Saturday, November 14th

 

State Asks for Federal Major Disaster Declaration

Gov. Kevin Stitt is requesting that a federal major disaster declaration be issued for more than a dozen counties in central and western Oklahoma following last month's destructive ice storm. Grady, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, and Oklahoma counties are included in the request. A press release from the governor's office says the cleanup estimate from the storm is already at $27 million and climbing. Officials said they hope the Feds will act quickly and approve the request so communities can begin to recover some of the extensive costs associated with responding to the storm. If approved, the declaration would deliver federal funds to help municipalities, counties, tribes, and rural electric co-ops with costs associated with debris removal and infrastructure repairs. Other counties could be included in the declaration later.

 

Teen Hospitalized After Officer-Involved Crash              

Authorities are investigating an officer-involved crash in Elgin where a teenager had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. A Facebook post from the Elgin Police Department indicated the unidentified officer did not have any obvious injuries but was sore and at home. The accident happened just after 7:00 p.m. Friday on U.S. Highway 277 in Elgin. The 17-year old girl was transported by helicopter from the Elgin football field and her condition is unknown. No details of the accident were listed on the Elgin Police Department’s Facebook post.

              

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.

 

Ag Marketing Meeting Tuesday              

Area cattle producers may want to take part in an ag marketing meeting at the Grady County OSU Extension office next week. Trent Milacek, an area agriculture economics specialist will have an update on livestock risk insurance and cattle markets. The meeting will be held at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17^th at the extension office. Ranchers can attend in person or via the Zoom platform. Interested producers need to register by 4:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16^th.

 

Pesticide Container Recyling Day Also on Tuesday

Also on Tuesday, ag producers are reminded of the pesticide container recycling day at the OSU Research Station. All containers must be triple-rinsed with the labels and lids removed. That will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday morning.

 

Talk Show Topic

Dawn Sullivan, the Deputy Director for the State Department of Transportation, will be on our KOOL Konversation to talk about the proposed Public Transit Policy Plan. There is a link to this program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

Kristy Calhoun

A graveside service will be held for Kristy Calhoun, 46, of Chickasha at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

High School Football Scores

Tuttle 42, Chickasha 14

Blanchard 54, Elgin 7

Newcastle 28, John Marshall 21

Minco 34, Merritt 0

Dibble 43, Watonga 32

Apache 32, Fairview 22

Anadarko, Alex, Marlow all idle

Saturday

Purcell at Lindsay

 

Friday, November 13th

 

Update on Arrest of Child Sex Crimes Suspect

Earlier this week, KOOL-RANCH news reported the arrest of a Grady County man for alleged lewd acts with a child. We obtained the probable cause affidavit filed in the case by Tuttle police. Authorities say a 13-year old girl alleged that 53-year old Jeffrey Jack Bowen had touched her inappropriately on several occasions. The girl told investigators that it had been going on for a while, but she didn't tell anyone because she was afraid he would get mad and that she would get in trouble. Authorities questioned Bowen about the allegations back in September. A warrant was issued for his arrest on Monday and he was taken into custody early Wednesday morning. Bowen is facing three felony charges of lewd acts with a child. He is out of jail after posting $35,000 bond.

 

Suspect Accused of Having Child Porn on Phone              

Grady County authorities arrested a suspect in connection with a child pornography investigation by the OSBI. Deputies arrested 30-year old Brandon Michael Kyle of Oklahoma City Wednesday afternoon. He was wanted out of Greer County in southwest Oklahoma following an investigation that took place a year ago. A probable cause affidavit filed by the OSBI alleges that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a report about child porn on the Tumblr social media site which was traced to Kyle's cel phone. Investigators contacted Kyle at the Braum's Dairy in Tuttle last November and seized the phone. It's alleged the phone contained numerous photos and videos of young children. Kyle remains in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond. According to on-line court records, just last week Kyle pleaded no contest to a charge of lewd acts with a child which was also out of Greer County.

 

COVID-19 Shuts Down County Treasurer's Office

There's been another positive test of COVID-19 at the Grady County Courthouse. The treasurer's office will be closed today as an employee there tested positive. The rest of the courthouse will be open during regular business hours today.

 

Chix Distance-Learning Students May Opt Out of Program

Parents of Chickasha school students who have been taking part in the distance-learning or blended learning programs for the first semester have a decision to make. School officials say they have the option of returning to the classroom full time after Christmas break. The announcement is posted on the school district's Facebook page. Officials say parents have until December 4th to make the change. Schools will be in contact with parents, or parents can go ahead and reach out to the school to let them know. There is a one-page form which must be completed and returned should students want return to the classroom full-time.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $41.12 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $43.53.

Natural gas is $2.98 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,876 and silver is $24.31.

 

Obituaries

 Martha Robinson

A graveside service for Martha Robinson, 88, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16^th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Jim Martin

Funeral service for Jim Martin, 74, of Amber will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16th at First Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Ruthie Johnson

A graveside service for Ruthie Johnson, 73, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, November 12th

 

Sooner Circuit Dog Show Returns to Chickasha

Every November for the last 11 years a couple of Oklahoma kennel clubs have come to Chickasha to host two of the largest dogs shows in the region. The Canadian Valley Kennel Club and the Town and Country Kennel Club will be taking over one of the arenas at the Grady County Fairgrounds for what's known as The Sooner Circuit of Dog Shows. Between 750 and 800 of dogs in the country will be shown over the next four days. Dog owners and handlers are working to earn the dogs enough points that would qualify them to be in some of the top dog shows in the nation next spring. Terri Galle with the Southern Handlers Charity League says many dog shows earlier in the year were canceled due to the pandemic.

 

              

 

Galley said shows began in June and have been held almost every weekend since with no instances of the virus. The dog shows run from about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, today through Sunday. There is no admission fee for specators. Masks will be required.

 

Festival of Light Volunteers Sought

There is just over a week left before the opening of Chickasha's holiday light display, The Festival of Light. Organizers are still working to repair the tree damage done at Shannon Springs Park because of last month’s ice storm. Crews had been working since September to hang lights in preparation of the show. Officials are calling for volunteers to help out, with volunteer days Friday and Saturday, November 13^th and 14th. Lunch will be provided by A and E Grill and InterUrban. To help, sign up on-line at:

www.chickashafestivaloflight.org/volunteer

The festival will begin its 28th season on Saturday, November 21st.

 

Foundation Established in Memory of Restaurant Owner

Co-workers and friends of the late Darren Cook - longtime owner of J and W Grill - have set up a non-profit foundation to ensure Cook's legacy in the Chickasha community. Cook died unexpectedly this past summer. Brandi and Travis Terry and supporters have designed a t-shirt that is now on sale. The gray t-shirts feature the restaurant’s logo, a depiction of J and W’s classic hamburger, and the phrase “For the Love of Our Future”. A number of other locally owned restaurants have also helped to get the fundraiser started including Jake's Rib, InterUrban and China Moon. There are also donation boxes located at J and W Grill, Jake's, InterUrban, and B.J.s Pizza where patrons can donate toys which will be given to Santa's Workshop. Proceeds from t-shirt sales will be given to Santa's Workshop on Dec. 7th. T-shirts can be purchased at J and W Grill or on-line at www.imagodeiapparel.com

 

"Fight Night" Set for Saturday Night

Fans of boxing, mixed martial arts, and kick-boxing are looking forward to a big night at the Grady County Fairgrounds this weekend. It's dubbed Super Fight Night, with both professional and amateur fights which will include MMA cage fighting and the original toughman boxing competition. There are several local contestants, including Chickasha's Marcus "Milk" Sanchez. Event promoter Jim Morris says Sanchez has had a lot of success.

 

              

 

Also on the card is Chickasha resident Brandon "Bubba" Wright, who is known as “The Warrior” in the ring. The action starts at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14th at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The event is sanctioned by the Oklahoma Boxing Commission. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance at www.showclix.com

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $41.45 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $43.80.

Natural gas is $3.03 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,870 and silver is $24.39.

 

Obituary

Eula Sprowls

A private family service will be held for Eula Sprowls, 98, of the Minco area. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to any Evangelical Foreign Missions program.

 

Wednesday, November 11th

 

Three Arrested Following Pursuit, Manhunt

State troopers arrest an individual who was the subject of an intense manhunt yesterday and two others are also in custody after authorities say they led police on pursuit on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. OHP Spokeswoman Sarah Stewart said a trooper tried to pull over a motorist running about 95 miles per hour on the turnpike about 2:00 p.m. Tuesday. The motorist left the turnpike at Mile Marker 83, which is U.S. Highway 62 east of downtown Chickasha. The driver stopped the car after leaving the interstate and one of the occupants fled on foot. The two others were quickly detained. A ground and air search took place for a couple of hours but the third suspect was eventually found. Those arrested include 31-year old Eddie Lee Moore Junior, who was taken into custody on complaints of eluding, speeding, driving without a license, and transporting an open container. 37-year old McCollvin Tray Mitchell and 26-year old Jessica Nicole Wright were both arrested on complaint of obstruction.

 

Suspect Arrested for Alleged Child Sex Crimes

A Tuttle man is in custody after a warrant was issued for his arrest for alleged lewd acts with children. On-line court records indicate that the warrant for 53-year old Jeffrey Jack Bowen was issued on Monday. A Tuttle police officer booked him into the Grady County Jail early Wednesday. Bowen is charged with three counts of lewd acts with children under 16 years old.

 

Brush Dump Site Established for Northern Grady County

Residents in the northern part of Grady County now have a place to take their downed trees and limbs from last month's ice storm. The site known as the Tree Debris Disposal Center is just outside Tuttle on what's known as Silver City Ridge Road. The site is a joint effort of District One County Commissioner Mike Walker and the City of Tuttle. There is no charge for residents to take their limbs and brush to that location. Individuals will have to show an ID in order to log the information should FEMA funding become available. The site is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon although the site may occasionally close because of weather. The debris should be cut into six-foot lengths. No help will be available to unload. Commercial tree and brush removal companies are not allowed to use the site. Officials also said that county crews WILL NOT be picking up debris from rural areas and that no brush should be placed in bar ditches along the roadway so as not to impede traffic.

 

Blanchard Schools Switch to All Distance-Learning

A rising number of COVID-19 cases in Blanchard Public Schools has officials switching to all distance-learning for the rest of this week. Officials say the increase has been mainy with school staff, although a number of students have also tested positive. In a letter posted on the school district's website, Superintendent Brady Burns said distance-learning will run through Friday, and they will assess the issue on a daily basis all of next week. Meals will be provided to students, and school activities will continue as scheduled. That does include the high school football playoff game with Elgin on Friday night.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $41.36 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $43.61.

Natural gas is $2.95 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,872 and silver is $24.27.

 

Obituaries

Dr. Ed Whitmill

A graveside service for Dr. Ed. Whitmill, 78, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 13^th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran.  Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Marvin Rice

Funeral service for 96-year old Marvin Rice of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14th at Erin Springs Cemetery. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was known for repairing sewing machines in his later years. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, November 10th

 

County Sales Tax Revenue Report

A quarter-of-a-penny sales tax for Grady County benefits a number of programs all of which were approved by county voters over the years. Revenues have tumbled dramatically over the last year but they have rebounded a bit over the last few months. Last month's sales tax revenue was just over $440,000. That’s less than half the total from October of 2019. It’s up about 17 percent from this past September. Here's how those funds were distributed. The Grady County Fairgrounds received nearly $147,000. Grady Memorial Hospital collected almost $130,000. Each of the seven senior nutrition centers received more than $10,000; and each of the 20 fire districts took in about $3,700. Tuttle EMS received more than $13,000 and Rush Springs EMS received nearly $3,400.

 

RV Parking Regs to be Discussed by City Panel

A public hearing to discuss changes and updates to the City of Chickasha's RV parking and storage ordinance will be held by the city's Planning Commission this afternoon. The discussion will include RV parking in residential, commercial, and industrial-zoned areas. An RV is defined as a coach, travel trailer, pickup campers, boats and boat trailers; watercraft and watercraft trailers; and all-terrain vehicles. The panel will also hold a public hearing to change the zoning on property in the 3400 block of Frisco from residential to light industrial use. Applicant Jeff McVey was operating a medical marijuana growing facility which was previously licensed with the state. However, due to new regulations and zoning requirements the city is unable to give him a certificate of compliance. City officials are recommending that the zoning change occur. Any ruling by the planning commission will go before the city council which has the final say-so in re-zoning issues.

 

New Community Center Discussion Resurfaces              

The idea of building a new community center in Chickasha is being discussed again. Supporters are calling it a grass-roots effort to determine if residents would like to move forward with the plan. Mark McPherson serves on the local advisory board for the Chickasha YMCA.

 

              

 

An exploratory meeting will be held next week to get public input. The meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 19th at 5:30 p.m. at the Chickasha High School activity center.

 

Deadly Crash Reported in Caddo County

A pick-up rear-ends a semi on I-40 in Caddo County, killing the driver of the pickup. 59-year old Martin Hoselton of El Reno died in the crash that happened about three miles west of Hinton just before 3:30 p.m. Monday. The highway patrol reports that traffic on the interstate was being diverted to the inside lane because of a previous accident. Hoselton crashed into the semi driven by 54-year old Otis Baker of Hinton. Baker was taken to a Weatherford hospital where he was treated and released.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $40.29 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $42.40.

Natural gas is $2.86 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,874 and silver is $24.20.

 

 

Monday, November 9th

 

Spring Hail Storm Caused Millions in Damage

To Chickasha Public Schools Districtwide

Chickasha school officials estimate more than $3.8 million in damage occurred throughout the district during a spring hail storm. The school district has filed an insurance claim regarding the damage and the board of education tonight will review a proposal for the district to become a member of a group known as The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS), and to consider approving a vendor by the name of Exterior Solution. TIPS has been approved by the state attorney general's office as well as school attorneys. The school board will also consider adding one day of classes to the calendar, after two days of classes were missed due to last month's ice storm. Officials will consider using December 18th as that make-up day. The panel will also recognize all the site teachers of the year as well as the Chicken Express employees of the month - certified employee Courtney Matlock and support employee Mindy Crow, both of the middle school. The school board will also recognized FFA student Emma Victery who was a national proficiency winner. The school board meets at 6:00 o'clock tonight at the school administration building. The meeting will be video-streamed on the school's You Tube page which can be accessed from the district's website: www.chickasha.k12.ok.us

 

Property Tax Statements to be Mailed Soon              

Property owners will soon be getting their 2020 tax statements in the mail.  Grady County Treasurer Robin Burton says her office will be sending out more than 38,000 statements which represent about $78.5 million in ad valorem tax revenues. In Caddo County, treasurer Regina Moser says her office will be sending out some 27,500 statements representing about $18.5 million in ad valorem tax revenues. For some property owners, their mortgage companies will receive the statements as the property owners’ taxes are included in their monthly mortgage payments. Property owners have the option paying the entire amount at once, or by paying half now and half later. In Caddo County, the first half is due Dec. 30^th with the second half due March 30th. In Grady County, the first half is due by Jan. 15th with the second half due April 15th. Officials urge the taxes be paid by mail or by using drop boxes outside the county courthouses. Grady County tax payers can pay on-line by going to the website www.oktaxrolls.com while Caddo County tax payers can use the website www.okcountytreasurers.com

 

Chickasha Veterans Day Program Canceled

Veterans Day will be Wednesday, a time set aside to honor the men and women who have served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is a national holiday and a number of city, county, and state offices will be closed. Many Veterans Day ceremonies will be held as well however the Chickasha Veterans Day program has been canceled. Coordinator Sherri Lewis was disappointed in having to make the announcement since this is the 25^th anniversary of the installation of the memorial. However, Lewis said since there has been a recent spike in coronavirus cases and that Shannon Springs Park is closed for ice storm clean up, the program will not be held. While the ceremony has been canceled the Chickasha Elks Lodge will serve lunch to veterans and their spouses as the group normally does. They'll serve both dine-in and to-go meals starting at 12:30 p.m. Wendesday.

 

OHP Marks 'Move Over' Week

This week, Nov. 9th-15th is designated as National Traffic Incident Response Month. As part of the activities scheduled the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will focus on the "Move Over" Law. The law requires motorists on a four-or-more-lane highway to move over if they encounter an emergency vehicle with activated blue/red lights; a wrecker or tow truck with activated emergency lights; or any vehicle with its flashing/hazard lights on. For motorists on a two-lane road like a city street or county road that encounter a vehicle on the side of the road - and the driver can't move over - they must slow down and proceed with caution around the vehicle. Failure to move over or slow down can result in a ticket and fine.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $37.14 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.45.

Natural gas is $2.89 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,958 and silver is $25.87.

 

Obituary

Craig Ann Ummel

A graveside service for Craig Ann Ummel, 77, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11^th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Saturday, November 7th

 

Woman Charged with Arson, Theft

A woman faces arson and burglary charges after officials say a fire was intentionally set at a Chickasha home. 29-year old Tara Faith Wilkinson of Chickasha was arrested this week following a blaze that occurred in the 1200 Block of California last Sunday. Interim Fire Chief Tony Samaniego says no one was home when fire crews responded and they were quick to knock down the blaze. In a probable cause affidavit, Samaniego said he suspected arson because power was out at the home and his investigation determined that someone had lit some papers on fire on a dining room table.  Damage estimate was between $8,000 and $10,000. The chief said the suspect reportedly lived at the home for a short time with another individual and that person had a victim's protective order against Wilkinson. The resident also said a video game console and other items were missing from the home and suspected Wilkinson had taken them. On Wednesday night, authorities arrested Wilkinson on arson and burglary complaints after finding one of the stolen items in her car. Wilkinson remains in jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

 

Power Restoration Work Continues              

Power companies in Oklahoma continue whittling down the number of power outages following last week's ice storm. There are still more than 2,500 electric co-op member-customers without power stretching from Mustang to Clinton and south to Lawton. CK Energy reports 1,500 outages in Caddo County; nearly 550 in Canadian County; more than 100 in Grady County; and about 50 in Comanche County. REC is down to five outages all of which are in Grady County. OG&E still has 40,000 outages that crews are working to restore.

              

State Lawmakers Unite for Diabetes  Awareness              

A number of Oklahoma state lawmakers are working to raise awareness about diabetes. November is set aside as Diabetes Awareness Month.  At the state capital this week, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers announced they are looking to propose legislation which, if approved, would help the more than 366,000 Oklahomans who have been diagnosed with the disease. A state capital press release said lawmakers this year made progress to make continuous glucose monitoring devices more accessible. For 2021 the group wants to work to make needed medications and supplies more affordable and accessible. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in Oklahoma and was said to be the under-lying cause of 1,300 deaths in the state in 2018.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. The Salvation Army is getting ready for its annual Red Kettle Drive. Bryan Brinlee with the Salvation Army over Grady and Caddo Counties is on our KOOL Konversation program. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

Charlotte Fitch

A graveside service for Charlotte Fitch, 92, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9th in Resthaven Memory Gardens in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

High School Football Scores

Chickasha 59, Elgin 14

No. 6 Blanchard 7, No. 3 Tuttle 0

No. 10 Newcastle 49, Elk City 21

No. 9 Kingfisher 42, No. 7 Anadarko 22

Perkins-Tryon 41, Bridge Creek 7

Minco 14, Hobart 7

Dibble 44, Wynnewood 0

Headlton 44, Rush Springs 26

Apache 60, Carnegie 22

Marlow 34, Tishomingo 0

Lindsay 34, Comanche 20

Empire 58, Cyril 8

Tipton 50, Central High 22

Mt. View-Gotebo 52, Thackerville 0

Maysville 36, Temple 0

 

Friday, November 6th

 

Hundreds Still Without Electricity

There are still a lot of people without electricity - nine days after an ice storm paralyzed much of central and western Oklahoma. Most of the outages are in Caddo County where CK Energy reports nearly 2,100 of its members still without electricity. The co-op also reports that more than 170 members in Grady County and nearly 670 members in Canadian County are still without power. CK Energy spokesman Boyd Lee said thousands of poles were damaged or destroyed in the storm and that the outage is a long-duration event.

 

Coronavirus Update              

Another Chickasha resident has died from COVID-19. The state health department said a man 65 years old or older was among the most recent deaths attributed to the illness. Chickasha has now had 11 people die from the virus and there have been 18 people throughout Grady County who have lost their lives. Statewide, the death toll from the virus topped 1,400 yesterday as more than 20 new deaths were added to the total. They were among the 2,100 new cases of the illness Thursday which is the highest one-day total since the virus first appeared in March. The number of total positive tests will likely top 130,000 today. The health department reports 1,055 people are hospitalized with COVID. Oklahoma City hospitals have moved into the third tier of a four-tier plan put in place to deal with the pandemic.

 

One Hospitalized After Anadarko Crash

In Anadarko, a woman was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after her SUV was rear-ended and it veered off the road and hit a tree. 65-year old Annella Revis of Sapulpa suffered head and trunk injuries in the crash. She was admitted to the hospital in serious condition. The accident happened about a mile north of Anadarko on U.S. Highway 281 just before 7:00 a.m. Thursday. The highway patrol reports that Revis' SUV was hit from behind by a pick-up driven by 26-year old Cole Nation of Anadarko (Nation was not injured). The trooper investigating the crash reported that Nation was following to close and was unable to stop when Revis slowed down for an unknown reason.

 

Blood Supply Still Critically Low

There is still a critical need for blood donations as the pandemic has canceled many blood drives throughout the state. KOOL 105 and 106.1 The Ranch and the Oklahoma Blood Institute are again combining efforts today to help re-stock supplies. The OBI bloodmobile will be across the street from our studios at 7th and Chickasha Avenue - in the parking lot of the YMCA – between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. today. You don't need an appointment. Donors’ names will be placed in a drawing to win a $500 gift card. Also, a USAO blood drive canceled last week because of the ice storm has been re-scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16th.  Individuals who had appointments will have to re-schedule.  That blood drive will be held in the USAO Student Union ballroom to allow for social distancing. For information on an upcoming blood drive in your area visit the website: www.obi.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.79 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $40.93.

Natural gas is $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,955 and silver is $25.86.

 

Obituaries

Cindy Brand

A graveside service for Cindy Brand, 62, of Alex will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7th at the Alex Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

 

Thursday, November 5th

 

Details of Recent Arrest Connected

to the Sale of Counterfeit Pain Killers

State and federal drug agents continue a months-long investigation into the sale of counterfeit pain pills laced with Fentanyl which has led to at least 10 deaths in Oklahoma, including two in Grady County. One of the most recent arrests in Chickasha was last month, when a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration indicates a confidential source was able to buy the illicit drugs on two occasions. A probable cause affidavit indicates that on Aug. 21st, the source purchased 14 tablets for $400 - then on Aug. 24th, the source bought another 100 tablets for nearly $2,000. Both purchases were made inside a vehicle in the parking lot of a Chickasha convenience store. On Oct. 7th, an arrest warrant was issued for Lawrence Paul Anderson of Chickasha who was taken into custody a short time later. Anderson has been charged with two felony counts of drug trafficking and he remains in jail on a $500,000 bond.

 

11th Chickasha Death Linked to COVID-19

Grady County has had another person die from the coronavirus. The state health department reports the victim was a Chickasha man who was at least 65 years old. He is the 11th person in Chickasha to die from the illness and the 18^th death in Grady County. His death is now included among the nearly 1,400 Oklahomans who have died from COVID-19. The number of people now hospitalized with the infection increased substantially yesterday, up to 1,026. Chickasha has 46 active cases of the illness and Grady County has 155. Statewide, there were more than 1,200 new individuals who have tested positive for the illness which takes the total number statewide to nearly 128,000.

 

Blanchard Sets Veterans Day Activities for Saturday              

The City of Blanchard will celebrate Veterans Day early this year with two events this weekend. A formal ground-breaking ceremony for the new Veterans Memorial Park will take place Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. which will be followed by the city's Veterans Day parade at 10:30 a.m. The ground-breaking will be held at at the site where the memorial will be built which is right on Veteran's Memorial Highway near downtown.

 

USAO Gets High Mark from National Group

USAO gets a top grade for its inter-disciplinary studies program. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) has given the university an A in the ACTA’s annual edition of its "What Will They Learn" survey. A press release indicates that USAO is the only university in Oklahoma to  get an A and one of just 23 nationwide to do so. The survey determines the quality of a university’s general education program based on a number of subjects identified as critically important to a 21st century education. Those subjects include composition, literature, math, economics, and U.S. government or history.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.15 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.23.

Natural gas is $3.04 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,918 and silver is $24.57.

 

Obituaries

Ann Erwin

A graveside service for Ann Erwin, 86, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 6^th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Ruby Dreadin

Funeral service for Ruby Dreadin, 87, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 10th at Northside Church of Christ. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

LC Cook

Funeral service for LC Cook, 89, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, November 4th

 

New State Lawmakers Elected

Two new faces from this region will be joining lawmakers at the Oklahoma state capital next year. Republican Dick Lowe of Amber wins the House District 56 post and Republican Jessica Garvin of Duncan wins the Senate District 43 post. Lowe defeated Democrat and Amber Mayer Craig Parham for the House District 56 seat by a two-to-one margin, receiving 67 percent of the vote. Lowe thanked those who voted for him.

 

 

Lowe said he wants to work to improve health care and broadband service in rural areas. Lowe fills the post previously held by Democrat David Perryman of Chickasha who did not run for re-election. Garvin defeated Democrat Terri Reimer of Marlow. Garvin won by a four-to-one margin for the post that includes Duncan, Marlow, Rush Springs, western McClain County, and Newcastle. Garvin will take the post previously held by Sen. Paul Scott who lost to Garvin in the GOP primary. In another regional race for the state capital, Elgin Republican Toni Hasenbeck won re-election by defeating Democrat Jennifer Kerstetter by a four-to-one margin.

 

Locke Keeps Grady County Clerk's Post

Grady County Clerk Jill Locke wins easily in her re-election bid. Locke defeated Democrat Frieda Willis by collecting 80 percent of the vote. Nearly 23,000 votes were cast in Grady County yesterday.

 

Bice Defeats Horn; other U.S. House, Senate Results

In Oklahoma's congressional races, Republican Stephanie Bice defeated incumbent Democrat Brenda Horn in the hotly contest District 5 race. Bice received 52 percent of the vote. 4^th District Congressman Tom Cole wins re-election with 67 percent of the vote. 3^rd District Congressman Frank Lucas received nearly 80 percent of the vote to keep his post. Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe won re-election by picking up 63 percent of the vote in a five person race. His closest challenger was Democrat Abby Broyles who received about 32 percent of the vote.

 

Grady, Caddo County Voters Cast Ballots for Prez Trump

In county voting in the presidential race, President Trump received more than 80 percent of the vote in Grady County and more than 70 percent of the vote in Caddo County.

 

Storm Damage Cleanup Continues

Grady County residents and businesses that suffered property damage from last week's ice storm are asked to report that damage to the state department of emergency management. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson says damaged or destroyed trees do not count as property damage. Thompson said to provide information to the website: www.damage.ok.gov

 As far as downed and damaged trees, Thompson said anyone needing a place to take the brush should contact their town first. For those who live in the county, residents should contact the county commissioner barn in the district in which they live as each barn has different guidelines. Thompson said to watch the Grady County Emergency Management Facebook page for updates.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $37.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.71.

Natural gas is $3.06 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,891 and silver is $23.76.

 

Obituary

Margery McDoniel

A private funeral mass and burial will be held for Margery McDoniel, 87, of Chickasha. She was the wife of long-time doctor Bill McDoniel. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mobile Meals or the Chickasha Public School Foundation.

 

Tuesday, November 3rd

 

Prez, Local, State Offices on Ballot in Today's Election

While Americans head to the polls to cast their ballots for President of the United States, in Oklahoma there are a number of local and state races to be decided. In Grady County, there is a race for county clerk where incumbent Republican Jill Locke is being challenged by Democrat Frieda Willis. Voters will be choosing a new state representative and a new state senator in this region. In House District 56, a new state representative will fill the seat held the last eight years by Democrat David Perryman of Chickasha who opted to not run for re-election. On the ballot are Republican Dick Lowe and Democrat Craig Parham. That district runs from Chickasha west to the Hobart area and includes much of Caddo County including Anadarko, Ft. Cobb, and Carnegie. In the central and southern part of Oklahoma voters will elect a new state senator in District 43 as incumbent Republican Paul Scott was defeated in the GOP primary in June. On the ballot are Republican Jessica Garvin and Democrat Terri Reimer. That district runs from Newcastle south to include portions of Rush Springs, Marlow, and Duncan. In House District 65 which includes parts of southern Caddo and western Stephens Counties and much of Comanche County, incumbent Republican Toni Hasenbeck is challenged by Democrat Jennifer Kerstetter. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight. If you are in line when the polls close you will be allowed to vote.

              

Knife-Wielding Voter Charged with Assault

A man arrested for waving a knife while voting last week has been formally charged with assault. 27-year old Ford William Filson of Chickasha was arrested at the Grady County Election Board last Thursday. It's alleged that Filson threatened election board workers with a buck-knife prior to voting. Deputies arrested Filson on a complaint of interfering with the voting process. Prosecutors have charged him with a felony count of assault with a dangerous weapon. Filson is out of jail after posting a $25,000 bond. He's to announce his attorney later this month and the case has been placed on the county's disposition docket on Dec. 15th.

 

Brush Only Allowed at Chickasha Dumpsite              

Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt spent a few minutes during last night’s city council meeting discussing the city's efforts to remove downed trees and limbs left over from last week's ice storm. Noblitt said the city will move from east to west to pick up brush on the curbside. As we have been reporting, Noblitt said residents can take debris to the city's public works department for free disposal but asked that it be only trees and limbs.

 

              

 

The public works facility on North Genevieve Street is open seven days a week. Individuals must show a water or utility bill from the city.

 

Pesticide Container Recycling Day Set

Agriculture producers or anyone needing to safely dispose of pesticide containers may do so later this month. The OSU South Central Research Station in Chickasha will take those containers on Tuesday, Nov. 17^th between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The containers must be triple rinsed and the labels and the lids must be removed. Officials say the empty pesticide containers are the only things that will be taken on this date. For information, contact the Grady County OSU Extension Office.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $36.81 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $38.97.

Natural gas is $3.24 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,898 and silver is $24.23.

 

Obituaries

Bonnie Burnett

A graveside service for Bonnie Burnett, 86, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 4th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Laverne Russell

A graveside service for Lola “Laverne” Russell, 84, formerly of Pocasset will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 4th the Amber Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Paul Kuykendall

Funeral service for Paul Kuykendall, 71, of Amber will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4^th at the First Baptist Church of Pocasset. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Sylvia Chaney

A memorial service for Sylvia Chaney, 91, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 5^th at Chickasha’s New Song Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

 

Monday, November 2nd

 

Many Still Without Power After Last Week's Ice Storm

A handful of Chickasha residents are still without electricity today as crews are into their 6th day of repairing damaged power lines after last week's massive ice storms. The website for Public Service Company of Oklahoma shows 15 customers without electricity in the city limits. The city is under an emergency disaster declaration but it's not a state of emergency according to city manager John Noblitt.

 

              

 

The city-wide tree and brush removal program will take several weeks. The public works department is open seven days a week for residents to take trees and limbs to dump for free (residents do have to show a water or utility bill). Otherwise, the brush can be stacked on the curb and city crews will come by and pick them up at no cost. More than 10,000 electric co-op members are still without power statewide including more than 7,500 members with CK Energy. In Grady County there are still about 300 outages with CK Energy reporting 173 without power and OEC with 108.  In Caddo County, nearly 4,700 co-op members remain with electricity in Caddo County. Nearly all are with CK Energy while eight are with OEC. In Canadian County, there are more than 2,800 co-op members still in the dark. Nearly 1,850 are with CK Energy, about 1,000 are with Cimarron Electric, and two are with OEC. REC is reporting just two outages in Garvin County and one in McClain County.            

 

Longtime Firefighter Retires              

A Chickasha firefighter will be recognized for nearly four decades of service. Capt. David Wright will be honored for his 38-year career with the city during tonight's city council meeting. He began in 1981 and was promoted to driver in 1993. He has served as a captain for the last 17 years. The council will hold a public hearing to determine for a use-on-review for a nail salon to be operated in a residential area. The request is from Malyssa Rutlege at 308 Flanders. The city’s Planning Commission is recommending that the use-on-review be approved. The council is expected to approve an annual amnesty program for those who owe fines to the library. Each December, the library waives the fines as long as individuals donate food which will be given to the Emergency Food Pantry. The council is also to consider releasing abatement liens on a number of properties purchased by Hillary Communications. The statute of limitations has expired on the liens with some of them dating back more than 10 years. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at City hall.

 

County Commissioners To Change Meeting Locale              

(EDITOR'S NOTE - A previous story regarding the change of meeting locations had the wrong date for when the change was to occur. We apologize for the error.)

Grady County Commissioners met at the Grady County Courthouse this morning as they usually do every Monday. It will be the final meeting at the courthouse for the foreseeable future. Beginning next Monday, November 9^th, the commissioners will hold their weekly meeting in the community building at the Grady County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m. until further notice. Two offices within the courthouse remain closed today due to coronavirus quarantines. The county clerk and court clerk offices will be re-opening later this week. The county clerk’s office is expected to re-open tomorrow while the court clerk's office is planning to re-open on Wednesday.

 

Farm Finance Program to be Discussed

Grady County OSU Extension will have a marketing meeting tomorrow morning. OSU Farm Finance Specialist Dr. Courtney Bir will be the guest speaker, talking about a new OSU program to help producers identify specific areas of concern in their operations. Producers can attend the 7:00 a.m. meeting in person or via zoom but those planning to take part should register by 4 o'clock this afternoon. Contact the extension office by calling 405-224-2216.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $35.79 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $37.46.

Natural gas is $3.35 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,888 and silver is $24.01.

 

Obituary

William Pope

Funeral service for William Pope, 77, of Ninnekah will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4th at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

 

Saturday, October 31st

 

Power Line Repairs Continue

Hundreds of utility workers are now in their 4th day of working to restore power to thousands of homes still without electricity in the aftermath of this week's historic ice storm. Nearly 900 PSO customers in Chickasha are still without power. PSO's website indicates that power may be fully restored by 10 o'clock tonight. More than 20,000 electric co-op members are also still without power across the state. The number is down to about 1,700 in Grady County, including 1,500 OEC members and 220 CK Energy members. In Caddo County nearly 7,000 members are still without electricity, most of them with CK Energy where officials say it will take several days to restore power. In Canadian County more than 4,600 outages are reported. There's good progress in McClain County with the number down to 41 OEC members without power. In Garvin County, 77 members of People's Electric co-op are still in the dark.

 

Chickasha Expands Brush Drop Off Days              

The City of Chickasha has extended the hours of a drop-off site for residents wanting to remove downed trees and limbs. Residents can take brush to the public works headquarters seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. There is no charge to do that. Residents will have to show a city water or utility bill. The city will pick up brush on the curb at no cost but that is expected to take several weeks. The city has only one truck capable of pickup a large amount of limbs.

 

Knife-Wielding Man Arrested for Disrupting Voters          

A man armed with a buck-knife is arrested for allegedly threatening workers at the Grady County Election Board. It happened late Thursday afternoon while people were casting ballots during in-person, absentee voting.  An incident report filed by a sheriff's deputy indicates the suspect was acting strange, running back and forth, even dancing with the knife, and lunging at  employees. The knife was reported to be in it's sheath at all times and no one was injured. When deputies arrived, the suspect was in the process of voting and appeared to be getting agitated. It's alleged the suspect told authorities he was upset because it was election time and he brought the knife for protection.  Authorities arrested 27-year old Ford William Filson of Chickasha without incident on a complaint of interfering with voting.  No formal charges have yet been filed against Filson.

 

Accident Closes Tuttle Intersection for Hours

At least one person was reported to be injured in a traffic accident that included a commercial vehicle in the Tuttle area last night. The accident happened on State Highway 37 about two miles west of State Highway 4. Tuttle police called for OHP assistance after the crash happened about 7:15 last night. Roadways were shut down for several hours finally re-opening just before 1:30 this morning. No information about the accident was available and the extent of the injuries have not been reported.

 

Daylight Savings Time Returns Tonight

It's the time of year that a lot of people don't care for. Daylight Savings Time returns early tomorrow morning. Most of the country will resetting clocks and other devices back one hour. The switch will provide a little more light in the morning and the sun will appear to set earlier in the evening. Most digital devices will change automatically however analog clocks, watches, and some older kitchen appliances will have to be changed manually. The official change takes place at 2:00 a.m. tomorrow so it's recommended that you make any needed changes before going to bed tonight.

 

Obituaries

Nancy Todd

No services are scheduled for Nancy Todd, 70, of Mustang. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home, Chickasha.

Kimberly Stumpf

No services are scheduled for Kimberly Stumpf, 50, of Amber. Arrangements are  with Sevier Funeral Home.

Dorothy Sanders

A private gathering will be held for Dorothy Sanders, 91, of Chickasha. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends Fur Change.

Bill Crittenden

A graveside service for Bill Crittenden, 92, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4th at Fairlawn Cemetery. He was a plumber for nearly 55 years. Crittenden was a U.S. Air Force veteran serving as an airplane mechanic. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

High School Football Scores

Newcastle 27, Chickasha 20

Tuttle 27, John Marshall 20

Anadarko 40, Mount St. Mary 7

Dibble 48, Stratford 12

Elmore City 45, Rush Springs 38

Marlow 28, Frederick 12

Lindsay 36, Tishomingo 14

Snyder 48, Cyril 0

Mt. View-Gotebo 30, Maysville 6

Thursday

Caddo 42, Alex 28

Today

Minco at Apache

Bridge Creek at McLoud

 

 

Friday, October 30th

 

Chix Mayor Issues Emergency Disaster Proclamation

Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley has signed an emergency disaster proclamation in the aftermath of this week's ice storm. The proclamation mainly refers to the downed trees and limbs. City crews will be picking up limbs at no cost to residents over the next few weeks. Limbs should be cut to manageable sizes between four and seven feet in length and placed on the curb, but not  under trees or power lines. As we reported yesterday, residents can take limbs and brush to the Public Works Department on north Genevieve Street although they must show proof of residency with a water or utility bill. If residents have damaged electric service meters that require repair City Manager John Noblitt says inspections and permits will be required although the fees will be waived. Anyone wanting to volunteer to help with the clean-up can contact city hall by calling 405-222-6045 or by filling out a volunteer form on the city's website at www.chickasha.org/volunteer

The proclamation is also discouraging trick-or-treating through neighborhoods for Hallowe'en tomorrow night because of downed trees and powerlines. Officials encourage residents to attend the community Ne’ewollah Festival downtown or fall harvest festivals and other church-related events. Shannon Springs Park is also closed until further notice because of all the tree damage there. Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Marks said dozens of trees already had lights put on them for the upcoming Festival of Light. The festival opens in just three weeks.

 

Thousands Still Without Electricity

There are still nearly 2,000 PSO customers in Chickasha without power today. The PSO website indicated that parts of the city could be without power for another couple of days and are estimating that power may be fully restored by 10:00 p.m. Saturday. Western Farmers Electric Co-op reports there are still more than 30,000 members of regional co-ops without power. One of the hardest hit co-ops was CK Energy where nearly 15,000 members are still without power in areas that include Grady, Caddo, and Canadian counties. Boyd Lee with CK Energy says it will be a long-duration event, and there's no way to determine when all power might be restored. He compares it to an ice storm that hit in 2002.

 

              

 

Lee said that the co-op has more than 7,300 miles of power lines stretching from Mustang to near Elk City and south to Quartz Mountain. If families don't have generators to provide power, he says they might stay with relatives who do have power.

 

Early Voting Continues              

Today presents another opportunity for voters to cast ballots ahead of next Tuesday's presidential election. Election boards reported heavy turnouts in the first day of in-person, absentee voting. In-person, absentee voting can be done at county election board offices from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, or from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow. Voters in parts of Grady and Caddo counties will be electing a new member to the state house of representatives next week. Republican Dick Lowe and Democrat Craig Parham are both running for House District 56, the post currently held by Democrat David Perryman of Chickasha. Perryman opted not to run for another term. The district stretches from Chickasha, through Anadarko and Carnegie and over to the Hobart area.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $36.17 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $37.65.

Natural gas is $3.30 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,874 and silver is $23.44.

 

 

Thursday, October 29th

 

Thousands Still Without Power After Ice Storm

Electricity is still out for many Oklahomans today as crews continue repairs on power lines damaged from this week's ice storm. More than 2,800 PSO customers in Chickasha were still without power this morning. They are among more than 14,000 families and businesses in the PSO service area still in the dark. Another 2,800 customers are without power in the Minco and Tuttle area as are about 400 customers in the Amber and Pocasset area. Western Farmers Electric Cooperative indicates that more than 56,000 members of various co-ops are without power. The website www.wfec.com shows county-by-county outages. For Grady County, nearly 4,200 OEC members are without power; CK Energy has nearly 450; Cotton Electric has 120; and REC has more than 60. In Caddo County, nearly 9,000 CK Energy members are without power while 50 OEC customers are still out. In McLain County, nearly 840 OEC members and 15 REC members are without power. The number is less In Stephens County, where a total of 100 co-op members are without power between REC and Cotton Electric.

 

Storm Clean-up Underway; City of Chickasha

Has Disposal Site for Downed Trees, Limbs

The clean-up is underway after numerous trees were damaged or destroyed in the ice storm. David Buchanan with City of Chickasha's Public Works Department said his crews have been working around the clock to at least partially clear city streets of debris to make them passable. Buchanan said residents clearing their property of damaged trees can take the debris to the city's public works headquarters at no charge. The headquarters is north of the city's animal shelter on Genevieve Street. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Buchanan said residents will need to show a utility bill. He said the reason for that is to prevent contractors from disposing of the limbs and debris they pick up.

 

In-Person, Absentee Voting Underway              

Thousands of Oklahomans have already cast their votes ahead of next week's presidential election with mail-in absentee ballots. Many more will do so over the next few days through in-person, absentee voting at county election boards. Grady County Election Board Secretary Katrina Hughes says she has tripled her staff to help what is expected to be a large turnout. Hughes said she normally has two people working the in-person, absentee process but that will increase to six. Hughes said individuals will need to show either their voter identification card, driver's license, or other official identification. She's also asking voters to wear masks and to social distance while standing in line. Voters should enter the south side of the election board office from the courthouse parking lot. Hughes suggested that voters cast ballots mid-morning or mid-afternoon. She said busiest times will likely be at lunch and after 5 p.m. In-person, absentee voting takes place until 6:00 p.m. today, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at county election board offices statewide. She said offices will be open even if there is no power.

 

Chickasha Hosts Capitalist Roping Event

Many of the country's top team ropers will be in Chickasha the next several days looking for some big pay days. It's a competition call The Capitalist - a 10-day event for open ropers which is put on by open ropers. Thousands of dollars will be paid out as there is $85,000 added money to be won. There are competitions every day at the Grady County Fairgrounds beginning tonight and running through Saturday, Nov. 7th. For information visit the website:

www.capitalistroping.com

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil is $37.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $39.12.

Natural gas is $2.99 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,878 and silver is $23.23.

 

Obituary

Joe Epperson

A memorial service for Joe Epperson, 93, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Epperson spent much of his life in the oil and gas business and was a military veteran of both the U.S. Navy and Army. He served in the Navy during World War II and in the Army during the Korean War. Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth Methodist Church or a charity of choice.

 

 

Wednesday, October 28th

 

Ice Storm Continues for Third Day

Much of central Oklahoma remains under an ice storm warning as freezing precipitation continues to cause havoc for a third straight day. There are nearly 3,000 PSO customers without power in Chickasha and nearly 15,000 PSO customers throughout its southwest Oklahoma are without power. CK Energy is reporting more than 19,000 customers without power with many of those throughout Grady and Caddo counties. REC is reporting more than 1,000 outages in Grady, McClain, Garvin, and Stephens County. A semi pulled down a transmission line on U.S. Highway 81 north of Pocasset yesterday closing the roadway for several hours – and the highway was still closed this morning. Portions of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike between Chickasha and Lawton were shut down for several hours last night due to low-hanging powerlines.

              

Extra Help Called in to Restore Power             

Hundreds of power crews from nearby states have been called in to help restore electricity to the estimated 225,000 households without power across the state. Tim Hushbeck with Public Service Company of Oklahoma said 500 line workers and 130 tree trimmers from Louisiana and Texas made the trip to help out. Hushbeck said the Grady County Fairgrounds is serving as a rendezvous point for many of those workers.

 

Downed Trees, Limbs Make Travel Difficult              

Numerous trees and tree branches have snapped and are blocking Chickasha streets and county roads. In Chickasha, City Manager John Noblitt has not issued a state of emergency. He said that city crews are working to make streets passable by moving downed trees and branches to the curb. Noblitt asks that residents allow the city to remove the brush so that residents avoid getting hurt. He said a brush and limb pickup service will more than likely be implemented within a few days.

 

Storm Closes Schools Again              

Many schools remained closed today including those that held virtual classes yesterday. That includes Chickasha Public Schools. Some county government offices that were closed yesterday were re-opening today although at later hours.

              

Blood 'Emergency' Issued

The ice storm has forced the Oklahoma Blood Institute to issue an emergency blood shortage notice. Many of the agency’s scheduled blood drives over the last few days have been canceled. Officials say donations have already been down because of the pandemic and they've exhausted all typical recruitment efforts. KOOL-RANCH radio stations will join forces with the blood institute tomorrow for a community blood drive. The bloodmobile will be across the street from the studios at 7^th and Chickasha Avenue in the YMCA parking lot from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment is needed but if you'd like to schedule a time call George Plummer at 405-224-1560.

 

Grady County Commissioners Change Meeting Locale              

(EDITOR'S NOTE - A previous version of this story contained some erroneous information. This story is a corrected version. We apologize for the error) Grady County Commissioners are moving the location of their weekly commissioners meetings. Starting Monday, November 2^nd commissioners will be meeting at the Grady County Fairgrounds Community building at 9 a.m. each week. The courthouse has been dealing with COVID-19 quarantines for several days. The county clerk’s office and the court clerk's offices are both closed through part of next week. The treasurer’s and assessor's offices are open.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.77 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.20.

Natural gas is $3.02 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,898 and silver is $24.30.

 

Obituaries

Norma “Jean” West

A graveside service for “Jean” West, 93, of Chickasha  will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 30^th at Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Ed Looney

Funeral service for Ed Looney, 83, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 30th at College Heights Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Rayma “Kaye” Mink

Funeral service for “Kaye” Mink, 76,  of Blanchard and formerly of Cement will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 31st at the First Baptist Church of Cement. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Richard Gene “Rick” Foster

A memorial service will be held at a later date for “Rick” Foster, 56, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, October 27th

 

Central Oklahoma Ice Storm Continues

A second round of winter weather is making its way across Oklahoma. An ice storm warning for much of central Oklahoma continues to be in effect through mid-day tomorrow. Early this morning, fire crews were called out to an oilfield site west of Chickasha. Buddy Myers with the Grady County Fire Department said the Pioneer Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the site about three miles west of Norge Highway on CR 1380 (Country Club Road). Schools are either closed or have opted for virtual learning today. Chickasha schools also announcing that no meals would be delivered to those students who opted for full-time virtual learning for the fall semester. The Grady and Caddo County courthouses are closed. There are numerous power outages throughout the region. Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) reported more than 3,600 power outages in its service area in southwest Oklahoma. There were 109 outages in Chickasha and 385 customers without power in an area stretching from Amber north through Pocasset and into Minco. CK Energy reported more than 15,000 outages throughout its service area from Oklahoma City and points west, including many in Grady and Caddo Counties. REC reported more than 500 outages throughout Grady, McClain, and Garvin counties. Among the many traffic accidents was a jack-knifed semi on U.S. Highway 81 about three miles north of Pocasset. The highway patrol reported there was some property damage in the wreck which happened about 4:00 a.m. The highway was closed for three hours.

 

One Child Dead, Another Critical After Crash              

A five year old girl died and a four-year old girl was hospitalized in critical condition after a pickup crashes into an SUV in Lawton. The children were passengers in a pickup driven by 23-year old Jessie Price of Fletcher. Price was not injured. The highway patrol reports that Price ran a stop sign and crashed into the SUV driven by 45-year old James Powers of Lawton. Powers also was not injured. The investigation into the crash is continuing. The initial report from the trooper indicated that it wasn't clear if the children were in restraint seats.

 

Weather to Improve for Ne'ewollah              

While Old Man Winter has Oklahoma at a near standstill, he's expected to go away in the latter part of the week and allow fall-like temperatures to return. That's good news for those who plan on doing some trick-or-treating or hosting Hallowe'en parties this weekend. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will be holding the annual Ne'ewollah festival with trick-or-treating downtown Saturday night from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  There is a virtual children's costume contest  with three age divisions - four years old and under, 5 to 9 years old, and 10 to 13 years old. The three categories of competition are the scariest, the cutest, and the most creative costumes. Photographs of the costumes can be e-mailed to: events@chickashachamber.com or sent via text to 405-369-3384. Deadline to submit photographs is Sunday, November 1^st with the winners to be announce on Monday, November 2nd

 

History Center to Open New Exhibit              

The Oklahoma History Center will be opening a new permanent exhibit which will feature the roles that Oklahomans have played in the country's air and space programs. It's called Launch to Landing: Oklahomans and Space. Officials say it completes several years of coordination and planning with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in the nation's capitol and the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas. The exhibit will open November 17th. To celebrate the opening of the exhibit and the 15th anniversary of the Oklahoma History Center, the center will offer five days of free admission from Tuesday, November 17th through Saturday, November 21^st.  See the website: www.okhistory.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $38.56.

London-based Brent crude is $40.46.

Natural gas is $3.02 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,901 and silver is $24.43.

 

 

Monday, October 26th

 

Ice Storm Warning Issued

Breaking - The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning for much of central Oklahoma through 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 28th. Some areas could see ice accumations between one-half and one inch. Power outages are expected. Temperatures will be hovering around or below the freezing mark of 32 degrees Farenheit with overnight lows in the upper 20s.

 

Officials Working to Identify Victim in Fatal Crash

Officials are still working to identify the person who died in a fiery rollover crash west of Rush Springs over the weekend. A passer-by discovered the vehicle on State Highway 17 between Rush Springs and Sterling about 6:00 a.m. Saturday. The trooper investigating the accident reported that the driver failed to go around a curve, ran off the road and overturned several times and then caught fire. The state medical examiner was working to determine the identity of the driver.

 

Local Man Hospitalized After Osage County Accident

A Chickasha man was hospitalized over the weekend after crashing his jeep in northeastern Oklahoma. 24-year old James Trenton Middleton was airlifted to a Tulsa hospital where he was admitted in fair condition with head, trunk, arm, and internal injuries. The accident happened early Saturday morning in the Osage County town of Fairfax which is northeast of Pawnee. The Highway Patrol reports that Middleton failed to stop at a stop sign at a T intersection, ran off the road and hit a tree. The trooper reported that Middlelton may have been drinking.

 

Two Grady County Offices Closed Due to COVID-19

A couple of offices at the Grady County Courthouse are closed all week due to COVID-19. The county clerk's office and the court clerk's office are both closed while employees quarantine. The offices will not be opening until next week. The county clerk's office is scheduled to re-open next Tuesday, November 3rd and the court clerk's office is to re-open next Wednesday, November 4th. The county treasurer's office and the assessor's office are open. Also, the county commissioners were to have their regular Monday morning meeting at the courthouse. Also, the trial docket that was scheduled to start in Grady County District Court today was canceled. Trials were supposed to run over the next two weeks. Anyone who received a notice for jury duty will not have to report.

 

Caution Urged in Generator Use This Winter

Oklahoma is being hit by the first winter storm of the season and it’s here quite a bit earlier than most years. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson says often times freezing rain and ice storms can take down power lines. Many households use generators during power outages and Thompson has some useful tips when using a generator.

 

              

 

Thompson was on our KOOL Konversation program over the weekend. We have a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Absentee Voting Options Available Ahead of Election

We are just over a week away from the presidential and general election. Tomorrow is the deadline to request an absentee ballot. The best way to do that is to go to the state election board website which is www.elections.ok.gov In-person, absentee voting will available later this week. Voters will be able to cast ballots at the election board office in their county Thursday or Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $39.85 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $41.77.

Natural gas is $2.97 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,905 and silver is $24.37.