Saturday, Sept. 21st
Juvenile Arrested for Alleged School Threats
Authorities have arrested a juvenile for allegedly making threats toward Minco schools this week. According to a post on the Grady County Sheriff's Office Facebook page the juvenile is also accused of threatening other schools. Minco schools were threatened Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and forced officials to close school Tuesday due to a bomb threat. The post indicates that Minco's school resource officer Deputy Berger conducted much of the investigation. Authorities say the juvenile's name will not be released and that the investigation is on-going. Minco Superintendent Kevin Sims posted a letter on Facebook saying the juvenile will be charged with Commiting a Terrorism Hoax and Threatening to Commit Physical Harm. Sims thanked School Resource Officer Berger, the Grady County Sheriff's Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the FBI for their work. He said the district will stand strong in the support of the filing of charges.
Remains of Teen Who Died in Pennsylvania Boarding School
Nearly 140 Years Ago Returned to Anadarko
A solemn ceremony was held in Anadarko today as the remains of child who died at a Pennsylvania Indian boarding school over 100 years ago were returned to her home. Kate Ross was taken from her Anadarko family in 1879. She was 15-years old at the time of her death which occurred less than six months after arriving at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in 1885. Leaders with the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes have been diligently working with Pennsylvania officials to have the remains of the children who died returned to their homes. The purpose of boarding schools across the country was to remove Native Americans from their cultures and lifestyles and assimilate them into the white man's society. Following a graveside ceremony for Kate at Rock Springs Cemetery there was a celebration of life at the Wichita Community Building to honor all the tribe's children whose lives were lost during the adoption of the Indian Boarding School policies.
Chix Begins Annual Chlorine-Only Water Treatment Program
The City of Chickasha is beginning an annual waterline maintenance project today. Officials at the water treatment plant will be using chlorine only to treat the water coming in from the Ft. Cobb Reservoir. Officials say chlorine will help remove biofilm that collects in water pipes over the course of time. Officials say once the chlorinated water moves through the distribution system, tap water will briefly become discolored and smell and taste like chlorine. This process will take place over the next 30 days. The private contractor which operates the water plant, USW, will return to the normal process of treating the water around Oct. 22nd.
Anadarko Officials Seek Help in Finding Lead Water Lines
In Anadarko, officials are asking for help in identifying the number of lead water lines that may be remain in the community. A post on the city's Facebook page says the city is working to comply with new requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Officials say going door-to-door to all the 2,600 homes and businesses with water meters isn't feasible so they are asking consumers to fill out notices that have been mailed to them. The survey is voluntary and does not cost anything. Questions can be directed to the Anadarko Water Department.
Talk Show Topic
On the KOOL Konversation, Adrian Smith and Erica Camero with the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes will have information about a disability awareness day they'll be co-hosting with the Delaware Nation, Apache Tribe, and Comanche Nation to help disabled Native Americans find employment. There is a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, Sept. 20th
Grady Memorial to Add New Services
A new partnership for Grady Memorial Hospital will bring orthopedic and podiatry departments to the area. The hospital is teaming up with Southwest Orthopedic Services of Oklahoma City to bring specialists to Chickasha which will allow patients to see them a lot earlier than having to make long-range appointments and avoid the drive to the Oklahoma City Metro area. A press release issued by the hospital indicates the orthopedic department will specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and diseases affecting bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. The podiatry department will focus on the medical and surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions including a diabetic and non-diabetic wound specialist. The clinics will be in a newly-renovated facility on the main floor of the professional building and will have state-of-the-art equipment including new lift-assisted beds and its own x-ray area.
Alex Community to hold Founders Day
The community of Alex will celebrate its Founders Day tomorrow. It was incorporated in 1910 making it 114 years old but the area is said to have been founded 25 years earlier in 1885 by cattle rancher Red Alexander. A Google search shows he is considered to be the first white man to settle the area. Activities include a parade, a car show, live music, arts and crafts vendors, a cornhole tournament, and a bake-off. Local historian Norman Voss will have displays for the communities of Alex and Old Fred, as well as the Chisholm Trail and town history will be on display in the community center. There will be a grand opening of a new store called Branded by Brandy Boutique and The Patch at Spring Creek will have pumpkins and mums for sale. Founders Day in Alex will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.
Suspect wanted for Stabbing Arrested
A Chickasha man wanted in connection with stabbing a woman is in custody. An arrest warrant was issued Sept. 4th for 45-year old Marcus Don Brown after a violent confrontation with the victim. In an arrest warrant affidavit, Chickasha police say the attack occurred the evening of Aug. 27th. The victim reported that Brown held a knife to her throat and chest, cut her on her thigh, and threatened to kill her. Grady County deputies arrested Brown earlier this week on the warrant for felonies of domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and threatening violence. Brown is also facing a misdemeanor charge for resisting arrest. Brown remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of an $85,000 bond.
Trafffic on Cottonwood Road to be Detoured for Weeks
Here's a traffic advisory for motorists who use Cottonwood Road east of U.S. Highway 81. Beginning Monday both lanes of Cottonwood Road will be closed for several weeks as contractors replace a culvert and make some road improvements. The road closure will be from about 1/2 mile east of Highway 81 near Royal Filter to about Sooner Road. Detour signs will be in place on Monday. The project is expected to take about 60 days.
Youth Rodeo Competition in Chickasha for the Weekend
Over 150 youth throughout Oklahoma and from surrounding states are in Chickasha this weekend with the Heart of Oklahoma Youth Rodeo Association (HOYRA). All the events will be held in the Event Center at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The group holds monthly events across the state including Duncan, Woodward, and Pawhuska. They'll be back in town in March and May of next year with May being HOYRA's state finals. There are age divisions from 6-and-under to 14-19 in events that include barrel racing, team roping, goat tying, and calf tie-down.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.85 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $74.65.
Natural gas is $2.34 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,626 and silver is $31.45.
Obituary
James 'Jim' Hobgood
A memorial service for Jim Hobgood, 88, of Anadarko will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23rd at the Verden First Baptist Church. He was a cowboy, a competitive team roper, and a U.S Marine Corps veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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Thursday, Sept. 19th
Judge Approves Multi-Million Dollar Settlement
of Lawsuit filed Against Ninnekah School District
A U.S. district judge has approved a $7.5 million settlement of a lawsuit filed against the Ninnekah School District. The district was accused of ignoring complaints that former girls basketball coach Ron Akins sexually assaulted more than a dozen players. Akins pleaded guilty to charges related to the investigation and was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison followed by 25 years of probation. The Oklahoman reports that four former school officials were dismissed from the lawsuit as part of the settlement including a former superintendent, principal, athletic director, and secretary. In a news release, Ninnekah school officials say the district denies any liability to the plaintiffs under state or federal law as a result of the allegations giving rise to the case, as a result of the alleged conduct of Akins or otherwise. Attorneys for the 14 victims say their clients are survivors and suffered unimaginable trauma as young children. They are pleased to have reached a settlement and hope to make all schools across the state safer by bringing awareness to child sex abuse in public schools.
Search Warrant Served on Illegal Pot Operation
About 25 Grady County deputies combined to execute a pre-dawn search warrant at an illegal marijuana grow operation in Pocasset yesterday. Investigators found more than 500 plants inside and outside the buildings on site. The facility is just a few blocks away from the Pocasset Elementary School. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess said the search warrant was issued after a suspect was arrested last week for growing and selling marijuana out of his trailer which was close to the school. Boggess said more than 50 plants were found inside a building and hundreds more found in a wooded area just behind the building. Boggess said the facility was properly license up until a couple of months ago-
No one was at the facility when deputies arrived however Boggess is anticipating that arrest warrants will be issued. Boggess said the illegal plants were collected and taken to an undisclosed location where they were destroyed by pouring diesel fuel on them and burying them in a 20-foot deep pit.
Chix School District Looks to Increase Safety, Security
In an attempt to increase security at Chickasha Public Schools officials will be enforcing student identification procedures with students getting new ID badges. A Facebook post from the district indicates that high school students are getting their badges this week. The statement says that all students and employees are to wear their photo IDs at all times while on school property and attending events on school district grounds. The ID badge will act as the scan card for any school entry access. Students who forget their badges will have to go to the office to get a temporary sticker. If a student loses a badge a new badge will cost $5.
Chix' Annual Water Line Maintenance Starts This Weekend
The City of Chickasha will soon begin an annual maintenance program that is designed to clean out the city's water lines. Starting Saturday, USW - the private contractor that operates the water treatment plant - will begin using chlorine only to treat the water. Officials say while the chlorine level will be elevated it will be within Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) guidelines. The chlorine is designed to remove biofilm buildup in the waterlines. Officials say tap water will initially be discolored and briefly taste and smell like chlorine. Individuals who use tap water for kidney dialysis treatments should contact their doctor to determine if any changes are needed and those who have aquariums should monitor chlorine levels. The program will run from Sept 21st through Oct. 21st.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.65 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $74.53.
Natural gas is $2.31 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,616 and silver is $31.53.
Obituaries
Kylee Byfield-Andrews
Funeral service for Kylee Byfield-Andrews, 27, of Yukon and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20th at Sevier Funeral Home.
Janet Mainka
A graveside service for Janet Mainka, 62, of the Lindsay and Chickasha area will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Sept 27th at the Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay.
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Wednesday, Sept. 18th
Public Schools Dealing with Numerous Threats
A lot of Oklahoma's public schools are dealing with threats made to their respective districts this week. Chickasha Public Schools were the target of threat this past weekend and Minco schools had threats both Monday and Tuesday, including a bomb threat yesterday that had the district cancel classes. Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin posted a video on the district's Facebook page with this response –
Croslin asked parents to monitor the messages, posts, apps, and people their children communicate with on a regular basis. He said the district has increased security at schools throughout the district by adding security vestibules, visitor management protocols, new camera systems, and additional school resource officers.
Minco schools
Minco superintendent Kevin Sims said the district received another threat last night through Tik-Tok and other social media profiles. Minco did have school today and Sims added there will continue to be serious law enforcement presence.
Country Club Road Traffic to be Disrupted
A portion of a busy Chickasha road will be closed to through traffic for a few weeks for what's called a major culvert replacement project. Starting this morning, Country Club Road will be closed between Flanders and Pond Ridge. That's in the area of the Chickasha Elks Lodge. Traffic will be detoured through the neighborhood south of Country Club Road. An alternate detour for passenger cars and trucks would be to use Carolina Avenue between 16th and 29th Streets and heavy truck traffic can use Grand Avenue from 16th Street to the Norge Highway.
Mental Health Agency Marks Anniversary
Red Rock Behavioral Health Services is marking a big milestone. The agency is in its 50th year of providing mental health services to the region. Courtney Hill is a licensed professional counselor with Red Rock and talks about the recent expansion at the Chickasha center-
Red Rock will be holding a fall festival to celebrate. The festival will be held outdoors on the USAO Oval from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19th. It is free and open to the public and will include food and games.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.95 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $72.54.
Natural gas is $2.31 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,596 and silver is $30.90.
Obituary
Ernest 'Rusty' Adams
Funeral service for Rusty Adams, 71, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Sept. 17th
Motorized Bicycle Rider Dies After Being Hit by Pickup
Chickasha police say a man riding his motorized bicycle died after his bike was hit by a pickup over the weekend. 50-year old Robert Fritz passed away from injuries he sustained in the accident after being taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. The accident happened about 7:00 p.m. Saturday near Centennial Park at the intersection of 7th and Idaho. Police report that Fritz failed to stop at a stop sign and drove into the intersection and was hit by the pickup. The driver of the pickup was identified as Heidi Harrison who was not injured.
OKC Crash Claims Life of Former Chix Resident
A former Chickasha resident died a multi-vehicle crash which involved a semi in Oklahoma City over the weekend. 27-year old Kylie Byfield of Yukon and formerly of Chickasha was one of two people killed in the accident near I-40 and Walker just after 5:00 p.m. Saturday. A Go Fund Me Account has been set up for Kylie's family. Funeral service has not yet been scheduled.
Chix City Manager is Moving On
Chickasha City Manager Keith Johnson is stepping down. Johnson, who has spent the last two years as city manager, has accepted a position with a Benton County government office in Southeastern Washington State. Johnson said he will finish out the calendar year with the city and start his new job after the first of the year. The city council had just approved a raise for Johnson but he said his new employer made a generous offer he couldn't turn down. Mayor Zach Grayson said Johnson is a great leader and will be missed-
Grayson said the search for a new city manager will begin soon and will recommend the council use the same head-hunting firm that lead to Johnson's hiring.
Payment Plan Approved for New Chix Fire Trucks
The Chickasha Fire Department will be getting a couple of new fire trucks but it won't be anytime soon. Last night the city council approved the purchase of a 100-foot aerial ladder truck and an engine/pumper truck at a combined cost of more than $3 million. The council approved a financing plan with Liberty National Bank which offered a 4.75 percent interest rate. The trucks will not be delivered for at least three years - perhaps late in 2027 or early in 2028 - however the city will not have to make the first payment until the trucks are delivered.
City to seek bids for several projects
The council also approved going out for bids for repairs and upgrades for the municipal swimming pool and the splash pad at Shannon Springs Park, and also to go out for bids to design and build some new audio and visual components in the council chambers. Despite some recent improvements it is difficult to hear many of the conversations that take place during council meetings.
Homecoming parade, 5K run approved
The panel also approved the annual Chickasha High School Student Council Homecoming parade for Friday, Oct. 11th and the annual Chickasha Optimist Club Christmas Carroll Run on Saturday, Dec. 7th.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.71 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $72.28.
Natural gas is $2.37 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,601 and silver is $31.04.
Obituary
Crystal Gregory-Hare
Funeral service for Crystal Gregory-Hare, 43, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked for a trucking company.
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Monday, Sept. 16th
Chix Schools Open Today After Weekend Threat
Chickasha schools are in session today after law enforcement investigated a threatening post on social media over the weekend. The Chickasha Police Department posted on its Facebook page that they were made aware of the threat and that investigators were working with school administrators and the Grady County Sheriff's Office to ensure that concerns were addressed appropriately.
Ninnekah Man Badly Burned in Maysville Explosion
A Ninnekah man was among the three workers injured in an explosion in Maysville last week. Justin Lee suffered severe burns and is being treated in an out-of-state hospital. A Go Fund Me account has been established to help the family. The Go Fund Me page says Justin suffered burns over most of his body and that his family is facing significant challenges and are seeking funds to pay for travel expenses. The post says that Justin has always been a loving and dedicated family member. More than 40 contributions have been made and they have already raised more than $4,000 of the $5,000 goal that was set.
Newcastle Driver Dies in OKC Accident
A Newcastle man died after two pickups collided in Oklahoma City over the weekend. 50-year old Clayton Pueppke died in the crash that happened about 10:00 a.m. on I-44 near Airport Road. It's not clear what happened as the highway patrol reported the accident was still under investigation. The driver of the other truck identified as 72- year old Jimmy Rayburn of Pauls Valley who was not injured.
Contractors to be Sought for Chix Pool, Splash Pad Upgrades
The Chickasha City Council will consider going out for bids to repair the municipal swimming pool and the splash pad at Shannon Springs Park when the panel meets tonight. For the pool, the panel will consider a renovation project that will include removing and replacing the inlet piping, replacing the acid pump, replacing all the electrical panels and wiring in the filter room; and cleaning, repairing, and painting all the safety rails. For the splash pad the work will include removing, replacing, and/or repairing splash pad elements including water control valves, underground water supply pipes, and spray features. These are two separate projects with the splash pad work being funded by a Healthy Incentive Program Grant from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund (TSET). There will be no pre-bid meeting for either project so contractors will need to contact the city's Parks and Recreation Director Spencer Winzenreid to schedule a walk-through. Bids are due Oct. 16th and a bid could be awarded sometime in November. Officials say both projects must be completed by March 1st of next year or contractors will face a daily fine of $500 until the work is done.
Rush Springs Farm Grows State's Biggest Watermelon
A Rush Springs family can say they have grown the largest watermelon ever in Oklahoma. Bratcher Melons had the humongous melon at the State Fair of Oklahoma wieghing at 268 pounds! While Rush Springs is known as the Watermelon Capital of the World the town has never had the largest melon. Garrin Bratcher said they had three entries at the state fair this year and the big winner was called Dump Truck Donna. Bratcher Melons also had the largest melon at last month's Rush Springs Watermelon Festival. Garrin said he's happy with the record but now he'd like to grow a 300-pounder.
Grady County Ag Producers Meet Tomorrow
Grady County agriculture producers will be meeting tomorrow morning. Producers meet the first and third Tuesdays each month. The guest speaker will be OSU Extension Entomologist Jonathan Cammack. The program will get underway at 7:00 a.m. at the Grady County OSU Extension office.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.00 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $71.88.
Natural gas is $2.29 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,612 and silver is $31.29.
Obituary
Winnie Smith
Funeral service for Winnie Smith, 92, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18th at the Plainview Mennonite Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.
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