Saturday, Dec. 24th
Fire Damages Used Appliance Store
An early-morning fire at a Chickasha used appliance store caused an undetermined amount of damage. The fire erupted near 4th and Washington just before 8:00 a.m. Fire crews were summoned to the store and witnesses said they saw smoke and flames coming out of the roof. No one was in the business at the time. The business owner said a neighbor who lives across the street called him about the fire. The owner said a transformer in the alley blew which he believed led to the fire. As of this report fire officials had not yet started their investigation. The owner said he did not have insurance.
One Driver Hospitalized Following Near Head-on Crash
A Rush Springs woman had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after a near head-on collision. 36-year old Alisha Kenyon suffered head injuries in the crash that happened just south of Duncan Friday morning. The highway patrol reports that an oncoming vehicle driven by 28-year old Nickelas Pollard of Tulsa crossed over the center line of the roadway and struck Kenyon's vehicle. Kenyon was last in stable condition and Pollard refused treatment at the scene. The trooper investigating the accident reported that Pollard was distracted just prior to the crash.
Home Explodes Shortly After Family Leaves
A Blanchard family is lucky to alive to celebrate Christmas after their home explodes. Their brand new home was destroyed Thursday just minutes after they left to get out of the bitter cold. KFOR-TV reports the family spent 2 ½ years building the home and they had just moved in this past Monday. However, freezing pipes and a malfunctioning heating system forced the family to leave and find a warm place to go. Kelly Hall is the CEO of a group called the Homeless Military Veterans that has stepped in to help. Hall said the family lost everything including Christmas presents. Hall said the family has asked for prayers and community support. Anyone who would like to help the family or any homeless veteran can reach out to the website www.homelessmilitaryveterans.com or see the group’s Facebook page. The group lists an Oklahoma City address.
Southwest Power Pool Issued Energy Emergency
It wasn't publicized during the height of the bitterly cold weather this week but we can now tell you that the Southwest Power Pool issued an energy emergency yesterday. The Power Pool is part of the country's power grid that supplies electricity to states in the middle of the U.S. from Texas to Montana. The website OK Energy Today reports that the power pool issued a level one emergency alert at 8:27 a.m. CDT Friday. It is the lowest of three possible alerts and does not require the public to conserve energy. The alert puts member states on notice that all available resources were being committed to meet power obligations while also saying it was not at-risk of meeting required operating reserves. You might remember that the Southwest Power Pool was put under a lot of strain during the Polar Vortex weather phenomenon in February of 2021.
Minco Donor Pay Off School Lunch Debt
Minco Public Schools recently received an unexpected contribution. Superintendent Kevin Sims said an anonymous donor paid off all the school lunch debt owed by families.
Sims said some families owed upwards of $300 because they were unable to pay even though they may have been on a reduced-fee program. Sims was grateful for the contribution and said the district reached out to school patrons via text messages and social media to let them know that all the outstanding balances were paid off. Sims encourages families enroll their children in the free and reduced lunch program. There is no cost and all applications remain confidential.
Obituary
Jimmie Cooper
Funeral service for Jimmie Cooper, 77, of Tuttle will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28th at Trinity Crossing Church of Tuttle. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
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Friday, Dec. 23rd
Deep Freeze Continues One More Day
Sub-freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills will be around for one more day but weather for the Christmas holiday is expected to be better. Single-digit temperatures will be hanging around until noon and the forecast high of 22 degrees won't be reached until late this afternoon. The region will not get above freezing until Saturday afternoon with a forecast high of 34 degrees with Christmas Day afternoon temps forecast to be in the low 40s. High winds yesterday caused of lot of power outages and even some downed power lines for some utilities. Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) reported about 1,300 power outages from Rush Springs to Elgin. There are no outages listed on the PSO website this morning. There were just a handful of co-op outages from Lindsay to Binger and from Duncan to El Reno yesterday. As of this morning there was only one REC member in Garvin County without power.
Warming Centers Remain Open
Chickasha warming centers will be open through tomorrow (Saturday). Linked Church at 9th and Oregon and Heidi Helping the Homeless at 3rd and Minnesota will be open during the day. The Resurrection House and Life Skills Institute at 7th and Colorado will have its emergency shelter open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. tonight and tomorrow night.
Blood Donors Needed During Cold Spell
The frigid weather has taken a toll on blood donations. Officials with the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) encourage donors to keep their appointments even as the region continues to be in the deep freeze. OBI Director Christi Chambers stopped short of saying there is a blood emergency but said current supplies are low and ask donors to brave the cold weather-
There is another community blood drive in Chickasha today. The OBI bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot at 7th and Chickasha from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The names of all donors throughout the OBI territory today will go into a drawing for a 250 gift card. Look for upcoming blood drives in your area by going to the blood institute's website at www.obi.org
KOOL 105.5 to Air 'The Imaginaries' Christmas Concert
Chickasha's hometown musical duo, The Imaginaries will have a special holiday program on our sisters station KOOL 105FM this weekend. Maggie McClure and Shane Henry have pre-recorded a 30-minute performance that will air at 7:00 p.m. Saturday on KOOL 105.5FM and on the KOOL 105.5 Facebook page. The program will be re-broadcast noon Christmas Day (Sunday) only on KOOL 105.5FM.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.49 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $80.98.
Natural gas is $5.00 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,806 and silver is $23.97.
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Thursday, Dec. 22nd
Gov. Stitt Issues Statewide Emergency Due to Weather
Today is the first full day of winter and Oklahoma along with many parts of the country are experiencing brutally cold and snowy conditions. In Oklahoma, The National Weather Service issued travelers’ advisories for much of the state until noon while wind and wind chill advisories are in effect until noon tomorrow. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order declaring a statewide emergency. The order temporarily suspends requirements for size and weight permits of oversized vehicles which transport materials and supplies needed for emergency relief and power restoration. The executive order is in effect for seven days.
Warming Centers Open for Duration of Frigid Conditions
Local relief agencies are offering warming stations for the homeless who face life-threatening cold weather conditions. The Chickasha Community Alliance which includes the Salvation Army, the Resurrection House, Life Skills Institute, and numerous church and other groups are assisting. Linked Church at 9th and Oregon will have a day center open today, tomorrow, and Saturday and will provide soup and coffee. The Resurrection House and Life Skills Institute at 7th and Colorado will have an emergency shelter open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. tonight, Friday night, and Saturday night to Sunday morning. Heidi Helping the Homeless at 3rd and Minnesota will be open during the day and will provide transportation for individuals to the homes of local relatives and friends.
Chickasha Firm's 'Jobsite Challenge' Helps Salvation Army
A Chickasha company continues its creative holiday tradition of raising funds to help needy families. CMSWillowbrook began a competition among its many jobsites in 2020 to raise funds for the Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo counties. This year the competition brought in more than $5,000 with the Page Woodson Project of Northeast Oklahoma City responsible for the largest donation of $2,200. CMSWillowbrook matched the jobsite contributions to give a total of $11,000 to the Salvation Army. CMSWillowbrook Marketing Coordinator Jessica Williams said they appreciate their team members, vendors, subcontractors, and architects for supporting the cause and making a difference.
Festival of Light Open, but Some Attractions Closed Tonight
Chickasha's Festival of Light will be open tonight but some of the attractions will not be operating. The ice skating rink and the Ferris wheel will be closed due to the cold weather and food trucks may also not be open. The gift shop will be open with coffee, hot cocoa, food items, and gifts.
Grady County Sheriff's Office Employees Honored
Several employees at the Grady County Sheriff's Office were honored for their work over the past year. Deputy Keith Williams received the Purple Heart and Life Saving Award for his work on Aug. 12th when he and a civilian were injured. Williams was struck in the back of the neck but was able to remove a civilian and render first aid to the individual who had been shot in the chest. Deputy Danny Booth also received a Life Saving Award for his effort to render aid and security. Sgt. Justin Johnston and Deputy Howard Jamison receive Life Saving Awards for helping a teenaged girl who overdosed on fentanyl in October by giving her Narcan. From the Dispatch Center - Sgt. Amanda Cox, Corporal Kayla Bailey, and Dispatcher Haylee Coatney received commendation letters for the way they handled a shots fired and officer down call Aug. 1st. That was an hours-long event and the dispatchers kept their cool and handled nearly 30 other calls during that incident.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.29 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.20.
Natural gas is $5.33 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,823 and silver is $23.89.
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Wednesday, Dec. 21st
Drug Trafficking Suspect Held on $1 Million Bond
A Chickasha man is behind bars on a $1 million bond after authorities find fentanyl powder in his motel room. Documents filed in Grady County District Court indicate that sheriff's deputy Jim Peek, an agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), said he obtained information about a large shipment of fentanyl powder at the Maverick Inn over the weekend. Peek and Deputy John Cordell went to the motel just after midnight Saturday night and located a couple of bags of the suspected powder with one of them being stored in the toilet tank. The substance field-tested positive as fentanyl and authorities arrested 32-year old Christopher Sebastian Rowe. Rowe has a criminal record dating back to 2013 including convictions of possession of a stolen vehicle, weapons charges, and escape from the state Department of Corrections. Rowe is facing new felony charges of aggravated trafficking and having weapons.
Suspect Accused of Teen Rape
A Grady County man is charged with raping a teenager. 40-year old Cody Rountree of Rush Springs was arrested after the alleged victim came to the sheriff's office more than a year ago to report that she had been raped by Rountree for several years. A warrant for Rountree's arrest was issued just last week and he was taken into custody this past Monday. Prosecutors have charged him with one felony count of rape. He is out of jail after posting a $7,500 bond and he's to be back in court for a preliminary hearing conference Jan. 4th.
Man Accused of Sharing Nude Photos of Ex-Girlfriend
A suspect is accused of sharing nude pictures of his ex-girlfriend without her approval. 27-year old Colin John Manning of Washington, Okla. was arrested last week. A probable cause affidavit indicates the woman started getting friend requests on Snapchat from people she didn't know. One of the individuals told her Manning was trying to sell a photograph for $30. An arrest warrant for Manning was issued last week and he was arrested Friday night. Prosecutors have charged him with a felony count of disseminating private sexual images. He is out of jail after posting a $10,000 bond and is to be back in court Jan. 4th for a preliminary hearing conference.
Another High-Speed Chase Leads to Arrest
Another high speed pursuit in the area lands an Oklahoma City man behind bars. This happened the night of Wednesday, Dec. 14th when Grady County deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on a pickup outside of Tuttle and the motorist did not pull over. Dispatch notified deputies that the truck had been reported stolen out of Okmulgee. The motorist eventually gave up the chase near the Norman Spur on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. Arrested was 54-year old Travis Phillips who is facing charges which include endangering others while eluding; unauthorized use of a vehicle; and misdemeanor drug charges. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Final 'Buy Chickasha' Campaign Winner Confirmed
A winner has finally been confirmed for the final and largest prize in the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce Buy Chickasha promotion. April Rowell was certified as the winner of the $5,000 in gift cards yesterday (Tuesday). Potential winning numbers which were drawn last Thursday and Friday were not claimed. Rowell’s winning number was drawn on Monday and came from Friendly Travel.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.09 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.99.
Natural gas is $5.33 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,811 and silver is $24.11.
Obituary
Patricia Fitzpatrick
Funeral service for Patricia Fitzpatrick, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27th at New Song Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Dec. 20th
OSU Fire School Holds Exercises in Chix
A number firefighters spent time in Chickasha last night taking part in training exercises put on by the Oklahoma State University Fire School. About 20 firefighters from across the state spent a couple of hours of getting hands-on experience in putting out fires. John Carpenter, who retired from the Chickasha Fire Department a few years ago, has been with the fire school for about three years where he currently serves as assistant director of the hazardous materials program. He explains the three parts of the training that took place-
Members of the Chickasha Fire Department and volunteers with the Grady County Fire Department also took part in the exercises held in front of the leg lamp in downtown Chickasha. The leg lamp was not damaged. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said the training was funded through the Oklahoma Pipeline Awareness Liaison. The group's website describes it has being a member-driven organization of pipeline operators dedicated to improving public awareness of pipeline transportation and safety.
Caddo County Storyteller Named State Poet Laureate
A Cyril man will serve as the state poet next year. Jay Snider was appointed as State Poet Laureate by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Snider's specialty is cowboy poetry and preserving the stories of the state's Western heritage. He has numerous contributions to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan and for taking part in many regional and national events. Snider tells KSWO-TV that he was fortunate to be raised by a lot of guys who were good storytellers. He says it’s important to capture their stories before they are gone.
Anadarko High School Band Prepares for San Antonio Trip
It's been a three-year wait for the Anadarko High School band but they will finally get to go San Antonio over the holidays to take part in festivities prior to and during the Alamo Bowl. Band Director Jessica Stone said they first starting make plans to go in 2019 but the trip was postponed indefinitely because of COVID. They resumed fund-raising earlier this year and was able to collect about $41,000 for the 32 band members to go. Stone talks about all their activities.
The band will leave on a charter bus on Monday. The game is next Thursday, Dec. 29th in the AlamoDome which will feature the University of Texas vs. the University of Washington.
New Number Drawn for Chix Chamber's Big Gift Card Prize
Chickasha Chamber of Commerce officials say there is still not a winner for the $5,000 in gift cards for the Buy Chickasha campaign. Another number was drawn yesterday and whoever has that ticket has until 2 o'clock this afternoon to get their number certified. The new number is 36491 and came from Wing T's. Contact the chamber by calling 405-224-0787.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.19 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.80.
Natural gas is $5.85 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,815 and silver is $23.98.
Obituary
Greg Remy
A graveside service for Greg Remy, 53, was held at the Pleasant Hill Woods Memorial Cemetery in Cement at 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, Dec. 20th). Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Monday, Dec. 19th
Grady County Consumer Spending Steady
Consumer spending in Grady County was steady in the month-to-month numbers in the most recent reporting period available. It's estimated that $94.4 million was spent on taxable goods and services in September. That's up just slightly from August and is the third-best month for spending in 2022 to date. The number is up 19 percent compared to the same time last year. We estimate consumer spending when we see the sales tax revenue report from the county. The county's bank account collected more than $708,000 in sales tax revenues last month which were the sales taxes paid on purchases made in September. Here's the breakdown on where that money went: The Grady County Fairgrounds received more than $236,000; Grady Memorial Hospital, $209,000; Grady County Fire Departments shared $118,000 so each of the 20 departments received about $6,000; the county's senior nutrition centers also shared $118,000 so each of seven locations received about $17,000; Tuttle EMS collected $22,000; and Rush Springs EMS received $5,400.
State Rep Addresses Grady County Earthquake Issue
State lawmakers in the region may be working on some policy to address the swarm of earthquakes that have occurred recently in Grady County. State Representative Brad Boles’ (R-Marlow) district includes a section of Grady County that has experienced numerous tremors recently. He speculates why those may be occurring and how they may work to help residents in that area.
Save A Life this Holiday by Donating Blood
There are a couple of community blood drives with the Oklahoma Blood institute today. And donors get their name in a drawing to win a $250 gift card that will be issued today from all the donors in this region. A blood drive is underway until 10:30 this morning at Badgett Corporation located at 4009 S. 4th Street. Then later today KOOL-RANCH Radio and the YMCA team up for a blood drive from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with the OBI Bloodmobile that will be in the YMCA parking lot at 7th and Chickasha Ave. Walk-ins are welcome at either location. Donors will also get a holiday-themed long-sleeve t-shirt and an ornament for the tree. To find upcoming blood drives in your area go to the website: www.obi.org
Funeral Home Offers New Service
A local funeral home is offering a new way to preserve the memories of those who have passed on. Ferguson Funeral Home has partnered with a New Mexico firm to preserve the cremated remains of loved ones into stone-like solidified remains which can be touched and held. Chris Ferguson said the process creates a solid and clean form which resembles a collection of polished stones. Ferguson is working with Justin Crowe of Parting Stone to offer the service. Crowe said those who have cremains of loved ones in the home makes the experience uncomfortable for some, so his firm created an alternative method to preserve the ashes and help families feel a meaningful connection with their loved one.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.29 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.04.
Natural gas is $6.60 per million BTUs.
Gold is $1,806 and silver is $23.52.
Obituaries
Seth McCool
Funeral service for Seth McCool, 40, of Mt. View and formerly of the Chickasha and Verden area will be held at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon (Monday, Dec. 19th) at the United Methodist Church in Mt. View. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Ray and Martha's Funeral Home in Mt. View.
Robert Sims
Funeral service for Robert Sims, 76, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Dec. 20th at the First Baptist Church of Ninnekah. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
