Saturday, July 13th
Studies Differ on State's Economic Status
One study shows the Sooner State is No. 1 for the lowest cost-of-living in the country while another indicates the overall economy is among one of the worst. The Oklahoman reported the good news about the cost-of-living by the website GOBankingRates. The site monitors personal finance and banking information and used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. It showed the annual cost-of-living for the average family is just under $63,000. That's about 15 percent lower than the national average of just under $73,000. Annual housing costs are about $15,000 and are 32 percent lower, the cost for groceries is about $5,700 which is 6 percent lower, and the cost for utilities is about $4,500 and is 2 percent lower. Hawaii has the highest cost of living at over $131,000 per year.
WalletHub survey shows different view
On the other hand, the state's overall economy is among the worst in America according to a study by WalletHub. The state ranks 32nd overall or 18th worst in the country. The Oklahoman cited the survey as saying three areas measured were economic health, economic activity, and innovation potential. WalletHub's report said the state of Washington had the best economy while Mississippi had the worst. The Oklahoman reported data contradicting that survey which shows the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is growing faster than the U.S. as a whole and that in 2022 it was the third-fasted growing economy in the country. As of April, The American Legislative Exchange Council reported Oklahoma was 9th in the country for its economic outlook, while Forbes in its 2024 report said the Oklahoma City-metro area was the second-best place for small businesses in the country.
Turnpike Work Will Impact Traffic Between Chix, Newcastle
Starting Monday, traffic on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike between Chickasha and Newcastle will be down to one lane in both directions for several months. Officials say they will be installing guard rails and repairing shoulders from mile marker 80 which is the U.S. Highway 81/4th Street junction - to mile maker 91 which is the State Highway 4 and HE Bailey Spur junction. Officials say it's an $8.7 million project that the Turnpike Authority awarded to T.J. Campbell Construction Company out of Oklahoma City.
Pay Doubles for Precinct Workers on Election Days
A new state law is expected to help county election boards get more people to work on election days. The law that has just gone into effect doubles the pay of those who work at county precincts. There are three workers at every precinct - pay for the inspector increases from $110 to $225 per day; pay for the judges and clerks increases from $100 a day to $200 per day. No experience is necessary as training is provided. The hours are long as precincts are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. when polls are open. Workers should have reliable transportation and will work in the county where they are registered to vote. Individuals can apply and get information at the election board office in their county.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Mike Sanders with the Oklahoma Broadband Office is on the KOOL Konversation discussing efforts to expand high-speed Internet to rural areas. Find a podcast of the program under the community tab on this website.
Obituary
Floyd Frenzen
A memorial service for Floyd Frenzen, 87, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 19th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired as an HVAC maintenance technician from the Pauls Valley State School.
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Friday, July 12th
Homicide Victim was Generous, Caring
Friends and co-workers of a woman found dead in her home outside of Chickasha this week are speaking out about her caring spirit and generosity. KOCO Channel 5 reports that Holly Miller had a big heart and talked to people as she knew them forever. She even donated a kidney to a former boss. She worked for a senior living facility in Mustang. A statement from the facility asked that individuals keep Holly's family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate through a difficult time. The FBI has not released any more details about its investigation into Miller's death which is being called suspicious. They have not indicated if there has been an arrest. The FBI was called in to investigate because the case has tribal ties. A funeral service for Miller will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 17th at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
State Panel Says Oil Rig Blast Accidental;
Other Agencies May Also Investigate
Officials with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission say that oil rig explosion near Bradley on Monday was an accident. The explosion and ensuing fire injured four workers with three of them taken to hospitals. KOKH Fox 25 reports that the corporation commission said the investigation into the cause of the fire would done by the Grady County fire departments or other local public safety officials. The corporation commission's role is to mitigate any pollution that may have resulted from the blast and none was found. While the commission said while it was accidental other agencies may step in, including the state labor department and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Chix Official Hopeful for More Infrastructure Upgrades
With a new fiscal year underway Chickasha city officials are looking to have a little more money for various infrastructure work that is needed. Ward 2 City Councilwoman and Vice Mayor Georgieanne Hebblethwaite said with city voters approving a sales tax increase for one major project, other funds can be used in several areas-
She also said that the city's recent purchase of the old Chief Fire and Safety buildings will allow the city to create a third fire station within the next few years.
USAO Tuition Rates to Remain the Same
USAO has announced that there will be no tuition or fee increases for the coming school year. Officials say in-state residents who enroll in 15 credit hours on average can expect to pay about $4,100 per trimester. Colleges across the state are required to offer first time Oklahoma residents a tuition rate that will be guaranteed for at least four academic years. Students who opt for that program will pay about $4,600 per trimester.
Monthly Art Walk Downtown Chix Tonight
It's the second Friday of the month and that means it's time for another art walk in downtown Chickasha. A number of vendors will be located in the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue near the leg lamp and they'll have some items for early Christmas shopping (since it is Christmas in July). Vendors will be opening about 5:00 p.m. and there will also be live music with The Southern Sailor Band playing from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Christmas Movie Downtown Tomorrow Night
Christmas in July activities are going on all month long in Chickasha and the Chamber of Commerce will be showing the first of two Christmas movies tomorrow night. A Christmas Story will be shown outdoors at the Leg Lamp beginning at 8:00 p.m. Saturday and admission is free. There will be snack trucks with popcorn and other goodies available for purchase. Those attending should take lawn chairs and blankets. The chamber will also be showing 'Elf' on Saturday, July 20th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.54 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $86.16.
Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,409 and silver is $31.05.
Obituaries
Greg Oliver
A memorial service for Greg Oliver, 60, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 13th at McRay Funeral Home. He was a high school wrestling champion at Midwest City High School and was a math tutor. Memorial contributions may be made to a mental health charity of choice.
Jerry White
Funeral service for Jerry White, 59, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 22nd at Victory Family Church. He worked at Delta Faucet, Gabriel, and most recently part time at Wal-Mart. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Thursday, July 11th
OSBI, FBI Investigate Suspicious Death
State and federal officials continue looking into what officials call a suspicious death that occurred just outside of Chickasha earlier this week. The OSBI is assisting the FBI in the investigation. Grady County deputies were asked to do a welfare check on an individual Monday evening and authorities found a body inside a home. Investigators have not released the victim's name. The FBI is leading the investigation because a citizen of a Native American tribe is involved. Officials would not say if they were looking for a suspect. Authorities said there was no danger to the public.
Turnpike Closed Nearly Two Hours After Multi-Vehicle Crash
A multi-vehicle crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike between Chickasha and Newcastle shut down a portion of the interstate yesterday. The highway patrol reports the accident happened in one of the westbound lanes at mile marker 93 just after 4:00 p.m. OHP reported there were some injuries but no details were immediately available. One of the westbound lanes was closed for nearly two hours.
Chix School Teachers to Report Aug. 8th, 9th
Fall classes for Chickasha Public Schools begin five weeks from today! The first day of school is Thursday, Aug. 15th for students. Teachers however will report the previous week – with new teachers to attend an orientation on Thursday, Aug. 8th and all teachers will have a required work day Friday, the 9th. Teachers and staff will have three days of in-service training Monday, Aug. 12th through Wednesday, Aug. 14th.
New principal named at Bill Wallace School
There will be a new principal for the district. The school board this week hired Gretchen Slate as the new principal at the Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center. She previously was an assistant principal at Kennedy Elementary in the Norman Public School district. She's a 17-year veteran of education having taught first through third grades and previously served as an assistant principal for elementary and middle schools. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education at OU and a master's degree in educational leadership at East Central. She's now pursuing a doctorate's degree in educational leadership.
Chix Chamber Staff Member Hired for USAO Post
A Chickasha Chamber of Commerce staffer is changing careers. Whitney Palesano, who has served as the chamber's Membership and Operations Director, is moving across town to be the new Director for Alumni Relations at USAO. While at the chamber she fostered strong member relationships and successful fundraising programs, and developed and implemented comprehensive engagement strategies that strengthened connections between the chamber and the Chickasha business community. Palesano will be doing much of the same at USAO, fostering relationships with alumni and managing fund-raising programs. She'll also oversee the Alumni Association's Scholarship program. Palesano graduated from USAO and says she's excited about her new role. Chamber of Commerce President Jim Cowan says the search is underway to fill Palesano's post.
State 4H Horse Show Underway at Fairgrounds
4Hers from across the state will be in Chickasha over the next three days for the state 4H horse show. They'll get started this morning with ranch horse riding in junior and senior divisions. Events will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds in both the event center and the indoor arena. Today there is ranch roping, working-cow horse events, and break-away roping. Tonight, there will be a social event and a family game night. Competitions are scheduled throughout the day today with Friday and Saturday events starting at 8:00 a.m. each day.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.24 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.30.
Natural gas is $2.34 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,383 and silver is $31.33.
Obituary
Bob Hankins, Jr.
A graveside service for Bob Hankins, Jr. 80, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a machinist and truck driver and played on the St. Joseph's Academy state basketball championship team. He was also a long-time umpire at youth baseball and softball games. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, July 10th
TIF District Proposal Gets Support of Planning Commission
It's called the Gateway to Chickasha Economic Development Project Plan. The plan, which would create two Tax Increment Finance Districts in the city, was reviewed by the city's planning commission yesterday. The panel held a public hearing on the matter with attorney Nate Ellis of the Public Finance Law Group providing a 30-minute presentation. It's the same presentation he gave last month to the Tax Increment Finance District Review Committee which recommended that the proposal be approved. The planning commission held a public hearing of its own on the proposal yesterday with less than 10 people in attendance. And with little debate the panel voted 4-0 to also recommend that the plan be adopted. The proposal now goes to the city council which will hold two more public hearings. The first will be on August 5th with a second one two weeks later on August 19th. The council could vote on the proposal in a meeting in early September.
Grady County Budget Proposals Submitted for Approval
Grady county leaders have submitted nearly $24 million in budget requests for the 2024-25 fiscal year which is just under way. The Grady County Excise Board held a joint meeting with county commissioners yesterday as leaders submitted their estimates of needs for the next 12 months. The $24 million is a nearly 7 percent increase over the previous 12 months. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess submitted the largest budget request of nearly $7.5 million – an increase of more than 26 percent or $1.5 million over last year. That would be 30 percent of the entire county budget. Boggess said he wants to provide raises, hire additional deputies, and lease-purchase some new vehicles. Boggess said about $1.2 million in salaries for school resources officers would be reimbursed by the school districts the officers work with. The excise board will meet again next month to finalize the budget.
Former Verden Employee Faces Felony
for Ramming into Mayor's Pickup
The former animal control officer for the town of Verden is in trouble after authorities say he used a city-owned vehicle to intentionally crash into a pick up owned by the town's mayor. An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 62-year old Roy Dale Upton. He turned himself in yesterday and was charged with a felony for malicious injury to property then released after paying a $10,000 bond. The incident occurred March 8th. A probable cause affidavit filed by a state trooper indicates that Upton was upset after being told that he was going to be fired during a city council meeting that night. He initially told the trooper that he didn't mean to hit the pickup of Mayor David Holder. However, there was video surveillance which allegedly shows Upton intentionally sped up and rammed into the side of the truck causing more than $7,000 in damage. Upton then admitted the act was intentional. He is to be back in court for a preliminary hearing conference July 31st.
Driver Injured When Semi Tips Over
A semi driver is hospitalized after an early morning accident. 62-year old Cheryl Newton of Alex suffered head and shoulder injuries and was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was last in stable condition. The accident happened about 12:30 a.m. about three miles east of Chickasha. The highway patrol said that Newton was attempting to turn from a private drive on to CR 2890 (Lucile Road) when the semi rolled on to its passenger side. Newton was wearing a seatbelt. The trooper dispatched to investigate said the cause of the accident was unsafe speed.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.66 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.82.
Natural gas is $2.38 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,379 and silver is $31.23.
Obituary
Dana McElroy
Funeral service for Dana McElroy, 62, of Amber will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 12th at the Minco First Baptist Church. She worked at Grady Memorial Hospital and Southern Plains Medical Center. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Women's Imaging Center at Grady Memorial.
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Tuesday, July 9th
Oil Rig Explosion Under Investigation
Four people were injured and three of them were taken to hospitals after an explosion at an oil rig site in eastern Grady County yesterday. The blast occurred about 2:30 p.m. in the Bradley area on State Highway 19. Media reports indicated that the site was operated by Red Rock Oil and Gas and that the injured were all employees. Volunteer firefighters from the Bradley, Naples, Alex, Bailey, and Cox City departments were dispatched. Media reports say after the initial explosion the rig caught fire due to the heat of the equipment. Grady County Fire Chief Rodney Gregory said they'll likely monitor the site for days in case of potential flare-ups. The names of those injured were not released.
Chix Planning Commission to Consider Proposed TIF Districts
A proposal to create two Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts in the City of Chickasha goes before the city's Planning Commission this afternoon. The proposal received unanimous approval of a special TIF District Review Committee that was appointed to review the plans. It calls for creating two such districts - one is mainly the downtown area and the other along U.S. Highway 62 just east of downtown to the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The commission will consider whether or not to recommend the districts and pass that recommendation on to the city council for its consideration.
Also on the Planning Commission Agenda
The panel will hold a public hearing to consider an over-size building at 116 Mockingbird Lane; a special use permit at 607 Wisconsin; and the appointment of Mike Mosley as planning commission chairman.
Search Finds Drugs in Grady County Jail Inmate's Cell
A federal prisoner being held in the Grady County Jail is accused of having drugs in his possession. Court documents indicate that investigators found drugs during a random check of 30-year Anthony Steven Price's cell. Officials say he was planning to sell them. KSWO-TV reports that Price is being held on charges of robbery and having a firearm after felony convictions.
Applicants Sought for County Fair Princess, Little Miss Contests
The Grady County Fair is just a few weeks away and fair organizers are seeking candidates to run for the title of fair princess and the little miss county fair. Last year's fair princess Kelci McCarthy has information-
There is an earlier deadline than usual for candidates to submit their applications which is Friday, July 19th. Princess candidates will have to have a talent as part of their contest which will be held on Monday, Aug. 19th. The winner will reign over the fair later that week August. 22nd through 24th. For information and applications go to the website:
gradycountyfairgrounds.com/free-fair.html
Enrollment Begins for Chix Public Schools
Only five weeks of summer vacation remain for students and teachers at Chickasha Public Schools. Classes will begin Thursday, August 15th and officials say the enrollment process has begun and will be only be done on-line. A parent log-in is needed to get the process started. For information parents can send an e-mail to the enrollment center: enrollment@chickasha.k12.us
call 405-825-3134; or visit the enrollment center at 7th and Kansas Avenue which is across the street from the post office.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.90 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.37.
Natural gas is $2.37 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,371 and silver is $31.36.
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Monday, July 8th
Strong Storms Bring Large Hail, Heavy Rains, High Winds
The 4th of July weekend ended with a bang with numerous thunderstorms that moved through the Sooner State. Strong thunderstorms brought large hail, heavy rains, and high winds to much of the Grady County and surrounding area late yesterday. Storms moved through the northern half of Grady County between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. last night. The first thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service just before 5:00 p.m. for a storm near Cogar with 60 mile per hour wind gusts and quarter-sized hail. That was followed by another warning in the same area for a storm with 60 mile and hour wind gusts and ping-pong ball-sized hail. At 5:11 p.m., a storm near Gracemont had 60 mph winds and quarter-sized hail. 10 minutes later, a warning was issued for a line of storms from Pocasset to Verden with 70 mph wind gusts and ping-pong ball sized hail. At 5:53 p.m., a warning was issued for a line of storms from Bridge Creek to Apache with 60 mph winds and quarter-sized hail. At 6:35 p.m., a severe storm near Bradley had 60 mph wind gusts and tennis ball-sized hail. The last warning was issued at 6:44 p.m. for another storm near Bradley with 60 mph winds that also had tennis-ball sized hail. There are still a few power outages this morning as a result of the storms. 25 REC members in McClain and Garvin counties are without electricity. About 50 PSO customers are without power mainly in the Caddo County areas of Binger and Hinton. Utility crews are just east of Chickasha near Cimarron Trailers working on some power lines this morning.
One Person Dies, One Hospitalized in Motorcycle Accident
A Ninnekah couple were involved in a deadly crash while riding their motorcycle in Arkansas over the weekend. Dave and Linda Bennet were riding their Harley-Davidson east of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Media reports indicate that for an unknown reason the motorcycle ran off the highway and crashed into a ditch. Linda died in the accident and Dave was taken to a hospital where his condition in unknown.
UTV Rollover Injures Several Passengers
Three people were taken to a hospital and one was admitted after a UTV crash in Caddo County. The accident happened near the Canadian River Bridge over I-40 east of Hinton about 8:00 p.m. Sunday. The highway patrol said the UTE was traveling too fast on a curve along the riverbank and rolled on to the passenger side. The UTE was driven by 21-year old Shelby Gregory of Binger who was not hurt. 24-year old Dylon West of Yukon was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted in stable condition with leg injuries. Two unidentified teenaged girls from Calumet were taken to a hospital and treated for their injuries and released.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX $82.22 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.72.
Natural gas is $2.32 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,380 and silver is $31.30.
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