Saturday, Dec. 14th
Child Manages to Shoot School Resource Officer's Gun
Authorities are looking into how an elementary school student managed to fire a shot from the gun of a school resource officer. It happened on a Blanchard school playground yesterday. Miraculously, nobody was hurt. Reports indicate that the student somehow got hold of the officer's secured firearm while it was in the officer holster. The bullet was shot into the ground. The McClain County Sheriff's Office was called in to help Blanchard schools with the investigation. KWTV News 9 reports that the sheriff's office will conduct a thorough review to see if the student actually fired the weapon or if the gun had a mechanical failure. In a statement Blanchard Superintendent Brady Barnes said the district understands the incident is deeply concerning and officials are reviewing protocols to try to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Space Heater Blamed for Fire That Destroyed Darko Home
An Anadarko man is thankful to be alive after a fire destroys his home. Rudy Oheltoint Sr. lost everything in the fire that started after a space heater burst into flames. The 84-year old Oheltoint was home alone when the fire broke out. KFOR-TV reports that family members saw first signs of the fire when they saw smoke on a Ring camera at the home and they called for help. That video likely saved Oheltoint's life. Oheltoint lived in the home for more than 50 years. Family members say it was filled with countless memories from several generations. Among the items destroyed was a collection of guitars he was going to pass down. Relatives say they will work to help him rebuild so he can stay on the property they call home.
Suspect Arrested After Fight and Kicking a Doctor
A fight between two men leads to both men being taken to a hospital and one of them to jail. Chickasha police were called to the Carriage Park Apartments in the 1900 block of South 22nd about 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. Both men suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment - one for a broken nose and shoulder blade. A probable cause affidavit indicates the men were allegedly fighting over stolen drugs. 54-year old Kendrick DeWayne Spencer needed stitches in his left hand and was uncooperative so he was handcuffed to a hospital bed where he kicked a doctor in the chest. After treatment, Spencer was taken to the Grady County Jail. He's being held on felony complaints of aggravated assault and assault on a medical care provider. During his initial court appearance Spencer was disruptive and authorities were unable to complete their proceedings. Bond has not yet been set.
Oklahoma, Arkansas Power Grid Expansion Project Canceled
A proposal to expand the electric grid in parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas which some say threatened land grabbing has been canceled. Yesterday, we reported that the U.S. Department of Energy and the Southwest Power Pool suggested building a nearly 650-mile mile long and 18-mile wide electric transmission line running from the Oklahoma Panhandle and into Arkansas. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond were among those criticizing the plan dubbed the Delta Plains Electric Transmission Corridor. Officials say developers were proposing the use of eminent domain to seize property for the project. Officials with the U.S. Department of Energy announced yesterday they would not proceed with the project.
Obituary
Galen McLaughlin
Funeral service for Galen McLaughlin, 91, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16th at Parkview Christian Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a certified diesel mechanic who worked at the OSU Research Station where he designed, built, and tested farm machinery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the church's youth fund.
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Friday, Dec. 13th
Consumer Spending Again Shows Mixed Results
Consumer spending in Grady County shows a month-to-month increase in the September-to-October time period. It's estimated that $76.2 million was spent on taxable goods and services at retail outlets during that time. That's an increase of 22.4 percent from the previous month. However, the number is down compared to the same time last year by 15.4 percent. We can estimate consumer spending by the amount of sales tax revenues the county receives. In November, the county received more than $572,000 then we factor in the county sales tax rate of three-quarters of a penny.
How the sales tax money is spent
The sales taxes are distributed to several areas, all of which have been approved by county voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds received $191,000; Grady Memorial Hospital, $169,000. The 20 Grady County Fire Districts get an equal share of a $95,000 total so each one gets $4,700. The senior nutrition centers also share $95,000 with each one receiving more than $13,000. Tuttle EMS received $17,000 and Rush Springs EMS received $4,400.
State Officials Vow to Protect Property Owners
in Proposed Expansion of Midwest's Electric Grid
A number of state officials say they'll fight a proposal from the U.S. Department of Energy to seize land in Oklahoma to expand the electric grid in the Midwest. We get the story from Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission-
The website OK Energy Today reports that Gov. Stitt suggested 'unplugging' the state from the Southwest Power Pool should that happen.
Festival of Light Expecting Large Turnouts
With just two more weekends before Christmas, thousands more visitors will be making their way to Chickasha for the Festival of Light this weekend. The Festival will again offer the Santa Shuttle from the Leg Lamp downtown to Shannon Springs Park. Families will get immediate access to the park by taking the shuttle. The cost is $2 for a round trip. Chickasha Wings also offers airplane rides over the Festival from the Chickasha Airport. The flights last about 20 minutes. The festival is open from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. tonight and tomorrow.
Annual Wine, Craft Show is Tomorrow
The Grady County Fairgrounds will have another big craft show this weekend. The third annual Wine and Craft Show will feature more than 125 vendors. Admission is free and there will be free photos with Santa and the Grinch. That will be in the north exhibit building at the fairgrounds from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. tomorrow only.
Santa's Workshop Toy Parade also Tomorrow
The annual Cycle Santa Toy Parade to benefit Santa's Workshop will also be held tomorrow. Parade participants will begin gathering at the fairgrounds about noon with the parade starting at 1:00 p.m. All modes of transportation are welcome and individuals are asked to bring a new and unwrapped toy. The parade will leave the fairgrounds and travel west on Choctaw Avenue to 4th Street, then south on 4th Street to the Southland Shopping Center where they will gather behind CVS Pharmacy and AT&T. Fundraising continues tomorrow night at the Eagles Lodge where there will be an Indian taco dinner and silent auction starting at 6:00 p.m.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYEX is $70.91 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $74.29.
Natural gas is $3.48 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,686 and silver is $31.33.
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Thursday, Dec. 12th
Traffic Accident Claims Life of Pocasset Woman
One person died and another was hospitalized in traffic accident east of Chickasha late yesterday afternoon. The accident happened just before 5 p.m. about five miles east of Chickasha at the Tabler Y. That's the junction of U.S. Highway 62 and State Highway 39 and is a frequent site of bad traffic accidents. Killed in the crash was 73-year old Stephany Rumley of Pocasset. She was a passenger in a car driven by 72-year old Allen Rumley. Allen was taken to OU Medical Center by Chickasha EMS where he was last in stable condition. The driver of the other vehicle identified as 39-year old Mario Villar of Chickasha was taken by a private vehicle to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.
Newcastle Schools Loses OSSAA Appeal
Newcastle Public Schools lost its appeal regarding a complaint the district filed after last week's Newcastle-Guthrie football game in the Class 5A semi-finals. Newcastle Superintendent Cathy Walker had asked the OSSAA to look into allegations that Guthrie used an illegal coach. Guthrie won the game 35-30 to advance to the 5A title game against Carl Albert. The OSSAA initially said that no rule was broken. Guthrie school officials said they looked into the matter and that the issue was being handled internally. Walker asked the OSSAA board to take another look at the issue in a meeting yesterday (Wednesday) however the 13-member board unanimously voted to not re-consider. OSSAA officials said the rule Newcastle referred to was for players and not coaches. After the meeting, Walker wrote that it was clear the OSSAA functions under intent and not how the rules are written. She said it wasn't about the game and losing - it was about rules and following the rules. Walker said Newcastle was not asking for Guthrie to forfeit, rather that the coach and its program be considered for sanctions.
Festival of Light Partners with OU College of Engineering
Among the changes made to this year's Festival of Light was making the 170-foot tall lighted Christmas tree come alive by making the estimated 25,000 lights appear to move and change colors. This is part of a two-year project between the Festival of Light and the Gallogly College of Engineering at OU. Randa Shehab is the associate dean at the school and said students are using the skills they are learning and applying them in the real world.
That will include synchronizing the lights to music next year. Shehab said the school is always looking to get students involved in community projects.
Teen's Love of Tractors Leads to Diesel Engine Training
16-year old Gus Crawford of Pocasset has always had a fascination with tractors. He got his first tractor, a 1949 Ferguson, when he was seven years old and now has several other vintage tractors. Today, Crawford is part of Canadian Valley Technology Center's Diesel Technology Program at the school's El Reno campus. He says diesel engines fascinate him and when he completes the program he may drive a truck or work on them as his grandfather runs a trucking company in Western Oklahoma, or that farming will always be an option.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.20 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $73.41.
Natural gas is $3.36 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,740 and silver is $32.81.
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Wednesday, Dec. 11th
Chix Planning Commission Denies
Rezoning Proposal for Homeless Advocate
It was standing room only during a public hearing at Chickasha City Hall yesterday as residents and business owners voiced their opposition to a proposal designed to increase services to the homeless. Dozens of people packed yesterday's meeting of the Planning Commission which considered a petition to rezone property at 3rd and Minnesota from residential to commercial use. The petition was submitted by Heidi Harrison of Heidi Helping the Homeless. The proposal sought to allow an area for Harrison's employees and the homeless to smoke, eat lunch, and charge phones. City Planner Rachel Bernish said the proposal does not fit the city's long-range plans in that neighborhood and that an illegal structure had been built there. She said her office received 18 letters and three phone calls opposing the issue and only four letters of support. During the 45-minute public hearing more than a dozen people discussed their opposition to the plan including Jewel Givens who lives nearby-
Officials with Chickasha Public Schools also opposed the plan as the Lincoln School Intermediate Center is just a couple of blocks away. Assistant Superintendent Pam Ladyman said the school has had to go on lockdown several times due to disturbances in the area-
Only two people spoke in favor of the re-zoning. Tiffany Aduddell serves on the board which oversees Heidi Helping the Homeless and told KOOL-RANCH News-
Harrison did attend the meeting but did not speak. The five-member Planning Commission unanimously voted against the re-zoning proposal.
Suspect Accused of Assaulting Pregnant Girlfriend
A Chickasha man is accused of choking and assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. 24-year old Caleb Andrew King was arrested after police were called to the Valley View Apartments on Sunday. A probable cause affidavit alleges that King and his girlfriend were arguing and the situation turned physical. Prosecutors have charged King with felonies of assault and battery by strangulation and assault and battery against a pregnant woman. He remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.25 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $72.87.
Natural gas is $3.26 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,726 and silver is $32.57.
Obituary
Larry Bookout
A graveside service for Larry Bookout, 69, of Columbus, Texas was held at 11:00 a.m. this morning (Wednesday, Dec. 11th) at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam and also worked as an architect in commercial design and construction. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.
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Tuesday, Dec. 10th
Controversy Arises in High School Football Playoff Game
Newcastle Public School officials say they will appeal a decision by the OSSAA which decided to take no action regarding allegations that an illegal coach was involved in a high school football game. The game was between Newcastle and Guthrie in the semi-finals of the Class 4A football playoffs last Friday. The Oklahoman reports that social media posts alleged a former Guthrie coach - who now is an assistant at Deer Creek - was back on the Guthrie sidelines calling plays despite no longer being employed by Guthrie schools. Newcastle superintendent Cathy Walker issued a statement saying an OSSAA rule indicates that an individual who represented a school during the current season cannot participate either attached or un-attached for that team for the remainder of the school year. Guthrie Superintendent Mike Simpson said he investigated the complaint and said that no OSSAA rules were broken and that the incident would be handled internally. Guthrie defeated Newcastle 35-30 to advance to the 5A state title game against Carl Albert. Walker said she'll appeal the decision at an OSSAA Board meeting tomorrow.
Oklahoma Has Nation's Lowest Fuel Prices
You've no doubt noticed that the price you pay at the pump is falling. Matt Skinner has this report from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission-
A number of employees for the City of Anadarko were recognized for reaching milestones in their time working for the city. According to a post on the city's Facebook page Gary Tsoodle, EJ Sorrels, Dustin Richardson, and Paul Pittman have been with the city for 15 years; Elvin Sapp, Charles Maldonado, Hayden Young, and James Coker all have 10 years of service; and Joe Oswalt, Stephen Capshew and Josiah Lovett have been with the city for five years. The awards were presented during the city's annual safety banquet.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.81 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $71.57.
Natural gas is $3.12 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,695 and silver is $32.45.
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Monday, Dec. 9th
Hearing Set Related to Chix Manufacturing Fires (again)
There has been very little information reported about the huge hand sanitizer fire that destroyed the old Chickasha Manufacturing Company more than two years ago. The Southwest Ledger reports that a hearing is set in Grady County District Court next week on an emergency application for a temporary injunction to prevent Brannan Bordwine from storing or disposing supplies of hand sanitizer. The hearing on the application from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was originally scheduled in December of 2022 but has been rescheduled five times. The hearing is now set for next Tuesday, Dec. 17th. Bordwine was storing pallets of unsold and recalled methanol-laced hand sanitizer at two locations in Chickasha and one in Ninnekah. Five fires broke out at the three sites between August of 2022 and July of 2023. The DEQ said neither Bordwine nor his companies had a permit to treat, store, or dispose of the sanitizer which the DEQ determined was hazardous waste. The DEQ fined Bordwine more than $6.5 million. The Ledger reports that a Bordwine attorney said he has appealed the fine and requested a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Petition Asks for Re-zoning of Lot
Near Center Which Aids the Homeless
A proposal to re-zone a vacant lot near an outlet that serves the homeless to allow smoking, eating, and charging of cell phones is among several issues to be considered by the City of Chickasha's Planning Commission this week. Heidi Harrison of Heidi Helping the Homeless is asking the panel to consider a petition to rezone a vacant lot across the street from her building 3rd and Minnesota from residential to commercial use. If approved it would allow her employees as well as the homeless to use the area. The property is just a couple of blocks from the Lincoln School Intermediate Center. Regardless of the planning commission's ruling the proposal will go before the Chickasha City Council for a final decision when that panel meets next Monday.
Other public hearings also scheduled
Other hearings for the planning commission include one for an oversized building at 506 W. Oregon for applicant Shawn Oliver, and one for a request for a right-of-way closure from the Canadian Valley Technology Center. The commission will also consider a Use-on-Review to sell alcohol at 234 E. Grand Extension. The panel will meet at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow at city hall.
Chix Schools Employees-of-the-Month,
Site Teachers of the Year to be Recognized
Site teachers of the year and employees of the month of Chickasha Public Schools will be recognized during tonight's Chickasha school board meeting. Site teachers are Kelsey Ridder at Bill Wallace, Christian McCarter at Grand Elementary, Dominique Golightly at the Lincoln School Intermediate Center, Lacee Broyles at the middle school, and Jen Jantzen at the high school. The Chicken Express Employees of the Month are from Grand Elementary. The ertified employee is Courtney Samperi and the Support Employee is Anita Nacoste. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.12 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $71.97.
Natural gas is $3.23 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,679 and silver is $32.16.
Obituaries
Carl Wilkerson, Jr.
A memorial service for Carl Wilkerson, Jr. 45, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14th at Trinity Baptist Church. He was a builder for Willowbrook, worked in the energy industry, and volunteered with the Alex Fire Department and Grady County Emergency Management.
Doran Pierce
No service is scheduled for Doran Pierce, 49, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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