Saturday, Aug. 17th
Some Critical of New State Law Banning Teacher, Student Texting
Some Oklahoma teachers are irritated about a new state law banning them from texting or calling students unless they also communicate with the students' parents. Teachers are saying that means they can't even text or call their grandchildren. State Rep. Sherrie Conley (R-Newcastle) will hold an interim study on the issue this fall to explore if clarification in needed. Conley says teachers are asking her for guidance about complying with HB3958. She said teachers and other school employees are being told by administrators to use a school-approved platform under the new law to talk to students - including their own relatives - and if they don't, they'll be written up. In a press release, Conley said the bill was intended to cut down on predatory comments between educators and students. She also said it was never meant to monitor personal communications between family members. She said she's had discussions with district attorneys and other legal professionals who say school officials are being overly broad in their enforcement of the policy and that such communication should be beyond the scope of law. Conley said she understands there are no safe-harbor provisions in the act and that school districts are doing their best to comply with the law - but feels they are missing the intent. She said the state department of education is required to develop and provide training for school personnel regarding the communication requirements. The interim study is tentatively set for Tuesday, Oct. 1st at the state capital.
Third-Saturday Cars and Coffee at the Leg Today
Weather conditions are perfect for classic car and truck fans this morning. Cars and Coffee at the Leg will be held in downtown Chickasha this morning. It's an opportunity for car, truck, and motorcycle enthusiasts to show off their vehicles. It's a come-and- go event and there's no entry fee for exhibitors or visitors. Cars and Coffee at the Leg is from 8-11 this morning around the Leg Lamp downtown and is always on the third Saturday of the month. Coffee and donuts are free while they last.
Blanchard Bluegrass Fest Concludes Tonight
Bluegrass music fans are spending time in the area this weekend at the annual Blanchard Bluegrass Festival. Five groups will take the stage this afternoon and tonight including one of the returning favorites, Southbound Mule-
Also performing will be The Horn Family, Pearl Snap, Greystone Bluegrass, and Red Bud Hill. It gets underway at 4 o'clock this afternoon at Lions Park. Admission is free and you should take lawn chairs and blankets. Food trucks will be on hand.
Talk Show Topic
Here's what we're talking about this weekend. The Chickasha Area YMCA is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Director Lewis Knisley and the chair of the YMCA Council Erica Alexander are guests on the KOOL Konversation. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, Aug. 16th
Storms Keep Minco in the Dark Overnight
Strong thunderstorms hit a big section of central Oklahoma last night. Storms with 70 mph winds and quarter- to ping pong ball-sized hail hit parts of Grady County and knocked out power for all of Minco. Nearly 900 PSO customers between Cogar and Tuttle were without power overnight. That initially forced Minco School Superintendent Kevin Sims to call off school. However, power was restored about 7:00 a.m. and Sims said that Minco schools would start at 10:00 a.m. Today is just the second day of classes of the year in Minco.
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The first severe warning was issued for a storm near Minco about 6:22 p.m. Another warning was issued for a storm near Amber at 7:04 p.m. The Minco Mesonet weather site only shows Minco receiving .15 of an inch of rain. The heaviest rainfall totals in the area were in the Tabler and Dibble areas where about an inch of rain was reported. The City of Chickasha received just a trace of rain.
Two Regional State Reps Split Decisions on Dept. of Ed Probe
(EDITOR'S NOTE - This has been corrected from a previous version which had erroneous information. We regret the error) - A couple of regional state lawmakers split their decisions on a proposal to investigate spending concerns within the State Department of Education. Officials with the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency say the investigation is not about controversial actions of Education Secretary Ryan Walters but rather what they are calling funding disbursement issues. State Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) opted to not sign the petition sumbitted by House Speaker Charles McCall while State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) signed the petition.
Longtime Grocer Darrell Lightner Dies
Darrell Lightner, who ran a family-owned grocery store in Chickasha for many years has died. Lightner was 81-years old when he passed away Tuesday. He spent 50 years in the grocery business starting when he was 15 years old. He operated a number of independent grocery stores after opening his first store in Chickasha in 1979. He was also an owner and board member of Farm Fresh Dairies and Bakeries. He was a military veteran and was deployed to the Dominican Republic as an airborne ranger with the U.S. Army. Survivors include his wife Marquita, their children, and their families. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon (Friday, Aug. 16th) at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the youth or missions ministries at Bible Baptist.
Other Obituaries
Flossie Jarnagin
A graveside service for Flossie Jarnagin, 96, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17th at Fairlawn Cemetery. She and her husband Hubert were cotton contractors. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Robert 'Bob' McKenna
A memorial service for Bob McKenna, 81, formerly of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17th at Sevier Funeral Home. He was a four-time high school state tennis champion at Chickasha High School and went on to play at Oklahoma State where he was a Big 8 champion at No. 1 singles. He won 14 national tournaments and also played in the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. He is a member of the Oklahoma Tennis Association Hall of Fame. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Karen Blackwood
Funeral service for Karen Blackwood, 71, of Verden will be held at 9:00 am. Tuesday, Aug. 20th at the Verden First Baptist Church. She was a librarian for Lawton public schools. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.52 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.62.
Natural gas is $2.21 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,506 and silver is $28.27.
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Thursday, Aug. 15th
Chix PD Offers Back-to-School Safety Tips
Doors have opened for Chickasha Public Schools today. The Chickasha Police Department has issued a number of safety tips for both motorists and pedestrians. For motorists, authorities say be mindful of school buses' flashing yellow and red lights and stop signs, and when you stop be sure to provide enough space between you and the bus. That will allow children and/or parents to safely get on or off the bus and cross the street if necessary. Be sure to slow down through school zones as fines are much higher for those caught speeding through them; and to stop and yield to children and parents crossing the street. Motorists should always avoid texting or talking on cell phones but especially when buses are on their morning and afternoon routes. For pedestrians, students and parents should look both ways before crossing streets and likewise not use cells phone or mobile devices.
Three to be Honored at Grady County Fair
The Grady County Fair is one week away and there will be three honorees this year. Eddie and Linda Rathbun of Rush Springs and retired Amber-Pocasset Ag Teacher Billy Scott will be recognized for their many years of support. The Rathbuns have been helping with the fair over the last three decades. Eddie has served on the fair board for 25 years and continues serving on the board today. Linda has been part of the Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE) group cooking and serving meals with OHCE at the fair and helping with some of the still exhibits. Billy Scott was the ag educator and FFA advisor at Amber-Pocasset for 48 years. All will be honored during the opening ceremonies of the fair next Thursday night.
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Some of the fair activities start Monday with the princess and little miss contests; still exhibits can be entered on Tuesday; and set up for commercial vendors will be Wednesday. Among the major sponsors of the fair are Roaster's Market, Lifeline Home Health and Hospice, and Waste Connections.
Registration Open for Rock Island Ride Bicycle Tour
One of the biggest weekends of the year in Chickasha is about six weeks away. It's a trifecta of events which includes the Rock Island Arts Festival, the Oklahoma Food Truck Championships, and The Rock Island Ride bicycle tour. The events will take place Friday, Sept. 27th through Sunday, Sept. 29th. The Rock Island Ride is growing in popularity as there were about 300 riders last year. Johnny Trammell has helped organize the ride since the event began. There are routes for bike riders of all skill levels. Trammell says there is a 10-mile in-town route and a number of longer routes to choose from-
The Rock Island Ride takes place Saturday, Sept. 28th and registration is open at the website: www.bikereg.com/crir
The first 250 riders to register get a free t-shirt. Riders can also register the morning of the ride which will start and end at the Rock Island Railroad Depot.
Free Classes Offered for non-Tech Savvy Seniors
A new program is being offered to help seniors adapt to the world of technology. The Grady County OSU Extension Office is holding a series of free classes called 'Bytes and Bites: A Tech Series for the Young at Heart.' It's to help older adults learn how to use and understand computers and smartphones. The next class will be held Tuesday, Sept. 10th at 12:30 p.m. at the extension office at 9th and Choctaw. The classes are free and a light lunch will be served. For information contact Riley at the extension office by calling 405-224-2216.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.52 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $80.34.
Natural gas is $2.23 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,496 and silver is $28.17.
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Wednesday, Aug. 14th
Summer Vacation Ends for Chickasha Students
Students in Chickasha Public Schools have their final day of summer vacation today. School officially starts tomorrow. Teachers have already been in their classrooms and meet-and-greets with parents have been held at each school. To help support the students on their return the Chickasha Chapter of the Beautiful Day Foundation encourages community members to welcome students as they arrive at school in the morning. Organizations, businesses, and individuals are invited to select any school they would like and create an enthusiastic atmosphere as the kids get off the bus or are dropped off by their parents. There will be a Beautiful Day volunteer at each school. For information contact Kelly Wilkerson (940-452-0333). Throughout the school year, the Beautiful Day Foundation holds monthly parties in elementary schools celebrating every student that has a birthday that month.
4Hers Dominate State Roundup
The efforts of several Grady County 4Hers over the last year paid off with some big awards at the state 4H Roundup in Stillwater last month. State record book winners included Ellen Williams in the Achievement project area; Curtis McDermott in the Conservation of Natural Resources project area; Rustin Elliott in the Geology project area; Charramaiyne Brown in the Shooting Sports project area; Abby Pettijohn in the Public Speaking project area; Shane Williams in the Science and Technology project area; (Shane was also selected to serve as a delegate at the National 4H Congress in Atlanta); and Georgia Nelson in the Agriculture and Natural Resources project area. All received $1,200 scholarships. Mesa Payne, KenLynn Chaney, and Georgia Nelson were named members of the 4H Key Club. Grady County 4H alumna Bailey White who now attends OSU picked up a $1,500 scholarship. Grady County 4Hers combined to earn more than $24,000 in scholarships at Roundup.
Art Professor Has First Overseas Exhibit
A USAO professor spent part of her summer in Europe. Jordan Vinyard, Professor of Art and Dean of the university's School of Visual and Performing Arts, had her first-ever overseas show. Her solo exhibition called Control, Alt, Repeat was held in the northeastern European country of Estonia. A university press release describes it as 'a multi-installation kinetic work which delves into the intricacies of relationships shaped by digital identities.' The release says by capitalizing on Estonia's digital prevalence the show playfully examines the region's complex identities as a border country.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.37 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $80.77.
Natural gas is $2.16 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,510 and silver is $27.93.
Obituaries
Phong Nguyen
Funeral service for Phong Nguyen, 57, of Chickasha will be at 12:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19th at Sevier Funeral Home.
Elsie Lessig
A private memorial service will be held at a later date for Elsie Lessig, 86, of Chickasha. She worked for Delta Faucet. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Aug. 13th
Volunteer Fireman Dies in Dairy Accident
A tragic accident has claimed the life of a long-time volunteer firefighter. Bill Nabors, Jr, who served with several departments over the last 20 years passed away last Friday after an accident at Braum's dairy. There's no word on what happened. He was a volunteer at the Amber, Friend, and most recently Pocasset departments. He was 58-years old. Nabors spent most of his life in the Grady County area. After graduating from Ampo High School he joined the Oklahoma National Guard and was a journeyman electrician for nearly 20 years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and retired after serving more than 35 years combined in the Army and National Guard. After retiring from the Army in 2022 he drove a truck cross country for a short time then went to work for Braum's. Bill leaves behind his wife of more than 30 years, Teresa and three children and their families. A funeral service for Nabors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17th at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Bill's honor to any volunteer fire department or to the Grady County Fire Service.
Onward Chickasha Survey Continues Seeking Comment
The third segment of the Onward Chickasha community survey is now available for public comment. This week individuals can see the results of the Transportation and Mobility portion of the survey. There are a total of seven segments that individuals can comment on over the next several weeks. Users do not have to create an account to respond. Comment on the website:
www.OnwardChickasha.org
Chix Chamber to Host Education Forum
Administrators of the three educational institutions in Chickasha will share their thoughts during a State of Education forum later this month. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce has organized the program to include USAO President Kayla Hale, Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin, and Canadian Valley Technology Center Superintendent Gayla Luttz. The forum will be held at the USAO Ballroom at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27th. Lunch will be served and tickets are $20 for Chamber members and $25 for prospective members. Those wanting to attend should RSVP the chamber by the close of business Monday, Aug. 19th.
Some Chix Schools Host Meet-and-Greets Tonight
Several Chickasha schools are having meet-and-greets tonight. The Lincoln Intermediate Center welcomes students and parents from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. They are also having a fundraiser in the cafeteria with Nothing Bundt Cakes on hand. The fundraiser is open to everyone.
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The middle school will have a parents meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium and students and can get their schedules after that meeting until 7:00 p.m.
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The Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center is also having its Back-to-School night. Kindergarten students will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 1st grade students from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Classes for all students in the Chickasha schools system start this Thursday.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $82.13.
Natural gas is $2.18 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,499 and silver is $27.77.
Obituary
Sue Chaney
Funeral service for Sue Chaney, 70, of Chickasha will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16th at Victory Family Church. She was a homemaker and active in her church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to any church youth group.
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Monday, Aug. 12th
Grady County Commissioners OK Pay Raises for Elected Officials
Grady County Commissioners have approved a proposal to give pay hikes to elected officials. Last week, commissioners voted 2-1 in favor of the increases. Commissioners Gary Bray and Kirk Painter voted to approve them and Commissioner Zach Davis voted against the plan. In their meeting this morning the group is expected to sign a resolution to enact those pay hikes. Sheriff Gary Boggess will have his salary increased more than 34 percent or about $25,000 a year – from about $73,000 nearly $100,000. The pay for other elected officials will increase more than 7 percent or $5,000 per year - from $68,000 to just over $73,000 annually. The group will also consider allowing the emergency management office to apply for a grant to benefit the Emergency School Safety Project, which would help get trauma kits in the classrooms of all Grady County schools.
Caddo County Sheriff Warns of Phone Scam
Caddo County officials are warning of a telephone scam which threatens arrest warrants could be issued for individuals who don't appear in federal court. A post on the Caddo County Sheriff's Office Facebook page says the calls are targeting medical professionals saying they had been fined for failure to comply with a subpoena to testify as an expert witness. Officials warn anyone who may receive such a call to hang up and not give out personal information. Officials say subpoenas are always hand-delivered to recipients by the sheriff's office Civil Service Division.
Chickasha Schools Back in Session this Week
Students in Chickasha Public Schools will be returning to classrooms this week. The first day of school is Thursday but teachers are getting started today with the first of three in-service days to prepare for the opening.
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Tonight, the school board will consider an agreement with Grady County which would allow the district to ask the county for assistance with materials, labor and/or equipment in projects related to maintenance, construction, improvements, or repairs. Costs of the projects could be reduced and the scope of the work would be shared between the two entities.
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The panel will also consider hiring an individual to help in the areas of operations and athletics. It's proposed that the panel hire Jerry Johnson to assist with operations and transportation in various areas and the activities director with the development of new coaches and programs, and to establish a mentoring program for new head coaches at the high school and middle school at a cost of $55,000 this school year. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building.
Biggest Rush Springs Watermelon Tops 200 Pounds!
The weekend rain and cool morning temperatures didn't dampen the spirits of those attending the Rush Springs Watermelon festival on Saturday. It was one of the coolest days anyone could remember with morning temps in the 60s with many patrons sporting parkas and blankets. The largest watermelon shown this year checked in at 201 1/2 pounds and for the second straight year it was grown by Bratcher Melons. Garen Bratcher said he had one in the field at 250 pounds. He's hoping to enter that in the state fair where the record is around 255 pounds.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.69 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $80.37.
Natural gas is $2.25 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,481 and silver is $27.99.
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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