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Mollman Media News Archives for 2020-06

2020, June 22nd-27th

Saturday, June 27th

 

Oklahoma State Fair Canceled              

Citing public health concerns because of the COVID-19 virus officials have canceled the State Fair of Oklahoma this fall. The event had been scheduled for 10 days in September. A prepared statement from fair officials says the safety and well-being of visitors, participants, and community is the highest priority in producing the event each year. The board of directors made the decision after meeting with other state fairs, national touring acts, state and local officials, and public health agencies. Officials say they are heartbroken for the competitors, exhibitors, and staff members who've spent time preparing for the event. One of the main entertainment events for the fair, Disney on Ice, had previously canceled its performance dates.

              

Coronavirus Update              

The number of coronavirus cases in Oklahoma continues a steep climb - with more than 2,600 new confirmed tests in the last week. The number has grown from 9,700 to more than 12,300 in the previous seven days. There have been 10 additional deaths over the last week with now 377 fatal cases of COVID-19. The number of active cases has increased dramatically with more than 3,100 currently affected by the virus and there are more than 300 patients who are hospitalized. In Grady County, the latest report shows 128 total cases confirmed since mid-March while there are only 10 active cases. In Chickasha, there have been 67 total confirmed cases and there are only four current active cases. Caddo County has had a total of 186 confirmed tests, and there are only seven active cases.

              

Ex-Con Caught with Drugs Near School

A traffic stop by Chickasha police leads to a short foot pursuit followed by the arrest of a man on drug and weapons complaints. An officer pulled over a car for a non-working third brake light early Tuesday morning near 7th and Missouri Avenue which is just a few blocks away from the middle school. A police dispatcher advised the officer that the driver had a suspended driver’s license. Court documents indicate that when the officer told the man he was going to be arrested the suspect ran to a nearby home, threw a gun out of his pocket, and tried to hide. The officer found the driver and took him in to custody. Authorities found medical marijuana and also some methamphetamine in the car. The officer was also notified that the suspect had previous felony convictions out of Oklahoma County. 35-year old Tyreece Elix of Oklahoma City is now facing charges of drug distribution near a school, possession of firearm after conviction, and misdemeanor escape after arrest. Elix remains in jail pending a $50,000 bond.

 

Missing Woman Arrested for Stealing Grandma's Car              

An 18-year old reported missing from Missouri is behind bars accused of stealing her grandmother's car. Kylee Kay Sandra Peterson was arrested by Rush Springs police this week after an officer pulled over a car for speeding. A probable cause affidavit indicates a routine check indicated the car was stolen from the St. Joseph, Missouri area earlier this month. Peterson was a passenger in the car and told police she stole her grandmother's car and that she and her 16-year old boyfriend drove to Oklahoma. Peterson told the officer that she didn't get out of Missouri much and that she had just gotten out of jail for previously stealing her grandmother's car back in January. Grady County prosecutors have formally charged Peterson with possession of a stolen vehicle and she remains in jail in lieu of a $5,000 bond.

              

Weekend Activities

Events in the area this weekend include the annual Chickasha rodeo. A second and final performance will be at 8:00 p.m. tonight at the Grady County Fairgrounds. There is a rodeo parade at 4 o'clock this afternoon downtown. Also at the Grady County Fairgrounds, a militaria show which is in the north exhibit building. There is a $10 admission to get in. Anadarko will have its Honor America fireworks show tonight. It's being held a week early as the annual 4th of July celebration was canceled due to coronavirus concerns. The free fireworks will be held at the Caddo County Fairgrounds with patriotic music to be played on our sister station, New Country 98.5 KACO.


 

Friday, June 26th

 

CHS Graduation Attendee Tests Positive for COVID-19

Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin says an individual who attended last week's graduation ceremony has tested positive for the coronavirus. Croslin said he received a call from the Grady County Health Department about the matter Thursday morning. He said about 700 people attended the ceremony which was held in the fieldhouse of the high school activity center. Croslin said they took a number of precautions to try to keep anyone with COVID-19 symptoms from attending.

 

              

 

Croslin recommends that those who attended the ceremony should monitor their health over the next few days for coronavirus symptoms which including a fever, cough, or trouble breathing. He also said that individuals might consider getting a test from their doctor or the county health department.

              

Early Voting Continues

In person, absentee voting continues throughout Oklahoma today. It's an opportunity for individuals to vote ahead of next Tuesday's primary election. Voters can cast ballots early at the election board office in the county where they are registered to vote. Offices will be open until 6 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow.

 

Horse Dies After Being Struck by Car

State Highway 19 between Chickasha and Alex was shut down for nearly an hour last night, after a report that a vehicle hit a horse. It happened about 11:00 p.m. near Highway 19 and Dell Street. No details of the accident were available. A dispatcher with the Highway Patrol said the driver of the vehicle was uninjured but that the horse died. The highway was re-opened about midnight.

 

Rabbit Shows Banned Due to New Disease

Rabbit shows in Oklahoma have been banned for the next three months because of a disease that has affected the animals in nearby states. It's called Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD). The State Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that all rabbit exhibitions are banned until Sept. 24th to allow time to assess the scope and range of the illness. Officials say RHD is a highly contagious and lethal virus found in domestic and wild rabbits. It is not known to affect humans, or livestock or pets other than rabbits. The illness has been detected in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. Officials say those who raise rabbits for show or meat production should report any dead or sick animals to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

 

Talk Show Topic              

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. On our KOOL Konversation we have Randy Talley and Dick Lowe, the two Republican candidates for House District 56 who are on the ballot for next Tuesday’s primary election. We have a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

              

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.72 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.05.

Natural gas is $1.48 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,773 and silver is $18.08.

 

 

Thursday, June 25th

 

City Council, School Board Elections

Are Part of Tuesday's Primary Ballot

Early-voting is underway - ahead of Oklahoma's primary election next Tuesday. Voters will be seeing a lot more than just state and federal candidates on the ballot. There are also numerous city council and school board elections. Those elections were scheduled earlier this spring but were delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the local elections to be decided include a city council race in Chickasha and several propositions for the City of Anadarko. There are school board elections in Ninnekah, Rush Springs, Pioneer, Friend, Anadarko, Binger-Oney, Carnegie, and the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center school districts. Grady County voters will decide whether to extend a county-wide sales tax to benefit senior nutrition centers. Republicans in Grady County will select a county clerk candidate, with incumbent Jill Locke facing Kari Porter. That winner will face Democrat Freida Wallis in November. Grady County Republicans in District Two will elect a county commissioner, with incumbent Kirk Painter being challenged by Ron Reynolds. In-person, absentee voting is available at county election board offices until 6:00 p.m. today; from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow (Friday), and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. You can find all the issues on your county ballot on the state election board website: www.elections.ok.gov

 

Report Gives Cautious Optimism

to Plan from PSO Parent Company

There is word that the parent company for Public Service Company of Oklahoma could be successful in its plan to distribute electricity from three Oklahoma wind farms. The $2 billion proposal by American Electric Power (AEP) would shift the utility’s ability to produce electricity from coal to renewable energy sources. The website OK Energy Today reported the information citing a report from E and E News. The proposal calls for AEP to acquire the wind farms known as the North Central Energy Facilities. Settlement agreements are pending in Oklahoma and Arkansas while proceedings are continuing in Texas and Louisiana. AEP is projecting long-term savings of about $3 billion for PSO and Southwestern Electric Power customers. The plan has its critics, as the publication said it could face some road blocks in Texas. The current plan is a smaller version of AEP's Windcatcher program which failed to get approval two years ago.

 

Early Start Time Set for Anadarko Fireworks              

The City of Anadarko will be starting its fireworks display a few minutes earlier than first scheduled this Saturday night. Officials say the program at the Caddo County Fairgrounds will get underway about 9:40 p.m. Officials are asking that those attending to not gather in group of more than 10 and encourages everyone to wear masks. The program will last about 15 minutes. Patriotic music will accompany the fireworks on our sister station, New Country 98.5 KACO-FM.

 

Three Contestants Vie for Chix Rodeo Queen              

Three young ladies will be vying for the title of Chickasha Rodeo Queen this weekend. Harlee Butler, a student at Pioneer School, and Shelbie Caveness and Shaddiah Phillps of Rush Springs have been selling advance tickets to the rodeo over the last couple of months. They put their horsemanship skills on display this week which is part of the queen contest. The rodeo begins at 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday nights at the Grady County Fairgrounds outdoor rodeo arena. There will be a rodeo parade downtown Chickasha at 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.01

London-based Brent crude is $40.31.

Natural gas is $1.60 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,768 and silver is $17.76.

 

Obituraries

Richard Paddack

A memorial service will be held at a later date for Doug Paddack, 60, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

LaDonna Mendenhall

A memorial service for LaDonna Mendenhall, 51, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 27th at Bible Baptist Church.

 

 

Wednesday, June 24th

 

Firefighters Who Tested Positive for COVID-19 Return to Work

Three Chickasha firefighters who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus are back on duty. The firefighters were notified of their tests just after the first of June and were off work and quarantined for about 10 days. Deputy Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said one of the firefighters had gone to the doctor for an allergy shot and decided to be tested. After it came back positive, all the firefighters and staff were tested, and that's when the two other firemen also tested positive. Samaniego said none of the firefighters experienced any symptoms before being tested and that they worked different shifts. They were unable to figure out how or when they may have contracted the illness.

 

              

 

Samaniego said the fire fighters have been back on duty since June 15th. He said the fire department is increasing sanitation procedures around both of the city’s fire stations.

 

Bond for Sex Crimes Suspect Set at $500,000

A man accused of committing sex crimes against a 12-year old girl was formally charged with those crimes in Grady County District Court yesterday. 43-year old Adam Farrell Scott Roberts of Oklahoma City is charged with four felonies stemming from an incident which allegedly occurred at a Bridge Creek area home in May. A judge set Roberts' bond at $500,000. Court documents indicate that Oklahoma City police began the investigation after being contacted by the victim and her mother. When Oklahoma City authorities found out the alleged crimes occurred in the Bridge Creek area they transferred the investigation to Grady County.  Roberts is charged with two counts of lewd acts with a child, rape by instrumentation, and forcible sodomy. He is to announce his attorney July 23rd and a preliminary hearing conference is scheduled for Aug. 11th.

 

Military Aircraft Donated to CV Tech              

A Vietnam War-era military aircraft has been donated to the Canadian Valley Technology Center. The North American Aviation T-28C was built in the mid-1950s to prepare pilots to fly jets in the conflict. About 300 of the planes were built for the Navy and were used almost exclusively as a pilot trainer on aircraft carriers. The plane was donated by John St. Germain of Houston, a retired U.S. Army combat infantryman. The plane will be used to prepare aircraft sheet metal workers and mechanics in CV Tech's aviation maintenance technology program at the El Reno campus.

 

Kiowa Tribe Budget Election Set in July              

Members of the Kiowa Tribe will vote on the tribe’s 2021 fiscal year budget next month. The proposed budget is just under $18 million and covers the tribe's general, administrative, operational, and governmental programs. Officials say the budget was prepared prior to the tribe receiving federal funds related to coronavirus relief. Voters who would like ballots mailed to them need to have a valid address on file with the Kiowa enrollment office by July 10th. Some ballots will be mailed out this week. Election Day is July 18th. The budget can be reviewed on the website: www.kiowatribe.org

 

Chickasha to Host Townwide Garage Sales

The City of Chickasha is hosting city-wide garage sales this weekend. The event is being organized by the Chamber of Commerce and the city council last week agreed to waive permit fees for garage sales on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Normally, residents are charged $5 for the permits. The chamber is putting together a list of the garage sales and encourages residents having sales to go to the Chamber’s Facebook page to be included.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $40.37 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $42.63.

Natural gas is $1.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,794 and silver is $18.26.

 

Obituary

Eddie Huddleston

A memorial service for Eddie Huddleston, 59, of Cement will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 25th at the Cement Assembly of God Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

 

 

Tuesday, June 23rd

 

Child Sex Crimes Suspect Arrested

A man wanted for alleged sex crimes against a child in Grady County is in custody. 43-year old Adam Farrell Scott Roberts of Oklahoma City was arrested by Grady County Sheriff's deputies Monday morning. On-line court records indicate an arrest warrant was issued for Roberts last week. Roberts has been charged with two counts of lewd acts with a child, rape by instrumentation, and forcible oral sodomy. He could have his initial appearance on the charges in Grady County District Court today.

 

5th Grady County Resident Dies from COVID-19

Another Grady County resident has died from the coronavirus. The state health department reports that a Tuttle woman passed away recently but her death was not within the previous 24 hours of Monday's COVID-19 report. She was over 65-years old. Her death puts the number of Grady County residents to die from the coronavirus at five and she is the first Grady County resident outside of Chickasha to die from the infection. The health department reports that Grady County has had 125 individuals test positive for the illness and there are currently eight active cases in the county. Chickasha has had 67 people test positive and there are currently four active cases. Anadarko and Blanchard have each had 28 people test positive. Anadarko has four active cases and Blanchard has only one. Tuttle has had 24 people test positive and there are three active cases.

 

Drug Distribution Suspect Arrested Again              

A Chickasha man arrested and charged with drug distribution earlier this year is back in jail. 30-year old T'Ryan Terayl Brown was arrested by Chickasha police early Saturday on an outstanding warrant. Brown was arrested in January and charged with a felony for possession of controlled dangerous drugs with intent to distribute. His initial bond was set at $25,000 but it was reduced to $13,000 and he was released after posting bail. Brown is also facing a new charge of possession of contraband by an inmate following his weekend arrest.

 

Anadarko Fireworks Display is This Saturday              

The City of Anadarko canceled its annual 4th of July celebration this year because of the coronavirus but residents will still be able to enjoy a fireworks show. The fireworks display will be held this Saturday night at the Caddo County fairgrounds. Officials are asking those attending to stay in or around their vehicles and to not gather with more than 10 people. Groups should be restricted to family members and organizers are highly recommending that masks should be worn. Parking will be in designated areas of the fairgrounds and parking should be done to allow proper social distancing between vehicles. Patriotic music for the fireworks will be played on our sister station, New Country 98.5 KACO-FM. The show will start about 9:45 p.m. Saturday.

 

Absentee Ballot Application Deadline is Today              

Today is the deadline to apply for absentee ballots ahead of next Tuesday's primary election. Applications are available from local county election boards or by going to the state election board website: www.elections.ok.gov  Absentee ballot requests are due by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 23rd and the ballots will be mailed to you. County election boards will also have in-person, absentee voting Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sample ballots can be found on the state election board website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $40.46 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $43.08.

Natural gas is $1.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,771 and silver is $18.11.

 

Obituaries

Nola McKee

Funeral service for Nola McKee, 90, of Alex will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Eddie Huddleston

A memorial service for Eddie Huddleston, 59, of Cement will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Cement Assembly of God Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

 

 

Monday, June 22nd

 

County Emergency Management Agency

Key in Local Coronavirus Battle

There's been a sharp increase in the number of new COVID-19 infections in Oklahoma over the last week. As front line workers deal with additional patients, Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson says his office stands ready to help. Thompson said while the office generally works with the short-term management of weather-related emergencies such as floods and tornados, his staff is meeting the challenges presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

 

              

 

Thompson said the office works to pick up and deliver the personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies needed for medical facilities and first responders and is in constant contact with state and federal emergency management offices to get larger items that may be needed.

 

State COVID-19 Cases Top 10,000              

Over the weekend, Oklahoma's number of coronavirus cases surpassed 10,000. On Sunday, the state health department reported an increase of 478 new cases taking the number to more than 10,500. The death rate from the illness is nearly 4 percent. About three in four Oklahomans who tested positive have recovered from the illness and officials say that current number of active cases is  just over 2,600. According to health department statistics, Chickasha has four current cases and there have been four deaths. Blanchard and Anadarko each have one active case and Tuttle has three as of Sunday's report.

 

Chickasha's Economic Stimulus Agreements

To be Mailed to City's Utility Customers              

We have updated information regarding the City of Chickasha's economic stimulus promotion. City Manager John Noblitt said the city will be mailing out Economic Development Agreements to households which have city utilities. The forms will have to be notarized and then mailed back to the city after which the city will mail out the $50 stimulus payments. Noblitt also said the agreements will soon be posted on the city's website at www.Chickasha.org Utility customers will have until the end of the year to return the notarized agreements to the city. Customers are asked to spend the money with Chickasha businesses. The city manager expects the first payments to go out after the first of July. The city is using $350,000 in economic development funds for the stimulus.

 

New CFO Named at CMS Willowbrook

CMS Willowbrook has a new Chief Financial Officer. Barry Carpenter will oversee a team of six project accountants and is responsible for accounting, finance, forecasting, strategic planning, and risk management for the construction management company. Carpenter has worked at CMS Willowbrook for the last three years as a controller. In a press release, Carpenter said he is excited for the opportunity and hopes to provide a mutual benefit for the company for years to come. Carpenter is a Certified Public Accountant and earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from OU. He and his wife Jennifer have four children.

 

Chix Rodeo Parade has Something New              

The Chickasha Rodeo is just a few days away and in addition to the events at the Grady County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday nights is the rodeo parade Saturday afternoon. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council will team up to give away $2,000 in gift cards after the parade. The groups will be giving away several $100 gift cards. To participate in the drawing, individuals will need to spend $20 at any retail business or restaurant in Chickasha on Saturday, and show the receipt to get a ticket. The chamber and EDC will be located in front of the Canadian River Brewing Company from 3-5 p.m. and the drawings will start at 5 p.m. The rodeo parade will start at 4 p.m. and will run from the Rock Island Depot, west on Chickasha Avenue to 7th Street, and circle back on Kansas Avenue. The rodeo is Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil price on the NYMEX is $39.75 per barrel.

Brent crude is $42.19.

Natural gas is $1.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,760 and silver is $18.20.

 

Obituaries

Ann Threadgill

A graveside service for Ann Threadgill, 84, of Alex will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 24th in the Alex Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Ray Kortemier

A graveside service for Ray Kortemeier, 85, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 25th in the Pocasset Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

 

2020, June 15th-19th

Friday, June 19th

 

CHS Class of 2020 Graduation is Tonight

Graduation ceremonies are scheduled tonight for the 2020 senior class at Chickasha High School. About 135 seniors are expected to pick up their diplomas during the ceremony which will be held outdoors at Memorial Stadium. The ceremony was postponed from last month because of the coronavirus. While graduation is being held outdoors officials are still limiting attendance. Each senior gets six tickets to give to family and friends. The ceremony will be live-streamed on Facebook. Superintendent Rick Croslin said everyone attending will have their temperature taken before being allowed in the stadium and anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will be turned away. Every other row at the stadium will be blocked to allow for social distancing and masks are recommended but won't be required. Traditionally, three seniors are selected to talk about the past, present, and future of the class. However tonight, two of the class valedictorians – Carson Jones and Austin Albright will have speeches. Music which is normally played by the band will instead be recordings of Pomp and Circumstance and the Recessional for the seniors to enter and exit the stadium. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. with the ceremony to begin at 7:30 p.m. There is rain in the forecast and officials say they would schedule a virtual graduation if tonight's program is rained out.

              

Juneteenth Holiday Celebrated              

Today, June 19th, marks a big day in America's history. It's known as Juneteenth, which is the day that slavery officially came to an end in the United States. It was June 19th, 1865 when Gen. Gordon Granger and his soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War was over and that slaves were free. It came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. A weekend parade and celebration are normally held in Chickasha however the events were canceled this year due to the coronavirus. Juneteenth has some extra meaning locally as it is adjacent to a memorable date for the civil rights work of Chickasha's Ada Lois  Sipuel Fisher. On June 18th, 1949 Sipuel Fisher broke the color barrier at the OU College of Law, which at the time did not allow black students. Her admission to the college came a year and a half after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in her favor.

 

Chix Airport Hosts Fly-in and Car Show              

An historic World War Two bomber headlines a big event at the Chickasha airport this weekend. The annual Wings and Wheels Fly-in and Car Show will take place. Six aircraft from the Commemorative Air Force will be on display and rides will be available on three of those planes. There is a fee for the plane rides. The big bird is a B-25 Bomber from the Devil Dog squadron. Weather permitting, one flight will be at 5 o'clock this afternoon and flights will also be offered tomorrow. Rides will also be available on a UC-78 Bobcat and a Stearman aircraft. The Fly-in and Car Show will be all day tomorrow with free admission to the event. There will be radio-controlled jet demonstrations, and children 8 through 17 can get free airplane rides from students at the Chickasha Wings flight school. The Chickasha Antique Auto Club will also have a car show and food trucks will on hand.

              

 State Oil Firm to Restart Some Production             

Here is a bit of good news for the energy industry. Continental Resources announces plans to resume production of some its wells. Last month, officials announced they would cutback 70 percent of its operated oil production. The website OK Energy Today reports that the firm still expects to curtail half of its oil operations. Production in June is expected to average 150,000 barrels of oil-equivalent per day with second quarter production is expected to average about 200,000 barrels of oil-equivalent per day. July production is expected to be 225,000 barrels of oil-equivalent per day or higher.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.84 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.51.

Natural gas is $1.64 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,739 and silver is $17.86.

 

Obituaries

Fred Shiflett, Jr.

A private graveside service will be held for Fred Shiflett, Jr., 62, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Carol Ann Rand Clark

No public services are scheduled for Carol Ann Rand Clark, 85, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Thursday, June 18th

 

Consumer Spending Numbers

Differ for Grady County, City of Chix              

The coronavirus pandemic and the slumping energy industry have taken their toll on Oklahoma's economy and we have some Grady County numbers that show the local effects of those issues. Estimated consumer spending in Grady County in April was $52 million. That was down more than 34 percent compared to the month of March and off more than 55 percent compared to April of 2019. We estimate consumer spending when we see sales tax revenue for the county. June sales tax revenue was only $394,000. Consumer spending in April is believed to be the lowest in about four years.

Chickasha Numbers Were Steady              

In surprising numbers for the City of Chickasha...the consumer spending estimate and sales tax revenues were only down slightly. It’s estimated that consumer spending was about $25.3 million in April. The sales tax revenue received this month from that April business was $950,000 - a drop of less than $5,000 from last month and down about 5 percent from June of 2019. April was the first full month in which many retail outlets closed or had restricted hours operation because of the coronavirus.

 

Man Drowns While Rescuing Child

Tragedy at Ft. Cobb Lake yesterday, as a man drowned during an outing with two children. 42-year old Casey Satterlee of Edmond died when he tried to rescue an eight-year old boy who had fallen off a floaty. The three had gone out on the lake on a boat and the child was in a floaty on the side of the boat when he fell off.  Satterlee jumped in to rescue the boy and the boat started drifting away because of the wind. A 12-year old boy who remained on the boat called 9-1-1. The younger child managed to swim to shore and was unhurt.

 

Police, Fire Union Contracts Approved              

Collective bargaining agreements with the Chickasha police and fire unions have been approved by the Chickasha City Council. City Manager John Noblitt said that the council signed off on the contracts for the 2021 fiscal year after a 30-minute closed-door session during Monday night's council meeting. Noblitt said the agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police Local 129 calls for a freeze on raises, no step increases, and no cost of living allowances for the coming year. The agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 2041 calls for step increases of about 3 percent, which will cost the city an additional $53,000 in the coming year. Also, the city will not contribute to costs for uniforms or post-employment health plans for the coming year. The contracts run from July first this year, to June 30th next year.

 

Former Cop Accused of Sex Crimes Arrested              

A former police officer accused of sex crimes is behind bars. 56-year old Bruce Durham of Lawton has been arrested and is in the Comanche County Jail. Durham has been charged with rape by instrumentation after a woman alleged he attacked her in 2018 when Durham was a police officer at Medicine Park. The Lawton Constitution reported that a warrant was issued for Durham's arrest after the OSBI looked into other allegations after two other women came forward and said they were sexually assaulted. Durham went before a judge for his initial appearance on the rape charge in a Lawton courtroom on Wednesday and he remains in jail on a $250,000 bond. He is to be back in court on Aug. 27th for a preliminary hearing conference.

 

Silver Alert Canceled for Norman Man              

An elderly Norman man who went fishing and didn't return home has been found and he's OK. The Norman Police Department issued a Silver Alert for 77-year old Dennis Richards who had gone fishing Tuesday morning. The Silver Alert was issued about noon Wednesday and authorities canceled the alert just before 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. No details about Richards’ return were available

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $37.96 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $40.71.

Natural gas is $1.68 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,734 and silver is $17.80.

 

 

Wednesday, June 17th

 

Chickasha Has Another COVID-19 Death

A fourth person in Chickasha has died from the coronavirus. The state health department reports the individual was a woman between 50 and 64 years old. As of Tuesday, the health department reported a total of 65 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Chickasha and 53 of those patients have recovered. Throughout Grady County, there have been 118 confirmed cases since the illness was first detected in the state back in March and 103 of those patients have recovered. Blanchard has had 29 and Tuttle has 19. In Anadarko, there have been 27 coronavirus cases, and throughout Caddo County there have been 176 confirmed cases. The number of new coronavirus cases statewide have spiked the last couple of days with 228 new cases from Monday to Tuesday, putting the total number of cases at 8,645 and the number of deaths is now 363. The health department says there are more than 1,500 active cases and 172 patients are currently hospitalized.

 

Former Cop Wanted for Alleged Rape

An arrest warrant has been issued for a former Cyril and Medicine Park police officer who is charged with rape. Authorities are looking for 56-year old Bruce Durham, who is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in December of 2018. The warrant was issued following an investigation by the OSBI. The Lawton Constitution reports that Durham is accused of using his position of authority to assault the victim at the Medicine Park police department, telling her she would go to jail if she didn't have sex with him. The Constitution also reports that Durham was suspected of sexual assault while working as a police officer in Cyril in August of last year.

              

Chickasha School Calendar Approved              

Fall classes in Chickasha Public Schools are scheduled to start August 20th. The board of education approved the 2020-21 calendar in a special meeting yesterday. Officials had considered starting school two weeks earlier at the recommendation of the state school superintendent. However, a poll of school employees overwhelmingly showed that they favored  the Aug. 20th start time. Otherwise, teachers would have had to report the final week of July, and many already had vacation and other activities planned. The school calendar includes a lengthy Christmas break from about December 17th through Jan. 5th. The next school year is scheduled to end May 21st, however an emergency week was penciled in for the last week of May, should the district be impacted by illness such as the coronavirus.

 

Chix School Board OKs Sale of Senior Nutrition Center

The Chickasha school board approved the sale of more than two acres of land and the buildings which house the Senior Nutrition Center and the Borden Park Community Center. The board accepted a $230,000 bid submitted for the property by the nutrition center. The board wanted a stipulation added to the contract which would give the district the first option to buy the property back should the nutrition center decide to sell it.

              

School Bonds Sell for Less than 1 Percent Interest

The school board also approved the sale of about $5 million in bonds which was part of a big bond package approved in 2010 for the construction of the Bill Wallace Center. Country Club Bank of Kansas submitted the lowest of three bids that were received. All three bids were lower than 1 percent with the winning bid at just under 0.86 percent. It's not expected to increase property taxes in the district. There will be two more bond sales over the next four years to finish paying for the Bill Wallace construction.

 

Business Owner to Serve as USAO Regent

USAO regents will welcome a new member this fall. Kelly Wilkerson will take her oath of office in September. Wilkerson and her husband Brad own and operate the Chicken Express restaurants in Chickasha, Duncan, and Lawton. Kelly is a former public educator, retiring after a 32-year career. She was appointed to the post by Gov. Kevin Stitt and will serve a seven-year term. She takes over the seat previously held by Bill Lance, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chickasaw Nation's Department of Commerce, whose term ends June 30th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil in the NYMEX is $38.38 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is to $40.96.

Natural gas is $1.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,715 and silver is $17.67.

 

Obituary

Maxine Roberts

There are no funeral services scheduled for Maxine Roberts, 88, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Tuesday, June 16th

 

One Dead, One Critical After Minco Car Crash

A fatal car crash near Minco last night kills a passenger and leaves the driver in critical condition. Killed in the accident was 36-year old Rickey Thierry, Jr. of Tulsa. The medical examiner said he died at the scene from massive injuries. The driver was identified as 25-year old Aaron Boltshauser of Minco. He was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head and trunk injuries. The accident happened about 11:30 p.m. Monday, on private property about 2 1/2 miles east of Minco. The highway patrol reports that the car ran off a county road and hit a utility box. The trooper investigating the crash reported that alcohol may have played a factor.

 

Grady County Firefighters Called

to Join Wildland Fire Fight              

Grady County firefighters were among those dispatched to help with a wildland fire west of El Reno yesterday. Grady County fire department spokesman Buddy Myers said the county sent 13 trucks and 17 firefighters to be part of a task force to battle the blaze. The fire broke out Monday afternoon in the Red Rock Canyon area around Hinton and Calumet and also burned through a wind farm. Firefighters battled the flames in rugged terrain into the night and well past midnight before getting it under control. The last of the Grady County firefighters got home about 5:00 a.m. this morning. About 1,000 acres of pasture land and trees were scorched. The forestry service was to flyover this morning to make sure there were no hot spots.

 

Chickasha Dentist Passes Away

Longtime Chickasha dentist Jim Hall has died. Hall practiced in Chickasha for about 42 years. He was 86 when he passed away last Thursday. Hall grew up in Elk City, and graduated from both Oklahoma State University and the University of Missouri and Kansas City School of Dentistry. Hall and his wife Carolyn moved to Chickasha in 1964 to open his office and he retired in 2006. Survivors include his wife, and two sons and their families. Funeral service will at the Edmond First Presbyterian Church at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17th. Memorial contributions may be made to Mobile Meals of Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Chix Residents Need to Sign Agreement

to Receive City's Economic Stimulus Check

Chickasha residents waiting on an economic stimulus check from the City of Chickasha will be asked to spend the money locally. Recently, the city council approved giving $50 to those who have an active residential utility account for water, sewer, or solid waste services. Last night, the council approved an Economic Development Agreement which will need to be signed and notarized indicating the funds will be spent with local businesses. The agreement says on-line purchases are prohibited. Residents will be asked to submit the agreement to city hall before the payment is sent. The money for the stimulus is coming from $300,000 in an economic development fund.

 

Sidewalk Project Approved               

The council also approved another sidewalk project, one which will connect the high school to USAO. Following a public hearing during last night’s council meeting, the panel approved the plan to build the walking and bike trail in the median on 17th Street between Alabama Avenue and Idaho Avenue. City easement on private property would be needed between Idaho Avenue and Iowa Avenue. The project will be similar to the sidewalk construction underway on 1st Street. The project will be paid for with the help of a matching federal Community Development Block Grant. The grant and the city will equally share the estimated $300,000 cost. The city funds were included in the 2021 fiscal year budget for the Chickasha Municipal Authority.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $37.12 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.72.

Natural gas is $1.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,737 and silver is $17.59.

 

Obituaries

Richard Souders

Funeral service for Richard Souders, 79, of Pocasset were held at 10:30 this morning at the First Missionary Baptist Church of Pocasset. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

Debra Null

Funeral service for Debra Null, 58, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are will Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Monday, June 15th

 

Fire Damages Alex Home

Firefighters were dispatched to a two-story home near Alex last night. Alex, Bradley, and Ninnekah fire crews were called out to the home on State Highway 19 just west Alex about 8:40 p.m. Sunday. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said about a dozen trucks and nearly 20 firefighters responded. Crews managed to contain the fire to the second story of the wood-frame home. Firefighters were on the scene for about two hours. The damage was estimated at $30,000 and there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

Man Faces Arson, Drug Charges in Separate Incidents

A Minco man is facing arson and drug charges in connection with separate incidents in the last few weeks. 26-year old Dakota Dylin Wakefield is charged with a felony count of second-degree arson after a fire broke out at a building that Wakefield had been renting. A probable cause affidavit indicates an investigator found evidence that three separate fires were started in the early morning hours of May 21st. In a separate case, Wakefield is facing misdemeanor drug charges in connection with an arrest last week. Wakefield remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $30,000 bond.

 

Fireworks, Town-Wide Garage Sales

to be Considered by Chix City Council              

The City of Chickasha's annual 4th of July fireworks display and events for the Rock Island Arts Festival this fall are among the items to be reviewed by the Chickasha City Council tonight. The fireworks show is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th at Shannon Springs Park. The free event draws thousands of visitors to celebrate Independence Day, with numerous businesses and individuals donating some $15,000 to light up the night sky. The Rock Island Arts Festival is hosted by the Chickasha Area Arts Council and is scheduled for the first weekend in October. Two other events held in conjunction with the festival are the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship and the Rock Island Ride bicycle tour.

 

Hearing Set for Proposed Walking, Bike Trail

The Chickasha City Council will also hold a public hearing on a proposed walking trail and bike path on 17th Street from USAO to Iowa Avenue. The project would be paid for through a federal community development block grant. The council is expected to approve a weekend of city-wide garage sales the weekend of June 26th through 28th and waive permit fees for those sales. The panel will go behind closed doors to get an update on negotiations with the fire and police unions. The group will also recognize Homer Hulme for his recent contribution to the library. Hume donated more than $11,000 to help pay for the installation of new LED lighting throughout the library. Hulme's contribution is in honor of his mother, Dorothy.

 

Chamber Prepares for Next Leadership Chix Program

Plans are already underway for the next Leadership Chickasha class which will be starting this fall. The program was created by the chamber of commerce to inform participants about local and state government, education, and to develop awareness of the community's challenges and opportunities to make Chickasha a better place to live and work. The group will meet monthly over a seven-month period and will include guest speakers and interaction with community leaders. Cost of participation is $350 per individual for chamber members and $450 for potential chamber members. Applications will be accepted through August 7th with the program to start in September. Applications are available at the chamber office or on the website: www.chickashachamber.com

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $36.26 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $38.73.

Natural gas is $1.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,715 and silver is $17.24.

 

Obituary

Helen Roof

Funeral service for Helen Roof, 83, of Blanchard and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 16th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

2020 June 8th-13th

Saturday, June 13th

 

Charge Filed in Connection with Deadly Crash

A felony manslaughter charge has been filed against a driver involved in a fatal traffic accident that occurred near Minco earlier this year. 58-year old Regan Brent Stephens of El Reno was booked into the Grady County Jail on Thursday. A warrant had been issued for his arrest last week. The crash this past January killed Bethany Meyers of Minco. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 81 just south of the Canadian River Bridge the morning of January 8th. The arrest warrant affidavit alleges that Stephens tried to pass two vehicles in a no-passing zone and struck Meyers' vehicle head on. Stephens had his initial appearance on the manslaughter charge in Grady County District Court yesterday, where a judge set Stephens’ bond at $100,000. If convicted, Stephens could be sentenced to anywhere from four years to life in prison.

 

 Details Emerge in Ambulance Accident             

There are reports that the driver of the ambulance that hit a toll booth on the H.E. Bailey turnpike early Friday may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The report made on KFOR-TV. The accident happened about 3:00 a.m. Friday when the ambulance hit the Newcastle toll booth. The driver, identified as 53-year old Dora Handcock of Purcell, was trapped in the overturned ambulance for about 30 minutes before being rescued by the Bridge Creek Fire Department. She was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was last in good condition. The ambulance from the Altus area was transporting 43-year old Dominga Gloria of Altus who was admitted to a hospital in serious condition. A toll both worker suffered minor injuries. 26-year old Shannon Garst of Chickasha was taken to a hospital where was treated and released.

 

Pick Up Hits Box Truck Near Tuttle              

Two people were taken to hospitals after a pickup slammed into a box truck near Tuttle. 63-year old Connie Hooks of Moore was taken to a Norman hospital with head, arm, and trunk injuries where she was admitted in good condition. 32-year old Cortez Pearson of Oklahoma City was taken to a Yukon hospital where he was treated and released. The accident happened about 4:00 p.m. Friday about two miles west of Tuttle on Highway 37. The Highway Patrol reports that Hooks ran a stop sign in her pickup and crashed into the driver's side of the box truck driven by Pearson.

 

Horse Show Underway at County Fairgrounds              

Another weekend of equestrian events is being held at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The Oklahoma Horse Show Association returns for two days of competition. It's the group's first event of the year, as a couple of previous events were canceled because of the COVID-19 virus. Riders of all ages and experience levels compete in more than 70 events. Members will return for another competition next month, working to build up points for season-ending awards later this year. There's no admission for spectators. Individuals who would like to learn more about the group can go on-line to www.okhsa.com

 

May Daze Festival Continues              

It's Day Two of the Blanchard May Daze Festival. There are vendors with lots of items to sell, food trucks, and activities for young and old alike. Last night, there was a Joe Exotic and Carol Baskin look-alike contest, stemming from the popular NetFlix miniseries “The Tiger King”. Live, local entertainment runs throughout the day and into the evening and there are townwide garage sales. Admission is free to the festival, which runs until 10 p.m. tonight and from noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow in downtown Blanchard.

              

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Shae Mortimer with the City of Chickasha and Mitch Williams with the Chickasha Wings Flying School will be on our KOOL Konversation to talk about next week's Wings and Wheels Fly-in and Car Show at the Chickasha Airport. There is a link to the KOOL Konversation under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

Luke Byford

Funeral service for Luke Byford, 82, of Chickasha will be at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Friday, June 12th

 

Four Hurt When Ambulance Crashes into Toll Booth

Four people have been taken to hospitals after an ambulance crashed into the Newcastle toll booth on the H.E. Bailey turnpike this morning. News reports indicate that a patient and two Emergency Medical Technicians in the ambulance and a toll booth worker were hurt. The Jackson County ambulance that crashed is from the Altus area. The toll booth was closed in both directions for several hours although the PikePass lanes were accessible. The accident happened about 3:00 a.m. this morning when the ambulance was transporting a patient to Oklahoma City.

 

Chix School Board to Issue Bonds

to Finish Paying for Bill Wallace School

The board of education for Chickasha Public Schools will hold a special meeting Monday to issue the final general obligation bonds related to the construction of the Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center. The panel will consider a resolution to issue more than $5 million in bonds to finish paying for the school which was built in 2010. The school board is also to consider selling the land and building the district owns near the high school which is currently being leased to the Chickasha Senior Nutrition Center. The group will also discuss some emergency roof repairs needed in the district; the contract for new curriculum and personnel director Seth Meier; and a memorandum of understanding with the Chickasha Association of Support Employees. The special meeting will be held at noon on Monday via a video conference. The meeting will be streamed on the Chickasha schools website: www.chickasha.k12.ok.us

 

Public Hearing Set for Wildlife Refuge

to Join Rural Water District

The effort to annex part of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to a Comanche County rural water district is moving forward. A public hearing on the issue will be held on Monday, July 7th by Comanche County commissioners. The proposal calls for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to join Rural Water District 4 in the Cache area which is just southwest of the refuge. The initial plans call for installing a 15-mile pipeline to serve the refuge headquarters, the visitors center, the Holy City of the Wichitas, and other areas. The refuge has been under a boil order for the last three years after E. coli bacteria was found in the water supply. No timeline has been announced regarding the construction of the pipeline however one unofficial guesstimate is that it could take about a year once it gets started.

 

Blanchard May Daze Festival Arrives

It's being held about a month later that it was originally scheduled but Blanchard's May Daze Festival is getting underway today. Normally held in mid-May, the event was postponed because of the coronavirus. There will be dozens of vendors lined up and down Main Street, there will be a lot of activities for the kids, including a waterslide where daily all-you-can ride tickets will be available. There's live, local entertainment, food trucks, and a beer garden. The Blanchard May Daze Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and tomorrow, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

 

Sheriff's Office Updates Warrant List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has issued an updated 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.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $36.34 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $38.55.

Natural gas is $1.81 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,741 and silver is $17.77.

 

 

Thursday, June 11th

 

Prosecutors Leary of SQ 805

Some of Oklahoma's district attorneys are concerned what may happen if State Question 805 is approved by voters later this year. District Attorney Jason Hicks gives a short description of what it would do.

 

              

 

Hicks said his concern is that domestic violence crimes are included on the list of non-violent offenses. The measure is expected to be on the Nov. 3rd general election ballot.

 

Tuttle Man Faces Child Abuse Charge

A Grady County man is jailed on child abuse charges. 35-year old Dustin Lee Payne of Tuttle was arrested after officers were summoned to do a welfare check on three children, one of them just two years old. While a Tuttle Police Department affidavit indicates the toddler appeared to be OK, a 9-year old had a bruise on her rib that was larger than a baseball, and a 13-year old had a bloody lip. Payne was taken into custody and prosecutors have charged him with one count of felony child abuse. He remains in jail on a $35,000 bond with his next court appearance set for July 14th. Payne pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery that stemmed from a domestic violence arrest in 2010.

 

Wanted Man Arrested After Foot Chase              

A man who has a long list of run-ins with police is back in jail. Chickasha police went to a home in the 1100 block of North 10th Street last Friday night looking for Samuel DeWayne Delk. A police affidavit indicates he was wanted on four felony warrants which included drug possession, child neglect, and eluding - all stemming from an arrest back in February. When officers knocked on the door and asked if Delk was there, he ran out the back door. Authorities caught up to the suspect after a short foot pursuit, subduing him with a taser after he reached into his waist band. Delk is being held in jail on a $102,000 bond.

 

Federal Agency OKs Two Tribal Compacts

The federal government has approved gaming compacts between a couple of Oklahoma Native American tribes and the State of Oklahoma. Gov. Kevin Stitt announced earlier this week that agreements between the Comanche Nation and the Otoe-Missouria tribe were approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The compacts give the tribes the approval for new forms of gambling, including sports betting, and to build new casinos closer to metropolitan areas. A press release from the Comanche Nation indicates it will allow Comanche Nation Entertainment to build on the tribe's historically-significant land in Grady, Cleveland, and Love counties. The Comanche Nation also announced that its current casinos will be re-opening in the next few days. Casinos in Lawton and Devol will open their doors tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. while casinos in Elgin and Walters will re-open on Monday. The casinos will close between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. each day for sanitation protocols.

 

USAO Set Fall Trimester Class Schedule

USAO Regents approve a plan to re-open the campus for fall classes. August 17th is the date set for courses to resume which is nearly five months to the date that in-person classes were suspended due to the coronavirus. Students were able to complete spring classes on-line and summer classes are also being taught remotely after the campus was closed. Officials say there will be no traditional fall break in October. The fall trimester will run Aug. 17th through Nov. 13th with final exams set for Nov. 17th-20th. While there will not be a fall break, the university will recognize the national Labor Day holiday on Sept. 7th. The university also announced that there will be no increases in tuition or mandatory fees for the coming year.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.60 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.73.

Natural gas is $1.78 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,741 and silver is $18.08.

 

 

Wednesday, June 10th

 

Caddo County Driver Dies in Bizarre Deer Accident

A Cyril woman dies in a bizarre traffic accident involving a deer. 38-year old Sharee Taylor died in the accident that happened just before 6:00 a.m. Monday south of Cement. The Highway Patrol reports that a deer ran onto the highway and was hit by an oncoming car. The collision caused the deer to go airborne and crash through the windshield of Taylor's car. A passenger identified as 50-year old Kenneth Luna - also of Cyril - suffered a head injury but refused treatment. The driver of the car that hit the deer, 37-year old Kristina Coffenberry and a passenger identified as 38-year old Royce Sanders - both of Cement - were not hurt.

 

New Fire Truck Destroyed by...Fire

Fire destroys a brand new truck owned by the Friend Fire Department. The 2019 Ford F450 was just purchased last year and had less than 800 miles on it when it caught fire over the weekend. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said firefighters were called out to a wheat field fire at the bottom of Highbarger Hill. That's about three miles east of Chickasha on U.S. Highway 62. Myers said the brush truck had run out of water and the fire crew went to re-fill the truck. In the process of re-filling, the firefighter heard a pop and noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. The firefighter was able to douse the flames, however the engine compartment was burned. The firefighter was not hurt.  The cab and chassis of the truck is expected to be totaled which is an estimated loss of about $42,000. The truck is insured. Myers said the firefighting equipment was not damaged. Myers said it's still not clear what caused the fire and it is still under investigation.

 

Grady County Avoids Wildfires              

Myers said Grady County was fortunate to not have any wildland fires in yesterday's extremely windy conditions. The top wind speeds in Grady County were between 54 and 59 miles per hour according to Mesonet data. Myers said crews did respond to a couple of small fires. There was a small fire in the Bradley area about 4:15 p.m. which was taken care of quickly. Fire crews were also summoned to a brush fire just east of Chickasha after 6:00 p.m. but that fire was also contained.

 

Dr. Nancy Dever Dies              

Longtime local doctor Nancy Dever has died. Dever was 72 when she passed away on Monday. Dever was a gynecologist and obstetrician at Southern Plains Medical Group for 42 years. She was born in North Carolina but grew up in Michigan and earned her degrees from the University of Michigan. She came to Chickasha in 1977. Survivors include her daughters Megan Dever, and Allison Sales and her husband David. A memorial service for Dr. Dever will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13th at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends Fur Change.

 

Absentee Ballot Application Deadline

Looms Ahead of State's Primary Election              

Oklahoma's primary election is about three weeks away. The deadline to apply for absentee ballots for that election is also approaching. Absentee ballots are mailed out to registered voters who may not want to go to their polling place the day of the election. Any registered voter wanting to cast ballots by absentee can do so without stating a reason. Voters can apply for absentee ballots in person at their county election board office. Applications are also available on the state election board website: www.elections.ok.gov

 The deadline to apply for absentee ballots is Tuesday, June 23rd.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.94 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.18.

Natural gas IS $1.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,724 and silver is $17.78.

 

 

Tuesday, June 9th

 

City of Chix Budget Tops $50 Million

A nearly $55 million budget is on the books for the City of Chickasha 2021 fiscal year which starts next month. The city council gave its unanimous approval to the plan following a public hearing during a special council meeting last night. City Manager John Noblitt cautioned that the council could be faced with some tough decisions next year as the general fund budget will have no carryover for the start of the 2022 fiscal year.

 

              

 

The CMA is the Chickasha Municipal Authority. The budget calls for using more than $18 million in CMA funds to subsidize the city's spending plan. The public hearing lasted all of four minutes, with only one individual addressing the council. Tory Wise asked about using $4 million in CMA funds for improvements on 29th Street from Iowa Street north to U.S. Highway 62 and another $1.5 million for upgrades on 17th Street. Noblitt said the 29th Street project includes the purchase of some additional right-of-way to widen that street to make it safer. Noblitt did say that if the city doesn't close the expected gap in the deficit that those projects won't happen.

 

Budget Includes Full Funding for Fire Department              

The city manager said the budget includes full funding for the fire department. At last week's city council meeting, Noblitt said that 10 positions would paid for out of the general fund. Prior to last night’s public hearing, Georgianne Hebblethwaite, who spoke in support of firefighters during the June 1st council meeting, again called for the council to fully fund the department.

 

              

 

Hebblethwaite told the council it is its duty to keep the fire department fully funded, and to look for ways to prevent future shortfalls from happening.

 

Planning Commission to hold Public Hearings

A proposal to re-zone property in the east part of Chickasha for development will get a public hearing with the city's Planning Commission today. The Chickasha Municipal Authority and a group called IOT are asking to re-zone property at Ada Sipuel Avenue and Grand Avenue South from commercial to a planned unit development (PUD). Officials have proposed a mixture of commercial and residential construction in that area. The Planning Commission has several other public hearings today. One is for Dene Gonzales to construct a garage over the maximum size allowed at a home at 17th and Mississippi Avenue. Another is for a use-on-review for Tressa Swanson to allow a home massage business at 2025 California Avenue. And one other public hearing is a request for a variance in the city's veneer ordinance by Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson. Also today, the city's Board of Adjustment will have public hearings to discuss variances in city zoning ordinances in the Valley View Addition, and for a request from Jimmy and Vera Boggess to allow a double metal carport at their home at 306 S. 15th Street.

 

'Challenge' Proposed to Encourage Census Participation              

A state children's group is encouraging Oklahomans to participate in the 2020 census in a unique way. The Census Community Challenge calls for communities to initiate a competition with rival cities and towns. Joe Dorman, the director of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, says it’s worked well between Oklahoma City and Tulsa over the last few months. Dorman would also like to see school rivals take part in the challenge. Dorman said his group has reached out to every school administrator to ask them to work on the project. Dorman says participation in the census is important for federal dollars to flow into the state. Oklahoma gets about $1,700 per person per year over the next ten years for programs.

              

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.19 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $40.80

Natural gas is $1.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,715 and silver is $17.82.

 

Obituary

Bertha Jensen

Funeral service for Bertha Jensen, 90, formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 11th  at the Minco Church of Christ. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Monday, June 8th

 

Chickasha Firefighters Test Positive for COVID-19

Some Chickasha firefighters are recovering after testing positive for the coronavirus. Over the weekend city officials issued a press release confirming that more than one firefighter received a positive test. It wasn't clear how many firefighters tested positive. City Manager John Noblitt said other firefighters may have been exposed and they have been tested and are being monitored for symptoms. Noblitt recommended that anyone who attended a firefighters’ voter registration event on Saturday, May 30th or the Chickasha City Council meeting on Monday, June 1st to monitor themselves for any COVID-19 symptoms as a number of firefighters attended both events. Symptoms include high fever, a cough, and shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing symptoms should see their doctor. Also, anyone can get tested for the coronavirus whether they are experiencing symptoms or not. Free testing is available at the Grady County Health Department but you must call in advance to make an appointment. Grady Memorial Hospital and the Southern Plains Medical Group also offer the tests.

 

Appointments Needed at Chix City Hall Temporarily              

As a result of the fire fighters testing positive for COVID-19, Noblitt said anyone who needs to meet with him or other city officials at city hall over the next couple of weeks will have to make an appointment. Appointments will also be needed to see the city clerk, or the Community Development Department. The appointments will be needed through Friday, June 19th. Visitors will not need an appointment if they are paying their utility bill. Anyone visiting city hall will have to wear a face covering.

              

Public Hearing Set Tonight for City of Chix Budget              

A proposed 2021 fiscal year budget for the City of Chickasha will get a public hearing in a special meeting of the Chickasha City Council tonight. Following the hearing and discussion of the spending plan, the council is to consider adopting the budget which will go into effect on July 1st pending approval. The meeting and public hearing will be televised on Suddenlink Channel 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

 

Contract Renewals Set for Chix School Board Meeting              

A renewal of contracts for a school resource officer and a foster grandparent program are to be considered by the Chickasha school board when it meets tonight. It will be another virtual meeting, a system implemented after the coronavirus began impacting the state. The district has been contracting with the Grady County Sheriff's Office to provide a deputy as a resource officer for several years. The contract calls for paying the sheriff's office nearly $4,000 per month. The panel will also consider extending a foster grandparent program with the Delta Community Action Foundation. The panel will also honor employees Michelle Fleetwood and Vonnie Davidson as the Chicken Express employees of the month. The board of education meeting will get underway at 6:00 p.m. and can be viewed on the school district's website, www.chickasha.k12.ok.us

 

Apache Man Hospitalized After Rollover

A weekend crash sends a young Caddo County man to the hospital. 20-year old Kyle McFadden of Apache suffered arm injuries in the rollover that occurred Saturday night. He was taken to an Altus hospital where he was admitted in good condition. McFadden was a passenger in a van driven by 23-year old Taylor Robbins of Cleveland, Okla. Robbins was air lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head injuries where she was treated and released. The accident happened about 8:15 p.m. Saturday about 8 miles west of Roosevelt in Kiowa County. The Highway Patrol reports that Robbins may have been driving too fast and was unable to go around a curve. The van ran off the road and rolled nearly two times, landing on the passenger side. Both McFadden and Robbins were wearing seatbelts.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.55 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $42.30.

Natural gas is $1.78 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,696 and silver is $17.94.

 

Obituary

Les "Goose" Guesby

Graveside service for Les “Goose” Guesby, 75, formerly of Anadarko, will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 9th at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin.

 

 

2020 June 8th-13th

Saturday, June 13th

 

Charge Filed in Connection with Deadly Crash

A felony manslaughter charge has been filed against a driver involved in a fatal traffic accident that occurred near Minco earlier this year. 58-year old Regan Brent Stephens of El Reno was booked into the Grady County Jail on Thursday. A warrant had been issued for his arrest last week. The crash this past January killed Bethany Meyers of Minco. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 81 just south of the Canadian River Bridge the morning of January 8th. The arrest warrant affidavit alleges that Stephens tried to pass two vehicles in a no-passing zone and struck Meyers' vehicle head on. Stephens had his initial appearance on the manslaughter charge in Grady County District Court yesterday, where a judge set Stephens’ bond at $100,000. If convicted, Stephens could be sentenced to anywhere from four years to life in prison.

 

 Details Emerge in Ambulance Accident             

There are reports that the driver of the ambulance that hit a toll booth on the H.E. Bailey turnpike early Friday may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The report made on KFOR-TV. The accident happened about 3:00 a.m. Friday when the ambulance hit the Newcastle toll booth. The driver, identified as 53-year old Dora Handcock of Purcell, was trapped in the overturned ambulance for about 30 minutes before being rescued by the Bridge Creek Fire Department. She was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was last in good condition. The ambulance from the Altus area was transporting 43-year old Dominga Gloria of Altus who was admitted to a hospital in serious condition. A toll both worker suffered minor injuries. 26-year old Shannon Garst of Chickasha was taken to a hospital where was treated and released.

 

Pick Up Hits Box Truck Near Tuttle              

Two people were taken to hospitals after a pickup slammed into a box truck near Tuttle. 63-year old Connie Hooks of Moore was taken to a Norman hospital with head, arm, and trunk injuries where she was admitted in good condition. 32-year old Cortez Pearson of Oklahoma City was taken to a Yukon hospital where he was treated and released. The accident happened about 4:00 p.m. Friday about two miles west of Tuttle on Highway 37. The Highway Patrol reports that Hooks ran a stop sign in her pickup and crashed into the driver's side of the box truck driven by Pearson.

 

Horse Show Underway at County Fairgrounds              

Another weekend of equestrian events is being held at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The Oklahoma Horse Show Association returns for two days of competition. It's the group's first event of the year, as a couple of previous events were canceled because of the COVID-19 virus. Riders of all ages and experience levels compete in more than 70 events. Members will return for another competition next month, working to build up points for season-ending awards later this year. There's no admission for spectators. Individuals who would like to learn more about the group can go on-line to www.okhsa.com

 

May Daze Festival Continues              

It's Day Two of the Blanchard May Daze Festival. There are vendors with lots of items to sell, food trucks, and activities for young and old alike. Last night, there was a Joe Exotic and Carol Baskin look-alike contest, stemming from the popular NetFlix miniseries “The Tiger King”. Live, local entertainment runs throughout the day and into the evening and there are townwide garage sales. Admission is free to the festival, which runs until 10 p.m. tonight and from noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow in downtown Blanchard.

              

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Shae Mortimer with the City of Chickasha and Mitch Williams with the Chickasha Wings Flying School will be on our KOOL Konversation to talk about next week's Wings and Wheels Fly-in and Car Show at the Chickasha Airport. There is a link to the KOOL Konversation under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

Luke Byford

Funeral service for Luke Byford, 82, of Chickasha will be at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Friday, June 12th

 

Four Hurt When Ambulance Crashes into Toll Booth

Four people have been taken to hospitals after an ambulance crashed into the Newcastle toll booth on the H.E. Bailey turnpike this morning. News reports indicate that a patient and two Emergency Medical Technicians in the ambulance and a toll booth worker were hurt. The Jackson County ambulance that crashed is from the Altus area. The toll booth was closed in both directions for several hours although the PikePass lanes were accessible. The accident happened about 3:00 a.m. this morning when the ambulance was transporting a patient to Oklahoma City.

 

Chix School Board to Issue Bonds

to Finish Paying for Bill Wallace School

The board of education for Chickasha Public Schools will hold a special meeting Monday to issue the final general obligation bonds related to the construction of the Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center. The panel will consider a resolution to issue more than $5 million in bonds to finish paying for the school which was built in 2010. The school board is also to consider selling the land and building the district owns near the high school which is currently being leased to the Chickasha Senior Nutrition Center. The group will also discuss some emergency roof repairs needed in the district; the contract for new curriculum and personnel director Seth Meier; and a memorandum of understanding with the Chickasha Association of Support Employees. The special meeting will be held at noon on Monday via a video conference. The meeting will be streamed on the Chickasha schools website: www.chickasha.k12.ok.us

 

Public Hearing Set for Wildlife Refuge

to Join Rural Water District

The effort to annex part of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to a Comanche County rural water district is moving forward. A public hearing on the issue will be held on Monday, July 7th by Comanche County commissioners. The proposal calls for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to join Rural Water District 4 in the Cache area which is just southwest of the refuge. The initial plans call for installing a 15-mile pipeline to serve the refuge headquarters, the visitors center, the Holy City of the Wichitas, and other areas. The refuge has been under a boil order for the last three years after E. coli bacteria was found in the water supply. No timeline has been announced regarding the construction of the pipeline however one unofficial guesstimate is that it could take about a year once it gets started.

 

Blanchard May Daze Festival Arrives

It's being held about a month later that it was originally scheduled but Blanchard's May Daze Festival is getting underway today. Normally held in mid-May, the event was postponed because of the coronavirus. There will be dozens of vendors lined up and down Main Street, there will be a lot of activities for the kids, including a waterslide where daily all-you-can ride tickets will be available. There's live, local entertainment, food trucks, and a beer garden. The Blanchard May Daze Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and tomorrow, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

 

Sheriff's Office Updates Warrant List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has issued an updated 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.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $36.34 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $38.55.

Natural gas is $1.81 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,741 and silver is $17.77.

 

 

Thursday, June 11th

 

Prosecutors Leary of SQ 805

Some of Oklahoma's district attorneys are concerned what may happen if State Question 805 is approved by voters later this year. District Attorney Jason Hicks gives a short description of what it would do.

 

              

 

Hicks said his concern is that domestic violence crimes are included on the list of non-violent offenses. The measure is expected to be on the Nov. 3rd general election ballot.

 

Tuttle Man Faces Child Abuse Charge

A Grady County man is jailed on child abuse charges. 35-year old Dustin Lee Payne of Tuttle was arrested after officers were summoned to do a welfare check on three children, one of them just two years old. While a Tuttle Police Department affidavit indicates the toddler appeared to be OK, a 9-year old had a bruise on her rib that was larger than a baseball, and a 13-year old had a bloody lip. Payne was taken into custody and prosecutors have charged him with one count of felony child abuse. He remains in jail on a $35,000 bond with his next court appearance set for July 14th. Payne pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery that stemmed from a domestic violence arrest in 2010.

 

Wanted Man Arrested After Foot Chase              

A man who has a long list of run-ins with police is back in jail. Chickasha police went to a home in the 1100 block of North 10th Street last Friday night looking for Samuel DeWayne Delk. A police affidavit indicates he was wanted on four felony warrants which included drug possession, child neglect, and eluding - all stemming from an arrest back in February. When officers knocked on the door and asked if Delk was there, he ran out the back door. Authorities caught up to the suspect after a short foot pursuit, subduing him with a taser after he reached into his waist band. Delk is being held in jail on a $102,000 bond.

 

Federal Agency OKs Two Tribal Compacts

The federal government has approved gaming compacts between a couple of Oklahoma Native American tribes and the State of Oklahoma. Gov. Kevin Stitt announced earlier this week that agreements between the Comanche Nation and the Otoe-Missouria tribe were approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The compacts give the tribes the approval for new forms of gambling, including sports betting, and to build new casinos closer to metropolitan areas. A press release from the Comanche Nation indicates it will allow Comanche Nation Entertainment to build on the tribe's historically-significant land in Grady, Cleveland, and Love counties. The Comanche Nation also announced that its current casinos will be re-opening in the next few days. Casinos in Lawton and Devol will open their doors tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. while casinos in Elgin and Walters will re-open on Monday. The casinos will close between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. each day for sanitation protocols.

 

USAO Set Fall Trimester Class Schedule

USAO Regents approve a plan to re-open the campus for fall classes. August 17th is the date set for courses to resume which is nearly five months to the date that in-person classes were suspended due to the coronavirus. Students were able to complete spring classes on-line and summer classes are also being taught remotely after the campus was closed. Officials say there will be no traditional fall break in October. The fall trimester will run Aug. 17th through Nov. 13th with final exams set for Nov. 17th-20th. While there will not be a fall break, the university will recognize the national Labor Day holiday on Sept. 7th. The university also announced that there will be no increases in tuition or mandatory fees for the coming year.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.60 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.73.

Natural gas is $1.78 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,741 and silver is $18.08.

 

 

Wednesday, June 10th

 

Caddo County Driver Dies in Bizarre Deer Accident

A Cyril woman dies in a bizarre traffic accident involving a deer. 38-year old Sharee Taylor died in the accident that happened just before 6:00 a.m. Monday south of Cement. The Highway Patrol reports that a deer ran onto the highway and was hit by an oncoming car. The collision caused the deer to go airborne and crash through the windshield of Taylor's car. A passenger identified as 50-year old Kenneth Luna - also of Cyril - suffered a head injury but refused treatment. The driver of the car that hit the deer, 37-year old Kristina Coffenberry and a passenger identified as 38-year old Royce Sanders - both of Cement - were not hurt.

 

New Fire Truck Destroyed by...Fire

Fire destroys a brand new truck owned by the Friend Fire Department. The 2019 Ford F450 was just purchased last year and had less than 800 miles on it when it caught fire over the weekend. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said firefighters were called out to a wheat field fire at the bottom of Highbarger Hill. That's about three miles east of Chickasha on U.S. Highway 62. Myers said the brush truck had run out of water and the fire crew went to re-fill the truck. In the process of re-filling, the firefighter heard a pop and noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. The firefighter was able to douse the flames, however the engine compartment was burned. The firefighter was not hurt.  The cab and chassis of the truck is expected to be totaled which is an estimated loss of about $42,000. The truck is insured. Myers said the firefighting equipment was not damaged. Myers said it's still not clear what caused the fire and it is still under investigation.

 

Grady County Avoids Wildfires              

Myers said Grady County was fortunate to not have any wildland fires in yesterday's extremely windy conditions. The top wind speeds in Grady County were between 54 and 59 miles per hour according to Mesonet data. Myers said crews did respond to a couple of small fires. There was a small fire in the Bradley area about 4:15 p.m. which was taken care of quickly. Fire crews were also summoned to a brush fire just east of Chickasha after 6:00 p.m. but that fire was also contained.

 

Dr. Nancy Dever Dies              

Longtime local doctor Nancy Dever has died. Dever was 72 when she passed away on Monday. Dever was a gynecologist and obstetrician at Southern Plains Medical Group for 42 years. She was born in North Carolina but grew up in Michigan and earned her degrees from the University of Michigan. She came to Chickasha in 1977. Survivors include her daughters Megan Dever, and Allison Sales and her husband David. A memorial service for Dr. Dever will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13th at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends Fur Change.

 

Absentee Ballot Application Deadline

Looms Ahead of State's Primary Election              

Oklahoma's primary election is about three weeks away. The deadline to apply for absentee ballots for that election is also approaching. Absentee ballots are mailed out to registered voters who may not want to go to their polling place the day of the election. Any registered voter wanting to cast ballots by absentee can do so without stating a reason. Voters can apply for absentee ballots in person at their county election board office. Applications are also available on the state election board website: www.elections.ok.gov

 The deadline to apply for absentee ballots is Tuesday, June 23rd.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.94 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.18.

Natural gas IS $1.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,724 and silver is $17.78.

 

 

Tuesday, June 9th

 

City of Chix Budget Tops $50 Million

A nearly $55 million budget is on the books for the City of Chickasha 2021 fiscal year which starts next month. The city council gave its unanimous approval to the plan following a public hearing during a special council meeting last night. City Manager John Noblitt cautioned that the council could be faced with some tough decisions next year as the general fund budget will have no carryover for the start of the 2022 fiscal year.

 

              

 

The CMA is the Chickasha Municipal Authority. The budget calls for using more than $18 million in CMA funds to subsidize the city's spending plan. The public hearing lasted all of four minutes, with only one individual addressing the council. Tory Wise asked about using $4 million in CMA funds for improvements on 29th Street from Iowa Street north to U.S. Highway 62 and another $1.5 million for upgrades on 17th Street. Noblitt said the 29th Street project includes the purchase of some additional right-of-way to widen that street to make it safer. Noblitt did say that if the city doesn't close the expected gap in the deficit that those projects won't happen.

 

Budget Includes Full Funding for Fire Department              

The city manager said the budget includes full funding for the fire department. At last week's city council meeting, Noblitt said that 10 positions would paid for out of the general fund. Prior to last night’s public hearing, Georgianne Hebblethwaite, who spoke in support of firefighters during the June 1st council meeting, again called for the council to fully fund the department.

 

              

 

Hebblethwaite told the council it is its duty to keep the fire department fully funded, and to look for ways to prevent future shortfalls from happening.

 

Planning Commission to hold Public Hearings

A proposal to re-zone property in the east part of Chickasha for development will get a public hearing with the city's Planning Commission today. The Chickasha Municipal Authority and a group called IOT are asking to re-zone property at Ada Sipuel Avenue and Grand Avenue South from commercial to a planned unit development (PUD). Officials have proposed a mixture of commercial and residential construction in that area. The Planning Commission has several other public hearings today. One is for Dene Gonzales to construct a garage over the maximum size allowed at a home at 17th and Mississippi Avenue. Another is for a use-on-review for Tressa Swanson to allow a home massage business at 2025 California Avenue. And one other public hearing is a request for a variance in the city's veneer ordinance by Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson. Also today, the city's Board of Adjustment will have public hearings to discuss variances in city zoning ordinances in the Valley View Addition, and for a request from Jimmy and Vera Boggess to allow a double metal carport at their home at 306 S. 15th Street.

 

'Challenge' Proposed to Encourage Census Participation              

A state children's group is encouraging Oklahomans to participate in the 2020 census in a unique way. The Census Community Challenge calls for communities to initiate a competition with rival cities and towns. Joe Dorman, the director of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, says it’s worked well between Oklahoma City and Tulsa over the last few months. Dorman would also like to see school rivals take part in the challenge. Dorman said his group has reached out to every school administrator to ask them to work on the project. Dorman says participation in the census is important for federal dollars to flow into the state. Oklahoma gets about $1,700 per person per year over the next ten years for programs.

              

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.19 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $40.80

Natural gas is $1.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,715 and silver is $17.82.

 

Obituary

Bertha Jensen

Funeral service for Bertha Jensen, 90, formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 11th  at the Minco Church of Christ. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Monday, June 8th

 

Chickasha Firefighters Test Positive for COVID-19

Some Chickasha firefighters are recovering after testing positive for the coronavirus. Over the weekend city officials issued a press release confirming that more than one firefighter received a positive test. It wasn't clear how many firefighters tested positive. City Manager John Noblitt said other firefighters may have been exposed and they have been tested and are being monitored for symptoms. Noblitt recommended that anyone who attended a firefighters’ voter registration event on Saturday, May 30th or the Chickasha City Council meeting on Monday, June 1st to monitor themselves for any COVID-19 symptoms as a number of firefighters attended both events. Symptoms include high fever, a cough, and shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing symptoms should see their doctor. Also, anyone can get tested for the coronavirus whether they are experiencing symptoms or not. Free testing is available at the Grady County Health Department but you must call in advance to make an appointment. Grady Memorial Hospital and the Southern Plains Medical Group also offer the tests.

 

Appointments Needed at Chix City Hall Temporarily              

As a result of the fire fighters testing positive for COVID-19, Noblitt said anyone who needs to meet with him or other city officials at city hall over the next couple of weeks will have to make an appointment. Appointments will also be needed to see the city clerk, or the Community Development Department. The appointments will be needed through Friday, June 19th. Visitors will not need an appointment if they are paying their utility bill. Anyone visiting city hall will have to wear a face covering.

              

Public Hearing Set Tonight for City of Chix Budget              

A proposed 2021 fiscal year budget for the City of Chickasha will get a public hearing in a special meeting of the Chickasha City Council tonight. Following the hearing and discussion of the spending plan, the council is to consider adopting the budget which will go into effect on July 1st pending approval. The meeting and public hearing will be televised on Suddenlink Channel 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

 

Contract Renewals Set for Chix School Board Meeting              

A renewal of contracts for a school resource officer and a foster grandparent program are to be considered by the Chickasha school board when it meets tonight. It will be another virtual meeting, a system implemented after the coronavirus began impacting the state. The district has been contracting with the Grady County Sheriff's Office to provide a deputy as a resource officer for several years. The contract calls for paying the sheriff's office nearly $4,000 per month. The panel will also consider extending a foster grandparent program with the Delta Community Action Foundation. The panel will also honor employees Michelle Fleetwood and Vonnie Davidson as the Chicken Express employees of the month. The board of education meeting will get underway at 6:00 p.m. and can be viewed on the school district's website, www.chickasha.k12.ok.us

 

Apache Man Hospitalized After Rollover

A weekend crash sends a young Caddo County man to the hospital. 20-year old Kyle McFadden of Apache suffered arm injuries in the rollover that occurred Saturday night. He was taken to an Altus hospital where he was admitted in good condition. McFadden was a passenger in a van driven by 23-year old Taylor Robbins of Cleveland, Okla. Robbins was air lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head injuries where she was treated and released. The accident happened about 8:15 p.m. Saturday about 8 miles west of Roosevelt in Kiowa County. The Highway Patrol reports that Robbins may have been driving too fast and was unable to go around a curve. The van ran off the road and rolled nearly two times, landing on the passenger side. Both McFadden and Robbins were wearing seatbelts.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.55 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $42.30.

Natural gas is $1.78 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,696 and silver is $17.94.

 

Obituary

Les "Goose" Guesby

Graveside service for Les “Goose” Guesby, 75, formerly of Anadarko, will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 9th at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin.

 

 

2020, June 1st-6th

Saturday, June 6th

 

Chickasha Firefighters Tests Positive for Coronavirus

(Editor's Note - A previous version of this story indicated that one firefighter tested positive for the coronavirus. We apologize for the error)

A firefighter for the City of Chickasha has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. In a press release, City Manager John Noblitt said in the interest of public safety, officials wanted to notify citizens and encourage them to monitor their own health in case of exposure. Noblitt encouraged anyone who attended a voter registration drive hosted by the firefighters on Saturday, May 30th or the city council meeting on Monday, June 1st to monitor themselves for coronavirus symptoms since the unidentified firefighter attended both events. Should anyone experience a fever, cough, or shortness of breath they should contact their doctor. Noblitt said anyone wanting to see the city manager, the city clerk, or the community development department at city hall will have to make an appointment over the next couple of weeks. Individuals who want to pay their utility bill in person can do so without an appointment, although anyone visiting city hall are required to wear masks. Noblitt said the special city council meeting on Monday, June 8th which will include a public hearing on the city’s proposed 2021 fiscal year budget will be held as scheduled at 6:30 p.m. in the city council chambers. The meeting will be televised on Suddenlink Channel 3. Individuals who may want to issue comments but not attend the meeting can e-mail those comments to: susan.mcdaniel@chickasha.org

 

Driver Hospitalized Following Rollover

A rollover crash in Caddo County sends two people to the hospital with one of them admitted with head injuries. The driver of the car was 30-year old Mariah Tsotaddle of Oklahoma City. She was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was last in fair condition. A passenger, 58-year old Aurelia Hoffman of El Reno, was taken to a Lawton hospital but was not admitted. The accident happened just after 1:30 p.m. Friday about five miles north of Ft. Cobb on Primitive Road. The Highway Patrol reports that Tsotaddle may have been driving too fast for road conditions when she ran off the road and the car rolled and landed upside down.

 

Anadarko Precinct Changes for June 30th Election              

Anadarko voters who normally cast ballots at the Anadarko hospital will be doing so in a different location for the June 30th primary election. Caddo County Election Board Secretary Joy Ferrell said because of health concerns and protocol in dealing with the coronavirus, officials did not want voters to go into the hospital. Voting will take place in the former clinic of Dr. Maldonado which shares the hospital parking lot. There will be signs and arrows directing voters to the new polling place.

              

Sheriff's Office Updates Wanted List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has an updated list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here's Public Information Officer Lisa Hatchett-

 

              

 

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

 

Talk Show Topic

District Attorney Jason Hicks is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Michael Downes

A graveside service for Michael Downes, 67, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 9th at the Verden Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Friday, June 5th

 

No Charges Filed Against Woman Arrested

in Connection with Husband's Death

Grady County prosecutors have opted to not file charges at this time against a woman arrested for the shooting death of her husband. Meagan Seward was taken into custody this week after authorities found the body of Bradley Seward in the couple's rural Grady County home. Seward had called the sheriff's office early Sunday morning saying she shot her husband. District Attorney Jason Hicks would not comment on why no charges are being filed, only saying that the shooting is still under investigation. Hicks did say that Meagan Seward has been cooperative as officials continue gathering information about the case.

 

USAO President Issues Statement

Related to George Floyd's Tragic Death

USAO President John Feaver issues a statement on racism in light of the George Floyd tragedy. He writes that it’s unbelievable that in 2020 the inexcusable brutality remains a part of what should be a responsible, if not routine relationship between designated authority and citizens. Feaver writes that it’s impossible not to reflect on the endemic mistreatment of people of color, especially African-Americans, that has continued to characterize the history of America. He hopes that the violent protests which have taken place are understood has having no relationship to the causes of the public protests as legitimate expressions of anger and a demand to correct justice. He also said that the peaceful demonstrations would be the first steps in a continuing process of improving American society. Feaver writes that significant social, political, and cultural change is difficult but that we are fortunate to live in a Republic with a form of government than can be used to change life for the better.

 

New Building Purchased to House Grady County DA

Grady County Commissioners have finalized the purchase of property which is expected to be a new office for the district attorney. In a special meeting yesterday, commissioners approved the  purchase the building which now houses the Frailey, Chaffin, Cordell, Perryman, and Sterkel Law Firm at 4th and Choctaw Avenue, across the street from the county courthouse. The purchase price was just under $1 million. Commissioners had considered remodeling the old county jail on top floor of the courthouse to serve as the DA's office, but renovation costs were thought to be too high.  Many of the attorneys currently at the law firm of the building which was purchased are retiring, and others are said to be joining other law offices.  County officials believe the move from the current DA's office just a couple of blocks away at 3rd and Pennsylvania Avenue could be completed by the first of next year.

 

Nurse Recovers from Coronavirus

A nurse who has recovered from the coronavirus is sharing her story. Alison Toney says she took all the precautions that a front line worker should take but fell ill anyway. After completing Practical Nursing training at the Canadian Valley Technology Center last fall, she went to work almost immediately. She believes she contracted the illness from a co-worker or a patient.  Toney said she had moderate symptoms at first but that it took her about three weeks to recover. Toney is back at work now and has aspirations to become a Registered Nurse as she is enrolled in fall classes at OSU-OKC. Toney encourages individuals to follow the advice from health officials to prevent the spread of coronavirus including washing your hands often.

 

State's Wheat Harvest Begins

Oklahoma's wheat harvest is underway with combines in the fields along the Red River border in the southern and southwest part of the state. Mike Schulte with the Oklahoma Wheat Commission tells the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network that crops a little further north still need to mature a bit.

 

 

Schulte said the mid-April freeze damaged a lot of wheat fields. He estimates the harvest at 8 percent complete heading into the weekend.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $37.41 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.99.

Natural gas is $1.82 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,710 and silver is $17.88.

 

 

Thursday, June 4th

 

Good Numbers for New Construction in Chickasha

Despite restrictions at Chickasha City Hall due to the coronavirus last month, permits for new construction held steady. The city's Community Development Department approved more than $1.7 million in projects in May. 16 permits were authorized, including one for nearly $1 million for a remodeling project at Southern Plains Medical Center. Another $190,000 in new commercial projects were approved including one for $150,000 for Bordwine Development in the 400 block of Grand Avenue. In residential construction, officials signed off on the construction of four new single family homes in the Shadow Valley addition on West Country Club. Each of the homes are valued at $100,000. New construction in Chickasha for the first five months of the year totals $8.7 million.

 

Senior Nutrition Sales Tax Extension to be Decided

Grady County voters will decide if a county-wide sales tax should be extended to help fund senior nutrition centers. Centers in Chickasha, Ninnekah, Alex, Rush Springs, Verden, Minco, and Tuttle all benefit from the sales tax. While the centers do receive federal and state grants, supporters say it’s not enough to pay for many of their expenses. Jane Porter is one of many senior nutrition program officials.


              

Within the last few years, each center has received anywhere from $8,000 per month to as much as $25,000 per month from the sales tax. The one-eighth of a penny sales tax was first approved by voters in 2010 and it was extended in 2015. If approved, the sales would be extended another five years. The issue is on the June 30th ballot.

 

Deadline to Register to Vote June 30th is Tomorrow              

By the way, tomorrow is the last day to register to vote in the June 30th election. It is Oklahoma’s primary election for federal and state offices which was postponed from earlier this spring. There are also a number of municipal and school board elections to be decided. You can register to vote at your county election board or go to the state election board website: www.elections.ok.gov

 

City COVID-19 Numbers to be Released Again              

The state health department will resume releasing city-by-city numbers regarding the coronavirus. The agency stopped providing the information earlier this week, saying it was because the state's catastrophic emergency declaration had expired. Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter told health department officials that releasing the data would not violate state or federal law, as long as individuals are not identified. The community data is expected to be included when today's update is released.

 

Coronavirus Update              

There were 113 new coronavirus cases in Oklahoma in Wednesday's health department report, increasing the total number of the illnesses to 6,805.  The agency also reported two new deaths which increases the number of fatal COVID-19 cases to 341. There were 753 active cases with 136 patients currently hospitalized with the illness. Grady County now has 100 confirmed COVID-19 cases. There have been three deaths and 95 patients have recovered. Caddo County now has167 cases, there have been 10 deaths, and 134 patients have recovered.

 

Some FFA STEM Programs to Benefit from Grants

A number of FFA programs across the state will be able to bolster their STEM education activities for the next few years. The PSO Foundation is providing $200,000 in grants over the next five years, which will be awarded to FFA chapters in communities served by the utility. PSO chairman Peggy Simmons said the grants will provide FFA students with new opportunities to develop their potential for leadership and learning that is important for the future of agriculture. The newest round of grants continues a program in which the PSO Foundation provided funds to 24 FFA chapters over the last two years. Individual chapter grants will be awarded through the Oklahoma FFA Foundation. Grant applications will be available soon with recipients to be announced later this year.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $37.29 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.79.

Natural gas is $1.82 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,712 and silver is $17.98.

 

Obituary

Orena Workman

A graveside service was previously held for Orena Workman, 90, of Chickasha.  Arrangements were under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Wednesday, June 3rd

 

Peaceful Protestors March in Chickasha

While violent protests have occurred across the country after the death of George Floyd last week, there have been peaceful protests in Chickasha. Several people have been gathering at 4th and Grand Avenue the last several days waving signs and protesting racial discrimination. Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Last night, about 20 people marched along 4th Street from Grand Avenue to the downtown area and back which is about three miles. Here's one of the demonstrators-

 

              

 

The group had an escort by Chickasha police along the way, and many passers-by honked their horns in a show of support. The demonstration at 4th and Grand Avenue is expected to continue. A woman posted on social media last night that she'll be marching on Friday, June 5th and will end with a prayer vigil at 8:28 p.m. which is the time that George Floyd died.

 

Wife Arrested in Connection with Husband's Death              

A Grady County woman is behind bars accused in the shooting death of her allegedly abusive husband. 29-year old Meagan Danielle Seward is being held on a murder complaint in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred in the Bradley area over the weekend. Grady County Undersheriff Phil Blevins said authorities got a call from Seward about 5:30 a.m. Sunday. When deputies and police arrived they found the body of Bradley Seward in a bedroom but Mrs. Seward and the couple’s two-year old son were not there. Blevins said officers then-

 

              

 

Blevins said Seward's attorney contacted them on Monday and said she would turn herself in but that didn't happen. Blevins said investigators had an idea about the vehicles that Seward may be driving and she was arrested on a traffic stop in Ninnekah Monday night. Seward told authorities that she had suffered years of abuse from her husband and that he was violent toward her the morning of the shooting. While Meagan Seward is being held on a first degree murder complaint, it will be up to the district attorney to decide what, if any charges should be filed.

              

Home Burglary Suspect in Custody              

A Chickasha man is facing burglary and assault charges after allegedly breaking into his ex-girlfriend's house. 39-year old James Lewis Stewart is accused of breaking into the home, holding the woman captive, and threatening to kill her. Police were called to the home in the area of 9th and Dakota Avenue on Tuesday, May 26th to take the complaint. A probable cause affidavit filed by police alleges that Stewart held a knife to the victim's throat and cut her leg. The victim's father happened to come by at the time and Stewart ran out the back door. Police caught up with Stewart the next day after being dispatched to a pawn shop where Stewart was alleged to have been trying to sell stolen property. Stewart had left the store but police tracked him down a few blocks away. Stewart remains in jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond. He has a long list of previous encounters with police.

 

Artscope Summer Camp Will be Held              

A lot of summer camps have been canceled this year, but one popular day camp in Chickasha will be held. Registration for Artscope is underway. Artscope is hosted by the Chickasha Area Arts Council and will be held July 20th-31st. The event is normally held at USAO but with the campus closed this summer, officials were able to relocate it to the Grady County Fairgrounds Event Center. Artscope is for kids 8-12 years old and features visual arts, music, and dance. Enrollment is limited to 80 students. The cost of the camp is $195 and scholarships are available. Find applications on-line at www.chickashaarts.org and get information by sending an e-mail to artscopedirector@gmail.com

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $36.81 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.57.

Natural gas is $1.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,725 and silver is $18.23.

 

 

Tuesday, June 2nd

 

Chickasha City Councilman Calls for

Improved Race Relations in the City

Ward 3 Chickasha City Councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander says race relations in Chickasha need to get better. Ashanti-Alexander had this to say at last night's city council meeting.

 

              

 

Ashanti-Alexander presented the council and city manager information about what officials in Austin, Texas and Tacoma, Washington have done to address racial and cultural climates in their cities.

 

Supporters Rally for City Firefighters

Chickasha firefighters, family members, and supporters crowded into the Chickasha City Council chambers last night. All were calling for city officials to keep from cutting the fire department's budget. Over the last several weeks, there has been concern that City Manager John Noblitt is proposing a $1 million cut in the fire department's budget and laying off 10 firefighters, which Noblitt says is not true. Georgianne Hebblethwaite addressed the council, saying Noblitt has accused the International Assocation of Firefighters Local 2041 of being bullies and using scare tactics. She defended the firefighters, saying-

 

              

 

Noblitt said that the fire department is actually getting a budget increase next year, but that the funds are coming out of a different account.

 

              

 

Another firefighter supporter, Gina Downey, previously said Noblitt called firefighters bullies and demanded a public apology. She said she is still waiting for that apology. A public hearing on the proposed 2021 fiscal year budget for the City of Chickasha will be held next Monday night.

 

Council OKs Zoning Change, Church              

A century-old Chickasha business gets the go-ahead to continue its growth. The city council last night approved a zoning change for Ross Seed Company on property it recently acquired at 5th and Pennsylvania Avenue. Officials approved a recommendation to change the property from multi-family dwelling to light industrial use. The company plans are to build a warehouse and move the company's seed-cleaning process to that building. The council also approved a use-on-review for a church to be built in the 2900 block of Norge Highway. The panel also accepted a $30,000 grant from the federal government's CARES Act to help the Chickasha airport. City Manager John Noblitt said that the city could get some additional grant money from the federal government to help the city recover from a loss of funds due to the coronavirus.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $35.44 per barrel.

London-based crude is $38.32.

Natural gas is $1.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,750 and silver is $18.81.

 

Obituaries

Garry Givens

A graveside service for Garry Givens, 66, of Chickasha was scheduled for 1 p.m. today (Tuesday, June 2nd) at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and worked for Western Farmers Electric Coop for many years. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project in Topeka, Kansas.

Melba Brown

A graveside service for Melba Brown, 85, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3rd at the Westview Cemetery in Rush Springs. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

 

Monday, June 1st

 

Fatal Shooting is Under Investigation

Investigators with the Grady County Sheriff's Office are looking for answers after responding to a fatal shooting that occurred in the Ninnekah area this weekend. Officials have not released any details saying the incident is under investigation. Deputies were called to the home early Sunday morning. We'll report more information as it becomes available.

              

Proposed Business Expansion, Church

to be Discussed by Chix City Council              

Public hearings for a proposed zoning change and a use-on-review for a church are on the agenda for the Chickasha City Council tonight. The re-zoning proposal is for changing the zoning for property at 5th and Pennsylvania Avenue from multi-family residential use to light industrial use. Ross Seed Company wants to build a warehouse and relocate its seed-cleaning operations. The Use-on-Review for the church was submitted by Glenna Laird, who wants to build a church at 2912 Norge Highway. The area is currently zoned for residential use and churches are allowed within that zoning designation. The Planning Commission recommended that both proposals should be approved. The council will also consider accepting a $30,000 grant from the federal CARES Act to be used at the Chickasha Airport. The grant is to provide funding help to offset a decline in revenues because of diminished use of the airport in light of the coronavirus. The council is also to recognize former City Planner Gene Winsett who retired last week. Winsett spend a total of 42 years with the city including his time with the fire department. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

New Phase of Oklahoma's COVID-19 Recovery Begins

Oklahoma enters Phase 3 of the governor's economic recovery plan as the state continues to see a manageable number of coronavirus cases. Businesses can resume unrestricted staffing at their worksites but must work to observe social-distancing, and increased cleaning and disinfecting practices. Businesses which had been operating by appointment only can now accept walk-ins at their discretion. Limited visitations are allowed at hospitals at their discretion. Summer camps are allowed to open provided they follow safety guidelines. However, the Oklahoma Baptist Association previously announced that their summer camp at Falls Creek was canceled this year.

 

Coronavirus Update

There were 160 new cases of the coronavirus confirmed in Oklahoma over the weekend which puts the overall number of cases up to 6,506. There were five additional deaths increasing that total to 334. The state health department reports the number of active cases as of Sunday was 680 which was up slightly from Friday's tally. The number of patients currently hospitalized with the illness is 154. The number of those patients who have recovered from the illness is now just short of 5,500.

 

Ampo Valedictorian Picks Up Scholarship              

An Amber-Pocasset graduate has been awarded a scholarship to help with his college studies. Jackson Caves, who was the valedictorian at Ampo last month, was presented an FFA scholarship sponsored by Domino's Pizza. Caves earned his State FFA Degree, took part in public speaking competitions, and was on Ampo's livestock showing and livestock judging teams.  He also served as the chapter vice president and treasurer. Shari Logan is the Domino's franchise owner in Chickasha and said she is glad they can help local students by sponsoring scholarships to help them achieve their dreams and develop a successful career in the agriculture industry. Caves will be studying mechanical engineering.

 

Feeding Programs Begin for Chix Youth              

Summer feeding programs for Chickasha youth begin today. Both the Chickasha Library and the YMCA are working with the Regional Food Bank to distribute food over the next couple of months. The library will offer a grab-and-go food bag from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. while the YMCA program is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Both programs will be Monday through Friday and will run through July 31st. It's for all youth 18-years and younger.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $35.49 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $37.84.

Natural gas is $1.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,748 and silver is $18.66.

 

 

 

2020, May 25th-30th

Saturday, May 30th

 

Oklahoma Attorney General  Mike Hunter Says

Economic Stimulus Cards May Appear as Junk Mail

If you haven't received your economic stimulus funds from Uncle Sam take a second look at your junk mail. Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter says Visa debit cards are being mailed in unmarked envelopes and it would be easy to think its junk mail. Hunter says the pre-paid debit cards are not being sent by the IRS or the Department of Treasury but is instead being sent by a vendor. Hunter says to carefully examine your mail. The cards do have to be activated before they can be used. Hunter said anyone who may be skeptical about the card can find out if its legitimate by going to the website www.eipcard.com He also warns individuals to be wary of a potential scam involving the stimulus funds. He said do not provide bank information or other personal records to unsolicited phone calls or e-mails and to contact his Consumer Protection Unit if a scam is suspected.

 

Area DHS Offices Among Those to Close              

The Caddo, Garvin, and McClain County offices for the State Department of Human Services are among several county offices that will be closing. State DHS officials announced this week that 35 counties will no longer have brick-and-mortar offices. Other offices to close include those in Kiowa, Beckham, Washita, and Jefferson counties. DHS director Justin Brown said the office closings are in response to reduced revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year. Brown said DHS staff will be available statewide for face-to-face interactions by appointment. He said the agency's on-line portal, www.okdhslive.org has been adequate to serve as an entry point for those needing services.

              

National Guard Troops Continue Help

in Battle Against the Coronavirus              

Oklahoma National Guard troops continue to help the state deal with the coronavirus pandemic. From sanitizing nursing homes, to delivering personal protective equipment, troops are providing a lot of help to try and keep the COVID-19 virus at a manageable level. A press release from the National Guard shows that the soldiers are now involved in contact tracing, which is an attempt to reach out to individuals who have been around those who have been diagnosed with the illness. They try to keep in touch with them for the duration of the contagious period to monitor their health, and recommend resources for food and supplies if they are quarantined. Officials say trust between the guard and the community is important as many are concerned about privacy. Their mission is simply to let individuals know that they may have come in contact with an infected individual and to let them know what steps to take to minimize the spread of the illness.

 

Coronavirus Update

The number of new coronavirus cases in Oklahoma were a little higher in the state health department’s most recent report - from 41 cases on Thursday to 68 cases Friday. The overall count now is at 6,338. There were three more deaths, one in Oklahoma County and two in Tulsa County taking the total number of deaths to 329. The number of people currently in the hospital was lower, from 180 to 161. The number of active cases of coronavirus across the state fell below 700 to 669.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Our guests for the KOOL Konversation are Jane Porter and Peggy Boswell with the Grady County Senior Nutrition programs. Our guests on Real Estate Today with John Mosley are Cassandra Ersland with the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and Jim Cowan with the Economic Development Council. You can listen to these programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

 

Friday, May 29th

 

Saturday Classes OK'd for Public Schools

The state board of education has given its approval for school districts to hold Saturday classes next year. Previously, Saturday classes were not allowed under state law. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister is encouraging school districts to submit several calendars for next year should there be a resurgence of the coronavirus. Some school officials told Hofmeister that they would use Saturdays for a rotating class schedule, rather than a six-day school week. Some districts already use some form of Saturday school but it was not counted as an instructional day. While school district officials prefer to re-open normally, some are considering a schedule where fewer students would come to school on any one day - alternating between in-class and distance learning. Officials said some students struggle to learn from home because they lack the necessary technology.

 

Coronavirus Update

The growth of new COVID-19 cases has been slowing. Only 41 additional cases were confirmed by the state health department in Thursday’s daily report with the total number of cases up to 6,270. There were also four more fatal cases of the illness putting the total number of deaths at 326. The number of patients hospitalized increased and is now at 181. The number of patients who have recovered from the infection increased to more than 5,200. The number of active cases fell from 772 Wednesday to 708 on Thursday. Chickasha has had a total of 48 coronavirus cases, with three deaths and 31 patients have recovered - leaving 14 active cases. Blanchard has had a total of 21 COVID-19 cases and all but one patient have recovered. Tuttle has had 16 cases and like Blanchard, all but one patient have recovered. Anadarko has had a total of 15 cases with one death and 11 patients have recovered - leaving Anadarko with three active cases.

 

Grady County Fairgrounds Events Return;

Starting with State High School Rodeo Finals              

The Grady County Fairgrounds is hosting its first event since the coronavirus pandemic hit. The Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association is holding its state finals this weekend. The top 15 contestants in a number of events are competing and hope to qualify for the national high school rodeo in Lincoln, Nebraska this summer. Over 100 competitors are expected for the event including Briar Teague of Rattan. He talks about some of the locations for qualifying rounds this season.

 

              

 

The finals were supposed to be a six-day event, but were reduced to three because of the impact of the coronavirus. The rodeo officially kicks off at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon (Friday) and admission is free all weekend. The final performance will start at 10:00 a.m. following a morning church service.

 

Chix Chamber, EDC Meeting Set

to Support Chickasha Rodeo, Parade              

A number of events are scheduled at the fairgrounds over the next few weeks including the annual Chickasha rodeo June 26th and 27th. In an effort to support the rodeo and the rodeo parade, the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council are holding a meeting with downtown merchants next week to discuss ways to do that as well as the #shopchickasha initiative. The meeting will be Tuesday, June 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at the Chamber. All downtown merchants are invited and no RSVP is needed.

 

Library, YMCA Parter with Regional Food Bank

For Summer Feeding Program for Chickasha Youth

A summer food program for Chickasha youth will start on Monday June 1st. Both the Chickasha Library and the YMCA are teaming up with the Regional Food Bank to provide daily food for all youth who are 18 years old and younger. The library will have grab-and-go lunches from 11:00 am. to 1:00 p.m. and the YMCA program runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A youth must be present and accompanied by a parent or guardian. The meals will be available Monday through Friday through the end of July.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $33.71 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $35.29.

Natural gas is $1.83 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,739 and silver is $18.06.

 

Obituaries

Margie Henson Bird

Funeral service for Margie Henson Bird, 86, formerly of Tuttle will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 30th at First Assembly of God in Tuttle. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

Madison Carter

Funeral services for 30-year old Madison Carter are pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

 

Thursday, May 28th

 

Driver Charged with Manslaughter After Fatal Crash

Grady County prosecutors have charged a Chickasha man with felony manslaughter in connection with a weekend accident in which a woman died. 22-year old Bradley Teakell was arraigned on the charge in Grady County District Court yesterday. He was released from jail after posting a $60,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference is scheduled for July 14th. Chickasha Police say Teakell was driving a pickup that crashed and resulted in the death of 30-year old Jordan Jacobs. A second passenger in the pickup, Mary Martin, was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital to be treated for her injuries. Police also arrested Teakell on a DUI complaint, but prosecutors have not yet filed any formal alcohol-related charges in connection with the accident. While Teakell awaits his next court appearance, Jacob’s family will have a graveside service for her at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 30th at Chickasha’s Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Husband Faces Weapons Charged in Firearms Case

The suspect arrested for shooting at his wife at their Chickasha home last week is formally charged with a felony. Bryan Curtis Hassler is charged with planning or conspiring an endeavor to perform an act of violence. Police were called to the Hassler home the morning of May 21st to investigate a report of shots fired inside the home where a four-year-old and nine-year-old were sleeping. Hassler is out of jail after posting a $75,000 bond. A preliminary hearing conference in that case is also scheduled for July 14th.

 

Coronavirus Update

Another 92 cases of the COVID-19 illness and four more deaths have been added to Oklahoma's statistics. The state health department on Wednesday reported that the total number of coronavirus cases is now at 6,229 with 322 deaths. The report stated that the number of active cases dropped to 772 and that the number of patients currently hospitalized was also lower, to 156. The number of those who have recovered from the illness rose to 5,133. Grady County has a total of 83 confirmed cases where three people have died and 59 have recovered - leaving 21 active cases. Caddo County has a total of 153 cases where 10 people have died and 109 patients have recovered - leaving 34 active cases.

 

Mt. View to Gain Broadband Service

We have an update to a story we had recently about improved broadband service coming to the Carnegie area. James Powers with the Carnegie Telephone Company says the upgrade will be for residents in Mt. View. The company received a $1.2 million loan through the USDA Reconnect program. Powers says the company has participated with USDA on previous upgrades for phone and Internet service for the region. Powers says they'll begin installing about 10 miles of fiberoptic lines from Carnegie to Mt. View this summer and that it will take about a year to complete. When finished, about 550 Mt. View households will have gigabit Internet service. Powers also anticipates upgrading service to the company’s Ft. Cobb customers in the near future.

 

Grady County Oil Wells Producing Amid Downturn

A small bright spot for the energy industry as a couple of well completions are reported in Grady County. Gulfport Midcon reports the completion of two sister wells southwest of Bradley, according to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. They are the North Ryan wells in Section 32 of Township 5 North and Range 5 West in the Woodford formation. Together the wells are producing just under 1,000 barrels of oil and about 5,500 MCF of natural gas per day from a depth of about 21,000 feet.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $32.81 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $34.74.

Natural gas is $1.72 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,738 and silver is $17.86.

 

Obituaries

Anita Sparks

Graveside service Anita Sparks, 82, formerly of the Chickasha area will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 29th at the Hale Family Cemetery near Dibble. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Jordan Jacobs

Graveside service for Jordan Jacobs, 30, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 29th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

 

Wednesday, May 27th

 

Gene Winsett to Retire After Lengthy Career

He's spent part of five decades working with the City of Chickasha. City Planner Gene Winsett is retiring. Winsett has worked for the city a total of 42 years, beginning with the fire department in 1977 and has spent the last 16 years with the Community Development Department. Winsett has seen a lot of growth in the city and says among his favorite projects to see from start to finish were the additions to Chickasha Public Schools including Bill Wallace School, the Chickasha High School Activity Center and upgrades at the high school.

 

              

 

Winsett is among handful of individuals who worked for more than 40 years with the city. They include Public Works Director Larry Fuchs, Parks Director Ron Terry, City Clerk Donna Jones, and William Cliff with the water department. Winsett says he's worked for 13 city managers. A come-and-go retirement reception for Winsett will be held this Friday from 2-4 p.m. at city hall.

 

Driver Injured in Pickup Crash

A driver was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after his pick-up crashes near Marlow. 59-year old Jerry Laster of Duncan was admitted in serious condition. The accident happened just after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. Highway 81 about a half-mile south of Marlow. The highway patrol reports that Laster ran off the highway and his pickup rolled four times. He was pinned inside the wreckage for about 15 minutes. The trooper investigating the crash said that Laster may have been drinking prior to the accident.

 

Agri-Businessman Leon Poag Passes Away              

Leon Poag has died. The Poag family owned and operated grain elevators in Grady County and in Cordell for many years. Poag was 89 when he passed away at his Oklahoma City home on Sunday. His opened his first business in 1962 which was Blanchard Seed and Feed. After establishing Poag Grain, the company added Pro Ag Chem, a fertilizer operation. Poag was inducted into the Oklahoma State University Hall of Fame in 1983. Survivors include his wife Patty and son Steve and his wife Dana. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 28th at Capitol Hill Assembly of God in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Coronavirus Update

Just under 50 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Oklahoma by the state health department on Tuesday. It takes the total number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma to 6,137. There were five more fatal cases of the illness increasing the number of deaths to 318. One of those new deaths was in Chickasha - a woman between 36 and 49 years old. Now three people in Chickasha have died of the COVID-19 illness. The number of people statewide who have recovered from the illness increased to 4,823. The number of active cases was down to 996 including 174 individuals who are hospitalized. Grady County is now at 80 total confirmed cases  and 56 patients have recovered. Chickasha is now at 46 and 27 patients have recovered. Tuttle has 16 cases and all but two have recovered. Blanchard has 21 cases and all but one has recovered. Caddo County is now at 150 and there have been 10 fatal cases and 102 patients have recovered.

 

State Aeronautics Commission Offers STEM Grants

Aviation and aerospace are among the fastest growing job sectors in Oklahoma. To help teachers introduce the hi-tech programs to their students the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission offers grants each year to assist with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. Last year, the commission awarded more than $300,000 in grants which were distributed to public schools, career techs, after-school programs, higher education, and other aviation and STEM-related programs. The deadline to apply for grants is this weekend. For information, check out the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission website: www.oac.ok.gov

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $34.35 per barrel.

London-based Brent Crude is $36.17.

Natural gas is $1.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,718 and silver is $17.64.

 

Obituary

Tracy Mealer

A memorial service will be held at a later date for Tracy Mealer, 54, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, May 26th

 

Driver Arrested After Deadly Chickasha Crash

One person is in jail after a deadly crash claims the life of one person and sends another to the hospital over the weekend. Killed in the crash was 30-year old Jordan Laine Jacobs of Ninnekah. 37-year old Mary Crystal Martin of Chickasha was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where she was admitted in serious condition. As of this morning (Tuesday, May 26th) she was upgraded to fair condition. In jail is the driver of the pickup, identified as 22-year old Bradley Wayne Teakell of Chickasha. He is being held on numerous complaints including manslaughter and DUI. The crash occurred in Chickasha early Sunday morning near a railroad crossing in the 2600 block of Grand Avenue. Chickasha police said it was raining heavily and the truck was speeding and went out of control when it vaulted the railroad tracks, hit a lamp post and rolled several times. All three passengers were thrown out of the pickup, and Jacobs was pinned underneath. Teakell was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries then taken to jail. Prosecutors could file formal charges against Teakell as early as today.

 

Domestic Violence Suspect May be Arraigned

Formal charges could be filed today against a man arrested for shooting at his wife last week. 32-year old Bryan Hassler was taken into custody following a standoff with Chickasha police last Thursday morning. Investigators say Hassler had been drinking and got into an argument with his wife. It's alleged he fired a weapon at her several times and she ran from the house and hid in a neighbor’s yard where she called 9-1-1. There were two small children in the house however they were not injured. Hassler surrendered about three hours into the standoff.

 

City Council to Hold Work Session on 2021 Budget

The 2021 fiscal year budget for the City of Chickasha is the subject of a special work session to be held by the Chickasha City Council tonight. No formal action will be taken. The general public will have an opportunity to discuss the spending plan during a public hearing on the budget during next week's regular city council meeting which is set for Monday, June 1st. Today’s work session will be held at city hall starting at 5:30 p.m.

 

Coronavirus Update

There have been fewer numbers of new confirmed coronavirus cases in Oklahoma over the last few days. Still, the number of cases has grown to 6,090 as of yesterday. The number of deaths is now up to 313. The number of active COVID-19 cases is at 1,063. The state health department reports 4,714 people have recovered from the illness. In area counties, Grady County has a total of 79 where there have been three deaths, while 54 people have recovered. Caddo County has had 146 COVID-19 cases with 10 deaths and 102 patients have recovered. McClain County has 98 cases with two deaths and 83 patients have recovered. Stephens County is at 37 cases where there has been one death and 22 people have recovered. Checking numbers for cities in the region - Chickasha has 46 total cases; Blanchard has 21; and Tuttle and Anadarko both have 15 coronavirus cases.

 

Ag Producers Begin CFAP Sign Up

Today is the first day that agriculture producers can sign up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Officials say Farm Service Agencies are going to be overwhelmed by producers wanting appointments and FSA employees should be given some slack as they work to get producers enrolled. Dr. Amy Hagerman is the Ag Policy Specialist at Oklahoma State. She tells farm broadcaster Ron Hays that producers can go on-line to enroll.

 

              

 

The website is www.farmers.gov/cfap     Producers have 60 days to enroll in the program. There are webinars scheduled at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. today and producers will have to register in advance to participate.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $33.25 per barrel.

London-based Brent Crude is $35.13.

Natural gas is $1.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,740 and silver is $17.83.

 

 

Monday, May 25, 2020

No news due to the Memorial Day holiday.

 

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