couple of agriculture marketing meetings with Grady County OSU Extension over the next week. Tomorrow morning (Tuesday, Feb. 9th), extension beef specialist Dr. Jason Banta will discuss nutrition, cow-calf stocker management, and animal health. He also co-ordinates and teaches an applied beef cattle nutrition course at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Next Tuesday, Feb. 16th, Dr. John Riley will review cattle production and markets, futures markets, and risk management. Both programs will start at 7:00 a.m. Individuals may attend in person or via the Zoom platform. Contact the extension office for information.
Obituaries
Joseph Johnson, Jr.
The funeral service for Joseph Benjamin Johnston, Jr., 60, of Chickasha are pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Bill Erwin
The funeral service for Bill Erwin of Chickasha has been moved indoors due to the forecast of extremely cold weather. Originally set for a graveside service it will now be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
