Saturday, Dec. 10th
State Official Concerned About Mixed Energy News
Tax collections on oil and gas production in the state have been fairly strong this year. However, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel says a downward trend could be getting underway. He said that falling energy prices means the state receives less in tax revenues from oil and gas production. While gross receipts to the treasury over the past year set a record high for six straight months, November collections fell below $160 million. It was the first time since April that month-to-month collections fell. McDaniel said while lower prices at the pump are providing needed relief for consumers, the slowdown in demand and drop in commodity prices will impact collections in the future. The website OK Energy Today reports the monthly Oklahoma Business Conditions Index fell quite a bit last month. The index issued by Creighton University fell from 51.3 to 39.8. It’s the first time in two years that the index has been below 50. It indicates a forecast for an economic slowdown over the next three to six months.
Regional Well Completions Submitted
A number of energy companies have filed oil and gas well completion reports for wells in the region. Citizen Energy reports three wells near Pocasset are producing about 12,000 metric cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas per day. The wells are in section 20 of Township 8 North and Range 7 West which is three miles south of Pocasset. They were drilled to a depth of nearly 25,000 feet.
Marathon Oil reports two significant gas wells in the Alex area. The Gretsky wells were producing about 21,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. They are in section 11 of Township 4 North and 6 West five miles south of Alex. The wells were drilled to a depth of more than 25,000 feet.
Continental Resources filed completion reports on three Grady County wells on a single pad producing about 14,000 Mcf of natural gas and more than 900 barrels of oil per day. A location was not listed in the report on the website ok energy today.
CPRP Services has a well three miles north of Lindsay in McClain County bringing in nearly 800 barrels of oil and 1,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. The Blanca well is in section 4 of Townshp 5 North and Range 4 West and was drilled to a depth of 19,000 feet.
Camino Natural Resources reported on the Cattlemens wells southwest of El Reno. Two wells have combined to produce nearly 800 barrels of oil and more than 5,000 Mcf of natural gas per day. The wells are one mile south of El Reno and west of U.S. Highway 81 and were drilled to a depth of more than 18,000 feet.
Obituary
Nidia Reed
Funeral service for Nidia Reed, 67, of Oklahoma City will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14th at Greater New Zion Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Friday, Dec. 9th
Numerous Earthquakes Shake Grady County
Some Grady County families have been dealing with a number of earthquakes that have been occurring over the last few weeks. About 20 earthquakes have been rattling the region and one family is worried that the tremors could damage their home. Kevin McMomas told KOCO News that his home is old and sits only a sand rock base without a concrete slab. He said they usually hear a 'boom' and then they feel a wave and the whole house shakes. There has been oil and gas drilling activity in the region and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission has ordered companies to stop their operations while officials investigate what might be causing the tremors.
Forgery Victim Sues Bank
We have a follow-up to a story we had several weeks ago about a Chickasha woman charged with more than 90 counts of forgery. Tamara Walters was arrested in October after writing more than $400,000 in fraudulent checks on her mother's checking account. Walters’ mother is now suing the bank for allowing that to happen. The lawsuit was filed against Liberty National Bank in Oklahoma County District Court last week. The checks were written over a period of about a year with most checks being for $3,000 or more. Walters told police that she had a gambling addiction and spent the money at a casino. Walters is out of jail after posting a $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference has been scheduled for Jan. 18th.
Suspect Charged in Alleged Animal Cruelty Case
Chickasha police investigate a disturbing case of animal cruelty. Authorities were called to a home near 19th and Montana this past Tuesday. A probable cause affidavit indicates an individual called police and told them that a dog had died inside her neighbor's home. The officer dispatched to the residence said when he got to the door he detected a strong odor of feces and urine. The woman who answered the door did tell the officer that one of her dogs had died. The officer found the dead animal and two other dogs which appeared to be suffering from starvation as they had sunken stomachs and visible bones. There was dog food in the home but it was not accessible to the animals. The officer arrested Tabatha Davidson-Riley for animal cruelty. The dead animal and two surviving dogs were turned over to animal control. Prosecutors have charged Davidson-Riley with a felony for animal cruelty and she is out of jail after posting a $10,000 bond.
CareFirst Clinic Welcomes New Doctor
A new family medicine physician is on board at a Chickasha medical clinic. Dr. Ahmad Musa is on staff at CareFirst Wellness Associates which was previously Southern Plains Medical Center. Mura is originally from Jordan and talks about his early training.
After some time in Chicago he went to New York to earn his accreditation that allows international doctors to work in the U.S. Mura and his family live in Newcastle.
Inaugural Wine, Craft Show is Saturday
A first-time event will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds this weekend. It's the Chickasha Wine and Craft Show which will feature more than 70 vendors to include wine, beer, home decor, jewelry, art, woodwork, and baked goods. Admission is free and it is a family-friendly event. Photos with Santa will be available. It will be held in the north exhibit building at the fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 10th)
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.46 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $76.15.
Natural gas is $5.96 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,806 and silver is $23.27.
Obituary
Karry French
Funeral service for Karry French, 56, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 10th at the First Baptist Church of Verden. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Ollie 'Juanita' Snider
Funeral service for Juanita Snider, 89, of Blanchard will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12th at the Tri-City Worship Center in Newcastle. Arrangements are also with McRay Funeral Home.
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Thursday, Dec. 8th
Updated List of School Board Filings
Unless there were some 11th hour filings for school board posts late Wednesday, here is the list of candidates who filed for posts on regional school boards:
Grady County
Zack McGill ran unopposed for his seat on the Chickasha school board; John Nicholas filed unopposed at Amber-Pocasset; Ryan Beck was unopposed at Minco; Del Ford was unopposed at Rush Springs; Michele McRay ran unopposed at Pioneer; and Jessica Hammons was unopposed at Friend. Three candidates have filed at Alex with incumbent Tom Ketchum drawing Skyler Foster and Shelby Johnson as challengers; Stevie Kaye McMillan and Norman Wood filed at Verden; Russell Thompson and Mark Fulton filed at Ninnekah; and John Oaks and Glenda Fenimore filed at Middleberg. There will be two school board races in Bridge Creek where Robyn Esparza and Micah Regier filed for Office 1 and Sharita Hill and Terry Fincent filed for Office 3.
McClain County
Jacob Zweifel filed unopposed at Blanchard; Steve Long and Veronica Rivera filed at Dibble; Tiffany Elcyzyn filed unopposed at Newcastle; and Doyle Greteman filed unopposed for Mid America Technology Center school board.
Caddo County
Kathy Kappelle filed unopposed at Anadarko; Steve Pelzer and Karen Glass filed at Cement; Sean Hughes filed unopposed at Cyril; Cassi Crowell was unopposed at Ft. Cobb-Broxton; Timberly Goucher was unopposed at Gracemont; Dustin Tackett was unopposed for his post on the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center school board; Jennifer Dorsey was unopposed at Binger-Oney; Katrina Wetselline was unopposed at Boone-Apache; Michael Longhat was unopposed at Carnegie; Michael Brown was unopposed at Lookeba-Sickles; Jodi Combs filed unopposed at Hinton; LaNae Meacham and Amber Sturgeron filed unopposed for separate seats at Hydro-Eakly. There is a two-day period for candidates to withdraw and for individuals to protest the filing of any of the candidates.
Tuttle FFA Livestock Judging Team Wins National Contest
The Tuttle High School FFA livestock judging team was recognized at the state capitol recently after winning a national competition. Team member Cheyenne Emerson tells the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network about the team’s advisors C.L. McGill and Carey Middlestaadt, starting with McGill-
Two Oklahoma college livestock judging teams also were recognized at the state capital for winning national titles. They are Oklahoma State University and Northern Oklahoma College.
Chix Library Names New Director of Youth Program
There's a new face at the Chickasha Public Library. Drew Cooper is the new youth library director. She recently moved to Oklahoma from South Carolina where she also served as youth library director. Chickasha Library Director Lillie Huckaby said Cooper is eager to work with area youth and is making plans for all ages and already has some projects going this month. A meet-and-greet reception for Drew Cooper will be held at the library from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. this afternoon and evening
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.01 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.17.
Natural gas is $5.72 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,794 and silver is $22.89.
Obituaries
Bradley Rubac
No service is scheduled for Bradley Rubac, 65, of Minco. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
Dorothy Wright
A graveside service for Dorothy Wright, 87, of Norman and formerly of the Tuttle and Minco area will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9th at Fairlawn Cemetery in Tuttle. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
Albert Kinsey
Funeral service for Albert Kinsey of Chldress, Texas will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
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Wednesday, Dec. 7th
City of Chix Seeks Bids on Water, Sewer Line Projects
Some water and sewer line projects for the City of Chickasha are expected in the coming year. This week the city council approved the re-bidding of a sewer line replacement project near the intersection of U.S. Highway 62 and 16th Street, a line that has been in need of replacement for about four years. Previous bids for the project were rejected because they were higher than engineer's estimates. The council also approved going out for bids for the second part of a water-line relocation project associated with the Highway 81 bypass. The project is eligible for nearly 60 percent reimbursement from the state department of transportation.
DHS Now Able to Help Chix Residents Pay Water Bills
Chickasha residents having difficulties paying their water bills may be able to get some financial assistance. The city council approved a contract with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to help customers who meet DHS guidelines. The agency receives federal funding to help provide relief to low income families. Funds can be used to pay delinquent accounts and prevent households from getting their water services cut-off. The program is similar to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps households pay summer cooling and winter heating costs. Households will be eligible for one-time assistance.
Final Payment Approved for Festival of Light Upgrade
The city council also approved a final payment of just over $5,000 associated with the installation of new electrical panels at Shannon Springs Park for the Festival of Light (FOL). The panels were added to the section of the park north of the dam for the new Frozen Forest light display which added 500,000 lights to FOL. The project was awarded to ETI of Chickasha for a total of just over $100,000. The Festival of Light provided the funds for that project.
Veterans Program to be held at Festival of Light Tonight
Today marks the 81st anniversary of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor which led to the United States getting involved in World War II. Area military veterans are invited to take part in a special program at Chickasha's Festival of Light tonight. A short presentation will be held at the Amphitheater for veterans and their families at 6:00 p.m. Parking will be available around the gift shop area. Veterans will have access to all the attractions until 8:00 o'clock this evening.
More Candidates File for Regional School Board Posts
Today is the final day for candidates to file to run for school board offices Here is a partial list of candidates who have filed-
Grady County
Zack McGill has filed at Chickasha; Steve McMillan has field at Verden; Mark Fulton and Russell Thompson have filed for the same office at Ninnekah; Tom Ketchum and Shelby Johnson have filed for the same seat at Alex; John Nicholas has filed at Amber-Pocasset; Del Ford has filed at Rush Springs; Michelle McRay has field at Pioneer; Jessica Timmons has filed at Friend; and Glenda Fenimore and Josh Oaks have filed for the same office at Middleberg.
McClain County
Steve Long has filed at Dibble; Tiffany Elcyzyn has filed at Newcastle, and Doyle Greteman has filed at Mid America Technology Center.
Caddo County
Sean Hughes has filed at Cyril; Cassi Crowell at Ft. Cobb-Broxton; Timberly Goucher at Gracemont; Jennifer Dorsey at Binger-Oney; Katrina Wetselline at Boone-Apache; Michael Longhat at Carnegie; Michael Brown at Lookeba-Sickles; Jodi Combs at Hinton; LaNae Meacham and Amber Sturgeon have filed for two different seats at Hydro-Eakly; and Dustin Tackett at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center.
The filing period closes at 5 o'clock this afternoon.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.25 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.97.
Natural gas is $5.47 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,786 and silver is $22.62.
Obituaries
George Graham
A memorial service for George Graham, 66, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8th at Sevier Funeral Home.
Johnny Bond
Funeral service for Johnny Bond, 78, lifelong Grady County resident will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10th at Cowboy Country Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Dec. 6th
Developer Proposes Investment in Downtown Chix
An Anadarko native who went on to thrive as a California businessman is turning his attention to Chickasha. Chet Hitt made a presentation to the Chickasha City Council last night with a plan to invest several million dollars in the downtown area. Hitt said he is under contract to purchase several properties including the old Savoy hotel and hopes to bring more eating establishments, a souvenir shop, and even horse stables to the area around the Rock Island Depot. We talked to Hitt after his presentation-
Hitt has built successful businesses in both California and Arizona. The city council may ask him to submit a request for a proposal for his plan which could top the $5 million mark. If approved Hitt hopes to begin construction next year.
Ninnekah Students Back in Class After Threat
Students in the Ninnekah school district are back in the classroom today after a day of virtual learning yesterday after a threat was issued toward the district. Superintendent Ashley Davis posted a letter on the district's website last night saying school officials received information Sunday night about a threat to student safety. The threat was turned over to Ninnekah police and the Grady County Sheriff's Office. The shift to virtual learning was made to allow law enforcement time to conduct the investigation and reach all parties involved as well as to protect students and staff. Davis thanked law enforcement for their quick action to investigate the threat.
Alex School Superintendent Stepping Down
Alex school superintendent Keith Weldon is retiring. Weldon notified the school board recently that he'll be stepping down at the end of the school year. Weldon has been with the district for three years but he has spent about 34 years in education as a teacher and an administrator. He began his teaching career in Wichita, Kansas and he also taught in Stonewall, Okla. He served as principal in the Varnum and Colcord school districts then served as superintendent at Calumet for 19 years before being hired at Alex. A search for a new superintendent is underway.
School Board Candidate Filings
A number of candidates came forward to file for school board posts on the first day of filing yesterday. In Grady County school districts, Zack McGill has filed for re-election for Chickasha school board; John Nicholas has filed for re-election at Amber-Pocasset; Mark Fulton and Russell Dean Thompson have filed at Ninnekah; incumbent Tom Ketchum and Shelby Johnson have filed at Alex; Del Ford filed at Rush Springs; and Josh Oaks filed at Middleberg. In McClain County, incumbent Steve Long has filed for re-election at Dibble; incumbent Tiffany Elcyzyn has filed at Newcastle; and Doyle Greteman of Lindsay has filed for school board at Mid-America Technology Center. In Caddo County, Cassie Crowell has filed at Ft. Cobb-Broxton; Katrina Wetselline has filed at Apache; LaNae Meacham has filed at Hydro-Eakly; and Dustin Tackett has filed for re-election to the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center school board. The filing period runs through tomorrow.
Pursuit Suspect Was 'Trying to Spread God's Message'
Now an update to a story we first aired over the weekend about a woman who led Rush Springs police on a pursuit. The suspect told officers she was not running...she was ‘trying to spread God's message’. A probable cause affidavit indicates the woman was driving 73 miles per hour in a 55-mile per hour zone. The pursuit lasted nearly 25 minutes as the chase went north on Highway 81 to Chickasha. A county deputy deployed stop sticks near U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 19 but she kept going. She eventually came to a stop in a residential area at 16th and Alabama where she was taken into custody without incident. When asked if she was under the influence of drugs she said ‘yes, marijuana and life’. Arrested was 31-year old Adrianna Laue of Ft. Worth, Texas. She has been formally charged with misdemeanors which include eluding, possession of marijuana, and a municipal DUI. She remains in jail on a $4,000 bond.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.93 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.68.
Natural gas is $5.58 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,787 and silver is $22.69.
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Monday, Dec. 5th
'Threat' Brings Virtual Learning Day to Ninnekah Schools
Authorities with Ninnekah Public Schools are taking precautions after an unspecified threat was made toward the district. A statement posted on the district's website last night does not provide a lot of information but indicates that law enforcement was notified and made contact with an unidentified individual who is reported to have made the threat. Out of precaution Ninnekah schools will have virtual learning today. Officials said student and staff safety are a priority and the move to virtual learning was made in order to verify all safety measures.
Multi-Vehicle Morning Crash Closes H.E. Bailey Turnpike
A four-vehicle pile-up northeast of Chickasha on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike shut down a portion of the interstate this morning. The accident occurred in the westbound lanes 6:45 a.m. near mile marker 89. Westbound traffic was diverted onto the shoulder to get around the crash site. The highway patrol reported it was an injury accident but provided no other details.
One Teen Dead, One Injured After High-Speed Pursuit
One Caddo County teenager is dead and another hospitalized following a high-speed pursuit and crash in western Oklahoma over the weekend. The highway patrol reports that officers from the Sayre and Cordell police departments were involved in the pursuit when the crash occurred about 3:00 a.m. Saturday. A 15-year old girl driving a 2001 GMC Yukon lost control of the vehicle then ran off the road and hit a building in Sayre. A 13-year girl riding in the SUV was pinned inside the wreckage for about 30 minutes and died at the scene. The driver was taken to a hospital in Elk City where she was last in good condition. Both teenagers had Apache addresses but their names were not released. Authorities have not indicated why they were pursuing the vehicle.
Open Records Questions to be Discussed By Chix City Council
The Chickasha City Council will go behind closed doors tonight to discuss the state's open meeting and open records acts as they pertain to the city's Economic Development Council (EDC). In October, a resident sent an e-mail to city hall questioning the way the EDC uses some of its funding. The individual said since the EDC receives funding from the city the agency should have to abide by those acts. However, EDC officials say since private funds are also involved it is not required to release that information.
New 'Grapple' Truck Purchase Proposed
The council is to discuss spending nearly a quarter-million dollars for a new grapple truck for picking up brush and limbs. The current truck has been unreliable and repairs have been costly. The cost of the new truck is just over $233,000 and it is being purchased from a state contract.
Public Hearing Scheduled for Residential Use-on-Review Request
The panel will also hold a public hearing to consider a use-on-review request from Micah McCarty. McCarty is wanting to build a more than 600 square-foot building in the 600 block of S. 22nd Street that will not be on a lot with a home, although a home is expected to eventually be built at that address. The building also won't meet the city's facade requirements. Officials say there have been no complaints about the proposal and the planning commission has recommended that the council approve the use-on-review.
School Board Filings Underway in Many Areas
The filing period is underway for candidates who want to run for posts that are open on school boards throughout the state. Candidates must be residents within the office boundaries within the school district in which they live. Candidates must file their declarations at the county election board where their school district is located. It's a three-day filing period - so the filing deadline is at 5 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Individuals may withdraw their candidacy anytime through 5 p.m. Friday and individuals wanting to protest the filing of a candidate may do so Thursday or Friday before 5 p.m. each day. Should three or more candidates file for one office a primary election will be held Feb. 5th. If two candidates file for the same office the election will be held April 4th. If no candidates file then no election will be needed.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.98 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.57.
Natural gas is $6.28 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,808 and silver is $23.27.
Obituary
John ‘Rick’ Everly
Funeral service for Rick Everly, 76, of Edmond and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
