Saturday, Oct. 9th
Federal Grants to Help Rural Oklahoma Water Projects
A couple of federal grants totaling more than $7 million are expected to help rural Oklahoma with fresh water and waste-water infrastructure projects. The National Rural Water Association which is based in Duncan received the grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist with projects and training to solve water and waste-related issues. 4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) said along with paving the way for the creation of jobs and increasing economic opportunities, the investment in rural Oklahoma will help maintain safe water and modern and sustainable infrastructure for the future. One of the grants is a $2.6 million award that will support projects in Stephens County. A second grant of more than $4.5 million was awarded to Payne County, a portion of which will establish a set of highly skilled water workers to ensure infrastructure is strong, modern, safe, and sustainable. Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Cheyenne) said that in addition to creating jobs the grants will improve the public health and safety of rural communities and lay the groundwork for innovative water systems across the state.
Gypsy Horse Show Underway at Grady County Fairgrounds
For the second straight weekend there is a horse show at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Last week was the Welsh Pony show and today and tomorrow it’s the South Central Region Gypsy Horse Show. Colin Stanley with Deerinwater Farms in Pocasset is with The Gypsy Horse Show Association. He says the Gypsy horse is a lot like a Clydesdale but smaller. Stanley says gypsies are draft horses that are about the size of a quarterhorse but they are bigger boned and weigh a little more. Exhibitors from Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, and Arizona are expected. There are halter, riding, and cart classes for adult and youth divisions. This is one of several shows for Gypsy horse owners held throughout the year and this is the second straight year the South Central show has been held at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Admission is free for spectators. Check out the Gypsy Horse Show Association's Facebook page for info.
OSU Research Station to Host Recycle Day
The OSU Research Station in Chickasha will have its annual recycling day next week. Residents and ag producers will be able to take their used tires, batteries, motor oil, and plastic ag containers to the research station. Any tires must be off the wheels and the plastic ag containers must be triple rinsed and dry with the labels and caps removed. The items can be taken to the Research Station Wednesday, Oct. 13th from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The research station is on the east edge of Chickasha, off the Grand Avenue Extension.
Obituaries
Shannon Carlisle
Funeral service for Shannon Carlisle, 64, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11th at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Guwanna ‘Kay’ Moore
A memorial service for ‘Kay’ Moore, 65, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14th at College Heights Baptist Church. Arrangements are also with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Friday, Oct. 8th
More Highway, Bridge Projects Discussed
Earlier this week, we reported on the state Department of Transportation's (ODOT) continuing work on the U.S. Highway 81 west bypass of Chickasha. Today, we'll report on some of the other ODOT projects in progress or approved for the region. Officials say the U.S. Highway 62 bridge replacements over the Washita River east of Chickasha is more than 50 percent complete. A resurfacing project south of Tuttle on State Highway 4 between the H.E. Bailey Turnpike and State Highway 37 should be completed within the next few weeks. Officials are also obtaining right-of-way to widen State Highway 19 between Chickasha and Lindsay with utility relocations starting later in the fiscal year. Sometime in 2022 or 2023, a project to widen State Highway 39 from State Highway 76 west to the East Winter Creek Bridge should take place, as well as an upgrade to a section of State Highway 37 just west of Tuttle. All are among the $8 billion in projects in the 8-year road plan for ODOT approved by the state Transportation Commission this week.
AARP Speaks Against Proposed PSO Rate Hike
A rate-hike request by Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is getting some push back. The Oklahoma Chapter of AARP reports that more than 1,500 of its Oklahoma members have contacted the Oklahoma Corporation Commission opposing the request. The website OK Energy Today reports that AARP describes the more than $172 million proposal as a ‘bloated rate hike’. An AARP official said the group was troubled to learn that PSO signed a settlement agreement to shift more of the proposed rate increase to residential customers and away from large electricity consumers like industrial plants. AARP also says PSO wants to maintain its high fixed monthly charge of $20 which is assessed to consumers even before using electricity. AARP says that's on top of the fact that PSO will be seeking another rate increase in December.
Water Costs, RV Storage Discussion Set for City Council Work Session
A discussion of the City of Chickasha's water costs and more detailed talk of proposed changes to the city's recreational vehicle storage ordinance are part of a special city council work session next week. The work session agenda also calls for discussion of public work fees. The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11th at city hall. No formal action can be taken during a work session.
Chix Community Blood Drive Tomorrow
Another Chickasha community blood drive is scheduled tomorrow. The Oklahoma Blood Institute will have its bloodmobile at the YMCA parking lot at 7th and Chickasha Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Donors will get free COVID-19 anti-body and A1C Blood sugar tests. The blood sugar test will help donors monitor their risk for diabetes. Officials say that every two seconds there is someone who needs blood. For information on upcoming blood drives in your area, check out the website: www.obi.gov
Chix High School Band Scores High Marks
The Chickasha High School band had a good showing at the Southwest Showdown marching contest in Elgin last weekend. The band placed second in the 4A division and the color guard was presented with the outstanding auxiliary award.
Talk Show Topic
Bud Andrus with the Chickasha Antique Auto Club is our guest on this week's KOOL Konversation regarding the group's fall swap meet coming up next weekend. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.30 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.95.
Natural gas is $5.68 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,758 and silver is $22.51.
Obituary
Bobbie Jean Evans
A memorial service for Bobbie Jean Evans, 92, of Ninnekah will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 10th at the Main Street Church of Christ in Alex.
Thursday, Oct. 7th
Fire Damages Downtown Chickasha Store
Numerous fire departments were summoned to downtown Chickasha yesterday when a department store caught fire. Smoke and flames raged through The Dollar General Store at 3rd and Kansas Avenue starting about 3:30 p.m. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego-
Fire crews from Grady County, Verden, Anadarko, and Tuttle were all dispatched and as many as 30 firefighters were there, including some off-duty Chickasha firefighters who were called back to work. Samaniego said there were about six people in the store when the fire started, but everyone got out safely. Samaniego said the fire began in a back storage room. There was no information at the time about how the fire started or the amount of damage that was done.
Chickasha Area Mourns Death of Larry Sevier
The Chickasha and Grady County community is mourning the death of Larry Sevier. He was the owner and operator of Sevier Funeral Home. He passed away at his home Monday morning at the age of 76. He was the second of now four generations of the Sevier family to operate the funeral home. Larry’s father, Jodie, started the funeral home in the 1940s. He was a lifelong Chickasha resident and played on Chickasha High School’s 1963 state championship basketball team. He started working at the funeral home when he was 10 years old. He was active with the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, supported Little League baseball and Mighty Might football, and was directly involved in the early years of the USAO basketball team. He was a Deacon at the First Baptist Church. He and his wife Linda were married for 46 years. She passed away in 2012 and their son Todd died in 2010. Survivors include three sisters; daughter April and husband Jeff; and grandchildren Jeremy, Austin, and Brayden. Austin recently completed his degree in funeral service and was brought in as the fourth generation of the family to operate the funeral home, although Larry said he wasn't planning on retiring any time soon. The funeral service for Larry Sevier will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11th at the First Baptist Church. Visitation with family will be from 4-6 this afternoon and on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Community Church or to Gideons International.
Regional Youth, Animals Take Top Honors at Tulsa State Fair
A couple of regional ag students took some top honors with their animals at the Tulsa State Fair. We get the news from Farm Broadcaster Ron Hays with the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network-
There was no premium sale for the top animals this year but the students received an equivalent amount of what they might have collected had there been a sale.
USDA Ups Guaranteed Loans For Producers
Ag producers have the opportunity to apply for a slightly higher USDA loan to help with their operations. Guaranteed farm loans now top out at just over $1.8 million - about $500,000 more than the previous limit. In a USDA press release, Farm Service Agency officials say farm loans are critical for operating and family living expenses, emergency needs, and cash flow. The loans offer access to funding to help with securing land as well as financing the purchase of equipment. The loans are financed and serviced by commercial lenders. FSA provides up to a 95 percent guarantee against possible financial loss of principal and interest. The loans can be used for operating purposes as well as farm ownership. Producers can get more information from their local USDA service center or on-line: www.fsa.usda.gov
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.43 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.08.
Natural gas is $5.67 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,760 and silver is $22.71.
Wednesday, Oct. 6th
Update on the Highway 81 Bypass of Chickasha
This week The State Transportation Commission approved its eight-year construction work plan for Oklahoma roads and bridges. The plan runs through the end of the decade in 2029. Jay Earp, the Division 7 Engineer for the Duncan Office of the Department of Transportation, says a lot of work is schedule for the U.S. Highway 81 re-alignment project which most people call the Highway 81 west bypass of Chickasha. Earp says some of the big work could begin within a couple of years.
The transportation commission this week approved spending about $8 billion for highway, road and bridge projects over the next eight years. A map of the proposed projects can be viewed on the Department of Transportation's website: www.odot.org
City of Chickasha Hosts Coat Drive
With cooler fall weather here, colder winter weather is not that far off. The City of Chickasha is again having its Coats for Chickasha drive to collect warm clothing items that will be given to students in the Chickasha school district. The city is collecting new or gently used coats, jackets, warm hats, gloves, and scarves - and is accepting packages of new socks. Donations can be dropped off at city hall, the police department, fire station No. 1, the library, or the airport. The clothing drive runs through next Friday, Oct. 15th.
Rock Island Ride Had Record Number of Riders
Organizers of the Rock Island Ride bicycle tour were happy with the turnout at the ride last weekend. Nearly 300 riders registered and that is believed to be a record number of entries. For the first time there were competitions inside the race, including a climb KOM (King/Queen of the Mountain) and a sprint KOM. In the men's KOM climb there was a tie for first place between Christopher Hattendorf of Wichita Falls, Texas and Chris Shelton of Bethany, both of whom made the climb in 45 seconds. In the sprint KOM which was just over 1 1/2 miles, the winner was Chad Shanks with a time of 3:46. For the women, Hristina Brown of Moore won both events, making the climb in 1:15 and the sprint in 5:40. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three placers in each event. Taylor and Sons Pipe and Steel provided the prize money for the sprint and Mosley Insurance Agency provided the prize money for the climb.
Science and Arts Instructor Honored
A music instructor at the University of Science and Arts is recognized for his work. Kaleb Benda was named one of NextGen's 30 under 30 honorees. NextGen selects 30 individuals under the age of 30 who have demonstrated career leadership qualities and service to their communities. Candidates are nominated by the general public. Benda was nominated for his work with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra. He has been with Science and Arts for two years where he leads the concert band. Benda also serves as the assistant conductor of the Enid Symphony Orchestra and is the music director of the Mt. St. Mary Instrumental Music Ensemble.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.93 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.56.
Natural gas is $6.31 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,749 and silver is $22.29.
Obituaries
Kenneth Baker
Funeral service for Kenneth Baker, 83, of Alex will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 7th at the Alex Southern Baptist Chapel. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
‘Tootsie’ Hopper
Funeral service for Billie ‘Tootsie’ Hopper, 85, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 8th at Trinity Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.
Bobby Sons
A memorial service for Bobby Sons, 85, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 12th at Grand Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Royal Rangers at the church.
Tuesday, Oct. 5th
City Council Delays Vote on Boat, RV Storage Ordinance
Revisions to Chickasha's boat and RV storage ordinance were put on hold last night after some city council members voiced concerns about enforcement and language within the regulation. Councilman Clark Van Dyck was concerned about how future city officials might look at the ordinance.
There was also a concern about the definition of an 'inoperable' boat or RV and how city officials would have to prove that a vehicle was not in operating condition. The measure will be tweaked for future consideration and it was mentioned that the council might hold a work session on the issue.
New City Manager Attends Meeting
Attending last night's meeting was new city manager Tyler Brooks. Brooks does not officially begin working until next week but he took the opportunity to see how the council inter-acted. Brooks and his family moved to Chickasha from South Daytona, Florida last week.
Council Approves Adjusted Work Schedule for Police
Chickasha police officers will be working seven days on and seven days off following action by the city council last night. The council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Fraternal Order of Police Local 129. The move was suggested as there is a shortage of police officers which is a concern of a lot of police departments across the state and nation. Officers will work 12-hour shifts for seven consecutive days then get seven days off. The proposal will be reviewed every three months as officials work to hire more officers.
State Attorney General Awards Grant to Chix PD
The council also approved the receipt of a $40,000 grant to the police department from the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office with the funds to be used for violent crime prevention. The panel also approved the purchase of three heating-ventilation and air conditioning units for the library at a cost of nearly $37,000 from DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning.
Council OKs Food Truck Court Use-on-Review
By a 6-2 vote, the council approved a use-on-review to build a food truck court near the downtown area. It's at the intersection of 4th and Iowa Avenue where developer Ken Carpenter will tear down a current building to allow for the location of four or five food trucks. Carpenter told the council he's also willing to demolish another building on the lot to increase parking for customers. He would install electrical outlets for the food trucks which would lease spots for a pre-determined amount of time. There were some concerns about providing water and sewer services and Carpenter said he would be willing to install those lines. City officials are working with the county health department to discuss other guidelines. Councilmen Clark Van Dyck and R.P. Ashanti-Alexander voted against the use-on-review.
Wendy's Restaurant Opens
A new restaurant will be opening its doors in Chickasha today. Wendy's will have a ribbon-cutting this morning with the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant is near 4th and Minnesota Avenue (1101 S. 4th St.) in the former location of Long John Silvers and Sam's Southern Eatery.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.62 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.26.
Natural gas is $5.77 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,757 and silver is $22.57.
Obituaries
Steve Barboza
A graveside service for Steve Barboza, 68, of Chickasha was held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 5th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements were with McRay Funeral Home.
Yvette Schlehuber
Funeral service for Yvette Schlehuber, 58, of Ninnekah will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 8th at the Ninnekah First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Monday, Oct. 4th
Revised Boat, RV Storage Ordinance
to Get Public Hearing by Chix City Council
Proposed changes to Chickasha's boat and recreational vehicle storage ordinance will be among one of three public hearings to be held by the Chickasha City Council this evening. The panel will discuss recommendations that boats and RVs should be parked on a paved surface in the front and side yards of residential areas, while they can be parked behind a fence on any surface in backyards. They would have to be kept in operable condition and could not be dismantled in a way to cause a public nuisance. Background information provided by the Community Development Department indicates there are proposed updates in every zoning district and the changes would allow for new development in commercial and industrial areas.
Public Hearing Also set for Proposed 'Food Truck' Court
There is also a public hearing to discuss a proposed use-on-review for a food truck court at 401 S. 4th. Ken Carpenter is proposing that a current building at that site be demolished and that the area could serve four or five food trucks. Carpenter would be required to have a bathroom that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Planning Commission has recommended that the use-on-review be approved.
Third Public Hearing for Proposed Storage Development
A third public hearing is scheduled to consider a request from Lance Mills and Cedar Creek Consulting to vacate a roadway and utility easement along Genevieve Street to build a new storage development. This proposal is also being recommended for approval.
Council to Consider New Squad Truck for Fire Department
The council will also consider a proposal to purchase a new squad truck for the fire department. The truck is a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab from the Merit Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram dealership at a state contract price of nearly $50,000. The funds would be reimbursed by the Grady EMS 522 District. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego says the purchase could save the city about $15,000 per year in operating costs. Another proposal for the council to review is a more than $18,000 bid from state contract from Metro Emergency Upfitters for that truck for lights, sirens, a bed cover, and other equipment, with those funds also to be reimbursed by the County EMS 522 District. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at City Hall.
Food Truck Competition Winners Are...
The winners from the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship from this past weekend included Pop's Pockets with its Caramel Apple Egg Roll. It was the first place winner in the Sweets Category and also the overall winner of the competition. In second place in the Sweets Category was Metro Minis OKC with its pumpkin with cream donut. In the Savory Division, first place winner was Creek Bottom Burgers with its fried onion burger and in second place was Geaux Cajun with its blackened fish-and-shrimp platter called The Louisiana Purchase. The Most Creative winner was Boss'n Hogs Barbecue with its Barbecue sundae.
Centenarian is Oldest to Finish 5K at OKC Memorial Run
A Chickasha man was the oldest participant in Saturday's 5K division of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Burrell Gambel also was the oldest person ever to finish the race in the history of the event. Gambel and his friend, 92-year old Irene Park, held hands as they crossed the finish line together
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.75 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.19.
Natural gas is $5.81 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,750 and silver is $22.37.
Obituaries
Sharon Robinson
Funeral service for Sharon Robinson, 74, of Rush Springs will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 5th at Sevier Funeral Home.
Ronald Varva
Funeral service for Ronald Varva, 73, Ninnekah are pending with Sevier Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired from the U.S. Postal Service.
DeLois Hunter
A memorial service for DeLois Hunter, 72, of Ninnekah is pending with the family. Cremation arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.
