Saturday, June 8, 2024
Caution Urged as Hot Weather Moves in to State
Parts of Oklahoma are likely to see the hottest temperatures of the year today and officials are urging individuals to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Some emergency response groups have issued the first heat alert of the season. The state department of health reports that more than 85-percent of heat-related deaths over the last 10 years happen between June and August. Grady County emergency management officials say to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before doing any outdoor activities and to continue doing so while out in the sun especially if you're not used to being outdoors for an extended period of time. If working, take frequent breaks and try to avoid working during the hottest part of the day. Use plenty of sunscreen if you’re at the lake or the pool and wear a hat to prevent sunburn. Warning signs of heat-related illness include light-headedness, confusion, and being weak or faint. Get to a shady or cool spot and call 9-1-1 if you suspect someone is experiencing serious illness.
Name Change Proposed for Chickasha School
The Chickasha school board will consider a name change for one of the schools in the district. Officials are proposing changing Lincoln Elementary to Lincoln Intermediate School. In an open letter to the community last month, Superintendent Rick Croslin said the change would better capture the essence and focus of the work and student engagement that occurs among students and staff. The school would continue to serve 5th and 6th grade students. Croslin said the programming and courses will continue in their current state but did say 5th graders will begin to rotate between core subjects in the upcoming school year. The name change will be considered at Monday night's school board meeting.
State Rig Count Falls
There's bit of a slowdown in the state's energy sector. A weekly report from Baker-Hughes shows the rig count down by four, from 42 to 38 this past week. That's down six from the same time last year and it follows a nation-wide trend of a decreasing number of active rigs. The U.S. rig count is down by more than 100 from the same time a year ago to fewer than 600 rigs - about 500 are oil rigs and about 100 are gas rigs. Texas has the most rigs with 287. The Lone Star State and North Dakota are the only states with more than 100 active rigs.
Talk Show Topic
The Republican candidates for Grady County Sheriff are this week's guests on the KOOL Konversation. They are Sheriff Gary Boggess and challenger Jeff Franklin. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, June 7th
Turnpike Authority's ACCESS Plan Includes Tri-City Area
Design work for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's (OTA) massive ACCESS plan continues. At this week's turnpike authority meeting officials said the first $500 million in bonds were sold last fall to fund design work plans and some initial construction projects. The tri-city area of Tuttle, Blanchard, and Newcastle is part of a 28-mile segment that will go east and cross the South Canadian River east of I-35 and connect with the Kickapoo turnpike at I-40. Officials say that will expand the mobility of the south Oklahoma City metro area and provide greater access to Moore and Norman. Officials say the design work on that section is about 60 percent complete and it remains the priority among the alignments to be built first. Property owners in the tri-city area can expect to hear from OTA about parcels of land needed for the corridor by this fall.
Chix Police Officer Honored by State Chiefs of Police
A Chickasha police officer earns some state recognition. Officer Trenton Freeman was presented with a Life Saving Award from the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police last month and was again recognized at this week's meeting of the police chief's organization. Freeman had previously been recognized by the Chickasha City Council for his efforts when he answered a call about a suicidal individual in November of last year. Also at the police chief's meeting, Chickasha Assistant Police Chief Damian Alexander was named the Southwest Region representative on the association’s executive board.
Chix to Host Inaugural National Red Angus Youth Expo
The Grady County Fairgrounds is preparing for another national youth livestock show. Officials with the Red Angus Association of America will hold its first ever Red Angus Youth Expo. Officials are already in town preparing for the show. Erin Dorsey said participants will be arriving this weekend-
About 175 youth and their families from 19 states and some from Canada will be competing.
Grady County Treasurer's Office to Hold 'Re-Sale' Event
The Grady County treasurer's office will have what is called a 're-sale' of a number of properties where the owners have not paid property taxes in a number of years. Officials say the taxes on the properties are at least four years’ delinquent. County Treasurer Robin Burton said 23 properties are currently on the list but the number could change if the taxes are paid. Burton said it is a buyer beware sale, all properties will be sold as is, and no warranties will be given by the county nor any county employee. The properties will be sold for the taxes owed plus all costs and fees - or two-thirds of the assessed value plus all costs and fees whichever is lower. Payment must be made at the time of the sale. The sale is Monday, June 10th beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Grady County Election Board community room. Buyers do have to pre-register at the treasurer's office. Information is available on the website: www.ok taxrolls.com
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.96 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.41.
Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,356 and silver is $30.65.
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Thursday, June 6th
Chix City Councilman Responds to Criticism
Chickasha City Councilman Kelly Boyd responds to recent criticism of his actions during a recent council meeting. At this week's council meeting, developer Chet Hitt said Boyd was a disgrace and should be removed from the panel. Boyd tells RANCH News -
Hitt said that Boyd was disrespectful to an individual who was supporting a pedestrian bridge that would connect the Grady County Fairgrounds to downtown Chickasha. Boyd voted against a proposal to make the pedestrian bridge a top priority for the city, saying the bridge over the pond at Shannon Springs Park should be at the top of the list.
Meet-and-Greet With County Election Candidates Tonight
The June 18th primary election is less than two weeks away and Grady County Republicans will have four county races to consider. No Democratic candidates filed for office. Sheriff Gary Boggess is facing Jeff Franklin; District Two County Commissioner Kirk Painter has two opponents in Ruth Bingham and Garland Terry; County Clerk Jill Locke is facing Neva Ford; and two candidates vying for court clerk are Carolyn Bowen and Mica Selzer-Hackney. The Chickasha Lions Club has invited all the candidates to be part of a meet-and-greet tonight with the public welcome to attend. There will not be a debate however candidates will be able to discuss issues with attendees on a one-one-one basis. The meet-and-greet will be held at the Canadian Valley Technology Center from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Homelessness Forum Tonight
An open forum to discuss homelessness in Chickasha will be held this evening. The forum is hosted by The Chickasha Community Alliance which includes Life Skills Institute, the Resurrection House, and the Salvation Army. Officials with the Chickasha Police Department will also be on hand to talk about what homelessness is and isn't. The forum will be held at the Washita Theatre in downtown Chickasha tonight starting at 6:00 p.m.
Pipe Assault Suspect Arrested
A Chickasha man is in custody after allegedly breaking windows out of a home and threatening to beat a resident with a metal pipe. 19-year old Bryson Carter was arrested by Chickasha police late Monday in connection with the incident. Carter is facing a felony charge of assault and battery and a misdemeanor of threatening violence. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $17,000 bond.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.24 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.52.
Natural gas is $2.59 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,380 and silver is $30.43.
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Wednesday, June 5th
Chix City Councilman Criticized for Recent Actions
The actions of Chickasha city councilman were criticized in this week's city council meeting. Ward 4 councilman Kelly Boyd was called out by developer Chet Hitt for actions Hitt said violated the code of conduct for council members. Hitt made this statement during the citizen comment section in Monday night's meeting-
Hitt was referring to comments made by Johnston during the May 15th council meeting regarding discussion of a proposed pedestrian bridge connecting downtown Chickasha to the Grady County Fairgrounds. Protocol is that council members do not reply to presentations during citizen comments but Boyd’s reaction simply was-
RANCH News failed to contact Boyd after the meeting to get his reaction.
Driver Critically Injured in Crash with Big Rig
A driver is critically injured after a head-on crash with a semi in Caddo County. 56-year old Rufus Boardingham of Anadarko was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital following the accident that happened just before 10:00 a.m. Tuesday about a mile and a half north of Anadarko on U.S. Highway 281. The highway patrol reports that Boardingham crossed the center line and hit the big rig. It took rescue crews 30 minutes to get him out of the truck with their jaws of life. The driver of the semi, 57-year old Beth Lacer of Anadarko, was also to taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was treated and released. The highway patrol reported that Boardingham was sleepy prior to the accident.
Tip Leads to Arrest of Burglary Suspects
Caddo County authorities have arrested two people in connection with some recent burglaries. Joshua Paul Myers and Brandi Ingram were both arrested in the Ft. Cobb area after getting a tip that the two were in that area. According to a post on the Caddo County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, authorities say both had outstanding warrants and that both are suspects in other investigations including some in other counties. On-line court records indicate a warrant for Myers’ arrest was issued a couple of weeks ago. No on-line records were immediately available for Ingram.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.25 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.52.
Natural gas is $2.59 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,352 and silver is $29.74.
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Tuesday, June 4th
New Chix Ordinance Regulates Private Ambulance Services
A new ordinance that would put restrictions on any private ambulance service that might locate in Chickasha was approved by the city council last night. The ordinance was the subject of a lot of debate which allows the city to be the sole provider of ambulance services within the city limits with some exceptions. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said the ordinance does not prevent a private vendor from providing the service but it would give the city the first right-of-refusal to answer a call.
Samaniego said the ordinance was patterned after similar ordinances in Guthrie and Blackwell. A private ambulance service would have to get the approval of the City of Chickasha and the Grady County 522 EMS District that the city is part of before being allowed to operate in the city limits.
Turnpike Crash Involving Ambulance Under Investigation
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues its investigation of a pile-up involving several vehicles including an ambulance on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike Monday. Four vehicles were involved in the crash which sent several people to hospitals. The accident happened in the rain just before 10:45 a.m. at mile marker 88 about five miles northeast of Chickasha. 24-year old Seth Goolsby of Oklahoma City was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted in stable condition with leg injuries. 32-year old Stormy Leonard of Prague was treated and released from a Norman hospital. 32-year old Danielle Davis of Marlow was treated and released from Grady Memorial Hospital. In the ambulance were 30-year old Tyler Thompson and 36-year old David Smith both of Blanchard and neither were injured.
Kidnapping Suspect Arrested After Standoff
A kidnapping suspect is behind bars after a standoff with law enforcement. 41-year old Brandon Ashley Showalter of Chickasha was arrested early Saturday morning after the standoff with Chickasha police and the Grady County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team. KSWO-TV cites court documents which indicate Showalter was initially invited into a Chickasha home. It's alleged he held the resident at gunpoint and threatened to kill him. Showalter has been charged with felonies which include kidnapping, pointing a firearm, and threatening acts of violence. Showalter has a lengthy criminal record and was ordered to be held in the Grady County Jail pending a $100,000 bond. If convicted he faces up to 40 years in prison.
Rain Delays Some Chix Street Upgrades
Some Chickasha street improvement projects scheduled to start this week have been delayed because of the recent rains and the forecast for more wet weather. Public Works Director Jim Crosby said the 29th Street project from U.S. Highway 62 south to Grand Avenue is now slated to start next Monday. Crosby said that work has begun on the North 4th Street project where crews are tearing up the present roadway and building up the base by as much as 12 inches. They’ll top that with about four inches of asphalt.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.22 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.86.
Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,352 and silver is $30.00
Obituary
Charles ‘Charley’ Krone
A private family service will be held for Charley Krone, 74, of Chickasha. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam and was also a truck driver. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Monday, June 3rd
Drainage Project with Hwy 81 Bypass Expected to Go Out for Bid
A water drainage project connected to the Highway 81 Bypass work that is underway just west of Chickasha is among the items to be reviewed by the Chickasha City Council tonight. The panel will consider going out for bids for the drainage project which includes installing new water mains. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 2nd with sealed bids to be submitted July 11th. The council is also to consider a change order for the work done on recent water line repairs in the east part of the city. It calls for an additional $17,000 for various parts needed to complete the work. The panel will also consider paying more than $660,000 for the ongoing construction of new hangars at the airport and a resolution to amend the city ordinance related to the city's employee retirement system. The group will also consider approving the annual Chickasha Rodeo Foundation parade downtown on Saturday, June 22nd and the annual fireworks display at Shannon Springs Park on the 4th of July. Prior to the council meeting the group will have a work session to review the proposed 2025 fiscal year budget. The work session will begin at 5 p.m. which will be followed by the council meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Search for Missing Grady County Man Continues
There's still no word on a missing Tuttle man who was last seen about two weeks ago. A neighbor saw 30-year old Keith Carlson leaving his home on Tuesday, May 21st. That night his pick-up was found in the Crater Lake area of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Officials said the truck was unlocked and missing its license plate. Officials used search teams and drones to try to find him but were unsuccessful. Carlson's family tells our partners at KWTV-News 9 that he was in the middle of some home renovations and never went too far unless it was to see relatives or attend NASCAR events. Carlson is Caucasian, about 5-feet, 9 inches tall, and weighs about 165 pounds. He has short, brown hair and may have a slight moustache and goatee. Anyone with information is asked to call the family at 405-822-1402.
State Rep Re-caps Legislative Session
State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) outlined some of the work done during the legislative session which came to a close last week. In a recent media column, Boles said the nearly $12.5 billion state budget for the fiscal year which begins next month is about 5 percent less than the current year's budget. He said they didn't cut any core services but there were some one-time expenses this year that weren't needed for next year. He said lawmakers were able to maintain state savings at a record $4.7 billion which will help in case of any future economic downturns and would also provide funding for strategic investments. He also said officials finally came to an agreement to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. Boles also said they were able to provide the energy industry with some relief based on the federal government's carbon emission mandates that companies now have to comply with. He also said lawmakers outlined a $15 million increase to provide services for pregnant women in crisis with some of that funding going to Life Choices of Chickasha. Lawmakers also approved $350 million for deferred maintenance at public colleges and universities, state parks, and state properties, and $45 million in disaster relief to areas impacted by the numerous tornadoes this spring.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.99 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.86
Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,347 and silver is $30.47.
Obituary
Jay Clingman
A private family service will be held for Jay Clingman, 63, of Tuttle. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, worked in the oilfield, and was a co-owner of Production Chemical and Service Company. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
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