Saturday, June 29th
Scam Suspect Arrested; Some Victims Get Their Money Back
We have more information about a driveway-improvement scam reported by Verden Police and the Grady County Sheriff's Office. Verden Police Chief Jason Cox said at least three individuals fell victim to the ploy and all initially lost thousands of dollars. Thankfully, they were able to get their money back after Cox and other investigators responded. Cox said he had one of the victims call the scammer to come back to talk about the project and police were waiting on him when he returned. The chief said he knows of at least one other victim who has not been able to get their money back. Authorities say the scammers were going door-to-door telling people they were doing work for the county and offered to improve their driveways. No formal charges have yet been filed against the suspect. Cox urges anyone who may have been contacted by the scammers to call Verden police or the sheriff's office.
Brush Fires Erupt in Triple-Digit Temps;
One Firefighter Treated for Suspected Heat Illness
Brush fires kept Grady County firefighters battling flames in the heat of the day yesterday. At least one fire fighter was transported to be treated for a suspected heat-related illness. The first call went out just before 3 p.m. in the Tabler area and another fire erupted around Pocasset. Crews from Naples, Ninnekah, Alex, Bradley, Friend, Pocasset, and Harold departments were all called out and mutual aid was provided by Dibble and Blanchard departments. Afternoon temperatures hit about 105 yesterday with the heat index up around 110 while crews beat back the flames. It wasn't clear if there was any property damage and there is no report on what might have sparked the flames.
Water Line Rupture Leaves Neighborbood Without Water
A Chickasha neighborhood is still without water this morning following a water main break. It is about a two-square block area in the 900 block of Frisco Avenue which is north of Choctaw Avenue. Crews were called out just before 5:00 p.m. Friday and believed a 20-inch water main had broken. It's not known how many households are affected nor how long repairs might take.
Cat Rescued from Storm Drain
A happy ending for a cat that was trapped in a storm drain. KOOL News went to check on the water line break at 9th and Frisco Avenue early this morning and we found Joe Nixon and Billy Johnson working to get the cat out-
Nixon estimated the cat to be two or three years old.
Talk Show Topic
This week's guest on the KOOL Konversation is Destiny Lillich with the Oklahoma Blood Institute. There is a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.
Obituaries
Loretta Atchley
A graveside serice for Loretta Atchley, 88, formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 3rd at Fairlawn Cemetery. She worked at JC Penney and a drug store. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Kelly Elston
A private service will be held for 63-year old Kelley Elston of Chickasha. She worked in the transportation industry. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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Friday, June 28th
Officials Warn of Driveway Paving Scam
Verden police and the Grady County Sheriff's Office are investigating a scam where individuals claim to be working with Grady County to pave private driveways. A post on the sheriff's office Facebook page says the county does not have any contractors working on its behalf - other than to work on county roads. The scammers are said to be using recycled asphalt and doing a poor job and trying to extort money from the elderly. Officials encourage residents not do business with traveling salesmen without first checking references and also recommends getting quotes from legitimate companies. Anyone who has had contact with any potential scammers is asked to contact Verden police or the sheriff's office.
Arrest Warrant Issued for Suspected Child Molester
Caddo County authorities are searching for a suspected child sex offender. Officials issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for 37-year old Donnie James Bryant Rutledge of Apache. Documents on file at the Caddo County Courthouse allege that Rutledge molested a 12-year old child between April and May of this year according to KSWO-TV and the Lawton Constitution. If arrested and convicted Rutledge faces a maximum 20-year prison sentence. On-line court records show that Rutledge pleaded guilty last year to misdemeanor charges of obstructing an officer and drug possession after Apache police arrested him in March. He was arrested again in July by Caddo County deputies and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for drug possession and received a one-year suspended sentence.
Still No Room at Chix Animal Shelter; Adoption Event Set
The Chickasha Animal Shelter continues experiencing over-crowding and cannot accept any new animals. Officials are also still looking for foster families to temporarily care for animals and for individuals and families to adopt a pet. The shelter will have an adoption event tomorrow afternoon (Saturday, June 29th) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Adoption fees are $44 and all animals have been spayed or neutered. The shelter will also be offering a low-cost transport spay-and-neuter clinic for individuals who want to get their pets fixed next week. Animals will be taken to an Oklahoma City clinic the morning of Wednesday, July 3rd and returned that evening. Schedule an appointment by calling the shelter at 405-222-6093 and leave a message.
Fireworks Displays Begin; Start in Anadarko Tonight
Oklahomans will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy fireworks displays over the next week to celebrate the 4th of July. One of those celebrations will be in Anadarko tonight with the city's annual Honor America Celebration. Of course, the fireworks are the main attraction but the celebration also includes a lighted drone show for the first time. Activities will begin at Randlett Park at 5:00 p.m. with a car show, live music, games, and food trucks. The drone show will start about 9:35 p.m. followed immediately by the fireworks with both programs accompanied by choreographed music that will be broadcast on our sister station New Country 985.
Blanchard to Conclude Summer Concert Series
There's activity in Blanchard tonight - but not fireworks. Fireworks will be next week. Tonight Blanchard will conclude its free summer concert series with two bands - The Roan Ponies and Justus and The Hometown Revival. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and food trucks will be on site. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. with the concert starting at 7:00 p.m. Blanchard will have its Independence Day celebration next Tuesday night July 3rd also at Lion's Park with games, activities and live music starting at 6:00 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.
Norge Founders Day Tomorrow
The community of Norge will hold its Founders Day celebration tomorrow. It starts with a parade at 3:00 p.m. in Norge and go to Pioneer School and back. It will be followed by the Pioneer Fire Department's community appreciation dinner at Royce Park at 4:00 p.m. The fire department will also have a fund-raiser to give away a guided fishing trip to Lake Texhoma.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.56 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $87.13.
Natural gas is $2.74 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,340 and silver is $29.61.
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Thursday, June 27th
Commissioner Calls Alleged Open Meetings Act Violations
'Frivolous, Stupid'
A follow-up today about supposed Open Meeting Act violations by a couple of Grady County Commissioners. KOOL/RANCH News spoke to both District Two Commissioner Kirk Painter and District Three Commissioner Gary Bray about being accused of committing a crime by discussing county business outside of formal county commissioner meetings. Neither commissioner opted to make a formal statement although Painter said the allegation was frivolous and stupid. The issue was discussed during Monday's commissioners meeting where Assistant District Attorney Jeff Scifres said information provided by District 1 commissioner Zach Davis warranted an investigation. The conversation led to this exchange between Scifres and Painter-
Davis said he had been told by several people that Painter and Bray had been heard discussing county business at several local restaurants. There has been no official word yet about an investigation by the district attorney's office.
Medical Examiner to Determine Identity of Verden Crash Victim
Now a follow-up to that fatal crash that happened near Verden last weekend. Sources tell KOOL/RANCH news that witnesses saw a pickup speeding down the road prior to the crash that happened about 10:30 Saturday night east of Verden. A few minutes later a pick up ran off the road, hit a tree, and caught fire. The victim's name still has not been released. OHP said they were waiting on a report from the state medical examiner's office to confirm the name of the man who died.
Chix School Officials Have Mid-summer Message for Students
Chickasha school officials are using social media to stay in contact with students this summer. Here's a message from High School Principal Debbie Davis on the district's Facebook page-
Middle School principal Torri Weber passed this along-
There are about six weeks left for summer vacation as the first day of school is set for Thursday, Aug. 15th.
Blood Institute to Host All-American Blood Drive
Summer time traffic and boating accidents increase the need for blood donations. And with the 4th of July right around the corner the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) will hold an All-American Blood Drive at the Grady County Fairgrounds next week. Donors will receive a free All-American T-shirt, a folding camp chair and a free ticket to either Hurricane Harbor or Six Flags/Frontier City in Oklahoma City. The blood drive will be at the fairgrounds community building from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3rd. Appointments are available after 1:30 p.m. Call the KOOL/RANCH business line at 405-224-1560 and ask for George to make an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome.
Energy and Metal
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.42 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.81.
Natural gas is $2.75 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,322 and silver is $29.23.
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Wednesday, June 26th
Two Grady County Commissioners Accused
of Violating Open Meetings Act by Commission Chairman
Tempers flare at this week's Grady County Commissioners meeting on Monday. District One Commissioner Zach Davis who chairs the panel alleged that District 2 Commissioner Kirk Painter and District 3 Commissioner Gary Bray have been meeting outside commissioner meetings to discuss county business. Specifically, Davis said that Painter and Bray have been meeting at area restaurants to talk about taking road funds from District One and splitting those funds between their two districts.
Assistant District Attorney Charles Scifres said an investigation into the allegations is warranted.
About 30 minutes of Monday's commissioners meeting is on YouTube. You can do a search for 'Grady County Commissioners Meeting' to see the proceedings.
29th Street Overlay Project Continues
Work crews are continuing the overlay project on 29th Street between U.S. Highway 62 and Grand Avenue this morning. Crews with the City of Chickasha and Fresh Water Construction of Oklahoma City were able to complete about one mile of the two-mile project yesterday from U.S. 62 south to Iowa Avenue. They hope to complete the final mile to Grand Avenue today. Officials say 29th Street is closed to through traffic while that work is going on and ask that motorists use an alternate route.
Chix Police to Hold 'Law Enforcement Torch Run' Fundraiser
The Chickasha Police Department will take part in a fund raiser to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run which is held every spring to support Oklahoma Special Olympics. A Tip-A-Cop event will be held at Jimmy's Egg Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Chickasha police officers will be serving coffee for tips with proceeds going to the torch run.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.51 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.64.
Natural gas is $2.70 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,325 and silver is $29.32.
Obituaries
Terry Drewry
A graveside service for Terry Drewry, 68, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a U.S. Army veteran and worked in the oilfield. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Oliver Adair
Funeral service for Oliver Adair, 55, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a truck driver.
Sharon Thomas
Funeral service for Sharon Thomas, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 28th at the First Baptist Church at 1st and Dakota Avenue. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, June 25th
City of Blanchard Creates TIF Districts to Spur Development
There have been numerous economic development projects announced in several communities in Oklahoma using what's called Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts. A number of projects have been announced in Oklahoma City. In this region, Chickasha used a TIF district to create the retail areas that now includes Tractor Supply and InterUrban Restaurant as well as Scooters Coffee and Chick-Fil-A. The Chickasha City Council will soon be considering two additional TIF districts - one which would consist of much of downtown Chickasha and a second along U.S. Highway 62 from the downtown area east to the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. In Blanchard, City Manager Robert Floyd said they have created several TIF Districts in hopes of attracting investors.
His said TIF 3 is in it's early stages of development.
KOOL/RANCH news talked to Floyd on the KOOL Konversation program last weekend. He also gave an update on the Texas-based Allsup's Convenience Store chain that announced it would be locating several stores in Oklahoma including one in Blanchard. Floyd said infrastructure currently is being installed to the site and contractors are hoping to start construction later this summer.
Street Overlay Projects Underway in Chix
Construction crews made short work on one of several road improvement projects in Chickasha yesterday. The 16th Street overlay project from Country Club Road to Pikes Peak Road started and finished yesterday. Today, crews have started on a two-mile overlay project on 29th Street from U.S. 62 south to Grand Avenue. 29th Street will be partially closed while that work is underway and officials urge through traffic to find an alternate route. Officials say this could be a two-day project but some are hoping they could finish late this afternoon.
Oklahoma Broadband Office Accepting Proposals
to Award More Grants to Expand Rural Internet Service
The state broadband office will be issuing a second round of grants this fall designed to expand high-speed Internet service to rural areas. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are being asked to submit competitive proposals to share in nearly $160 million in federal ARPA funds that will be issued. Broadband Office Director Mike Sanders said earlier this year the office issued more than $370 million in ARPA, state, and local fiscal recovery funds for the first round of funding. The broadband office governing board approved projects that will serve 50,000 homes and businesses in 57 of the state's 77 counties. Those areas include Grady, Caddo, Comanche, Stephens, Garvin, and McClain counties. ISPs have until July 8th to submit their plans.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.24 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.60.
Natural gas is $2.83 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,345 and silver is $29.97.
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Monday, June 24th
Regional Traffic Accidents Claim Three Lives
Three people died in separate traffic accidents in the region over the weekend. Authorities have not yet identified a man who died in a crash east of Verden at CR 1310 and CS 2785 just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday. The highway patrol reported a pickup ran off the road, hit a tree, and caught fire. The roadway was closed for nearly five hours.
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In Stephens County, a Marlow man died after suffering a medical issue while behind the wheel. 76-year old Vernon Bohannon was driving on private property west of Marlow Friday morning when he drove through a gate and stopped in a wooded area. He was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he died Friday night.
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A Duncan man died in a crash in Garvin County. 21-year old James Martinez succumbed to injuries he sustained when he rear-ended flatbed trailer being pulled by a pickup by a Davis man. The accident happened just after 3:00 p.m. Saturday near Hennepin. A passenger in the pickup with Martinez, 20-year old Trinity Barnes of Waurika, was taken to a Duncan hospital where she was treated and released. The driver of the other pickup was not injured.
Inmate Bolts from Union City Correctional Facility
An inmate from the Union City Correctional facility has escaped. 26-year old Samuel Stevens literally ran away from the facility about 5:40 p.m. Sunday. Our partners at KWTV News 9 report that Stevens was last seen running south on Main Street. He was serving time for drug trafficking. Stevens is 6', 4" tall and weighs 235 pounds. A photo shows him to have closely cropped brown hair and no beard nor moustache. Authorities say its unlikely he's still in the area. Anyone with information is asked to call 405-483-5272.
Chickasha Street Upgrades to Resume
Road repair work in Chickasha is expected to resume this week. Officials say contractors should start on the 16th Street project from Country Club Road south to Pikes Peak Road. Following that will be 29th Street from U.S. Highway 62 south to Grand Avenue, with another project being Cottonwood Road from U.S. Highway 81 east to the railroad tracks. Signs have been posted at all locations.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.08 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.61.
Natural gas is $2.72 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,336 and silver is $29.97.
Obituaries
Dean Guthrie
Funeral service for Dean Guthrie, 76, of Amber will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 25th at the First Baptist Church of Amber. He was a teacher and a coach for many years and after retiring from the classroom drove a school bus for nearly 15 years. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 25th at the First Baptist Church of Amber. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Sharon Thomas
Funeral service for 78-year old Sharon Thomas is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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