Monday, Dec. 23rd
Triple Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty
Jacob Mayhugh, charged with killing his parents and sister, pleaded guilty to three counts of first degree murder in Grady County District Court today. Mayhugh was arrested in May of this year for the shooting deaths of his father James; his mother Patty; and his sister Shayla. Their bodies were found in their Chickasha home on Mother's Day weekend. Mayhugh had waived his right to a preliminary hearing and a trial date was initially going to be set today. Instead, he entered the pleas during an hour-long hearing with District Judge Kory Kirkland. District Attorney Jason Hicks said he was originally going to ask for the death penalty but decided not to pursue that punishment-
Mayhugh was sentenced to three consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. The agreement also states that he cannot appeal the sentences nor can he ask for commutations. He was also ordered to pay more than $22,000 in restitution to pay for the three funerals. Mayhugh admitted that he shot and killed his parents and sister but never provided a motive for doing so. More than 25 members of the Mayhugh family attended the hearing and several gave victim impact statements. One said what Jacob did was unforgiveable and hoped that he would rot in prison. Another said the devil has a special place in hell for him.
Report Cards Show Chix Schools 'Average'
School report cards are out and for Chickasha Public Schools Superintendent Rick Croslin says some improvement is needed. Croslin said Grand Elementary received a B but all other schools received C's. He points to one reason he believes factored into those average grades-
Croslin said if a student misses a day because of a doctor's appointment or even a funeral counts against the district.
Millions Spent on H.E. Bailey Turnpike Improvements
More than $30 million has been spent over the last five years to make pavement improvements on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The Southwest Ledger reports the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority completed dowel bar retro-fits on about 57 miles of the toll road. Three projects completed include a 24-mile stretch through Chickasha between mile marker 78 and mile marker 102 in Newcastle; a 16-mile section from Chickasha to Elgin from mile marker 78 to mile marker 62; and a 13-mile section from Fletcher at mile marker 62 to mile marker 45 near Medicine Park. The turnpike authority recently spent more than $17 million to rehabilitate crumbling shoulders and repair or replace guard rails. Bids for two more shoulder and guardrail reconstruction projects are scheduled to be awarded in
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.46 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $72.94.
Natural gas is $3.75 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,633 and silver is $30.17.
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Saturday, Dec. 21st
Ceremony Held to Get Broadband Service to the Region
A groundbreaking ceremony was held this week for one of many projects expected to get high-speed internet service to rural parts of the state. The ceremony in Bray was held to announce a nearly $66 million project for broadband expansion which will reach more than 2,000 homes and businesses in the region. Among those on hand were Gov. Kevin Stitt who said it's a game-changer for Oklahoma families, businesses, and communities. The governor said it ensures even the most rural areas will have the tools they need to compete in the state's economy. Officials with the state broadband office say the project is funded through more than $43 million federal grants and nearly $23 million of matching funds from companies under the Hilliary brand. They include Southern Plains Cable, Medicine Park Telephone, Oklahoma Fiber Network, Oklahoma Western Telephone, Southwest Oklahoma Telephone, Phoenix Long Distance, and Texhoma Fiber. Hilliary projects are scheduled in 11 counties including Grady, Stephens, Comanche, and Kiowa counties. Mike Sanders is the director of the state broadband office. He said the launch is more than the laying of fiber – it's the foundation for opportunity, growth, and connectivity in every corner of Oklahoma.
State Senator Calls for Transparency by Turnpike Authority
A state senator is taking aim at the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA). State Senator Lisa Standridge (R-Norman) has filed Senate Bill 80 which would increase transparency and public involvement into the agency's projects. In a prepared statement Standridge said the measure is designed to provide clear requirements for public notification, input, and oversight before any new turnpike - or modifications to existing turnpikes - can proceed. It calls for the OTA to provide notice to affected property owners and key state officials to include maps and summaries of projects. It also calls for at least a 30-day public comment period and to hold hearings for individuals to present their views and arguments. The bill also would grant standing for affected parties to file a lawsuit against the OTA if the agency fails to comply with the requirements.
Hundreds Complete Ft. Sill Basic Training
There were proud moments for hundreds of Ft. Sill soldiers who graduated from basic training this week. 800 trainees will move on to the next round of their young careers. The soldiers are members of Alpha Battery, First Battalion, 22nd Field Artillery Regiment; Delta Battery, First Battalion, 40th Field Artillery Regiment; and Charlie Battery, First Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment.
Carnegie Sonic Drive In to Close
Carnegie residents received some disappointing news just days before Christmas. Owners of the Sonic Drive In there say the restaurant will be closing. The closure was announced in letter to employees attributed to Joe Moore of the Moore Sonic Group of Pauls Valley which owns the restaurant. The letter says the decision to close was not made lightly but after careful consideration of the current business climate it's in the best interest of the company to do so. The store will be closing on or before next Saturday.
Talk Show Topic
Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin and the district's operations director Dan Turner are on the KOOL Konversation. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.
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Friday, Dec. 20th
Proposed Firing of Ninnekah School Teacher
May be Due to New State Law
The board of education for the Ninnekah school district will hold a pre-termination hearing next month for a teacher alleged to have exchanged text messages with a student. While investigators say the content of the messages was not inappropriate nor criminal in nature, Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess told our partners at KWTV News 9 the exchange could be linked to a new state law. It's HB 3958 - which prohibits school employees from communicating with students on unofficial platforms unless it also includes a parent. News 9 reports that Ninnekah Superintendent Regina Jones recommended the termination of the unidentified teacher during a recent school board meeting. In the report, school board member Delaney Berry was said to be frustrated about the delay in scheduling the hearing. However, Jan. 20th was the earliest that attorneys for both the school district and the teacher were available. Jones did not give specific reasons for her recommendation to fire the teacher. She did say that school employees have had all the required training as well as extra training and they are aware of relevant laws and policies.
GMH's Request for Recruitment Funds From County Denied
A request by Grady Memorial Hospital to get county funds to help the hospital recruit and keep doctors is pushed aside. County commissioners took no action on the request during their weekly meeting this past Monday. The Union City Times reports the hospital was seeking nearly $126,000 in county funds to be used for physician recruitment and retention. The report cites District One County Commissioner Zack Davis as saying the hospital is operated by a trust, which basically means the facility does business independent of the county - and that it's not the county's place to do recruitment for the hospital.
Grady County Sheriff's Office Presents Annual Awards
A number of Grady County deputies were recognized for their work at an annual awards ceremony held by the sheriff's office. Lt. Howard Jamison was named deputy of the year; Deputy Mark Asche was named special deputy of the year; Sgt. Tommy Herndon was named Reserve Deputy of the Year; Sgt. Keith Williams received the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart award; and Captain Carrie Boggess received a meritorious conduct commendation. The dispatcher of the year award was presented to McKenzie Woods. Sheriff's commendations were presented to Deputy Zach Banker; Lt. Stacy Carpenter; Capt. Bellan Gornick; Lt. Billy Moon; Deputy Daniel Moore; Lt. Danny Booth; Lt. John Cordell; Captain Terry Alexander; Deputy Max Reinhart; Deputy Timonty Romero; and Deputy Kenton Blumenthal.
Chickasha Firm, Related Groups
Donate Thousands to Salvation Army
Employees along with subcontractors and their vendors for a Chickasha-based firm have combined to raise tens of thousands of dollars for charity. Each year Willowbrook Construction Services and their associates rally to aid the Salvation Army division serving Grady and Caddo Counties. More than 50 Willowbrook builders took part with contributions provided by 83 builders, subcontractors, vendors and partners. Willowbrook then matched the combined efforts resulting in nearly $48,000 raised during the three-week campaign. The top worksites were the Oklahoma Children's Hospital; OU Behavioral Health Center; Cushing Public Schools; Oklahoma City Public Schools; Oklahoma Federal Credit Union in Oklahoma City; and Wheeler District Apartments in Oklahoma City. Willowbrook President Weston DeHart said all the participants want to be caught doing the most good and they are enthusiastic about making a difference in their communities.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.91 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $72.08.
Natural gas is $3.58 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,616 and silver is $29.23.
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Thursday, Dec. 19th
Infant Treated for Broken Bones;
Parents Arrested for Alleged Child Abuse
A two-month old baby is recovering after suffering numerous broken bones and the child's parents are arrested for alleged child abuse and neglect. 19-year old Angela Renee Lawrence and 24-year old Alexander Jacob Pierce of Ninnekah are being held in the Grady County Jail on $500,000 bond each. They were arrested Monday after authorities were notified about the injured baby. A nine-page probable cause affidavit indicates authorities were called to a Tulsa Hospital on Dec. 6th where an infant was being treated for broken leg. Lawrence, Pierce, and the baby were visiting relatives in the Tulsa area. Further examination showed the infant had nine broken bones including a broken arm, a broken clavicle, and rib fractures. Alexander told investigators that some of the injuries may have occurred on Thanksgiving Day. The affidavit shows that Alexander admitted injuring the child. Alexander is charged with child abuse and Pierce is charged with enabling child abuse. Both are to be back in court for preliminary hearing conferences Jan. 8th.
Another Illegal Grow Facility Shut Down
Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess continues his effort to shut down illegal grow facilities. Deputies and agents with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD) raided an undisclosed facility southwest of Ninnekah yesterday. Also on hand were representatives of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Boggess said they found an estimated 40,000 plants and 600 pounds of packaged product. Boggess said they started about 9:30 yesterday morning with about 60 people involved in the removal and destruction of the illicit weed. Employees of Grady County District Three were also involved, transporting everything to a nearby site where it was buried in a deep hole and then diesel fuel poured over it. Boggess said they were on the location for several hours wrapping up their work about 6:30 last night. The sheriff said no arrests have been made at this time.
Chix PD Receives Grant for Body Armor
The Chickasha Police Department gets some assistance to help keep its officers safe. The agency received a $5,000 grant from the Arvest Foundation. Police Chief G.G. Music said the grant will allow them to purchase three sets of body armor. In a prepared statement Arvest officials say the police department is a vital part of the community, helping to enhance the quality of life where we live and work. Chief Music said the department is thankful to have a partnership with Arvest Bank and the Arvest Foundation. He said they support the men and women who valiantly service the city each day, and the equipment will ensure officers have the proper protection they need to return home safely to their families every night.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.58 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $73.37.
Natural gas is $3.37 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,634 and silver is $30.00.
Obituaries
TyWon McGee
A memorial service will be held at a later date for TyWon McGee, 33, of the Oklahoma City area. The service will be scheduled by the family. The notice was posted by Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Richard White
Funeral service for Richard White, 87, of Altus will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20th at Greater Love Ministries in Altus. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
T.W. Claphan
A graveside service for T.W. Claphan, 55, of Lawton and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21st at Pioneer Cemetery. He was a carpenter. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.
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Wednesday, Dec. 18th
Leases at Lake Chickasha to be Canceled
Individuals who lease camping sites at Lake Chickasha were recently notified that all lake leases will be canceled. City officials sent letters to lease holders last month saying that their leases will be canceled June 30th of next year. Among those affected is Rodney Christian who addressed the city council about the issue Monday night-
The letter told lease holders that the lake will eventually become a supplemental source of drinking water for the city. City Manager Jim Crosby said the level of the lake will be increased-
Crosby said the process will take several years. It is not expected to impact recreational use of the lake. Crosby said lease spaces will be created once the work is completed but noted that they will not be permanent leases and would only be for two weeks at a time.
Blanchard Student Admits Firing Resource Officer's Gun
We have an update on the situation at Blanchard Elementary School last weekend where it was reported a student managed to fire the holstered weapon of a school resource officer. Media reports say the student admitted to the officer and a teacher that he made the gun shoot. The McClain County Sheriff's Office issued a statement saying the weapon discharged while the officer was helping a child zip up a jacket. The gun remained in the officer's holster the entire time. Investigators found a large gap between the gun's trigger guard and the holster's design. The resource officer, who is a McClain County deputy, was placed on leave while the incident was investigated. He is expected to return to his work.
New Firm Selected to Organize Chickasha Air Show
The City of Chickasha's popular Wings and Wheels Air Show will return to city's airport next year. The Chickasha City Council this week approved a contract with a firm to oversee the show. The panel approved a contract with Mile High Air Boss out of Evergreen, Colorado. This is a change from the previous company used as its owner recently passed away. The new company is operated by R. Scott McMillan who has previously helped put together Chickasha shows. The council unanimously approved a contract at a price not to exceed $3,250. The Wings and Wheels Air Show will take place in June of next year.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.42 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $73.50.
Natural gas is $3.32 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,664 and silver is $30.90.
Obituaries
Betty Manuel
A graveside service for Betty Manuel, 97, of Lawton and formerly of Cement will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20th at Rose Hill Cemetery. She was a bookkeeper and a volunteer with Mobile Meals of Lawton. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Methodist Church in Lawton.
Pat Wilson
Funeral service for Patsy 'Pat' Wilson, 77, of Oklahoma City will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21st at the Divine Wisdom Worship Center in Midwest City. She worked for AT&T, was a substitute teacher, and worked in the medical field. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
Rylie Crandall
A memorial service is pending for Rylie Crandall, 25, who passed away in Chickasha. The service is pending with the family. The notice is posted with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.
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Tuesday, Dec. 17th
OSBI Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is looking into an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Grady County yesterday. It took place at the end of a high-speed pursuit that crossed several counties and included several law enforcement agencies. The OSBI reports authorities were pursuing a vehicle stolen from the Erin Springs area south of Lindsay which ended about six miles north of Alex. Among the agencies involved were the Grady County Sheriff's Office, Chickasaw Lighthorse Police, and Blanchard and Dibble police departments. The OSBI tells our partners at KWTV News 9 that Grady County deputies chased the suspect into a field and opened fire on the man. It wasn't clear if the suspect fired at officers. The OSBI said authorities performed life-saving measures on the suspect before he was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. The suspect's name and condition are not known.
Chix Council OK's Tentative Sale of Airport Industrial Park
The Chickasha City Council has approved the tentative sale of the city's airport industrial park. After more than an hour of discussion during last night's council meeting the panel voted 8-1 to sell the 320-acre site to developer Chet Hitt. He plans to divide the site into about 120 plots –
Hitt told the council he has some business contacts in California that may be interested in moving to Oklahoma due to California's high corporate tax burden. He also said he would build spec buildings at his expense. Councilman Charlie Burruss cast the lone vote against the proposal-
The council agreed to a purchase price of just under $1.6 million. Hitt has six months to do more research on the property before making a final decision. The site is currently under an agriculture lease which expires June 30th of next year.
Police Officer Honored for 25 Years of Service
A Chickasha police officer is recognized for his many years of service. Lt. Traye Alexander was awarded for 25-years of service during last night's city council meeting. Police Chief G.G. Music-
Alexander has worked in numerous divisions of the department including patrol, he's been a field training officer, he is a certified negotiator, and has advanced certification as a CLEET instructor. In recent years he has planned the Citizens Police Academy.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.01 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $73.31.
Natural gas is $3.24 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,652 and silver is $30.68.
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Monday, Dec. 16th
Couple Faces Dozens of Charges
Including Child Neglect, Animal Cruelty
Two people are faced with more than 80 felony charges which include child neglect and animal cruelty after investigators find hundreds of animals in various stages of neglect, and children living in squalor. The investigation began in October when Lt. Jim Peek with the Grady County Sheriff's Office was asked to look into a possible illegal grow facility in the 1500 block of CR 1430 in Ninnekah. While he didn't find an illegal grow facility, he did find numerous dogs chained to trees and in various stages of neglect. There were dozens of fighting roosters in cages. Peek called in the game ranger and officials from the Humane Society of the U.S. to rescue the animals which included cats, goats, fish, companion birds, and a pig. Inside the home investigators say they found terrible living conditions and five children, one just two weeks old. In custody are 41-year old Chue Long Yang and 38-year old Yer Vang. They were arrested last week and have been charged with five felony counts of child neglect and more than 70 charges of animal cruelty. Both are being held in the Grady County Jail on $150,000 bond each.
Chix Airport Industrial Park May be Sold
A proposed industrial park near the Chickasha Airport may be sold. The Chickasha City Council will consider selling the 320-acre park to developer Chet Hitt. The plan will be considered during the airport authority section of tonight's special city council meeting. The site was developed by the city about 25 years ago, and has a mile-long paved road with curbs and gutters, and infrastructure including power lines and water lines. Background information about the proposal indicates that Hitt plans to bring business and industry to the area to create jobs as well as sales tax revenue for the city. The proposed sales price is just under $1.6 million which is the appraised value of the land according to Scope Property Valuation Specialists of Edmond. The sale is for surface rights only and all proceeds would go into the Chickasha Municipal Airport Authority for future airport investment and development.
Public hearings also scheduled
The council will hold public hearings on a couple of issues that were recommended by the Planning Commission last week. One is a request by the Canadian Valley Technology Center to close an alleyway in order that the school can expand parking; and the other is for a use-on-review permit to allow alcohol sales at 234 East Grand Extension near Jimmy's Egg Restaurant. The group will also consider applying another two inches of asphalt on Cottonwood Road just east of Highway 81 from near the railroad tracks and east to Sooner Road at a cost of nearly $100,000. Several police officers will be recognized for their years of service and an oath of office will be given to new officer Christopher Lambert. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall. After the meeting the council will hold a work session regarding the Onward Chickasha survey.
Grady County Ag Producers to Meet
Grady County ag producers will have their final meeting of 2024 tomorrow. Producers meet the first and third Tuesdays of the month and tomorrow's guest speaker will be Amy Hagerman who is an OSU Extension specialist in Agriculture and Food Policy. The meetings are free and open to all producers. They'll get started at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning at the Grady County OSU Extension Office.
Energy and Metals
Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.50 per barrel.
London-based Brent crude is $73.82.
Natural gas is $3.17 per million BTUs.
Gold is $2,678 and silver is $31.11.
Obituary
Galen McLaughlin
Funeral service Galen McLaughlin, 91, of Chickasha was held at 1:00 p.m. today (Monday, Dec. 16th) at Parkview Christian Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was a certified diesel mechanic who worked at the OSU Research Station where he designed, built, and tested farm machinery. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the church's youth fund.
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