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Mollman Media News

2021, March 22nd-27th

Saturday, March 27th

 

Jury Recommends 600+ Years in Prison For Man

Convicted of Having Explosives, Weapons

A Grady County jury is recommending a man spend more than 600 years in prison after convicting him of having explosives and firearms. 34-year old Eric Casey Zeiset was found guilty of 20 counts which include having explosives, firearms, and stolen vehicles. The verdict came Thursday night after a four-day trial. An arrest warrant was issued for Zeiset in January of 2019 after the District Attorney's Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Narcotics found numerous weapons at a home south of Verden. Zeiset was later arrested in a joint effort of Verden Police and state troopers. In a written statement, District Attorney Jason Hicks said Zeiset is dangerous and should be behind bars for a significant period of time. Hicks said while the jury's recommendation of 620 years may seem excessive, the reality is that most of the crimes he was charged with are considered non-violent and not ones where a defendant is required to serve 85-percent of a sentence. Formal sentencing is scheduled for June 3rd.

 

Infant Hospitalized After Traffic Accident

A baby is hospitalized after being injured in a traffic accident near Anadarko. The one-year old boy was air-lifted to Children's Hospital with a head injury where he was admitted in serious condition. The child's name was not disclosed. He was in a car safety seat in a vehicle driven by 24-year old Jose Zavalza of Anadarko. He and 28-year old Hilda Vasquez also of Anadarko were not hurt. The accident happened on State Highway 9 three miles west of Anadarko about 3:00 p.m. Friday. The highway patrol said Zalvaza rear-ended a car driven by 23-year old Mariah Villaneuva, also of Anadarko who also was not hurt.

 

'The Imaginaries' Release Debut Album

A husband-and-wife musical duo whose careers have Grady County roots have released their first album. Maggie McClure and Shane Henry, known as The Imaginaries, debuted their self-titled album through ONErpm Friday. Henry is from the Verden area. The Oklahoman reports that the couple battled through a number of setbacks including the pandemic, other health issues, and tour cancellations. While they frequently backed each other up on individual performances they didn’t actually perform together until 2018. Along with their music recordings they teamed up with Reagan Elkins and his Intellego Media group based in Chickasha to create music videos which have been entered in numerous virtual film festivals. Among them is a short-film of their song "Revival" which features the couple as Great Depression-era bank robbers who give up their life of crime to seek redemption. They've filmed a mini-movie with Elkins with their song "Walking on Wire" which is featured in the Oklahoma-made movie ‘Infamous’ starring Hollywood actress Bella Thorne, a portion of which was filmed in Chickasha.

 

Holy City Schedules Two Passion Play Performances

The annual Prince of Peace Easter pageant at the Holy City of the Wichitas will have the first of two performances tonight. This is the 96th year for the show which follows the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Last year's performance was postponed because of the pandemic, so organizers are excited to once again bring the Passion Play to a live audience. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. There is a slight chance for thunderstorms and temps will be in the 60s so extra blankets, coats, and rain gear may be necessary. The performance is viewed in an area called Audience Hill.  There is no charge to attend. A second performance will be held next Saturday night. It will start at 8:30 p.m. both nights.

 

Obituary

Yvonne Brame

Funeral service for Yvonne Brame, 85, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Friday, March 26th

 

All Okla Adults Soon to be Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination

The fourth phase of COVID-19 vaccinations in Oklahoma begins next week. All Oklahomans 18-years and older will be eligible. Officials with the State Health Department said that's an additional 500,000 people who can get the shot. Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed said there is no longer a need to screen groups or for anyone to wonder if they are eligible. Reed said since there are three vaccines available and supply is consistent and growing state health officials will continue opening more access points to make the vaccine more readily available.

 

Regional Schools Receive PSO Robotics Grants

A couple of regional school districts get some help for their robotics programs. Chickasha Public Schools and the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center are among more than a dozen schools to getting assistance from Public Service Company of Oklahoma. The schools shared in the more than $22,000 distributed to more than a dozen schools in the PSO service areas. All the schools participate in what's known as the FIRST robotics competition (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Individual school grants range from $500 to about $2,000. PSO Vice President for External Affairs Tiffani Jackson said they are glad to support the robotics teams and are hopeful the experiences will spark an interest in STEM fields as students consider their education and career paths.

 

Sheriff's Office Wanted List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has updated its list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here's Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett-

 

              

 

If you have any information regarding any of these individuals you’re asked to contact the sheriff's office by calling 405-222-5085.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $58.56 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $61.95.

Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,729 and silver is $25.24.

 

Obituaries

Mildred ‘Granny' Talley

 Funeral service for Mildred "Granny" Talley, 83, of Verden will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 27th, at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Marcie Ohs

Memorial service for Marcie Ohs, 61, of Agawam will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 31st at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, March 25th

 

Scammers Use Chix PD's non-Emergency Phone Number

Chickasha police say to beware of scam artists who are using the department's non-emergency telephone number. The warning is posted on the department’s Facebook Page  and indicates the scammers are using an app to make it appear they are calling from the office number 405-222-6050. Officials say callers are pretending to be a police officer and telling individuals that their identities have been compromised. Officials believe the calls may be coming from outside the United States as the individuals have difficulty speaking English and it sounds like they are reading from a script. The post said officers may conduct routine business and interviews from the non-emergency number and should identify themselves when they do call. Officials say if you don't feel comfortable speaking to someone saying they are with the police department, ask for an officer to come to you or schedule an appointment to meet at the police department.

 

ER Patient Accused of Assauling Medical Staff, Officer              

A patient being treated in a hospital emergency room is arrested for assaulting medical personnel. A report on the daily Chickasha police blotter indicates officers were called to Grady Memorial Hospital Tuesday afternoon regarding an unruly patient. Authorities arrested 28-year old Nickolas Blaine Klinekole of Cyril. Prosecutors have charged him with two felony counts of assault on an officer and a misdemeanor for public intoxication. Klinekole remains in jail in lieu of  $20,000 bond.

 

Pursuit Suspect Arrested A Second Time

A man arrested after leading Rush Springs police on a high speed chase a couple of weeks ago is in more trouble with the law. 21-year old Deonta Dshawn Hartsfield of Duncan was arrested March 9th after driving through Rush Springs at speeds topping 100 miles per hour.  He is facing felony eluding and drug possession charges in connection with that arrest and paid a $10,000 bond to get out of jail. Rush Springs police pulled Hartsfield over again this past Tuesday night and arrested him on complaints of speeding, making a false bomb threat, and DUI. Hartsfield remains in jail pending any formal charges that may be filed by prosecutors stemming from this week’s arrest.

 

Bond Set for Alleged Drug Dealer

Alleged drug dealer Samuel Mirich had his initial court appearance on a number felony charges in Grady County District Court on Wednesday. Mirich had his bond set at $150,000 and is to announce his attorney April 15th with a preliminary hearing conference scheduled April 28th. He was wanted in connection with drugs, stolen guns, and stolen vehicles found at a Dibble area home earlier this month. Authorities also seized a number of animals from the property based on findings that the animals were abused and neglected.

 

Man Arrested for Alleged Assault on His Mom, Grandmother

A Blanchard man wanted for assaulting his mother and grandmother last year was arrested this week. An arrest warrant for 45-year old David Wade Kusik was issued in June of 2020 after he got into an argument with the women about money. A probable cause affidavit indicates a struggle ensued and as one of the women tried to call 9-1-1 on her cell phone, Kusik grabbed the phone and broke it - then drove away in his grandmother's car. Kusik is charged with a felony for unauthorized use of a vehicle, and misdemeanors for disrupting an emergency call and domestic assault and battery. He is out of jail after posting a $7,500 bond.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.18

London-based Brent crude is $64.41.

Natural gas is $2.52 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,733 and silver is $24.94.

 

Wednesday, March 24th

 

Drug Distribution Suspect Now in the Grady County Jail

The man authorities say was responsible for distributing drugs out of a home near Dibble is in the Grady County Jail. 39-year old Samuel David Mirich was transferred from the Oklahoma County Jail late last night. A Grady County arrest warrant was issued for Mirich earlier this month after deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in eastern Grady County. At the home investigators found numerous drugs, more than 100 weapons believed to have been stolen, and several stolen vehicles. Mirich was located in Oklahoma City a couple of weeks ago following a joint effort of the Grady County Fugitive Task Force and U.S. Marshals. Marshals arrested Mirich after he crashed a vehicle while trying to elude them. Mirich is facing felony charges in Grady County of drug possession with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm after conviction, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

 

'Minute with the Mayor' Debuts

The City of Chickasha has started a new video segment with Mayor Chris Mosley. The program called Minute with the Mayor debuted on the City's Facebook page last night. Mosley says he'll be talking to department heads about their duties and projects they are working on. In this week’s segment, the mayor says the effort to pick up the trees and limbs left over from last October’s ice storm continues.

 

              

 

Mayor Mosley also urged residents to use the Request Tracker link on the city's website to report any issues they have. And, he said residents can submit comments and questions to him at: mayor@chickasha.org

 

New Superhero Teaches Electrical Safety

There is a new superhero who is educating children and their families about electrical safety. Captain Wattage was created in a partnership between Public Service Company and the National Theatre for Children. It's a live-stream event geared toward children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program will begin April 12th. It includes a live host who sets up and recaps a series of educational videos, and even leads a question-and-answer session with viewers in real time. The program is supplemented by a complete on-line curriculum which includes hands-on lessons, inter-active activities, games, e-books, and more. More information is available on line at www.national theatre.com under the Captain Wattage link.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $57.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $60.79.

Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,732 and silver is $25.35.

 

Obituaries

Andre Malone

Funeral service for Andre Malone, 47, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 25th at the First and Georgia Church of Christ. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

David Reed

Funeral service for David Reed, 66, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 26th at Grand Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends Fur Change.

Maxine Stewart

Funeral service for Maxine Stewart, 93, formerly of Alex, will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 27th at the Main Street Church of Christ in Alex. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Berean Children’s Home of Bugue Chitto, MS.

 

Tuesday, March 23rd

 

USAO to Co-Host Anti-Racism Conference

USAO will partner with an internationally-known group to address racism in a virtual conference later this spring. The program is through USAO's Ada Lois Sipuel-Fisher Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing program. The joint conference is with the Institute for the Healing of Memories. The three-day conference will take a look at the inter-related themes of diversity, alienation, and community and examine the characteristics of systematic racism and its impact on daily life. The keynote speaker is Father Michael Lapsley, an Anglican priest, an anti-apartheid activist, and founder of the Institute for Healing of Memories. The theme of the conference is Building Bridges and Dismantling Racism for the Common Good. The conference is free and open to the public. Register on-line at www.usao.edu/buildingbridges

 

Fundraiser Set for Grady County Deputy and Family

The Grady County Sheriff's Office is reaching out to help one of its own. Deputy Mark Ingram and his family lost their home and all their belongings in a house fire last month. The sheriff's office will be holding a benefit spaghetti lunch and dinner and a silent auction for the family Wednesday, March 24th. The fundraiser will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds Community building for both lunch and dinner. Times will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  and also from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The meals are by donation and you can dine in or get your orders to-go.

 

Violent Assault Suspect Jailed              

A suspect alleged to have been involved in violent attack at a Chickasha motel is in custody. Chickasha police arrested 31-year old Simon Segura Martell last week after being called to the Quality Inn to investigate a 9-1-1 call about a fight in progress. A probable cause affidavit indicates that when police arrived a man was found in a pool of blood with a severe head injury. The victim was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where doctors said he had a broken jaw. The victim was then taken to an Oklahoma City hospital for additional treatment. The affidavit cities video surveillance showing that Martell appeared to be stomping on something. Witnesses say the victim came to Martell's room and tried to attack him with a knife.  Martell has been formally charged with a felony for aggravated assault and battery and he remains in jail on a $100,000 bond. He is to announce his attorney April 15th and a preliminary hearing conference is tentatively set for April 28th.

 

OHP Seeks Students for Cadet Academy

High school juniors and seniors who have an interest in a career in law enforcement might consider applying for a week-long cadet lawman academy put on by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Trooper Eric Foster says it offers a first-hand look at what it takes to be a state trooper. He says the camp will include some physical training as well as a lot of hands-on activities.

 

              

 

About 80 students will be accepted for the academy which will be held in June on the campus of Connors State College in Warner. Students must have at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average, and signed endorsements from a principal or superintendent, an official from a local Elks Lodge, and a state trooper. Applications are due by April 1st.

 

Emergency Planning Committee to Meet Virtually

The quarterly meeting of Grady County's LEPC, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, will be held via a Zoom conference next week. The meeting is set for Wednesday, March 31st from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Members will receive an invitation to the meeting via e-mail sometime this week. Bruce Anthony of Tuttle is the chairman and Rainbow Wilson is the vice chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.55 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $64.62.

Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,744 and silver is $25.68.

 

Obituaries

Sybil Scott

A private graveside service will be held for Sybil Scott, 98, of the Chickasha and Minco area. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be given to the Minco Church of Christ or the Southern Oaks Church of Christ.

Joan Spearman

A graveside service for Joan Spearman, 79, of Chickasha was held Tuesday, March 23rd at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Monday, March 22nd

 

Lt. Governor to Headline Chamber Awards Banquet

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell will be in Chickasha next month. Pinell will be the guest speaker at the 98th annual Chickasha Chamber of Commerce awards banquet. He is expected to discuss the importance of tourism and shopping locally to communities. As Lt. Governor, Pinnell oversees the State Department of Tourism and Recreation and the state's efforts to promote tourism which is considered the state’s third largest industry. He also serves on the executive committee of the Department of Commerce where he focuses on small business growth, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The chamber awards banquet will be held Friday, April 9th at the Grady County Fairgrounds and Event Center. Ticket reservations are available through March 29th.

 

Coronavirus Vaccination Clinic Today            

The state Department of Health is teaming up with Indian Health Services to provide a coronavirus vaccination clinic today. The clinic will be held at Chickasha’s Southern Oaks Church of Christ. The clinic was announced late last week and appointments were filled up by Friday afternoon. This will be the Moderna vaccine and those who get their shots today will get their second vaccinations at their same appointment times in four weeks.

 

Teen Hospitalized After Falling Out of ATV

A Texas teenager was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital following an ATV accident west of Binger. The 13-year old boy was admitted in serious condition with a head injury. His name was not reported as state troopers do not release the names of juveniles involved in accidents. The youth was one of three teenagers riding in the Polaris ATV on a county road about eight miles west of Binger. He fell out of the ATV when he leaned against the door and it opened.

 

Some Caddo County Precincts to Close for School Elections

Several Caddo County precincts will be closed for the upcoming April 6th school elections. For the Binger-Oney School District, the Carnegie Memorial Building in Carnegie and Lookeba City Hall will be closed; for the Apache School District, the Alden Fire Department will be closed; and for the Lookeba-Sickles School District, the Highland Methodist Church, the Binger Community Building, and the Hinton Fire Station will be closed. Voters in those precincts need to reach out to the Caddo County Election Board to make arrangements to vote by mail, or by in –person, absentee voting.

 

Virtual Peanut Expo Set Thursday

Peanut producers might consider taking part in a virtual Peanut Expo this week. Producers and others involved in the peanut industry will hear from experts who will be providing updates on varieties, marketing, and an industry outlook. Ron Sholar, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Peanut Commission, calls it the premier education and training event in the region for this year. Dr. Marshall Lamb, a well-known peanut scientist, will have a peanut outlook; Bob Parker, President and CEO of the National Peanut Board will discuss national trends; and there will be discussions on peanut disease and weed control. The virtual expo will be held this Thursday, March 25th. To participate, individuals need to RSVP Josh Bushong with Oklahoma State University or Ron Sholar with the Oklahoma Peanut Commission.

 

Nation's Rig Count Climbs, Oklahoma Steady

There is a little more activity in the energy industry across the country although Oklahoma was not part of that trend-

 

              

 

That's Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.42 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $64.53.

Natural gas is $2.54 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,734 and silver is $25.67.

 

Obituaries

Sandra Marshall

No service was held for Sandra Marshall, 80, formerly of Chickasha. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

Arlessis Kennell

Funeral service for Arlessis Kennell, 63, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Ernie Sheltry, Jr.

A memorial service for Ernie Sheltry, Jr., 74, of Ninnekah will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 27th at the Fellowship of American Indians Church in Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fellowship of American Indians Church.

 

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