Saturday, May 1st
Two Suspects Accused of Robbery
Two people arrested by Chickasha police have been formally charged with felonies in connection with a recent robbery. 25-year old Trevan Desaun Brown of Chickasha and 20-year old Jasmine Lesslie Greer of Lawton were both taken into custody Thursday. The website On Demand Court Records indicates that Grady County prosecutors charged Brown with first degree robbery. He remains in jail in lieu of $75,000 bond. Greer was charged with being an accessory to robbery. She remains in jail on a $50,000 bond. Details of their arrests were not available.
PSO Seeks Rate Increase
Public Service Company of Oklahoma is seeking a rate increase. It's a move that would allow the utility to recover $700 million in new investments which officials say have been made to serve its customers. If approved officials say the increase would be about a penny per kilowatt-hour. PSO filed an application with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to consider the request. A press release from PSO indicates the investment was part of the company's grid Security, Transformation, and Efficiency Plan. It's designed to strengthen the electric grid, which is expected to result in fewer and shorter power outages. The utility said the upgrades have already been made but are not included in current prices. If approved, PSO said the new rates will remain competitive with state and regional averages. PSO said its rates are 24 percent below the national average.
Heart of Oklahoma Youth Rodeo Finals Underway
The Grady County Fairgrounds is all about youth rodeo this weekend. It's the final competition of the year for the Heart of Oklahoma Youth Rodeo Association. About 150 youth will be working to claim the top spots in their respective events or perhaps win the overall top cowboy and cowgirl award for the season. Cassie Crouch of El Reno leads the association which has members from Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, and even as far away as Mississippi. Crouch says it’s gratifying to see the efforts of the youth pay off.
There are categories for six-and-under up to 18-and-under. These are all timed events like barrel racing, pole bending, and goat-tying. There will be an awards luncheon tomorrow. Spectators can attend for free.
Sheriff's Office Updates Warrant 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 information regarding any of these individuals you're asked to contact the sheriff's office by calling 405-222-5085.
Friday, April 30th
Missing Anadarko Teen Found Safe
A teenager missing from Anadarko for nearly a month has been located and authorities say she is safe. Anadarko police say 19-year old Sierra Kay Hunter-Isaacs was recently found in Austin, Texas. The news was posted on the department's Facebook page. Authorities had issued a reward for information about the whereabouts of Hunter-Isaacs. She was reported missing April 8th after family members reported getting a phone call from her and they said it sounded like she was in trouble. Investigators traced the phone call to Austin, Texas. The social media post did not indicate how authorities were able to locate the girl.
Weather Service Reps to Examine Storm Damage
The National Weather Service will be spending some time in Grady County to determine whether a tornado may have touched down during Wednesday night's strong storms. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson initially attributed some minor damage to straight-line winds. Thompson and KWTV-New 9 meteorologist David Payne reported that weather officials were going to review the damage to see if there may have been a tornado. A severe thunderstorm moved from just south of Pocasset to the Amber area Wednesday evening destroying or damaging sheds, barns, outbuildings, and fences. OEC had more than a dozen power poles knocked down. Thompson said winds topped 75 miles per hour during the storm and that speed is considered to be hurricane-force winds. There were reports of funnel clouds in the area but no tornado warning was issued.
Clean-up Chickasha Campaign Begins
The clean-up Chickasha campaign is underway. The weather will be superb this weekend for residents and property owners to rid their homes, rental, and business properties of unsightly items. Large roll-off dumpsters can be found at 18th and Grand Ave. at the University of Science and Arts; the old tennis courts on Iowa Avenue across from the high school baseball field; 6th and Frisco Ave.; Washita Valley Park; and Centennial Park. Items you can't place in the dumpsters include tires, hazardous materials, liquids (which include motor oil, paint, and insecticides). Refrigerators and freezers must have the freon removed by a licensed technician. Also no dirt, concrete, or hot coals from barbecue grills or fireplaces are allowed. The dumpsters will be available for use through the weekend.
4Her Promotes Outdoors
With warmer spring weather finally here, it's time to get outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature. Maggie Evans with the Grady County 4H is a healthy living ambassador and her main projects are health and wildlife and fisheries. She says there are numerous benefits to being outdoors and spending time fishing.
She also said fishing is a good stress reliever and that many organizations are using the therapeutic benefits of fishing to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Bud Andrus and Candace Wilson with the Chickasha Antique Auto Club are on our KOOL Konversation to talk about the group’s spring swap meet next weekend. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $65.01 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $68.56.
Natural gas is $2.91 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,766 and silver is $25.96.
Thursday, April 29th
Gov. Stitt Signs Bills Related to Payments
of Heating Costs Stemming from Cold Weather
Two bills at the state capital to help Oklahomans pay high heating costs from the polar vortex that put the state in the deep freeze earlier this year have been signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Senate Bills 1049 and 1050 helps not only consumers but also the utilities that provided the extra resources needed to keep households and businesses warm during the bitterly cold weather. The increased costs for consumers will be spread out over several years. Utility companies will still receive the full amount is due to them which is estimated to be $4.5 billion.
USAO to be Known as 'Science and Arts'
USAO is going through a transformation that officials say will better describe the university's mission. As many of you know, USAO is short for the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. However, individuals who are not familiar with the university may not know that. President John Feaver says the university has begun a new marketing effort to simply call the university Science and Arts. He says students take a combination of those courses which gives them an edge once they get out of school.
Feaver said the mission of the university is to teach students how to critically think about the facts they encounter and adapt to the ever-evolving globalized society.
Red Steagall Honored at State Capital
Renowned cowboy poet Red Steagall, whose family has deep roots in the Chickasha area, has been honored for his work at the state capital. Steagall was awarded with a citation from the state house of representatives following a short performance at the State Capital Rotunda as part of National Poetry Month. The citation was issued by State Rep. Jay Steagall of Yukon, who is Red Steagall's nephew. Rep. Steagall said his uncle is beloved by people all over the world. Red Steagall has entertained fans for more than 45 years as a music industry executive, recording artist, songwriter, and TV and motion picture personality. Plus, he's credited with discovering Reba McEntire. Steagall was inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in 2003. You can listen to a weekly program with Red Steagall called Cowboy Corner on 106.1 The Ranch which airs every Saturday morning at 7 a.m.
Optimists 'Project Graduation' Nears
Some high school seniors are within a couple of weeks of their graduation. For Chickasha high school seniors, graduation will be Friday, May 21st. To help the Chickasha seniors with their celebration after getting their diplomas, the Chickasha Optimist Club has a program they call Project Graduation. It's a time for many seniors to get together for what may be their last time to see classmates as they embark on their lives. Pam Ladyman with the Optimist Club says it's a few hours of music, food, games, and activities.
The group gets help from the Junior Optimist Club at the high school to organize activities. Ladyman says community groups who would like to help with contributions to help with the program can contact her at the Chickasha schools administration building by calling 405-222-6500.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.86 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $67.27.
Natural gas is $2.92 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,774 and silver is $26.35.
Obituaries
Mary Lou Cole
A viewing for Mary Lou Cole, 64, will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Margaret “Sue” Group
A viewing for “Sue” Group of Chickasha will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Donald “Larry” Weedn
Funeral service for “Larry” Weedn, 72, of Cement will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 30th at Grand Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Wednesday, April 28th
Chix Officials Propose Regs for New Dispensaries
There are currently 33 medical marijuana establishments in Chickasha. The business has been on a rapid rise statewide since the legalization of medical marijuana a couple of years ago. Community Development Director Rachel Bernish says state law prohibits communities from limiting the number of dispensaries, so officials are looking to add a few more restrictions for future stores. Bernish says property owners currently have to ask to re-zone a proposed dispensary site as commercial use. Instead, Bernish is proposing that the city adopt a use-on-review policy. A use-on-review would be a temporary approval for a dispensary to operate at a certain location as long as it remains open. Should that dispensary close and another type of business want to move in, the property would have to come back for another use-on-review. The proposed change will be reviewed by the Chickasha Planning Commission at its next meeting on May 11th. During that meeting, the commission will consider a use-on-review for yet another proposed dispensary to be located at 420 West Grand.
Southern Plains Opens Garvin County Clinic
Southern Plains Medical Group (SPMG) has announced its expansion to the Pauls Valley area. SPMG Chief Executive Officer Len Lacefield says his team has completed the seemingly impossible task of re-opening a rural health hospital to individuals in that region. The facility will be known as the Southern Plains Medical Center of Garvin County and it opened its doors this morning. In a press release, Lacefield said the new facility stands as a beacon of hope for those who have been in jeopardy of being more than 40 miles away from a hospital emergency room. Lacefield said SPMG has been working to re-establish health care services in that area since the Pauls Valley General Hospital suddenly ceased operations two and a half years ago. The chief executive officer of the Southern Plains Medical Center of Garvin County will be Richard Mathis, who worked as the general contractor in charge of addressing all the issues which arose when the hospital initiallly closed. Mathis said re-opening the hospital has been a complete team effort, with everyone working towards the common goal of restoring life-saving health services to the Garvin County area.
Epworth Vaccination Pod to Close
The state health department reports that the COVID-19 vaccination pod at Epworth United Methodist Church will be moving to the Grady County Health Department in the near future. The vaccinations will be given at the church this Friday but Sara King with the health department says large-scale demand for appointments has decreased. She said that vaccines will continue to be available for the long-term. It wasn't clear when the final day of the Epworth vaccinations will be.
GMH to Offer J and J Vaccine
Grady Memorial Hospital will be offering the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccination next week. The vaccine will be given next Wednesday, May 5th in the hospital lobby from 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The hospital will only have 100 doses available. Individuals will need to make an appointment by calling 405-224-2100, ext. 9.
County Road to Close Southeast of Chix Thursday
Some engineering work on a bridge will close a county road southeast of Chickasha on Thursday. Grady County Commissioner Kirk Painter said they'll be shutting down a short section on Cottonwood Road, which is CR 1390, from about 8:30 a.m. until about 3:00 p.m. The road will be closed east of Union Hill Electric between CS 2880 and CS 2890. Painter said the road should re-open before the Ninnekah school buses run tomorrow afternoon.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $62.94 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $66.42.
Natural gas is $2.87 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,765 and silver is $26.01.
Obituary
Judith Carter
A memorial service for Judith Carter, 73, Carter of Ninnekah will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 30th at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Tuesday, April 27th
Chix Mayor Promotes Clean-up Campaign
A city-wide clean-up campaign set for this weekend has Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley asking everyone to participate. In his recent Minute with the Mayor segment on the city’s Facebook page, he starts by asking individuals to keep from blowing grass clippings into city streets-
City officials would hope that grass and weeds be kept to a minimal height. The Community Development Department will send out notices to property owners where grass and weeds are over 12-inches high. Mosley said individuals unable to mow their lawns can reach out to the Community Development Department (405-222-6010) and they have a list of individuals who can help. The city-wide clean-up begins Thursday, April 29th and runs through Sunday, May 2nd.
29th Street Repairs Nearly Finished
Chickasha city crews are making progress on the repairs of a small bridge on 29th Street near Frisco Avenue. A sinkhole was discovered about a week and a half ago and a portion of 29th Street was closed. Chickasha Public Works director David Buchanan said they'll be wrapping up their work in a couple of days. He said crews dug down about eight feet to the bottom of the creek and put some rock and concrete at the base. They are currently pouring concrete in a couple of 5’ X 8’ approaches on either side of the creek on 29th Street, and hope to have one lane open as crews anticipate rain over the next couple of days. Buchanan said the total cost of repairs is about $3,000. He hopes to budget a more permanent fix to that location in the future.
Caddo Nation Voters Elect New Chairman
A new slate of officers has been elected to serve the Caddo Nation. Bobby Gonzales is the new chairman-elect, defeating three other candidates for the post. Gonzales is appreciative of all those to cast ballots in last weekend's elections and outlines his initial plan.
Other officers elected included Kelly Howell Factor as vice chairman; Jennifer Reeder, secretary; Verna Whitebead Castillo, treasurer; Phillip Martin, Anadarko representative; Arlene Kay O'Neal, Ft. Cobb representative; Travis Threlkeld, Binger representative, and Jennifer Wilson, Oklahoma City representative. The results of the election are pending certification from the Caddo Nation Election Board.
State Program Begins to Help Businesses Expand
Oklahoma businesses can begin applying for what's known as the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program. The state department of commerce has $10 million set aside for the program, which makes monthly cash payment awards in the form of payroll tax rebates to help existing companies grow and boost business expansion. Officials say new projects must expand the capabilities of an existing company, lead to supply chain resiliency, or target new markets. Qualifying companies must have a minimum annual payroll of $625,000 and a minimum capital investment of $50,000. Companies can qualify for a maximum award of $150,000. Applications are due by May 7th. Information is available on the website: www.okcommerce.gov
Community Blood Drive Tomorrow
KOOL/RANCH radio stations and the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) are hosting another community blood drive tomorrow. The OBI bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot at 7th and Chickasha Avenue from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. tomorrow and walk-ins are welcome. For information on other blood drives throughout the region visit the Oklahoma Blood Institute website: www.obi.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $61.91 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $65.65.
Natural gas is $2.79 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,781 and silver is $26.35.
Monday, April 26th
Upgrades Scheduled for Chix Animal Shelter
Officials at Chickasha's animal shelter are getting ready to see a lot of upgrades. The city council approved a bid of nearly $90,000 this spring to install some new kennels and dog runs, replacing some of which are more than 40 years old. And last week, officials learned the shelter was the recipient of a $7,500 grant from a national company which will help with other improvements. Layce Graham with the animal shelter said the funds from the newly created Petco Love Foundation were unexpected and will be put to good use.
The city applied for a Petco grant about a year and a half ago and hadn't heard anything until recently. Petco Love officials say the grant is part of its commitment to create a future in which no pet is euthanized for no reason. The shelter also received a $500 grant from the Chickasha Junior Social Workers. Graham said the shelter cared for more than 1,100 animals last year and only put down 28. All those animals were either very ill or a danger to the public.
Man Hospitalized After ATV Crash
A weekend ATV accident sends one person to the hospital with head and other injuries. 29-year old Keegan Kenyon had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. He was admitted in fair condition with head, trunk, and internal injuries. The accident happened about 6:30 p.m. Sunday south of Sterling in Comanche County. The highway patrol says Kenyon was traveling too fast on a gravel road, ran off the road and rolled. Kenyon, from Roosevelt, Okla. was not wearing a seat belt or a helmet.
Chix Firm Awarded for School Construction Projects
Last week, we told you about a CMS Willowbrook employee who was recognized for her work. Today, we can tell you that two CMS Willowbrook projects in Oklahoma have won awards from a national panel. A project for Deer Creek schools won the award in the $50 million-plus category for education projects. Also, the new Student Union for Rose State College in Midwest City won the award for the $10-million to $20-million category for education projects. The awards were from the Association of General Contractors of America and are called Build Oklahoma Awards. CMS Willowbrook employs more than 150 individuals in offices in Chickasha, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
Cattle, Wheat Programs in the Area This Week
There are a number of events for the agriculture community this week. The Grady County Cattle Producers Association holds its annual meeting tomorrow night. Guest speaker is Dr. Rosalyn Biggs from Oklahoma State University. The meeting is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 27th at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Also this week, OSU wheat specialists will be in the area Thursday and Friday for their annual wheat field tours. Thursday evening, they'll be at the Brian Vail farm south of Apache and Friday morning they'll be at the OSU Research Station in Chickasha. A number of new wheat varieties will be examined and officials will have updates on the current Oklahoma wheat crop and other information. The Apache program will get underway at 5:00 p.m. Thursday while the Chickasha program will begin at 9:00 a.m. Friday.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $62.14 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $66.11.
Natural gas is $2.73 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,779 and silver is $26.17.
