Saturday, Aug. 10th
Electricity Prices Expected to be Higher in 2024
Officials are saying that residential electricity prices in the U.S. will be higher this year. A report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration says prices are expected to be about 1 percent more than last year. If there is a good news side of that it's that the agency says it will be the slowest increase since the pandemic of 2020. The website OK Energy Today reports that natural gas prices have been falling since late last year and those lower prices are being factored into the retail electricity rates. Natural gas provides the largest share of generating electricity across the country.
ODOT Continues Work to Install EV Charging Stations
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently completed its second phase of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. The Southwest Ledger reports the agency spent $9 million to install 13 Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers along the I-44 corridor and I-40 as part of President Biden's push to mandate the use of electric vehicles through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The report indicates that maps of the plan are on-line and that ODOT is seeking comment. The website is www.oklahoma.gov/evok
The deadline to comment is Aug. 19th. The state is to receive $66 million over a five-year period to improve and expand the state's network of EV charging stations.
It's All Things Watermelon in Rush Springs Today
The annual Rush Springs Watermelon Festival is underway. It's the 79th year for the event which started in 1940 and celebrates the local producers of the unofficial watermelon capital of Oklahoma. There are several varieties of watermelon and Rush Springs is known for the Black Diamond variety while they also grow the Jubilee which is what is typically sold in grocery stores. There are also orange- and yellow-meat watermelons. Audrey Heath is this year's festival queen and says it's been a good growing season-
Last year's festival saw the largest melon ever exhibited at 225 pounds grown by Garen Bratcher. Some folks arrived early for the festival for a 5K or 10K run. There is a car show, over 100 arts and crafts vendors, a carnival, live entertainment, food, and 50,000 pounds of watermelon. The evening wraps up with live music from 40 Roses. There is free admission and free parking.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. On the KOOL Konversation are Ralph Poolaw and David Barnes with the Consortium Against Substance Abuse out of Anadarko. A podcast can be found under the Community tab on this website.
Obituary
Deborah Nickles
Funeral service for Deborah Nickles, 70, of Moore will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14th at Parkview Christian Church. She worked at the Oklahoma City post office for 35 years. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Friday, Aug. 9th
Firefighter's Long Journey Home Complete
The body Chickasha Firefighter Mike Wise is finally home nearly three weeks after he passed away during a family vacation in Jamaica. The long journey was completed last night when Wise's body was escorted from the Tulsa airport to Chickasha. He arrived in Chickasha just after 9:00 p.m. as a procession of firefighters and law enforcement escorted him by Fire Station No. 1 for the last time. A memorial service was held this morning at Bible Baptist Church and he was laid to rest in the Blanchard Cemetery.
Assault Suspect Jailed After Violent Ride Across Two Counties
A Grady County man is jailed on assault and battery charges after an alleged violent attack on a woman. 45-year old Justin Paul Anderson of Alex was arrested earlier this week after the victim said Anderson assaulted her as they traveled the backroads of Caddo and Grady counties between Carnegie to Ninnekah. It's alleged Anderson forcefully held her head down in the vehicle. Prosecutors have charged Anderson with a felony for domestic assault and battery by strangulation and a misdemeanor for threatening violence. Bond has been set at $110,000. Anderson previously pleaded guilty to charges of unauthorized use of vehicle and knowingly concealing stolen property after arrests in 2019.
Two Earthquakes Hit Region Minutes Apart
A couple of earthquake rattled of central Oklahoma last night. The Oklahoma Geological Survey and the United States Geological Survey reported the first tremor occurred at 8:16 p.m. about three miles north-northwest of Minco. It measured 1.8 on the Richter scale at a depth of about 1 1/2 miles. Just six minutes later at 8:22 p.m. an earthquake occurred about three miles southwest of Dibble. That measured 3.2 on the Richter scale at a depth of about two miles. No damage has been reported in connection with either earthquake.
Rain Brings Relief for Weekend Events
As we get a break from the extremely hot weather over the last couple of weeks, tonight should be a great night for the Second Friday Art Walk in downtown Chickasha. A number of artisans will have their art on display and for sale. Amanda Lack organizes the event and tells what to expect-
The USAO Art Wrecker Studio will be open as there are some artists-in-residence there. Carnival-type games and live music from Piano Mitch will be around the Leg Lamp. It doesn't cost anything to stroll along the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue. A number of downtown businesses will be open. The art walk is from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Rush Springs Watermelon Festival Tomorrow
Rush Springs will hold its 79th annual Watermelon Festival tomorrow. The festival celebrates the fruits of the labor of local watermelon producers with an estimated 50,000 pounds of watermelon. Large wedges of melons are served at about $3 each but it's free after 4:00 p.m. There is a watermelon barn to exhibit the biggest and best watermelons, live entertainment, a seed-spitting contest, a carnival, a 5K and 10K run in the morning, and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors. The festival gets underway at 9:00 a.m. at Jeff Davis Park and runs through the evening hours. Admission and parking are free. Visitors can park at the high school football field parking lot and take a shuttle to the park.
Blanchard Main Street Cruise Saturday Night
Blanchard will have a blast from the past with its annual Cruise Night. All cars, trucks, motorcycles are anything on wheels are welcome to the cruise. There is no charge as it is not a car show. There will be food trucks along the way. That will be from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. tomorrow night.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.27 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.22.
Natural gas is $2.17 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,462 and silver is $27.55.
Obituaries
Jerry Franklin
Funeral service for Jerry Franklin, 83, of Blanchard will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10th at Trinity Holiness Church in Blanchard. Arrangements are with Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard.
Richard Houston
A celebration of life for Richard Houston, 47, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17th at Breakout Ministries.
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Thursday, Aug. 8th
OSBI Looking into Alleged Open Meeting Act Violations
Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) have confirmed that the OSBI is looking into allegations that a couple of Grady County commissioners violated the state's open meetings act. During a June 24th County Commissioner's meeting, District One Commissioner Zach Davis accused District 2 commissioner Kirk Painter and District 3 commissioner Gary Bray of discussing county business outside official meetings. After hearing the allegations in that meeting, Assistant District Attorney Charles Scifres said it appeared that an investigation was warranted. In a KOOL/RANCH News interview with OSBI Public Information Manager Hunter McKee, he said it wasn't clear where agents were in their investigation. District Attorney Hicks said once he gets the OSBI report he will ask the state attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to look into the allegations. Painter is running for re-election this year. He's facing challenger Ruth Bingham in the Republican run-off on Aug. 27th. Bray is in the middle of serving his first term as a county commissioner.
Body of Chickasha Firefighter Returning Home Today
The body of Chickasha firefighter Mike Wise is back in the U.S. Wise passed away during a family vacation in Jamaica last month, and family members have faced numerous obstacles in getting him back home. That finally happened yesterday as he was flown from Jamaica to Miami where there is a 24-hour hold. It is expected he'll be flown to Dallas later today and then on to the Tulsa airport. From there, he will get a fire department escort back to Chickasha. When they arrive there will be a procession through town and the public is invited to line the route to pay their respects. It will start at Fire Station Number One near 16th Street and U.S. Highway 62, then south on Jim Cowan Street in front of the high school, then south on 17th Street to get to Ferguson Funeral Home at 8th and Utah. It's not clear when the procession will begin. The City of Chickasha will post information on its Facebook page on the estimated time of arrival. The funeral service for Wise will be at 10:30 tomorrow morning at Bible Baptist Church and he'll be laid to rest in the Blanchard Cemetery.
Community Development Survey Comments Needed
The community development survey known as Onward Chickasha is in its second week of asking residents for their comments about the project. This week's section concerns infrastructure and public services. Officials did say they were having some technical issues with the on-line survey last week, so individuals can still comment on the land use segment. To comment on the plans go to the website Onward Chickasha.org
Representatives say individuals can comment without creating an account. If you are accessing the link on a PC or laptop, click on the 'Review the Document' button in the top right corner. If you are accessing the link on your phone, click on the reply button and you will be asked to provide an e-mail address. They say that will not make you create an account, rather it is to ensure the activity is not spammed. The survey will continue over the next several weeks to include segments like transportation and mobility; housing and neighborhoods; parks and recreation; and community character and quality of life. A final plan will be presented to the Chickasha City Council later.
Ninnekah Schools to Have Surplus Auction
Ninnekah Public Schools will have a surplus sale of a number of items on Saturday. Three school buses, a 2007 Chevy Suburban, filing cabinets, classroom items, books, and other items will be sold. The sale will be from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.80 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.86.
Natural gas is $2.08 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,436 and silver is $26.92.
Obituary
Dennis Jennings
Funeral service for Dennis Jennings, 37, of Chickasha and formerly of Anadarko will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12th at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, Aug. 7th
Campaign to get Trauma Kits in Classrooms Continues
As students prepare to get back to school over the next couple of weeks, officials continue their work to get trauma kits into every classroom in Grady County schools. Grady County Emergency Management, Chickasha Emergency Management, and the Chickasha Fire Department have joined together for what they call the "Stop the Bleed" campaign. They are looking to raise $50,000 to get trauma kits into the estimated 1,000 classrooms in county schools. Officials say each trauma kit costs about $50. Officials will provide training for the teachers on how to use the kits. Individuals and businesses can contact Amanda Wilkerson at the Grady County Emergency Management Office by calling 405-222-2339, ext. 7802.
Funeral Set for Chickasha Firefighter
The funeral service for Chickasha fire fighter Mike Wise will be this Friday. He was only 48 years old when he passed away last month while on vacation in Jamaica. Wise was born in Denver, Colorado in 1976. After his family moved to Oklahoma he graduated from Piedmont High School and enlisted in the Air Force just a couple of months later. That's where he began his firefighting career. Following his five-year stint with the Air Force he worked at Tinker Air Force base as a civilian fire fighter. He had been with the Chickasha Fire Department since 2013. Wise is survived by his wife Dana and their two children. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9th at Bible Baptist Church. Those attending are asked to wear bright colors to honor the bright light that Mike was. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Arrests Made in Three Separate Child Porn Investigations
Grady County sheriff's deputies have arrested three suspects after investigating three separate complaints of individuals having and/or distributing child pornography. Last Thursday, deputies arrested 33-year Thomas Gene Edghill at a Chickasha home. He's been charged with 11 felonies and a misdemeanor for resisting an officer. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
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Early Saturday morning, deputies wrapped up a nearly year-long investigation after getting a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Authorities arrested 19-year old Damian Oktober Polk at a home in the Blanchard area. A warrant for his arrest was issued July 17th. Polk has been formally charged with three felonies that include having obscene material and violating the state's computer crimes act. He remains in jail on a $250,000 bond.
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Saturday afternoon, deputies arrested 20-year old Adam Omar Karim. A warrant for his arrest was also issued July 17th after a six-month investigation. The USAO student from Norman was accused of distributing the illicit material. He has been charged with one felony for aggravated possession of child porn. On-line court records indicate his bond was initially set at $250,000 but was later reduced to $125,000. He also remains in the Grady County Jail.
Lawmaker Lauds Upcoming Cut of Grocery Sales Tax
Later this month, Oklahomans will be able to keep a few more of their hard-earned dollars. On Aug. 29th the state sales tax on groceries will be coming off the books. That's a result of the passage of HB 1955 by state lawmakers earlier this year which was signed by the governor. In a recent media column, State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) said the average Oklahoman will save more than $105 a year on their grocery bills. That translates into $418 million statewide that can be placed into savings or used for other purchases. Boles says the tax cut does not eliminate municipal or county sales taxes on groceries as those funds are needed for police and fire protection and other services.
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Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.10 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $77.44.
Natural gas is $2.06 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,435 and silver is $27.11.
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Tuesday, Aug. 6th
Chix Residents Chime in on Proposed TIF Districts
In a marathon meeting last night the Chickasha City Council held a public hearing on the proposed Gateway to Chickasha Economic Development Project Plan. It calls for creating two Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts. The goal is to generate sales tax, property tax, and hotel-motel tax revenues from businesses that locate in those districts. A portion of the revenues from those districts would help pay for the installation of water and sewer lines and would also benefit the Chickasha and Canadian Valley school districts and county groups which receive ad valorem taxes. About two hours of the more than four hour meeting included a review of the proposal and the public hearing. Resident Torry Wise proposed that the council allow citizens to decide if the plan should be approved.
Property and business owner Bud Lowe, whose family-owned farm implement dealership lies within one of the proposed districts, said he was never contacted about whether he wanted to be in the district, and asked if he could opt out. Another property owner whose land was not included also was not contacted. Yet another resident asked if the city council could implement eminent domain to force property owners to take part, and officials said that was not the case. No action was taken on the plan. The council will hold a second public hearing during its Aug. 19th council meeting which will be followed by a proposal for the group to approve or deny the ordinance to create the districts in the Tuesday, Sept. 3rd council meeting.
Mayor Casts Tie-Breaking Vote to Award Business Grant
A divided city council narrowly approved a more than $122,000 Central Business Development Building Grant to a firm which recently renovated the old Chickasha Schools bus barn into a venue called The Gathering, a venue which hosts weddings, reunions, and other special events. Mayor Zach Grayson provided the tie-breaking vote to approve the grant to Open Skies LLC, a firm based in Carrollton, Texas. The company spent about $366,000 to renovate the building. Voting against the proposal were Oscar Nelson, Charlie Burruss, Brian Gerdes, and Kelly Boyd. Voting to approve the grant were Kea Ginn, Georgianne Hebblethwaite, Ron Smith, Erica Alexander, and the mayor.
One Police Officer Promoted, Another Sworn In
A Chickasha police officer was promoted and the oath of office given to a new officer during last night's council meeting. Officer Marcus Nieto was promoted to the rank of sergeant. The Chickasha native been with the department for nearly three years and has served on the department's Crisis Intervention Team and as a Field Training Officer. New officer Hunter Sanders was also sworn in. He's from the Bridge Creek area, graduated from high school there and also from the Criminal Justice Officer program at Mid America Technology Center. Sanders also earned an associate's degree in police science from the OSU COPS program. He has served as a detention officer at the Grady County Jail and as a dispatcher with the Cleveland County sheriff's office and is from a law enforcement family.
Ampo Student Inducted into State 4H Hall-of-Fame
A Grady County 4Her is one of the newest members of the Oklahoma 4H Hall of Fame. Shelby Kelcey was inducted into the hall during the state 4H Roundup held in Stillwater last month. Kelcey will be a senior at Amber-Pocasset this year. As a Hall of Fame inductee she received several scholarships totaling more than $10,000. She plans to attend Oklahoma State and work toward a double-major in family and consumer sciences education and marketing and communications.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.12 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $76.46.
Natural gas is $1.96 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,451 and silver is $27.15.
Obituary
William 'Billy' Herron
A graveside service for Billy Herron, 56, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9th at the Marlow Cemetery. He mowed the Chickasha cemeteries, and was a machinist and a mechanic. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Monday, Aug. 5th
Remains of Missing Grady County Man Found
Family members of a missing Tuttle man get devastating news. Keith Carlson went missing about three months ago after his pickup was found at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge on May 21st. Relatives report that human remains found at the refuge on July 27th have been identified as those of Carlsons. Several agencies and a number of private groups searched for Carlson but did not find him. The family reported his remains were found on the grounds of Ft. Sill near where his truck was located.
Chix TIF District Proposal Gets Another Public Hearing
The Chickasha City Council will get details of those two proposed Tax Increment Finance Districts when the panel meets tonight. The plans were first presented during several meetings of a review committee which has recommended that the districts be approved. The city's planning commission held a public hearing on the proposal and also recommended approval. The council will hold the first of two public hearings this evening with a second hearing scheduled for its Aug. 19th meeting.
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The panel will consider using more than $122,000 for a Central Business District Building grant for a group called Open Skies for renovation work that has been done at 611 Chickasha Avenue. The council will also consider going out for bids for a 100-foot aerial fire truck and an engine and pumper truck for the fire department, and consider an annual agreement with the 522 Emergency Medical Services District.
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Also to be discussed are proposals to close the 700 block of Chickasha Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 24th for the 35th anniversary celebration of the YMCA; a street closure for the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue the evening of Thursday, Aug. 29th for a street-and-greet event for USAO; and another request to close the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue for a Western Farmers Electric Co-op block party on Oct. 25th. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
Chickasha School Days will be Longer this Year
Chickasha Public Schools will be starting classes earlier this year. Officials have added 15 minutes to each school day which will allow the district to have four-day weeks next spring. Superintendent Rick Croslin said the district conducted a survey last spring about the proposal and it got huge support. Classes at Bill Wallace School and Grand Elementary will start at 7:50 a.m.; classes at Lincoln School Intermediate Center and the middle school will start at 8:35 a.m.; and classes at the high school will start at 8:10 a.m. Croslin said parents wanting to know about school bus pick up times should call the bus barn at 405-222-6570. In the meantime enrollment is continuing, and Croslin said it is all being done on-line again this year and tells one reason they changed the process.
Parents need to log-in to the school district's website to enroll students and can call the enrollment center for information at 405-222-6566.
Area Agronomist to Meet with Local Ag Producers
Grady County ag producers meet tomorrow morning with guest speaker Josh Bushong to be on hand. Bushong is an area agronomist with OSU Extension. They'll get started about 7:00 a.m. at the Grady County OSU Extension Office in Chickasha at 9th and Choctaw. By the way, today is the final day for individuals to RSVP if they want to attend the Central Oklahoma Wheat Conference in El Reno on Thursday, Aug. 8th. Contact the Canadian County OSU Extension Office by calling 405-262-0155.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.03 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $75.39.
Natural gas is $1.92 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,464 and silver is $27.61.
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