Saturday, Aug. 3rd
Chix City Council to Hold First of Two Public Hearings
on Proposed Tax Increment Finance Districts
Two proposed Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts for the City of Chickasha will be going in front of the city council for the first time next week. The panel will hold two public hearings on the plans -the first will be at Monday night's regularly scheduled council meeting and the second during the regularly-scheduled meeting Aug. 19th. A representative of The Public Law Firm of Oklahoma City which developed the proposals will give a summary of the proposal then the public will have an opportunity to provide input. The proposed districts have the recommendation of a review committee that met several times earlier this year, as well as the city's planning commission which held a public hearing on the proposal last month. The council will meet Monday night at 6:30 at city hall.
Suspect Arrested in Child Porn Investigation Faces A Dozen Charges
A suspect arrested for allegedly having and distributing child porn is facing nearly 200 years in prison if he's convicted. 33-year old Thomas Gene Edghill was arrested Thursday morning by Grady County Sheriff's deputies who were following up on some cyber-tips the office received. Grady County prosecutors filed a dozen felonies in the case which include possessing and distributing illicit material and resisting officers. Edghill remains in the Grady County Jail after a judge set his bond at $250,000. On-line court records show that Edghill previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor larceny charge back in 2013 and ordered to pay a $100 fine.
Second child porn suspect arrested
There's no known connection but authorities have arrested a second person for allegedly having child porn. Grady County authorities issued an arrest warrant a couple of weeks ago for 19-year old Damian Oktober Polk of Lindsay. He was booked into the Grady County early this morning. Polk is charged with three felonies. He'll spend the weekend in jail and it's expected he'll have his initial appearance on the charges on Monday.
Ft. Sill Among Those Being Tested for 'Forever Chemicals' in Ground Water
Federal investigators are looking into whether dangerous forever chemicals are in well water near Fort Sill. The U. S. Army and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plan to test the water at not only Ft. Sill but also the Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester and more than a half-dozen Army posts across the country. They are checking for chemicals called PFAs which - at high concentrations - are known to increase the risk of cancer. KGOU reports there is a particular interest in PFAs around military facilities because they are heavily used in fire-extinguishing foam and other materials. The Army previously conducted a larger program to identify PFA sources nationwide in 2017. The new testing will further investigate potential PFA contaminations. If PFAs are found to have gotten into the ground water the two agencies would work with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to determine how to best protect the health of Oklahomans.
Talk Show Topic
On the KOOL Konversation, USAO professor of theatre Katie Davis will share information about the 24th season of the university's Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, Aug. 2nd
Suspect Accused of Having Child Porn Arrested Near School
Grady County sheriff's deputies arrest a man suspected of having and distributing child pornography. On the agency's Facebook page, Sheriff Gary Boggess says his office received a number of cyber tip-line reports of an individual accessing the material from the Internet at a residence near Chickasha's Grand Elementary School. Investigators served a search warrant on the home in the 1300 block of West Grand early Thursday morning. On-line records show that 33-year old Thomas Gene Edgill was booked into the Grady County Jail on a complaint of having the illicit material. Formal charges have not yet been filed.
National Group Provides Millions for State Broadband Office
The effort to expanded high-speed Internet service in the state gets a big financial boost. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded the state nearly $800 million to help get broadband service to rural areas. The award comes after the NTIA approved the state's Broadband Equity And Deployment (BEAD) proposal. The funding will be used to pay for last-mile connections to unserved and under-served homes and businesses. Mike Sanders, the director of the state's broadband office, said the funding is the result of months of planning and stakeholder engagement which can bridge the digital divide in Oklahoma.
OHP Opens Application Period for Trooper Academy
The call is out for individuals who would like to become an Oklahoma State trooper. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is accepting applications for its 74th academy, a rigorous 20-week training program that will start next May. OHP Chief Pat May says they have launched a new recruiting effort that will allow current troopers to text with potential applicants. Mays said that will allow them to reach the next generation of troopers and be helpful in communicating with individuals throughout the application process. During the academy cadets will be challenged academically, physically, and mentally where days can run from 12 to 18 hours. No previous law enforcement experience is needed. Applications will be accepted through November 30th and can be found on the website: www.ohp.ok.gov
Back-to-School Events Help Students Prepare for the Big Day
With students returning to their classrooms over the next couple of weeks groups have organized back-to-school events to help kids and parents get ready for the big day. Last night, Anadarko Public Schools held its 12th annual back-to-school expo with hundreds of students participating. Tomorrow, Chickasha's Michigan Avenue Baptist Church will have its third annual back-to-school bash. There will be free back packs for students, more than 20 community resource groups will be on hand, and the Grady County Health Department will provide free sports physicals. Teachers can stop by and get a free gift bag and t-shirt. The event is from 9:00 to noon at the church at 8th and Michigan Ave. Participants are asked to park at Canadian Valley Technology Center and take a shuttle to the church.
Chix Police to Hold 'Ice Cream with a Cop'
A summer tradition for the Chickasha Police Department will take place this weekend. It's Ice Cream with a Cop where police officers will be serving and enjoying ice cream with the kids. Ice Cream with A Cop will be at Dairy Queen from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. tomorrow.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.43 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.64.
Natural gas is $1.99 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,507 and silver is $29.02.
Obituary
Kenneth Ehli, Sr.
Funeral mass for Kenneth Ehli, Sr., 74, of Thornton, Colorado and formerly of the Yukon and Moore area will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 3rd at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Elgin. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and a mail carrier. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Thursday, Aug. 1st
Woman Jailed for Alleged Child Sex Crimes
Authorities in Tuttle have arrested a woman for alleged child sex crimes. 31-year old Crystal Summer Joslin was arrested after a nearly two-month investigation. A probable cause affidavit filed by Tuttle police in Grady County District Court indicates the agency was contacted in May and asked to check into a report of an adult having inappropriate relations with a 15 year old. Joslin denied the allegation. She was arrested Tuesday and taken to the Grady County Jail and she's now facing felony charges of enticing a child under 16 into a secluded place; causing-aiding-or abetting a minor in a drug crime; and poisoning food or medicine with intent to injure. She remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.
Fire Destroys Abandoned Rush Springs Home
Grady County volunteer firefighters were called out to battle a house fire in Rush Springs on Tuesday. Fire Chief Jeff Adamson said crews were initially dispatched to a brush fire north of town near the cemetery which spread to an abandoned home and some outbuildings. Crews from the Rush Springs, Acme, and Bailey fire departments, along with Rush Springs EMS were dispatched with about 20 firefighters and 10 trucks responding. Adamson said the 2,500 sq. ft. brick home was fully engulfed when they arrived and crews battled the house fire and brush and grass fires at the same time. Crews were on the scene for about 5 1/2 hours. Adamson said the home and contents were all destroyed and estimated the value at $150,000. He said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Grady County Fair Countdown Underway
The 109th Grady County Fair is now just three weeks away. The fair will run Aug. 22nd through 24th at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The theme is 'Traditions and More in '24'. Fairgrounds Marketing Director Jamie Jones talks about one of the events on opening night.
More than 100 commercial vendors will be on hand and many will have free giveaways, OHCE groups will serve home-made meals, there will be a number of food trucks, and the carnival will return with exciting rides and its midway. The premium book is posted on the Grady County Fairgrounds website and individuals can pick up tags for still exhibit entries at the OSU extension office.
USAO Offers Computer Science Degree
USAO has added a bachelor's degree program in computer science in its course offerings this fall. Officials say it will equip students with the practical skills and foundational knowledge needed to excel in the fast-growing field of computer and information technology. University President Kayla Hale said the goal is "to prepare students not only for immediate career opportunities but also lifelong learning and adaptation in an ever-evolving technological landscape." The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14 percent growth in computer and information technology jobs through the year 2032.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.36 per barrel.
London-based Brent Crude is $81.33.
Natural gas is $2.07 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,479 and silver is $29.01.
Obituaries
Wanda Myers
A graveside service Wanda Myers, 89, of Tuttle was held at 10:30 this morning (Thursday, Aug. 1st) at Fairview Cemetery of Tuttle. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
Linda Bennett
A graveside service for Linda Bennett, 73, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3rd at the Ninnekah Cemetery. She worked with her husband Dave as they traveled the country with both the Oklahoma and National Tractor Pulling Associations. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics in Linda's name.
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Wednesday, July 31st
Manslaughter Suspect in Fatal Norman Crash
Recently Released From Grady County Jail
Officials say the suspect arrested for crashing into several vehicles in Norman over the weekend which resulted in the death of one person was recently arrested in Grady County. On-line court records show that 22-year old Bradyn Thomas Brown of Ninnekah was taken into custody by Grady County Sheriff's deputies earlier this month. A warrant had been issued for his arrest in June for charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and knowingly receiving or concealing stolen property. He was arraigned on the charges July 22nd then released from jail after posting a $5,000 bond. After leaving a trail of destruction in Norman this past Sunday KWTV News 9 reports that Brown was arrested at a Love's Travel Stop. He told police he was speeding to get away from witnesses of the crashes and that he also had fentanyl in his car and didn't want to be caught with it. Brown is now facing numerous charges in Cleveland County including first-degree manslaughter and his bond was set at $1 million.
Mother Jailed for Alleged Child Abuse
A mother is charged with child abuse after allegedly bloodying the lip of a 9-year old, punching him, and putting him in a headlock. 31-year old Whitney Crawford-Shaw was arrested after Chickasha police were called to a home to investigate a report of child abuse last week. A witness said Crawford-Shaw had beaten him for not listening. The witness also said Crawford-Shaw threw a heavy book at the child which hit him in the leg. The suspect was arrested Friday afternoon and spent the weekend in jail. At her initial appearance in court Monday she was charged with one felony count of child abuse and remains in jail on a $100,000 bond, Also, an emergency protective order was filed against her. A hearing on the emergency protective order is scheduled for next Monday and a preliminary hearing conference on the child abuse charge is scheduled for Aug. 15th.
Semi Takes Down Fiber, Cable Lines
A semi ran into some low-hanging utility lines in a Chickasha neighborhood yesterday. The incident knocked out some fiber-optic and cable services for an unknown number of residents and businesses. It happened just before 11:00 a.m. Tuesday near the downtown area at 9th and Chickasha Avenue. The driver of a Coca-Cola delivery truck hit the low-hanging lines. Unconfirmed reports indicate the truck driver tried to back away from the lines and ended up hitting a pick-up trying to cross the intersection. There were no injuries. Chickasha police and fire responded. There were no power outages associated with the downed fiber and cable lines but crews from Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) arrived to help.
Central Oklahoma Wheat Conference Set
With the 2024 wheat harvest complete producers can get an early start on next year's crop. The Central Oklahoma Wheat Conference will be held next week at the Canadian County OSU Extension Office in El Reno. The day-long program will feature several guest speakers including OSU professor and wheat genetics chairman Brett Carver and OSU Extension wheat specialist Dr. Brian Arnall. Kyle Worthington is the county director and ag agent for the Canadian County Extension Office and says a lot of information will be available.
Also on hand will be extension livestock specialist Dr. Darrell Peel to give his outlook on the cattle market. The program will be held Thursday, Aug. 8th starting at 8:00 a.m. Worthington said those attending should RSVP for the luncheon that day. Contact the OSU Extension Office in El Reno by the end of the day Monday, Aug. 5th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.66 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $80.37.
Natural gas is $2.11 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,466 and silver is $28.75.
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Tuesday, July 30th
Monthly Consumer Spending Drops from Last Year's Level
Consumer spending was down more than 11 percent in Grady County in the most recent reporting period compared to the same time last year. According to numbers released from the Oklahoma Tax Commission this month, consumer spending at retail outlets throughout the county in the month of May was estimated to be $92 million - off about 11.6 percent from the $104 million spent in May of 2023. For the City of Chickasha consumer spending was down about 18 percent from a year ago, estimated at $37.3 million last May and $30.6 million this year.
Sales tax collections follow suit
As far as the monthly sales tax collections go Grady County numbers fell from $781,000 last year to $691,000 this year. Chickasha sales tax collections fell from $1.4 million last year to $1.3 million this year. Chickasha's sales tax rate was at 3.75 percent in May last year and it was increased to 4.25 percent this year.
Caution Urged as Sweltering Weather Continues
Grady County Emergency Management officials urge residents to take it easy in the extreme heat that is expected over the next several days. Officials say the National Weather Service out of Norman is forecasting heat index values to be as high as 110 degrees throughout much of western Oklahoma. Officials say if you are going to be outdoors to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day. Warning signs of heat stress and heat stroke include cramps and exhaustion. Officials also say to not leave people or pets inside a closed vehicle as temperatures could surpass 140 degrees within minutes.
Local Cattle Producers Noted at State Convention
Grady County had good showing at the 72nd annual Oklahoma Cattlemen's Assocation (OCA) Convention earlier this month. Several members of the Grady County Cattle Producers were recognized for their effort. Jena Kellum was elected Vice President of Beef Promotion for the Oklahoma Cattlewomen. Jake Grossnicklaus and Harold Gillenwater were named to the OCA Top Hand Club as they combined to recruit 30 new members. Grossnicklaus said the best news of the event was that Grady County took top honors in the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation Steer Feedout Challenge. Grady County's entry, donated by Cunningam Ranch, was named the Overall Champion Steer. The steer had the top carcass value of more than $3,200 and was second in average daily gain at nearly 5.6 pounds per day. It was the first time for Grady County to enter the competition.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.70 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.65.
Natural gas is $2.06 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,434 and silver is $27.98.
Obituaries
Tina Williams
Funeral service for Tina Williams, 49, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1st at Ferguson Funeral Home. She was an all-state golfer at Chickasha High School and a dog groomer.
Kayla McKinney
Funeral service for Kayla McKinney, 79, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2nd at Ferguson Funeral Home. She and her husband Aaron owned and operated Aaron's Quality Roofing.
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Monday, July 29th
Garvin County Jailer Arrested for Allegedly Having Child Porn
A joint investigation by the McClain and Garvin County Sheriff's offices has a resulted in the arrest of a Garvin County detention officer on allegations he had child porn. 27-year old Benny Christopher Weldon of Pauls Valley was taken into custody last week. Authorities say they got a tip that Weldon had several illegal videos and images in his possession. KFOR-TV cites authorities as saying that Weldon admitted using dark websites to collect the material and shared it with people he met on-line. Weldon has been charged with four felonies in Garvin County District Court in Pauls Valley and his bond was set at $250,000.
Chix Mourns Death of Firefighter
The Chickasha community is mourning the death of a first responder. 48-year old Mike Wise was a firefighter for the Chickasha Fire Department who died last week while on vacation in Jamaica. Wise lived in Blanchard and was a military veteran. Comments posted on his obituary from one colleague said while he had only worked with him for about a year, he could only imagine the impact he had on the community throughout his years of service. Another post said that Mike was an amazing guy and that he had the pleasure of working with him at high school football games. Funeral service is pending with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Stolen Student-Built Career Tech Trailer Recovered
In Caddo County authorities have recovered a large trailer that was stolen from the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center in Ft. Cobb earlier this year. The trailer built by technology center students was stolen in February. A post on the sheriff's office Facebook page said investigators found the trailer after receiving an anonymous tip. The post indicates that investigators were able to obtain a search warrant on the property where the trailer could be found. Authorities say the case is still under investigation but did not say if any arrests have been made.
Onward Chickasha Development Plan in Final Stages
Chickasha residents will have several more opportunities to comment on a long-range development plan for the city. The Onward Chickasha proposal is in its final stages. Over the next few weeks residents can comment on several sections of the study. This week deals with land use. Individuals can review the plan and provide feedback by going to the website: Onward Chickasha.org
A final presentation will be considered by the city council later this year or early next year.
Area Schools Anticipate Return of Students
The first day of classes for area schools is inching closer. Chickasha Public Schools open Thursday, Aug. 15th with teachers reporting on Monday, the 12th. After working four-day weeks most of the summer, starting today the administration and enrollment offices will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Officials say returning students and new students need to enroll on-line. For information send an e-mail to: enrollment@chickasha.k12.ok.us
Officials also remind parents and students that all school supplies at all school sites throughout the year will be provided at no cost through the Chickasha Public School Foundation Classroom Closet.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.06 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $81.11.
Natural gas is $1.99 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,437 and silver is $28.25.
Obituaries
Imogene Bayless
Funeral service for Imogene Bayless, 98, of Chickasha was held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 29th at Sevier Funeral Home. She and her husband Ross ran the pool hall in Chickasha for many years.
Darrell Bennett
No service is scheduled for Darrell Bennett, 69, of Chickasha. He worked in the oilfield and was a maintenance technician. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Blake Conner
No service is scheduled at this time for Blake Conner, 59, of Seminole and formerly of Tuttle. He was a carpenter. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Johnell Pimpton
Funeral service for Johnell Pimpton, 52, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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