Saturday, July 20th
Grady County State Lawmaker to Lead State Senate
State Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) will be leading the state senate later this year. Paxton was elected President Pro-tem-designate by members of the senate Republican caucus this week. Paxton became a candidate for the post last month after Sen. Greg McCortney (R-Ada), who was initially elected pro-tem designate in February, but lost his bid to win re-election last month. Paxton said he started getting phone calls to run for the post almost immediately after the June 18th election-
As Senate President pro-tem, Paxton will be the third in line at the top of Oklahoma state government behind Gov. Kevin Stitt and Lt. Governor Matt Pinell.
New Leader Takes Reins at Caddo-Kiowa Tech Center
There is a new superintendent in place at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center in Ft. Cobb. Jennie Nunn stepped into the post earlier this month. She is a life-long educator with 25 years in the field including many years as a public school teacher, counselor and administrator. She's been with Caddo Kiowa for ten years and has served as assistant superintendent the last four years. Nunn says they are finishing up a big project this summer-
Caddo Kiowa received a $2.7 million ARPA grant to help build the more than 5,100 sq. ft. building and purchase some trucks and trailers for the truck driver training program. Nunn said the district also used some of its own funds to cover unexpected higher costs of materials and equipment. Nunn was named Caddo Kiowa's top administrator after previous superintendent Tony Hancock accepted a position with the Eastern Oklahoma County Career Tech in Choctaw.
Obituary
Jerry McGuffin
A graveside service for Jerry McGuffin, 82, of Cement was held at 7:00 a.m. this morning, Saturday, July 20th at the Laverty Cemetery. He operated a dairy farm and managed salt water disposals. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Laverty Baptist Church.
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Friday, July 19th
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit to Open at Anadarko Library
Americans will be casting ballots in the presidential election in November - and a traveling exhibit about the history of voting in the country opens tomorrow at The Anadarko Community Library. The exhibit called 'Voices and Votes: Democracy in America' comes from the Smithsonian Institution. It features 11 inter-active booths and traces voting and democracy from the nation's birth in 1776. Librarian Teresa Ferguson has a description-
Anadarko is one of only six libraries in Oklahoma to host the exhibit. A ribbon cutting and opening ceremony will be held at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow followed by live entertainment. It is free to attend will be at the library through Aug. 31st.
Grady County State Lawmaker Has Whirlwind Week
State Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) has had an interesting week. He was elected Pro tem-designate by the Senate Republican caucus and will hold the top office in the senate during the 2025 legislative session. Last night, Paxton was in attendance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to hear former President Donald Trump accept the GOP's presidential nomination for the November election. In a prepared statement Paxton said Trump is a proven leader and unwavering in his dedication to the United States of America. He said during Trump's first term as president the country saw record unemployment and historic prosperity. Paxton said Trump's vision for a thriving and secure nation aligns with the core values of the Republican Party.
Ninnekah to hold Founders Day Events
The community of Ninnekah will be celebrating its birthday this weekend. Wikipedia indicates the post office was established on July 28th, 1892 and at the time it was located in Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation. Founders Day events for the town's 132nd birthday will start at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow and there will be entertainment, a car show, a pageant, a sidewalk art contest, food, and fun. Activities are being organized by the Ninnekah PTO. The day will end with a Ninnekah Baseball Alumni game and home run derby with proceeds going to help build an outdoor pavilion for students at Ninnekah Public Schools.
Cars and Coffee at the Leg Modifies Schedule
Also tomorrow morning, it's the monthly gathering of Cars and Coffee at The Leg in downtown Chickasha. The group will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Leg Lamp and at 9:00 a.m. will head to Ninnekah to be in the Founders Day car show. There is no fee for spectators at either event however there is an entry fee for those who want to enter their vehicles in the car show at Ninnekah.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.75 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.10.
Natural gas is $2.09 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,413 and silver is $29.43.
Obituaries
Linda Pearson
No service is scheduled for Linda Pearson, 73, of Chickasha. She worked in nursing and on the family farm in Alex. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Nancy Turner
Obituaries also include 90-year old Nancy Turner of Chickasha. She worked for Helping Hands where she loved to help people and became friends with Dr. Linda Johnson. At this time no service is scheduled. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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Thursday, July 18th
Efforts Continue to Get Internet Service to Rural Areas
The state broadband office continues efforts to get high speed Internet service to under-served and unserved areas. Director Mike Sanders says the office recently received dozens of applications from groups seeking millions of dollars in ARPA funds to help build the infrastructure needed to get to those areas.
Sanders said the office distributed $374 million in ARPA funds to 30 Internet service providers earlier this year with 55 of the state's 77 counties to benefit. Grady, Caddo, Comanche, Stephens, Garvin, and McClain counties are included. Ground-breaking for some of those first projects is expected to be held later this month.
Convicted Killer, Animal Abuser Sentenced
A Marlow woman convicted of murder and more than 100 counts of animal cruelty could spend up to 45 years in prison. Karen Pritchard was arrested in 2021 after the body of a former employee was found in her home. Authorities also found dozens of animals in a puppy mill that were in terrible condition. A Stephens County jury convicted Pritchard in May. In addition to prison, Pritchard was also ordered to pay fines and fees of more than $100,000.
'Adorable' Oklahoma Cities Listed
Several regional communities are considered to be the most adorable towns in Oklahoma. Making the list compiled by World Atlas are Chickasha, Duncan, and Medicine Park. The Oklahoman reported the list. It says Chickasha holds pride in its Native American heritage and points to the Festival of Light and the Leg Lamp. It also mentions the Chief Drive In and Heritage Park Theatre. Duncan was said to have rich western vibes and beautiful outdoors. It highlights the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Chisholm Trail Ridge Park, and nearby Waurika Lake. Medicine Park was Oklahoma's first resort town and its natural red, rocky landscape is distinct. Families can swim, rent a cabin, and check out shops and local restaurants. Other towns on the list are Guthrie, Stillwater, Idabel, Broken Bow, and Miami.
Parts of Chickasha to be Without Water Service Today
Here's a reminder for residents in the southwest part of Chickasha. The City of Chickasha will be testing water valves much of the day between 12th and 24th Streets and between Grand Avenue and Carolina Avenue. Much of the area could have no or low water pressure throughout the day. Officials say they hope to finish by mid-afternoon. Should residents have discolored water after service is restored they can call the public works headquarters at 405-222-6080 and ask that there water line be flushed.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.96 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.05.
Natural gas is $2.04 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,467 and silver is $30.73.
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Wednesday, July 17th
Human Remains Found; Identified as Missing Chickasha Man
Skeletal remains found in Chickasha last week have been identified as 47-year old Richard Houston, a man who had been missing for almost a year. Houston was last seen Aug. 30th last year and his disappearance was considered suspicious. A statewide alert had been posted in hopes that someone could provide news of his whereabouts. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) released information on its Facebook page late yesterday saying the remains were found near the Chickasha Animal Shelter last Thursday. The OSBI said the state medical examiner is still trying to determine how Houston died. Anyone who may have information about Richard Houston is asked to contact the OSBI on-line: tips@osbi.ok.gov or by calling 1-800-522-8017. The OSBI thanked the Chickasha Police Department, Grady County Sheriff's Office, and Molly Gibb and her rescue K9s for their help.
Chix Officials to Seek Cost of Flood Prevention Project
Chickasha officials look to minimize damage that might occur in future flooding events. The city council this week approved a flood mitigation initiative and will go out for bids to develop a project. Emergency Management Director Edward Perez said there are some federal funds available that can help pay for some projects-
City officials paid for a flood prevention study a few years ago but have not taken any action. City Councilman Charlie Burruss questioned the move and talked about concerns he expressed in a previous meeting about using federal funds-
The proposal to solicit bids passed 6-1 with Burruss voting against the plan.
Chix Council Adopts County Hazard Mitigation Plan
The city council approved a resolution to adopt the Grady County Hazard Mitigation Plan. City Emergency Management Director Edward Perez said the city has been without such a plan for some time and tells a couple of reasons why the plan needed to be adopted-
Perez said all municipalities and school districts have to adopt the county plan to be eligible for funds.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.80 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $83.66.
Natural gas is $2.18 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,480 and silver is $31.18.
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Tuesday, July 16th
Homicide Suspect Arrested
One person is in custody after a man was shot to death at a Chickasha apartment complex yesterday. Law enforcement agencies were dispatched to the Winding Creek Apartment complex near 9th and Country Club Road about 6:40 yesterday morning. Chickasha police called in the OSBI to help with the investigation. OSBI spokesman Hunter McKee told KFOR-TV that first responders were unable to save the life of the victim.
The name of the victim has not been released. The OSBI arrested 28-year old Stephen Kaufman on a manslaughter complaint and he is being held in the Grady County Jail.
Chix Residents Concerned About Group Home
Some Chickasha residents are concerned about a group home for recovering addicts that has opened in their neighborhood. A national group called Oxford House, LLC purchased a home in the 100 block of Skyline Drive recently. Residents say as many as nine individuals are living there and they are not supervised. According to the Oxford Group website, the group develops self-run, self-supported recovery homes nationwide. Several neighbors took their concerns to the Chickasha City Council last night. KOOL/RANCH News talked to resident Emily Nelson-
Nelson and her neighbors say everyone deserves a second chance but also say the Oxford House should have followed the proper procedures before allowing residents to move in.
Water Valve Testing to Impact Chix Neighborhood
The City of Chickasha will be testing water valves in the southwest part of the city later this week and that will cause low or no water pressure much of the day. Officials say the testing will start about 8:00 a.m. Thursday in the area from 12th Street to 24th Street and from Grand Avenue to Carolina Avenue as crews repair or replace faulty valves. Officials say once service is restored the water could be discolored. If that happens officials say residents can call Public Works at 405-222-6080 and ask to have their water line flushed.
Tuttle State Senator Elected to Leadership Post
A Grady County state lawmaker has been elected as one of the top leaders at the state capital. Tuttle State Senator Lonnie Paxton was selected as the State Senate Pro-tem designate by the Senate Republican caucus yesterday. The election came five months after the caucus initially named Ada State Senator Greg McCortney to the post. However, McCortney was defeated in his re-election bid in the June primary. Paxton said he was honored by the faith his Senate colleagues have in him. He said he has been successful because of the relationships he has built in his eight years at the capital, and that the Republican caucus would reach across the aisle to Democrats and to the executive branch to enhance the state. Paxton is currently the chairman of the Senate's Public Safety Committee and its Redistricting committee.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.23 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $84.23.
Natural gas is $2.17 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,447 and silver is $31.12.
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Monday, July 15th
Breaking-
The OSBI reports a homicide investigation is underway in Chickasha. Reports indicate that one person is dead and one person is in custody after an incident at Winding Creek Apartments near 9th and Country Club Road. Listen to 106.1 The Ranch News for updates at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.
Chix Council to Commit Some Funds for Water Treatment Plant
The Chickasha City Council will be taking the next steps to continue the plans to build a new water treatment plant when the panel meets tonight. During the Chickasha Municipal Authority portion of tonight's meeting the panel will consider a change in the master services agreement with engineering firm Freese and Nichols for the design and construction of the plant. It calls for increasing the current contract of $3.5 million to $8.7 million. A separate proposal calls for an addtional $4 million to cover the final design and bidding services needed to complete the project. Officials say construction could start next summer with completion estimated to be in late 2026.
Waterline installation permit OK'd
During the city council portion of tonight's gathering the panel is expected to acknowledge the receipt of a permit to install a waterline to serve Ada Sipuel Avenue at the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The permit was recently approved by the State Department of Environmental Quality. The project includes more than 700 feet of 16-inch diameter pipe and 70 feet of six-inch diameter pipe.
Use-on-Review up for discussion
The group will hold a public hearing for a proposed Use-on-Review to allow an additional rental unit at 607 Wisconsin on property owned by James Perryman. The Planning Commission has recommended that the use-on-review be approved.
Executive session set for police and fire union MOUs
Tonight's meeting also includes a closed-door meeting to discuss negotations with unions that represent the police and fire departments. Up for consideration are memorandums of understanding with the Chickasha Fraternal Order of Police Local 129 and the International Assocation of Firefighters Local 2041. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
New Undersheriff Named in Caddo County
Caddo County Sheriff Spencer Davis has appointed a new undersheriff. Tom Adkins has 27 years' experience in law enforcement with most of those at the sheriff's office. A post on the sheriff's office Facebook page indicates that he served as the team commander for the Special Response Team and also served with the District 6 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. He is a U.S. Army veteran and spent several years in the National Guard for more than 20 years combined. He was a combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Adkins fills the post previously held by Delbert Stallings who recently retired after more than 20 years with the agency.
Willowbrook Construction Manager Earns State Honor
A long-time construction manager with a Chickasha-based firm has picked up an award from a state organization. Dale Smith of Willowbrook Development Company was voted as Superintendent of the Year by the American Subcontractors Assocation of Oklahoma. Smith is a 45-year veteran in construction trades and has served as senior superintendent for Willowbrook for 17 of those years. Smith said he was grateful to earn the award as he was nominated by subcontractors they work with and voted on candidates. Among Smith's projects are several at Deer Creek Public Schools including a new elementary school, a new 4th and 5th grade center, and a transition center geared toward special-needs students.
Turnpike Project to Affect Motorists
Starting today, 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 (the junction with U.S. Highway 81/4th Street) to mile maker 91 (junction with SH 4 and H.E. Bailey Spur). Officials say its an $8.7 million project that the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority awarded to T.J. Campbell Construction Company out of Oklahoma City.
Livestock Specialist to Lead Ag Producer Meeting
Grady County ag producers will be meeting tomorrow morning for the second of their bi-monthly meetings. OSU Extension Area Livestock Specialist Dana Zook will be discussing current information. Ag producers meet the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Grady County OSU Extension Office at 7:00 a.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.27 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $85.10.
Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,416 and silver is $30.95.
Obituaries
David Riley
Funeral service for David Riley, 73, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 Tuesday, July 16 at First Baptist Church of Pocasset. Arrangments are with Sevier Funeral Home. He owned and operated Cochran Abstract Company.
Anthony Hart
Funeral service for Anthony Hart, 84, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 17th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and started Hart Trailer Company.
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 technicial from the Pauls Valley State School.
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