Monday, Aug. 8th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Canadian counties)
Fire Destroys Former Manufacturing Plant
A former manufacturing company in Chickasha is destroyed by an intense fire that broke out Sunday. Nearly 100 firefighters and more than 25 trucks from at least 15 departments were dispatched to the blaze at what was once Chickasha Manufacturing. Crews responded from not only the Chickasha Fire Department but also more than a dozen Grady County Volunteer departments. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego believes that 1.5 million gallons of alcohol-based hand sanitizer fueled the fire. Flames were seen from as far away as Pocasset. Samaniego said the 120,000 sq. ft. facility was filled half-way up to the ceiling with about 8,000 pallets of sanitizer. The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal's Office is helping to look into not only what caused the fire but also the storage of the hazardous liquid. An official with that agency told our partners at KWTV News 9 that the building was not permitted to be occupied. The official said they have received information that other warehouses and other large buildings are being used for warehouse storage for products being shipped in from out of state. Brannan Bordwine, the owner of the company leasing the building, told News 9 said that he was using the facility to store the hand sanitizer which was to be recycled at another location. He said they would un-box the product and separate the liquid which went into a tanker for disposal. Bordwine said he lost all of his equipment and livelihood in the fire. The fire is expected to burn for several days. The Grady County Fire Department is asking for donations of water, energy drinks, non-perishable food items, baby wipes, chapstick, eye drops, and gift cards that can be used to purchase fuel.
Chix School Board to Consider Policy Updates
Updates to the sexual harassment policy and the grading, promotion, retention, and graduation of students policy are among items up for consideration for the Chickasha School Board when that panel meets tonight. Superintendent Rick Croslin said the update to the sexual harassment policy includes new definitions from the Center for Education Law for supportive measures, reporting, and the investigation of sexual harassment matters. For the grading and promotion policy, Croslin said it is to remove a statement that is no longer needed. The school board will also consider revisions to the policy regarding student discipline, including updates to the short-term suspension appeals process. Appeals would still be conducted by a neutral site panel. The group will also consider a memorandum of understanding with the district's two unions - the Chickasha United Teaching Association and the Chickasha Association of Support Employees. It concerns hiring four teaching assistants in Kindergarten and first grade classrooms. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building. The meeting will be streamed on the school district's website.
Public Forum Set for Chix Schools' Special Bond Issues
Chickasha school officials will be holding a public forum on the Safety and Security Bond issue that will be decided by school district voters in a couple of weeks. A nearly $35 million bond proposal and a $1 million transportation bond will be reviewed during the forum set for next Monday night, August 15th at 6:00 p.m. at the school administration building at 9th and Choctaw. All the proposals for improvements to all school sites will be available and those attending will be able to ask questions about the plans. The measures will be on the Aug. 23rd primary run-off election ballot.
Chix Ward 1 Council Reps to Meet with Constituents
Chickasha residents who live in Ward 1 can meet with their city council representatives tonight. Councilors Kia Ginn and Brian Gerdes will meet with constituents for an informal session in the city council chambers at city hall tonight at 6:30. Residents can discuss any concerns and share their views about the future of the city.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.01 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $94.92.
Natural gas is $8.06 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,792 and silver is $20.09.
Obituary
Mary Ratliff
Funeral service for Mary Ratliff, 80, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
