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Mollman Media News

2023, February 13th-20th

Saturday, Feb. 18th

 

Dad Pleads Guilty to Abusing Infant Child

A Cement father pleads guilty to felony child abuse after allegedly throwing his infant daughter in anger. 30-year old Kyle James Bucher entered a blind plea to the charge in Caddo County District Court this week. He was also facing a misdemeanor drug charge. Bucher was arrested in April of 2022 after allegedly throwing the four-month old. The plea was submitted just a few days before a jury trial was scheduled to start. The judge presiding over the case ordered a pre-sentencing investigation and scheduled the sentencing for April 26th.

 

Arrests Made after Meth, Fentanyl Discovered in Vehicle

Two people were arrested and charged with alleged drug trafficking after they were pulled over for a traffic violation. 38-year old Devon Mark Daugherty and 40-year old Jamie Elizabeth George both of Chickasha were taken into custody last weekend near 4th and Country Club Road. A deputy sheriff reported the vehicle they were in made an improper turn. Both Daugherty and George had suspended driver's licenses which led to the deputy impounding the vehicle. During a routine search of the vehicle the deputy found a backpack with drug items and drugs which field tested positive for meth and Fentanyl. Both Daugherty and George have been formerly charged with felonies of drug trafficking and some misdemeanors. George remains in jail on a $100,000 bond while Daugherty was released. Both are to be back in court March first for preliminary hearing conferences.

 

Suspect Allegedly Steals Thousands from Co-Worker

A man who is alleged to have stolen thousands of dollars from a co-worker has been charged with burglary. Grady county authorities were called to a business in the Tuttle area back in November to take a report regarding some money that had reportedly been stolen from a work vehicle. The victim said he had $5,000 in the console of the vehicle. A probable cause affidavit indicates that there was video surveillance showing the suspect taking the money. Authorities arrested 20-year old Jaden Allen Biehl of Noble. He has been charged with third-degree burglary and is out of jail after posting a $7,500 bond.

 

Voting Underway for Chickasaw Country 'Best of' Awards

The Chickasaw Nation has listed some area destinations which have been nominated for the annual Best of Chickasaw Country awards. In Chickasha, the Festival of Light was nominated in the category of Best Festival; The Rock Island Ride was nominated for the Best Run or Ride; Jake's Rib was nominated for Best Barbecue; Shakespeare Wine Company was nominated for Best Winery or Brewery; and Legends Pubhouse and Grill was nominated for Best Live Performance Venue. Other regional nominees include The Marlow Mercantile as Best Antique Shop and Hot Mess Coffee Company in Lindsay as Best Coffee Shop. The public is invited to vote for their favorites through March 3rd and winners will be announced March 28th. The full list of nominees can be found on-line at: www.chickasawcountry.com

 

More Southwest District Livestock Show Winners

At the Southwest District Livestock Show underway at the Grady County Fairgounds - in the cattle show Paisley Visnieski of Canute had both the grand champion market and prospect steers; Madison Shout of Piedmont had both the reserve grand market and prospect steers; Amanda Richardson of Chickasha had the bronze market steer and Madilyn Norvell of Ampo had the bronze prospect. In the heifer show, Beau Buchwald of Chattanooga had the grand; Denton Cook of Cordell had the reserve; and Emery Bowers of Mustang had the bronze.

Swine Show

 In the commercial gilt division Gage McNeil of Elgin had the grand; Oakley Cooper of Ampo had the reserve; and Kylee Falasco of Weatherford had the bronze. In the purebred gilt show, Oakley Cooper of Ampo had the grand; Hadley Cooper of Ampo had the reserve; and Brogan Lancaster of El Reno had the bronze.

Broiler Show

In the broiler (chicken) show, Quade Richardson of Arapaho-Butler had the grand; Cassie Ray of Cordell had the reserve; and Brayle Johnson of Clinton had the bronze.

 

Talk Show Topic

Lafonda Colbert and Erin Glass with the South Central Oklahoma Workforce Board are this week's guests on the KOOL Konversation. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Friday, Feb. 17th

 

Ft. Cobb Tech Center Locked Down After Shooting Report

Numerous law enforcement officials converged on the campus of the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center in Ft. Cobb yesterday after a lockdown was implemented. Officials say an individual called the highway patrol and reported that someone shot at him near the school. The campus was placed on lockdown about 11:00 a.m. There happened to be several law enforcement officials on campus at the time preparing for an active shooter drill that was scheduled for next week. After nearly 90 minutes of searching all the buildings on campus officials determined there was no viable threat and the lockdown was lifted just before 12:30 p.m.

 

Bill Calls for De-regulating Power Companies

Should Oklahomans be able to choose their electricity provider? HB 1602 would de-regulate power providers in the state. Some of Oklahoma largest power providers are opposed to the idea and will be debating against it. The bill was filed by Edmond State Rep. Ryan Martinez and if approved and signed into law it would give consumers the right to choose their electricity provider and create competition among power providers. PSO and OG&E are specifically mentioned in the bill. Both power providers are defending the existing regulatory method which is overseen by the corporation commission.

 

Firefighter Academy Begins

A number of area volunteer firefighters will be improving their skills in a new fire fighter academy that is underway. Fire crews from the Grady County Fire Department, Amber, Bridge Creek, Dibble, Blanchard, and Washington are taking part in training sessions which will be held over the next few weeks. A post on the Blanchard Fire Department's Facebook page says it will involve a lot of classroom and hands-on training with participants taking a certification test when the training is complete.

 

Southwest District Livestock Show Update

The Southwest District Livestock Show continues at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Results from the ewe lamb show are: Sayde Allen of Canute had the grand champion; Ashlyn Maddox of Thomas-Fay-Custer had the reserve; and Layne Allen of Canute had the bronze. Results of the wether lamb show are: Kobi Scroggins of Tuttle had the grand; Clay Randall of Canute had the reserve; and Laray Cox of Elgin had the Bronze. Results of the doe goat show are: Addyson Schneberger of Hydro-Eakly had the grand; Destyn Emerson of Tuttle had the reserve; and Madison Church of Canute had the bronze. Results of the wether goat show are: Jack Ferrell of Ampo had the grand; Sayde Allen of Canute had the reserve; and Hazen Pruett of Canute had the bronze.

Swine to Complete this Year's Show

The swine show gets underway this morning with the gilts which will take up much of the day with barrows to begin in the afternoon/evening. The barrow show will resume at 8 o’clock tomorrow morning and it is expected to be completed by noon. At the end of the show officials will announce the winners of the Vernon Crose Memorial Scholarships which are awarded to individuals who have overcome hardships, difficulties, and obstacles with their animals this year.

 

Grady County Student Serves as State Capital Page

A Ninnekah High School senior was selected to spend some time at the state capital working with a Grady County state lawmaker. Luke Tate served as a page for State Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle). Students spend a week with lawmakers to get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during the legislative process . That includes helping in committee meetings and daily sessions of the full senate. Tate attended Gov. Kevin Stitt's State-of-the-State address and took part in a mock legislative committee meeting and floor session where students presented and debated bills from the current legislative session.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.49 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.14.

Natural gas is $2.39 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,831 and silver is $21.17.

 

Obituary

Faith Marie Richards

Funeral service for Faith Marie Richards, 86, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18th at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Altus. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

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Thursday, Feb. 16th

 

State Lawmakers to Consider Bill to Change

How Excise Tax is Determined on Vehicle Purchases

A bill that would change the way the excise tax is determined on the purchase of new and used vehicles is making its way through the state legislature. It's HB 1389...and its author says it is a pro-consumer bill that would figure the excise tax on new and used vehicles based on the net purchase price instead of the the gross purchase price. Currently the tax is levied on the sales price without regard to discounts or trade-in credits. The measure passed out of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee for Finance this week. It can now be heard before the full Appropriations and Budget Committee in the house.

Another bill would allow option to register vehicles every two years

Also being considered is a proposal to give vehicle owners the option of registering their vehicles every two years. Officials say HB 2011 is a common-sense approach that would save the average Oklahoman time and offer greater convenience when having to renew vehicle registration. That measure also passed out of a House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee and now may also be heard by the full committee.

 

Child Porn Suspect to Have Trial Date Set

An 18-year old Caddo County teen will be bound over for trial for allegedly having and producing child pornography. Ayden Isaac Jacob Tee of Anadarko was arrested last October following an investigation by the Caddo County Sheriff's Office. He is charged with felonies that include aggravated possession of child porn, procuring and distributing juvenile porn, and violating the state computer crimes laws. It's alleged that Tee received and distributed more than 100 images of child porn through his phone and computer. Tee waived his right a preliminary hearing conference on the charges this week and is to be back in court in April where a judge will schedule a trial date.

 

Southwest District Livestock Show Continues

Today is day two of the Southwest District Livestock Show at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The cattle and the broiler shows will be held today.  Among the events at the show this weekend, officials will be honoring the founding members who brought the show back to Chickasha in 2002 after it was held for several years in Carnegie and a couple of years in Apache. The six individuals are Jerry Arthur, Ron Justice, Peggy McLemore, Karen Stephens, Rick Maloney, and Jim Yokum who served for several years as the show’s superintendent. All will be recognized during a presentation tomorrow night. At the Ag Mechanics Show yesterday, Canute FFA had the grand champion project with a covered cooker trailer; Mike Miller of Rush Springs was reserve grand with a cattle load-out chute; and Tuttle FFA won bronze with a reverse-flow cooker. Chandler Zimmerman of Elgin FFA was awarded a $1,500 scholarship.

 

Blood Drive Set this Afternoon

KOOL-RANCH radio stations are again teaming up with the Oklahoma Blood Institute for another community blood drive today. An OBI bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot at 7th and Chickasha Avenue from 12:30 to 5:30 this afternoon. No appointment is needed. The best times to walk in will between 1:45 and 3:30 today. To find an upcoming blood drive in your area go to the website: www.obi.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.38.

Natural gas is $2.47 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,846 and silver is $21.58.

 

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Wednesday, Feb. 15th

 

2022 New Construction in Chix Tops 2021 Mark

The number of new construction projects in the City of Chickasha in 2022 grew by more than 25 percent over 2021. The city's Community Development Department approved 217 permits last year which was up from 172 permits the previous year. In the commercial sector, officials signed off on permits for six new projects and 42 remodeling projects. In residential work, 103 permits new projects were approved which included new single-family homes, and 66 remodeling projects were permitted. The total square footage of the projects was up about 12 percent - more than 354,000 sq. ft. last year compared to 315,000 sq. ft. in 2021. The total value of the construction nearly doubled with the 2022 total just over $25.5 million compared to $13.1 million  in 2021.

 

Verden, Gracemont Voters OK Special School Bond Issues

Voters in Verden overwhelmingly approved a $675,000 special bond issue for the school district in yesterday’s special election. Nearly nine of every ten voters cast ballots in favor of the proposal which passed 71-9. The funds will allow the district to build a security vestibule and a commons area at the high school. It was a similar outcome in Gracemont where nearly 90 percent of the voters cast ballots in favor of a $310,000 bond issue for the school district. The issue passed 77-9 with the funds to help make drainage improvements around the school gymnasium and upgrade and make safety improvements to school playgrounds.

 

Alex Voters Elect New School Board Member

Skyler Foster has won a seat on the Alex School Board. Foster defeated two opponents in yesterday’s election including veteran incumbent Tom Ketchum. Foster received 54 percent of the vote to avoid a run-off. She received 96 votes, Ketchum received 76 votes, and Shelby Johnson received 7 votes.

 

Southwest District Livestock Show Underway

Hundreds of youth from southwest Oklahoma will be in Chickasha for the next few days to take part in the Southwest District Livestock Show. More than 1,200 youth are expected to lead more than 2,200 animals through the show rings today through Saturday. It's believed to be the largest regional spring shows in the state trailing only the statewide Oklahoma Youth Expo in the number of participants and animals. Jerry Renshaw is the chairman of the show this year and says a lot of money will be paid out this week.

 

              

 

This is the 21st consecutive year for the show to be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The show has been around for more than 50 years and actually got its start in Chickasha. It was held in Carnegie for a number of years, and was briefly held in Apache before returning to Chickasha. Activities start with the judging of the Agriculture Mechanics exhibits where an estimated 90 projects were submitted. The sheep and goat shows will also be held today.

 

Anadarko Students Honored for 'If I Were Mayor' Essays

Three Anadarko school students were recognized for essays they wrote on the topic of "If I were Mayor." Matthew Toyekoyah submitted the first place essay saying he would like to build a soup kitchen and homeless shelter complex. He would also like to see the city build a sports complex to help youth be physically active. He said the building would be paid for by hosting various tournaments throughout the year. Selected for second place was Miley Olvera, and the third place winner was Skylar Mormann. All are students at Anadarko Middle School and were recognized by the Anadarko City Council.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.06 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.58.

Natural gas is $2.57 per million BTUs.

Gold is  $1,844 and silver is $21.54.

 

Obituary

Jerry Tucker, Jr.

Funeral service for Jerry Tucker, Jr., 65, of Norman is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home. He worked as a physician’s assistant.

 

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Tuesday, Feb. 14th

 

Former Coach's Rape, Sexual Assault Trial Delayed

The rape and sexual assault trial of former girls basketball coach Ron Akins has been postponed. Akins is charged with 10 felonies which include rape, sexual assault, and lewd acts to children under 16 years old.  Akins was arrested in June of 2021 after some current and former girls that he coached at Ninnekah and Friend schools alleged that Akins molested them and groomed them for sex. On-line court records indicate that Akins’ attorneys filed a motion for a continuance citing the discovery of new evidence. Akins trial is now set for Aug. 21st.

 

Special Bond Elections Today for Verden, Gracemont Schools

Voters in a couple of area school districts are casting ballots in special bond elections today. In Verden, voters will decide a $675,000 bond issue with proceeds to be used to build a security vestibule and a commons area at the high school should it be approved. In Gracemont, voters will decide a $310,000 bond issue to make repairs to the school gymnasium and improvements to the school district's playgrounds. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.

 

Chickasha Woman's Effort Credited By Governor

in Getting Black History Month Declared in Oklahoma

A Chickasha woman is credited with helping making the month of February Black History Month in Oklahoma. A proclamation issued by Gov. Kevin Stitt mentions Loretta Jackson as helping to lead the effort. The proclamation says in part that Carter G. Wood laid the groundwork for Black History Month in America in 1926 and that Black History Month in Oklahoma was championed by Jackson. It also states that the struggles and triumphs throughout black history are inspiring to all Americans and that Oklahoma has been home to countless black leaders, educators, pioneers, and stewards of justice who demonstrated bravery, faith, and perseverance and serve as lifelong inspirations for present and future generations.

 

Arson Suspect Pleaded No Contest

to Previous Charge of Vandalism

A Chickasha man is accused of arson and vandalism after allegedly setting a chair on fire at a local motel. The arrest came just days after the suspect pleaded no contest in connection with a previous vandalism charge after being arrested in December. 51-year old Gary Andrew Craig was taken into custody last Friday after Chickasha police were called to the Castle Inn. A probable cause affidavit states the manager told investigators that Craig had a knife and was making racist comments toward her husband. Several witnesses alleged that Craig had set a chair on fire and was letting it burn.  The fire department was called to put out the fire. Craig claimed he was with the police and the ATF. Authorities say the room that Craig was staying in had a lot of damage and estimated the loss at nearly $3,000. Prosecutors have charged Craig with felonies for third degree arson and vandalism and a misdemeanor for obstructing an officer.

 

Suspect Arrested for Alleged Attack on Farm Co-Worker

A Grady County man is accused of assaulting a co-worker and threatening him with a knife at a Bradley area farm. 26-year old Cody Cove of Bradley was arrested at his home by a sheriff's deputy last Thursday. The victim alleged that Cove had assaulted him over the course of a couple of days and on Thursday threatened him with a knife. Other farm employees alleged that Cove had been high on meth for several days. Prosecutors have charged Cove with a felony for assault with a deadly weapon.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.14 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.61.

Natural gas is $2.40 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,867 and silver is $21.72.

 

Obituaries

‘Memaw’ Wood

A graveside service for Juanita ‘Memaw’ Woods, 86, of Cement will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15th at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin. She served as the Girl Scout chairwoman for Ft. Sill; worked for the City of Lawton as girls and women's sports coordinator; and for the U.S. Census Bureau. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

‘Dean’ Newton

A graveside service for Garry 'Dean' Newton, 74, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a U.S. Army veteran who worked as a floor tech and at Pet Milk. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Feb. 13th

 

State Firefighters Attend Destry Horton Fire School

Dozens of firefighters spent some time in southwest Oklahoma this past weekend to take part in the Destry Horton fire school. The training is named in honor of the Rush Springs firefighter who died while fighting a wildfire. This was the 12th annual event hosted by the Oklahoma State University Fire School. Training officer Mike Huff told KSWO-TV that firefighters respond to all types of emergencies and not just fires. The courses provide hands-on experience ranging from basic to advanced wild fires and medical training.

 

School Audit to be Reviewed by Chix Board of Education

The board of education for Chickasha Public Schools will get a review of the district's audit for the 2021-22 school year in the group's monthly meeting tonight. The panel will also get an update on the district's drop-out report and college readiness efforts. The panel is also to consider exercising an extension of the district's contract with One Net for ethernet services for the 2023-24 school year at a cost of just over $2,500 per month. The group is also to consider approving overnight stays for the high school robotics team for upcoming competitions in Arkansas and Tulsa and the First Robotics World competition in Houston. Other groups seeking approval for overnight stays are the FFA for the Oklahoma Youth Expo; the girls powerlifting team for the state tournament in Durant; and the high school wrestling and swim teams for state tournaments  in Oklahoma City. The panel is also to recognize certified employee Bo Steele and support employee Kyle Horton as the Chicken Express Employees of the Month. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration office.

 

Darko School Board to Consider Heat, Air Bid for One School

The Anadarko school board also meets tonight. The panel is to consider awarding bid packages for the heating and air system at Mission Elementary, and for a district-wide telephone system. The panel will go behind closed doors to consider renewing contracts for several school administrators. Other proposals include considering the approval of fund raisers for the FFA, tennis, baseball, and boys track teams. The Anadarko school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the Anadarko schools administration office.

 

Crews Move in Ahead of Turf Project at Chix High School

Construction crews will be moving in today to begin preliminary work on the installation of the new artificial turf and track at the Chickasha High School football field. Dan Turner, the district's operations director, said Memorial Stadium will be closed to the public for the duration of the project. Normally, the track area is open for individuals for exercising however the area will be closed for at least the next four months. Officials have targeted a projected completion date of early July.

 

Chix PD to Begin Citizens Academy

The Chickasha Police Department will once again offer a citizen's police academy. The program aims to help the community better understand police training, procedures, and philosophy. It will be a weekly program which will include classroom and hands-on training. Some of the topics include defensive tactics and the use of force; domestic crisis intervention; crime scenes; patrol procedures; and vehicle stops and operations. Participants must be 18 years old, must not have a criminal record, and pass a background check. The academy is an eight-week course which will meet Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and it will begin on Thursday, March 23rd. There is no cost to attend. Applications are available in the lobby of the police department or on-line at: www.chickasha.org/CPA

 

Chix Library Chocolate Celebration Tonight

More than 3,000 servings of chocolate will be available tonight during the Friends of the Chickasha Library Chocolate Celebration. It’s the first time in three years for the event to be held in-person. Each of the nearly 20 groups taking part have prepared at least 200 servings of chocolatey goodies just in time for Valentine's Day tomorrow. Some bake sale items will also be available. Proceeds will help the Friends of the Library continue making improvements to the library. Tickets are $6 each and individuals can choose six servings per ticket. The event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. tonight at Epworth Methodist Church.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.72 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.39.

Natural gas is $2.51 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,871 and silver is $21.96.

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