Saturday, Oct. 29th
(Burn ban remains in effect for Oklahoma County)
Biker Hospitalized After Crash
A motorcycle rider is in fair condition after crashing his bike. 22-year old Jace Tunstall of Blanchard was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in fair condition with head, arm, leg, and trunk injuries. He was not wearing a helmet. The accident happened just after 11:15 p.m. Friday about a half-mile south of Tuttle on CS 2980. It wasn't clear what happened although it had been raining much of the evening and the roadway was wet. The highway patrol reports that officials are still investigating the accident.
Grady County Jury Duty Canceled Next Week
Grady county residents who received a summons for jury duty next week are off the hook. Officials at the Grady County courthouse say the jury docket has been canceled.
Refuge Considers Building Cell Phone Tower
Officials with the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are considering building a cell phone tower in the refuge. Authorities are seeking public comment on the proposal. They say the tower would be valuable to help with emergency responses and improve communication throughout the refuge as there is limited cell service in the area. The tower would support multiple cellular carriers, radio equipment, and provide fiber-optic cable for use at the visitor's center and new administrative and maintenance complex. The proposal is to build a 320-foot tower southeast of State Highways 49 and 115 just east of the visitors center. A draft of the proposal is available on the refuge website fws.gov/media or you can e-mail: wmr_publiccomments@fws.gov
Public comments need to be submitted by midnight on Monday, Nov. 28th.
Report: Feds Concerned About Texas Power Grid
There are concerns that the power grid south of the Red River is no stronger or better than when it nearly collapsed during the Polar Vortex that occurred in February of 2021. The Polar Vortex brought an extended period of sub-zero temperatures to Oklahoma, Texas and many states in middle America. The website OK Energy Today cites a report from the Austin American-Statesman that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission says the grid is just as vulnerable now as it was more than a year and a half ago. The Texas Public Utility Commission denies the report with one official saying it contains inaccuracies.
State Rig Count Steady
The number of rigs searching for oil and gas in Oklahoma is holding steady. Baker Hughes is reporting that the Sooner State added one more rig this week which bring the total to 66. That's an improvement from the same time a year ago when the rig count was only 43. There are a few rigs going up in the Chickasha area. There is one northwest of Ninnekah near the U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 19 junction. Two rigs are going up east of Chickasha with a site is under construction just east of the H.E. Bailey and U.S. Highway 62 intersection. Another is near the U.S. Highway 62 and State Highway 92 junction.
'Haunted Hotel' Open One Night Only
For those of you wanting a little scare in your Hallowe'en weekend the USAO Art Wrecker Studio is hosting a Haunted Hotel tonight. The Art Wrecker studio is on Chickasha Avenue next to MidFirst Bank. Admission is $12 at the door and it will be open for those who dare to enter from 7 to 10 o'clock tonight.
Anadarko Chamber to Host Trunk-or-Treat
Ghosts and ghouls, princesses and pirates and others are welcome to a trunk-or-treat event in Anadarko tonight. The Anadarko Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event in the parking lot of Warrior Fieldhouse near the high school. Businesses, tribal groups, churches, and others are welcome to set up a spot to provide treats for the kiddos. There's no need to contact anyone to reserve a space just show up and decorate your area. One trunk-or-treat vendor will receive a gift basket of $100 in items and gift cards from Anadarko area merchants. Trunk-or-Treat in Anadarko runs from 6 to 8 p.m.
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Friday, Oct. 28th
(Burn ban remains in effect for Oklahoma County)
Many Oklahoma Counties Said to be 'Child Care Deserts'
Grady County and others in the region are among 34 counties that are considered to be child care deserts. A child care desert is identified as an area where there is not enough licensed child care operations to support the needs of working families. McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, Comanche, and Garvin counties are also considered to be child care deserts. The state Department of Human Services has grants available to help increase accessibility to quality child care in those areas. The grants can be used to create new child care programs or help existing programs increase their licensed capacities. Applications for the grants will be accepted through July 31st of next year or until funds are depleted. For information visit the website: www.okchildcaregrants.com
Crash Sends Three People to Hospitals
Three people are hospitalized after two vehicles collide near Elgin. 78-year old Renate Goucher of Chickasha was last in critical condition while 70-year Marvel Goucher of Verden and 73-year old Betty Cade of Lawton were both last in fair condition. The accident happened just before noon yesterday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 277 and Porter Hill Road about four miles west of Elgin. The highway patrol reports that the Gouchers were in a vehicle that was westbound on the highway and failed to stop at a stop sign. Their car was hit by a van driven by Cade. Renate Goucher was air-lifted to a Wichita Falls hospital. Marvel Goucher and Cade were taken by separate ground ambulances to a Lawton hospital. The trooper investigating the crash says inattention to driving may have led to the crash. All three individuals were wearing their seatbelts.
Chickasha Library Programs
Here are a couple of items from the Chickasha Public Library. The Friends of the Library used book sale wraps up this weekend. A lot of materials are available including books of fiction for all ages, non-fiction books, DVDs, books on CD, and reference materials. All proceed will be used to purchase new books and materials. The used book sale runs through tomorrow. And the libary's monthly Let's Read About It series which was scheduled for next week has been postponed. The program has been re-scheduled for Monday, Nov. 14th. The book to be reviewed is called The Plague of the Doves by Louise Erdrich. It is a fictional story based on real events from the 1890s that explores racial injustice and its effects on the relationship between Native American and Caucasian communities in North Dakota. For information on either program contact the Chickasha Public Library.
Talk Show Topic
Lourie Myers with the state Department of Human Services foster family program will be on our KOOL Konversation. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.08 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $96.96.
Natural gas is $5.19 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,653 and silver is $19.21.
Obituaries
Wanda Craddock
Funeral service for Wanda Craddock, 89, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29th at the First Baptist Church of Ninnekah. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Elizabeth ‘Deanna’ Nabors
Funeral service for ‘Deanna’ Nabors, 85, of Weatherford and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31st at Sevier Funeral Home.
Thursday Night High School Football
Chickasha 50, Mustang JV 36
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Thursday, Oct. 27th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Cleveland and Oklahoma counties)
Chix Schools Among Districts Getting Grants
to Purchase Electric School Buses
KOOL-RANCH news recently reported that the Chickasha Public School district was among 400 districts nationwide to receive a federal grant to help purchase electric school buses. More than $26 million in grants were issued under the Biden Administration's Clean School Bus rebate competition. The grant recipients were formally announced in a ceremony yesterday. The website OK Energy Today reports that officials hope the electric buses will accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities. Many of the grant applicants received help from the Lion Electric Company, a Canadian-based manufacturer of EV buses. Chickasha received nearly $2 million to help purchase five buses. Chickasha officials hope to have the buses added to the fleet some time next spring.
'Not Guilty' Verdict Rendered in Negligent Homicide Trial
A Grady County jury finds a Chickasha woman not guilty of negligent homicide. Rebecca Cook was charged with a misdemeanor in connection with a traffic accident that killed a Minco teenager in April of 2019. The verdict was issued yesterday following a 2 1/2 day trial in Grady County District Court. The accident resulted in the death of 17-year old Logan Dobson who was a junior at Minco High School.
Help for the Homeless and Needy Families Set Friday
Recently the Chickasha City Council heard comments from citizens that the city needs to be doing more to help the homeless. There is a group called the Chickasha Community Alliance which been working to lend a hand. The alliance includes service organizations like the Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo counties and Life Skills Institute as well as local churches. The alliance will be hosting what it calls a point-in-time count and a resource fair tomorrow for those experiencing homelessness. The resource fair will be held at the First Baptist Church parking lot from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow. A hot meal will be provided, as will hygiene products, survival kits, flu shots, take-home COVID 19 tests, and resource lists of locations of where assistance may be available. Lt Crystal McFarland with the Salvation Army said the meal and resources are available for any needy family in the area.
National FFA Convention Underway
A lot of FFA students from the region are attending the National FFA Convention in Indiana this weekend. It's the 95th annual convention with an estimated 65,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests attending. Scott Stumpf is the CEO of the National FFA Organization. He says the event connects students to the ag industry. He talks about one of the most interesting exhibits.
Oklahoma has about 2,000 FFA students at the convention.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.91 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $95.69.
Natural gas is $5.61 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,665 and silver is $19.31.
Obituaries
Loretta Jackson
Funeral service for Loretta Jackson, 87, of the Chickasha and Verden area will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29th at Sevier Funeral Home.
Haril Walker
A memorial service for Haril Walker of Chickasha will be held Saturday, Oct. 29th at Cowboy Country Church. A meal for the family will be held at noon with the memorial service to begin at 1:00 p.m.
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Wednesday, Oct. 26th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Cleveland and Oklahoma counties)
'A Cowgirls Song' Wins Awards at Film Festival
A movie filmed in Chickasha a couple of years ago earned some hardware in a recent film festival. 'A Cowgirls Song' picked up eight awards from The Wild Bunch Film Festival in Tucson, Ariz. According to a Facebook post from The Imaginaries (Maggie McClure and Shane Henry), the movie received the award for Best Modern Day Western Feature. In that same category Savannah Lee May was named Best Actress; Darci Lynn Farmer was named Best Supporting Actress; Tim Armstrong was named Best Director; The Imaginaries-written song, Hailey's Comet which was performed by Savannah Lee May was named the Best Score or Song; the cast won Best Ensemble; it was named Best Family Western; and Cheryl Ladd was named the Director's Choice for Best Actress.
Governor Touts New Laws Helping Military Veterans
Gov. Kevin Stitt was in southwest Oklahoma yesterday and held a ceremonial bill-signing event for legislation supporting veterans who served in the armed forces. The event was hosted by the Lawton-Ft. Sill Chamber of Commerce and the governor discussed the benefits of the measures which were all signed into law. Among them is SB 401 which provides total tax exemptions to veterans. The measure allows the state's estimated 36,000 retired service members to deduct their retirement income from state income tax; SB 1670 provides sales tax exemptions to widows of military members who died in combat; HB 3649 provides sales tax-exemptions to veteran-affiliated organizations; HB 3709 allows veterans in public retirement systems to purchase military service credits; and HB 1067 establishes a program to ensure dignified burials for certain veterans.
One Arrested After Convenience Store Knife Fight
Two men get into a knife fight at a convenience store and one of them was arrested on an assault complaint. Chickasha police were called to the Love's North convenience store early Saturday morning to investigate. A probable cause affidavit indicates one of the men tried to buy beer but he was told the store couldn't sell beer after midnight. The store clerk alleged that the suspect started causing a disturbance and another customer intervened and pushed the suspect out the door. Both men produced knives. The suspect is alleged to have tried to stab the other customer and threatened to kill him. The intervening customer cut the suspect's hand and finger. Paramedics were called but the suspect refused treatment. Police arrested 46-year old Antwan Johnson but the other customer was not. Prosecutors have charged Johnson with a felony of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and a misdemeanor for public intoxication. He remains in jail on a $50,000 bond.
Downtown Chix to Have 'Haunted Hotel'
Hallowe'en is just a few days away and there will be a haunted house to visit for those who have the courage to do so. Actually, it is a haunted hotel that has been created by USAO students at the University's Art Wrecker studio in downtown Chickasha. Studio director Jordan Vinyard said they have actual pieces of the historic Alpine Hotel that was once a downtown focal point. It's said there will be bizarre environments, elaborate costumes, and plenty of scares. It will be open one-night only, Saturday, Oct. 29th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance on-line at usao.edu/hauntedhouse or $12 at the door.
Chix Chamber of Commerce Honored at State Meeting
The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce earns some state recognition. The chamber picked up the honors at the annual Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Awards meeting in Tahlequah last weekend. The group was presented with a Communications Excellence Award for the Chickasha Chamber Chatter Podcast and its 2022 Chickasha Community Guide. The chamber’s membership coordinator Whitney Palesano was recognized for graduating from the Chamber Management Institute.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.32 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $93.52.
Natural gas is $5.61 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,673 and silver is $19.63.
Obituary
Ronnie Climer
Funeral service for Ronnie Climer, 63, of Chickasha will be held at 10:-00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Oct. 25th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Cleveland and Oklahoma counties)
Suspect Faces 91 Counts of Forgery
More than 90 felony charges of forgery have been filed against a Chickasha woman for allegedly writing dozens of checks to herself totaling more than $400,000. 49-year old Tamara Radonna Walters was arrested by Chickasha police last week. A probable cause affidavit indicates that Walters forged 91 checks between January of 2021 and December of 2021. The document also indicates that Walters managed to gain possession of an individual's checkbook and that Walters was not listed as an authorized signer on the account. All 91 checks were for more than $3,000 each and the total amount taken was nearly $450,000. The affidavit indicates that Walters admitted to the forgery, that she had a gambling addiction and spent the money at a casino. Walters was arraigned on the charges in Grady County District Court yesterday and she is out of jail after posting a $100,000 bond. She's to announce her attorney Nov. 3rd and a preliminary hearing conference was set for Nov. 9th.
Jury Selection Begins in Negligent Homicide Trial
A woman charged with negligent homicide in connection with the traffic death of a Minco teenager is on trial this week. Jury selection began yesterday in Grady County District Court in the case against Rebecca Cook of Blanchard. Cook was charged with a misdemeanor following the fatal accident that occurred in April of 2019. The accident claimed the life of 17-year old Logan Dobson who was a junior at Minco High School. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 81 about a mile north of the Chickasha Airport. The highway patrol reported that Cook was southbound on the highway and turned in front of an oncoming pickup – and the pick-up crashed into Cook’s vehicle. Dobson was a passenger in the pick-up.
Burn Bans Lifted for Several Area Counties
Burn bans which have been in effect for a number of area counties have been lifted. That includes Grady, Stephens, Garvin, and McClain counties. Oklahoma and Cleveland counties remain under burn bans. Much of the state has received beneficial rainfall over the last couple of days. Rainfall totals at Mesonet sites throughout the region show that Chickasha has received 1 3/4 inches of rain; Minco, 2 ¼ inches; Rush Springs 1.6 inches; Ft. Cobb received about two inches; and Apache about 2.3 inches.
Schlumberger Changes Company Name
There has been a name change for an energy company whose name is often mispronounced. Schlumberger has announced that it is now known as SLB. According to the website OK Energy Today, the Houston and Paris-based firm is rebranding itself as a technology firm going after more clean-energy space work. Schlumberger has been the world's biggest oilfield services provider. Company officials say the name change couldn't have come at a better time at a critical point in the industry. The representative said digital is the future of the industry.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.58 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $93.26.
Natural gas is $5.20 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,643 and sliver is $18.77.
Obituaries
Brent Layton
Funeral service for Brent Layton, 59, of Pocasset will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26th at Erin Springs Baptist Church in Lindsay. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Shirley Ibsen
Funeral service for Shirley Ibsen, 85, of the Chickasha and Ninnekah area will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27th at Chickasha's First Assembly of God Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Deacon Slater
Funeral service for Deacon Slater, 58, of Midwest City is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Monday, Oct. 24th
(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, McClain, and Cleveland counties)
Proposed Sales Tax Increase for Chix to be Considered
The Chickasha City Council will discuss a proposal to ask voters to increase the city's sales tax tonight. The topic is the only item to be reviewed during a special work session. Mayor Chris Mosley said a 1/4-cent increase in the city sales tax rate would bring in about $875,000 more per year with the funds to be used for police, fire, and safety measures. Any sales tax increase proposal would have to get the approval of city voters before it could be enacted. The city's current sales tax rate is 3.75 percent. No formal action can be taken during tonight's work session. If the council does eventually decide to call for an election it wouldn't take place until after the first of the year. The work session is open to the public and will get underway at 6 o'clock tonight at city hall.
New Businesses Seek Sign Permits
A number of new businesses opening in downtown Chickasha are looking to put signs on their buildings. Six new businesses will have their sign permit applications considered by the city's Historic Preservation Committee today. They are: L and L Emporium at 313 Chickasha Ave.; Brink's Boutique at 408 Chickasha Ave.; Dab Daddy's Dispensary at 411 Chickasha Ave.; Downtown Tattoo at 421 Chickasha Ave.; Roberto's Tex-Mex and Cantina at 117 N. 2nd; and Courtesy Loans at 302 Kansas Ave. The Historic Preservation Committee meets at 4 o'clock this afternoon at city hall.
Turnpike Crash Slows Sunday Traffic
An accident on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike just outside of Chickasha slowed traffic on the interstate for a short time yesterday. The accident happened just after 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the westbound lanes of the highway near mile marker 86. The highway patrol did not give any details about the accident other than it was a vehicle collision. The inside westbound lane of the turnpike was closed for about 30 minutes
Grady County Historical Society Prepares for Annual Meeting
The Grady County Historical Society and Museum keeps getting new items almost on a weekly basis. Museum curator Pat Cunningham describes some recent donations from hundreds of miles away that are more than 100 years old.
Cunningham said the family has promised even more contributions. The historical society’s annual meeting and banquet will be held Monday, Nov. 7th at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Guest speaker is Oklahoma author and historian John Dwyer. Stop by the museum for information or check out the Grady County Historical Society's Facebook page.
CHS Native American Group Sets Indian Taco Sale
The Chickasha High School's Johnson O'Malley (JOM) Native American program will be holding a benefit Indian Taco sale next month. The Masonic Lodge will be helping with the project. The fundraiser will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16th but you can place orders now until Monday, Nov. 14th. The Indian Tacos are $8 each and can be picked up at the Masonic Lodge at 112 ½ S. 6th St. Orders of five or more can be delivered. E-mail: chickashajom@gmail.com for tickets and other information.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.05 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $93.50.
Natural gas is $4.96 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,653 and silver is $19.15.
Obituaries
Donald ‘Don’ Tallent
A memorial service for ‘Don’ Tallent, 92, of Chickasha will be held in Delta, Colorado next spring. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Jim ‘Coop’ Cooper
A memorial service for Jim ‘Coop’ Cooper, 69, of Ninnekah will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27th at the First Baptist Church of Ninnekah. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
