Saturday, Oct. 23rd
Suspect Accused of Child Neglect Arrested on New Charges
A Chickasha man arrested for child neglect and drug possession earlier this year is back behind bars. 34-year old Matthew Dale Lane was arrested by Chickasha police this week for alleged domestic violence and having a firearm after former felony conviction. Lane was taken into custody Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his alleged assault of a woman in the presence of a child. Lane has been formally charged with a misdemeanor in connection with that arrest. He's also facing a felony charge for having a firearm after former conviction following an arrest near Rush Springs earlier this year. Lane is awaiting trial on the child neglect and drug charges that stem from an investigation by Chickasha police this past January. Bond for Lane on the most recent charges has been set at $100,000 and prosecutors have filed documents to revoke his bond on the previous charges.
Suspects in Blanchard Homicide Case Arrested in Wyoming
A mother and her son have been arrested in connection with the death of a Blanchard man. The OSBI say they are suspects in the death of 47-year old Michael McDuffie. McDuffie's body was found in the remnants of his burned out home earlier this month. 47-year old Debbie Senft - who is McDuffie's half-sister - and 26-year old Zachary Mussett were arrested in Wyoming. Both are charged with murder and arson in connection with McDuffie's death.
Driver Arrested for Speeding Through Verden
A driver allegedly speeding through Verden leads police on a pursuit at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour. Verden Police Chief Jeff Goucher says an officer attempted to make a traffic stop just before 4:00 a.m. Friday on a motorist going about 80 miles per hour through town where the speed limit is 35 mile per hour. The driver increased his speed as he drove west of town on Highway 62. The motorist finally pulled over about three miles west of Verden. The officer arrested 37-year old Jorey Brooks Stockton who lists an Edmond address. Prosecutors have charged him with a felony DUI and misdemeanors of reckless driving and driving under restriction. He's in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $7,500 bond.
High School, Jr. High Rodeo Contestants in Chickasha
Highly-skilled teenaged cowboys and cowgirls from across the state and nearby states are in Chickasha this weekend. The members of the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association and the Oklahoma Junior High School Rodeo Association are competing in one of their final fall events of the year. The members meet at different locations once or twice a month. They were in Lawton in August, in Stigler in September, and in Woodward earlier this month. The fall season wraps up with the Fall Bash at the Lazy-E Arena in Guthrie in a couple of weeks. The associations bring their competitions to Chickasha each spring and fall. They'll also return to Chickasha in June for the state finals where they will compete to earn a spot in the National High School and Junior High rodeos.
Talk Show Topic
Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.
Obituary
'Kelly' Morris
A graveside service for Peggy Sue 'Kelley" Morris, 65, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 30th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
High School Football Scores
Bethany 38, Chickasha 20
Heritage Hall 45, Anadarko 22
Cushing 27, Blanchard 13
Tuttle 53, Ada 6
Bridge Creek 27, Douglass 6
Newcastle 44, Elgin 21
Ringling 43, Dibble 6
Mangum 26, Minco 14
Wynnewood 36, Rush Springs 0
Apache 40, Hobart 20
Walters 30, Carnegie 8
Marlow 58, Marietta 19
Frederick 46, Lindsay 34
SW Covenant 46, Alex 32
Cyril 58, Central High 8
Mt. View-Gotebo 68, Fox 6
Friday, Oct. 22nd
Tow Truck Driver Hospitalized After Hit-and-Run
A wrecker driver from Blanchard faces a long recovery after being injured in a hit-and-run while working an accident. Family members say 47-year old Troy Stewart was loading a vehicle on to his wrecker Wednesday when he was struck by another motorist who left the scene. KFOR-TV reports Stewart’s pelvis was broken as were both of his ankles, one leg, and he has several neck fractures. Robert Blankenship, the owner of R and R Towing and Recovery Service where Stewart works, said Stewart had only been on the job about a week. Blankenship asks motorists to heed the state's Move Over Law, requiring them to slow down and move over when emergency vehicles are in service. It was reported that Stewart’s wrecker did have its emergency lights activated at the scene.
Suspected Love Triangle Leads to Stabbing, Arrest
One man is hospitalized and another is in jail in connection with a stabbing that occurred as a result of a suspected love triangle. 32-year old Richard Charles Zane Hancock is in the Stephens County Jail in Duncan on a $150,000 bond after being charged with felony assault. The Lawton Constitution reports the stabbing occurred at a Marlow home where Hancock was in his ex-girlfriend's garage smoking meth when the woman and her new boyfriend came to the house. The two men started fighting and that's when the victim was stabbed. Hancock fled the scene but he was eventually apprehended. The unidentified victim - reportedly from Fletcher - was taken by air ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital with a knife wound to his chest where he was last in stable condition.
Anadarko Prepares for Kids, Kites, and Frights Fall Fest
Tomorrow is a big day in Anadarko with the Kids, Kites, and Frights Fall Festival. It starts at the airport at 10:00 a.m. with some of the largest kites in the world - some are 30 feet tall and 200 feet long and can pull a full-size truck. There will also be some hot air balloons taking to the sky about 5 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. There will be a petting zoo, inflatable games, pumpkins and hayrides. There is a tee-pee building demonstration, Native American dancing, a car show, and town wide garage sales. Admission to the event is free. There are food trucks and vendors and activities where entry fees are required including corn hole and arm wrestling tournaments. There's also live music tomorrow night.
Sheriff's Office Updates 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 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 $82.50 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.61.
Natural gas is $5.11 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,794 and silver is $24.44.
Thursday, Oct. 21st
Homicide Investigation Continues
Tribal, state, and federal officials continue their investigation into the brutal death of a man whose body was found in the backyard of a Chickasha home. Chickasha police were dispatched to the 900 block of South 13th Street late Wednesday to a home within walking distance of the middle school. Authorities say the victim had trauma injuries but have not indicated how the as-yet unidentified man may have died. Police said he is Native American so the Lighthorse Patrol, OSBI, and FBI were called in. A suspect is in custody. 43-year old Phillip Keith Ray is being held in the Grady County Jail on a murder complaint. On-line court records indicate that Ray pleaded guilty to misdemeanor alcohol-related charges in 2015. Back in 2003 he pleaded guilty to felony assault and battery and drug possession charges out of Grady County.
Tuttle School Officials Begin Talks for New Construction
In Tuttle, school officials are meeting this week to discuss how to proceed with the new construction projects approved with the passage of a big bond issue last week. The projects include a new barn for the agriculture program and numerous improvements in and around the high school football stadium. Superintendent Keith Sinor says they will be re-locating the ag barn since the current facility will be demolished and new locker rooms, a weight room, and classrooms will be built at its current location.
Sinor said the plan is to start construction of new bleachers at the football field after the first of the year depending on how long it might take to get the needed materials. He said they do not want to move any home football games so they want to make sure that the work can be finished in time for football season next year. The stadium will be expanding to 2,000 seats on the home side and 1,000 seats on the visitor’s side.
Benefits of Permanent Daylight Savings Time Discussed
We have an update on an interim study held at the state capital this week regarding a proposal to make Daylight Savings Time permanent in Oklahoma. Part of the discussion included benefits that may include better health, extra daylight for farmers and ranchers to work safely during the evening hours, as well as more time for families to be active outdoors. The study was led by State Senator Blake Stephens (R-Tahlequah). He said while it’s not a drastic change in our day-to-day lives it could make a huge impact on the state's health and productivity. Stephens says he will re-introduce a bill filed this past legislative session to make Daylight Savings Time permanent. If passed and signed by the governor the state would still have to wait for federal approval before the change could be made.
Medicine Park Aquarium Has New Director
A new director has been named for the Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center near Lawton. Rainette Rowlands, previously the deputy director of the center, will take over the post previously held by Doug Kemper. Kemper passed away recently but had selected Rowlands to be his successor. Kemper and Rowlands were both instrumental in the development and construction of the habitat which was first proposed 15 years ago. It took 11 years before the center would become a reality starting with an aquarium and now featuring a dozen exhibits. Rowlands says she has big shoes to fill but that Kemper left behind a lot of information to help with the continued growth of the center including drawings and 20-year marketing plans.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.87 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.82.
Natural gas is $5.17 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,787 and silver is $24.33.
Obituary
Sharon Roper
A funeral service has not yet been scheduled for Sharon Roper, 80, of Fletcher. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Wednesday, Oct. 20th
Breaking-
A homicide investigation is underway in Chickasha. Police say a body showing obvious signs of trauma was found in the yard of a home of 909 S. 13th. The victim is a member of a federally-recognized tribe so the Chickasaw Nation’s Lighthorse Patrol, OSBI, and FBI were called into investigate. A suspect is in custody. Authorities have not identified the victim nor the suspect.
Chickasha Officials to Consider Water Meter Fee
Chickasha city officials will consider implementing a water meter fee next month - a move that Mayor Chris Mosley says is needed to keep the city from losing money on city services provided to residents and businesses. In his State-of-the-City address yesterday, Mosley said while the city made more $6 million in water, sewer, and sanitation revenues in fiscal year 2020 the city actually was in the red after expenses-
Mosley said he's frustrated that the city can't make any progress since a lot of attention is devoted to repairing and replacing decades-old water and sewer lines-
The city council will consider the meter fee during its Nov. 8th council meeting.
Crashes Halt Traffic on H.E. Bailey Turnpike
A couple of simultaneous traffic accidents involving multiple vehicles shut down a portion of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike last night. The eastbound lanes of the interstate near mile marker 92 south of the toll gate were closed about 8:30 p.m. The highway patrol reports the roadway was reopened just after 10:00 p.m. after being closed for more than an hour-and-a-half. There was no word on any injuries in those accidents.
Reward Offered in Stephens County Cold Case
A $10,000 reward has been offered in a more than 20-year old cold case out of Stephens County. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is asking for information about the shooting death of George ‘Dale’ Turner. A son discovered Turner's body in a bedroom at the family ranch between Marlow and Bray just a few days before Christmas in 2000. The only clue that investigators had was a pair of brown work boots that were found outside the home. Turner's son Jeff is hoping the reward can help bring some closure to his father's murder. Turner said it's his job to honor his father’s memory and it’s the OSBI's job to solve his father's case and bring justice. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSBI by e-mailing information anonymously at: tips@osbi.ok.gov
University Receives U.S. Dept. of Education Grant
The University of Science and Arts is the beneficiary of a federal grant that will be used to boost distance-learning capabilities and improve services for students and faculty. The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) awarded a more than $2 million grant to the university ‘s Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions program. The university previously received a more than $1.5 million grant from the Title III program bringing the total amount of grants to nearly $4 million from USDE within the last four years. The program assists non-tribal universities where at least 10 percent of the student population are members of federally-recognized tribes.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.96 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.08.
Natural gas is $5.08 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,779 and silver is $23.97.
Obituary
Rick Young
Funeral service for Rick Young, 81, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 22nd at Sharon Baptist Church. He was a long-time water well driller. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Tuesday, Oct. 19th
Chix City Council Gets Info on Proposed Train Depot Park
A proposal to build a new park next to Chickasha's Rock Island Railroad depot was discussed during last night's city council meeting. Economic Development Council President Jim Cowan said he represented several groups that support the idea including the Chamber of Commerce and the non-profit Chickasha Community Foundation. Cowan said that no city funds would be requested to develop the park which could cost anywhere from $6 million to $10 million. He said private money and grants could be used including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Cowan said citizens would have input on what should be in the park and that there could be tributes to the city's history and paint a picture for the future.
Driver Hospitalized After Crashing into Barn
A Chickasha woman is hospitalized after her SUV ran off the road, crashed through a fence, and hit a barn. 68-year old Lynda Scott was last in fair condition with arm injuries at Grady Memorial Hospital. The accident happened about 2:15 p.m. Monday east of Ninnekah on State Highway 19 near Dell Street (CR 1420). The state trooper called out to investigate the accident reports that Scott may have been sleepy.
Medicare Enrollment Period Now Open
Oklahoma senior citizens are urged to take some time over the next few weeks to review their Medicare insurance plans. The open enrollment period for coverage in 2022 is open through December 7th. Ray Walker is the Director of the Medicare Assistance Program with the State Insurance Department.
Walker says the state insurance department's website is hosting a series of weekly webinars to help seniors in making their decisions. The webinars can be seen on: www.oid.ok.gov and all previous and future webinars will be available on the website.
Anadarko Schedules Proposed Walking Trail Meeting
The City of Anadarko will hold a public meeting to get input about a proposed master walking-biking trail. Anadarko has received a grant to develop the trail from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Southwestern Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization. Those attending the meeting will be able to view maps of the city; answer a brief questionnaire; and provide input on what items might be placed along the trail. The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 18th at the Anadarko Library from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Individuals who plan on attending should contact the library by calling 405-247-7351.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.44 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.33.
Natural gas is $4.99 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,779 and silver is $23.76.
Obituaries
William Green
Funeral service for William Green, 91, of Oklahoma City and formerly of Chickasha was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 19th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a pastor for more than 25 years and also was a military veteran serving in both the Army and Air Force for a total of more than 35 years.
Madison Preciado
A funeral service for Madison Preciado, of Yuma, Arizona the infant daughter of Armando and Elizabeth Preciado are pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Cynthia Webster-Long
A funeral service Cynthia Webster-Long, 59, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Monday, Oct. 18th
Chix City Council to Discuss Proposed Park
There has been some discussion over the last couple of years to create a new Chickasha park which would be located on city-owned property next to the Rock Island Railroad depot. Tonight, the Chickasha City council will discuss a proposal to lease the property to the non-profit Chickasha Community Foundation for that purpose. A draft of a proposed lease calls for the foundation to begin construction of the park within three years of when the lease might be approved and that all the projects in the park would be completed within five years of the proposed agreement. The city would lease the land to the Foundation for $10 per year. The proposal will be discussed during the Chickasha Municipal Authority portion of tonight's city council meeting. No formal action will be taken tonight.
Council to Consider Grant to Upgrade Police Department Fleet
The council is expected to give final approval to receive a grant that will allow the police department to obtain four or five SUVs to replace part of its fleet. The grant is for nearly $300,000 which will allow the department to purchase some used SUV's from the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Council to Surplus Firetrucks, Ambulances
The council is expected to approve getting rid of several old vehicles within the fire department. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego is recommending the council surplus a nearly 30-year old pumper which has not been used in two years; a nearly 20-year old pumper that was in an accident this summer and has been deemed inoperable; a nearly 15-year old ambulance that has been out of service for three years; and a six-year old ambulance that has not been in service since it was in traffic accident on the turnpike.
Sports Complex, Dog Park Issues to be Reviewed
The council is also expected to approve going out for bids to repair the sidewalk path lighting at the city's sports complex and to pay the first installment of the current construction of the new dog park at just over $26,000.
Chickasha's New City Manager to Attend First Council Meeting
New Chickasha City Manager Tyler Brooks will be in attendance for his first city council meeting tonight. He started last week and was part of the ceremony putting the city's new fire engine into service. A come-and-go reception to welcome Brooks will be held before the council meeting tonight at city hall from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Mayor Chris Mosley is expected to sign a couple of proclamations shortly after the reception and the council meeting will get underway at 6:30 p.m..
Family Injured in Crash with Anadarko Truck Driver
A woman and two children were injured in a Friday afternoon traffic accident with an Anadarko truck driver. 47-year old Kendall Willhite of Anadarko was not injured in the crash which occurred west of Hennessey. The highway patrol reports that Willhite had initially stopped at a stop sign but then pulled out in front of an oncoming SUV which hit Willhite's truck. The driver of the SUV, 30-year old Samantha Winegart of Okeene, and two children in the vehicle with her were taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. Winegart suffered an ankle injury and one child suffered head, trunk, and internal injuries. Both were in stable condition and the other child was not hurt.
Duncan Woman Awarded New Home Heating, Cooling System
A Chickasha-based company and one of its suppliers has again helped to provide a free heating and air conditioning system to an Oklahoma family. DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning spent all day Friday in Duncan installing a new system at the home of Clara Ferguson. Ferguson was selected to receive the new system with the DeHart and Lennox ‘Feel the Love’ program. Ferguson was one of many individuals nominated to receive the new HVAC system. Winners are selected based on their need and how they treat others in their communities. Sheri Rice, the regional manager for the DeHart office in Duncan, says they focus on heroes, families, and people who give of themselves and don't ask for anything in return. Ferguson said it was a blessing to receive the new system.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.28 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.86.
Natural gas is $5.41 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,761 and silver is $23.26.
Obituaries
Hope Owens
A wake service for Hope Owens, 94, of Chickasha will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 19th at Holy Name Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 20th at the church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
Betty Jo Scarbarough
A graveside service for Betty Jo Scarbarough, 94, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 20th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral home.
Bobby West
Funeral service for Bobby West, 69, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21st at Sevier Funeral Home.
