Saturday, Nov. 13th
Hospital Officials Continue Urging COVID Vaxx
Grady Memorial Hospital officials say coronavirus numbers have declined in recent weeks. Positive test rates in the lab were down to 10 percent last month although officials say through the first two weeks of November they have increased slightly. In a hospital news release, Infection Control Specialist Brad Warden says positive tests are up to 14 percent. Hospital Chief of Staff Dr. Abby Houseman says while the numbers are moving in the right direction and the likelihood of patients getting deathly ill are low, they continue to stress the importance of vaccinations saying it's the best defense against contracting the illness. Officials say policies and practices for COVID are fluid and are continuously evolving. The hospital is monitoring and adapting to the changes and mandates related to the virus. Emergency Department Director Beth Malone said they will continue to be transparent with the public and hospital employees as changes take place to ensure everyone is kept up to date.
State Gas Prices Lowest in the Country
While gasoline prices in Oklahoma now average more than $3 a gallon officials say they are the lowest in the country. According to the website OK Energy Today the average price for a gallon of regular dropped two cents last week to $3.02. That's up about ten cents from a month ago but a year ago at this time the average price was $1.80 per gallon. Fuel prices are lowest in the Lawton area where it is $2.86 while Oklahoma City's average price is $2.98 per gallon.
Alpaca Blast-Off! Show Underway
Alpaca ranchers from across the country are in Chickasha this weekend. They are showing off their animals in an event called the Alpaca Blast Off Show. Debbie Ashley is the president of the board of directors for Alpacas of Oklahoma, a group that supports the ethical promotion of all things alpaca. Ashley says ranchers from 17 states are taking part in the event, from as far west as Washington and Oregon to as far east as Tennessee. She talks about part of the weekend activities-
She says alpacas are gentle and an easy livestock to raise. They are sheared about once a year and the fleece is used to make sweaters, gloves, scarves, socks and other items. The show runs through tomorrow at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Admission is free and there are a number of vendors who have alpaca products for sale.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive Begins
The Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo Counties has begun it's red kettle campaign which will run through the upcoming holidays. The first kettle of the Christmas season opened at Williams Foods in downtown Chickasha yesterday. Look for the familiar red kettles in Chickasha, Anadarko, and Newcastle in the coming days and weeks. Officials hope to collect more than $50,000 in these local red kettle drives and more than $115,000 overall with all the funds staying in the Grady and Caddo County area. Individuals and groups who would like to volunteer to ring the bells can go on-line to: www.registertoring.com and pick the days and times to help. The Salvation Army also hires part-time help to ring bells. Get more information from the Salvation Army's website or Facebook page.
Obituaries
Marla Howell
Funeral service for Marla Howell of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November at Bible Baptist Church. She was a long-time Realtor with Century 21-Mosley Real Estate. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Carolyn Hatchett
Funeral service Carolyn Hatchett, 81, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 16th at Parkview Christian Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Friday, Nov. 12th
Grady County Veterans Honored
For the first time since the pandemic, a ceremony honoring the area’s military veterans was held yesterday at the Grady County Veterans Memorial in Chickasha’s Shannon Springs Park. The guest speaker was U.S. Army Sgt. Major James Hesston of Rush Springs (Ret) who also served in the Army National Guard-
Hesston said that most veterans would be ready to return to active duty if called to do so-
Sherrie Lewis with the Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee said the day marked the 26th anniversary of the dedication of the memorial. Lewis also said there are local support groups for veterans including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Disabled American Veterans and that both groups meet monthly.
Amber Farm Earns Recognition
A Grady County farm family is recognized for its work. Steve and Donna Standridge were named the District Three Farm Family of the Year by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. The Standridges operate a fourth-generation farm in the Amber area. They grow alfalfa, wheat, corn, and forage sorghums used primarily for their stocker cattle operation and grow yard. Steve Standridge said they want to be known for selling a quality product of cattle - because in the end your name is what you have to sell, and if you have a quality product, buyers will come back over and over again. The Standridges are certified in the Beef Quality Assurance program. Steve said there is no more nobler profession than one in agriculture and helping to feed the world. Donna said they could retire but they enjoy what they do and look to meet new challenges every day.
Kiowa Tribe to Hold Ground-Breaking for Hobart Casino
The Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma will be breaking ground on a new casino today. The casino will be built in Hobart and it will be its fourth casino joining other locations in Verden, Carnegie, and near Devol in southwestern Oklahoma. The Kiowa Tribe and the Hobart Economic Development Council worked for several years to arrange for property in Hobart's industrial park to be used. The Lawton Constitution cites chief operating officer Jon Peters as saying it’s an exciting new page for tribal members, many of whom live in the Hobart area. Plans are to build a 17,000 sq. ft. facility that will have slot machines, table games, a restaurant, and a gift shop. It's expected to employ up to 160 people and bring in more than 300,000 customers each year, with gross revenue projections of $13 million per year.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Debbie Ashley, the president of the Alpaca Association of Oklahoma will be on our KOOL Konversation program talking about the Alpaca industry and the National Alpaca Blast Off being held in Chickasha this weekend. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.59 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.87 per barrel.
Natural gas is $5.15 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,850 and silver is $24.96.
Obituary
Barbara Schmidt
Funeral service for Barbara Schmidt, 76, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 15th at the Plainview Mennonite Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Thursday, Nov. 11th
America Pays Tribute to Military Veterans
America pauses today to honor veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Initially called Armistice Day it marked the end of World War One with the signing of the armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Veterans Day pays tribute to all veterans living or dead and is a time to give thanks to those who served honorably whether in a military conflict or peace-time. Among the Veterans Day ceremonies today, The Oklahoma Veterans Recognition Committee will hold a ceremony at the Grady County Veterans Memorial in Shannon Springs Park. Guest speaker is James Hesston, retired Army Sgt. Major. On Saturday, the City of Blanchard will have a Veterans Day parade. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs thank all veterans for their service. Director Joel Kintsel said the freedoms we enjoy as Oklahomans and Americans exist because of their willingness to serve, and encourages all to reflect, respect, and honor veterans and show appreciation of the courage, commitment, and sacrifices the veterans freely gave to the country.
Two Injured in Armored Car Rollover
A Chickasha man is one of two people hospitalized following the crash of an armored car. 30-year old Evander Yanito was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital with internal and external injuries and was last in stable condition. A passenger, 30-year old Nicole Gonzales of Oklahoma City was also last in stable condition. The accident happened northwest of Kingfisher about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The highway patrol said Yanito was driving the armored car. The trooper investigating the accident said it was raining at the time and the vehicle ran off the road and rolled. Yanito was pinned inside the vehicle for an unknown amount of time.
Woman Sought in Alleged Attack on her Mother
Caddo County authorities are looking for an Anadarko woman wanted for an alleged attack on her mother. An arrest warrant was issued for 27-year old Mackenzie Cook after authorities say she assaulted her mom and threatened to burn her house down. The warrant is for felony burglary and misdemeanor charges of assault and battery, threatening to perform acts of violence, and vandalism. The Lawton Constitution cites court documents indicating the assault took place Oct. 21st. The documents indicate the two women initially got into a minor altercation at a casino and later the confrontation turned physical at the home of Cook's parents. Cook told investigators that her mother started the fight at the home but prosecutors have not filed any charges against her.
'Rhythmic Circus' to Perform Tonight
A combination of dancing, music, and humor hits the stage at USAO tonight. Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Rhythmic Circus is the second performance for the university's Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series. The group is an internationally renowned 12-member live music and tap dance ensemble which brings a high-energy show with a lot of positive messages. The show is sold out but some limited-seating tickets will be available.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.34 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.64.
Natural gas is $4.88 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,864 and silver is $25.14.
Obituaries
Matthew Adair
Funeral service for Matthew Adair, 48, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 12th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Otto Kuhlman
A private graveside service for Otto Kuhlman, 104, of Tuttle will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 13th at the Evergreen Cemetery in Minco. He was a U.S. military veteran having served during World War Two.
Kathryn Bayne
A graveside service for Kathryn Bayne, 81, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 Monday, Nov. 15th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Wednesday, Nov. 10th
Chix Sales Tax Revenue Holding its Own
Sales tax revenue for the City of Chickasha is holding fairly steady as officials hope the numbers will eventually return to pre-COVID levels. November receipts from the State Tax Commission show Chickasha received just over $1 million in sales tax revenue. That’s based on a 30-day period from mid-September through mid-October. That number is down about 5.7 percent from last month but it is up more than 12 percent compared to the same period a year ago. The number is slightly lower than the same period in November of 2019 in the weeks before the pandemic. The sales tax revnue represents consumer spending of about $27 million at retail outlets during that 30-day period. We also have updated numbers from the city's hotel-motel tax which shows just over $57,000 collected in August. That's up about 1 percent from July but down more than 17 percent compared to last year.
Gas Line 'Rupture' Exercise Set Today
Grady County first responders will get their skills tested today. Grady County emergency management officials are teaming with pipeline company Targa Resources to conduct an emergency response exercise. Crews will respond to a report of a ruptured gas line east of Chickasha in the Tabler-Naples area between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. David McQuade with Targa Resources says these exercises are held to insure that in the rare instance a problem might occur that procedures in place are effective to protect people and property. Fire departments, the sheriff’s office, and police departments will all be taking part in today's drill.
Caddo County Voters OK Ambulance Sales Tax Extension
Caddo County voters give their overwhelming approval to extend a county-wide sales tax that funds the county ambulance service. The measure passed with 85 percent of the vote, 620 to 104. The sales tax is a one-quarter-of-a-penny sales tax which will be extended through June of 2027. Voters in Ft. Cobb and Hydro approved 25-year extensions for Public Service Company of Oklahoma. Ft Cobb voters passed the extension with every single vote, 46-0. Hydro voters passed the extension, 41-1.
Chix Public School Foundation Awards Annual Grants
There are a lot of happy teachers and students in Chickasha schools. The Chickasha Public School Foundation issued its annual fall grants, distributing $40,000 to purchase equipment and needed supplies. Foundation Director Gab Shepard says the Foundation presented grants to teachers in every school - nine at Grand Elementary; seven at the high school; five each at Bill Wallace and the Middle School; and four at Lincoln School. The largest grants issued were $5,000 each to the Robotics program and to the middle school to use towards the purchases of a new projector and screen for the auditorium. Shepard said there were a total of 42 grant requests submitted for nearly $78,000 in projects. The Foundation has provided $940,000 in grants throughout its 35 year history.
Funeral set for Chiropractor 'Doc' Adams
Longtime Chickasha chiropractor ‘Doc’ Adams has died. Adams was 67 when he passed away at his home Sunday. Born in New Zealand, Richard Adams moved to the U.S. in the late 1970s and graduated from Palmer School of Chiropractic in Iowa. He opened his Chickasha office in 1982 and served patients for nearly 40 years. He played rugby at OU. The funeral service for ‘Doc’ Adams will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 11th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
New Member Appointed to Anadarko School Board
A new member was sworn in to serve on the Anadarko board of education Monday night. The panel appointed Clarissa DeVilla to fill the Office No. 5 post which was vacant. Devilla takes the seat previously held by Derrell Sanders who stepped down as he moved out of state. DeVilla will fill the post until April of 2022. The school board also approved the retirement of long-time maintenance director David Webb. He's retiring next month after a 30-year career with the district.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.15 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.78.
Natural gas is $4.98 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,825 and silver is $24.20
Obituaries
Brent Hughes
A graveside service for Brent Hughes, 70, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 12th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Kevin Hair
A memorial service for Kevin Hair, 65, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 13th at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Tuesday, Nov. 9th
Caddo County Voters to Decide
Ambulance Sales Tax Extension
Today is election day in some Oklahoma communities. There's a county-wide election in Caddo County where voters are being asked to continue a one-fourth-of-a-penny sales tax to fund the county ambulance service. Anadarko voters who normally cast ballots at the Anadarko hospital will instead be voting at the OSU Extension office. Residents in Ft. Cobb and Hydro are voting on the extension of franchise agreements with Public Service Company of Oklahoma. If approved, the agreements would be extended 25 years. Polls will be open until 7 o'clock tonight.
Starbucks Sign Discussed Again in Council Work Session
Could the Chickasha City Council re-consider its decision to deny a popular coffee shop an over-sized sign? Last week, the council voted unanimously to approve a re-zoning request that would allow Starbucks to build a new store near Highway 81 and the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. However, the council unanimously denied the restaurant's request for a variance to install an 80-foot sign in order to attract traffic off of the turnpike. The city has a maximum height restriction of 45 feet - however McDonald's, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens all have signs that are well above that restriction. A representative of Vaquero Ventures, the parent company of Starbucks, told the council last week that the 80-foot sign was a make-or-break-deal for the coffee shop to open a local store. The issue came up during a city council work session last night. The Chickasha Express-Star reports that a different representative of Starbucks' parent company discussed the benefits of the taller sign, pointing out that a 2018 traffic study indicated that 22,000 vehicles travel on the turnpike every day, and that the location could attract other businesses. The newspaper report says that City Manager Tyler Brooks is recommending approval of the Starbucks sign along with a revision of the city's sign ordinance. The city council is expected to reconsider its decision during the Nov. 15th council meeting.
CV Tech Program Receives Grant
One of the programs on the Chickasha campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center receives a grant to help students. The Precision Machining class picked up a $12,000 grant from the California-based Gene Haas Foundation. Haas is the founder of a machine tool manufacturing company who also has a presence in motorsports including NASCAR and Formula One racing. The grant will be used to purchase industry-standard tools, and provide tuition and book assistance.
Veteran Teacher, USAO Alumni Director Passes Away
The longtime director of the USAO Alumni association and area high school teacher has died. Myrtle Stevens was 96-years old when she passed away at her Gracemont home last Thursday. She earned a bachelor's degree at the Oklahoma College for Women, a master’s degree from OU, then earned another bachelor's degree from USAO. She taught at Ninnekah, Riverside, and Gracemont high schools and at USAO. She was the alumni director for USAO for 12 years and the university's alumni house is named in her honor. Funeral service for Myrtle Stevens will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 10th at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Anadarko.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.93 per barrel.
London-based Brent Crude is $83.43.
Natural gas is $5.42 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,825 and silver is $24.48.
Obituaries
Kevin Joe Hansens
Funeral service for Kevin Joe Hansens, 62, of Amber will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday November 11th at the Pocasset First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Lois Singletary
Funeral service for Lois Singletary, 95, of Tuttle will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 11th at Snowhill Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
Sharon Pennington
Funeral service for Sharon Pennington, 58, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 13th at Full Gospel Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Monday, Nov. 8th
Fatal Pedestrian-Pickup Accident Under Investigation
State troopers are continuing their investigation of an accident where a pedestrian died after being hit by a pick-up. The highway patrol reports that 72-year old Johnie Adams of Tuttle was pronounced dead after being taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. The accident happened about 6:45 p.m. Sunday about a half-mile south of Highway 37 on Sara Road. The driver of the pick-up, 52-year old Brad Lewis of Blanchard was not hurt. The trooper called out to the accident said the conditions of both men are still under investigation. Lewis was wearing his seatbelt. The roadway was closed for more than an hour following the accident.
Chix Schools Admission Policy to be Updated
A revision of Chickasha schools admission, transfer, and withdrawal policy will be considered by the board of education tonight. Officials are expected to approve the revisions as they are in conjunction with a new student transfer law that goes into effect on January 1st. The panel will also consider a proposed contract with an Oklahoma City firm to help officials begin working on the planning for a proposed bond issue which is expected to be presented to school district patrons next spring. Superintendent Rick Croslin is asking the school board to use $27,000 in the district’s building fund to contract with LWPB Architecture. Officials with the firm would tour all district buildings, evaluate existing programs, and meet with staff to discuss options of needs and possible future remodeling and expansion. The school board is also to recognize Tish Kennedy and Sue Stuke of Lincoln School as the Chicken Express employees of the month. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building. The meeting will also be streamed on the school district's website.
Appointee May be Named to Anadarko School Board
A new school board member is expected to be appointed to the Anadarko board of education tonight. The panel is filling a vacant post for Office No. 5 which was previously held by Derrell Sanders. The Anadarko school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the Anadarko school administration office.
Chickasha Chamber Readies for 'Buy Chickasha' Campaign
Many individuals have already started their gift shopping for the upcoming holidays. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will again be offering a program to encourage individuals to shop with local merchants. This will be the third straight year for the Buy Chickasha campaign where this year $12,000 in gift cards will be given away. There will be three main drawings with the top prize being $5,000 in gift cards. No purchase is necessary. Individuals can get one ticket into the drawing from each participating merchant simply by stopping in and asking for one. Customers will get one additional ticket into the drawing for every $10 in merchandise purchased at each participating store, up to 100 tickets per purchase. Participants must be at least 18 years old. The Buy Chickasha campaign starts Monday, November 15th and runs through Sunday, December 12th. The drawings will be live on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page on Monday, December 13th at 3:00 p.m. Winners will have 24 hours to claim their prizes or other names will be selected.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.27 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.74.
Natural gas is $5.51 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,816 and silver is $24.26.
Obituary
Jack Mink
Funeral service for Jack Mick, 80, of Blanchard and formerly of Cement will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 10th at the Cement First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
