Saturday, September 26th

 

Stolen Welding Trailer Recovered; Suspects Being Sought              

A custom-made welding trailer reported stolen from a rural Grady County home this week has been found and the owner is grateful. Glen McNatt called KOOL/RANCH News Friday to tell us that the trailer had a lot of sentimental value, because it was one of the last projects that he and his late father had worked on. McNatt was offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for taking the trailer from his mother's home near Ninnekah late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. He had called the Grady County Sheriff's office to report the crime. McNatt says he got some good news late Friday as the trailer was found at a pawn shop in Newcastle. He says that the McClain County Sheriff's Office is now helping with the investigation as the suspect or suspects have not yet been located.

 

Chix Police Investigate Reported Stabbing; Stolen Vehicle              

A reported hit-and-run and stabbing is under investigation by Chickasha police. No details are available but the police blotter indicates that officers were summoned to the Regency Inn in the 700 block of South 4th Street about 11:00 p.m. Wednesday. One person was taken to the hospital for treatment but it wasn't reported how serious the injuries were or if the victim was admitted. The report indicated there was more than one suspect that fled the area. Police are also looking into a report of a vehicle stolen from a convenience store. This happened about 6:00 a.m. Thursday at the Bronco Corner at 4th and Country Club Road. Police say the victim had left the vehicle running when he went inside. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call police or Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS. Tips may also be given anonymously on the Chickasha and Grady County Crimestoppers Facebook page.

 

Sheriff's Office Updates Warrant List

The Grady County Sheriff's office has issued a list of individuals who have outstanding warrants. Here's Public information Officer Lisa Hatchett-

 

              

 

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

 

Obituary

Glenn Rooker

A graveside service for Glenn Rooker, 90, of Tuttle will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 28^th  at Tuttle’s Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuttle American Legion Post.

 

 

Friday, September 25th

 

Coronavirus Cases Continue Climb;

City Councilman Calls for Mask Ordinance

Grady County now has surpassed 1,000 positive coronavirus tests and there has been a rapid rise over the last couple of weeks. The State Health Department placed Grady County in the Orange category which means that individuals are at a moderate risk of contracting COVID-19. Many area counties are also in the Orange category including Caddo, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, and Oklahoma counties. Chickasha schools are also dealing with an increase in the number of students and staff who have tested positive. The district has postponed tonight's home football game with Weatherford because four coaches have tested positive including head coach Jerry Don Bray. At least one high school football player tested positive earlier this week and several players he was in contact with were quarantined. In Thursday’s report from the State Health Department, the City of Chickasha has had 531 positive coronavirus tests. Of those, 365 have recovered, there are 160 active cases, and there have been six people who have died from the illness. The recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Chickasha has one city councilman calling for a city-wide mask ordinance. Ward Three Councilman R.P. Ashanti-Alexander brought it up at this week's city council meeting. Mayor Chris Mosley said there are issues with enforcing such an ordinance-

 

              

 

Ashanti-Alexander said the city has an obligation to do what it can to minimize community spread and that the penalty for not wearing a mask wouldn't have to be excessive-

 

             

 

The council may discuss a city-wide mask ordinance at its Oct. 5^th meeting.

 

Junior Social Workers Host Annual Spaghetti Day

Spaghetti Day is here! Chickasha's Junior Social Workers are cooking up several hundred pounds of spaghetti and gallons and gallons of spaghetti sauce for the event. All the funds raised benefit a number of local charities. There are drive-through and delivery services only at the Grady County Fairgrounds with two serving times, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for kids.

 

Blanchard to Host Mufflers on Main

A big past time of years gone by was to go cruisin' on a Saturday night. The City of Blanchard will bring that tradition back with its annual Mufflers on Main event all day tomorrow. It features one of the largest car and truck shows in the region with dozens of trophies to be awarded and a $500 cash prize to the best in show. There will be live music and food trucks and admission is free. Mufflers on Main is from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. tomorrow in Blanchard.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Katie Davis with USAO will be on the KOOL Konversation discussing the current Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series. We have a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $40.31 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.94.

Natural gas is $2.25 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,867 and silver is $23.06.

 

 

Thursday, Sepember 24th

 

Man Arrested for Alledged Rape of a 12-year-old Girl

Grady County deputies arrested a man who had a warrant for his arrest for allegedly raping a 12-year old girl. 22-year old Dylan Kyle Miller was taken into custody at his Bridge Creek area home Tuesday afternoon. The warrant was issued out of Oklahoma County earlier this year. Oklahoma City Police Master Sergeant Gary Knight tells how and when their investigation began-

 

              

 

Knight said the 12-year old had indicated that she and Miller were in a relationship. Knight said that even if the relationship was consensual it is against the law for an adult to have sex with a child that young. Miller was taken to the Grady County Jail where he remains as of this morning.

 

Ninnekah Native Dies in Plane Crash

A former Ninnekah resident has died in a plane crash while helping fight wildfires in Idaho. Ricky Fulton was working as a contractor for the Bureau of Land Management at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. Fulton graduated from Ninnekah High School in 1980. Reports from The Oregonian indicate that Fulton was flying a T-857 single-engine air tanker when it crashed Tuesday night. The cause of the crash has not been determined. The Department of the Interior Office of Aviation Services, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.

 

Women Pilots Group Continues Airport Upgrades

A group of pilots that made some upgrades at the Chickasha Municipal Airport last year have made some similar improvements at the Duncan airport. The Oklahoma 99s, an international organization of women pilots, spent part of last weekend painting special landmarks and what's known as a compass rose on the airport’s runway and taxiway. The Duncan Banner reports that there were 42 volunteers including 13 members of the 99s. The pilots also painted similar markings at the Hinton Municipal Airport.

 

Gas-Powered Vehicles to be Outlawed in California?

Movies like American Graffiti spotlighted muscle cars and other gas-guzzling vehicles on the west coast. But the sale of those classics and others that use fossil fuels are apparently going to be illegal to sell in California by the middle of the next decade-

 

              

 

That’s Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

 

Utitlity Panel Seeks Comment on Future Energy Resources

Speaking of the Corporation Commission, the group is working on the future development of energy resources in Oklahoma and is asking for public input regarding electrical re-structuring. Brandon Wreath is the director of the commission's Public Utility Division. He said the project was a last-minute addition after a 2019 town hall meeting. The original town hall resulted in the agency opening a Notice of Inquiry that included battery storage; renewable natural gas and related infra-structure; electric and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles; statewide utility rate transparency and reporting; and  increased bill information. Public comments will be welcomed past the original submission date of Oct. 19th. The group hopes to make a presentation to state lawmakers next year.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.93 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.77.

Natural gas is $2.12 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,856 and silver is $22.31.

 

Obituary

Troy Maloney, Jr.

Funeral service for Troy Maloney, Jr., 71, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served a tour in Korea during the Vietnam War, and worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Oklahoma City for 40 years. Masks and social distancing will be required before and during the service.

 

 

Wednesday, September 23rd

 

Grady County Sees Big Drop in Economy From Last Year

Many sectors of the Grady County economy were doing quite well a year ago, when the energy sector was booming and the world was not impacted by the coronavirus. Recent figures for consumer spending and sales tax revenue reflect the changing times. For Grady County, sales tax collections for last month totaled $414,000. That's about one-third of the total from August of 2019 when tax collections were nearly $1.1 million. Those sales tax numbers represent consumer spending from June. Consumer spending across the county in June this year was estimated at $55 million. That compares to more than $155 million from June of 2019. Here's where the $414,000 in county sales tax collections were distributed last month. $138,000 went to the county fairgrounds; $122,000 was issued to Grady Memorial Hospital; nearly $10,000 was provided to each of the seven senior nutrition centers; about $3,500 went to each of the 20 fire districts; almost $13,000 went to Tuttle Emergency Medical Services; and nearly $3,000 was provided to the Rush Springs EMS.

 

COVID-19 Cases Continue Climb              

Another Chickasha resident has died from the coronavirus. A woman in the 65 years and older category has died from the illness putting Chickasha's death toll from the infection at six. She is the fourth person to die in Grady County from COVID-19 in the last week. There have now been 11 deaths in Grady County. In addition to the six in Chickasha there have been four in Tuttle and one in Blanchard. Yesterday's update from the state health department shows there are now 312 active cases in Grady County with 174 in Chickasha. There are 85 in Blanchard and 45 in Tuttle. In Caddo County there are 104 active cases with 43 of them in Anadarko. Across the state 628 people are hospitalized out of the more than 12,600 active cases.

 

Prayer Service Set for Human Trafficking Victims, Survivors

A southwest Oklahoma group dedicated to stopping human trafficking will gather to pray for victims and survivors. The Red Cord will meet in Medicine Park on Friday night for an event called Stop the Traffic NOW (NOW is an acronym for Night of Worship). Organizers are encouraging individuals to fight trafficking which targets children and communities. The event will get underway at 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 25^th on the main stage at Medicine Park. Recent news reports show that Oklahoma is among 34 states chosen to get a federal grant to aid sex trafficking survivors. Oklahoma will get $500,000 to help survivors with temporary housing, work programs, and other needs. The Red Cord is a non-profit group based in Lawton. For information visit the website: www.theredcord.org or see the group's Facebook page.

 

Arts Festivals Set for Chickasha in October            

Oklahomans looking for activities in the first couple of weeks of October will want to include Chickasha in their plans. October 2^nd-4th is the 12th annual Rock Island Arts Festival. The Chickasha Area Arts Council has a waiting list of artisans who want to take part, since many similar festivals have been canceled this summer because of the pandemic. The event includes the third annual Oklahoma Food Truck Championship and the Rock Island Ride bicycle tour. For information visit the website: www.rockislandartsfestival.org The following weekend on Saturday, October 10^th will be a relatively new fall festival hosted by the Bullock Memorial Center. Organizers are looking for vendors to bring arts and crafts and items for sale, and the Grady County Sheriff's Office will have a touch-a-truck event. By the way, the event will be held after the OU-Texas Football game from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Bullock Memorial Center was named for Dr. William Bullock, one of Chickasha's first surgeons and family physicians. He was a leader in working to improve race relations in the city. The center is located at 917 S. 1st Street.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil is $39.60 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.72.

Natural gas is $1.83 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,893 and silver is $23.69.

 

Obituaries

Michael Reynolds

Funeral service for Michael Reynolds, 63, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Lois Farmer

A memorial service for Lois Farmer, 89, of Minco will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26th at Union City Baptist Church.

 

 

Tuesday, September 22nd

 

Chix City Council Gets Update on Water Woes

The poor quality of Chickasha's drinking water was discussed at length during last night's city council meeting. Parts of the city have dirty and foul-smelling and tasting water which were first noticed over the Labor Day weekend. City Manager John Noblitt said the contractor that runs the water treatment plant has been working to fix the problem. Noblitt tried to explain the challenges the contractor is facing.

 

              

 

While the water looks, smells, and tastes bad Noblitt said officials from the State Department of Environmental Quality said it is not a safety concern and even the Federal Environmental Protection Agency has given it a - quote - clean bill of health. Noblitt said residents are urged to report problems by going to the city’s website – www.chickasha.org – and use the Request Tracker link to do so. He said residents could also call city hall to report issues at 405-222-6045.

 

Council OK's Sale of Grand Lake Properties              

The city council approved the sale of two lots the city owns at Grand Lake. The two lots sold for a combined $88,000. The lots were among six parcels of property the city obtained after a Tulsa company defaulted on $250,000 of the city's economic development funds which supposed to be used to move that company to Chickasha but the move never took place. So far, the city has been able to sell three lots for a total of $123,000 to recoup about half of those economic development funds. The city has hired a Realtor in the area to help sell the other three properties.

 

One Hospitalized After Turnpike Crash

A crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike sends one driver to the hospital with head injuries. 65-year old David Matthews of Purcell was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was admitted in fair condition. The accident happened just before 9:00 p.m. Monday near Mile Marker 77 just southwest of Chickasha. The highway patrol reports that two vehicles were eastbound on the interstate, when Matthews abruptly hit his brakes. A car behind him driven by 27-year old Jordan Robinson of Moore was following too close and rear-ended Matthews. Robinson was not hurt.

 

Fire Destroys Chickasha Restaurant

A Chickasha restaurant was virtually destroyed in a Sunday night fire. The fire gutted Sam's Southern Eatery near 4^th Street and Missouri Avenue. The fire broke out about 8:30 p.m. after the restaurant had closed. Interim Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego says the fire, smoke, and water damage is upwards of $300,000. Fire crews spent about three hours at the scene. Samaniego said they were able to determine the fire started in the kitchen area and that the cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

Woman and Her Mom Come Home to Find House on Fire

Chickasha fire crews also battled a house fire early Monday morning. The fire occurred in the neighborhood of 15th Street and Idaho Avenue. A woman and her mother came home about 1:30 a.m. and saw smoke coming from the home. Samaniego said fire crews were able to contain the fire to a bedroom where it started. The fire threatened nearby homes but fire crews were able to keep them from being damaged. Crews were on the scene of that fire for about two hours. Estimated damage to the one story home is about $10,000. The cause of that fire is also under investigation.

 

Bull Rider Dies from Fatal Rodeo Injury

A 20-year old Stephens County bull rider has died following a recent rodeo in Texas. Rowdy Swanson suffered fatal injuries at a PRCA event in Mineral Wells, Texas. KSWO-TV reports Swanson excelled as a student at Empire High School and was the president of the FFA his senior year. He had also received a state FFA degree and had gone to Oklahoma State University to be part of the rodeo program there. Empire schools honored Swanson before their football game with Grandfield last Friday. Swanson's funeral will be held tomorrow.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.31 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.44.

Natural gas is $1.83 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,909 and silver is $24.32.

 

 

Monday, September 21st

 

Chix City Council Returns to City Hall for Meeting

The Chickasha City Council meets at city hall for a formal meeting tonight for the first time since July. The panel has been meeting virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group will consider accepting a nearly $12,000 coronavirus emergency supplemental funding grant. The funds are to be used for personal protective equipment such as infra-red thermometers and hand-held portable radios for the police department. As part of a consent docket, the council is expected to accept an agreement with the Festival of Light for the upcoming season. The panel will discuss the potential sale of two more lots the city owns at the Grand Lake resort. Also on the agenda is the discussion of awarding another $40,000 in economic development funds to The Great Plains Land and Cattle Company for its renovation work on a commercial building near 4th Street and Kansas Avenue. The council will also consider a request to exempt churches, schools, and qualified non-profit groups from the city's temporary sign regulations. Also to be discussed is allowing the sale and consumption of beer and wine at the Rock Island Arts Festival which is set for Oct. 2^nd-4^th. The council will meet at city hall tonight at 6:30 p.m.

 

Fire, Smoke Damage Alex Home

Volunteer firefighters from four departments were summoned to a house fire in Alex last night. 22 firefighters and nine trucks from the Alex, Bradley, Ninnekah, and Naples departments were dispatched to 302 West B Street about 7:00 p.m.  The owners and occupants were not home when the fire started. Officials say it appeared the fire had been smoldering for some time before it was reported as there was smoke damage throughout the home. The preliminary investigation indicates the fire was caused by an electrical problem with the window air conditioner. The damage estimate is $28,000.

 

Kiowa Tribe Legislative Speaker Dies from COVID-19              

One of the leaders of the Kiowa Tribe's legislative branch has died from the coronavirus. The Lawton Constitution reports that Angela Chaddlesone-McCarthy, who represented District One and served as the speaker of the tribe's legislature, had spent more than a month in intensive care at an Oklahoma City hospital. She was 49. While the legislative branch has been in a legal battle with Tribal Chairman Matt Komalty over the last few months, Komalty praised Chaddleson-McCarthy's dedication to the tribe. In a statement, Komalty said “her passion for her people and love for the tribe will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.” The funeral for Angela Chaddlesone-McCarthy will be at Indian City, USA in Anadarko tomorrow afternoon. Gates will open at 1:00 p.m. with a celebration of life starting at 2:00 p.m.. All who attend are asked to bring chairs, wear masks, and respect social distancing protocols.

 

Radio Station Blood Drives Set Today, Next Monday              

The Oklahoma Blood Institute continues to put the call out for blood donations. KOOL 105.5 and The Ranch radio stations are co-sponsoring today's drive at the YMCA parking lot across the street from the radio stations at 7th and Chickasha Ave. The bloodmobile will be here from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It's part of the OBI's Bedlam blood drive so donors can get their choice of an OSU or OU blood drive t-shirt. Plus, all donations will be tested for coronavirus anti-bodies. If you are unable to donate today the radio stations will host another blood drive next Monday. Call 405-224-1560 and ask for George.

 

Salvation Army Seeks Angel-to-Angel Applicants              

The Salvation Army is now taking applications from families that would like to take part in the annual Angel to Angel program. The program provides Christmas presents for needy children during the upcoming holidays. The Salvation Army serves both the Grady and Caddo County areas. For applications contact the Salvation Army by calling 405-224-5647.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $41.11 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $43.30.

Natural gas is $2.05 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,936 and silver is $26.39.

 

Obituary

Walter Ferrell

A graveside service for Water Ferrell, 70, of Amber will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 23^rd at the Amber Cemetery. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

 

Saturday, September 19th

 

Regional Counties Downgraded in COVID-19 Alert System

The number of new coronavirus cases continues climbing at an alarming rate in Oklahoma. 11 new counties have been downgraded to the Orange level on the state health department's COVID-19 Alert System including Grady, Garvin, and Stephens counties. The Orange level indicates a moderate risk of becoming ill with COVID-19. Caddo, McLain, Cleveland, and Oklahoma counties were already considered Orange counties. Comanche and Canadian counties are Yellow which are considered to be low-risk areas for getting the infection. In Chickasha, there were 17 more active cases of the virus from Thursday to Friday, up to 159. Throughout Grady County, the number of active cases climbed from 219 to 245. There were also two more deaths in the county from the illness - two men in the Tuttle area in the 65-and-older category. Now 10 people in Grady County have died from the illness. Blanchard has 53 active cases while Tuttle has 48. Anadarko has 40 active cases while all of Caddo County has 85. Grady Memorial Hospital administrator Kean Spellman says the hospital is working with high-risk areas to try to minimize community spread.        

 

              

 

Spellman encourages everyone to wear masks, wash hands, and social distance to limit the number of new cases.

 

Drilling Permits Approved in the SCOOP

As the price for West Texas Intermediate crude oil has slowly returned to the $40 per barrel mark, some energy companies are filing more permits to drill - with a number of them in the SCOOP play. Continental Resources filed permits with the Corporation Commission to drill four wells in Grady County. There will be two locations for the Goff wells southeast of Rush Springs. One site is in Section 15 of Township 3 North and Range 5 West. The other is in Section 3 of Township 3 North and Range 5 West. Lynx Oklahoma Operating company received a permit to drill in Caddo County, northwest of Binger in Section 21 of Township Range 10 North and Range 11 West. Lance Ruffel Oil and Gas Company of Oklahoma City received a permit to drill northwest of Lindsay in McClain County in Section 15 of Township 5 North and Range 4 West.

 

Refuge to Take Part in Bison Management Program              

A new approach to managing the bison population at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has led to the end of the annual bison hunt. Deputy Refuge Manager Amber Zimmerman says they have joined a program called the Bison Conservation Initiative, a 10-year program to work on focusing on the genetics of the herd. Zimmerman tells KSWO-TV that the herd at the refuge has grown substantially after it had diminished to just 15 animals. She said the initiative put forth by the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management should help with in-breeding issues within the herd. There are also problems with the bison cross-breeding with livestock.

 

Sheriff's Office Warrant List

The Grady County Sheriff's Office has updated its 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.

 

Obituary

Julie Largent

Funeral service for Julie Largent, 53, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 21st at First Assembly of God. Those attending the serve are asked to wear masks. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

High School Football scores

Anadarko 36, Chickasha 19

Bixby JV 29, Blanchard 13

Apache 43, Rush Springs 15

Bridge Creek 27, Lexington 12

Cyril 64, Temple 14

Davenport 66, Alex 50

Elmore City 49, Carnegie 7

Pauls Valley 26, Lindsay 12

Fox 42, Bray-Doyle 24

Central HIgh 50, Ryan 14

Mt. View-Gotebo 52, Geary 6

 

Thursday

Minco 27, Watonga 20

 

 

Friday, September 18^th

 

Chickasha A Hotspot for COVID-19

Coronavirus cases have increased dramatically in Chickasha in the last week. There were 56 active cases a week ago and records from the State Health Department yesterday now show 142 active cases. There was also one more resident who has died from the illness - a woman in the 65-years-and-older category. There have now been five deaths in Chickasha and eight fatal cases throughout Grady County. As of yesterday, Grady County has had a total of 783 people test positive which is an increase of more than 30 percent in a week. Grady Memorial Hospital Administrator Kean Spellman is encouraging residents to protect themselves and others from community spread-

 

              

 

Spellman said that fortunately the hospital has not had a lot of patients hospitalized with the illness. The hospital has nine rooms in ICU set aside for COVID patients. As far as the number of people who have recovered from the illness, there have been 269 in Chickasha and 556 in the county who have recovered.

 

Chix  City Council to Return to City Hall for Meeting

The Chickasha City Council will meet in the city council chambers on Monday night. The panel has been meeting virtually over the last three months. The group will discuss the potential sale of two more lots the city owns at the Grand Lake resort. The proposed prices are $55,000 and $33,000. Earlier this month a lot was sold for $40,000. The group is also to discuss awarding another $40,000 in economic development funds to Mark McPherson with the Great Plains Land and Cattle Company for its renovation work on a commercial building on South 4th Street. The group will also consider a request to exempt churches, schools, and qualified non-profit groups from the city's temporary sign regulations. Also to be discussed is allowing the sale and consumption of beer and wine at the upcoming Rock Island Arts Festival. The council will meet at city hall Monday, September 21^st at 6:30 p.m..

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Grady County Election Board Secretary Katrina Hughes will be on our KOOL Konversation. There is a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $40.97 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $43.30.

Natural gas is $2.04 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,962 and silver is $27.38.

 

 

Thursday, September 17th

 

Active COVID-19 Cases Spike in Chickasha

The number of active cases for the coronavirus in Chickasha has more than doubled over the last week. There were 56 active cases last Thursday and in yesterday's report from the state health department there were 123 active cases. While Grady County is under a Yellow advisory (meaning there is a low-risk for contracting the illness), Chickasha schools went to an Orange level protocol earlier this week after sending a number of students home to quarantine. School officials say just because a student is quarantined does not mean they actually have the illness. Chickasha is nearing 400 positive coronavirus tests since March. There have been four deaths and the number of those who have recovered from the illness is 266. In other area communities, Blanchard has 52 active cases; Anadarko has 38; Tuttle has 27; Newcastle has 24; and Lindsay has 12. In the county numbers, Grady County has nearly 200 active cases and Caddo County has 84 active cases.

 

Election Boards Seek Precinct Workers

County election boards are looking for precinct workers for the Nov. 3rd presidential election. Grady County Election Board Secretary Katrina Hughes says many current precinct workers are older residents who are deciding to sit this one out because of coronavirus concerns. Hughes said more than 22,000 county voters cast ballots in the 2016 presidential election. Hughes says the hours are long but there has been a pay hike.

 

              

 

Qualifications are to be a registered voter and pass a background check. Individuals also have to watch a 90-minute training video. Precinct officials do have to spend all day at the precinct, from about 6:30 in the morning until 7:30 p.m. or later. She also said election boards are currently accepting applications for absentee ballots. Applications can be found on the state election board website: www.elections.ok.us

 

CDL Expiration Dates Extended

If you have a commercial driver's license, here's some good news. The State Department of Public Safety is extending the expiration date of all CDLs, Commercial Learner Permits, and Federal Department of Transportation Medical Certifications that expired on or after March 1^st of this year. The extension is through the end of the year. A press release from the Department of Public Safety indicates that the decision was made after the Federal Motor Carrier Association granted a similar extension to give drivers extra time to get their licenses and cards renewed. Drivers can renew their licenses on-line, by going to the website: www.ok.dot.gov/dps

 Users will have to create an account and the previous renewal must have been made in person. The only exceptions are those who are active duty or civilian contractors with the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and dependents. Class A and B CDL renewals are about $59. Class C CDL renewal is about $50. Replacement cost for any CDS is about $26.

 

Ride a Bike To the Library Day is Next Week              

The Chickasha Public Library is encouraging individuals to get a little exercise during an upcoming visit. Thursday, September 24^th is Ride Your Bike to the Library Day. Library employees will be on the front lawn and will help individuals check out books and patrons can enter a drawing to win a free book. There will also be information about the library's zoom classes for healthy living and upcoming virtual activities for kids. The Friends of the Library will also be on hand with used books for sale and drawings for free books. Chickasha police officers will be on hand with bike safety classes in the parking lot of the First Presbyterian Church across the street. Ride your bike to the Library Day is next Thursday, Sept. 24th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $40.16 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $42.22.

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,946 and silver is $26.96.

 

Obituary

Willie Mills

A graveside service for Willie Mills, 77, of Alex will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19^th at the Dibble Cemetery. The family asks those who attend to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

 

 

Wednesday, September 16th

 

Improvements to be Made on Old Highway 81

Motorists who use Old Highway 81 between Chickasha and Ninnekah will be happy to know that some upgrades are coming next year. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission signed off on the project in a preliminary bid opening at its meeting earlier this month. It's a nearly $10 million project to widen the highway. Cole VonFeldt is the assistant construction engineer for the ODOT Division 7 Office in Duncan -

 

              

 

The project also includes new bridges on Dell Street going into Ninnekah and improvements to the county road that runs from the junction of U.S. Highways 81 and 277 east to Old Highway 81. The project was award to Sewell Brothers out of Oklahoma City. The right-of-way has already been purchased and utilities have been re-located. The work is expected to begin after the first of the year and the anticipated end date being in the spring of 2022.

 

Hospital, 5 Oaks Offer Drive-Thru Flu Shots

Medical authorities are already promoting flu shots for the flu season which officially began the first of this month. Grady Memorial Hospital and the Five Oaks Medical Group will hold a Drive Thru to Fight Flu drive today and tomorrow, offering flu shots to adults. Julie Austin is the assistant director for the Five Oaks Clinic-

 

              

 

You may be asked to show your ID and you can help by wearing a short-sleeved shirt. The Drive Through to Fight the Flu event is from 8 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow at the Five Oaks Medical Clinic next to Grady Memorial Hospital.

 

Memorial Service for Postal Worker is Friday

A memorial service has been set for the postal worker who died in a traffic accident this past weekend. The service for 21-year old Taylor Streber will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 18th at the Tuttle Methodist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.  A memorial fund has been established in Taylor's name at Sooner State Bank.

 

Chix Chamber Schedules Clean-up Day

A fall campaign to spruce up the City of Chickasha is being organized by the Chamber of Commerce. The theme for the event is “Love Where You Live”. Volunteers will work with a number of groups and non-profit agencies. Projects will include landscaping, painting, and other beautification and clean-up efforts. The one-day event will take place on Friday, Sept. 25th. All who participate will get a free t-shirt provided by the First National Bank and Public Service Company of Oklahoma as long as they are registered by next Monday, Sept. 21st. Free breakfast will provided by Alexander Eats at 7:30 a.m. with the work day going from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will also get a free ticket to the Junior Social Workers Spaghetti Day fundraiser being held the same day. Sign up on-line at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce website:

www.chickashachamber.com

 

Guitarist Edgar Cruz to Open USAO Arts Series

The USAO Davis Waldorf Performing Arts Series opens tomorrow night with a virtual performance from Oklahoma City guitarist Edgar Cruz. All the concerts will be held virtually this year and they are free, however individuals must subscribe to get information and access codes for each performance. Go on-line to: www.usao.edu/dwpas

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.28 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $40.53.

Natural gas is $2.36 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,975 and silver is $27.60.

 

Obituary

Rev. Francis White

A graveside service for Rev. Francis White, 94, formerly Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Children's Home. Rev. White was a U.S.  Navy veteran.

 

 

Tuesday, September 15th

 

Masks Now Required for Chickasha Schools

An increasing number of students in Chickasha Public Schools being quarantined due to exposure to the coronavirus has the district moving from a Yellow to an Orange level status. That means that all students in grades 5-12 and all school personnel will be required to wear masks. Pre-K through 4^th grade students will not be required to wear masks but are strongly encouraged to do so. The news was posted on the school district's Facebook page last night. The statement says while there has been an increase in the number of students quarantined, it does not mean those students have tested positive. The statement reads that guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, the Grady County Health Department, and the State Department of Education requires school districts to quarantine students when they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The post states that the downgrade to the Orange level is not taken lightly, and that it is the district's goal to assist the community in preventing further spread or exposure to the illness.

 

General Obligation Bonds May Be Needed

to Address City of Chickasha Budget Issues              

As we reported last week, Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt says the city is facing financial problems in the next couple of years. He said the city council faces some difficult decisions and that staff layoffs are not out of the question. Noblitt said one issue up for discussion is calling for a special election to issue general obligation bonds which, if passed, would increase property taxes.

 

 

Noblitt and the city council are expected to hold a number of work sessions over the next few months to come up with solutions to deal with the city's financial problems.

 

September Chix Sales Tax Revenues Down from 2019

Chickasha's sales tax revenues are showing a decline from the same time a year ago. Collections for September are down 15 percent to $986,000 - a drop of more than $171,000 from September of 2019. In September of last year, the city’s sales tax revenues were more than $1.1 million. This month's sales tax revenues were a bit higher than last month as collections were up about 1.5 percent ($970,000 for August 2020). Use tax collections - those paid on Internet purchases - were $89,000 this month. That's down from $107,000 last month but up from $88,000 in September of 2019.

              

Driver Arrested After Chix Police Pursuit

A weekend pursuit by Chickasha police led to the arrest of a driver. There aren't a lot of details available, but the Chickasha police blotter indicates it happened before noonn Saturday. An officer attempted to make a traffic stop when the driver sped away. Lantone Garret was arrested on complaints of attempting to elude while endangering others, failure to stop at a stop sign, improper turn, and having defective equipment. Prosecutors have charged the 42-year old Garrett with a felony for endangering others while eluding.

 

JSW Spaghetti Day to be Drive-Thru, Delivery Only              

Officials with Junior Social Workers say the coronavirus is forcing some changes to their upcoming Spaghetti Day fundraiser. Spaghetti Day will go on however there will be no inside dining. Only drive-through service will be available and orders of two or more dinners can be delivered. Spaghetti Day is set for Friday, Sept. 25th at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Visit the Junior Social Workers Facebook page for ticket information and other details.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $37.24 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.61.

Natural gas is $2.31 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,975 and silver is $27.64.

 

Obituaries

Helen Loveless

A graveside service for Helen Loveless, 97, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 18th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Chickasha.

Seth Hutchison

No services are scheduled for Seth Hutchison, 28, of Tuttle. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

 

Monday, September 14th

 

Weekend Crashes Claim Three Lives

Three people died on area roadways over the weekend. One crash claimed the life of a postal worker in Chickasha. Chickasha police report that 21-year old Taylor Struber of Tuttle died when the mail delivery truck she was driving veered off U.S. Highway 62 and hit a support beam under the overpass of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike at Mile Marker 83. The accident happened just after 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning. One person died and another was hospitalized when two SUVs collided last night on State Highway 4 between Tuttle and Mustang. That crash is still under investigation. And a fatal motorcycle accident happened south of Marlow on U.S. Highway 81 just before noon Saturday. The Highway Patrol reports that 78-year old Billy Speiler of Texas died as he was riding with a group of motorcycle riders. The group had slowed but Spieler did not realize it right away. After Spieler applied his brakes the motorcycle slid on the highway then flipped.

 

Back the Blue Walk Draws Large Group

About 200 people took part in Chickasha's Back the Blue walk and rally that was held this past Saturday. Organized by Grady County Deputy Sheriff Shane Melton, supporters walked from the Grady County Fairgrounds to the Chickasha Sports Complex. Melton said it was his way to recognized and honor those who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve the public.

 

              

 

District Attorney Jason Hicks and Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir were among the speakers at the rally.

 

Area State Lawmakers Discuss Funding

for Municipal Road and Bridge Repairs              

State lawmakers in the region reach across the aisle for an interim study to help communities deal with road repairs in light of the huge downturn in the energy industry. Democratic State Representative David Perryman of Chickasha, along with Republicans Brad Boles of Marlow, Cynthia Roe of Lindsay, and Sherrie Conley of Newcastle led the discussion on possible funding options without tax increases. Representatives from several municipalities as well as the energy industry took part in the study. Boles said that cities don't have the budgets to continually repair roads and bridges that were not designed to handle heavy oilfield traffic. Boles said they are discussing some changes that would use some proceeds from the state's Gross Production Tax to repair those damaged roads and bridges.

 

Energy and Metals              

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $37.33 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.83.

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,951 and silver is $27.02.

 

Obituaries

Quannah Jo Sanders

Graveside service for Quannah Jo Sanders, 73, of Chickasha will be at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 15th at Celestial Gardens Cemetery in Cyril. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Balbina Knight

A memorial service will be held at a later date for Balbina Knight, 44, of Cement. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

 

Saturday, September 12th

 

Sheriff's Office Updates Warrant List

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

 

               

 

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

 

OU Football Opens Season Tonight

The Oklahoma Sooners open the 2020 season at home this evening against Missouri State. Game time at Owen Field is 6 pm and the game is available on pay per view at soonersports.com or through your local cable system. Freshman Spencer Rattler will make his first career start at quarterback. This will be the Sooners only non-conference game.  They will then have a week off before opening Big 12 conference play at home against Kansas St. at 11 a.m. on Sept. 26 in a game that will be televised by Fox. Oklahoma State has pushed their season opener to next Saturday at 11 a.m. against Tulsa.

 

 

Friday, September 11th

 

Back the Blue Walk is Saturday

Supporters of law enforcement personnel are encouraged to take part in a Back the Blue Walk that will be held tomorrow. Grady County Deputy Sheriff Shayne Melton has organized the walk. Also a former Chickasha police officer, Melton is asking participants to wear blue and get creative with their signs of support. Melton said the walk is a message that law enforcement will always continue to support, protect, and defend the communities they love against all odds - and that they are loved by their communities. The walk is open to all active, retired, and former law enforcement officers; current and retired military and spouses; veterans groups; fire and EMS personnel; any community organization or church; and motorcycle and car clubs. It will be about a two mile walk, from the Grady County Fairgrounds to the Chickasha Sports Complex. The group will begin gathering at the fairgrounds at 9:30 a.m. with the walk beginning at 10:30 a.m. The route will run east from the fairgrounds on U.S. Highway 62, then south on the Grand Avenue Extension to the sports complex. For those participating in the walk, a bus will be at the sports complex to take them back to the Fairgrounds. Supporters who may be unable to walk may line the route and also bring signs and wave flags. Face masks and social distancing measures are encouraged but not required.

 

Blood Institute Says Need for Donations is Critical

Officials with the Oklahoma Blood Institute say there is still a critical need for blood donations. KOOL 105.5 and 106.1 The Ranch radio stations continue our support of the blood institute by hosting occasional community blood drives. Two are coming up later this month - on Monday, Sept. 21st and the following Monday, Sept. 28th. To encourage donations from OU and OSU supporters, the annual Bedlam Blood Drive is underway and runs through Oct. 24th. Donors can get their choice of either an OU or OSU t-shirt. Donors may also choose to get a coronavirus anti-body test. To make an appointment for our blood drives contact George Plummer by calling 405-224-1560. To schedule an appointment for a blood drive in your area go to the Oklahoma Blood Institute's website, www.obi.org

 

Spaghetti Day is On the Way

A Chickasha group is making last-minute preparations for a tasty fund-raiser. The Junior Social Workers will have their annual Spaghetti Day in a couple of weeks. The event raises thousands of dollars which are donated to a number of local charities. Whitney Palesano says it’s a huge task-

 

              

 

Spaghetti Day will be Friday, Sept. 25^th with two serving times – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The theme this year is Bold Stripes, Bright Stars, Brave Hearts - Be the Change. Advance tickets are $9 for adults and $4 for children but advance ticket sales end on Monday, Sept. 14th. Tickets at the door will be $10 for adults and $4 for children. They will deliver meals for orders of two or more. For information visit the Junior Social Workers Facebook page.

 

ACT Test Takers Need Masks

Public schools have only been in session a few weeks but this weekend is a big one for seniors and juniors looking to get into a college or university. The National ACT test is being offered. A post on the Chickasha High School Facebook page indicates that ACT is requiring all students to wear a mask or cloth face covering in order to help minimize the spread of the coronavirus. Students will not be allowed in the testing center if they don't have a mask.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's part of what we're talking about this weekend. Sarah VanEss and Whitney Palesano with the Chickasha Junior Social Workers are on our KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy Prices

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $37.30 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $40.06.

Natural gas is $2.32 per million BTUs.

 

Obituary

David Smith

Funeral for David Smith, 33, of the Cyril and Cement area will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 15th  at Laverty Baptist Church in Cement. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

 

Thursday, September 10^th

 

Alex School Superintendent Discusses Virtual Learning

Alex School Superintendent Keith Weldon says students in the district are accepting the educational methods put in place in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Weldon said about 50 of the district's 300 students have chosen the distance-learning system when classes started last month. However Weldon said the students who are taking classes at home are missing out on the benefits of being in a classroom.

 

              

 

Alex school superintendent Keith Weldon.

 

Coronavirus Update

The latest information about the coronavirus in Oklahoma shows another 876 positive tests in the Sooner State. The state department of health says the total number of positive tests is nearing 66,000 while the number of deaths from the illness is now at 863. The number of active cases is now at nearly 10,000 while the number of people hospitalized is 462. In this region, Grady County has now had 600 people test positive and there are 93 active cases. Chickasha is closing in on 300 positive tests (the count now stands at 291) and there are 45 current cases.  Tuttle has had 155 positive tests and there are 29 active cases. Blanchard has had 210 positive tests and there are 39 active cases. In Caddo County, there have been 613 positive tests and there are 80 current cases. In Anadarko, there have been 270 positive tests and 42 active cases. In Lindsay, there have been 74 people test positive with 10 active cases.

 

Caddo County Fair Premium Sale Tonight

Several Caddo County FFA and 4H youth will have big paydays in tonight's premium sale which is the grand finale of last week's Caddo County livestock show held during the county fair. More than 60 animals will be led through the show ring tonight with many bidders shelling out some big bucks, along with family and friends pitching in add-ons that will provide the youth with funds to help them with their current and future livestock projects. The grand champion steer at the fair was shown by Tucker Freie of Anadarko; the grand champion barrow was shown by Cade Rea of Hydro-Eakly; the grand gilt was shown by Kiera McNamar of Anadarko. The grand market lamb was shown by Chad Little of Carnegie;  the grand ewe was shown by Stetson Dix of Carnegie; the grand wether goat was shown by Kayci Luper of Carnegie; and the grand doe goat was shown by Emma Farmer of Ft-Cobb-Broxton. The Caddo County Sirloin Club will have a buyers meeting at 6 o'clock but there will not be a meal this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The sale is scheduled to take place at the Caddo County Fairgrounds outdoor arena in Anadarko, starting at 7 o'clock tonight.

 

Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani to Perform

Virtual Concert for Regional Food Bank              

A virtual concert featuring Oklahoma country music superstar Blake Shelton will be held in a few weeks to benefit the Regional Food Bank. Shelton will team up with Gwen Stefani for the 30-minute concert on Thursday, Oct. 1st. In a news release, Regional Food Bank officials say the concert will commemorate its 40th anniversary. Regional Food Bank officials say they are looking forward to sharing information about their work to fight hunger and the group's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on-line at www.feedinghope.org The Regional Food Bank serves Grady, Caddo, and many other counties in central and western Oklahoma. The food bank distributed more than 47 million meals in 2019.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.05 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $40.79.

Natural gas is $2.41 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,957 and silver is $27.34.

 

Obituary

Denice Willeford

A memorial service for Denice Willeford, 70, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 18^th at Family Life Church in Cyril. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

 

Wednesday, September 9th

 

Chix City Manager Warns City Could 'Go Broke'

Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt is warning that the city is dangerously close to going broke. Noblitt made the comment during last night's city council meeting, saying that budget cuts and perhaps some layoffs may need to take place over the next couple of years. Noblitt said that there have been some improvements in recent years but that the city continues losing ground financially.

 

              

 

The budget approved by the city council for the current fiscal year does not include a carry-over to help the city's transition in to fiscal year 2022 which begins next July. Noblitt also warned that the public is likely to become angry with the news and will be pointing fingers.

 

              

 

Noblitt recommended that the council hold a series of work sessions over the next few months to do some advance planning for the 2022 fiscal year budget and beyond.

 

City Council OK's Grand Lake Property Sale              

The city council did approve the sale of a lot the city owns at the Grand Lake resort near Tulsa. The council voted unanimously to sell the lot for $40,000. The sale helps the city recoup part of $250,000 in economic development funds that had been issued to a Tulsa company for moving expenses which were supposed to be used bring that company to Chickasha - a move that never took place. The Grand Lake property was put up for collateral for those funds and the city won a judgement against the owner of the company, Tom Word of Word Industries. The city still owns several other lots at Grand Lake as a result of the judgement.

 

Grady County Courthouse Re-Opens;

Treasurer's Office Remains Closed

The Grady County Courthouse is open today however one office will remain closed after an employee became ill with COVID-19. The courthouse was closed yesterday after officials learned of the employee's health status over the Labor Day weekend. Grady County Commissioner Ralph Beard said the treasurer's office is the only department that will not be open today. He anticipates it will re-open tomorrow (Thursday). Beard said commissioners brought in a private company on Monday to sanitize all three floors of the courthouse with a fogging machine. Crews also sprayed the courthouse annex which includes the district attorney's office, pardon and parole, the election board, and the emergency management office as a precaution. Beard also said that everyone entering the courthouse - including employees - will have to wear masks and have their temperatures taken.

 

PSO Earns Second Straight 'Sustainability' Honor

Public Service Company of Oklahoma is a repeat winner for its work related to sustainability. For the second straight year, PSO achieves Gold Level Certification in its efforts in the Scor3card Final Event. Scor3card is an online sustainability tracking and assessment tool for organizations that want to track and improve their sustainability plans.  A news release from PSO indicates the  program sets a rigorous standard for sustainable activities that focus on engaging organizations around three areas of sustainability: people, profit, and planet. PSO says the award indicates that its approach to sustainability helps engage its employees while supporting economic growth and helping PSO become better environmental stewards.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $36.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.78.

Natural gas is $2.40 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,932 and silver is $26.75.

 

Obituaries

Donald Coggin

A graveside service for Donald Coggin, 71, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 11^th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Lana Sue Burks

A memorial service for Lana Sue Burks, 66, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 12th at Parkview Christian Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends Fur Change or toward mental health awareness.

 

 

Tuesday, September 8th

 

Grady County Courthouse Closed Due to COVID-19

An employee at the Grady County Courthouse has been stricken with the coronavirus. Grady County Commissioner Ralph Beard announced over the weekend that the courthouse would be closed today. Since the courthouse is closed, the weekly county commissioner’s meeting scheduled for today was canceled. A special meeting could be called for later in the week. The commissioners were to discuss the possible approval of the county budget for the current fiscal year and President Trump's executive order to defer payroll taxes. Also on the agenda was a proposal to allow the Grady County Fairgrounds to purchase some property, and a contract between the sheriff's office and Canadian Valley Technology Center for the sheriff’s office to provide a resource officer for the CV Tech Chickasha campus.

 

Chickasha's Water Treatment Plant

Blame Manganese Spike for Water Issues              

Crews at the City of Chickasha's water treatment plant spent part of their Labor Day weekend working to correct some problems with the city's tap water. Some residents experienced cloudy or even brown water with an odor. A private contractor, USW Utility Group, operates the city's water treatment plants. USW officials say the problem was a spike in manganese found in parts of the water distribution system. The City of Chickasha posted a message on its Facebook page this weekend that originated from USW. USW officials said despite the problem the water was safe to drink and use, and they are meeting drinking water standards required by both the State Department of Environmental Quality and the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The post said some changes made in water treatment seemed to be working, however it could take a few days for the manganese level to diminish and for the water quality to improve.

 

Chix City Council to Hold Virtual Meeting Tonight              

The Chickasha City Council will meet virtually this evening. The panel is set to discuss the sale of a lot which the city owns at Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma. The city acquired the property in a judgement against the owner of a company that announced his Tulsa firm would move to Chickasha but the move never happened. Several lots at Grand Lake were used as collateral for 250,000 in economic development funds awarded to the company to help with the move that never took place. This particular piece of property is Lot No. 4 of Apache Cove and the sale price is $40,000. The council is also to appoint or re-appoint a number of members to various boards and commissions and will discuss whether to accept a grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation for personal protective equipment and hygiene supplies for the police department. The grant is just over $3,000. Tonight's meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and it can be viewed on the city's website at www.chickasha.org

 

Caddo County DHS Office Among Many to Close

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services will be closing offices in 35 counties across the state at the end of the month including the office in Caddo County. DHS announced the move earlier this year as a cost-cutting measure. While offices will close, DHS director Justin Brown said there will no full-time employee furloughs or reductions. The employees of the closed offices will be allowed to work from home or transfer to another office. DHS employees have been working at home since the onset of the coronavirus. Staff members will be available for face-to-face interactions by appointment. The Lawton Constitution reports that among the concerns are the hardships it may create for families that may not have reliable internet service, and elderly households that don't have access to computers or don't know how to operate a computer. DHS officials said the agency has been able to handle a surge of new applicants for programs like SNAP food assistance since the COVID-19 first hit Oklahoma six months ago.

 

Chickasha Fire Department is Accepting Applications

The City of Chickasha is now accepting applications for firefighters. Interim Fire Chief Tony Samaniego says there are three openings for the department but it wasn't clear how many positions will be filled. Applications are available on the city's website at www.chickasha.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.77 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.29.

Natural gas is $2.60 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,919 and silver is $26.79.

 

Obituary

Billie Sue (Gordon) Tucker

Funeral for Billie Sue (Gordon) Tucker, 74, of Wichita, Kansas and formerly of Ninnekah will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12^th at Webb-Shinkle Mortuary in Haysville, Kansas.

 

Monday, September 7th

No news due to the Labor Day holiday

 

 

Saturday, September 5th

 

Wet Hay May Have Caused Braum's Dairy Fire

Officials say that wet hay may have been responsible for that massive fire on the Braum's dairy yesterday. Reports are that some of the hay may have been delivered wet. For many that might not seem possible, however, it can lead to spontaneous combustion. The open hay barn stored about 3,000 large round bales of hay for the hundreds of cattle on the dairy. The fire erupted about 2:30 a.m. Friday between Tuttle and Minco. All firefighters could do was watch the raging fire burn. Fortunately, there were no homes in the area. Officials say the fire could smolder for several days. Fire crews don't want to risk putting out the fire, as it could rekindle.

 

Car Rollover Blamed on Turtle              

Chickasha and Grady County rescue crews were summoned to an accident where a car veered off the road, overturned, and nearly landed in a pond.  The accident happened southwest of Chickasha, about a mile and a half north of Pioneer School on CS 2790 about 6:00 p.m. Friday. Grady County Fire Department Public Information Officer Buddy Myers said the driver of the car swerved to avoid a turtle. The driver was lucky that the vehicle's momentum did not carry it all the way into the pond and submerge. The unidentified driver was able to get out of the car before emergency crews arrived. The driver suffered minor injuries and refused to be transported by ambulance to the hospital.

 

Law Agencies Urge Motorists to 'Drive Sober, Drive Safe'

State troopers are encouraging Labor Day holiday motorists to be extra careful on the highways, byways, and waterways. They ask that they not get behind the wheel of any motor vehicle, boat, or watercraft if they are drinking or are under the influence of illegal or prescribed drugs. The theme for the weekend is Drive Sober, Drive Safe. A news release from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office states that six people lost their lives on Oklahoma roads during the three-day weekend last year including four people riding motorcycles. Officials say 55 accidents last year were alcohol-related. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and several other law enforcement agencies usually receive federal grants to step up efforts during long holiday weeknds to get impaired drivers off the roads and lakes.

 

Sheriff's Office Updates Warrant List

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

 

              

 

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

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Dr. Jeanette Loutsch with USAO is on our KOOL Konversation program. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

James Burney

Funeral service for James Burney, 89, of Tuttle will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8^th at the Tuttle United Methodist Church. He was a dairy farmer and served as the district manager for Purina for 20 years. He also worked part-time for State Senator Lonnie Paxton's insurance office in Tuttle for many years, retiring just a few months ago. He was also a U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

Friday Night Football

Marlow 24, Chickasha 21

Noble 21, Blanchard 7

Anadarko 48, Elgin 14

Tuttle 23, Plainview 13

Minco 14, Dibble 6

Rush Springs 7, Cordell 3

Community Chr. 44, Bridge Creek 7

Burns Flat-Dill City 12, Carnegie 6

Purcell 35, Lindsay 28

Alex 66, Tipton 20

Pioneer-Pleasant Vale 46, Cyril 0

Maysville 50, Central High 0

Bray-Doyle 60, Ryan 0

 

Thursday night

Newcastle 14, Mustang JV 6

 

 

Friday, September 4th

 

Braum's Dairy Hay Barn Burns

Breaking news this morning, as there is a huge fire at the Braum's Dairy Farm west of Tuttle. It's at an enormous hay barn that is near the dairy's processing plant between Tuttle and Minco. The barn contains about 3,000 bales of hay. Numerous fire departments and emergency crews were on the scene. State Highway 37 was closed between Tuttle and Minco. No other operations of the dairy are impacted. Dairy officials say the fire will be allowed to burn itself out. No people or animals were hurt.

 

One Dead in Fatal Accident Near Minco

A 12-year old boy died and two other people were hospitalized when a car slams into a pick up south of Minco. The accident happened just before 11:00 a.m. Thursday on U.S. Highway 81 about three miles south of Minco. The boy was a passenger in a car that crashed into a pickup which had turned in front of their vehicle. The driver of the car, 40-year old Carmen Garcia of El Reno, and a 15-year old girl who was also passenger, were both air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. Garcia was admitted in critical condition. The 15-year old was admitted in fair condition. The highway patrol does not release the names of juveniles involved in traffic accidents. The driver of the pickup, 48-year old Steve Willmon of Chickasha, was not hurt. The accident closed the highway for about 3 1/2 hours.

 

Anadarko Schools Hit by Coronavirus

Anadarko Public Schools are dealing with some coronavirus issues. Officials say they were made aware of three positive tests at the middle school. A post on the Anadarko Schools Facebook page did not indicate if the tests involved students or staff members. The district is working with the Caddo County Health Department to notify families of those who may have been in contact with those who tested positive. As of yesterday, the state health department reported that Anadarko had 49 active COVID-19 cases. Caddo and Comanche counties are both considered to be in the 'Orange' category, meaning residents are at a moderate risk for coming down with the illness. Grady County is in the “Yellow” category where residents are considered to be at a low risk for contracting COVID-19.

 

'Stressed' Driver Tries to Elude Police 

A traffic stop by a Chickasha police officer leads to a pursuit through several neighborhoods before it came to an end. It happened last Friday morning about 5 a.m., when an officer pulled over a pickup near 13^th and Minnesota Avenue for not having any taillights. According to a probable cause affidavit, as the officer was returning to his patrol car to check the man's driver's license, the driver sped away. The officer alleges the driver ran more than 20 stop signs and nearly caused two accidents. The chase lasted about 10 minutes and came to an end at a home near 15th and Chickasha Avenue. The officer said the driver thought he was turning into an alley but it was a driveway. 41-year old Jeremy Curtis Walker of El Reno was arrested without incident. He told the officer that he is under a lot of stress. Walker has been charged with two felony counts of endangering others while eluding and a misdemeanor for reckless driving. He remains in jail on a $10,000 bond.

 

Chix Library Offers Course for Caregivers              

Individuals caring for an elderly or ill loved one in their homes can suffer from a lot of stress. The Chickasha Public Library is offering a series to help caregivers take better care of themselves - and they don't have to go to the library for the program. It's called Powerful Tools for Caregivers. There are six weekly classes to help develop self-care tools to reduce stress, change negative self-talk, discuss needs with family members as well as health care and service providers, and deal with difficult feelings. The free class meets every Thursday and is available through the Zoom platform. Contact the library for more information.

              

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $41.37 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $44.07.

Natural gas is $2.48 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,945 and silver is $27.06.

 

Obituary

Ray Robbins

A memorial service will be held at a later date for Ray Robbins, 82, or of Bridge Creek. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

 

Thursday, September 3rd

 

Chix City Council Continues Holding Virtual Meetings

The Chickasha City Council has been holding its meetings virtually over the last couple of months and will be doing so for its meeting next week. Residents can watch the meeting on the city's YouTube channel which can be accessed from the city's website. Anyone wanting to address the panel during the public comment section will have the opportunity but will have to create a Zoom account. There's no cost to create the account and the instructions are listed on the agenda for next Tuesday's meeting, which is posted on the city website: www.chickasha.org. Among the items to be discussed include a change order for the 1st Street Sidewalk project, and to accept the project as complete and authorize a final payment of nearly $140,000 to the contractor, Luckinbill Development. The council will also consider appointing and/or re-appointing several members to the Planning Commission, the Board of Adjustment/Flood Plain Board of Appeals, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Library Board. The meetings are normally held on Mondays, but because of the Labor Day holiday, the meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 6:30 p.m.

 

New Commanders Assigned to Salvation Army

The new commanders for the regional Salvation Army are getting settled in to their new assignment. Sgts. Bryan and Tracy Brinlee have re-located from Mountain Park, Arkansas. They'll be serving the Grady and Caddo County areas over the next few years. Bryan says they are already preparing the annual Red Kettle drive which will begin in November. He says there's a new way for volunteers to sign up to ring bells for the kettle this year, on-line:

 

              

 

Brinlee said the Angel to Angel program will be done virtually this year and that they continue to help needy families with utility bill assistance and food baskets.

 

Coronavirus Update

The State of Oklahoma has surpassed the 60,000 mark for confirmed coronavirus tests. The number of deaths in the state is now at 821. Grady County has had 542 positive tests, with seven deaths and 61 active cases. Chickasha has had 255 positive tests with four deaths and 19 active cases. Blanchard has had 182 positive tests with just one death and 30 active cases. Tuttle has had 146 people test positive and there have been two deaths and 26 active cases. Newcastle has had 138 positive tests with one death and 15 active cases. Caddo County has had 568 positive tests with 20 deaths and 73 active cases. Anadarko has had 253 positive tests with five deaths and 47 active cases.

 

USAO'S '20for20' Campaign Successful

A recent fund-raising event for USAO brought in more than $140,000 to the USAO Foundation. This summer, President John Feaver recently marked his 20^th year at his post, and the Foundation launched a celebration called the 20for20 campaign, asking alumni and university friends to contribute $20 to the Foundation and share their favorite stories about him. Feaver now holds the distinction of being the longest-serving current president of any university in the state. While Feaver has served as president since 2000 his career at the university has spanned four decades as he also served as a professor and as vice-president.

 

Masonic Lodge Benefits from Donor

Longtime Chickasha accountant Homer Hulme has come through once again with a contribution to help a local group.  The Chickasha Masonic Lodge recently presented Hulme with a plaque for his donation to help the lodge install chair lifts. Hulme also provided a generous gift to Chickasha Public Schools recently, in which nearly every extra-curricular activity shared in a total of $36,000 which he contributed to the school district.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $41.51 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $44.43.

Natural gas is $2.48 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,937 and silver is $27.26.

 

 

Wednesday, September 2nd

 

Turnpike Crash Kills One, Sends Three to Hospitals

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues its investigation into a deadly crash that occurred on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. One person died at the scene and three other people - including a small child - were taken to hospitals. 69-year old Gloria Varela of Duncan died in the accident that happened about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday near Mile Marker 66 which is about four miles east of Cyril.  Varela was a passenger in a car driven by 68-year old Rigoberto Varela, who was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. A 3-year old girl riding in the car with them was taken to Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City. Their conditions were not known. A passenger in the other vehicle, 58-year old Claire Banks of Cache, was taken to a Lawton hospital where she was last in good condition. The driver of that car, 65-year old Samuel Banks, was not hurt. The westbound lanes of the turnpike were closed for more than two hours after the collision.

 

New Anadarko ODOT Facilities Under Construction

The State Department of Transportation is building a new maintenance facility and construction office in Anadarko. Construction on the two buildings started this past spring. ODOT Division 7 Engineer Jay Earp said the maintenance building they had been in had outlived its usefulness.

 

              

 

The new maintenance facility is about 4,600 sq. ft. while the construction office is about 9,600 sq. ft. Together, it's a $4.7 million construction project which was awarded to HGL Construction out of Oklahoma City. Earp said in the new maintenance building they’ll be able to almost triple its storage space for salt. The new building can hold 4,000 tons of salt plus an additional 1,200 tons of salt-sand mix. The maintenance facility will also have 12 equipment bays. The construction office manages ODOT projects in Caddo, Grady, and parts of Comanche county. ODOT employs about 27 people at its Anadarko location. Earp hopes to be able to move in the new buildings by the end of the year.

 

Chix Schools Begin Meal Delivery to Virtual Students

Starting today, Chickasha Public Schools will be delivering meals to students who are studying at home through the district’s virtual learning system. A breakfast and lunch will be provided. There will be stops at Sooner Trailer Park at 10:45 a.m.; 9th and Frisco at 11:00 a.m.; 8th and Illinois at 11:12 a.m.; 11th and Choctaw at 11:25 a.m.; 7th and Kansas at 11:40 a.m.; 3rd and Colorado  at 11:55 a.m.; Henderson and Virginia at 12:10 p.m.; 9th and Oregon at 12:30 p.m.; 12th and Nevada at 12:43 p.m., the Homeland parking lot at 12:55 p.m. and Watson's Trailer Park at 1:10 p.m. The meals will be delivered every day that regular classes are in session.

 

Ampo Students Receive State Fair Scholarships

A couple of Amber-Pocasset High School students have been awarded scholarships from the Oklahoma State Fair. Pace Mittelstaedt and Jackson Caves have both been awarded $2,500 scholarships to be used for college, career tech, or vocational schools. A press release from the State Fair indicates they are among a dozen students across the state who shared in $30,000 in scholarship funds. The Oklahoma State Fair Scholarship Fund has award nearly $250,000 in scholarships over the last 20 years.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $42.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $45.58.

Natural gas is $2.53 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,974 and silver is $28.17.

 

Obituaries

Brayden Murry

Funeral for Brayden Murry, 13, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. at Son Rise Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Janet Shaw

A memorial service for Janet Shaw, 74, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

 

Tuesday, September 1st

              

Chickasha Woman Should be Known

as National Hero, Says Gov. Kevin Stitt

Chickasha's Ada Lois Sipuel-Fisher, who fought Oklahoma's early discrimination laws to become the first Black student at the OU College of Law, is being recommended to be called a national hero. Gov. Kevin Stitt made the recommendation recently as an Oklahoman who should be considered to be included in a new National Garden of American Heroes. Stitt recommended two Black Oklahomans and three Native Americans. The others are John Hope Franklin, the grandson of a freed Chickasaw Nation slave, former Cherokee Nation leader Wilma Mankiller, Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe, and humorist Will Rogers. Stitt also recommended two possible locations in Oklahoma for the garden - Lake Thunderbird State Park in Norman and Lake Keystone near Tulsa. President Trump recently signed an executive order on rebuilding public monuments and asked governors for their input on who should be included and where monuments might be located in their states.

 

Dismissed Chix Fire Chief Joins Sheriff's Office

It didn't take long for former Chickasha Fire Chief Brian Zalewski to find a new job. He's joined the Grady County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office announced the news on its Facebook page last night. The post shows a photograph of Zalewski taking the oath of office from Sheriff Jim Weir. Zalewski is initially serving as an unpaid reserve deputy which gives him an opportunity to support public safety in local communities. Zalewski was fired from his post as Chickasha fire chief a couple of weeks ago, after serving for more than 20 years with the department and five as fire chief. It was an unpopular move by the city manager as Zalewski received praise for his work from many citizens.

 

OSBI Re-Opens Cold Case

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has re-opened a cold case in which the body of a teenaged girl was found outside of Blanchard more than 15 years ago. In June of 2003, 17-year old Tanja Hook was reported missing from the Lawton area where she had been living with a boyfriend. Two months later, Hook's body was found nearly 70 miles away in a bar ditch between Blanchard and Cole. Agents suspect homicide in Hook’s death. The OSBI said that the area where Hook was living is where several prostitutes also disappeared between 2002 and 2004. Anyone with information about Hook's disappearance and murder is asked to contact the agency by calling 1-800-522-8017 or sending an e-mail to: tips@osbi.ok.gov

 

Probe of Lawton Veterans Center Finds No Wrong-Doing              

State officials say an independent investigation into alleged abuse and neglect at the Lawton Veterans Center shows no substantiated findings. The investigation was performed by the State Department of Human Services. The announcement was made in a press release from State Senator Paul Rosino (R-OKC) who is the chairman of the Legislative Veterans Caucus. Earlier this year, family members of some of the residents posted photographs on social media which they said showed the abuse and neglect. The press release cites DHS’ Advocate General Joe Dewey as saying it was a large-scale investigation into numerous allegations. The Lawton Constitution reports that many are unhappy with the report. Fran Gibbs, who requested help from law enforcement to remove her husband from the facility, said she doesn't understand how they could have reached that conclusion. Gibbs said she provided hours of video and other documentation showing that her husband slept in urine-soaked bedding and fell several times.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $42.61 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $45.10.

Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,997 and silver is $29.17.

 

 

Monday, August 31st

 

Chickasha Petioners Call for City Manager Dismissal,

Removal of One Council Representative from Office

A group of Chickasha citizens have started petition drives asking the city council to fire the city manager and to remove a city councilwoman from office. Many residents are angry over the recent action of City Manager John Noblitt who dismissed Fire Chief Brian Zalewski earlier this month. Jamie Seyler is spearheading one of the petition drives. She said that residents in Loggins' Ward 2 are tired of her lack of action and deflection when they ask her to look into to various issues. Seyler said she believes the petitioners are following protocol listed in the city charter regarding the removal of Loggins from office. Loggins has served on the council since 2015.  In response to the re-call petition, Loggins issued a statement which reads (in its entirety): "I would like to remind the citizens of Chickasha of the following; Charter of the City of Chickasha Article 5, Section 6 states: Neither the mayor nor any other member of the city council shall interfere or become involved with personnel matters, or  directly with the administration of the city. Any officer violating this section shall forfeit his office. "The city manager is responsible to the city council as a whole and shall not be responsive to individual council member wishes, which contradict established policies. The city council shall establish over-all policies and guidelines under which the city manager shall be responsible for carrying out all the administrative functions of the city. "Any council member may make suggestions or recommendations to the city manager at any time they deem necessary or appropriate on the operations of the city government. "This is in addition to restrictions found in Title 11 of our Oklahoma State Statutes." The second petition is urging the city council to dismiss the city manager. Seyler said her husband John was one of several firefighters targeted in a move that alleges that Noblitt wants to remove Emergency Medical Services from the fire department and let a private company provide those services. Noblitt has denied the allegation.

              

Semi Driver Hospitalized After Train-Semi Collision

A Lindsay truck driver is hospitalized after his semi was hit by a freight train. 70-year old  Gary Lile was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted in stable condition. The engineer and conductor on the Burlington Northern-Sante Fe train, David McWilliams and Luis Riojas, both of Midland, Texas were taken to a Norman hospital where they were treated and released. The accident happened about noon Saturday just southeast of Pauls Valley. The highway patrol reported that Lile failed to yield from a stop sign and ran into the path of the train. He was pinned in the cab of his truck for about 45 minutes. The collision caused three locomotives and 11 cars to derail.

              

OHP Seeks Info on Possible Shooting at Troopers

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is looking for information from anyone who may have witnessed individuals shooting at state troopers. A statement from OHP indicates two troopers reported possible shots fired at them or their patrol vehicles on I-35 near Tecumseh Road in Norman between 7:00 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. last Friday. Both troopers were stationary and inside their vehicles. The OHP said they did locate two witnesses who stated they also heard what they thought were several gunshots. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oklahoma Highway Patrol by calling 888-OHP-TIPS.

 

Fall Swap Meet is a 'Go' for Chix Antique Auto Club

While many events this fall have been canceled because of the coronavirus, one event is still on the books. The Chickasha Antique Auto Club is planning on having its huge fall swap meet in October.  This will be the 52nd year for the event which attracts thousands of antique auto enthusiasts from across the country and around the world.  Many look for hard-to-find-parts while others have partially or fully restored antique vehicles for sale. The event is set for Oct. 15th through 17th at the auto club's site next to the Grady County Fairgrounds and on the fairgrounds itself. Both indoor and outdoor booth spaces are available. For information visit the group's website:

www.chickashaautoswapmeet.com

 

Chix Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament Set              

The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual benefit golf tournament. There will be both morning and afternoon flights at Bushwood Golf and Country Club on Friday, Sept. 11th. The John Holt Auto Group will hold a poolside party that evening with Bill's Grill and Steakhouse providing food and Canadian River Brewery providing drinks. Sponsorship opportunities start at $150. For information, contact Cassandra Ersland at the chamber by calling 405-224-0787.

              

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $42.97 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $45.05.

Natural gas is $2.65 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,969 and silver is $28.02.