Saturday, Aug. 31st
Jury Finds Chickasha Man Guilty of Manslaughter
A Grady County jury convicts a driver of manslaughter. The six-man, six-woman jury found 26-year old Bradley Teakell guilty of second degree manslaughter following a four-day trial in Grady County District Court this week. Teakell was initially charged with first degree manslaughter but the jury found him not guilty on that charge. The panel also found him not guilty of felony DUI in a crash causing great bodily injury. The jury deliberated about four hours before issuing its verdict Thursday evening.
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The accident happened in May of 2020. Chickasha police say Teakell was speeding when his pickup went airborne after going over some railroad tracks, hit a utility pole, and rolled several times. Killed in the crash was 30-year old Jordan Jacobs. Another passenger, Mary Martin, was seriously injured. Defense attorney Bret Burns told KOOL/RANCH News that Teakell testified and took responsibility. Burns said the three friends had been drinking at a bar prior to the crash. Burns also said that Martin testified that she didn't want Teakell prosecuted. The jury recommended a four-year prison sentence. Formal sentencing is set for Nov. 26th.
Grady County Court Clerk Lisa Hannah Retires
Long-time Grady County Court Clerk Lisa Hannah has retired. Hannah spent 40 years in the office with the last ten as court clerk. She was appointed to the leadership role in 2014 after previous court clerk Lois Foster retired. Next week, Grady County Commissioners will consider appointing first deputy Lisa Hackney-Smith to fill the remaining four months of Hannah's term which ends December 31st. Hackney-Smith is the court clerk-elect as she won the post in the June primary election.
TIF District Decision Expected Next Week
The Chickasha City Council will debate the pros and cons of the proposed Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts and vote on the proposal next week. The council normally meets the first Monday of each month but since city hall will be closed for the Labor Day holiday the meeting will be Tuesday night. The panel has held two public hearings on the so-called Gateway to Chickasha Economic Development Plan over the last month with the council getting feedback from individuals both supporting and protesting the plan. A review committee formed to take a look and the proposal and the city's planning commission have both recommended the city adopt the plan.
Obituary
Michael Wilson
A celebration of life for Michael Wilson, 70, of Chickasha will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7th at 1321 S. 12th Street. Memorial contributions may be made to programs that support wounded veterans. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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Friday, Aug. 30th
Ag Community Mourns Passing of Ralph Morgan
Long-time rancher, businessman, and public servant Ralph Morgan has died. Morgan was 85 when he passed away Tuesday. Born in San Fernando, California in 1939, the family moved to the Ninnekah area where Ralph became active in FFA. He won the Governor's Trophy for Outstanding FFA member of Oklahoma and earned Star Farmer recognition. He owned and operated Morgan Cattle Company and was a public servant which included earning a state environmental stewardship award. He served on the Grady County Conservation Board for three decades; was on the Ninnekah school board, the Ninnekah Rural Water District board, Grady County Cattlemen's Association, the Grady County Fair Board, and the junior livestock show committee. He also was a director at First National Bank for nearly 20 years. Ralph is survived by his wife Evelyn, son Jimmy and his wife Alicia, and daughter Kristy. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3rd at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Recount Ordered in Republican State House Run-Off Election
A recount has been ordered in a Republican run-off for the state house of representatives. It's in House District 20 which serves parts of McClain and Cleveland County where Jonathan Wilk of Goldsby received just two more votes that Mike Whaley of Blanchard. Whaley filed a petition with the state election board asking for the recount. It's not clear when the recount will take place. They'll manually tabulate more than 3,300 ballots. The winner will go on to face Democrat Jacob Mitchell of Newcastle in November.
Mayor's Blues Ball Begins in Medicine Park Tonight
One of the regional events taking place this Labor Day Weekend is the Medicine Park Mayor's Blues Ball. Many state and regional blues bands will be performing. Leading things off tonight will be Sweet Brenda and Sour Mash. Also playing this weekend is Malford Milligan and Tin Cadillac. Milligan is an eight-time best-vocalist winner at the Austin Music Awards. It's a free event and officials say it is kid and pet-friendly. There will be food trucks and its recommended you take lawn chairs and blankets. The music starts at 7 o'clock tonight and runs through Sunday. Concerts are slated for the outdoor Town Center Main Stage. If it rains, they'll move the event down the street to town's historic music hall. Check out the Medicine Park Blues Festival Facebook page.
Wichita and Affiliated Tribes to Begin Alzheimer's Support Group
A new support group will soon begin to help Native American families caring for relatives with Alzheimer's disease. The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes will start the program Wednesday, Sept. 4th. Diane Hugar is a dementia care specialist who will lead the meetings to be held the first Wednesday of each month and are currently scheduled through Jan. 4th. The meetings will be held at the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes complex north of Anadarko starting at 1:00 p.m. and last about an hour. For information contact Hugar by calling 405-247-8677.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.39 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.94.
Natural gas is $2.13 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,553 and silver is $29.88.
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Thursday, Aug. 29th
Consumer Spending Drops in Grady County
Consumer spending hit the brakes in Grady County just before summer began. It's estimated that spending dropped more than 13 percent from the mid-April-to-mid-May period and the mid-May-to-mid-June time period. Using sales tax revenues from the state tax commission it can be determined that consumers spent $80 million on taxable goods and services at Grady County retail outlets. That was down from more than $92 million in the previous 30-day period. It is off 17 percent compared to the same time last year. The month-to-month drop in spending wasn't that noticeable in the City of Chickasha, where spending was off just a couple of percentage points. Estimated consumer spending in Chickasha was a little more than $30 million. However that number is down almost 20 percent compared to the same time a year ago.
Sales Tax Numbers
Checking sales tax revenues, Grady County received $607,000 from the mid-May-to-mid-June time period which is down from $691,000 collected from the previous 30-day period, and down from $726,000 from the same time a year ago. Chickasha's sales tax revenues for the mid-May-to-mid-July time frame were $1.3 million. That's about the same as the previous period but down about 7 percent compared to the same time in 2023.
No More State Sales Tax Charged on Groceries
The state sales tax on groceries is now off the books. Today marks the first day for the tax break to be in effect. State Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) says it will bring immediate tax relief to Oklahomans. In a prepared statement he said the tax break is not just about saving money. He said it's also about helping families put more food on the table and making Oklahoma a more affordable place to live. It's expected to save Oklahoma households several hundred dollars a year.
Suspected Drug Trafficker Arrested
Law enforcement agents raid an Anadarko home and find a stash of drugs. The District Six Drug Task Force, Anadarko Police, and Caddo County sheriff's deputies combined efforts to serve a search warrant at a home in the 400 block of West Florida last Friday. A post on the Anadarko Police Department's Facebook page says they found more than a pound of meth and a couple of weapons. Authorities arrested 66-year old George DeWayne Phillips on drug and weapons complaints. Prosecutors have charged him with drug trafficking and having a firearm after a prior felony conviction. Phillips' bond was set at $50,000 and a preliminary hearing conference has been set for Oct. 11th.
USAO Meet-and-Greet Event Tonight Open to the Public
With USAO students back on campus there will be a big event in downtown Chickasha tonight to welcome them. The university is hosting a Street-and-Greet with a number of vendors setting up to show students a sampling of what there is to see and do. A lot of community resource agencies will be on hand to share information on how they can help students. It will be in the 200 block of Chickasha Avenue and will include food trucks, special events, live music, and the USAO Art Wrecker Studio will be open. The event is free and open to the public tonight from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.59 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.64.
Natural gas is $2.10 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,556 and silver is $30.01.
Obituaries
Adella Ortiz
Funeral service for Adella Ortiz, 85, of Chickasha will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31st at The Christian Center. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
Stacy Mink
Funeral service for Stacy Mink, 55, of Ketchum and formerly of Cement will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3rd at the Cyril Assembly of God Church. He worked in the oilfield. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Ralph Morgan
Funeral service for Ralph Morgan, 85, of Ninnekah with be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3rd at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, Aug. 28th
New Grady County Commissioner Elected
Voters in the central part of Grady County elect a new county commissioner. Ruth Bingham defeated incumbent Kirk Painter in the Republican run-off for District 2 Commissioner in yesterday's election. Bingham won by more than 100 votes - 615 to 500 - collecting 55 percent of the vote. Painter was looking to win a third consecutive term in office. Bingham said she appreciates the opportunity to serve.
Bingham ran on a platform that included following policies and procedures if elected, which she said hadn't been done in the last couple of years. She also said she hopes to make the work of county commissioners more transparent. Bingham will be the first woman to serve as a Grady County commissioner when she takes office Jan. 2nd.
Special School Bond Elections
For the second time in two years, Blanchard school district voters turned down a more than $66 million bond proposal. The vote was split nearly 50-50 which was well short of the 60 percent super majority needed for passage. The district had proposed building some safe rooms and a new fieldhouse for football and new soccer programs. Funds also would have been used to move the baseball and softball fields to the high school campus and to purchase land to build a new school.
Lindsay voters OK Two Bond Proposals
Voters in the Lindsay school district approved two propositions totaling nearly $12.3 million. Proposition One passed with 64 percent approval, 398 to 223. Proposition two received nearly 75 percent approval, 462 to 161.
Marlow Bond Narrowly Fails
In Marlow, a transportation bond issue to buy new school buses failed by just four votes. The tally was 419 to 286 but it needed 423 votes to get the 60 percent super majority needed to pass.
Hinton Voters Say No
In Hinton, voters turned away a nearly $24 million bond issue for the school district. The vote was evenly divided with 316 for the bond and 312 against it. But it also fell way short of the 60 percent super majority needed to pass.
Ft. Cobb Burglary Suspect Formally Charged
A suspect arrested in connection with some Caddo County thefts has been charged with grand larceny, burglary, and conspiracy. 46-year old Jeffery Lee Jones - who lists a Chickasha address - was taken into custody by Caddo County deputies last week for alleged thefts in the Ft. Cobb area. Jones was charged with five felonies in his initial appearance on the charges in Caddo County District Court on Monday. He's also facing a misdemeanor drug charge. His bond was set at more than $22,000 and he is to be back in court Oct. 21st for a preliminary hearing conference.
Contractor Accused of Fraud in Several Counties
The state attorney general (AG) has filed charges against a contractor who cheated customers out of thousands of dollars with one of the victims being in Grady County. The AG has charged Paris Bilbro of Oklahoma City and his company AMG Construction Group for allegedly defrauding clients. The AG's office said Bilbro accepted nearly $40,000 in advance payments from clients in Tuttle, Lawton, and McLoud for roof repairs but did not perform any work. Bilbro is facing three counts of embezzlement and one count of having a pattern of criminal offenses. Anyone who believes they may also have been victimized by Bilbro is asked to reach out to the Consumer Protection Unit of the attorney general's office.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.68 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $78.74.
Natural gas is $1.91 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,544 and silver is $30.01.
Obituary
Lucille Nelson
Funeral service for Lucille Nelson, 101, of Verden will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31st at the Verden First Baptist Church. She was a home economics teacher for the Home Demonstration Agency and worked on the family farm. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Aug. 27th
Run-Off Elections, School Bond Issues Being Decided Today
There are a few special elections scattered throughout the state today. Polls are just opening for some primary run-off elections and some special school bond elections. In Grady County, there is a Republican run-off for District Two Grady County Commissioner. Two-term incumbent Kirk Painter is facing challenger Ruth Bingham. In a three-person race in the June primary election, Bingham received 16 more votes than Painter but not the majority needed to win. Painter has been under fire this summer for allegedly violating the state open meetings act with District 3 commissioner Gary Bray. Painter also made a statement during a county commissioners meeting that he discriminated against Democrats. Bingham has worked at the county treasurer's office for several years. No Democrats filed for the post so the winner of today's election will be sworn in to office in January.
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Several school districts have special bond elections today. Blanchard school district voters will decide a more than $66 million proposal that would fund a number of school improvements to include safe rooms, building a new fieldhouse to add soccer programs, moving the baseball and softball fields to the high school, and to purchase land to build a new school. Lindsay has two proposals totaling about $12.3 million; Marlow has a transportation bond issue to buy new buses; and the Hinton school district has a nearly $24 million proposal on the ballot. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.
Grady County Sheriff Warns of Phone Scam
Scammers are at work in the area again. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says individuals are calling residents and telling them they failed to show up for jury duty and a warrant has been issued for their arrest. They are telling potential victims to pay a fee to keep from being taken into custody. Boggess said the sheriff's office will not call and ask for any payment or personal information over the phone. Boggess says anyone who receives such a call should just hang up.
Jury Selection Underway in Manslaughter Trial
Jury selection is underway in Grady County District Court for a Chickasha man charged with manslaughter. 26-year old Bradley Teakell was arrested in May of 2020 in connection with a crash that resulted in the death of passenger in his pickup. KSWO-TV cites court documents saying Teakell was driving at a high rate of speed when his pickup vaulted over some railroad tracks, hit a lamp post, and rolled several times. Killed in the crash was 30-year old Jordan Jacobs. Teakell is charged with manslaughter and DUI with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more.
Dentist George Williams Dies
Longtime Chickasha dentist Dr. George Williams, III has died. Williams was 77 when he passed away on Saturday. While in dental school he served in the U.S. Navy Reserves Dental Corps, had a brief stint in the Marines then joined the Air Force and later the Air Force Reserves. He spent more than 20 years' combined active- and reserve-duty service. Funeral for Dr. Williams will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29th at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.63 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $80.70.
Natural gas is $1.92 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,544 and silver is $30.35.
Other Obituaries
Sharlene Pearson
No service is scheduled for Sharlene Pearson, 67, of Alex. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Daryl Halbert
A private memorial service will be held at a later date for Daryl Halbert, 54, of Chickasha. He was a mechanic. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Steve Burton, Sr.
A memorial service for Steve Burton, Sr., 64, of Alex will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29th at Southern Baptist Church in Alex. He was a farmer and rancher. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Nolan Boudreaux, Jr.
Funeral for Nolan Boudreaux, Jr., 80, of Guthrie and formerly of Alex will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a long-time mechanic for the Edmond Fire Department. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Burn Centers for Children.
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Monday, Aug. 26th
Chix Community Survey Continues Seeking Comments
The Onward Chickasha community development project is now seeking input on the next area of its survey. This week it is the economy and downtown which is one of several segments included in a comprehensive plan to get ideas on how the city should be developed over the next 30 years. Last week's segment was housing and neighborhoods. Individuals can go to the website: www.onwardchickasha.org to review the suggestions and leave comments. The final draft of the survey will be given to the city council for consideration at a later date.
Recall Petitions in Anadarko Lead to Special City Council Election
The City of Anadarko will have a special election this fall to elect a mayor and city council representative. Petitions to recall Mayor Kelley McGlothlin and Ward 2 Councilman Patrick Redbird were filed earlier this summer. The petitions filed by John McCasland alleged that McGlothlin abused her mayoral powers; failed to conduct lawful meetings; failed to record executive sessions as required by law; and that she personally profited from her role as interim city manager by delaying the hiring of a permanent manager. It is also alleged that she attacked the character and reputation of one of the city manager candidates. In a response, McGlothlin denied the accusations. Regarding Councilman Redbird the petition alleged that he also abused his powers in office; made false racial statements against the Anadarko Fire Department; and also failed to conduct lawful meetings and record executive sessions. Redbird also denied the allegations in his response to the petition. In last week's filing period for the special election, both McGlothlin and Redbird filed for their respective seats on the council. Also filing for mayor are McCasland and Patrick Michael Hayes. Redbird did not draw an opponent. There is a two-day period for candidates to withdraw or for any protests to be filed against the candidates. That protest period is today and tomorrow. The special election for the posts will be held Nov. 5th.
Blood Donors to Get Added Bonus This Week
The call is out for blood donors to help the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) keep their shelves full for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. And there's an added incentive for donors this week. Normally donors can pick up a t-shirt when they give blood but this week donors will get two t-shirts. Donors will receive a 'Bigfoot Returns' and a glow-in-the-dark 'People-Juice' t-shirt. They will be available at any mobile blood drive or OBI donor center. That includes the community blood drive at the Blanchard library Wednesday, Aug. 28th from 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. There are two blood drives in Chickasha on Saturday, Aug. 31st. First at Starbucks from 8:00 a.m. to noon, then at Morris Motorsports from 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Find a blood drive in your area by visiting the blood institute's website: www.obi.org
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.66 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $79.88.
Natural gas is $1.95 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,559 and silver is $30.59.
Obituaries
James 'Jim' Johns
Funeral service for Jim Johns, 89, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27th at Bible Baptist Church. He was a manager at Dunn's Food Center for more than 20 years and was a master craftsman in woodworking. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
Judy Nelson
Funeral service for Judy Nelson, 60, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28th at Bible Baptist Church. She helped to start Chickasha Industrial and Welding. As a freshman at Chickasha High School she set a state record in track in the one mile-run and is in the Chickasha High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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