Your News provided by

 

 

 

Today Let’s meet Canadian Valley Technology Center,“Spotlight person of the week:’” Sierra Lohr. Sierra  is a Senior at  Tuttle. Tune in Friday the 25th, to 106.1 The Ranch FM, (the 7AM and 8AM News) to hear her story.

 

 

 

 

Monday, Jan. 28th

 

Body Found Near Downtown Chickasha Restaurant

Investigators are at the scene of a body discovered near the Dairy Queen restaurant in downtown Chickasha early this morning. Police were dispatched to the area about 3:40 this morning. KOOL-RANCH News was on the scene where the body of a fully-clothed unidentified male was lying in a grassy area behind the former Murphy's Liquor Store and Line Creek. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to help with the investigation. No details are being released as the investigation is just getting underway.

 

 Rush Springs Police Make Arrest in Child Porn Investigation              

A child porn investigation in Rush Springs has one man behind bars this morning. A 23-year old man is jailed on complaints which include soliciting sex with a minor by technology, possession of child porn, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute. We won't release the name of the suspect unless prosecutors file formal charges against him.

 

 Traffic Stop in Blanchard Finds Pot, Weapons              

In Blanchard, police find more than 100 grams of pot following a traffic stop. On its Facebook page, authorities posted a photograph of the marijuana, two handguns, and scales seized from the vehicle following the stop. The post wasn't specific about why the traffic stop was made, only that it took place early Sunday morning. The post indicates the driver was arrested on a number of complaints, and a passenger was also taken into custody for outstanding warrants.

 

Jury Duty Canceled This Week, But it's On for Next

If you received a letter to report for jury duty in Grady County District Court this morning, you're excused. All the cases that were set to go to trial this week have been resolved, so no juries are needed this week. However, if you received a Grady County jury duty notice for NEXT week, starting Feb. 4th, you will have to report.

               

Cheniere Energy to Pay Dividends

In energy news, the company wanting to build a 200-mile natural gas pipeline through the region has declared a cash dividend for its shareholders. Cheniere Energy Partners will pay out 59 cents a share which is part of an annualized distribution of $2.36 per share. The payment will be made to shareholders of record as of Feb. 6th, with the payments to be made Feb. 14th. Cheniere will build the pipeline from Kingfisher, through the STACK and SCOOP plays to the Durant area. The pipeline will link up with one already in place which sends natural gas to the Gulf Coast, where it’s transformed to liquified natural gas and exported.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX down slightly for the week, to $53.69 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude also down, to $61.64.

Natural gas with an off week as well, down to $3.17 per million BTUs.

Gold breaks the $1,300 barrier to $1,306; Silver is $15.73.

 

Grady County Basketball Tournament Results

Minco boys and Amber-Pocasset girls win championships at the 101^st Grady County High School Basketball tournament over the weekend. Minco boys (No. 4 in Class 2A) defeated unranked Amber-Pocasset, 64-51. Sophomore Cooper Shirley led Minco with 23 points, while another sophomore, Nick Burchfield had 13 points. Ampo managed to hold 6-7 Minco senior Dayken Rackley to 13 points. Ampo’s big post player, 6-5 junior, Skylar Croskey, led the Panthers with 18 points, while senior Kale Kennedy scored 12 points. Ampo girls (No. 11 in Class 2A) won their second straight tournament and 21^st overall with a 52-36 win over unranked Rush Springs. Ampo freshman Devynn Harris led all scorers with 19 points while sophomore Caton Muncy added 16. Rush Springs senior Bailey Beard had 10 points in the loss.

 

Caddo County Tournament Results

In the Caddo County Tournament, Cyril boys (No. 6 in Class A) defeated Carnegie (No. 9 in Class 2A), 72-49. Cyril defeated top-ranked Ft. Cobb-Broxton in the semi-finals, 61-57. In a top-10 match-up in the girls championship, Ft. Cobb-Broxton (No. 8 in Class A) kept Cyril (No. 4 in Class A) from winning its 4^th straight county title.  Ft. Cobb-Broxton takes a 37-34 win.

 

Heart of Oklahoma Tournament Results

Anadarko girls (No. 5 in 4A) defeated Sulphur (No. 6 in 3A) 46-35 to win the Heart of Oklahoma tournament in Purcell. It was the first loss of the year for Sulphur. Anadarko boys (No. 4 in 4A) lost the boy’s title in Purcell to unranked Plainview, 56-48. Plainview improves to 11-5 with the win. 

 

 

Saturday, Jan. 26th

 

New Blanchard Resident Hit by Thieves

Thieves steal nearly $50,000 in heavy equipment, vehicles, and tools from the Blanchard area, and a reward has been offered to help find those responsible. A skid loader, ATV, welding equipment, and power tools were swiped from the home of Alan Patterson twice in the last few weeks. Patterson just moved to the area last month. To make things worse, Patterson was at the Mayo Clinic being treated for a stroke he suffered a couple of years ago when the thefts occurred. Grady County Undersheriff Phil Blevins says the thieves went through a lot of trouble. He tells KFOR-TV that they went through barbed-wire fences, used bolt cutters to break into a shop, and had to move a pickup parked in front the skid steer and ATV. The equipment did have Patterson's name on it. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assocation is offering a $1,000 reward for information that can lead to the arrest the person or persons responsible. Call 888-830-2333.

               

Chix Police Handle Several Firearms Complaints in One Day

Chickasha police were summoned to handle three firearms reports in one day and arrests were made at each location. It happened this past Tuesday. The first call came in about 1 o'clock in the morning, when officers were first dispatched to a report of shots fired at the Super 8 Motel at 4th and Almar Drive. Police arrested 49-year old Nickie Jordan of Rutlege, Alabama. He was formally charged with a misdemeanor for reckless conduct with a firearm. He is out of jail after posting a $5,000 bond. About 9:30 Tuesday night, police responded to a domestic abuse call in the 1100 block of West Dakota. They arrested 35-year old Brandon Showalter of Chickasha, and he's been charged with a felony for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He remains in jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond. Then about 30 minutes later, police were sent to the Chickasha Hotel to investigate another domestic issue. 18-year old Trevor Brooks of Crossville, Tennessee was arrested and has been charged with a felony for  possession of a sawed-off shotgun, and misdemeanors that include resisting arrest  and  drug possession. He's out of jail after posting an $8,000 bond.

 

Jury Duty Canceled for Some; Remains for Others

If you receive a jury duty notice from Grady County in the last few weeks, you'll need to know this. All jury trials that were scheduled for next week, Jan. 28th through Feb. 1st have been resolved, so jurors will not have to report. However, for those who received a letter for jury duty for the week of February 4th, you will still need to show up for that week.

 

200+ Take Advantage of Free Dental Services               

More than 200 people took advantage of the free dental services provided by a Chickasha dentist, his employees, and numerous other volunteers. Dentistry from the Heart treated 211 patients, who collectively received an estimated $230,000 in free services. Dr. John Phillips and the 29th Street Dental Care staff were greeted by dozens of patients in the pre-dawn hours when they arrived at the clinic Friday morning, many of which spent the night in 20-degree weather. Since Phillips and his employees started this annual program in the mid-1990s, they've treated more than 3,000 patients and provided more than $2.5 million in free dental care.

 

Halliburton Employee's Career Spans Seven Decades

A senior secretary at Halliburton in Duncan has worked longer for that company than anyone else. Opal Wilson was recognized this week for her 65 years as a Halliburton employee, all at the Duncan office.  She was 18 when she went to work for the company as a clerk in 1953. She could type 120 words per minute, which was well before electric typewriters. And she had to be letter perfect, with no erase marks or strikeovers. Her starting pay back then was $1 an hour. And no, she's not retiring. Now 83-years young, Wilson says she has no intentions of slowing down. She says her best days are when she goes to work.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Skip Hamill and Charles Watson with the Holy City of the Wichitas are this week's guest on KOOL Konversation. We have a link to the program under the Community tab of this website.

 

Grady County Tournament Results

at Minco

Friday Scores

Boys semi-finals

Minco 60, Alex 40

Ampo 66. Okla. Chr. Aca. 54

 

Girls loser’s bracket

Alex 33, Dibble 17

Ninnekah 65, Verden 21

 

 

Friday, Jan. 25th

 

Gov. Stitt Wants to Sell State-Owned Airplane

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt wants to sell the state-owned airplane used to fly previous governors around the state and around the country. It's one of four executive orders issued by Stitt on Thursday. Stitt said selling the King Air Beechcraft 300 will save the state money. State officials say it costs about $800 an hour to operate the plane. Stitt said if you're not flying 400 hours per year, it doesn't make sense to own your own airplane. He says he's also considering selling his own personal private plane. Stitt said he will rely on donations of private flights and if they can't be found, he'll fly commercial. The governor said he'll look at cost-effective ways to travel to all of Oklahoma's 77 counties.

 

Dentistry From the Heart Underway

With overnight temperatures dropping well below freezing, a number of people were willing to spend a cold night camping outside a Chickasha dental clinic, waiting to get free dental work done today. The morning low was 20 degrees in Chickasha, as the group arrived early for the annual Dentistry from the Heart campaign from Dr. John Phillips and 29th Street Dental Care. Phillips says they expect to treat more than 200 patients. They'll take an hour break for lunch then return to finish their work which will end at 4 o'clock this afternoon. Patients can get one of three services at no cost. Cleaning their teeth, a cavity filled or a tooth pulled. Oral surgeons and many other dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants have volunteered their time to help with the one-day free dental clinic.

 

Chickasha Area YMCA Fundraising Campaign Begins

The annual fund-raising campaign for the Chickasha Area YMCA is underway. The Y hopes to raise more than $75,000 in the coming weeks. The funds go toward the Y's Financial Assistance program. Last year, the local Y provided nearly twice that amount on services to families in the region. YMCA director Lewis Knicely says about 60 percent of the children who attend the Y's After-School and Summer Day Camp programs receive some level of financial help. The organization provides children a safe place to exercise and study while their parents are at work. Funds last year also provided life-saving drowning-prevention classes to nearly 300 second-grade students. Contributions may be made directly to the Y, or on-line at www.ymcaokc.org/give

 If you donate on-line, be sure to check Chickasha.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was up Thursday to $53.13 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude was down to $61.09.

Natural gas was a little higher to $3.10 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,289 and silver is $15.38.

 

Grady County Tournament Results

Thursday

Girls semi-finals

Rush Springs 56, Minco 54 (2 OT)

Ampo 38, OCA 37

 

Boy’s loser’s bracket

Ninnekah 39, Dibble 37

Verden 59, Rush Springs 49

 

Friday games

Boys semi-finals

Ampo vs. OCA, 5:45

Minco vs. Alex, 8:15

 

Girls loser’s bracket

Ninnekah vs. Verden, 4:30

 Alex vs. Dibble, 7:00

 

 

Thursday, Jan. 24th

 

Oregon Fugitive Captured in Blanchard

Blanchard police capture a man wanted out of Oregon after a high speed pursuit and ensuing crash. It happened Tuesday afternoon, when authorities got a call about from a woman who said she was the victim of an assault, and that her car had been stolen. While responding to the call, KWTV News 9 reports that Blanchard Deputy Chief Joe Beilouny spotted the stolen car, and a pursuit began. The chase ended on a dead-end road when the suspect crashed his vehicle into a fence in a pasture. Authorities arrested 53-year old Lloyd Lancaster, who authorities said has a history of violent acts, including attempted murder. It wasn’t clear why he was in Oklahoma. Lancaster was booked into the McClain County Jail.

 

Body of Mutilated Cow Discovered

A grisly scene in Fletcher, where a rancher discovers the body of a mutilated pregnant cow. The animal's uterus, milk bag, and right ear were cut off. Betty Bessire found the remains Sunday, and thinks the person responsible may have been making a sacrifice to the devil over the blood moon that occurred over the weekend. Bessire has lived on her ranch for more than  40 years and says she's never seen anything so horrible. It’s not believed that the animal was shot because no bullet wounds were found. Bessire tells KSWO-TV that she believes the culprit first tranquilized the animal, then gave her a shot to coagulate the blood before cutting her up. Comanche County authorities say they have seen similar cases of animal mutilation but nothing like this one. They don't have any leads, and think it’s unlikely they get any unless the public comes forward. The only crime a suspect could be charged with might be animal cruelty. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers of Southwest Oklahoma by calling 580-355-INFO.

 

Free Dental Services Available Tomorrow

A Chickasha dental clinic will open its doors for free dental services tomorrow. Dr. John Phillips and crew at 29th Street Dental Care call it Dentistry from the Heart. More than 100 volunteers, from oral surgeons to dental hygienist students will be shuffling through the clinic’s many treatment rooms to see more than 200 patients. Phillips says that everyone has an assignment and knows what to do.

 

               

 

Patients can choose to have a filling, a tooth pulled, or have their teeth cleaned. All patients will also get X-rays at no cost. A lot of people will brave the cold overnight temperatures and camp out in the clinic's parking lot to be first in line. The Grady County Sheriff's Office will be on hand for security overnight. The clinic will open at 7:30 tomorrow morning and run through 4 o'clock. Many businesses, churches and individuals bring coffee, food, and warm clothing to the patients who will be waiting in line.

 

Halliburton Earnings Report Shows Mixed News

Officials with energy giant Halliburton release the company’s earnings from the 4th quarter of 2018 and it shows some mixed news. Total revenue was down from the third quarter, however it did show an increase from the 4th quarter of 2017. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports the company announced total revenue of $5.9 billion, down about 4 percent from the previous three-month period. The income from continuing operations translated to 76 cents a share in earnings. Total revenue for the year was $24 billion, an increase of 16 percent from 2017. Chairman, president, and CEO Jeff Miller said demand for completion services dropped in the 4th quarter but the drop was expected.

 

Memorial Service Set for Pilot, Flying Instructor

A celebration of life for long-time local pilot and flying instructor Claude Rogers will be held this weekend. Rogers died unexpectedly a few weeks ago. A memorial will be held at 1:00 pm. Saturday at the Chickasha Airport in the Chickasha Wings hangar. Memorial contributions may be made to Chickasha Wings.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down Wednesday to $52.62 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude fell to $61.14.

Natural gas dipped below $3 to $2,98 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,284 and silver is $15.31.

 

 

Wednesday, Jan. 23rd

 

New Chickasha City Councilman Appointed

Chickasha's newest city councilman has had an interest in public service for a couple of years. Retired military officer Tom Rose was appointed to a vacant seat on the council last night. Rose will fill the remaining months left on the term of former Ward One councilman Mark Keeling, who resigned a couple of weeks ago. Rose ran a couple of strong campaigns for mayor in 2016 and 2018 but came up short at the ballot box. The post Rose was appointed to will be up for grabs in the spring city council elections.

 

Grants, Airport Board Appointment Get Council Approval

The council approved funding requests for two economic development projects in downtown. As part of a public-private investment program initiated just last month, a $450,000 grant was awarded to Chickasha Today, LLC. The group will make some big improvements in the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue, investing more than $1 million of its own money for the renovations. The council also approved up to a $110,000 grant for the J.R. Trammell and D.J. Trammel Family Trust for upgrades to a store at 317 Chickasha Avenue, the former William’s Shoe Store. The trust is investing about $250,000 of its own money in the project. It's anticipated to be the new home of the Crazy 8 Cafe. The city council also appointed Mitch Williams of Chickasha Wings to serve on the airport advisory board through June of 2021.

 

FSA Offices Closed Today, will Re-Open Temporarily

Ag producers will have a few more days to do business with their Farm Service Agency offices. An agreement between USDA and the federal Office of Management and Budget will allow offices to re-open on a temporary basis. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says producers will be able to take care of –

 

               

 

State FSA director Scott Biggs says all Oklahoma FSA offices will be open for this temporary schedule, which does include the Chickasha and Anadarko offices. FSA offices are closed today, but will be open for regular business hours tomorrow and Friday, and weekdays through Feb. 8th. After that, offices will reduce services to three days a week, unless the partial government shutdown issue is resolved.

 

Bill Calls for Increasing State Speed Limit

Are you a speeder? If you drive at 80 miles per hour on Oklahoma highways, you know you're breaking the law. But a state lawmaker is proposing the speed limit go up. State Rep. Daniel Pae of Lawton has introduced HB 1071 that would increase the speed limit on state highways to 80 mph outside of city limits. Currently, the top speed limit on state highways is 70. It is 75 on state turnpikes. A number of rural states do have maximum speed limits of 80 mph. If the bill makes it through the legislative process and is signed by Gov. Stitt, it would go into effect in November.

 

Several Area Blood Drives on the Schedule

There are numerous blood drives in the region over the next few days. Oklahomans are encouraged to roll up their sleeves to assist the Oklahoma Blood Institute, which serves more than 160 hospital and air ambulance services. There are blood drives today at Verden High School until 11:30 this morning; Anadarko High School until 3:00 p.m.; and Ninnekah High School, also until 3:00 p.m. USAO will have a blood drive on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Gary Hall Lounge. Find blood drives in your area by visiting the website www.obi.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down to $52.57 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude falls to $61.50.

Natural gas took a hit, down to $3.04 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,284 and silver is $15.44.

 

 

Tuesday, Jan. 22nd

 

Chickasha Council to Consider Proposed Developments

Two projects designed to make improvements in downtown Chickasha will be reviewed by the city council tonight. Both are seeking some of the matching economic development funds reserved for upgrades throughout the city. If approved, the projects would take nearly half of the $1.2 million set aside for development. A local group called Chickasha Today,  LLC is wanting to renovate five properties in the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue near the Rock Island Railroad Depot. That group plans on spending nearly $1 million in private funds and is seeking nearly $480,000 from the city. The group believes it could be a catalyst for further development in that area. A second local developer is asking for funds to help renovate a store in the 300 block of Chickasha Avenue. The developer would invest about $250,000 and is seeking up to $110,000 from the city. If approved, it’s proposed that the Crazy 8 Café would move to that location.

 

Appointment May be Made to City Council               

A new representative could join the Chickasha City Council tonight. The agenda calls for the consideration of an appointment to finish the remaining few months for the Ward One office previously held by Mark Keeling, who resigned earlier this month. The agenda did not include the name of a potential candidate. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Rural Firefighters May Feel Affects of Gov't. Shutdown

The partial shutdown of the federal government could impact Oklahoma's volunteer fire departments. Grady County Fire Chief Perry Wenzel says the shutdown could hurt rural fire departments in the event of a wildfire, should federal help be needed in such a crisis. Wenzel tells KFOR TV that large wildland fires can create hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses. Such fires have a negative impact on small fire departments because they have to spend all their money on items they don't get reimbursed for in a timely fashion. Winter is the prime season for wildfires, because of dormant vegetation and not much precipitation. Wenzel said the fuel load is there, and while recent rains and snow have been beneficial, it has softened up the ground which can cause fire trucks to get stuck. Sheri Nickel with the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association said the biggest impact for that group deals with federal grants. That agency is administering more than $2 million in grants for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters, but right now they aren't getting the funding like they should.

 

 Vandals Cause Thousands of Dollars in Damage on Farm              

Farm families everywhere take a lot of pride in what they do to feed America. A Stephens County producer is scratching his head over why someone would want to vandalize an expensive tractor. Justin Mangum said the windshield was broken and lights were shattered this past weekend. Estimated damage was about $20,000. Mangum says it’s not the first time his farm has been hit by vandals. Previously, thieves stole a radiator out of a two-ton truck on one side of the property, and the same night they took a radiator from a tractor on the other side. In the most recent vandalism, someone wrote the name "Randall" on the tractor. Stephens County authorities are investigating.

 

FSA Offices Open Again Today

Farm Service Agency offices in Chickasha and Anadarko will be open for one  more day today, before closing up shop again because of the partial federal  government shutdown. The offices will be open during regular business hours.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $53.80 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $62.70.

Natural gas is $3.48 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,283 and silver is $15.31.

 

 

Grady County Tournament Re-cap

In the opening round of the 101^st Grady County Tournament in Minco, Ampo and Alex boys, and Ampo and Rush Springs girls score opening round wins Monday. The top seed Ampo girls scored a 76-6 win over Verden. Caleigh Jeffries had 12 points and Caton Muncey, 11 to lead Ampo.  Rush Springs girls were 58-44 winners over Alex. Caitlynn Long led three Rush Springs players in double figures with 18. Three Alex players were also in double figures, led by freshman Kdeebeth Pettijohn who had 12. The Alex and Verden boys was the most competitive game of Day One. Verden rallied from a 10-point second-half deficit to take the lead a couple of times in the 4th quarter, but the Longhorns prevailed with a 63-52 win. The Longhorns’ Nik Venable scored 15 of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, including 11 of 12 free throws. Nick Smith led Verden with 22 points. Ampo boys beat Ninnekah 51-28 behind 26 points from Skyler Croskey. The remaining first round games are today, starting with the Ninnekah and Oklahoma Christian Academy girls at 4:30; Minco and Dibble girls play at 7. Boys games are Dibble vs. Oklahoma Christian Academy at 5:45, with top seed Minco facing Rush Springs in the late game at 8:15.

 

Caddo County Tournament at Anadarko

Boys

Cement 74, Hinton 70

Cyril 71, Mt. View-Gotebo 44

Apache 94, Gracemont 35

Binger-Oney 72, Lookeba-Sickles 62

 

Girls

Apache 54, Cement 47

Hinton 52, Gracemont 30

Mt. View-Gotebo 58, Binger-Oney 34

Lookeba-Sickles 49, Carnegie 45

 

Today

Girls

Ft. Cobb-Broxton vs. Hinton, 4:00 p.m.

Cyril vs. Apache, 6:30 p.m.

Boys

Ft. Cobb-Broxton vs. Apache, 5:45 p.m.

Carnegie vs. Cement, 7:45 p.m.

 

 

Monday, Jan. 21st

 

Unemployment Remains Near Historic Low

Oklahoma's jobless rate continues to hover around its lowest levels in decades. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission reports the December unemployment rate was 3.2 percent. It was also down for the 8^th straight month. Grady County unemployment fell to 2.5 percent. McClain County had the regional low jobless rate at 2.2 percent, while Caddo County unemployment was down to 3 percent. Most county jobless rates are down one full percentage point compared to the same time a year ago.

 

More Jobs Continue to be Added to Energy Industry

The energy industry is taking a lot of credit for the low unemployment. The Mining and Logging sector which includes oil and gas added more than 1,500 jobs last month. The number of jobs grew more than 13 percent compared to December of 2017 to more than 56,000 jobs. Oklahoma is among 40 states nationwide where unemployment was less than 4 percent last month.

 

Nation Pauses to Remember Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is set aside to recognize the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior. Federal, state, county, and city offices are closed today. The Chickasha city council meeting, normally held on the third Monday night of the month, will instead be held tomorrow night.

 

Chickasha Holds Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

There is a celebration of Dr. King's work in Chickasha today. The Bullock Memorial Center will have a free come-and-go event much of the day with live entertainment, with Chickasha native Ray Woods, aka Mister Woods the featured artist. Other musicians will play throughout the day. Beans and cornbread will be served for $6 per person. The event will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at The Bullock Memorial Center, 917 S. 1st.

               

 One Dies in Weekend Fatal Crash              

Authorities have not yet identified a man who died in a three-vehicle crash that involved a semi in El Reno over the weekend. The accident happened late Saturday night on I-40 at mile marker 119. The truck driver was not hurt. A family from California was in an SUV which was also involved. A woman  in the SUV was admitted to a Yukon hospital. A 1-year old girl and a 13-year old girl also in the SUV were treated and released.

 

 State Sen. Darcy Jech Prepares for Legislative Session              

State Senator Darcy Jech, who serves Senate District 26 which includes much of Caddo and parts of Canadian County, is looking forward to the upcoming legislative session. In his media column, Jech says he has met with Gov. Kevin Stitt and attended his inauguration last week. Jech says Stitt's enthusiasm is energizing and his goals to lead the state to new levels of success are inspiring. Jech  says he is looking forward to seeking opportunities to make Oklahoma stronger and more diverse. Jech says he's authoring a handful of bills in areas like education, corrections, and criminal justice reform. The legislative session with begin in two weeks.

 

National Guard Has New Commander              

A new commander has been welcomed to lead Oklahoma National Guard troops. Lt. Col. Khalid Hussein is the new leader for the 180th Cavalry, 45th Infantry Brigade. The troops recently returned from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan. Hussein is from Edmond. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1994. In addition to welcoming the new commander, the unit bid farewell to out-going commander Lt. Col. Michael Urrutia of Edmond. He spent 30 years in the Army and joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2002.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $53.80.

London-based Brent crude is $62.70.

Natural gas is $3.48 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,277 and silver is $15.25.

 

 

 

Your News provided by

 

 

Let’s meet Canadian Valley Technology Center,“Spotlight person of the week:’” Trey Howard. Trey graduated from Ninnekah, and is studying heating, ventilation and air-condition at CV Tech. Tune in Friday the 18th, to 106.1 The Ranch FM, (the 7AM and 8AM News) to hear his story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, Jan. 22nd

 

Grady County Tournament Re-cap

In the opening round of the 101^st Grady County Tournament in Minco, Ampo and Alex boys, and Ampo and Rush Springs girls score opening round wins Monday. The top seed Ampo girls scored a 76-6 win over Verden. Caleigh Jeffries had 12 points and Caton Muncey, 11 to lead Ampo.  Rush Springs girls were 58-44 winners over Alex. Caitlynn Long led three Rush Springs players in double figures with 18. Three Alex players were also in double figures, led by freshman Kdeebeth Pettijohn who had 12. The Alex and Verden boys was the most competitive game of Day One. Verden rallied from a 10-point second-half deficit to take the lead a couple of times in the 4th quarter, but the Longhorns prevailed with a 63-52 win. The Longhorns’ Nik Venable scored 15 of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, including 11 of 12 free throws. Nick Smith led Verden with 22 points. Ampo boys beat Ninnekah 51-28 behind 26 points from Skyler Croskey. The remaining first round games are today, starting with the Ninnekah and Oklahoma Christian Academy girls at 4:30; Minco and Dibble girls play at 7. Boys games are Dibble vs. Oklahoma Christian Academy at 5:45, with top seed Minco facing Rush Springs in the late game at 8:15.

 

Caddo County Tournament at Anadarko

Boys

Cement 74, Hinton 70

Cyril 71, Mt. View-Gotebo 44

Apache 94, Gracemont 35

Binger-Oney 72, Lookeba-Sickles 62

 

Girls

Apache 54, Cement 47

Hinton 52, Gracemont 30

Mt. View-Gotebo 58, Binger-Oney 34

Lookeba-Sickles 49, Carnegie 45

 

Today

Girls

Ft. Cobb-Broxton vs. Hinton, 4:00 p.m.

Cyril vs. Apache, 6:30 p.m.

Boys

Ft. Cobb-Broxton vs. Apache, 5:45 p.m.

Carnegie vs. Cement, 7:45 p.m.

 

 

Monday, Jan. 21st

 

Unemployment Remains Near Historic Low

Oklahoma's jobless rate continues to hover around its lowest levels in decades. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission reports the December unemployment rate was 3.2 percent. It was also down for the 8^th straight month. Grady County unemployment fell to 2.5 percent. McClain County had the regional low jobless rate at 2.2 percent, while Caddo County unemployment was down to 3 percent. Most county jobless rates are down one full percentage point compared to the same time a year ago.

 

More Jobs Continue to be Added to Energy Industry

The energy industry is taking a lot of credit for the low unemployment. The Mining and Logging sector which includes oil and gas added more than 1,500 jobs last month. The number of jobs grew more than 13 percent compared to December of 2017 to more than 56,000 jobs. Oklahoma is among 40 states nationwide where unemployment was less than 4 percent last month.

 

Nation Pauses to Remember Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is set aside to recognize the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior. Federal, state, county, and city offices are closed today. The Chickasha city council meeting, normally held on the third Monday night of the month, will instead be held tomorrow night.

 

Chickasha Holds Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

There is a celebration of Dr. King's work in Chickasha today. The Bullock Memorial Center will have a free come-and-go event much of the day with live entertainment, with Chickasha native Ray Woods, aka Mister Woods the featured artist. Other musicians will play throughout the day. Beans and cornbread will be served for $6 per person. The event will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at The Bullock Memorial Center, 917 S. 1st.

               

 One Dies in Weekend Fatal Crash              

Authorities have not yet identified a man who died in a three-vehicle crash that involved a semi in El Reno over the weekend. The accident happened late Saturday night on I-40 at mile marker 119. The truck driver was not hurt. A family from California was in an SUV which was also involved. A woman  in the SUV was admitted to a Yukon hospital. A 1-year old girl and a 13-year old girl also in the SUV were treated and released.

 

 State Sen. Darcy Jech Prepares for Legislative Session              

State Senator Darcy Jech, who serves Senate District 26 which includes much of Caddo and parts of Canadian County, is looking forward to the upcoming legislative session. In his media column, Jech says he has met with Gov. Kevin Stitt and attended his inauguration last week. Jech says Stitt's enthusiasm is energizing and his goals to lead the state to new levels of success are inspiring. Jech  says he is looking forward to seeking opportunities to make Oklahoma stronger and more diverse. Jech says he's authoring a handful of bills in areas like education, corrections, and criminal justice reform. The legislative session with begin in two weeks.

 

National Guard Has New Commander              

A new commander has been welcomed to lead Oklahoma National Guard troops. Lt. Col. Khalid Hussein is the new leader for the 180th Cavalry, 45th Infantry Brigade. The troops recently returned from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan. Hussein is from Edmond. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1994. In addition to welcoming the new commander, the unit bid farewell to out-going commander Lt. Col. Michael Urrutia of Edmond. He spent 30 years in the Army and joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2002.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $53.80.

London-based Brent crude is $62.70.

Natural gas is $3.48 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,277 and silver is $15.25.

 

 

Saturday, Jan. 19th

 

Lengthy Prison Sentence Issued in DUI Crash

A Tuttle man is sentenced to 15 years in prison plus five years’ probation after entering a blind plea to a charge in connection with a head-on collision that left two people with crippling injuries. 31-year old Westlee James Morgan was charged with a felony DUI and causing great bodily injury, stemming from an accident that occurred Christmas Eve of 2016. The accident happened on State Highway 37 at the Grady and McClain County line. Troopers say in addition to Morgan driving under the influence, it was foggy and he was driving too fast for conditions. The trooper's affidavit indicates Morgan was celebrating his birthday at a bar before the accident. Morgan admitted he was drunk after consuming four double Crown and Cokes before he got behind the wheel. His blood alcohol content was 0.192. He also tested positive for marijuana.

 

Two in Custody for Alleged Drug Trafficking

Verden police arrest two men on drug trafficking complaints. No details are available, but we can tell you that on-line records show the men were booked into the Grady County Jail on Thursday. One of the men is 36-years old and is also being held on complaints of assaulting and resisting an officer. The other man is 25-years old is also being held on complaints of having a firearm after conviction, speeding, and driving without a license. We won't identify these individuals unless prosecutors file formal charges. Their initial court appearances won't be held until at least Tuesday, after the long Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend.

 

Man Accused of Unauthorized Vehicle Use; Having Fake Cash

A man arrested on a complaint of unauthorized use of a vehicle is also accused of having counterfeit money. Chickasha police arrested 24-year old Estevan Erick Quinonez of Mt. View this week for being in possession of an SUV without the owner's permission. Court documents also indicate Quinonez had $200 in counterfeit bills in possession, and that he gave police a fake name. Prosecutors have charged Quinonez with a felony for unauthorized use of a vehicle, and misdemeanors for obstruction and forgery. He remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bond.

 

DAV Celebrates First Year in New Headquarters               

The Grady County Disabled American Veterans chapter is celebrating the first anniversary of its permanent home. The City of Chickasha is allowing the group to use the former city hall and police station at 6th and Chickasha Avenue as its headquarters. Volunteers, mainly veterans, did a lot of work to get the building ready before it even opened last January. The office is run entirely by volunteers. The main purpose of the DAV is to help all veterans get their benefits, especially medical benefits, whether they're disabled or not. Chris Mackey is one of the volunteers.

 

               

 

The group is now in the process of remodeling the second floor of the building, where they hope to offer mental health services and a fitness area.

 

Weekly Warrant List

Each week, the Grady County Sheriff's Office issues a list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here's Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett.

 

               

 

If you have information regarding any of these individuals you're asked to contact the sheriff's office by calling 405-222-5085.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. On the KOOL Konversation are Chris Mackey, Tommie Howell, and Mark Macy with the Disabled American Veterans. We have a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

 

Friday, Jan. 18th

 

Child Porn Suspect Jailed on $1 Million Bond

A Marlow man is jailed on a $1 million bond and facing more than a dozen felony charges related to a child porn investigation by Marlow police. 39-year old Matthew Willoughy Hale was awaiting trial on 13 child porn charges filed in December of 2017. This week Stephens County prosecutors also charged him with child sexual assault. Court documents indicate the investigation began in May of 2017. Marlow investigators seized a personal computer and several electronic devices from his home, and sent them to the OSBI for forensic testing. Hale is to announce his attorney Feb. 7th with a preliminary hearing conference Feb. 27th.

 

County Road Between Chickasha and Ninnekah Closed

Grady County officials are forced to close a county road between Chickasha and Ninnekah. As of this morning, Sooner Road between Quail Road and Old Fred Road will be closed until further notice. The closing starts on Sooner Road about a mile south of State Highway 19. County Commissioner Ralph Beard said a Ninnekah school bus does use that roadway. Traffic can detour around the closed area either at Quail Road or Old Fred Road. Beard said the asphalt road is washing away due to a rusted out tin horn. He said there has been a lot of heavy truck traffic on the road in recent months. Beard said he didn't know how long the road would be closed. Officials will get together next week to discuss repair plans.

 

Farm Service Agencies Still Open Temporarily

Farm Service agency offices are open again today despite the partial federal government shutdown. Here’s Farm Broadcaster Ron Hays.

 

               

 

Grady County FSA Director Mark Jackson said he did have a few visitors yesterday and that nearly 100 phone messages came in since the office closed December 28th.

 

CV Tech School Board Receives Praise

Canadian Valley Technology Center officials are recognizing the board of education which directs the programs and services offered at all the district’s campus locations in Chickasha, El Reno and Yukon. January is School Board Recognition Month, and the Oklahoma State School Boards Association is also saluting the more than 2,700 school boards in the Sooner State. For CV Tech, school board members are Travis Posey, Jimmie Vickrey, Dean Riddell, Penny Jones, and Christy Stanley. CV Tech superintendent Gayla Lutts says board members work to follow the mission of career tech, which is to prepare people to succeed through quality career and technical education programs and services.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down to $52.07 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $61.18.

Natural gas was up to $3.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,285 and silver is $15.50.

 

 

Thursday, Jan. 17th

 

Traffic Light Upgrades to Affect 4th and Grand Traffic

A plan to upgrade traffic signals along 4th Street in Chickasha will cause some problems for motorists for a few days. Crews will be working at 4th and Grand for the next few days. No eastbound traffic will be allowed from 4th Street today through about 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Steven Adams with the city’s public works department says the work is needed to install a wireless system to synchronize all the traffic lights on 4^th Street between Country Club Road and Choctaw which is expected to improve traffic flow along the 4^th Street corridor. The work this weekend is the first step in that process.

 

Family Escapes Injury in Mobile Home Fire

Fire causes substantial damage to a trailer at a Chickasha mobile home park. Firefighters were summoned to the Sooner Mobile Home Park yesterday afternoon. Fire Chief Brian Zalewski said everyone in the mobile home were able to escape without injury. Zalewski said the likely cause of the fire was too many space heaters hooked up to a single electrical outlet. Damage estimate was not available.

 

Water Line Break Briefly Closes Restaurants

A couple of Chickasha restaurants were forced to close for a short time yesterday because of a waterline break. The break was the one-inch service line in the parking lot of Arby's. The break affected water pressure at Arby's and nearby businesses like Arvest Bank, Pizza Hut, and McDonalds. Reports indicated that Arby's and McDonald's closed down for a couple of hours while the repairs were made. Traffic on 4th Street was not affected by the repairs.

 

Reward Offered Regarding Man Missing Nearly 3 Years

The OSBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information about a man missing for nearly three years. Relatives of 63-year old Bill Lang reported him missing in March of 2016. His pick-up was found abandoned along I-40 just east of the Caddo and Canadian and County line. The Canadian County Sheriff's Office and OSBI are at a standstill after checking into numerous leads.

 

Southern Plains Med Center Acquires Maysville Clinic

Southern Plains Medical Center has announced the acquisition of a clinic in Maysville. In a press release, SPMC CEO Len Lacefield announced they will be taking over the practice management of what was Maysville Health Clinic. Lacefield said it will serve as a bridge between SMPCs home-base in ChIckasha and its expanding relationship into the Pauls Valley area. Nurse practitioner Kari Whatley, the previous owner of the Maysville Clinic, will continue seeing her patients there. Lacefield said Whatley will be able to focus more on her patients’ health care, instead of dealing with the increasing and highly scrutinized business side of rural health care.

 

Hillary Communications Expands Fiber-Optic Service

Hillary Communications has announced the acquisition of some new areas for its fiber to the home project. A press release indicates that Hillary's service area now includes Chickasha, Ninnekah, Verden, and Anadarko. The company recently closed deals with Texas companies Electra, Tatum, and Zapata for the properties. Hillary Communications announced the addition of several career opportunities because of the acquisition.

 

FSA Offices to Open for a Few Days

Here’s some good news for farmers and ranchers who need to take care of business with their USDA Farm Service Agency offices. The offices have been closed for nearly a month because of the partial shutdown of the federal government. However, the USDA is temporarily opening many offices across the country. All Oklahoma offices will be opening for some services, according to State FSA Director Scott Biggs. Local FSA offices will be open today, tomorrow, and next Tuesday.

 

Discussion Set to Re-Open Soup Kitchen

There is an effort to re-open a soup kitchen for the homeless. For years, Cornerstone Church in downtown Chickasha opened its doors to feed the homeless, but that stopped a few years ago with the death of Pastor Bill Nunley. A group of citizens from several churches would like to resume that work. An organizational meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall at First Christian Church at 7:00 p.m. tonight. First Christian Minister Michael Oberlender said they’ll be working on by-laws and discuss establishing a 501C-3 non-profit status.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $52.31 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $61.32.

Natural gas was down to $3.38 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,294 and silver is $15.63.

 

 

Wednesday, Jan. 16th

 

Regional Consumer Spending Remains Strong

Consumer spending throughout Grady County grew more than 9 percent from October to November of last year. Based on sales tax revenue numbers, it's estimated that more than $133 million in taxable goods and services were purchased that month. The number is up substantially from November of 2017 by about 33 percent. Grady County collected just under $1 million in sales tax revenue based on that consumer spending. The county's three-quarters of a penny sales tax goes to several areas, all of which have been approved by voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds receives $331,000; Grady Memorial Hospital collects $293,000; each of the seven senior nutrition centers get more than 23,000; each of 20 fire districts gets more than $8,000; Tuttle EMS picks up more than $30,000; and Rush Springs EMS gets more than $7,500. Grady County saw a month-to-month decrease in use tax collections, which are sales taxes paid on Internet purchases. It was still a healthy $187,000 which was an increase over January of 2018.

 

Chickasha Consumer Spending Also Good               

Consumer spending in Chickasha for November was up slightly, to just over $29 million. It was up about 18 percent compared to November of 2017. The city's use tax collections were $99,000 which is up 76 percent compared to both the previous month and previous year at the same time.

 

Formal Charges Filed in Marlow Salon Hold-up

A Marlow man is charged with armed robbery in connection with the hold-up of a beauty salon. 47-year old Mark Wayne Duncan is being held in the Stephens County Jail on a half-million bond. Marlow police were called out last Friday to investigate the armed robbery. Duncan faces up to 10 years in prison if he's convicted.

 

State Agency to Review Trains Blocking Railroad Crossings

A state panel hopes to make some rule changes when it comes to trains blocking streets and roadways. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is asking for the ability to conduct a compliance audit if a train blocks a railroad crossing for more than 10 minutes. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports the audit would explore how often crossings are blocked, the pattern, and if the blocked crossing is justified. Another rule change under consideration applies to fences that a landowner requests to have built next to railroad tracks. The Corporation Commission wants the ability to enforce the construction or hold a railway in contempt if the fence is not built with 60 days.

 

USAO Campus is 'Certified Healthy'

For the second straight year USAO has been named a "certified healthy campus." USAO received an excellent rating for its health and wellness programs based on several categories. The certified healthy campus designation is part of the Certified Healthy Oklahoma program, which began in 2003 in a joint effort of several groups including the state health department and the academy for state goals. It's a challenge to all Oklahomans to eat better, get some exercise, and be tobacco-free. The program also helps to implement policies to create healthier environments in the workplace and in communities.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX climbs to $52.11 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is  up to $60.64.

Natural gas is lower to $3.50 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,288 and silver is $15.60

 

 

Tuesday, Jan. 15th

 

City, Business Leaders Begin Program to Spur Growth

(This story contains a corrrection from the morning news broadcast, regarding the source of the public funds set aside for the program)

The future growth of Chickasha will rely on a combination of public and private investments. So say government and business leaders who are combining efforts in hopes of making that possible. Last month, the Chickasha City Council set aside $1.2 million which will be used to match private investment throughout the city. Applications are made through the Economic Development Council with that panel recommending projects to the city council. The city council will have the final say-so in those projects.The council is expected to consider a couple of recommendations from the Economic Development Council in the near future. For every two dollars of private investment, the city will provide an additional dollar.  Former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys was in Chickasha last week to meet with individuals in the Leadership Chickasha program. He said that's how Oklahoma City's highly- successful MAPS program started.

 

               

 

Chickasha officials aren't expecting to grow like Oklahoma City, but are looking to create a unique identity to attract visitors and residents. Correction: Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt says that $1.2 million in matching funds comes from the city's Economic Development Sales Tax fund, a sales tax which expired a couple of years ago.

 

Dentistry from the Heart Returns Jan. 25th

A Chickasha dentist and his staff will once again offer a day of free dental work to patients. Dentistry from the Heart is a program started by Dr. John Phillips and his 29th Street Dental Care clinic several years ago. This year, the program will be next Friday, Jan. 25th. That's a little earlier than previous years when the service has been offered during February, which is National Dental Health Month. Phillips brings in oral surgeons, additional dental hygienists, and dental students to help serve more than 200 patients. They can choose from having a tooth pulled, a filling, or to have their teeth cleaned. The services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and many patients camp out overnight. Since Phillips started this program, more than 3,000 patients have received more than $2.5 million in free dental care.

 

Pedestrian Dies in Caddo County Accident               

A pedestrian has died after being hit by a pick-up in Caddo County. 36-year old Teresa Dawn Prentiss of Anadarko died in the accident that happened last night. The highway patrol reports that Prentiss was one of two people walking along a county road about 6:15 p.m. The other pedestrian, 53-year old Jenna Lee Thrash, also of Anadarko, was not injured. Troopers say the pick-up was driven by 66-year old Albert Ingram of Apache. The accident happened about 4 1/2 miles west of Anadarko on CS 2600 just north of U.S. Highway 62. The OHP report states that both women were wearing dark clothing and Ingram did not see them.

 

Woman Sentenced after Manslaughter Plea               

A woman who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a Caddo County man is sentenced to a lengthy prison term. A judge has sentenced 26-year old Jordan Victoria Walking Eagle to 15 years behind bars and she was also ordered to undergo drug and alcohol treatment. Walking Eagle was the driver of a car involved in a Comanche County crash that resulted in the death of a passenger in her vehicle, 23-year old John Poolah, Jr. of Carnegie. The accident occurred in July of 2017.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was down to $50.51 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude drops to $58.99.

Natural gas jumps to $3.60 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,289 and silver is $15.61.

 

 

Monday, Jan. 14th

 

Oklahoma's New Governor to Take Office

It's a big day at the state capital, as Kevin Stitt will take his oath of office to be Oklahoma's 28th governor. Several other newly-elected officials will also take office, including Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. Chickasha State Representative David Perryman is looking forward to working with the new leadership. Perryman said Stitt reached out to him last month, and said Stitt indicated he wants to see improvements in all areas of the state.

 

               

 

The two are in opposite political parties. Stitt is a Republican and Perryman is a Democrat. Perryman is also the minority floor leader in the State House of Representatives. After today's swearing-in ceremony, with the inauguration ball tonight. The next legislative session starts February 4^th.

 

Other Newly-Elected Officials Also Start Today

Other newly elected state officials to take office today include Leslie Osborn as labor commissioner. The former state lawmaker whose District 37 included part of Grady County is serving her first state-wide post. Other first-time state officials will be Cindy Byrd as state auditor and Glen Mulready as insurance commissioner. Randy McDaniel had already been sworn in as the new state treasurer.

 

Industrial Group Challenges PSO Rate Hike Request

A rate hike proposal from Public Service Company of Oklahoma has some opposition. PSO is seeking an $88 million increase, mainly for industrial customers. A group called Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers says the request is excessive. They say PSO's rates should be reduced. The website www.okenergytoday.com cites a news release from the group which states testimony has been filed with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission that shows the proposed increase is not justified or appropriate. The release also states that the rate hike request is PSO’s third over the last three years. The consumers group says PSO should be instructed to control its costs and spending as private sector business and industry are required to.

 

City of Chickasha Ward Meetings Begin Tuesday               

In order to get more input from residents, Chickasha city leaders are scheduling Ward meetings over the next few months. Residents can meet their city council representatives, Mayor Chris Mosley and city manager John Noblitt. The first of these Ward meetings will be tomorrow night. It’s for Ward One residents, with councilman David Sikes expected to be on hand. Sikes is currently the only Ward One councilman, as Mark Keeling stepped down from his post last week. Tomorrow night's meeting will be at city hall, starting at 6:30 p.m. Other ward meetings will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

 

Chix City Hall Offers Help to Furloughed Federal Workers

The city of Chickasha is offering some relief to local residents who are federal employees affected by the government shutdown. The city will defer utility payments until those employees return to work. Affected workers can visit the utility billing department at city hall and show their federal employee identification or other employment verification. Information is also available on the city's Facebook page and Twitter.

 

Chickasha Schools Survey Asks for Input               

Chickasha school officials want to know what patrons think need to be done within the district. An on-line survey  asks for input on issues such as closing the achievement gap;  raising ACT scores; how administrators can support teachers; repairs and equipment needs; and defining student success. The website is www.chickasha.k12.ok.us or copies are available at all school buildings. The survey ends January 25th

 

Grady County Fair Board Members File Unopposed

No elections will be needed for the Grady County Fair Board this year. All three incumbents filed un-opposed for their seats and will serve three year-terms. They are Elisa Basford in the northern district; Jerry Arthur in the central district; and Barbara Pfenning in the southern district. The fair board is a nine-member panel that oversees operations at the county fairgrounds. Other northern district members are Betty Jones and Beth Norvell; other central district members are Steve Standridge and Ben Janssen; other southern district members are Eddie Rathbun and Rod Schenk. The fair board meets monthly.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $51.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $60.48.

Natural gas is $3.01 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,295 and silver is $15.64.

 

 

 

Your News provided by

 

 

Over the next 5 Months CV Tech will be spotlighting students who are striving to better themselves through hard work and education. Today CV Tech’s,“Spotlight Person of the Week’” is Tuttle High school senior Hanna Mchugh. Just click below to listen to her story.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, Jan. 14th

 

Oklahoma's New Governor to Take Office

It's a big day at the state capital, as Kevin Stitt will take his oath of office to be Oklahoma's 28th governor. Several other newly-elected officials will also take office, including Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. Chickasha State Representative David Perryman is looking forward to working with the new leadership. Perryman said Stitt reached out to him last month, and said Stitt indicated he wants to see improvements in all areas of the state.

 

               

 

The two are in opposite political parties. Stitt is a Republican and Perryman is a Democrat. Perryman is also the minority floor leader in the State House of Representatives. After today's swearing-in ceremony, with the inauguration ball tonight. The next legislative session starts February 4^th.

 

Other Newly-Elected Officials Also Start Today

Other newly elected state officials to take office today include Leslie Osborn as labor commissioner. The former state lawmaker whose District 37 included part of Grady County is serving her first state-wide post. Other first-time state officials will be Cindy Byrd as state auditor and Glen Mulready as insurance commissioner. Randy McDaniel had already been sworn in as the new state treasurer.

 

Industrial Group Challenges PSO Rate Hike Request

A rate hike proposal from Public Service Company of Oklahoma has some opposition. PSO is seeking an $88 million increase, mainly for industrial customers. A group called Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers says the request is excessive. They say PSO's rates should be reduced. The website www.okenergytoday.com cites a news release from the group which states testimony has been filed with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission that shows the proposed increase is not justified or appropriate. The release also states that the rate hike request is PSO’s third over the last three years. The consumers group says PSO should be instructed to control its costs and spending as private sector business and industry are required to.

 

City of Chickasha Ward Meetings Begin Tuesday               

In order to get more input from residents, Chickasha city leaders are scheduling Ward meetings over the next few months. Residents can meet their city council representatives, Mayor Chris Mosley and city manager John Noblitt. The first of these Ward meetings will be tomorrow night. It’s for Ward One residents, with councilman David Sikes expected to be on hand. Sikes is currently the only Ward One councilman, as Mark Keeling stepped down from his post last week. Tomorrow night's meeting will be at city hall, starting at 6:30 p.m. Other ward meetings will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

 

Chix City Hall Offers Help to Furloughed Federal Workers

The city of Chickasha is offering some relief to local residents who are federal employees affected by the government shutdown. The city will defer utility payments until those employees return to work. Affected workers can visit the utility billing department at city hall and show their federal employee identification or other employment verification. Information is also available on the city's Facebook page and Twitter.

 

Chickasha Schools Survey Asks for Input               

Chickasha school officials want to know what patrons think need to be done within the district. An on-line survey  asks for input on issues such as closing the achievement gap;  raising ACT scores; how administrators can support teachers; repairs and equipment needs; and defining student success. The website is www.chickasha.k12.ok.us or copies are available at all school buildings. The survey ends January 25th

 

Grady County Fair Board Members File Unopposed

No elections will be needed for the Grady County Fair Board this year. All three incumbents filed un-opposed for their seats and will serve three year-terms. They are Elisa Basford in the northern district; Jerry Arthur in the central district; and Barbara Pfenning in the southern district. The fair board is a nine-member panel that oversees operations at the county fairgrounds. Other northern district members are Betty Jones and Beth Norvell; other central district members are Steve Standridge and Ben Janssen; other southern district members are Eddie Rathbun and Rod Schenk. The fair board meets monthly.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $51.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $60.48.

Natural gas is $3.01 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,295 and silver is $15.64.

Saturday, Jan. 12th

 

More Info on Chickasha Schools Audit

That in-depth audit of Chickasha Public Schools issued by the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector’s office this week is a 44-page document which addressed several issues brought forth in a citizens petition and one from the local board of education. State Auditor Gary Jones reviewed the findings of his office in a special school board meeting this week. Today, we'll take a look and each of those concerns and summarize what the state auditor's team discovered.

 

Oklahoma Public School Resource Center Contracts

The Oklahoma Public School Resource Center is the group that former Superintendent Dave Cash brought in to implement the Personalized Learning Curriculum (PLC). Auditors determined that all payments made to the Resource Center were appropriate. Highlighted in the audit was that the Resource Center paid for Chickasha school personnel to visit a Salt Lake City, Utah school district which had implemented a similar program.

 

Inventory

The concern was whether the Resource Center may have provided free or low-cost IT equipment to gain influence or special favors. The audit indicated that did not happen. State Auditor Gary Jones said about $220,000 in private monies were donated to the district to purchase the  equipment, and another $5,000 in unrestricted funds were available.

 

School Employee Contract Compliance

Petitioners said support employees should NOT have been paid for time off during extended breaks at Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break. The finding was that some employee contracts did not accurately reflect the decision of the school board regarding the number of work days, but that the school board acted within its authority to close the entire district during those times.

 

PLC Attendance

This concern alleged the tampering of attendance records for students taking part in the Personalized Learning Curriculum. The audit did find some issues with a virtual time clock, and that a district employee did not directly monitor the main entrance. There was nothing to prevent students from logging in and leaving, or even logging in fellow classmates. The audit did question the hiring a staff member for $2,000 a month to help deal with the time clock issue, while at the same time school officials  said there was not enough money to pay for electronic equipment that would have worked. Still, the audit found there was no manipulation of attendance, saying that staff provided good oversight of attendance, and that staff members knew of any students who warranted special monitoring.

 

Resource Center Payments to School Employees

This issue alleged double-dipping by former superintendent Dave Cash, who worked as a consultant for the Resource Center while at the same time being employed by Chickasha schools. The audit found that Cash should have taken three vacation days from his job as superintendent to account for absences while traveling for Resource Center business. Auditors said there was no problem with Cash earning a reduced payment of $2,500 per month from the district while working full-time with the Resource Center, which occurred over a three month period from November of 2017 to January of 2018. Jones said there was nothing in Cash's contract with the school district that prevented him from having outside employment. Auditors also said that Cash's employment in 2014 was not related to the school board's decision in 2016 to implement the PLC.

 

Nepotism

The concern addressed the issue that Cash had hired his wife and sister to work for the district. The audit indicated that state law regarding nepotism does not apply to administrators. It only applies to school board members

 

Student Grade Changes

This was one of the more contentious concerns, regarding allegations of grade changes by school district administrators. Auditors found that grades were not manipulated to give the impression that the Personalized Learning Curriculum appeared to be performing better than it was. Auditors did say there were conflicts between high school principal Michele Pontikos and teacher Lori Pettijohn. Despite the auditor's opinion, some of Pettijohn's co-workers say Pettijohn left the district because she would not change grades despite Pontikos' demands to do so.

 

Bond Payments

This was not an original topic submitted by petitioners, rather it was a request by school board members to reports costs related to the issuing of bonds. Auditors found that while it isn't required, the district failed to take advantage of a competitive bidding process. They found that more than $450,000 in fees to sell bonds from 2004 to 2010 were not justified. Auditors say the district could have secured an equal or better transaction for less than half the amount paid. School board president Doug Brown said he hoped state lawmakers would consider a law to require school districts to use a competitive bidding process in the future. The complete audit can be viewed on the state auditor's website: www.sai.ok.gov

 

Warrant List

After a hiatus, the Grady County Sheriff’s Office is again providing a weekly list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here’s Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett.

 

 

If you have information regarding any of these individual s you can contact the sheriff’s office by calling 405-222-5085.

 

 

Friday, Jan. 11th

 

School Audit Finds Errors, No Criminal Conduct

An investigative audit into complaints against the Chickasha Public School district found a number of mistakes but nothing that might lead to criminal charges to be filed against former administrators. State Auditor Gary Jones announced his findings during a special meeting of the board of education last night. About 50 people turned out to hear the report. Among the allegations: that former high school principal Michelle Pontikos changed, or, told former teacher Lori Pettijohn to change the grades of about 100 students to make it appear that the  controversial Personalized Learning Curriculum was more successful that it was. Jones said while there were personality conflicts between Pontikos and Pettijohn, Pontikos did not follow the proper procedure when submitting some grades.

 

               

 

Jones said that the State Department of Education had asked the attorney general's office and the OSBI to also look into possible criminal allegations, however the investigation is now closed with no charges to be filed.

 

Reaction to Audit               

In reaction to the audit, former school administrator Robyn Morse - who was among those calling for the audit - says it's time to move forward, and that improved communication is needed between the school, school board, and the community.

 

               

 

Morse will soon be a member of the school board, running un-opposed for a seat. We asked school board president Doug Brown for a comment, and instead he referred us to a prepared statement. In part, it reads that the district had not violated any statutory regulations and that no criminal charges will be filed. The statement also said the auditor did find the district paid excessive fees related to the selling of school bonds, but that other school districts have also been overcharged. Brown said there should be a state law to require districts to go through the competitive bidding process when selling bonds. The full audit is posted on the state auditor's website: www.sai.ok.gov

 

Talk Show Topic

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Chickasha State Representative David Perryman is this week’s guest on our KOOL Konversation. There is a link to the show under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $52.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude climbs to $61.68.

Natural gas is down a penny to $2.97 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,292 and silver is $15.74.

 

 

Thursday, Jan. 10th

 

State Auditor to Discuss Findings of Chickasha School Audit

A long-awaited investigative audit into several complaints against Chickasha Public Schools will be made public tonight. Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones is expected to release at least a partial list of his findings. Chickasha residents petitioned for the audit nearly a year ago, asking for officials to look into allegations of the misuse of public funds; check technology-related purchases compared with inventory records; a review of attendance records; alleged double-dipping by former superintendent Dave Cash and other administrators related to the Personalized Learning Curriculum contracts; and nepotism allegations against the former superintendent. The results will be released during a special meeting of the Chickasha School Board tonight. It will be held at the high school activity center, starting at 6:30 p.m..

 

Lindsay School 'Hit List' News Was Delayed               

Parents of students in Lindsay schools are wondering why officials waited nearly three weeks to tell them about a hit-list found within the district. It's reported the list with about 30 names surfaced before Christmas, but parents apparently just  found out within the last few days. Lindsay Superintendent Dan Chapman takes the blame, saying he dropped the ball. He said normally they would contact police immediately, and he failed to do that. Chapman said they managed to identify Lindsay students who created the list, and that those students are no longer in school. Chapman says the safety of students is his top priority and there are plans to add extra security.

 

Communities to Benefit from REAP Grants               

Several communities will be able to pay for some badly needed infrastructure projects, thanks to grants from the Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG). In Verden, a $35,000 grant will help finance water line improvements. In Alex, a $45,000 grant will help with storm drain upgrades. In Anadarko, a $45,000 grant will assist with street repairs. In Ft. Cobb, a nearly $45,000 grant will help with water and street upgrades. In Fletcher, a $30,000 grant will assist with street sign replacement. Each year, ASCOG presents these Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grants. The agency issued 22 grants totaling more than $1.1 million in its eight-county area.

 

Two Hospitalized Following Separate Caddo County Crashes

Two people are hospitalized following separate traffic accidents in Caddo County on Wednesday. 38-year old Randell Gowen of Fletcher was last in critical condition after a crash southwest of Gracemont. The trooper dispatched to the accident said Gowen's pick up ran off the road, then hit a fence and a tree. In the other accident, 78-year old Allen Smith of Anadarko was injured when he suffered an unknown medical problem that caused him to black out, run off the road and strike a bridge rail and a dirt culvert. That accident happened on Park Road just west of Anadarko. Smith was last in good condition.

 

More Grady County Fair Board Filings               

Three current members of the Grady County Fair Board have filed for re-election. Elisha Basford in District 1; Jerry Arthur in District 2; and Barbara Pfenning in District 3 want to continue serving on the panel. The filing period for the fair board runs through tomorrow afternoon. Candidates should file at the Grady County Clerk's office. There is no filing fee. Each office is a three-year term. If elections are necessary, they will be held on Jan. 29th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $52.36 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $61.44.

Natural gas is $2.98 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,295 and silver is $15.78.

 

 

Wednesday, Jan. 9th

 

Councilman Says Civil Rights Icon Deserves More Recognition

This week marks the 71st anniversary of a Chickasha resident’s U.S. Supreme Court testimony that would eventually allow her to break the color barrier at the University of Oklahoma Law School. The nation's high court would rule in favor of Ada Lois Sipuel-Fisher allowing her to attend the university. Chickasha City Councilman Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander says the case led to another landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. the Topeka, Kansas Board of Education whch ended racial segregation in public schools across the nation. At this week's city council meeting, Ashanti-Alexander said the city needs to do more to recognize Dr. Sipuel-Fisher’s courage and her place in civil rights history in America, besides part of a city street that is named in her honor.

 

               

 

He said the city is divided by race and economics, and that has to change.

 

Rush Springs School Bond Issue Fails by 35 Votes

A $15 million bond issue that would have built a new gymnasium for Rush Springs Public Schools falls short of the votes needed for passage. The plan did get nearly 55 percent voter approval, but was 35 votes shy of the 60 percent super-majority needed for passage. Nearly 700 votes were cast, with 380 yes votes and 313 no votes.

 

Fletcher School Bond Gets Near Unanimous Approval

Voters in Fletcher give overwhelming support for an $810,000 bond issue to make needed repairs to the roof of the elementary school. The measure picked up 98 percent of the vote, with only 5 no votes in the 228 cast in the election.

 

Medical Marijuana Impairment Workshop Scheduled

With the legalization of medical marijuana in Oklahoma, some are concerned about individuals who may be impaired at work or school. Mark Woodward with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics will be in Chickasha later this month to lead a workshop on recognizing impairment. The program is open to not only business owners and supervisors but educators and parents as well. Woodward will discuss how to determine if someone is impaired; how users cover up their impairment; and how to lawfully handle someone who may be impaired by the use of medical marijuana. The free program will be on Thursday, Jan. 31st on the Chickasha campus of Canadian Valley Technology Center. Reservations for the program are requested. Contact CV-Tech by calling 405-224-7552.

 

Southwest District Livestock Show Returns to Chickasha

The largest youth stock show in southwest Oklahoma returns to the Grady County Fairgrounds next month. The Southwest District Livestock Show will bring about 1,000 youth and their families from 14 counties to Chickasha. More than 2,000 animals will be led through the show ring.  The four-day show runs Feb. 13th through 16th, with youth competing for top prizes of $1,000 for some animals. This show is one of the largest in Oklahoma other than the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) in Oklahoma City each March. All the animals to be shown at the Southwest District Livestock Show must be nominated for the OYE. Pre-registration should be in by February 1st. Exhibitors may also apply for the Vernon Crose Memorial Scholarship. Entry forms can be found on-line at www.okcareertech.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $49.78 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude rises to $58.72.

Natural gas is up slightly to $2.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,281 and silver is $15.67.

 

 

Tuesday, Jan. 8th

 

Audit Shows County Elected Officials Overpaid               

An investigative audit from the State Auditor and Inspector’s Office shows Grady County elected officials were overpaid by nearly three-quarters of a million dollars over the last 10 years. State Auditor Gary Jones announced his findings in Monday's meeting of the board of county commissioners. Jones said that the error started in 2008 when the elected officials were given a raise when other county employees also received salary hikes.

               

 

The salary issue came to light last summer when it was believed some elected officials were going to be paid $20,000 more than the maximum allowed by state law. District Attorney Jason Hicks then requested the state audit. Hicks says this is the starting point to determine what  happens next, to include asking the state attorney general's office to determine if the money must be paid back. 13 current and former elected officials recieved overpayments ranging from $10,000 to more than $90,000.

 

Chickasha Schools Audit Due Thursday               

Members of the state auditor’s office will be back in Chickasha later this week, to release their findings of an audit of Chickasha Public Schools. The audit was requested following the turmoil that occurred when several employees were suspended, followed by allegations of grade and attendance tampering by administrators. In addition to the suspensions, three school administrators resigned, including then Superintendent Dave Cash and two high school administrators. The findings of that audit will be reviewed in a special Chickasha school board meeting Thursday night. That meeting will be at the high school activity center starting at 6:30 p.m..

 

Chix School Superintendent May Get Contract Extension           

A contract extension for Chickasha School Superintendent Jack Herron is up for discussion by the Chickasha school board  when it meets for a regular meeting tonight. The panel will consider extending Herron's contract one year, through June 30th, 2021. The panel will also consider establishing the number of school hours for next year. The proposal calls for 1,080 hours of class time, of which a maximum of 30 hours will be for teachers’ professional development. The group will also consider contracting with Barlow Education Management Services to handle collective bargaining agreement negotiations with both the teacher's and support personnel unions. The school board will also consider extending the contracts of assistant superintendent Jennifer Stegman; director of curriculum, Kim Haney; maintenance director Dan Turner; and athletic director Jerry Don Bray. The school board meets at 6:30 tonight at the school administration building.

 

Man Dies from Traffic Accident injuries

One of the men critically injured in a head-one crash between Chickasha and Blanchard last week has died. 40-year old James Cannon of Lindsay passed away in an Oklahoma City hospital on Sunday. The accident happened near U.S. Highway 62 and the Alex Highway last Wednesday morning. The highway patrol said Cannon was a passenger in a pickup that was hit by an on-coming truck that crossed the center line of the highway.

 

 Ward One City Councilman Steps Down              

Chickasha City Councilman Mark Keeling has resigned. Keeling's resignation was announced during last night's city council meeting. City Manager John Noblitt said Keeling sent him an e-mail saying the resignation was effective yesterday. Keeling did not give a reason for stepping down. The e-mail said Keeling told Noblitt it had been a great honor to work with him. Keeling was elected to a two-year term in Ward 1 in 2017. There were only a few months remaining on his term. The mayor and city council may opt to appoint an interim councilman to serve out the term. The filing period for city council will be next month, with the city council election in April.

 

School Bond Elections Today

A couple of special school bond elections are underway in the region. In Rush Springs, a more than $15 million bond issue is proposed which would allow the construction of a new gymnasium. In Fletcher, voters are deciding an $800,000 bond issue for roof repairs and other maintenance projects. Polls are open until 7:00 o'clock tonight.

 

Fair Board Filing Period Underway

The filing period is underway for the upcoming election for the Grady County Fair Board. Three seats are up for election, one in each of three county commissioner districts, including Elisha Basford in the northern district; Jerry Arthur in the central district; and Barbara Pfenning in the southern district. As of late yesterday afternoon, Arthur was the only candidate to file. The terms run for three years. Candidates may file at the Grady County Clerk's office through 4:30 Friday afternoon. There is no filing fee. If needed, the fair board election will be held January 29th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $48.52 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude rises to $57.33.

Natural gas dipped below $3 to $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,283 and silver is $15.64.

 

 

Monday, Jan. 7th

 

Crews Clean Up Fuel Spill Near Bridge Creek Schools

Crews are cleaning up a fuel spill near Bridge Creek school this morning after a semi crashes. The highway patrol reports that it’s a single vehicle accident, but there's no word on injuries. Authorities say up to 300 gallons of fuel may have spilled onto the roadway, and crews from the Department of Environmental Quality are working to clean it up. The accident is in a rural area, about three miles west of Bridge Creek school near CS 2920 and CR 1230. The accident happened just after 4 o'clock this morning.

 

Resident Falls Victim to Jury Duty Phone Scam

At least one person may have fallen victim to a telephone scam this weekend, where callers were impersonating Grady County deputies. Officials say individuals identifying themselves as deputies were calling people and telling them they missed jury duty and that an arrest warrant has been issued. The caller says to pay for the warrant over the phone with a credit card or go to jail. Sheriff's office Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett said one person called the sheriff's office and said they did give their credit card number before realizing it may be a scam. It wasn't known if the individual suffered a loss. Sheriff Jim Weir says his deputies will never make these calls and that if you suspect such a call to just hang up, and not give any credit card or bank information over the phone. He asks that you also call the sheriff's office dispatch number, 405-224-0984 to report the incident.

 

Highway 18 Bypass Utility Relocation to be Discussed

The Chickasha U.S Highway 81 bypass project will get some discussion during tonight's Chickasha City Council meeting. The council will review a proposal to work with an engineering firm to re-locate water and sewer lines along the proposed route under an agreement with the State Department of Transportation.  The estimated cost is more than $1.2 million, though the city will be reimbursed for a lot of that cost. City Manager John Noblitt said the agreements must be approved for the project to continue. Noblitt said the work has been moved up in ODOT's eight-year plan, so it wasn't budgeted for the current fiscal year. Noblitt is proposing the use of money from the city's capital drainage improvement fund. The city is expected to be reimbursed more than $570,000 for the re-location of the water mains. Noblitt said the city does not qualify for re-imbursement for sewer line re-location.

 

Flood Prevention Project up for City Council Discussion               

A proposal to minimize flooding in the east part of Chickasha will also be reviewed by the city council tonight. The panel will discuss a possible agreement with an engineering firm to construct a water detention area along East Ada Sipuel Avenue and Grand Avenue extension. The engineering fee is estimated to be nearly $80,000 and officials are asking to use economic development funds for the project. The council will take a look at a second bid to replace the roof at Fire Station No. 2. The roof was damaged in a 2017 hail storm and the initial bids came in over projected costs of repairs and improvements that were sought. Officials are recommending a bid of just under $50,000 from Ground Zero out of Newcastle. That's still about $5,000 more than the insurance settlement. The council will also recognized Amanda Forward as the city's employee of the month. She works in the city clerk's office. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.

 

Chickasha Rotary Club Speech Contest Announced

Cash prizes will be awarded to some high school students who compete in an upcoming speech contest. The Chickasha Rotary Club is encouraging students throughout Grady County to participate, writing and presenting a speech based on the club's four-way test. Every week, the club ends its program with four questions of ethics and standards - Is it the Truth; Is it Fair to All Concerned; Will it build good will and better friendships; and will it be beneficial to all concerned. There is no cost to enter. The top three students will awarded cash prizes with a top prize being $300. Entries are due Jan. 16th, with the contest to be held during the group's meeting on Thursday, Jan. 24th. Entry forms are available on the website www.Chickasharotary.org or call Cody White at 405-219-0176.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $47.96.

London-based Brent crude is $57.06.

Natural gas is $3.04 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,292 and silver is $15.81.

 

 

 

Your News provided by

 

 

Monday, Jan. 7th

Crews Clean Up Fuel Spill Near Bridge Creek Schools

Crews are cleaning up a fuel spill near Bridge Creek school this morning after a semi crashes. The highway patrol reports that it’s a single vehicle accident, but there's no word on injuries. Authorities say up to 300 gallons of fuel may have spilled onto the roadway, and crews from the Department of Environmental Quality are working to clean it up. The accident is in a rural area, about three miles west of Bridge Creek school near CS 2920 and CR 1230. The accident happened just after 4 o'clock this morning.

 

Resident Falls Victim to Jury Duty Phone Scam

At least one person may have fallen victim to a telephone scam this weekend, where callers were impersonating Grady County deputies. Officials say individuals identifying themselves as deputies were calling people and telling them they missed jury duty and that an arrest warrant has been issued. The caller says to pay for the warrant over the phone with a credit card or go to jail. Sheriff's office Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett said one person called the sheriff's office and said they did give their credit card number before realizing it may be a scam. It wasn't known if the individual suffered a loss. Sheriff Jim Weir says his deputies will never make these calls and that if you suspect such a call to just hang up, and not give any credit card or bank information over the phone. He asks that you also call the sheriff's office dispatch number, 405-224-0984 to report the incident.

 

Highway 18 Bypass Utility Relocation to be Discussed

The Chickasha U.S Highway 81 bypass project will get some discussion during tonight's Chickasha City Council meeting. The council will review a proposal to work with an engineering firm to re-locate water and sewer lines along the proposed route under an agreement with the State Department of Transportation.  The estimated cost is more than $1.2 million, though the city will be reimbursed for a lot of that cost. City Manager John Noblitt said the agreements must be approved for the project to continue. Noblitt said the work has been moved up in ODOT's eight-year plan, so it wasn't budgeted for the current fiscal year. Noblitt is proposing the use of money from the city's capital drainage improvement fund. The city is expected to be reimbursed more than $570,000 for the re-location of the water mains. Noblitt said the city does not qualify for re-imbursement for sewer line re-location.

 

Flood Prevention Project up for City Council Discussion               

A proposal to minimize flooding in the east part of Chickasha will also be reviewed by the city council tonight. The panel will discuss a possible agreement with an engineering firm to construct a water detention area along East Ada Sipuel Avenue and Grand Avenue extension. The engineering fee is estimated to be nearly $80,000 and officials are asking to use economic development funds for the project. The council will take a look at a second bid to replace the roof at Fire Station No. 2. The roof was damaged in a 2017 hail storm and the initial bids came in over projected costs of repairs and improvements that were sought. Officials are recommending a bid of just under $50,000 from Ground Zero out of Newcastle. That's still about $5,000 more than the insurance settlement. The council will also recognized Amanda Forward as the city's employee of the month. She works in the city clerk's office. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.

 

Chickasha Rotary Club Speech Contest Announced

Cash prizes will be awarded to some high school students who compete in an upcoming speech contest. The Chickasha Rotary Club is encouraging students throughout Grady County to participate, writing and presenting a speech based on the club's four-way test. Every week, the club ends its program with four questions of ethics and standards - Is it the Truth; Is it Fair to All Concerned; Will it build good will and better friendships; and will it be beneficial to all concerned. There is no cost to enter. The top three students will awarded cash prizes with a top prize being $300. Entries are due Jan. 16th, with the contest to be held during the group's meeting on Thursday, Jan. 24th. Entry forms are available on the website www.Chickasharotary.org or call Cody White at 405-219-0176.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $47.96.

London-based Brent crude is $57.06.

Natural gas is $3.04 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,292 and silver is $15.81.

 

 

Saturday, Jan. 5th

 

BREAKING - Telephone Scam Reported in Grady County

The Grady County Sheriff's Office says a jury duty telephone scam has been reported by several individuals. Callers say they are from the sheriff's office and telling people they have missed jury duty.  The scammer says a warrant has been issued for their arrest and that individuals should pay for their warrants over the phone with a credit card or they'll go to jail. Sheriff Jim Weir says you should never give any credit card or bank information to these scammers. Weir said deputies will never make these calls nor would they ask for credit card information. Weir says anyone who gets such a call should just hang up, and then call the sheriff's office dispatch number, 405-224-0894 to report the incident.

 

Top Construction Projects in Chickasha for 2018

We wanted to spend some time this weekend reviewing some of the top construction projects that got started in Chickasha last year. As we reported yesterday, more than $23 million in new construction won approval through the city's Community Development Department. Much of that was in the first half of the year. About $11 million in construction got underway in the first quarter, including the Best Western Plus Hotel in January, a $3.5 million development. In February, the Aldi's building permit was approved for $2 million to renovate the former Staples store. March was led by the CTAP Pipe Yard on North 4th Street, which was a $3.2 million project. April saw a spike in residential construction, with the permits for 35 new homes to be built by Lance Windell Construction. Together those totaled more than $3.5 million. The months of May and June saw few high-dollar projects, though the construction of the newest building in the Shoppes at Chisholm Trail at 4th and Grand got underway near the Cotton Patch Cafe. The last large development for 2018 started in September, with CMS Willowbrook contracting to build the new addition to the Grady County Jail at $3.2 million.

 

Newcastle Credit Card Scam Suspects are Juveniles               

Authorities have captured two juveniles in connection with that credit card scam in Newcastle. As many as six people had their credit card information stolen, and the crooks managed to gets hundreds if not thousands of dollars from an ATM in Newcastle. Newcastle police had video surveillance from the ATM showing a young man withdrawing funds. The suspect apparently returned to that ATM, and a police officer eventually recognized him. Authorities arrested that teen and an under-aged female. Police have not released the suspects' names. Normally, law enforcement does not identify the names of juveniles.

 

Commercial Vehicle Involved in Pre-Dawn Crash               

There's word of an early morning traffic accident involving a semi or other commercial vehicle in Grady County. The Highway Patrol was dispatched to a crash on State Highway 37 and CS 2870, which is four miles east of Minco. The accident happened just before 4:00 a.m. this morning and closed down the highway in both directions. Traffic was diverted for more than two hours before the highway was  re-opened about 6:00 a.m.

 

Coal Company Acquires Oil and Gas Acreages               

An Oklahoma coal company has acquired assets that include oil and gas acreage being actively developed in the SCOOP and STACK plays. Alliance Resource Partners of Tulsa has announced its purchase of $176 million in partnership interests in AllDale Minerals LP. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports the deal is part of Alliance's move into the oil and gas industry, and gives Alliance control of nearly 42,000 net royalty acres in oil and gas plays. In addition to the SCOOP and STACK plays, the acquisition includes areas in the core of the Anadarko, Permian, and other basins. However, it is concentrated in the Chickasha and Kingfisher areas as well as the Bakken plays in North Dakota. The acreages are being actively developed by Continental Resources, Devon Energy, Anadarko Petroleum, Pioneer Natural Resources, and Concho Resources. Right now there are more than 3,800 wells producing more than 2,600 barrels of oil-equivalent per day on that acreage. Nearly 500 wells are being drilled on the acquired properties and another 860 wells are permitted.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley and City Manager John Noblitt are guests on our KOOL Konversation. We have a link to that program under the Community tab on this website.

 

 

Friday, Jan. 4th

 

Winter Storm Deaths include Grady County Man

At least five people have died in winter storm-related traffic accidents over the last couple of days, including a Grady County man. 76-year old Ramos Francis of Chickasha died after his pickup ran off the road and hit a tree. The accident happened just after 7:00 a.m. Thursday on U.S. Highway 81 about a mile north of Pocasset. The state trooper dispatched to the accident said that Francis may have been driving at an unsafe speed.

 

Ward Meetings Being Scheduled at Chickasha City Hall               

In an effort to improve transparency at Chickasha City Hall, a series of meetings between residents and city leaders will be held over the next few months. Residents in each of the city's four wards are encouraged to attend the meetings and discuss their concerns and learn about city projects. The meetings will include Mayor Chris Mosley, City Manager John Noblitt, and the two city council representatives in the ward. The first meeting is for residents in Ward One and will be Tuesday, Jan. 15th. Ward One councilmen Mark Keeling and David Sikes are also expected to attend. The meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at city hall.

 

New Chickasha Construction Permits OK'd

New construction in Chickasha approved in December totaled just under $500,000. The city's Community Development Department approved 16 permits which included both commercial and residential areas. Among the commercial projects given the go-ahead was a $200,000 renovation at Braum’s and a $150,000 permit for the new Tropical Smoothie Restaurant that will be locating near the Cotton Patch Cafe. Also in the commercial sector, Gilbert Copeland was authorized for a $65,000 expansion for Nana Sue's Laundromat at 3rd and Dakota, and American Tower Corporation won approval for a $15,000 project on North 4th Street. In residential construction, officials approved 10 permits to install storm shelters. Also, Loretta Jackson was approved for a $6,000 remodel to a home in the 1200 block of South 1st. For the 2018 calendar year, nearly $24 million in new construction was approved. That's down from more than $51 million from 2018 - a year that included one $25 million permit for Optum Energy to renovate the former Delta Faucet building. In 2016, the city approved just under $19 million in new construction.

 

Former Commissioner to be Recognized                              

A former Grady County commissioner will be honored for his commitment to public service today. An appreciation for Windle Hardy will be held at the Grady County Courthouse this afternoon. Hardy served as county commissioner for District One for at least the last eight years. The informal gathering will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. this afternoon.

 

Early Voting Ends Today for Area School Bond Elections

Today is the last day for voters in the Rush Springs and Fletcher school districts to vote early ahead of next Tuesday's special bond elections. Rush Springs voters will decided on a more than $15 million construction project. In Fletcher, voters to decide an $800,000 bond issue for school improvements. In-person, absentee voting may be done at election boards in Grady and Comanche counties until 6:00 p.m. today. Otherwise, voters can cast ballots at their regular precincts on Tuesday.

 

New Oklahoma U.S. Representative Takes Oath of Office

A Chickasha connection to Washington, D.C. is now in place. Oklahoma Congressman Kendra Horn took her oath of office in the nation's capitol yesterday. The Oklahoma City Democrat has roots in Chickasha where her parents still live. Horn upset incumbent Republican Steve Russell for the District 5 congressional seat in November.  In a statement, Horn said she wants to work to lower health care costs and improve access to education. Among her first official duties, she voted for Nancy Pelosi to return to her post as House Speaker.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX was up to $47.09 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude was up to $55.95.

Natural gas was lower to $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,293 and silver is $15.78.

 

 

Thursday, Jan. 3rd

 

Winter Storm Closes Schools, Government Offices               

A winter storm that could drop six or more inches of snow in central Oklahoma has forced schools and some government offices to close. Students in a number of public school districts were set to return to the classroom today, but many administrators decided to cancel school and activities. The Grady County Courthouse is also closed. Senior nutrition centers in Chickasha, Ninnekah, Rush Springs and Cement are among those that are closed and Head Start programs are shut down. That includes the Kiowa Tribal Head Start programs in Anadarko, Carnegie, and Lawton. The Department of Public Safety shut down non-essential services in Grady, Caddo, Comanche, and Stephens counties, as well as McClain, Cleveland, Oklahoma, and Canadian counties. Roadways are becoming slick and hazardous and officials are discouraging travel.

 

Election Boards Open for In-Person, Absentee Voting

While the Grady County Courthouse is closed, the Grady County Election Board is open for in-person, absentee voting for patrons who want to vote in the special bond elections in the Rush Springs and Fletcher school districts next week. The election board is actually part of a federal agency and is open today. The Grady County Election Board is located in the district attorneys complex which is separate from the courthouse.

 

Three Hurt in Head-on Crash

Three people are hospitalized and two suffer life-threatening injuries after two pickups collide head-on. The accident happened about seven miles east of Chickasha on U.S. Highway 62 Wednesday morning. 31-year old Anthony Mans of Blanchard was the driver of one pickup. 40-year old James Cannon of Lindsay was a passenger in the other pickup. Both were air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where they were admitted in critical condition. Both men were trapped in their vehicles for 30 minutes before first responders from the Naples Fire Department could get them out with the Jaws of Life. The driver of the pick-up Cannon was in - 45-year old Kevin Milligan also of Lindsay  - was taken to an Edmond hospital where he was admitted in fair condition with arm injuries. The accident happened just before 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, not far from the Highway 62 and Alex Highway junction. The Highway Patrol reports that Mans’ pickup  crossed the center line. The highway was closed for more than 2 1/2 hours after the accident.

 

Arrest Made in Caddo County Shooting               

A shooting at a rural Caddo County home lands one man in jail in connection with a domestic violence investigation. 30-year old Ricky Ray Lawrence of Elgin has been formally charged with a felony for discharging a firearm into a dwelling. Authorities were summoned to a home in the Crows Roost area north of Ft. Cobb Lake last week. A probable cause affidavit at the Caddo County Courthouse says a woman at the home was beaten and dragged out of her house and that shots were fired into the home. Lawrence remains in the Caddo County Jail in lieu of a $75,000 bond. Lawrence is also facing a misdemeanor vandalism charged following his arrested in connection with a separate Caddo County investigation last September.

 

Credit Card Cloning Suspect Sought

In Newcastle, police are looking for help to identify a person of interest in connection with credit card cloning investigation. Authorities say the individual used cloned cards at the Focus Federal Credit Union ATM this past Sunday, and at least six individuals from the Norman and Noble area say they have been victimized. Krystal Ross of Noble was one of those whose bank account was drained. She said her bank had already flagged the withdrawals and closed her account. If you have information, you're asked to contact Newcastle Police by calling 405-387-5525.

 

Bill Filed to Increase State's Minimum Wage

State lawmakers might deal with legislation to raise the state's minimum wage during the upcoming legislative session. State Senator George Young, D-Oklahoma City has filled SB 102, calling for the minimum wage to increase from  $7.25 to $10.50 an hour. That would match the federal minimum wage if it makes it through the legislative process. 20 states increased their minimum wages with the start of the New Year.

 

Historical Program to Feature Work of Minority Farmers               

Here's an opportunity to look back on the early days of agriculture and its impact on the Grady County area, especially when it comes to minority farmers. Local historian Loretta Jackson is getting ready for her 10th annual story-telling and soul-food evening. Jackson's African American Historical Society is a non-profit group that focuses on the collection, preservation, and exhibits of minority culture. She was instrumental in relocating the Verden one-room school house to Chickasha a number of years ago. The program will be held Saturday, Feb. 9th at USAO. Tickets are available through Jan. 25th. For information, contact Jackson by calling 405-224-5297.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $46.54 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude climbs to $54.91.

Natural gas is up to $2.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,289 and silver if $15.64.

 

 

Wednesday, Jan. 2nd

 

County Elected Officials Sworn In Today

Several county government officials who were elected or ran un-opposed for their posts last fall will be taking their oaths of office this morning. At the Grady County Courthouse in Chickasha they are District 3 County Commissioner Ralph Beard, District 1 Commissioner-elect Michael Walker, Assessor Bari Firestone, and Treasurer Robin Burton. At the Caddo County Courthouse in Anadarko they include County Commissioners Benny Bowling and Brent Kinder, Assessor Ed Whitworth, Ttreasurer Regina Mosier, and new county clerk Rhonda Johnson.  Johnson takes over from long-time court clerk Patrice Dolch, whose retirement was effective Monday.  Dolch served as Caddo County Clerk for about 17 years.

 

Study to Focus on Opioid Abuse in 4 Oklahoma Counties

Duncan and Ardmore are among four Oklahoma communities to take part in a program to combat opioid abuse. McAlester and Tahlequah are the other areas to be targeted for the three-year program announced by the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. The program is being funded by two federal grants totaling about $1.8 million. Health officials say more than 800 Oklahomans died for overdoses in 2016 - a rate that is more than 21 people per 100,000 population and higher than the national rate. A study indicates that Oklahoma overdose deaths could increase to nearly 32 people per 100,000 within the next six years unless drastic steps are taken. The website www.newsok.com reports that physicians and staff will be in each community to provide education, treatment, community events, and working to educate citizens to recognize and react to opioid abuse.

 

Chickasha Police Department Readies for Citizens Academy

The Chickasha Police Department will be offering another citizens police academy starting next month. The academy will meet a couple of times a month for several  months. Several police officers will be leading the programs including Andrew Peck, who says the class is being updated from the last time it was offered.

 

               

 

Code Enforcement and Animal Control will be among the areas covered. The academy is open to adults and participants must pass a routine background check. Applications may be picked up at the police department. There is no charge to attend the program which begins Thursday, February 7th.

 

Missing Norman Man Found in Western Oklahoma

A Norman man who went missing last week has been found in western Oklahoma. 30-year old Trent Thomas Fowler was reported missing by family members last Thursday. Relatives were concerned because Fowler is not an outdoorsman and didn’t think he could handle the cold weather. His pickup was found on a county road near Erick, which is west of Elk City on Monday. Fowler was found at a home in the Erick area Tuesday afternoon. Fowler is safe and has been re-united with his family.

 

Halliburton Announces New Board Chairman

Halliburton has a new chairman of the board for 2019. Jeff Miller - who had been serving as the company's president and chief executive officer - took the reins yesterday from former board chairman Dave Lesar, who retired. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports that Robert Malone will continue as the lead independent director for the Halliburton board. His duties include serving as a liaison between the independent directors and the director, and  approving agendas and presiding  over meetings of the independent directors.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX begins the New Year at $45.41 per barrel.

London-based-Brent crude opens at $52.28.

Natural gas fell below $3 on Monday to $2.94 per million BTUs

Gold is $1,287 and silver is $15.50.

 

 

 

Your News provided by

 

 

Today we close out the Chickasha Future Farmer of the week with President Blake White and FFA Reporter Cody Bell closing out the year.

 

Monday, Dec. 31st

 

State Lawmakers Hear Concerns About Fracking

Grady County residents who are voicing concerns about fracking-related earthquakes are getting the attention of their state lawmakers. State Senator Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle and State Representative Brad Boles of Marlow were both part of a town hall-type meeting in Bridge Creek recently to hear concerns from residents who have oil rigs right across the street from their homes. Paxton said-

 

               

 

Paxton will serve as vice chairman of the Senate Energy Committee during the upcoming legislative session. He will also serve as Vice Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, and he'll be a member of the Senate Rules Committee.

 

Ninnekah School Administrator's Court Hearing Postponed

Ninnekah School Superintendent Todd Bunch has had his domestic violence court date postponed to next month. Bunch has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor in Garvin County District Court over allegations that he broke into his girlfriend's home in Lindsay and tried to smother her with a pillow. The court case has been re-scheduled for January 30th following an agreement between all parties. Bunch is being allowed to remain on the job until the case has been adjudicated.

 

Ceremony to Honor Out-going County Commissioner

Grady County Commissioner Windle Hardy will be recognized for his work with a special ceremony later this week. Hardy served several years as the commissioner for District 1, which is the northern part of Grady County. A farewell party will be held this Friday, January 4th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom No. 1 at the Grady County Courthouse.

 

Correction Regarding Law Enforcement Academy Story

We have a correction to make regarding the story we aired earlier this month about the Grady County Sheriff's Office Reserve Law Enforcement Academy. We initially reported that there was only one woman who completed the course. We've learned that there were actually four women who received their reserve law enforcement certification following the extensive course. We apologize for the error.

 

Community Theatre to Hold Auditions for Mary Poppins, Jr.        

The Chickasha Community Theatre is already making plans for its first performance of 2019. Open auditions for the March production of Mary Poppins Junior are scheduled next week. All performers must be between the ages of 10 and 18 and no older than 18 by March 4th. Auditions will be Monday, January 7^th  and Tuesday, January 8^th at the Washita Theatre at 6 p.m. both nights. Should any callbacks be needed they will be Wednesday, January 9^th at 6 p.m. See the Chickasha Community Theatre Facebook page for more info.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is up to $45.33 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is up to $53.21.

Natural gas is down to $3.30 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,285 and silver is $15.55.

 

 

Saturday, Dec. 29th

 

Panel Recommends State Tax Credit Changes

A state panel recommends eliminating or changing several economic tax incentives offered by the State of Oklahoma. Among the proposals is the repeal of at least one energy tax-credit. The Oklahoma Incentive Evaluation Commission voted unanimously to repeal the Energy Efficient Residential Construction Tax Credit. The group also recommends ending the Quality Jobs Investment Program and the New Products Development Income Tax Exemption. The panel also suggests overhauling the New Investment and New Jobs Tax Credit, which offers some businesses $2,500 per new employee over a five-year period. The website OK Energy Today reports the panel submitted the recommendations in a letter to Gov. Mary Fallin and legislative leaders. The members said they considered numerous public comments regarding nearly a dozen incentives offered by state government.

 

Missing Teen Located              

A teen who went missing from Kingfisher County has been found and she is OK. Authorities say 14-year old Katelynn Renshaw disappeared after going to her father's work with him late Thursday afternoon. The family initially feared she was abducted but now says she ran away from home after she was angry with her parents. Reports say the teen got in trouble for talking to an older man on social media. Renshaw was found attending a basketball game in Duncan on Friday. That’s about 2 1/2 hours from her home. Reports say she wouldn't say how she got to Duncan. The girl's family said authorities were able to ping the teen’s cel phone. Several law enforcement agencies took part in the search.

 

Video Footage Helps Capture Thief

Authorities have arrested a man they say broke in a county-owned barn in McClain County. Video surveillance showed a masked man in the county barn in the town of Wayne. Reports say he stole a laptop, some tools, and even the security cameras. The video, however, had already been uploaded to the Cloud. Our partners at  KWTV News 9 say authorities were able to download the video and post it on Facebook where the suspect was identified. The suspect's name was not disclosed.

 

Dollar 98 To Ring In 2019

A local band will help ring in the New Year for their hometown. Dollar-98 will perform at the Elks Lodge Monday night, which is New Year's Eve. The Red Dirt band has been around nearly 20 years with members Aaron Warren, Lonnie Warren, Justin Warren, and Warren Roach. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m and the group will play starting at 9:00 p.m. Monday night. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 for couples and you must be 21 to get in.

 

Local Businesses Offer Free Rides Home

A couple of Chickasha businesses will be offering free rides home for those to celebrate a little too much  New Year’s Eve. Don's Taxi Service and DMH and Sons Automotive are offering free rides home from local bars for those who don't have designated drivers Monday night.  DMH is offering the rides from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for trips up to five miles. If you live outside of Chickasha or are at a party outside of town there will be a fee.

 

 

Friday, Dec. 28th

 

Grady County Deputy Kennell Captures escaped Comanche County Inmate

In an update: on the Captured of Evans in Chickasha. Our own Grady County Sherriff Deputy Kennel, captured 32 year old John Henry Evans, who had escaped around 1 in the morning on October 31st from Comanche County Detention Center. At 11:15 Wednesday the Sherriff office caught up with Evens at the Chickasha Library. This is not the first time Evans has escaped from confinement. Evans Had also escaped from a penitentiary in Oklahoma County in 2016.Evans was being held on several complaints including possession of a stolen vehicle and contributing to the delinquency of minors, but now faces Many More charges and Time.

 

Grady County Rescue Dog Training Facility Damaged In Storms

“Ground Zero” Emergency Training Center near Tuttle was ravaged by high winds during the storm that drained 3.32 inches in less than 24 hours on Chickasha.  The wind Ripped roofs and twisting sheet metal, but none of the 18 dogs were hurt. “Ground Zero” equips dogs with the capacity to find and save people after natural or man-made disasters. Oklahoma Football Legend, Barry Switzer and his wife Becky founded the organization about two years ago. 

 

Oklahomans to be honored in National Rose Parade

Four Oklahomans will be honored in the Tournament of Roses Parade at 10:00 AM on Tuesday.

Spreading the message, of the gift of donation. Oklahomans who are honored are:

Hance Henrie. Hance’s life was taken by a drunk driver. Through Hance, the gift of sight was given.

Sandy Pekrul. After an unexpected event, Sandy did not survive, and became an organ donor saving the lives of others, including Mike McClellin, who will be riding the float.

Mike McClellin. Mike was born with Nail Patella syndrome, and receive his transplant from Sandy in 2011,

Kaylee Rayburn. Kaylee was born with a liver disease. At 11 months old, she received her healthy liver and now a is in college. 44 donors and 26 recipients will be representing the importance of donations Tuesday.
For information, go to lifeshareok.org.

 

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority generates $9M

Since Oklahomans legalized medical marijuana, The Marijuana Authority has granted almost 23,Thousand patient licenses, and thousands on the commercial side. To keep up with the demand, the may hire workers to cover the influx and inspections in 2019. At 2500 dollars, Businesses renew OMMA licenses every year while patients are required to every 2 years at $100.

 

Oklahoma Senate Bill 60, prohibiting superintendents to be paid with state-appropriated funds.

State Sen. Ron Sharp, a former teacher said Senate Bill 60, would prohibit schools from using state-appropriated funds to pay superintendents, and would require school districts to use local funds. Instead, using property, motor fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees and cigarette taxes to pay salaries. For more information search   legiscan.com  for Oklahoma SB60.

 

Charges dropped against former Stephens County deputy in K-9 death

Former Stephens County deputy, Matthew Peck, is no longer facing charges related to the death of his K-9 partner after the case was dismissed; when the DA’s office said they couldn’t move forward without a definitive cause of death in the case. Peck was originally charged in 2016 with one felony charge of Cruelty to Animals after his partner, Bak died, and from allegedly being left in the back the patrol car on a 99 degree day. According to court documents, on August 17, 2018, the Stephens County District Attorney’s office dropped the felony charge, and December 26 refiled a misdemeanor charge of Killing a Police Dog which was dismissed.

 

Beware Of Growing Scam Involving Gift Cards

Imposters telling people to purchase gift cards, and give the numbers on the back of the cards to them. Between January and September this year, 26 percent of scam victims, paid with a gift card. The federal trade commission advises if someone calls demanding you pay them with a gift card, don't! If you think you've been scammed, report it to the card company, and the FTC at ftc.gov .

 

SCOOP Swine Jackpot

The SCOOP Winter Classic Pig Show presented by AFR Insurance & Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association will be at the Grady County Fairgrounds at the Center Indoor Arena in Chickasha starting today through Saturday (Dec 28 – 29, 2018).  Jackpot & Ownership rules apply. And contestants will be competing for over 50 Thousand dollars in cash and prizes.       

 

Law Enforcement Team up to Combat Drunk Driving,

While you enjoy the holidays, Police and Hwy Patrol want to make sure nobody drives under the influence, and everyone gets home safe. Patrols will start on Saturday, and continuing through Sunday. Last year, 324 people died in drug/alcohol-related accidents. If you are drinking, have a plan to get home safe. They will be watching!        

 

Obits

Memorial services for Helen J. Hall, of Verden, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning, in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Chickasha. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Duane in the National Veterans Cemetery in Elgin, at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at ferguson-funeralhome.com

 

Raeanna Snider of Ninnekah, Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday afternoon, at the Alex High School Gymnasium.  Interment will be at the Heaven’s Gate Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at sevierfuneralhome.com

 

Funeral services for Ronald Dale Prather of Cement, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday afternoon in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel. Interment is in the Ninnekah Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home. Condolences expressed at ferguson-funeralhome.com.

 

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend.

Chickasha Police officer Andrew Peck, and Joe Green, is this week’s guest on our KOOL Conversation. And will be talking about the citizen Police Academy starting in February.

On Real Estate Today with John Mosley, this week’s guest is State Senator Lonnie Paxton.

The KOOL Conversation, airs right after the 8 o’clock news tomorrow morning. That is followed at 8:30 by Real Estate Today. We have links on our website at KOOL1055FM.COM and you’ll see them under the community tab. 

 

 

Thursday, Dec. 27th

Retailers and AARP are joining forces to warn about a growing scam:

Imposters preying on emotions to pad their pockets, by demanding gift cards be used for services rendered. The callers say to purchase gift cards, and give the numbers on the back of the cards to them. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 26 percent of scam victims, paid with a gift card between January and September this year. To tackle the growing problem, major retailers are teaming up with the AARP in a new public service alert. The federal trade commission advises if someone calls demanding you pay them with a gift card, don't! If you think you've been scammed, report it to the card company, and the FTC at ftc.gov .

 

Law Enforcement Team up to Combat Drunk Driving,

With holiday gatherings, and Bringing in the New Year, typically, comes the urge to drink alcohol and have a great time. While you enjoy the holidays, Police and Hwy Patrol want to make sure you live to see another one by making sure nobody drives under the influence, and everyone gets home safe. Patrols will start on Saturday, and continuing through Sunday. Last year, 656 people were killed in crashes in Oklahoma; 324 of those were drug/alcohol-related. Up from 43 percent from 2016. There is absolutely no reason for impaired driving collisions to happen. If you are drinking, have a plan to get home safe. They will be watching!   

 

Vehicle Tag photo program catches uninsured

A program designed to crack down on uninsured drivers using automatic license plate scanning technology has located 2,100 violations in the first weeks of its deployment. Prosecutor for the Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion Program, Amanda Couch, Said notice letters sent to the registered vehicle owners include a picture of the plate that the camera took, with instructions to provide proof of insurance on the vehicle, agree to keep the vehicle insured for two years, and pay $174 dollar fee. Scan license plates are compared to a database; then forwarded to the state UVED.

 

OEA pushes continued needs.

It's been eight months since teachers walked out for needed funding, but as part of a three-year plan, the OEA is asking for a $3,000 salary increase for teachers, $2,500 increase for support staff, $150 million for school operations, and an 8 percent cost-of-living-adjustment for education retirees. According to the National Education Association, Oklahoma teachers now rank 37th in average pay, and 44th in per pupil spending.

 

Agencies effected by government shutdown.

A government shutdown does not mean the government will completely shut down. Employees and services deemed “essential” will remain in place. If you receive V.A. or Social Security you are covered. According to U.S. Representative Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, Social Security benefits are not subject to appropriation Laps, and disabled veterans receiving disability compensation or pension checks should continue to receive payments, but funding is subject to change in the future if no bill passes. And if continued, about one half of federal employees, could receive furlough, until a bill, or a continuing resolution is passed to pay for normal operations.

 

Just a few days to share with the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign.

Lt. David Brittle of the Grady/Caddo Salvation Army said, between now and Dec. 30, there will be unmanned Red Kettle drop off points at Jake's Rib, Chisholm Trail Travel Plaza, and Chickasha McDonald's. and you can donate at the Grady/Caddo Salvation Army headquarters at 2402 S. 16th St. in Chickasha.

 

SCOOP Swine Jackpot

The SCOOP Winter Classic Pig Show presented by AFR Insurance & Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association will be at the Grady County Fairgrounds at the Center Indoor Arena in Chickasha starting tomorrow through Saturday (Dec 28 – 29, 2018).  Pigs must be Oklahoma Youth Expo nominated, no matter the age of the showman. Jackpot & Ownership rules apply. And will be competing for over 50 Thousand dollars in cash and prizes.       

 

Obits

Funeral service for Danny Lee Wheeler, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 this afternoon, at the Sevier Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will be at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home. Danny graduated from Chickasha High School in 1958, and served in the United States Air Force then began with the Chickasha Police Department in 1966, and retired in 1987 as a Major and Assistant Police Chief, .and is member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Condolences may be made at sevierfuneralhome.com .

 

Memorial services for Helen J. Hall, of Verden, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning, in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Chickasha with Rev. Michael Oberlender officiating.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Duane in the National Veterans Cemetery in Elgin, at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at ferguson-funeralhome.com

 

Raeanna Snider of Ninnekah, Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday afternoon, at the Alex High School Gymnasium.  Interment will be at the Heaven’s Gate Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at sevierfuneralhome.com

 

 

Wednesday, Dec. 26th

Agencies effected by government shutdown.

A government shutdown does not mean the government will completely shut down. Employees and services deemed “essential” would remain in place. If you receive V.A. or Social Security you are covered. According to U.S. Representative Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, Social Security benefits are not subject to appropriation Laps, and disabled veterans receiving disability compensation or pension checks should continue to receive payments, but funding is subject to change in the future if no bill passes. And if continued, about one half of federal employees, could receive furlough, until a bill, or a continuing resolution is passed to pay for Normal operations. Government funding is typically signed by Oct. 1, but again, that didn’t happen.

 

Just a few days to share with the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign.

Lt. David Brittle of the Grady/Caddo Salvation Army said donations are down from last year, total around $43 thousand, just short of the needed $65 thousand. However, between Dec. 26 and Dec. 30, there will be unmanned Red Kettle drop off points at Jake's Rib, Chisholm Trail Travel Plaza, and Chickasha McDonald's. The community can also drop off cash or check donations at the Grady/Caddo Salvation Army headquarters at 2402 S. 16th St. in Chickasha. Funds are used for district programs like, the food pantry, the clothing closet, and donations stay in Grady and Caddo Counties.

 

Governor Kevin Stitt has new guidance for Oklahoma funds management.

He says Oklahoma needs to maintain a much larger savings account projecting up to a $2 billion dollar buffer. Greater state savings would allow lawmakers to mitigate the impact of economic downturns without creating longer-term structural problems caused by the red tape associated with federal stimulus dollars. To his credit, Stitt cautioned lawmakers that this year’s surplus is “not a blank check.” Also stating, Lawmakers don’t have to say “no” to every agency, but do need to use the word if state finances are to stabilize.

 

President Trump gets the "First Step Act" Passed.

Criminal justice reform advocates say a federal bill signed into law last week could influence future state legislation; allowing thousands to leave prisons early. Last Friday, President Donald Trump signed bipartisan criminal justice legislation which includes measures:

- Allowing thousands of federal inmates to leave prisons earlier

- Ease some mandatory minimum sentences

- Reduce the disparity between sentences by retroactively applying the 2010 Fair Sentencing Act

- and Giving judges more discretion in sentencing.

 

Chickasha Campus Robotics Team Wins State Qualifier

Congelation’s to Chickasha Campus Robotics Team consisting of Ethan Tucker, Ryan Tinder, Jake Abston, Ethan Trip, for Winning State Qualifier. There all from Tuttle High School, and are enrolled in Pre-Engineering at CV Tech. This is the first time Chickasha Campus has won a state VEX Robotics qualifying tournament, and is now among 24 who will compete at the state VEX Robotics tournament in March 2019 at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.

 

SCOOP Swine Jackpot

The SCOOP Winter Classic Pig Show presented by AFR Insurance & Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association will be at the Grady County Fairgrounds at the Center Indoor Arena in Chickasha Friday and Saturday (Dec 28 – 29, 2018).  Pigs must be Oklahoma Youth Expo nominated, no matter the age of the showman. Jackpot & Ownership rules apply. And will be competing for over 50 Thousand dollars in cash and prizes.      

Military spouses are set to get a little more in the coming year.

If you are active duty, and live off post, The Department of Defense released the 2019 Basic Allowance for Housing rates. Setting a BAH rates increase of an average of 2 and 1/2 percent, on January 1. Equaling $21 billion dollars. At an entry level of E-1 PVT in 2018 was BAH was $702 dollars a month, and with the increase a young soldier razing a family off post will receive approximately 850 dollars. The BAH element, offsets out-of-pocket expense for the member, and is part of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.

 

Obits

Funeral service for Danny Lee Wheeler, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 Tomorrow afternoon, at the Sevier Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will be at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home. Danny graduated from Chickasha High School in 1958, and served in the United States Air Force, then began with the Chickasha Police Department in 1966, and retired in 1987 as a Major and Assistant Police Chief, .Danny is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Condolences may be made at sevierfuneralhome.com .

 

 

Monday, Dec. 24th  

New Police recruits get ready to start training in January. 

The three recruit Police officers are scheduled to attend formal academy training in early January, and begin Field Training immediately after.  On December 20th, newly hired Chickasha Police Officers Colten Bridges, Kalep Mooney,  and Kirsten Thomas were sworn in; by Judge Z. Joseph Young, accepting the oath of office of their new positions.  Swearing the Oath of Office is not only a legal requirement, but also reinforces to recruit officers the position of public trust that they have accepted, and are expected to uphold.  The officer selection process is extremely rigorous, and these young officers represent the future of the Chickasha Police Department in our community.

 

Chickasha Campus Robotics Team Wins State Qualifier

Congelation’s to Chickasha Campus Robotics Team consisting of Ethan Tucker, Ryan Tinder, Jake Abston, Ethan Trip, for Winning State Qualifier. There all from Tuttle High School, and are enrolled in Pre-Engineering at CV Tech. This is the first time Chickasha Campus has won a state VEX Robotics qualifying tournament, and is now among 24 who will compete at the state VEX Robotics tournament in March 2019 at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. In the finals, CV Tech was paired with a team from Edmond.

Chickasha Schools Release Statement Regarding Lawsuit

A statement from the Chickasha Public School district has been released regarding a civil lawsuit filed against the district. The statement, written on Chickasha schools stationery does not have the signature or name of a school official or representative. However, Superintendent Jack Herron told KOOL/RANCH News that the statement was sent to a number of media outlets. The statement reads in part that Oklahoma school law is well established regarding the obligations of administrators and school boards, regarding alleged misconduct by school employees. The statement also reads that district representatives have confidence that the district and all the defendants named in the lawsuit will be vindicated. The lawsuit was filed by Pam Ladyman and Yohance Brown who were suspended last December over allegations of failure to report child abuse and embezzlement. Both employees were cleared of wrong-doing. The suit claims that Ladyman and Brown were victims of slander and libel and the defendants intentionally inflicted emotional distress on them.

 

Woman Hospitalized After Pick-up Hits Tree

57-year old Regina Williams of Alex, suffered trunk, internal, and leg injuries and was trapped inside the pick-up for about 45 minutes. She was taken by air ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was last in serious condition. The accident happened near the junction of U.S. Highway 62 and the Alex highway Friday Morning. The highway patrol reports that Williams was driving south on the Alex highway and was distracted looking at the tree line before running off the road. 

 

SCOOP Swine Jackpot

The SCOOP Winter Classic Pig Show presented by AFR Insurance & Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association will be at the Grady County Fairgrounds at the Center Indoor Arena in Chickasha Friday and Saturday (Dec 28 – 29, 2018).  Pigs must be Oklahoma Youth Expo nominated, no matter the age of the showman. Jackpot & Ownership rules apply. And will be competing for over 50 Thousand dollars in cash and prizes.
 

Oklahoma National Guard participates in readiness pilot program

Maj. Geoff Legler, Oklahoma National Guard Public Affairs

OKLAHOMA CITY- Oklahoma is one of seven states currently participating in a pilot program designed to better serve the needs of Service Members and their families. The Building Healthy Military Communities (BHMC) pilot program is a multi-year initiative that aims to better understand the unique challenges faced by geographically dispersed Service Members and their families that may impact their readiness, resiliency and well-being.  In Oklahoma, the program is currently focused on Service Members and their families living in six counties. Those counties are Oklahoma, Tulsa, Payne, Creek, Pottawattamie and Comanche. Key among these challenges are poor food choices and a lack of exercise; mental health issues and substance abuse; and a limited understanding of benefits available to Service Members and their families to include Tricare health coverage. For access to BHMC Oklahoma Newsletters, please visit ok.ng.mil/Pages.

 

Vehicle Fire Closes Turnpike

A vehicle caught fire after a crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike between Chickasha and Newcastle Friday night. Investigating trooper said there were only minor injuries, and no one had to be taken to the hospital just after 8:30 p.m. Friday westbound at Mile Marker 96; close to the toll booth. Causing a shutdown of both westbound lanes of traffic for nearly 2 1/2 hours. The names of those involved were not released.

               

Several Graduate Law Enforcement Academy

Eighteen students graduated during formal ceremonies Friday night at the Canadian Valley Technology Center. The course was offered by the Grady County Sheriff's office. Cadets attended two or three classes every week for the last several months, and had to pass several tests along the way. The sheriff's office Public Information officer Lisa Hatchett was the only woman in the class.

 

           

 

About six of the reserve officers will join the Grady County Sheriff's Office while others will be working in law enforcement in the state.

 

Military spouses are set to get a little more in the coming year.

If you are active duty, and live off post, The Department of Defense released the 2019 Basic Allowance for Housing rates. Setting a BAH rates increase of an average of 2 and 1/2 percent, on January 1. Equaling $21 billion dollars. At an entry level of E-1 PVT in 2018 was BAH was $702 dollars a month, and with the increase a young soldier razing a family off post will receive approximately 850 dollars. The BAH element, offsets out-of-pocket expense for the member, and is part of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.