Saturday, Nov. 23rd
Report: Corporation Commission Efforts
Curb Fracking-Related Earthquakes
Regulations implemented by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) have been helping to minimize earthquakes believed to be caused by fracking. That's according to a report published by The Seismic Record, an on-line journal which covers seismological science. The OCC issued guidelines to limit where and how much oil and gas wastewater is injected underground and the report says the move has reduced the number of strong earthquakes in drilling areas. The commission issued more than 30 directives in an attempt to reduce the potential for fracking-induced tremors. The report says that limiting injection rates through the combination of volume reductions and well plug-backs was likely an effective strategy for minimizing earthquake hazards.
Congressman Tom Cole Says Effort is Lacking
in Cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole says more work is needed to stem the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women. Cole spoke about the crisis during a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies this week. Cole pointed to data from the Centers for Disease Control which indicate that native women and girls experience a murder rate 10 times higher than the national average, and that Oklahoma is No. 2 on the list of the top 10 states with Native American and Alaska native missing persons cases. He said while the statistics are alarming data collection is lacking and it will require sufficient awareness and resources to solve the crisis.
Electricity Expected to be Plentiful Through the Winter
A new report indicates that power companies are expected to be able provide ample electricity to consumers this winter. Officials with the Southwest Power Pool, which is responsible for coordinating electric reliability in 14 Midwestern states, have conducted an annual assessment to identify and thwart threats to energy reliability throughout the winter months from December to March. The website OK Energy Today reports that the power pool anticipates a 98.5 percent probability that it will have sufficient resources to meet projected peak demand for electricity and to maintain energy reserves. The analysis takes into account historical and predicted electricity use, weather forecasts, the variability of available wind energy, drought conditions, and generation and transmission outages. Officials say while the forecast shows a positive outlook for consumers they must be vigilant and plan for growing power demands in the future.
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Friday, Nov. 22nd
Festival of Light Kicks Off 2024 Season
Tens of thousands of visitors will be making their way to Chickasha over the next few weeks to check out The Festival of Light. There was a soft opening for local residents at Shannon Springs Park last night as officials flipped the switch on the 170-foot tall lighted Christmas tree. The tree has all new lights this year as festival officials teamed up with the OU College of Engineering over the next two years to have students re-design the tree to have thousands of programmable LED lights. Next year the lights will be set to music. There is an entirely new North Pole Village in the 43-acre park which includes a couple of large heated tents which can be rented for private events including weddings. Festival Director Matt Stockman said the more than 100 lighted displays have been re-organized-
The lighted pedestrian bridge over the pond is another feature. There will be a grand opening of the festival tonight with a short ceremony at 6 p.m. to include the USAO music department's band and choir. The festival will open at 6 p.m. every night through Dec. 31st with hours until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Chickasha Wings will again offer airplane rides over the park each night with flights originating from the airport. The flights last about 20 minutes.
4Her Says Holidays are Time to be Thankful, Thoughtful
As we enter the holiday season it's easy to get caught up in what goes into the celebrations. Emma Williamson with the Grady County Rock Island 4H Club says we should think about those who are less fortunate and consider lending a hand to any number of worthy projects-
Natural Gas Prices on the Rise
The price of natural gas soared yesterday due in part to the latest report from the Energy Information Administration as well as colder weather hitting much of the country. Here's Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission-
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.10 barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $74.27.
Natural gas is $3.34 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,730 and silver is $31.81.
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Thursday, Nov. 21st
Festival of Light to Begin 32nd Year
Chickasha's Shannon Springs Park will again be glowing with millions of lights this year as the Festival of Light begins a more than six-week run through the holiday season. More than 3 1/2 million lights will twinkle with the centerpiece being the 170-foot tall lighted Christmas tree said to be the tallest lighted Christmas tree in the state. The festival has a soft opening tonight for local residents with a formal opening tomorrow night. Festival of Light Director Matt Stockman said all the 25,000 plus lights on the big tree this year are new and are part of a two-year plan with the University of Oklahoma to make other upgrades. Stockman talks about some other additions to the Festival-
There are camel and carriage rides, an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and other activities. The park will be open to foot and bicycle traffic only tonight from 6-8 p.m. The Tree Lighting ceremony will be at 7 p.m. and will be in a staging area near the tree to include a special performance by an ensemble of the Pride of OU Marching Band. The gift shop will also be open. The grand opening of the park will be tomorrow night with a ceremony starting at 6 p.m. which will include performances from the USAO music department's choir and band.
Grady Memorial CEO to Retire
After spending parts of five decades in the medical profession, Kean Spellman, the Chief Executive Officer of Grady Memorial Hospital will be retiring. Spellman has spent 45 years in the field with the last 12 at Grady Memorial. A press release issued by the hospital said Spellman will be stepping down in March of next year. Spellman says the hospital has survived a number of challenges during his tenure including a time when the state health department shut down the operating rooms. County voters approved a 1/4 of a penny sales tax to build new ones and make other improvements. He also guided the hospital through COVID and says the hospital is once again doing well-
The hospital board of directors has begun a comprehensive search to find a new CEO working with a professional health care recruiting firm to find candidates.
Self-Defense Course Donations Benefits ICAN Program
A recent self-defense course organized by the Grady County Sheriff's Office resulted in thousands of dollars in contributions to help a non-profit group that helps victims of domestic violence. Capt. Carrie Boggess helped put together the free training program held at Wilcoxen's Academy during Domestic Violence Awareness Month a few weeks ago. The course was free but officials asked for contributions which resulted in more than $3,000 being donated to the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN). The sheriff's office supports ICAN's mission of intervening in times of crisis; advocating for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and networking with community partners to empower victims to become survivors. Abuse victims can reach out to ICAN 24-hours a day by calling 405-222-1818.
Chix Publics Schools Holds Blanket Drive
Chickasha Public Schools have begun a blanket drive with the blankets to be given to students within the district. Drop off locations are the administration office at 9th and Choctaw and the Enrollment Center at 7th and Kansas. The deadline for donations is Dec. 13th. For information reach out to the district's social worker Macy Barnett by calling 405-312-0947.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.89 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $73.94.
Natural gas is $3.39 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,696 and silver is $31.53.
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Wednesday, Nov. 20th
Suspects Arrested for Copper Theft, Construction Site Damage
Authorities arrest two men for reportedly stealing copper and causing nearly $200,000 in damage at a construction site near Amber. Grady County deputies were called to the 1700 block of CS 2840 Saturday. A probable cause affidavit indicates two workers who arrived on the scene saw two suspects had a lot of copper tubing in the back of their truck. There was a brief confrontation and the two suspects threatened the workers with pipes. The suspects eventually drove away and one of the workers was able to get the tag number of the truck. Shortly after the sheriff's office dispatched a be-on-the-lookout message Chickasha police notified the sheriff's office they had the suspects detained at the Castle Inn. In custody are 31-year old Jacob Logan Reid of Chickasha and 47-year old Brian Dale Brewer of Wilburton. Both are charged with felonies of burglary and stealing copper. Reid is also charged with a misdemeanor for threatening violence. Brewer is being held in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond and Reid on a $50,000 bond. The workers said that 17 commercial air conditioning units were destroyed and each is valued at about $12,000.
New Cable, Internet Service Provider OK'd for Chix
Chickasha residents will have another cable TV and Internet service provider to choose from. The city council this week approved a non-exclusive cable TV franchise agreement with Clarity Telecom which is doing business as BluePeak. At this week's city council meeting BluePeak representative Randy Buetler said the company is based out of North Dakota and has been in Oklahoma about three years. The company is already providing cable and fiber services in Elk City, Clinton, Altus, Shawnee, Stillwater, Enid and other cities. He said the company plans to invest nearly $6 million to install cable lines that would serve the entire city. He said residential uploading and downloading Internet speeds would be up to one gigabyte and commercial speeds up to 10 gigabytes. Installation is expected to start sometime next spring.
First National Bank to Close Alex, Cyril, Rush Springs Banks
The First National Bank and Trust has announced it will be closing its banks in Alex, Cyril, and Rush Springs. In a prepared statement Chief Executive Officer John Gorton says the world is becoming more connected through digital channels. He said customers have increased their use of debit cards, on-line personal and business banking, and that the use of digital tools has reduced the need for face-to-face banking. Gorton said while the banks will be closing the employees will be moving to other First National locations. He said customers with safety deposit boxes will be contacted for the next steps as plans evolve. He said First National will continue to attend, sponsor, and boost events in those communities, support students through scholarships, and back the Grady County Junior Livestock Show. The buildings will be donated to the communities to be used as city and school officials deem appropriate.
Churches to Offer Free Thanksgiving Meals
Thanksgiving is a little over a week away. A number of Chickasha churches are combining efforts to provide free Thanksgiving meals for those who are homebound or won't have access to a family gathering. To have meals delivered individuals can contact New Life Christian Church by calling 405-222-5433 before noon next Tuesday, Nov. 26th. Meals will be delivered between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. To-go meals will be available to pick up from the Chickasha Soup Kitchen at 6th and Pennsylvania Avenue from noon to 1 p.m. The meals are free however donations are welcome.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.09 per barrel.
London-based Brent Crude is $73.82.
Natural gas is $2.99 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,634 and silver is $31.51.
Obituaries
Nancy Taylor
Funeral service for Nancy Taylor, 83, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon (Wednesday, Nov. 20th) at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. She worked at the family business of Taylor and Sons Pipe and Steel and was a librarian at Chickasha Junior High School. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
Ron Faulkinberry
A memorial service for Ron Faulkinberry, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22nd at Chickasha's First Assembly of God Church. He was a pastor for more than 60 years. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Nov. 19th
New Chix City Manager Sworn In
Jim Crosby is now officially Chickasha's new city manager. Crosby took his oath of office from city attorney Amanda Mullins during last night's city council meeting. Crosby follows Keith Johnson as the city's top administrator. Johnson has had the post for about a year and a half but announced last month he had accepted a new job in Washington State. He will remain on staff until December 31st to assist Crosby with the transition. His base salary will be about $140,000 per year.
Contract awarded for emergency repairs to broken waterline
The council gave final approval for emergency repairs of a broken waterline in the north part of the city. A ruptured line was discovered last month underneath the Stillwater National Railroad tracks near the water treatment plant. The council approved a bid of more than $280,000 from Mitchell Trenching to repair and/or replace the line.
Several police department vehicles purchased
The council approved the purchase of three vehicles for the police department. One of them is a new 2025 Ford F250 Crew Cab pickup from Bill Knight Ford of Tulsa on a state contract. The cost is just over $48,000 and is for the animal control division. A Chevy Tahoe was purchased from the Mustang Police Department for $40,000, and a 2023 Dodge Durango was purchased for just over $39,000 from the Kansas Highway Patrol. The Durango is a Police Interceptor Unit with all-wheel drive.
Submerged boat docks removed from Lake Chickasha
The panel approved payment to a contractor for the removal of several dilapidated boat docks at Lake Chickasha. The payment was for just under $50,000 to Slemp Welding Power Excavation of Gracemont.
Public hearing on new residential area postponed
A public hearing regarding a preliminary plat application for Country Manor Estates from applicant Brannan Bordwine was removed from the agenda of last night's meeting.
Onward Chickasha Proposal Ready for Review
A lengthy community survey developed to get public input about the development of Chickasha over the next 25 years is complete. Called the Onward Chickasha project, residents and stakeholders were asked their thoughts about housing, parks, recreation, transportation and other sectors to take the city into the middle part of the 21st century. A draft of the plan is now available on the website Onward Chickasha.org and plans may also be reviewed at the Chickasha Library and at city hall. Feedback is needed by December 4th which will be followed by a public hearing during the Dec. 16 city council meeting. The city council will get a look at the draft in a special work session tonight.
State 4H Shooting Sports Champ Offers Hunting Safety Tips
Deer season is underway in Oklahoma. Charramaiyne Brown with the Grady County 4H Leadership Team was the winner of the state 4H shooting sports program last year. She says safety is the No. 1 concern in that program and has these recommendations for hunters regardless of the season-
She said the most common injury while hunting is falling so she says to be aware of your surroundings and watch for uneven terrain. The gun season for deer runs through Dec. 8th and antler-less deer season is Dec. 18th through 31st. Archery season runs through Jan. 15th. Hunters can harvest a maximum of six deer during all the seasons combined and no more than two of the animals can have antlers.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.75 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $72.97.
Natural gas is $2.98 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,639 and silver is $31.45.
Obituary
Pauline 'Pug' Martin
A graveside service for Pug Martin, 97, of Amber was held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19th at the Amber Cemetery. She ran a Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Monday, Nov. 18th
Oklahoma Wakes Up to Severe Weather
Powerful thunderstorms moved across the state early this morning bringing high winds, hail, and some tornado warnings. While there were no tornado warnings for south-central Oklahoma there were 60 mph winds and penny-sized hail with some storms. The weather delayed the start of many schools for about an hour including Chickasha, Ninnekah, and Alex schools. There were no immediate reports of damage. A tornado watch initially was in effect until 10:00 a.m. but was cancelled about 8:00 a.m. There are still threats for possible flooding and high winds until 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.
New Chix City Manager to Take Oath of Office
Jim Crosby will be sworn in to serve as Chickasha's next city manager this evening. Crosby will take his oath of office in the first order of business for the Chickasha City Council when the panel meets this evening. Crosby has served as the city's public works director for the last four years and has a half-century of municipal government experience to rely on, including serving as city manager for Yukon and Piedmont. Crosby has been working side-by-side with outgoing city manager Keith Johnson for several weeks. Johnson is stepping down at the end of next month.
Broken water line repairs to be finalized
The council will consider giving its final approval to a contract to repair that broken water line near the city's water treatment plant. The group is expected to sign off on a more than $280,000 agreement with Matthews Trenching of Oklahoma City to repair and or replace a section of water line underneath the Stillwater National Railroad.
Public hearing scheduled for new residential area
A public hearing will be held on a preliminary plat application for a new residential area of Country Manor Estates being developed by Brannan Bordwine. After the hearing the council will consider approving that application.
Police department to purchase vehicles
Also to be considered is buying several vehicles for the police department including a 2025 Ford F250 Crew Cab pick-up from Bill Knight Ford on state contract for more than $48,000 for the animal control division; the purchase of a Chevy Tahoe from the City of Mustang for $40,000; and a 2023 Dodge Durango pursuit vehicle for about $39,000 from the Kansas Highway patrol. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.
Arrested Assault Suspect on Probation for Previous Crimes
A Verden man with a violent past is back in jail for allegedly assaulting a woman including threatening her with a loaded weapon. 45-year old Jose Ernesto Ramirez was arrested last week after the woman said Ramirez had been abusive to her for several days. She said he held a loaded weapon to her neck and threatened to kill her. In his probable cause affidavit Verden Police Chief Jason Cox said Ramirez was already on probation for threatening to kill him during a previous arrest. Ramirez remains in the Grady County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Suspicious Vehicle Call Leads to Drug Trafficking Arrest
A Blanchard man is accused of drug trafficking. 41-year old Christopher Gilbreath was arrested by Grady County Sheriff's deputies who were called to investigate a suspicious vehicle at an oilfield site near Tabler last Thursday night. A probable cause affidavit indicates deputies found more than 250 grams of methamphetamine in Gilbreath's truck. Gilbreath is charged with one count of felony drug trafficking. He remains in the Grady County Jail on an $80,000 bond.
Wildlife Biologist to Meet with Ag Producers
Grady County agriculture producers meet tomorrow morning. Speaker will be Jason Smith who is a private lands wildlife biologist. The group meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month at the Grady County OSU Extension Office at 7:00 a.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.49 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $71.72.
Natural gas is $2.90 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,598 and silver is $30.85.
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