Saturday, June 15th
Foster Mother Allegedly Abandons Child at Gas Station
A Chickasha woman has been charged with child neglect for allegedly abandoning an 8-year old foster child at a gas station. 31-year old Jessica Renee Smallwood was taken into custody after the child was found wandering around the fuel pumps at Murphy’s Gas Station near Wal-Mart on Wednesday. In a probable cause affidavit filed by Chickasha police, the boy said they had pulled into the station to get gas - and he had gotten out of the vehicle to go to the bathroom. When he came back, Smallwood was gone. A couple of Grady County deputies happened to be there and they called Chickasha police to investigate. While authorities were checking video surveillance, a friend of Smallwood showed up to get the child. She said Smallwood had called her after realizing the boy was not in the vehicle. When investigators contacted Smallwood, she said she was distracted while having an argument on the phone and was also distraught because her biological child had recently been diagnosed with autism. Investigators said that video surveillance showed her looking in the back seat of the car several times before leaving the gas station. Smallwood was charged with a felony count of child neglect then released after posting $5,000 bond. She faces up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine if convicted.
Jury Convicts Grady County Man of Child Molestation
A Grady County jury convicts a suspect of child molestation. The panel found 60-year old Ronald William Merritt of Ninnekah guilty of two counts of lewd acts to a child following his trial this week. Merritt was arrested in January of 2021 after it was alleged he molested a 10-year old girl in October and November of 2020. The jury recommended a 25-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine on each count. A pre-sentencing investigation was ordered and formal sentencing is set for August 4th.
Another Fatal Traffic Accident in Blanchard
A deadly multi-vehicle crash that occurred in Blanchard Thursday is still under investigation. The accident claimed the life of 29-year old Raquel Anderson of Blanchard. Two others were injured in the crash including a 7-year old girl who was a passenger in Anderson's car. The other person injured was 19-year old Alicia Soudry of Oklahoma City. Both were treated and released from Oklahoma City hospitals. The accident involved two cars and pickup and happened just after 1:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon at North Council Road and Windmill Avenue. The driver of the pickup identified as 69-year old Lewis Metcalf of Blanchard was not hurt. It is the latest of a number of traffic accidents involving fatatlies that have occurred in the Blanchard area over the last few weeks.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. The two Republican candidates for Grady County Court Clerk, Carolyn Bowen and Mica Selzer-Hackney, are on the KOOL Konversation. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.
---
Friday, June 14th
Chickasha Crime Numbers Lower in 2024
Chickasha Police Chief G.G. Music said overall crime is down in the city for the first five months of the year. While there have been some high-profile crimes Music said for the most part there have been fewer violent crimes this year compared to the first five months of 2023.
He did say that homicides and burglaries are about the same as last year while sexual assaults were down. Unfortunately, Music said motor vehicle theft is up 18 percent. He said residents can help reduce that number simply by locking their car doors.
One Dead, Others Injured in Multiple Thursday Accidents
A deadly crash in McClain County claims the life of a Ninnekah man. 45-year old Prescott Sims died in the accident that happened northeast of Pauls Valley near the town of Byars. The accident happened just after 10:00 a.m. Thursday. The highway patrol reports that Sims was driving a van that crossed the center line of the roadway and hit a pickup. The driver of the truck identified as 43-year old Justin Green of Seminole was not seriously injured.
Caddo County Man Hospitalized
A Cyril man is hospitalized after the SUV he was driving ran off the road and hit a tree in Medicine Park. 41-year old John McIntosh was last in serious condition after the crash that happened just before 7:00 a.m. Thursday. The highway patrol is still looking into the cause of that accident.
Two Hospitalized After Elgin Collision
A traffic accident north of Elgin sends two people to the hospital. That accident happened about 1:00 p.m. Thursday. The highway patrol reports that a Jeep ran a stop sign and crashed broadside into a pickup. The driver of the Jeep identified as 19-year old Alyssa Beuttel of Wanette and a passenger identified as 18-year old Jakob Raines of Fletcher were taken to a Lawton hospital where they were admitted in stable condition. The driver of the pickup identified as a 17-year old male from Rush Springs - whose name was not released - was not injured.
Chix, Darko to Hold Juneteenth Celebrations
Many Oklahoma communities will be holding Juneteenth celebrations this weekend. Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States. The official date is June 19th which was the day in 1865 that slaves in Texas were finally notified that they were free – which came two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Both Chickasha and Anadarko will host events.
Chickasha
Tonight there are activities at Washita Valley Park including a free movie at dusk. Tomorrow a parade will start at 10:00 a.m. at Lincoln School and go to the park with opening ceremonies there at 11:00 a.m.; and beginning at noon lots of games, activities, and live entertainment.
Anadarko
Tonight there will be dominos, card games, and Jenga at the Baldwin Building at the Caddo County Fairgrounds ($2 fee per person to play); tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes will hold a Juneteenth walk; then from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. free activities at Rotary Park.
2nd Friday Art Walk Downtown Chix Tonight
Also in Chickasha tonight is the Second Friday Art Walk downtown. Amanda Lack helps to coordinate the event and talks about some of the vendors which will include some live music-
The art walk will be along Chickasha Avenue from the Leg Lamp to 3rd Street from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. USAO's Art Wrecker Studio will be open. There is no cost to attend however vendors will have items for sale.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.62 per barrel.
London-based Brent Crude is $82.60.
Natural gas is $2.96 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,336 and silver is $29.13.
---
Thursday, June 13th
Panel OK's Resolution Supporting Chix TIF Districts
In a unanimous 9-0 vote, members of the Chickasha TIF District Review Committee are recommending that two Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts should be created. The vote came following a 45-minute meeting at Chickasha City Hall yesterday. One district is primarily in the downtown area, while the second is along the U.S. Highway 62 corridor east of downtown to the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. Mayor Zach Grayson is the chairman of the committee and was pleased with the unanimous vote-
Funds created by the districts would be used to help pay for the installation of infrastructure projects like water and sewer lines needed to spur development in those districts. Funds could also help pay for upgrades outside the districts. It's estimated that the districts could bring in $30 million over a 25-year period which could potentially be matched with $30 million in state funds. Grayson said developers could request TIF funds to help them pay for the infrastructure needed for new business creation. He tells how developers would qualify-
The proposal now goes to the city's Planning Commission for consideration which is expected to take place in its July meeting. Later this summer it will go to the city council which will hold public hearings on the plan.
Projects Close Norge Highway to Through Traffic
Portions of the Norge Highway between Chickasha and Lake Burtchi will be intermittently closed over the next several weeks. District 3 Grady County Commissioner Gary Bray said crews are trimming trees along the highway and are also doing some chip-and-seal work. Bray said local traffic will be allowed to travel in the work zone but other motorist will be detoured. He urges those who normally travel that highway to find alternate routes.
Military Veterans' Resource Event Set Tomorrow
Officials with the state Department of Veterans Affairs will be in Chickasha tomorrow to assist military veterans and their dependents. Alan Jacobsen, the veteran's service representative for the Chickasha Veterans Center, says they will help veterans file claims and provide other services-
They'll also help veterans and dependents renew sales tax exemption cards and get approved for discounts on car tags. The event will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. tomorrow at the veterans center downtown Chickasha at 6th and Chickasha Avenue. Grady County OHCE will provide free lunch for those who attend.
In Person, Absentee Voting Underway Ahead of Primary Election
Early voting is underway ahead of next Tuesday's Primary Election in Oklahoma. Voters can cast ballots at the county election board where they are registered to vote. Offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today and tomorrow, and also on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In Grady County there are local races in the Republican Primary for county sheriff, county clerk, court clerk, and district two county commissioner. In Caddo County there is a Republican Primary election for sheriff. Regular voting at county precincts will be next Tuesday, June 18th from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.50 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.60.
Natural gas is $3.04 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,331 and silver is $29.38.
---
Wednesday, June 12th
Chix Police Officers Escape Serious Injuries After Crash
Two Chickasha police officers were taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries after being involved in a traffic accident while on duty late Monday night. Officers Jonithan Horse and Eric Burkhart were treated and released from Grady Memorial Hospital following the crash and were able to return to work. The accident happened in a residential area at 17th and Georgia Avenue just after 11:00 p.m. Monday. A statement from Horse said he was driving south on 17th Street when a westbound 2023 model Kia Soul ran a stop sign, drove through the median, and struck the front driver's side of the 2016 Dodge Charger that he and Burkhart were in. After the collision the patrol car veered off the street and nearly hit a tree. Police Chief G.G. Music said the car had significant damage and may have to be totaled. The driver of the other vehicle, identified as 32-year old Amaris Jackson, was taken to the hospital where she was also treated and released. Jackson was ticketed for failing to yield and not having insurance.
Suspect Arrested After Cane Attack
A Chickasha man is accused of attacking his own brother with a cane leaving his sibling with a broken arm and a black-eye that was swollen shut. Chickasha police were called to the emergency room at Grady Memorial Hospital Sunday to talk to a patient who had been assaulted. The victim said he and his brother were at their home in the 400 block of North 4th Street when 47-year old Donald ‘Clifford’ Robertson began hitting him with the cane for no reason. A probable cause affidavit indicates Robertson was later arrested at work at a restaurant near 4th and Grand Ave. Robertson has been charged with felony assault and battery and is being held in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Couple Accused of Cattle Rustling
A Caddo County couple recently arrested on outstanding warrants are now also accused of cattle rustling. The Caddo County Sheriff's Office reported last week that 37-year old Joshua Myers and 45-year old Brandy Ingram-Myers were arrested after authorities received a tip that they were in the Ft. Cobb area. Now, Brandy is facing nearly 30 new felony counts after allegedly stealing cattle and selling them at the OKC West Livestock market. Investigators say they were able to track down the owners and all the animals have been returned. In addition to being charged with more than two dozen counts of larceny of animals, Brandy is also charged with running a con game, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and having a pattern of criminal offenses. She was also wanted for crimes out of Comanche County. Joshua Myers is facing similar charges in connection with cattle rustling as well as previous unrelated burglarl charges. Both are being held in the Caddo County Jail on $100,000 bond each.
Chix Animal Shelter at Max Capacity;
Asking for Help to Foster or Adopt Pets
Officials with the Chickasha Animal Shelter say the facility is at maximum capacity and is asking for the public's help. Shelter manager Layce Graham says they currently have 61 dogs but only 44 kennels. The shelter also has a number of cats in the shelter and an additional 60 animals being cared for by foster families. Graham says they urgently need families to foster some of the animals for a short time, and also would like families to adopt some of them. The shelter's hours for adoptions are from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. every Tuesday through Saturday. Adoption fees are $44 and all pets are spayed or neutered. Graham asked that no stray animals be brought to the shelter. Instead, she says to post pictures on the Chickasha Lost and Found Pets Facebook page. She also recommends taking them to a veterinarian to see if they are micro-chipped in order to find the owner.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.76 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.63.
Natural gas is $3.12 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,330 and silver is $29.47.
Obituaries
Edgar Hayden
Funeral service for Edgar Hayden, 94, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 14th at the First Baptist Church at 1st and Dakota Ave. He worked at Grady Memorial Hospital, Maremont, and Chickasha Public Schools. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Darryl Gaines
Funeral service for 62-year old Darryl Gaines is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
---
Tuesday, June 11th
Chix City Council Schedules Special Meeting
for Public Hearing on Proposed 2024-25 Budget
The Chickasha City Council has a special meeting tonight to hold a public hearing on the city's proposed budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year which starts next month. The budget includes projected expenses at more than $75 million. Specific details aren't provided in a one-page general overview of the budget which is posted with the agenda on the city's website. Among the largest expense accounts is the city’s general fund at $27 million. Expenses for the Chickasha Municipal Authority are estimated at nearly $24 million. Overall, the projected beginning balance is $52 million with project revenues estimated at nearly $60 million. Tonight's meeting and public hearing will get underway at 6:30 p.m. at city hall. After making any revisions the council is expected to give final approval to the budget at next week's regular meeting which is the final regular meeting before the new fiscal year begins July 1st.
Discussion Continues on Chix TIF District Proposals
The city's Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District Review committee will meet tomorrow afternoon to again discuss proposed infrastructure projects and related costs. The panel will also discuss development assumptions and draft a proposed Chickasha Economic Development Project Plan. Also on the agenda is to consider a resolution recommending that the city approve the gateway plan and create two TIF Districts. The TIF committee meets at 1:30 tomorrow afternoon at city hall.
County Road Improvements Begin Near Tuttle
Some road improvements in the north part of Grady County are expected to impact travel in some areas over the next few days. The work will be east of Tuttle where crews will be resurfacing about 2 ½ miles of CR 1220 (Cemetery Road) starting at Fox Lane and going north. Officials expect that could take about a week, weather permitting. A second project will be about 1/2 mile of CR1196 off Cemetery Road. District One Commissioner Zach Davis says motorists can expect delays and suggests they take alternate routes.
Highway Safety Grant Awarded to Caddo County
The Caddo County Sheriff's Office will be receiving another state grant for highway safety. A post on the sheriff's office Facebook page says the grant will begin in October after it is presented to and approved by county commissioners. Officials say they have received this grant for several years. It provides salary re-imbursement to full-time deputies who work on their days off. Deputies sign up to work on various projects which are expected to focus on seatbelt safety for drivers, passengers, and child safety seats; speeding drivers; and watching for those who may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Willowbrook Staffer to Lead State Contractor Training
A construction manager for a Chickasha firm has been selected to teach a course for aspiring construction superintendents. Gary Rosebrough will be leading the program for the Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma. It's a 10-course program that includes organization and management strategies; construction law and navigating contract documents; building knowledge and methods; project challenges; safety and quality control; and staying up-to-date with current trends and innovations. Rosebrough has 34 years' total construction experience and has been with Willowbrook for 12 years as senior superintendent. He has managed a number of multi-million dollar projects which include elementary school projects in Bixby and Tahlequah; The City of Pryor's new emergency services building and the renovation of the city's library and museum; and a multi-family development for the Tulsa Housing Authority.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.52 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.47.
Natural gas is $2.91 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,322 and silver is $29.28.
Obituaries
Ricky Jenkins
Funeral service for Ricky Jenkins, 31, of Tuttle will be held at 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, June 11th) at Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle. He worked as a plumber.
Rudy Cole
A graveside service for Rudy Cole, 79, of Amber will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 14th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a farmer and worked in highway construction operating heavy equipment. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
---
Monday, June 10th
No local news today
