Forgot Password

Not a Member? Sign up here!

Mollman Media News

2022, Oct. 10th-15th

Saturday, Oct. 15th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

 

Truck Driver Hospitalized Following Crash

A Blanchard truck driver is hospitalized after his big rig hit a car then ran off the road and overturned. 71-year old Lewis McConnell was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital with head, arm, and leg injuries and was last in stable condition. The accident happened just before 3:00 p.m. Friday on State Highway 17 about 4 ½ miles west of Rush Springs. The highway patrol reports that McConnell was eastbound on the highway when a car pulled out in front him from a private drive. McConnell hit the car, ran off the highway, and the semi rolled onto its driver's side. McConnell was pinned in the cab for more than an hour and a half. The driver of the car, 68-year old Kathy Christian of Marlow, was taken to a Duncan hospital in a private vehicle where she was treated and released. The roadway was closed for more than four hours after the crash.

 

Workers Dies After Strange Oilfield Site Accident

A bizarre accident at an oilfield site near Dibble claimed the life of man last weekend. KWTV News 9 cites McClain County officials as saying the accident occurred south of Dibble near State Highway 76 and what is known as Peanut Road. Authorities said the man was standing near a load of unknown materials. The rigging on the load broke causing the materials to fall on the victim and trapping him underneath. It was the second oilfield related fatality in the area in less than a week. 20-year old Tanner Snider of Alex died in an oilfield accident west of Ninnekah just a few days before.

 

Teen Killed in Traffic Accident Memorialized at Football Games

A high school football player who died in a traffic accident is remembered as a gentle giant. 17-year old Tristan Manning of Lindsay died last Sunday when he hit an oncoming semi that was attempting to turn in front of him. He was a junior at Lindsay high school and died just a few days before his 18th birthday. Manning played both football and basketball for Lindsay and also excelled in the classroom. The Lindsay football team had a huge game scheduled with Washington this week and the team and school officials decided to play the game because that's what Tristan would have wanted. At least one other area football game held a moment of silence to honor Tristan. The Blanchard Lions recognized him Thursday night before their game with Classen SAS.

 

ARPA Funds to Help Upgrades at State's Air and Space Port

A state senator is looking to better utilize the Clinton-Sherman Industrial Park in western Oklahoma. Sen. Darcy Jech (R-Kingfisher) says some ARPA funds are being directed to the site which is  also known as the Oklahoma Air and Space Port. Jech says the runway is the longest and widest in the country which is ideal for military and civilian use. Two U.S. Air Force bases use it for flight training and the highway patrol has driver training there. There are three water wells on site that provide water to the area and a waste water treatment facility all in need of upgrades. The funds will help offset the cost of maintaining the concrete runway and allow for renovations to buildings and hangars. Jech says the ultimate hope is that commercial businesses take interest in the park.

 

---

 

Friday, Oct. 14th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Another Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested

Grady County's Drug Enforcement Administration officer makes another drug trafficking arrest.  Authorities arrested 43-year old Lacey Nicole Montgomery this week. Deputy Jim Peek with the Grady County Sheriff's office arrested Montgomery early Thursday morning. A press release from the sheriff's office indicates that authorities were dispatched to the U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 19 junction late Wednesday regarding an individual who allegedly overdosed after taking a counterfeit painkiller laced with fentanyl. First responders had given the victim Narcan and took her to the hospital. The victim told investigators that she allegedly purchased the pills from Montgomery. Peek and Ninnekah police went to Montgomery's home where she was arrested. The victim also claimed she had been buying fentanyl-laced pills from Ronnie Null who was arrested earlier in the week in connection with a previous investigation. Montgomery has already served time for previous arrest. She was arrested and charged for distribution in 2016 and pleaded guilty in 2018. Court records show she was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 10 years suspended but it wasn't clear when she was released. Montgomery is facing new charges of trafficking and distribution. She remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $300,000 bond.

 

Supect Arrested Following Child Porn Investigation

A child porn investigation leads to the arrest of a Chickasha man. 21-year old Zachary Quaid Wikel was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon. A probable cause affidavit indicates that in August of last year, the OSBI received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about an individual who was downloading child pornography from the Internet. The affidavit indicates the FBI also was investigating child porn allegations against Wikel. Investigators traced the illicit material to Wikel's IP address. Authorities asked that Wikel be charged with two counts each of possession and distribution of child porn. At his initial appearance in Grady County District Court yesterday prosecutors charged Wikel with just one count of having the graphic material. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

 

Officials Close Attic to Grady County Courthouse

Officials at the Grady County Courthouse have closed the attic of the building to the general public due to safety concerns. County commissioners this week approved the recommendation to close the attic by county safety director Bobby Cantu. The Express-Star reports that Cantu said the attic has become hazardous due to the clutter, taped-up wires everywhere, low ceilings, and running water and gas pipes. Plus, the records are inaccessible for people who are unable to navigate the area. Cantu suggested that public records that are currently in the attic be moved to a safer location for the public and county employees. Cantu suggests that many of the paper documents could be digitized to minimize storage overall.

 

State Rep Appointed to National Education Panel

State Representative Dick Lowe has been named to a national education group. The Amber Republican will serve with a group known as the Education Commission of the States. It is an agency that brings together policymakers across the country to create more effective education policy. Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Lowe to the panel. In a prepared statement, Lowe said it's vitally important that we have well-researched policies in place to help Oklahoma children succeed and he looks forward to serving in his new role. Lowe is the vice chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education and also serves on the House Common Education, and the Higher Education and Career Tech committees.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.11 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $94.57.

Natural gas is $6.74 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,661 and silver is $18.73.

 

---

 

Thursday, Oct. 13th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

OSBI Investigates Body Found in Rural Grady County

Agents with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Iinvestigation (OSBI) have been called in to look into the report of a body found in a vehicle near Cement. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess said the sheriff's office got a call Wednesday morning about an SUV found in a field on County Street 2780 south of U.S. Highway 277 east of Cement. A body inside the Honda Oddyssey was in an advanced stage of decomposition. The state medical examiner was called in but there was no immediate word on how the individual may have died. Boggess said authorities are looking into the possibility that the body may be linked to a missing persons case out of Pottawatomie County. An individual was reported missing from that area in early September.

 

PSO Begins Street Light Replacement Project

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) in the process of replacing all the street lights in the communities the utility serves. Spokesman Tim Hushbeck says crews will be changing out the lights in Chickasha early next year.

 

              

 

Hushbeck said there are more than 1,100 street lights in Chickasha. They'll be switching to LED lights which are brighter, use less energy, and are more durable.

 

Chix Fire Chief Completes Leadership Training

Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego recently completed an extensive training program for fire chiefs. Samaniego attended the Oklahoma Executive Fire Official Leadership program. Samaniego said about 25 fire chiefs completed the 160 hours of training using curriculum from the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute. It was developed to bring the concepts of leadership and ethics to the forefront of an individual’s career. Topics included Ethics and the Challenge of Leadership, Ethical Leadership in Organizations, and Development of a Personal Philosophy of Leadership and Ethics. The program took place over several months.

 

Antique Auto Club's Fall Swap Meet Underway

Chickasha's population will grow exponentially over the next few days as the fall swap meet hosted by the Chickasha Antique Auto Club is underway. Organizers say it’s the largest swap meet of its kind in the state. It brings together antique auto enthusiasts not only from across the country but around the world – many of whom are looking for hard-to-find parts to use in their restoration projects. Even fully restored vehicles will be featured and perhaps find a new home. It's for all transportation related items, including muscle cars, street rods, and special interest vehicles. The swap meet runs through Saturday. It's held at the auto club's 35-acre site next to the Grady County Fairgrounds and there are vendors at the fairgrounds as well. Admission is free. Paid parking benefits local charities.

 

USAO to Hold Technology Workshop for Girls

5th and 6th grade girls in the region will have an opportunity to perform science experiments and take part in other hands-on engineering projects. USAO will be hosting its annual Women in Science and Technology workshop. Led by Dr. Jeanette Loutsch, the students will have seven different work stations featuring projects in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. All the instructors are women as they work to encourage students to consider a non-traditional career. There is a $5 registration fee and while snacks will be provided throughout the day, students should bring a sack lunch. The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 5th starting at 8 a.m. Space is limited so advance registration is requested although walk-ins will be welcome. Register on line at usao.edu/wts

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.27 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $92.45.

Natural gas is $6.43 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,682 and silver is $19.14.

 

Obituary

Earl ‘Skip’ Caldwell

A graveside service for Earl ‘Skip’ Caldwell, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

---

 

Wednesday, Oct. 12th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Three Suspects Arrested for Alleged Drug Distribution

(EDITOR'S NOTE - This story has been updated from the story that aired on the 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. news)

We have an update to a story we first aired this morning about the arrests of suspects for alleged drug distribution. Authorities arrested three people Monday afternoon on drug complaints. A probable cause affidavit indicates that Lt. Jim Peek with the Grady County Sheriff's Office, who is assigned as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration, made contact with a confidential informant to purchase counterfeit painkillers laced with fentanyl. The informant arranged a purchase in a residential area not far from Washita Valley Park. Following the buy, officers pulled over a vehicle the suspects were in and made the arrests. Arrested were 38-year old Lana Marie Kiplinger, 42-year old Ronnie Dean Null, and 26-year old Brandon Lee Freeman, all of  Chickasha. Kiplinger and Null have both been charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS within 2,000 feet of a park. Kiplinger is also charged with having contraband in jail. Freeman has been charged with endeavoring and conspiring to deliver or manufacture CDS. Kiplinger and Freeman are both being held in the Grady County Jail on $250,000 bond each. Null is being held on a $50,000 bond.

 

Sheriff's Office Employee Earns State Honor

A long-time employee of the Grady County Sheriff's Office receives a state award. Sabra Martin was named the Administrative Assistant of the Year at the recent Oklahoma Sheriff's Association annual banquet. A post on the Grady County Sheriff's Office Facebook page says she has a lot of different duties and is a vital asset to the day-to-day operations of the office.

 

Duncan Author to Headline Historical Society Event

A regional author will again headline the annual Grady County Historical Society annual meeting and banquet. Duncan author and historian John Dwyer is back to discuss his newest book. The annual meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 7th at 6:30 at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Reservations are needed by Tuesday, Nov. 1st. For information, contact Pat Cunningham at the Grady County Historical Society Museum in Downtown Chickasha.

 

GMH Foundation Schedules Golf Scramble Benefit

The Grady Memorial Hospital Foundation is getting ready for its annual benefit golf scramble. The event will be held at the Chickasha Golf and Country Club on Friday, Oct. 21st. There are morning and afternoon flights available. Entry is $125 per player and there are several levels of sponsorship. The foundation is a non-profit group separate from hospital operations and relies on the generosity of donors to assist the medical services and programs at Grady Memorial. Entry fees and corporation sponsorships are all tax deductible. For information contact Amber at 405-779-2266.

 

Entries Sought for Blanchard's 'Blowin' Smoke Cook-off'

Calling all competitive barbecuers. The 4th annual Blowin' Smoke Cook-off will be held in Blanchard. The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 22nd at Lion's Park. $800 in prize money will be awarded to the top barbecue cookers with $500 going to the first place team. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, Oct. 19th. Entry fee is $150 per two-person team and teams should contact the Blanchard Chamber of Commerce to sign up. The day gets started at 2:30 with a cornhole tournament, plus there will be live music and a beer garden. Individuals can purchase a wristband to sample the barbecue. The wristbands will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids and you can vote for your favorite. The judging starts at 3:30 p.m. and the tasting will start at 4:30 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.35 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $94.29.

Natural gas is $6.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,676 and silver is $19.21.

 

Obituaries

Gene Melies

A graveside service for Gene Melies, 68, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14th at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Terry Bogle

Funeral service for Terry Bogle, 60, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14th at First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Donna Metcalf

No service is scheduled for Donna Metcalf, 75, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

---

 

Tuesday, Oct. 11th

(Burn bans remain in effect in Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Grady County Burn Ban Extended

A burn ban in Grady County has been continued. County Commissioners this morning approved extending the burn ban through next Tuesday, Oct. 18th. While afternoon highs have been in the 60s, 70s, and low 80s the last several days and there has some rain showers, much of the region has received less than one-half inch of rain. Officials in one nearby county allowed a burn ban to expire. Burn bans are also still in effect for Garvin Stephens, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties. For a map of all Oklahoma counties under burn bans go to:

www.okforestry.maps.arcgis.com

 

OSBI Seeks Info on Anadarko Cold Case

The OSBI is seeking information regarding a cold case out of Anadarko. Ruth Lucille Lee, 31, suffered a violent death more than 50 years ago. The agency posted on its Facebook page that Lee's body was discovered in her apartment on September 25th, 1972. She had been stabbed and strangled to death. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSBI. Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to: www.osbi.ok.gov or by calling 800-522-8017.

 

Suspect Accused of Embezzling from Former Employer

A Chickasha man is accused of embezzling from his former employer. An arrest warrant for 20-year old Elijah Wayland was issued Sept. 28th and Grady County deputies picked him up last week. A probable cause affidavit shows that officials with the E-Z Go Convenience Store on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike allege that Wayland embezzled thousands of dollars from the store between October and December of last year. Store officials had video surveillance that allegedly show Wayland taking money out the safe drop box and several registers. Wayland is facing a felony charge of embezzlement and he remains in the Grady County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

 

Public Hearing Set for Chix Land Development Code

The Chickasha Planning Commission will hold a public hearing today to discuss a Land Development Code. The code is designed to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of residents and to bring about coordinated and economic development of the city. The Planning Commission meets at 4 o'clock this afternoon at City Hall.

City Council to Discuss Land Development Code;

Consider Recognizing 1930s Lynching Victim

After the planning commission's public hearing on the Land Development Code the draft will be considered during a special work session of the city council tonight. The city council will meet at 6 o'clock at city hall. The council will also discuss a proposed resolution commemorating the life of Henry Argo. Argo was reportedly killed in the last known lynching in Oklahoma in May of 1930 which took place in Chickasha. Argo - who was black - was accused of an attack against a white woman and her child. No one was ever arrested for Argo’s murder.

 

ODOT Seeks Comment on Goldsby Project

The State Department of Transportation is seeking input on a proposal to replace the State Highway 74 bridge at I-35 in Goldsby. Initial plans are to widen I-35 to six lanes and bring the interchange up to current standards. A virtual open house - which includes short videos that detail some of the design options - is available on ODOT's website. Go to:

www.odot.org/SH74Goldsby

The deadline to submit public comments is Monday, Oct. 31st.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.13 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $96.18.

Natural gas is $6.43 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,668 and silver is $19.25.

 

Obituary

Bettie Jo Higgins

A memorial service for Bettie Jo Higgins, 90, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

---

 

Monday, Oct. 10th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Teenager Dies in Crash with Semi

A Lindsay teenager has died after the SUV he was driving hit a semi. The accident happened on State Highway 76 about a mile south of Lindsay just after 2:00 p.m. Sunday. The unidentified 17-year old was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was pronounced dead. The highway patrol reports that the teen was northbound on the highway when a southbound semi attempted to turn onto a county road. The teen hit the semi head on. The driver of the semi, 52-year old Travis Christensen and a passenger, 37-year old Keisha Nitz, both of Washington, OK were not injured. The highway patrol is still investigating the fatal crash.

 

Motorcycle Crashes Injure Riders;

Two Accidents Involved Animals

There have been three motorcycle accidents in the region over the last few days and two of them involved animals. Sunday afternoon, a  motorcycle hit a cow on  State Highway 39 west of Dibble. 32-year old Jesse Foster of Oklahoma City was westbound on the highway about four miles west of the Dibble Crossroads when he hit the animal. Foster was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital by Chickasha EMS where he was admitted in fair condition with head, arm, leg, and trunk injuries. He was wearing his helmet. Last Thursday, 48-year old Glendon Smith of Marlow hit a deer on a county road west of Marlow. He was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and was last in critical condition. Saturday night, a motorcycle rider crashed when he failed to go around a curve in the east part of Chickasha near Jungle Ice Fun Zone. Chickasha police are still investigating that crash. The unidentified driver was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and authorities say he was last in critical condition.

 

Woman Jailed Again in Connection with Neglect Case

Officials want to revoke the probation of a woman who pleaded guilty to neglecting her elderly father. A warrant was issued last week for the arrest of 50-year old Kristal June Lee. She was taken into custody last Thursday evening. Lee pleaded guilty in 2020 to a felony charge of neglect stemming from a 2019 case where she left her 80-year old father alone. He suffered from dementia. Lee was sentenced to seven years in prison with five years suspended. Lee remains in jail on a $20,000 bond.

 

Roof Repairs May Soon Begin on Some Chix Schools

Work on some of the first projects associated with the passage of the Chickasha Public Schools Safety and Security bond could get started soon. The Board of Education is expected to approve more than $4.7 million in roof repairs and replacements when the panel meets tonight. The group will discuss a proposed contract with Exterior Solutions Group of Edmond for the roofs on the high school, the middle school, and Lincoln School. The panel will also consider updating school policy for service animals for students and staff. Service animals can only be dogs that are certified as service animals, and not animals that may be considered emotional support or therapy animals. The panel is also to recognize the Chicken Express Employees of the Month. The certified employee is Lindsey Kemp and the support employee is Ashley Nitzinger both of Grand Elementary. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school district’s administration office. The meeting will be live-streamed on the school district's website through YouTube.

 

Chix City-Wide Clean-Up Campaign Underway

The City of Chickasha is beginning a week-long fall clean-up campaign today. The city, Waste Connections, and the Economic Development Council are combining efforts for the clean-up. Residents are encouraged to take bulky and unwanted items to the city's Public Works Department where there will be several large roll-off dumpsters. The site will be open extended hours throughout the week - from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. today through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. It doesn't cost anything to dispose of the items but residents will have to show a utility bill. Items that cannot be dropped off include tires, batteries, motor oil, hazardous chemicals and materials, pesticides, paint, and appliances with Freon. Limbs and brush are allowed although no contractors are allowed.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $92.64 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $97.92.

Natural gas is $6.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,688 and silver is $19.82.

 

Obituary

Alfretta Boardingham-Gill

A graveside service for Alfretta Boardingham-Gill, 77, of Oklahoma City and formerly of Anadarko and Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11th at Memory Lane Cemetery in Anadarko. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Weather

Recently Played