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Mollman Media News Archives for 2021-08

2021, Aug. 23rd-28th

Saturday, August 28th

 

Human Bones Id'd as Long-time Missing Chickasha Man

A human skeleton found in Caddo County two years ago has been identified as a man who had been missing from Chickasha for more than 30 years. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said the remains were those of Alvin Stark. A laboratory at the University of North Texas identified the remains. Stark's sister, Rebecca Fowler, reported him missing in May of 1988.  She said Stark had planned to go fishing with her husband the day he went missing but never showed up. Fowler told the Oklahoman that she never lost hope that she would find her brother. She said that while she will never see him again the news brought her some peace as the family prepares to lay him to rest. Stark's death was believed to have been a homicide. Chickasha police identified a suspect during their investigation but without Stark's remains at the time there was not enough evidence to charge that individual. Authorities say the suspect has since died.

 

Teen Charged with Rape to be Tried as Adult

A teenager will be tried as an adult after prosecutors say he violently raped his girlfriend. 15-year old Paden Lane Herrmann of Binger was charged as a youthful offender in Caddo County District Court yesterday. The Lawton Constitution reports Herrmann faces two rape charges and will be tried as an adult due to the violent nature of the allegations. The charges stem from two separate incidents that occurred in June. Herrmann is being held at a Lawton juvenile detention center on a $100,000 bond. He's scheduled to be back in court September 30th for a preliminary hearing conference.

 

Finalists for Chix City Manager Post Have Interviews

Four finalists for the vacant Chickasha city manager post are in town for interviews this weekend. The candidates and their families are spending the weekend in town and are expected to tour the community to test the waters should they be hired. There's a lot going on for the candidates to experience. Last night, the high school football team won its season opener, the Grady County Fair wraps up today, there's a truck and tractor pull at the fairgrounds, the city's sports complex has a big tournament, and the University of Science and Arts soccer teams have home games tonight. A special meeting of the city council will be held today where the group will go behind closed doors for the formal interviews. There's no word on when a new city manager may be named.

 

106th Grady County Fair Wraps Up Today

As we just mentioned today is the final day of the 106th Grady County Fair. The rabbit, poultry, and cattle shows are all today. The carnival opens at noon and the commercial booths are open much of the day. There is a children's pet show at 4:30 this afternoon and the kiddie tractor pull is this evening. The final event at the Grady County Fairgrounds will be the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull at the outdoor rodeo arena. The pit area opens at 4:30 p.m. with the event starting at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the gate.

 

High School Football Scores

Chickasha 51, Altus 7

Tuttle 28, Sulphur 0

Newcastle 40, Cleveland 0

Destiny Christian 64, Alex 18

Lindsay 20, Pauls Valley 0

Casasdy 29, Carnegie 0

Wayne 37, Apache 6

 

Finalists for Chix City Manager Post to be Interviewed

Four finalists for the vacant Chickasha city manager post are in town for interviews this weekend. The candidates and their families are spending the weekend in town and are expected to tour the community to test the waters should they be hired. There's a lot going on for the candidates to experience. Last night, the high school football team won its season opener, the Grady County Fair wraps up today, there's a truck and tractor pull at the fairgrounds, the city's sports complex has a big tournament, and the University of Science and Arts soccer teams have home games tonight. A special meeting of the city council will be held today where the group will go behind closed doors for the formal interviews. There's no word on when a new city manager may be named.

 

106th Grady County Fair Wraps Up

As we just mentioned today is the final day of the 106th Grady County Fair. The rabbit, poultry, and cattle shows are all today. The carnival opens at noon and the commercial booths are open much of the day. There is a children's pet show at 4:30 this afternoon and the kiddie tractor pull is this evening. The final event at the Grady County Fairgrounds will be the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull at the outdoor rodeo arena. The pit area opens at 4:30 p.m. with the event starting at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the gate.

 

Friday, August 27th

 

Body Found Outside Marlow Cemetery

Authorities are investigating a body found near the Marlow Cemetery. A utility crew discovered the body yesterday. Stephens County Sheriff Wayne McKinney tells KSWO-TV that the body appears to be that of a male and that it had been there for some time. McKinney did not give an estimate on how old the individual may have been. Officials are working to identify the remains and the cause of death.

 

Clean Up Chickasha Campaign Winding Down

There are a couple more days left for the Cleanup Chickasha campaign. Residents and business owners can dispose of large debris at a couple of sites which have those large roll-off dumpsters to put furniture, old lumber, limbs or other items into. There are two dumpsters at 6th and Frisco Avenue until 3 p.m. today and again from 9:00 a.m. to noon tomorrow. There are four roll-off dumpsters at the city's public works headquarters which will be available until 5:00 p.m. today and 9:00 a.m. to noon tomorrow. Items that should not be placed in the dumpsters are hazardous materials, tires, paint, insecticides, herbicides, and motor oil.

 

Grady County Fair Continues

Here's what's happening at the Grady County Fair today. The commercial booths will get going at 10 o'clock this morning and the swine show will be this afternoon. The OHCE will have Indian tacos, sandwiches, and home-made cinnamon rolls in the north exhibit building. The noon meal from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the community building is beans and cornbread and the evening meal is southern fried chicken.The carnival will open at 6:00 p.m. and it will be armband night once again. Live music tonight will be Billy Davis and the Band of Brothers. Tomorrow is the big day for activities with the rabbit, poultry, and swine shows, the pet show for the little ones in the afternoon, the 4H and FFA tractor driving contest, and the ag Olympics. The carnival will open at noon and tomorrow night the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull will put an exclamation point on the weekend of activities at the fairgrounds. Gates for the truck and tractor pull open at 4:30 p.m. to visit the pit area and the pull starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be $20 per person at the gate.

 

Chix Chamber to Host 34th Annual Golf Tournament

The annual Chickasha Chamber of Commerce golf tournament is just a couple of weeks away. The 34th annual event will be Friday, Sept. 10th at the Club at Chickasha - formerly the Chickasha Golf and Country Club. The chamber is registering four-person teams and there will be shotgun starts at both 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. There will be breakfast for the morning players and lunch for the afternoon players and everyone will get a swag bag full of goodies from chamber members. Teams can register on-line at the chamber's website: www.chickashachamber.com or by reaching out to the chamber office for more information.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend.  Daniel Edwards and John Smith with Maranatha Baptist Church will be on the KOOL Konversation discussing a new American Heritage Girls program. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.42 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $70.18.

Natural gas is $4.18 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,798 and silver is $23.72.

 

Obituaries

Susan Clark

Funeral service for Susan Clark, 66, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 28th at Son Rise Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Merwin Turner

Funeral service for Merwin Turner, 68, of Alex will be at 2:00 pm. Tuesday, August 31st at Sevier Funeral Home.

Wanda Willis

A graveside service for Wanda Willis, 88, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 31st at the Comanche Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday, August 30th from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Thursday, August 26th

 

Two Ninnekah School Board Members Resign;

Two Administrators Suspended in Light of Fed Lawsuit

The fallout begins at Ninnekah public schools in light of a federal lawsuit filed against the district regarding rape and sexual assault allegations against a former coach. Two school board members resigned in a special school board meeting yesterday and the superintendent and high school principal were both suspended. School board President Rusty Garrett and board clerk Scott Miller resigned. The remaining board members suspended Superintendent Todd Bunch and High School Principal David Pitts with pay, pending the outcome into an investigation related to the lawsuit. The action comes after a dozen former girls basketball players alleged their coach sexually assaulted them, and that administrators were told of the allegations but took no action. Also, three more former players have come forward alleging that then-coach Ron Akins molested them. Both Garrett and Miller were long-time members of the school board. In Garrett's resignation letter he said the passion he once had for serving the district is not what it should be. Miller wrote that he hopes this small step might aid in the healing process for the community and further dispel any possible conflicts of interest. About 60 people attended yesterday's meeting. One patron said the board's action was a big relief.

 

Crash Claims Life of Apache Woman; Injures Another

A Caddo County woman has died and another is hospitalized with numerous injuries following a traffic accident in southeast Oklahoma. 68-year old Betty Daugherty of Apache died in the crash that happened west of Hugo Wednesday morning. She was a passenger in a pickup driven by 70-year old Phyllis Davis also of Apache. Davis was last in stable condition. The highway patrol reports that Davis failed to yield to oncoming traffic and hit another pickup. Two individuals in the other truck were from Antlers. They were taken to a hospital and treated and released.

 

Cel Phone Search in Truck Leads to Accident

A Caddo County man is hospitalized after his one-ton truck runs off a county road rolls onto its side. 40-year old William Traywick of Apache was injured in the accident that happened about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon near Alfalfa which is north of Carnegie. The trooper investigating the accident reported that Traywick was looking for his cel phone when the truck ran off the road. The trooper reported there was an odor of alcohol at the scene.

 

Artists Sought to Paint Murals in Downtown Chix

Attention artists! An effort to paint some murals on buildings in downtown Chickasha is underway. The Economic Development Council and the Chickasha Area Arts Council are looking for requests for proposals to paint the first of several murals near the Rock Island Railroad Depot. Individual artists and groups are encouraged to apply. They are looking for original works that will be selfie-friendly for visitors and encourage the promotion of tourism. Requests for proposals are due by Sept. 20th and artists will be notified by Sept. 30th. The projects need to be completed by Nov. 24th which is about the time the Festival of Light will begin. The proposals may be sent to: chickashaarts@gmail.com or jim@chickashaedc.com

 

Grady County Fair Begins

The Grady County Fair gets underway today. The commercial exhibits will open at 11 o'clock with the goat and sheep shows to be held this afternoon. Those submitting cakes for the cake show can drop them off between noon and 2:30 with judging to follow and the cakes auctioned tonight. The carnival opens at 6 p.m. with wristband nights both tonight and tomorrow night. Wristbands are $25. The formal ribbon-cutting to open the fair is at 7 o'clock tonight. Live music tonight is Tim Brauer and First Look. Admission and parking to the 106th Grady County Fair are free. The event runs through Saturday at the Grady County Fairgrounds.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.63 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.25.

Natural gas is $3.90 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,787 and silver is $23.75.

 

Obituaries

Mary Cole

A memorial service may held at a later date for Mary Cole, 64, of Verden. She was a long-time trustee for the town of Verden. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Karen Cox-Grammer

Funeral service for 59-year old Karen Cox-Grammer of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Robert ‘Rob’ Mack

A graveside service for Rob Mack, 81, of Rancho Palos Verdes, California will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Rush Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, August 25th

 

Ninnekah School Board to Consider Suspending

Superintendent, High School Principal

The Ninnekah Board of Education will hold a special meeting this afternoon to consider suspending the district's superintendent and the high school principal. Superintendent Todd Bunch and school principal David Pitts were both named in a federal lawsuit filed against the district by former girls basketball players who allege their one-time coach Ron Akins sexually assaulted them. One item on the agenda calls for accepting any resignations that may have been received. Another item is to consider hiring an attorney at the cost of $185 per hour to serve as an additional legal counsel for the district concerning the investigation of the conduct of school employees alleged in the lawsuit. The school board then has a proposed closed-door meeting to discuss the possible suspensions of the two administrators. The meeting was scheduled for 3:30 this afternoon.

 

Grady County Fair Opens Tomorrow

We are on the eve of the Grady County Fair! Officials have scheduled a full three days of events after last year's fair was scaled back due to the pandemic. Commercial vendors can set up their booth spaces today and fair officials are judging the still exhibits that were brought in yesterday. Also, the alfalfa hay show is this morning and they will be accepting bids on that hay. The un-official opening of the fair is tomorrow morning with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow night. The cake show, cake auction, sheep, and goat shows are among the highlights tomorrow. There are live bands both Thursday  and Friday nights.

 

PSO Prepares for Street Light Inventory

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is looking to improve the street lights in all 232 cities and towns it serves. PSO officials say they are getting ready for new and innovative lighting systems. The utility will start with a physical inventory of every street light in every community which is expected to wrap up by the end of the year or early next year. Officials say they'll be taking a look at about a dozen attributes of every streetlight and collect more accurate GPS coordinates. A press release indicates the work will help PSO personnel to more efficiently and effectively upgrade and restore the lights. PSO Customer Service Manager Brandon Sirman said that field personnel will be in PSO-served communities looking at every street light and even taking pictures of poles.

 

Science and Arts Has Near-Record Freshmen Enrollment

The University of Science and Arts is welcoming its largest freshman class in about 20 years. The number is a more than 80 percent increase over last year when the pandemic impacted enrollment at universities nationwide. Officials credit the increase at Science and Arts to a new scholarship program focused on accessibility and affordability, a more pro-active and assertive outreach, and a campus-wide commitment to improving the university through fund-raising and improved branding. Over the next five years officials aim to increase total enrollment to 1,200 students.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.54 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $71.05.

Natural gas is $3.90 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,796 and silver is $23.64.

 

Obituaries

Lorene Jobe

Funeral service for Lorene Jobe, 85, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 27th at the First Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Alexander Bickley

Funeral service Alexander Bickley, 24, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, August 24th

 

Man Arrested for Beating Death of Girlfriend

A Chickasha man has been arrested for allegedly beating his girlfriend to death. 57-year old Russell Foreshee was arrested nearly two weeks after the woman's body was found in their home. Officials with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) tell KWTV-News 9 that Chickasha police were called to a home in the 1300 block of West Washington Avenue in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 11th and found Teresa McClellan unresponsive. It wasn't clear when she died. The state medical examiner determined that McClellan suffered numerous broken bones and blunt force trauma injures. Foreshee reportedly told investigators he had been beating McLellan for several days after finding out she was having an affair. Authorities allege Foreshee found McClellan unresponsive but waited before calling 9-1-1. It's also alleged Foreshee moved some items around the home which indicates he may have tampered with evidence. The report said Foresee has a history of drug use.

 

Chix School Officials Surveying Patrons

The Chickasha Public School district is collaborating with a couple of groups to hold a community survey about improvements that patrons believe are needed. The district is working with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association and a University of Oklahoma group called the K20 Center for Education Community Renewal. The information compiled while help develop a continuous strategic improvement plan to help develop long-term priorities and goals. Questions in the survey include what patrons value in the district; the five greatest challenges the district faces over the next 5-10 years; and what skills and abilities students need to have for their future success. You can find the survey on the Chickasha Public Schools Facebook page.

 

Areas of Chickasha May Have No or Low Water Pressure

Some areas in Chickasha may experience no or low water pressure today. Officials say the city's water treatment contractor USW will be flushing fire hydrants around town as a part of routine maintenance. Officials say this is not related to the blue-green algae problem in the lake at Shannon Springs Park.

 

Caddo County Man Accused of Trafficking Meth

A Caddo County man pulled over on a traffic stop was arrested on a complaint drug trafficking. Jacob McCurtain of Apache was pulled over by police in Lawton after driving left of center. KSWO-TV cites court documents that Lawton police summoned K9 officers which indicated that there may be narcotics in the vehicle. Authorities found about 84 milligrams of methamphetamine and seized more than $2,000 in cash. At his initial appearance in Comanche County District Court McCurtain was charged with drug trafficking, driving left of center, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, possession of drug items, and having proceeds derived from illegal drug activity.

 

Tuttle Senior Named Grady County Fair Princess

The Grady County Fair Princess hails from Tuttle this year. Addilyn Lingle, a senior, was crowned following last night's pageant. Lingle was among a 11 candidates competing. Lingle will have a lot of work to do during the fair which opens in Thursday. 1st runner-up was Cassie Thompkins of Tuttle; second runner-up and Miss Congeniality was Kiera Link of Tuttle; third runner-up was Clara Duncan of Chickasha; and Miss Photogenic was Abbie Savage of Amber-Pocasset. By the way, still exhibits and ag mechanics projects can be entered at the fair from 3-5:30 this afternoon, with judging tomorrow.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $65.64 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $68.75.

Natural gas is $3.95 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,806 and silver is $23.76.

 

Obituary

Donald Monroe

Funeral service for Donald Monroe, 91, of Amber, a U.S. Army veteran, will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 26th at Ferguson Funeral Home. 

 

Monday, August 23rd

 

Ninnekah Students to Continue Protest

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Following our morning news broadcast, the student rally scheduled for Monday was postponed in order to get a permit for the rally. The event was re-scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 24th)

Ninnekah school students will have a second day of protests against the district. As many as 50 students walked out of class Friday to support former female student athletes who say they were sexually assaulted by their coach and that school officials were told about it and did nothing. Friday's rally came about when numerous people attending a Ninnekah School Board meeting Thursday night called for the resignations of the superintendent, high school principal, and the school board president.  Sandy Smyth was among those at that meeting and at Friday's student march.

 

              

 

Expected to join the demonstration is a local chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) which is part of a worldwide charitable organization that works to empower abused children. 

 

Grady County Court Docket Begins

Jury selection for a felony domestic violence trial is expected to get underway this morning in Grady County District Court. Caleb James Kelley is facing a charge of domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon stemming from a 2019 arrest. That case is to be heard by District Judge Kory Kirkland. Also scheduled is jury selection for a violation of a protective order trial against Jared Mikel Heger who is charged with a number of felonies dating back to 2015. That case is being heard by Associate District Judge Joey Young. Also scheduled is a child abuse trial for Jeffrey Scott Rasmussen who was arrested following a 2019 investigation.

 

Blue-Green Algae Still a Problem at Shannon Springs Park

Chickasha officials say a blue-green algae bloom in the lake at Shannon Springs Park still presents a problem after it was discovered last Friday. Mayor Chris Mosley said city crews, the Grady County Fire Department, and county emergency management tried to pump the affected water out of the lake and move it through Congo Creek. Mosley said people should still not fish at Shannon Springs and keep pets from drinking the water and swimming in it. The Mayor said it wasn't clear how long the blue-green algae might remain.

 

              

 

They mayor did say it is OK for families to use the splash pad at the park since it uses chlorinated water that comes from the water treatment plant.

 

Clean Up Chickasha Campaign Underway

A city-wide cleanup for Chickasha begins today as officials encourage residents and businesses to dispose of unwanted and unsightly items. Two large roll-off dumpsters will be located at 6th and Frisco Avenue from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday. Those dumpsters will be picked up each afternoon and replaced the next morning. Four roll-off dumpsters will be available at the city's public works headquarters and will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Friday. The dumpsters at both locations will also be available Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. For information follow Keep Chickasha Beautiful on Facebook.

 

Grady County Fair About to Begin

The 106th Grady County Fair opens later this week. Tonight, 12 young ladies will compete for the title of Fair Princess. A reception and interviews will get underway at 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds followed by the talent show at 6:30 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Last year's fair princess was A.J. Jenkins.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $62.32 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $65.18.

Natural gas is $3.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,790 and silver is $23.41.

 

Obituaries

Faye Giles

A graveside service for Faye Giles, 70, of Mesa, Arizona and formerly of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 25th at Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Sarah Ann Dotson

A private memorial service for Sarah Ann Dotson, 81, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

2021, Aug. 16th-21st

Saturday, August 21st

 

Ninnekah Students March in Support of Former Players

About 30 Ninnekah High School students walked out of class Friday to hold a demonstration to support the alleged victims of sexual assault they suffered from former coaches and to call for changes within the district. The students - supported by parents and other adults - called for the resignation or dismissal of Superintendent Todd Bunch and high school principal David Pitts. Both are named in a federal lawsuit filed against the district after former players came forward saying they were raped or molested when they were in school by coach Ronald Akins, who has been charged with rape and sexual battery. Parent Sandy Smyth, who has two children attending Ninnekah schools, said the march came about after Thursday night's decision by the board of education to allow Bunch and Pitts to remain on the job.

 

              

 

There are reports that some parents may be organizing a petition drive to re-call every member elected to the Ninnekah school board.

 

Toxic Blue-Green Algae Forms at Shannon Springs Park

Blue-green algae blooms have been found in the pond at Shannon Springs Park. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley said officials discovered the toxic algae Friday and warned users to not go fishing or swim in the water or allow pets to swim in or drink the water at the park until further notice. Mosley said the splash pad at the park is safe to use since the water comes from the city’s distribution system and is chlorinated. He said the city’s drinking water is also OK as it comes from the Ft. Cobb Reservoir and is processed at the city's water treatment plant before being distributed. Mosley said city crews from public works, parks and recreation, community development, police, fire, and USW were assisted by the Grady County Fire Department and the county’s Emergency Management Agency to pump the affected water out of the Shannon Springs pond and into Congo Creek. Fire hydrants were flushed in neighborhoods along the creek in attempt to move the water through town and into the Washita River. Go to the RANCH News recorded link to hear an interview with Mayor Mosley.

 

Blanchard Bluegrass Festival Underway

It looks to be a great weekend for the Blanchard Bluegrass Festival. A number of groups have been invited by the Blanchard Parks and Rec Department including The Hunt Brothers, Clifftop Bluegrass, Southbound Mule, Pearl Grace and Company and others. The 11th annual festival opens at 11:00 o’clock this morning and runs until 10:00 p.m. Admission is free and be sure to take lawn chairs and blankets. Food trucks will on site.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Lts. Bobby and Crystal McFarland, the new commanders for the Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo counties, are our guests on the KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Faye Giles

A graveside service for Faye Giles, 70, of Mesa, Arizona and formerly of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 25th at Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Sarah Ann Dotson

A private memorial service for Sarah Ann Dotson, 81, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Friday, August 20th

 

GMH Staff Urges Coronavirus Vaccinations

You've heard that the number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma is rising again especially the Delta variant. Grady Memorial Hospital administrators and staff issued a letter to the public asking those who have not yet been vaccinated to get their shot(s). The letter is signed by 30 hospital doctors and healthcare professionals. It states that most of the patients who are currently being treated at the hospital with the virus did not get vaccinated. It also indicates that if the influx of patients continues at its current pace they are worried that they won't have enough nurses, doctors, and supplies to take care of everyone. Hospital administrator Kean Spellman said unvaccinated people are going to get the virus and that we are not able to 'mask' or ‘social distance’ our way out of it. He said that there are a lot of people who don't want to get the vaccine because they are afraid there is something in it that's not safe. Spellman says that's total baloney. Individuals can get vaccinated at most pharmacies any day or at the Grady County Health Department on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

              

New Salvation Army Commanders Appointed

The new commanders of the local Salvation Army have hit the ground running. Lts. Bobby and Crystal McFarland were assigned to the Grady and Caddo County region just a few weeks ago. They were able to host a two-week summer day camp/vacation bible school for children and Crystal said in a couple of weeks they will host an after-school program for kids.

 

              

 

The Salvation Army has opened a service center in Anadarko which is open a couple of days a month in a site provided by Bethel Baptist Church. The McFarlands have already helped a couple of local families that suffered losses due to fires. They are also making plans for the annual Angel Tree program and the red kettle drive coming up during the Christmas season.

 

Officials Hope to Save Apache Museum

An effort to rehabilitate a more than 100-year old historic Caddo County museum continues as officials worry that the building may collapse. The Apache Museum was built in 1901 and has been affected by extreme weather events over the last year. Officials say they need about $250,000 to make repairs. Rob Swanda is the president of the museum board. He tells the Lawton Constitution that the north wall of the building began to bulge out after last winter's freezing weather. The rocks that make up the wall can't just be pushed back into place. They have to be removed one-by-one and numbered in order to put them back exactly where they were. The museum board is working with an Altus engineering firm and a brick-and-masonry repair company out of Kansas. Immediate needs include stabilizing the wall with angle braces that are anchored to the sidewalk. Swanda said they are working with the Oklahoma Preservation Society and the National Parks Service to get funding for the project. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places but is not registered with the state of Oklahoma.

 

University of Science and Arts Pays Off Some Student Debt

Colleges and universities nationwide are using COVID relief funds to eliminate student debt. At the University of Science and Arts officials have been able to erase more than $770,000 owed by 383 students. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund went to current and former students who attended from the spring trimester of 2020 through the summer of 2021. A press release from the university said the funds were paid for debt that was owed directly to the institution rather than private loans owed to a lender or for federal student loans owed to the government. Science and Arts president John Feaver said the impacted students will be able to continue their education and focus on their studies.

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Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.69 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.45.

Natural gas is $3.83 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,783 and silver is $23.13.

 

Obituaries

Peggy Jo Crutcher

A graveside service for Peggy Jo Crutcher, 86, of Duncan was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 20th at the Duncan Cemetery. Arrangements were with McRay Funeral Home.

Mitchell Johnson

Funeral service for Mitchell Johnson of Hobart and Oklahoma City, a U.S. Air Force veteran, will be at noon Saturday, August 21st at the St. Emanuel Baptist Church in Hobart. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, August 19th

 

Former Ninnekah Coach, Teacher Suspended from New Job

After Federal Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Assault of Players

Charles Yackeyonney, a former Ninnekah school teacher and coach named in a federal lawsuit against two school districts and several school officials, has been suspended from his newest job. Yackeyonney resigned from Ninnekah in June and was then hired by Lawton Public Schools to teach social studies at Lawton Eisenhower. He was hired before being named in a federal lawsuit alleging that he and other defendants did nothing to stop the sexual assault of female basketball players at Ninnekah. The Lawton Constitution cites the lawsuit as indicating Yackeyonney was grooming a player for a sexual relationship. The paper reported that one of the 12 Jane Does filing the lawsuit alleged that when she was working at restaurant he left her tips of $100 at least five times and tried to flirt and establish a relationship with her. A statement from Lawton Public Schools said the safety of their students is the district's number one priority and that Yackeyonney has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.

 

Federal Agency Investigates Chickasha Pet Food Plant

A pet food manufacturer in Chickasha is under a federal investigation over allegations that toxic food made at the plant killed or sickened hundreds of pets across the country. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been looking into the work of Midwestern Pet Foods since the first of the year. Recalls of some of the foods made at the plant started last December after numerous animals became sick and/or died due to aflatoxins which is a mold fungus that forms in grain like corn and wheat used to make pet food. While a small level of aflatoxins are allowed the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture reported that some of Midwestern’s products had extremely high levels. Media reports indicate that state ag officials found errors in how the incoming corn was tested. The plant closed briefly after the re-call but has re-opened after state ag officials indicated the company was meeting requirements but authorities say they will monitor the situation to make sure the firm is following procedures they agreed to. The FDA investigation is continuing and the company could face more penalties.

 

Interviews set for Chix City Manager Finalists

Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley tells KOOL/RANCH News that the city council will soon interview four finalists for the vacant city manager post. Mosley said a special city council meeting will be held all day Saturday, Aug. 28th for interviews. The finalists and their spouses will spend the weekend in Chickasha with the city council going behind closed doors for formal interviews with the candidates. Mosley has been the acting city manager since January following the resignation of previous city manager John Noblitt who has since been named city manager in Sanger, Texas.

 

Rock Island Ride Returns for 5th Year

The first weekend in October is about six weeks away and officials are finalizing plans for all the activities that will be held in Chickasha that weekend The Rock Island Arts Festival is the headline event but one of the other main attractions is the Rock Island Ride - a bicycle ride throughout the city and the region. Johnny Trammell is among the organizers for the ride which will include routes for serious riders.

 

              

 

There were more than 300 riders last year. Families can sign up to take part in a 10-mile ride that is all inside the Chickasha city limits. Trammell said cyclists like the Rock island Ride because there is a lot to do when they finish their route. In addition to the arts festival, the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship will be going on with at least 35 current entries. The arts festival is Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Oct. 1st through 3rd and The Rock Island Ride and the food truck championship are both on Saturday, the 2nd.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $65.46 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $68.23.

Natural gas is $3.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,790 and silver is $23.37.

 

Obituary

Rolland Webb

Funeral service for Rolland Webb, 84, of Chickasha is pending with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, August 18th

 

Minco School Super Address COVID Issues

At Minco Public Schools, Superintendent Kevin Sims says the number of COVID cases is on the rise. Simms posted on his Facebook page that they are not in a panic mode but are monitoring the situation closely. He said that they are quarantining those who have the virus and their siblings and that parents may quarantine their children if they wish. Simms said while masks are not required he is recommending that students wear masks if parents want them to. He said the district is sanitizing and cleaning buildings daily. He said the district will be transparent and open about what they have to do to mitigate the virus as the numbers increase.

 

Chickasha to Get New Fire Engine

The City of Chickasha will be getting a new fire engine. The city council on Monday approved the purchase of a 2020 model Pierce Enforcer engine at a cost not to exceed $485,000. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said it’s a demonstrator model that only has about 4,000 miles on it. Samaniego favored a brand new Sutphen engine which would have cost a little more but that the department needs a new engine sooner rather than later. He said the Pierce engine could be delivered as early as this week while a Sutphen model that is currently being built might not be ready for another two to six months or longer.

 

              

 

The council voted unanimously to purchase the Pierce Enforcer and agreed to look at purchasing a Sutphen engine in the future. Samaniego said the new engine will be a traditional red fire engine and that any fire trucks he recommends in the future will also be red.

 

'Clean Up Chickasha' Campaign Info Released

We have the details today about the Clean Up Chickasha campaign that will be held next week. There will be two sites with the huge roll-off dumpsters that residents and businesses can use. There will be two dumpsters at 6th and Frisco Avenue where items can be taken during the day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They will be picked up at the end of the day and returned the next morning. Four of the roll-off dumpsters will be at the city's Public Works Headquarters north of the animal shelter. Those dumpsters will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Both sites will accept debris on Saturday, Aug. 28th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Jim Cowan with the Economic Development Council told the city council this week that the effort is needed to give a good impression to individuals and businesses who may be thinking about re-locating here.

 

              

 

Items that cannot be placed in the dumpsters include hazardous materials, paint, oil, pesticides, tires, and batteries. Cowan said the EDC, Chamber of Commerce, and Waste Connections are working with the Department of Environmental Quality to offer a location in the future to take some of those items. For information about the Clean Up Chickasha campaign follow Keep Chickasha Beautiful on Facebook.

 

Regional Students Earn American FFA Degree

A number of regional FFA students have earned the top award possible within the national organization. All are recipients of the American FFA degree which is earned by one in every 100 FFA students across the country. From Chickasha they are Marissa Cross, Rianne Tuthill, and Jay Grossnicklaus; from Ninnekah they are Jett Berry, Cammie Stehr, and Mariah Watson; from Verden, Kylee Tallent; From Rush Springs, Destiny Hall; from Union City they are Jamie Schieber and Jason Schieber; from Mt. View-Gotebo it’s Kate Jackson; and from Hydro-Eakly they are Raegan Klassen, Tayten Lierle, Dylan Propps, and Garrett Slagell.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $69.03.

Natural gas is $3.84 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,728 and silver is $23.77.

 

Obituaries

David Lewis

A graveside service for David Lewis, 68, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 19th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Luiz Brown

Funeral service for Luiz Brown, 79, of Oklahoma City will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 21st at Divine Wisdom Worship City in Midwest City. Arrangements are with Brown- Thomas Funeral Home.

Dorothea Eldridge-Hutchinson

Funeral service for Dorothea Eldridge-Hutchinson, 63, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

 

Tuesday, August 17th

 

Woman Accused of Assaulting Her Mother

A Chickasha woman is accused pulling out her 71-year old mother's hair, hitting her in the forehead, and strangling her. Police were called to a home in the 1100 block of South 14th Street last Thursday to investigate a report of abuse. A police affidavit indicates a 15-year old boy in the home told police that his mother had been drinking and got into a fight with her boyfriend. After the fight, the woman attacked her mother who was sitting in a recliner. The mother only weighs 115 pounds and has multiple health issues and unable to defend herself. Authorities found a wad of the mother's hair in a trash can. Police arrested 42-year old Jennifer Ann Holden and prosecutors have charged her with a felony count of aggravated assault and battery. She remains in jail on a $30,000 bond.

 

Police Dep't Dispatch Center to get New AC

A new air conditioning system will be installed at the Chickasha Police Department's dispatch center. The dispatch center is in the basement of Fire Station No. 2. Police Chief Dee Rowell said the current system failed the last week of July and that it was 12-15 years old. During last night's city council meeting, Rowell submitted quotes from three contractors and recommended a bid from DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning even though the bid was about $50 higher than the low bid. She said the DeHart bid included a 10-year parts warranty. But City Councilman Clark Van Dyck, who owns a heat and air company, questioned the statement about the warranty and recommended the bid be awarded to another local company.

 

              

 

Van Dyck made a motion to approve the bid from Drennan Heat and Air which was approved by a 7-1 vote. Councilman David Sikes voted against the motion.

 

Clean Up Chickasha Campaign Set

The City of Chickasha will be having another clean-up campaign next week. Jim Cowan with the city's Economic Development Council discussed the plan during last night's city council meeting.

 

              

 

The EDC and the Chamber of Commerce are working with Waste Connections to coordinate the effort. Cowan said workers picked up more than 58 tons of waste in the spring campaign. Cowan said that effort was a little bumpy but they will be doing things a little differently like picking up the big roll-off dumpsters every night and dropping off new ones in the morning. More details of the plan will be released later this week.

 

Vacant Home Goes Up in Flames

A vacant Chickasha home was destroyed by fire over the weekend. Crews were called to the blaze at the one-story, wood frame home near 11th Street and Oregon Avenue about 7:30 p.m. Sunday and crews spent about two hours dousing the flames. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said they were called back before dawn Monday when it appeared the fire re-kindled. Samaniego said the fire started in the kitchen and that the cause is under investigation.

 

Obituaries

James Meli, III

Funeral service for James Meli, III of Chickasha and formerly of Blair will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 18th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lone Wolf. Arrangements are with Peoples Funeral Home in Lone Wolf. Meli was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Bob Ramage, Jr.

A wake service for Bob Ramage, Jr., 67, of Cement will be at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 19th at Holy Name Catholic Church with a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 20th at the church. Burial will be in the Ft. Sill National Cemetery on Monday, August 23rd. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Ramage spent more than 21 years in the Air Force.

 

Monday, August 16th

 

Federal Lawsuit Filed in Connection with

Coach Accused of Sexually Assaulting Players

Two Grady County school districts, several school administrators, and even the Grady County sheriff's office are targets of a federal lawsuit filed in connection with allegations of a high school girls basketball coach accused of having inappropriate relations with players. The Sunday Oklahoman reports that 12 women say they reported the sexual assaults but nothing was ever done about it. The suit alleges a “systemic failure by school staff and administrators to report or investigate the allegations”. One alleged victim reported the coaches' behavior to the sheriff's office back in 2015 but the investigation went nowhere. 54-year old Ron Akins, who coached at both Ninnekah and Friend schools, was arrested in June and charged with rape and sexual assault.  Both schools have been named in that lawsuit. Since Akins arrest, the women - named Jane Doe 1-12 - have come forward to provide additional information implicating Akins of inappropriate contact with them. The newspaper reported that Cameron Spaulding, an attorney representing the women, called for the OSBI to lead a sweeping investigation, saying “we can't trust local law enforcement to protect those kids at this school”. The State  Department of Education is aware of the accusations and the Oklahoman reported that Ninnekah's standing as a school district could be at risk.

 

Chickasha Water, Sewer Line Relocations for

Hwy 81 Bypass Expected to Exceed $1 Million

It's expected that the relocation of Chickasha's water and sewer lines due to the Highway 81 Bypass of the city will surpass $1 million. The Chickasha City Council is expected to approve going out for bids for the projects when the council meets this evening. The engineering for the work has already been completed. The anticipated cost to relocate the water lines is nearly $900,000 while the expected cost to move the sewer lines is nearly $250,000. The council is also expected to approve spending nearly $500,000 for a new fire engine. In background information to the council from Fire Chief Tony Samaniego, he said Engine 3 was involved in a traffic accident during the 4th of July weekend. The council declared an emergency earlier this month and officials say they've researched options for a new engine to be delivered within 45 to 60 days of the purchase agreement. Samaniego is recommending the purchase of a 2020 model Pierce Enforcer engine at a cost not to exceed $485,000. In other action, the council is expected to approve a coronavirus response grant of $13,000 for the airport. The group is also expected to select a company to install new air conditioning for the communications area of the police department in the basement of Fire Station No. 2. Officials are recommending a more than $10,000 bid from DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning for that project even though it's $50 higher than the low bid. Officials say the Dehart bid includes 10-year warranty on parts. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Mask Mandate Returns for City of Anadarko Today

The City of Anadarko is returning to mask mandates today. Officials say due to the recent increase in coronavirus cases in Anadarko and Caddo County individuals will have to wear masks while visiting any city-operated building. That includes city hall, the police and fire stations, the library and city operated museums.

 

FFA Programs Awarded STEM Grants

A couple of regional FFA programs will benefit from STEM grants from the non-profit foundation of a local utility. Alex and Apache schools will receive a share of more than $38,000 in grants from The American Electric Power Foundation. American Electric Power (AEP) is the parent company of Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO). Grants between $1,000 and $2,500 were awarded to more than a dozen FFA programs. Priorities were given to programs which benefit more than one chapter and that are sustainable over several years.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.44 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $70.59.

Natural gas is $3.86 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,778 and silver is $23.53.

2021, Aug. 16th-21st

Saturday, August 21st

 

Ninnekah Students March in Support of Former Players

About 30 Ninnekah High School students walked out of class Friday to hold a demonstration to support the alleged victims of sexual assault they suffered from former coaches and to call for changes within the district. The students - supported by parents and other adults - called for the resignation or dismissal of Superintendent Todd Bunch and high school principal David Pitts. Both are named in a federal lawsuit filed against the district after former players came forward saying they were raped or molested when they were in school by coach Ronald Akins, who has been charged with rape and sexual battery. Parent Sandy Smyth, who has two children attending Ninnekah schools, said the march came about after Thursday night's decision by the board of education to allow Bunch and Pitts to remain on the job.

 

              

 

There are reports that some parents may be organizing a petition drive to re-call every member elected to the Ninnekah school board.

 

Toxic Blue-Green Algae Forms at Shannon Springs Park

Blue-green algae blooms have been found in the pond at Shannon Springs Park. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley said officials discovered the toxic algae Friday and warned users to not go fishing or swim in the water or allow pets to swim in or drink the water at the park until further notice. Mosley said the splash pad at the park is safe to use since the water comes from the city’s distribution system and is chlorinated. He said the city’s drinking water is also OK as it comes from the Ft. Cobb Reservoir and is processed at the city's water treatment plant before being distributed. Mosley said city crews from public works, parks and recreation, community development, police, fire, and USW were assisted by the Grady County Fire Department and the county’s Emergency Management Agency to pump the affected water out of the Shannon Springs pond and into Congo Creek. Fire hydrants were flushed in neighborhoods along the creek in attempt to move the water through town and into the Washita River. Go to the RANCH News recorded link to hear an interview with Mayor Mosley.

 

Blanchard Bluegrass Festival Underway

It looks to be a great weekend for the Blanchard Bluegrass Festival. A number of groups have been invited by the Blanchard Parks and Rec Department including The Hunt Brothers, Clifftop Bluegrass, Southbound Mule, Pearl Grace and Company and others. The 11th annual festival opens at 11:00 o’clock this morning and runs until 10:00 p.m. Admission is free and be sure to take lawn chairs and blankets. Food trucks will on site.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Lts. Bobby and Crystal McFarland, the new commanders for the Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo counties, are our guests on the KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Faye Giles

A graveside service for Faye Giles, 70, of Mesa, Arizona and formerly of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 25th at Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Sarah Ann Dotson

A private memorial service for Sarah Ann Dotson, 81, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Friday, August 20th

 

GMH Staff Urges Coronavirus Vaccinations

You've heard that the number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma is rising again especially the Delta variant. Grady Memorial Hospital administrators and staff issued a letter to the public asking those who have not yet been vaccinated to get their shot(s). The letter is signed by 30 hospital doctors and healthcare professionals. It states that most of the patients who are currently being treated at the hospital with the virus did not get vaccinated. It also indicates that if the influx of patients continues at its current pace they are worried that they won't have enough nurses, doctors, and supplies to take care of everyone. Hospital administrator Kean Spellman said unvaccinated people are going to get the virus and that we are not able to 'mask' or ‘social distance’ our way out of it. He said that there are a lot of people who don't want to get the vaccine because they are afraid there is something in it that's not safe. Spellman says that's total baloney. Individuals can get vaccinated at most pharmacies any day or at the Grady County Health Department on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

              

New Salvation Army Commanders Appointed

The new commanders of the local Salvation Army have hit the ground running. Lts. Bobby and Crystal McFarland were assigned to the Grady and Caddo County region just a few weeks ago. They were able to host a two-week summer day camp/vacation bible school for children and Crystal said in a couple of weeks they will host an after-school program for kids.

 

              

 

The Salvation Army has opened a service center in Anadarko which is open a couple of days a month in a site provided by Bethel Baptist Church. The McFarlands have already helped a couple of local families that suffered losses due to fires. They are also making plans for the annual Angel Tree program and the red kettle drive coming up during the Christmas season.

 

Officials Hope to Save Apache Museum

An effort to rehabilitate a more than 100-year old historic Caddo County museum continues as officials worry that the building may collapse. The Apache Museum was built in 1901 and has been affected by extreme weather events over the last year. Officials say they need about $250,000 to make repairs. Rob Swanda is the president of the museum board. He tells the Lawton Constitution that the north wall of the building began to bulge out after last winter's freezing weather. The rocks that make up the wall can't just be pushed back into place. They have to be removed one-by-one and numbered in order to put them back exactly where they were. The museum board is working with an Altus engineering firm and a brick-and-masonry repair company out of Kansas. Immediate needs include stabilizing the wall with angle braces that are anchored to the sidewalk. Swanda said they are working with the Oklahoma Preservation Society and the National Parks Service to get funding for the project. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places but is not registered with the state of Oklahoma.

 

University of Science and Arts Pays Off Some Student Debt

Colleges and universities nationwide are using COVID relief funds to eliminate student debt. At the University of Science and Arts officials have been able to erase more than $770,000 owed by 383 students. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund went to current and former students who attended from the spring trimester of 2020 through the summer of 2021. A press release from the university said the funds were paid for debt that was owed directly to the institution rather than private loans owed to a lender or for federal student loans owed to the government. Science and Arts president John Feaver said the impacted students will be able to continue their education and focus on their studies.

.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $63.69 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $66.45.

Natural gas is $3.83 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,783 and silver is $23.13.

 

Obituaries

Peggy Jo Crutcher

A graveside service for Peggy Jo Crutcher, 86, of Duncan was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 20th at the Duncan Cemetery. Arrangements were with McRay Funeral Home.

Mitchell Johnson

Funeral service for Mitchell Johnson of Hobart and Oklahoma City, a U.S. Air Force veteran, will be at noon Saturday, August 21st at the St. Emanuel Baptist Church in Hobart. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, August 19th

 

Former Ninnekah Coach, Teacher Suspended from New Job

After Federal Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Assault of Players

Charles Yackeyonney, a former Ninnekah school teacher and coach named in a federal lawsuit against two school districts and several school officials, has been suspended from his newest job. Yackeyonney resigned from Ninnekah in June and was then hired by Lawton Public Schools to teach social studies at Lawton Eisenhower. He was hired before being named in a federal lawsuit alleging that he and other defendants did nothing to stop the sexual assault of female basketball players at Ninnekah. The Lawton Constitution cites the lawsuit as indicating Yackeyonney was grooming a player for a sexual relationship. The paper reported that one of the 12 Jane Does filing the lawsuit alleged that when she was working at restaurant he left her tips of $100 at least five times and tried to flirt and establish a relationship with her. A statement from Lawton Public Schools said the safety of their students is the district's number one priority and that Yackeyonney has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.

 

Federal Agency Investigates Chickasha Pet Food Plant

A pet food manufacturer in Chickasha is under a federal investigation over allegations that toxic food made at the plant killed or sickened hundreds of pets across the country. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been looking into the work of Midwestern Pet Foods since the first of the year. Recalls of some of the foods made at the plant started last December after numerous animals became sick and/or died due to aflatoxins which is a mold fungus that forms in grain like corn and wheat used to make pet food. While a small level of aflatoxins are allowed the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture reported that some of Midwestern’s products had extremely high levels. Media reports indicate that state ag officials found errors in how the incoming corn was tested. The plant closed briefly after the re-call but has re-opened after state ag officials indicated the company was meeting requirements but authorities say they will monitor the situation to make sure the firm is following procedures they agreed to. The FDA investigation is continuing and the company could face more penalties.

 

Interviews set for Chix City Manager Finalists

Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley tells KOOL/RANCH News that the city council will soon interview four finalists for the vacant city manager post. Mosley said a special city council meeting will be held all day Saturday, Aug. 28th for interviews. The finalists and their spouses will spend the weekend in Chickasha with the city council going behind closed doors for formal interviews with the candidates. Mosley has been the acting city manager since January following the resignation of previous city manager John Noblitt who has since been named city manager in Sanger, Texas.

 

Rock Island Ride Returns for 5th Year

The first weekend in October is about six weeks away and officials are finalizing plans for all the activities that will be held in Chickasha that weekend The Rock Island Arts Festival is the headline event but one of the other main attractions is the Rock Island Ride - a bicycle ride throughout the city and the region. Johnny Trammell is among the organizers for the ride which will include routes for serious riders.

 

              

 

There were more than 300 riders last year. Families can sign up to take part in a 10-mile ride that is all inside the Chickasha city limits. Trammell said cyclists like the Rock island Ride because there is a lot to do when they finish their route. In addition to the arts festival, the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship will be going on with at least 35 current entries. The arts festival is Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Oct. 1st through 3rd and The Rock Island Ride and the food truck championship are both on Saturday, the 2nd.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $65.46 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $68.23.

Natural gas is $3.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,790 and silver is $23.37.

 

Obituary

Rolland Webb

Funeral service for Rolland Webb, 84, of Chickasha is pending with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, August 18th

 

Minco School Super Address COVID Issues

At Minco Public Schools, Superintendent Kevin Sims says the number of COVID cases is on the rise. Simms posted on his Facebook page that they are not in a panic mode but are monitoring the situation closely. He said that they are quarantining those who have the virus and their siblings and that parents may quarantine their children if they wish. Simms said while masks are not required he is recommending that students wear masks if parents want them to. He said the district is sanitizing and cleaning buildings daily. He said the district will be transparent and open about what they have to do to mitigate the virus as the numbers increase.

 

Chickasha to Get New Fire Engine

The City of Chickasha will be getting a new fire engine. The city council on Monday approved the purchase of a 2020 model Pierce Enforcer engine at a cost not to exceed $485,000. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said it’s a demonstrator model that only has about 4,000 miles on it. Samaniego favored a brand new Sutphen engine which would have cost a little more but that the department needs a new engine sooner rather than later. He said the Pierce engine could be delivered as early as this week while a Sutphen model that is currently being built might not be ready for another two to six months or longer.

 

              

 

The council voted unanimously to purchase the Pierce Enforcer and agreed to look at purchasing a Sutphen engine in the future. Samaniego said the new engine will be a traditional red fire engine and that any fire trucks he recommends in the future will also be red.

 

'Clean Up Chickasha' Campaign Info Released

We have the details today about the Clean Up Chickasha campaign that will be held next week. There will be two sites with the huge roll-off dumpsters that residents and businesses can use. There will be two dumpsters at 6th and Frisco Avenue where items can be taken during the day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They will be picked up at the end of the day and returned the next morning. Four of the roll-off dumpsters will be at the city's Public Works Headquarters north of the animal shelter. Those dumpsters will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Both sites will accept debris on Saturday, Aug. 28th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Jim Cowan with the Economic Development Council told the city council this week that the effort is needed to give a good impression to individuals and businesses who may be thinking about re-locating here.

 

              

 

Items that cannot be placed in the dumpsters include hazardous materials, paint, oil, pesticides, tires, and batteries. Cowan said the EDC, Chamber of Commerce, and Waste Connections are working with the Department of Environmental Quality to offer a location in the future to take some of those items. For information about the Clean Up Chickasha campaign follow Keep Chickasha Beautiful on Facebook.

 

Regional Students Earn American FFA Degree

A number of regional FFA students have earned the top award possible within the national organization. All are recipients of the American FFA degree which is earned by one in every 100 FFA students across the country. From Chickasha they are Marissa Cross, Rianne Tuthill, and Jay Grossnicklaus; from Ninnekah they are Jett Berry, Cammie Stehr, and Mariah Watson; from Verden, Kylee Tallent; From Rush Springs, Destiny Hall; from Union City they are Jamie Schieber and Jason Schieber; from Mt. View-Gotebo it’s Kate Jackson; and from Hydro-Eakly they are Raegan Klassen, Tayten Lierle, Dylan Propps, and Garrett Slagell.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $69.03.

Natural gas is $3.84 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,728 and silver is $23.77.

 

Obituaries

David Lewis

A graveside service for David Lewis, 68, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 19th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Luiz Brown

Funeral service for Luiz Brown, 79, of Oklahoma City will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 21st at Divine Wisdom Worship City in Midwest City. Arrangements are with Brown- Thomas Funeral Home.

Dorothea Eldridge-Hutchinson

Funeral service for Dorothea Eldridge-Hutchinson, 63, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

 

Tuesday, August 17th

 

Woman Accused of Assaulting Her Mother

A Chickasha woman is accused pulling out her 71-year old mother's hair, hitting her in the forehead, and strangling her. Police were called to a home in the 1100 block of South 14th Street last Thursday to investigate a report of abuse. A police affidavit indicates a 15-year old boy in the home told police that his mother had been drinking and got into a fight with her boyfriend. After the fight, the woman attacked her mother who was sitting in a recliner. The mother only weighs 115 pounds and has multiple health issues and unable to defend herself. Authorities found a wad of the mother's hair in a trash can. Police arrested 42-year old Jennifer Ann Holden and prosecutors have charged her with a felony count of aggravated assault and battery. She remains in jail on a $30,000 bond.

 

Police Dep't Dispatch Center to get New AC

A new air conditioning system will be installed at the Chickasha Police Department's dispatch center. The dispatch center is in the basement of Fire Station No. 2. Police Chief Dee Rowell said the current system failed the last week of July and that it was 12-15 years old. During last night's city council meeting, Rowell submitted quotes from three contractors and recommended a bid from DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning even though the bid was about $50 higher than the low bid. She said the DeHart bid included a 10-year parts warranty. But City Councilman Clark Van Dyck, who owns a heat and air company, questioned the statement about the warranty and recommended the bid be awarded to another local company.

 

              

 

Van Dyck made a motion to approve the bid from Drennan Heat and Air which was approved by a 7-1 vote. Councilman David Sikes voted against the motion.

 

Clean Up Chickasha Campaign Set

The City of Chickasha will be having another clean-up campaign next week. Jim Cowan with the city's Economic Development Council discussed the plan during last night's city council meeting.

 

              

 

The EDC and the Chamber of Commerce are working with Waste Connections to coordinate the effort. Cowan said workers picked up more than 58 tons of waste in the spring campaign. Cowan said that effort was a little bumpy but they will be doing things a little differently like picking up the big roll-off dumpsters every night and dropping off new ones in the morning. More details of the plan will be released later this week.

 

Vacant Home Goes Up in Flames

A vacant Chickasha home was destroyed by fire over the weekend. Crews were called to the blaze at the one-story, wood frame home near 11th Street and Oregon Avenue about 7:30 p.m. Sunday and crews spent about two hours dousing the flames. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said they were called back before dawn Monday when it appeared the fire re-kindled. Samaniego said the fire started in the kitchen and that the cause is under investigation.

 

Obituaries

James Meli, III

Funeral service for James Meli, III of Chickasha and formerly of Blair will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 18th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lone Wolf. Arrangements are with Peoples Funeral Home in Lone Wolf. Meli was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Bob Ramage, Jr.

A wake service for Bob Ramage, Jr., 67, of Cement will be at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 19th at Holy Name Catholic Church with a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 20th at the church. Burial will be in the Ft. Sill National Cemetery on Monday, August 23rd. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Ramage spent more than 21 years in the Air Force.

 

Monday, August 16th

 

Federal Lawsuit Filed in Connection with

Coach Accused of Sexually Assaulting Players

Two Grady County school districts, several school administrators, and even the Grady County sheriff's office are targets of a federal lawsuit filed in connection with allegations of a high school girls basketball coach accused of having inappropriate relations with players. The Sunday Oklahoman reports that 12 women say they reported the sexual assaults but nothing was ever done about it. The suit alleges a “systemic failure by school staff and administrators to report or investigate the allegations”. One alleged victim reported the coaches' behavior to the sheriff's office back in 2015 but the investigation went nowhere. 54-year old Ron Akins, who coached at both Ninnekah and Friend schools, was arrested in June and charged with rape and sexual assault.  Both schools have been named in that lawsuit. Since Akins arrest, the women - named Jane Doe 1-12 - have come forward to provide additional information implicating Akins of inappropriate contact with them. The newspaper reported that Cameron Spaulding, an attorney representing the women, called for the OSBI to lead a sweeping investigation, saying “we can't trust local law enforcement to protect those kids at this school”. The State  Department of Education is aware of the accusations and the Oklahoman reported that Ninnekah's standing as a school district could be at risk.

 

Chickasha Water, Sewer Line Relocations for

Hwy 81 Bypass Expected to Exceed $1 Million

It's expected that the relocation of Chickasha's water and sewer lines due to the Highway 81 Bypass of the city will surpass $1 million. The Chickasha City Council is expected to approve going out for bids for the projects when the council meets this evening. The engineering for the work has already been completed. The anticipated cost to relocate the water lines is nearly $900,000 while the expected cost to move the sewer lines is nearly $250,000. The council is also expected to approve spending nearly $500,000 for a new fire engine. In background information to the council from Fire Chief Tony Samaniego, he said Engine 3 was involved in a traffic accident during the 4th of July weekend. The council declared an emergency earlier this month and officials say they've researched options for a new engine to be delivered within 45 to 60 days of the purchase agreement. Samaniego is recommending the purchase of a 2020 model Pierce Enforcer engine at a cost not to exceed $485,000. In other action, the council is expected to approve a coronavirus response grant of $13,000 for the airport. The group is also expected to select a company to install new air conditioning for the communications area of the police department in the basement of Fire Station No. 2. Officials are recommending a more than $10,000 bid from DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning for that project even though it's $50 higher than the low bid. Officials say the Dehart bid includes 10-year warranty on parts. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Mask Mandate Returns for City of Anadarko Today

The City of Anadarko is returning to mask mandates today. Officials say due to the recent increase in coronavirus cases in Anadarko and Caddo County individuals will have to wear masks while visiting any city-operated building. That includes city hall, the police and fire stations, the library and city operated museums.

 

FFA Programs Awarded STEM Grants

A couple of regional FFA programs will benefit from STEM grants from the non-profit foundation of a local utility. Alex and Apache schools will receive a share of more than $38,000 in grants from The American Electric Power Foundation. American Electric Power (AEP) is the parent company of Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO). Grants between $1,000 and $2,500 were awarded to more than a dozen FFA programs. Priorities were given to programs which benefit more than one chapter and that are sustainable over several years.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.44 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $70.59.

Natural gas is $3.86 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,778 and silver is $23.53.

 

2021, Aug. 9th-14th

Saturday, August 14th

 

The Imaginaries to Kick-Off Nationwide Album Tour

The Imaginaries - Grady County's up-and-coming musical duo of Shane Henry and Maggie McLure - will be kick off a nationwide tour to promote their self-titled debut album soon. And the tour will include a stop in Chickasha. There are 11 dates scheduled between Aug. 20th and November 5th. The first stop on the tour will be at Maggie's Music Box in Jenks. The Chickasha stop will be at the Rock Island Grill on Saturday, Sept. 18th. They also have stops in Dallas, Arizona, and Los Angeles before returning to the Sooner State to play at VZD's in Oklahoma City. The tour will wrap up at a Songwriters Festival in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in November.

              

Watermelon Festival Underway

The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival is getting underway this morning. There have been a few showers which should make conditions a little damp for the 5K and 10K runs that are just getting underway, but the temperature is just right for the morning run. This is the 76th year for the festival which was cancelled last year because of the pandemic. Opening ceremonies will get underway at 9 o'clock. There is a carnival, over 100 arts and crafts vendors and food booths, live entertainment, a tiny tots contest, and the biggest and best watermelons will be on display in the watermelon exhibit barn. Did we mention there's a seed spitting contest? They'll be serving watermelon for $3 a wedge until 4 o'clock and then it’s free! There's free admission to the festival and visitors are encouraged to park at the high school football field and ride a shuttle to the park.

 

Friday, August 13th

 

Illegal Grow Facility Suspect Posts Bond

We have an update to a story we reported earlier this week, about the man arrested in connection with that illegal marijuana growing operation in Rush Springs. Guang Si Li is out of jail after posting a $50,000 bond after being formally charged with drug trafficking and weapons charges in connection with the investigation. He's to announce his attorney later this month with his next court appearance to be Sept. 8th at a preliminary hearing conference. On-line court records indicate that the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Oklahoma State Bureau of investigation have also filed a seizure and intended forfeiture notice against Li and six other defendants who list home towns in New York, Georgia, and Florida.

 

Chickasha Man Faces Felony Charge
in Connection with Domestic Violence Case

A Chickasha man is behind bars accused of strangling his girlfriend. 31-year old Brian Thomas Doro was arrested by Chickasha police earlier this week. Officers were called to the 1000 block of South 8th Street to investigate a domestic violence report. A probable cause affidavit filed by officers indicates Doro and the woman had been fighting for a couple of days. The victim had numerous bruises over her entire body. Witnesses said Doro had gone out the back door of the home and police found him hiding in a garage where he initially said they would have to kill him. Authorities were able to talk him out and arrested him without incident. Doro has been formally charged with domestic assault and battery by strangulation. He remains in jail on a $50,000 bond. He's to announce his attorney on Aug. 26th with a preliminary hearing conference on Sept. 8th.

 

Donors to Pay for Repairs to Damaged Football Field

Chickasha school officials and police are still looking for the vandals who drove on to the high school football field and caused thousands of dollars in damage last Sunday night. In the meantime, some local individuals say they will foot the bill for the costs of repairing the field. Ashley Rayburn with the football team's booster club posted on her Facebook page that a couple of un-named individuals offered to pay the estimated $4,000 needed to fix the field.

 

1st National Bank Opens New Tuttle Branch

In Tuttle, First National Bank and Trust is holding a grand opening for a new building today. First National President and CEO John Gorten said they had outgrown their previous location.

 

              

 

The bank acquired numerous photographs of the history of Tuttle by meeting with members of the Tuttle and Grady County historical societies and even the Oklahoma Historical Society to obtain more than 100 photos that document the history of the community.

 

City of Anadarko to Re-instate Mask Mandate

The City of Anadarko will be re-instating mask mandates for all city-owned buildings. The announcement was made Thursday on the city's Facebook page. The post indicates that masks will be required when visiting city hall, the library, the police or fire departments, and any city-operated museum or building. The post indicates that it is due to the developing trend of increasing coronavirus infections in the city and Caddo County. The mandate will go into effect Monday, Aug. 16th.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. John Gorten and Randy Talley with the First National Bank will be on our KOOL Konversation to talk about the grand opening of the bank’s new Tuttle branch. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.09 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $71.31.

Natural gas is $3.93 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,759 and silver is $23.27.

 

Thursday, August 12th

 

Students Return to Classrooms Today

Summer vacations are over for many students. Today is the first day of classes for Chickasha, Anadarko and a lot of other area schools. The Chickasha school board this week adopted Superintendent Rick Croslin's Continuity of Services plan. It includes daily wellness screenings at each school where families and staff members are to screen children for fever and/or other COVID-19 symptoms. Masks are optional for students and staff. Current CDC guidelines recommend three-feet of social distancing in classrooms. Visitors are welcome at all school sites but could have limited access depending on current conditions. Quarantines will not be required for students or staff who have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus. If conditions change school officials will reconsider quarantines.

 

Vandals Damage Chickasha High School Football Field

Chickasha school officials are outraged about vandalism that occurred at the high school football field last weekend. Someone drove a vehicle onto the field and spun about a dozen donuts into the grass playing surface causing an estimated $4,000 in damage.  Croslin said crews spent most of Sunday preparing the field but a gate to the field that is normally locked but was not locked that night. In addition to the damage, a 24-pack of beer as well as empty beer cans were scattered around the field. Chickasha police are investigating and are working some leads. A reward is being offered to find the culprits. Officials say the field is expected to be repaired in time for the start of the season, which is in two weeks. Anyone with information about the vandalism can call the Chickasha and Grady County Crimestoppers hot-line at 405-224-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip on the groups Facebook page.

 

Area Highway Maintenance Projects Approved

A few highway maintenance projects in the region were approved by the state transportation commission this week. In Grady County, a proposal to resurface about 4 1/2 miles of State Highway 4 from the H.E. Bailey Turnpike north to Bridge Creek is a nearly $1.3 million project which was awarded to Haskell Lemon Construction of Oklahoma City. In Caddo County, a project to re-surface about six miles of U.S. Highway 62 from the State Highway 9 junction to Anadarko was approved. That is a nearly $1.4 million project that was awarded to T and G Construction of Lawton. In Stephens County, a right-of-way clearance along a 5 1/2 mile stretch of State Highway 29 west of the border with Garvin County was awarded to M and M Wrecking of Blanchard at a cost of about $52,000.

 

State Regents Recognize Partnership

with Science and Arts, Local Contractor

A partnership between the University of Science and Arts and a local contractor gets recognition from the State Regents for Higher Education. The partnership with RCE General Contractors, owned and operated by Tony Tuthill, received the regents Business Partner Excellence Award. Tuthill has teamed with the university on a number of projects in recent years and is currently involved in a number of construction and rehabilitation work. Tuthill is also developing a broad-based internship for students interested in construction and small-business management providing students with hands-on experience in plumbing, electrical, construction, and other aspects of running a small business.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.25 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $71.44.

Natural gas is $4.06 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,754 and silver is $23.41.

 

Obituary

Marilyn ‘Gay’ Young

Funeral service for Gay Young, 61, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 13th at Sharon Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Baptist Church.

 

Wednesday, August 11th

 

Missing Anadarko Woman's Truck Found;

Officials Work to Identify Body Found Nearby

The pickup of a missing Anadarko woman has been found and the state medical examiner is working to identify a body found nearby. 55-year old Dawn Sherill went missing three weeks ago today. She had just had brain surgery a couple of days before her disappearance on July 21st when she left her Anadarko home in her boyfriend's pickup. Caddo County authorities issued a Silver Alert to help find her. The pickup was found in the Fletcher area about 11:00 a.m. Tuesday. Sherrill's son Dylan and other family members and friends held a massive search a couple of weeks ago. They followed up on some tips that she may have been seen in the Weatherford and Clinton area but those did not pan out.

 

Rush Springs' Illegal Grow House Suspect Charged

One of the men arrested in connection with the illegal marijuana growing operation found in Rush Springs has been formally charged with drug trafficking. 59-year old Guang Si Li was taken into custody earlier this week. A warrant for his arrest was issued July 30th. Li is also charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The State Bureau of Narcotics, Grady County Sheriff's deputies and numerous other law enforcement agencies raided the grow facility back in June. Li has not yet had his initial appearance on the charges. Authorities destroyed more than 17,000 plants and about 80 pounds of finished marijuana product found at the facility.

 

Chickasha Man Charged with Drug Trafficking

A Chickasha man is also facing drug trafficking charges in an unrelated case. 58-year old Robert Earl Givens was taken into custody this week after a warrant was issued for his arrest following a traffic stop by Grady County deputies on July 20th. It's not the first time Givens has been in trouble for trafficking. He was on probation for a 2010 conviction for the same offense. At his initial appearance in Grady County District Court on the new charge this week, a judge set Givens bond at $125,000. Prosecutors have also set a revocation hearing on Givens probation for the 2010 sentence. Givens is to announce his attorney August 19th and a preliminary hearing conference is set for Aug. 27th.

 

Grady County OHCE Wins Big at State Meeting

It was a big day for Grady Oklahoma Home Community and Education (OHCE) groups at the state OHCE annual meeting. Several county groups and individuals received some top awards. Members of the Rural Neighbors OHCE noted for their work included Jyme Tiner, who was presented the Heart of OHCE Award; Mary Parrish was named Rookie of the Year; and Joyce Stockton won first place for her Family Committee report on activities that took place during OHCE Week. Grady County took third place for Madaline's Special award; and the county organization was second in the Southwest District for producing 2,000 COVID-19 masks. The Ninnekah and Spring Creek OHCE groups were recognized for their Centennial anniversaries. Pat King from Spring Creek was recognized for 50 years of service.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.29 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $70.63.

Natural gas is $4.09 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,735 and silver is $23.32.

 

Obituaries

Marilyn Herndon

A memorial service for Marilyn Herndon, 77, of Minco, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 14th at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Chickasha. She worked at the Grady County courthouse in the county clerk’s office and later worked for more than 20 years as the officer manager for the county commissioners. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Vivian Dixon-Martin

A graveside service for Vivian Dixon-Martin, 83, of Oklahoma City will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 13th at Riverside Memory Gardens in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home of Chickasha.

Mitchell Johnson

Funeral service for Mitchell Johnson, 69, of Oklahomama City is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, August 10th

 

Consumer Spending Erratic for the First Half of 2021

Consumer spending throughout Grady County has had its ups and downs in the first half of 2021. There's been no clear trend in either direction. For the month of May consumer spending was estimated at $61.3 million - which is down about 15 percent from April but up about 26 percent compared to May of last year. Grady County received about $460,000 in sales tax revenue from that retail business. Here's the breakdown of where that money is allocated all of which were approved by Grady County voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds received $153,000; Grady Memorial Hospital collected $136,000; the seven senior nutrition centers shared $77,000 so each one received $11,000; The 20 fire districts including municipal departments shared $77,000 so each collected $3,800; Tuttle EMS received $14,000; and Rush Springs EMS obtained $3,500.

 

Chickasha School Employees Welcomed Back

Teachers and support employees for Chickasha Public Schools were given an enthusiastic welcome back to the district yesterday. All those attending the convocation were met by a lively group of cheerleaders and pom squad members cheering as the employees walked through a spirit line. A competitive cheer contest was won by Chickasha High School teachers in a cheer-off with Grand Avenue School teachers. Last year's District Teacher of the Year Jennifer Phillips told the group that collectively they met the challenges of COVID head-on last year and that everyone should use that as motivation to make the coming year better for students and each other-

 

              

 

Superintendent Rick Croslin said the district is ready to face any challenge head on and that this past June the district settled the last of several lawsuits filed against Chickasha schools in recent years. He also said the district has had its best audits in a long time. Two employees were recognized for their 40-plus years with the district - high school administrative assistant Elaine Murray and bus driver Louise Plummer. Chickasha students return to the classroom on Thursday.

 

Senator Lankford Blocks ICE Proposal

to House Illegal Migrants in Caddo County              

A proposal from the Biden administration to house migrants at a former private prison in Caddo County has been shot down. The website OK Energy Today reports that Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford blocked a plan from the immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office from opening a ‘surge overflow temporary facility’ at the former Great Plains Correctional Center at Hinton. It would have been used to process migrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally and then release them into Western Oklahoma. 24-hours after Lankford spoke on the Senate floor and contacted the Department of Homeland Security Leadership directly with his objection, the agency announced it would not transfer illegal immigrants to Hinton. Lankford said that Oklahomans are concerned with what has been happening at the border in recent months and that they did not want an ICE facility designed to process and release undocumented individuals. Lankford said President Biden should spend more time focusing on how to stop the record number of illegal crossings rather than developing new places to release individuals after they have illegally entered the country.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $66.48 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $69.04.

Natural gas is $4.06 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,729 and silver is $23.40.

 

Obituary

James Hall Jr.

Funeral service for James Hall, Jr. 65, of Pocasset will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 13th morning at Sonrise Baptist Church of Pocasset. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Monday, August 9th

 

Chickasha Schools Prepare for Day 1

Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin says the district is making final preparations for the school year as students return to class this Thursday. New teachers reported last week and all teachers  return today for three days of in-service training before school starts. Croslin said the district will have in-person learning but that there is a virtual learning option still available.

 

              

 

Croslin said there are only about 10 virtual students at this point. The superintendent said masks are optional for students and staff as the nation battles the new strain of COVID-19. Chickasha school staff will meet in a celebration of a return to classes this morning with the high school band, cheerleaders, and pom squads performing, and students will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Last year's district teacher of the year Jennifer Phillips is the speaker. By the way, all Chickasha school sites will be closed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today as everyone attends this morning's event. Chickasha high school seniors will be able to pick up their schedules between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. this afternoon at the high school. Freshman orientation is tomorrow from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. starting at the high school activity center with meetings for parents at either 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. and freshmen students are urged to attend.

 

Ward 4 Chickasha Residents Meet Tonight

Residents in Chickasha's Ward 4 can meet with their city council representatives and other city officials tonight. City hall officials hold these informal sessions with residents in each of the city's four wards each year. The meeting will get underway at 6:30 tonight at city hall. Meetings for the city's other three wards were held earlier this year.

 

Leadership Chickasha Program Starts in September

The next Leadership Chickasha program will be getting underway Sept. 9th. The chamber of commerce-based program meets one day per month over a seven-month period. Those attending learn a lot about the community, themselves, and each other. Paul Lewis has helped to coordinate the annual program for several years. He says the first session is among his favorites.

 

              

 

This is the final week that the chamber is accepting applications for the program. Contact the chamber for more information.

 

Salvation Army Fan Drive Successful

A Chickasha business is thanking the community for its support of a Salvation Army project. Todd Morris and his staff at Todd's Tire and Auto held a fan drive in June and July asking residents to donate fans or contributions to purchase fans. The effort came through with more than 50 fans and more than $1,000 to purchase additional fans. The fans and contributions were given to the Salvation Army to distribute to needy families in the Grady and Caddo county region.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.28 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $70.70.

Natural gas is $4.14 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,744 and silver is $23.87.

2021, Aug. 2nd-7th

Saturday, Aug. 7th

 

Drilling Increases in the Region

We're seeing an increase in drilling for oil and gas in the South Central Oil Province (SCOOP) region. Marathon Oil has received permits to drill five wells on a single pad near Alex. They are all called the Gretzky wells and are in Section 11 of Township 4 North and Range Six West which is about three miles south of Alex.

 

Scam Artists Put New Spins on Old Plans to Get Your Money

Oklahomans need to be aware of some new versions of popular scams looking to take their hard-earned money. One that has been around for a while is an e-mail or fax indicating that a prince in a foreign country has died and ask potential victims to send some money and in return receive a fortune. Now, scammers are sending the notices through direct mail which look like a subpoena or other official document telling individuals they need to show up as part of a grand jury - and if you don't show up - you have to pay a fine or go to jail. There's another scam where individuals get a phone call from a loved-one saying they've been kidnapped in Mexico and a ransom needs to be paid. The potential victim is told to wire money and their loved one will be released. Individuals who experience these or similar con games should ignore the requests then contact local law enforcement and provide as much information as they can.

 

ODOT Seeks Input on U.S. Highway 277 Project

The state department of transportation is seeking public input about a proposed project to improve U.S. Highway 277 in Elgin. Officials are considering upgrading the section of the highway between the H.E. Bailey Turnpike and State Highway 17. The area in question is a two-lane highway with heavy left-turning traffic and there are drainage issues and a lack of pedestrian access. Proposed improvements include the construction of a center turn lane, curbs and gutters, and sidewalks. ODOT is holding a virtual open house on the project through August 17th. The presentation is web-based only and no in-person meetings will be held. The presentation can be viewed on ODOT's website. Individuals without Internet access can call the state office in Oklahoma City.

 

Science and Arts Prof Part of Archaeological Dig

An associate professor at the University of Science and Arts is spending part of her summer at an archaeological dig in Israel. Dr. Rachel Jones was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to join the effort held at an area many say preserves some of the earliest traces of humans. Jones will use techniques combined with the team's data that hope to answer questions about how early humans impacted the development of eco-systems. A media release from Science and Arts says Jones will be able to use her experiences to enhance her classroom instruction and create future courses that will focus on anthropology and archaeology as well as develop outreach for regional schools. She hopes to raise awareness of quality research projects which can be done at smaller universities.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Dr. Rory Troub, a new chiropractor at Grady Memorial Hospital and the Five Oaks Medical group, is this week’s guest on our KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

Viola Pippins

Funeral service for Viola Pippins, 90, of Tuttle will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 9th at Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

Friday, August 6th

 

Former Police Chief Faces Misdemeanor Charges

The former police chief at Cyril is accused of misdemeanor crimes. Alvin Pickens, III has been charged with one count of knowingly concealing stolen property and two counts of petty larceny. On-line court records indicate an arrest warrant for Pickens was issued last Thursday, July 29th and he turned himself in earlier this week. Pickens posted bond a $2,500 bond and his case has been placed on the October 28th disposition docket in Caddo County District Court. KSWO-TV cites an OSBI report which indicates Pickens admitted taking a Blue Tooth speaker and some night goggles he confiscated in a couple of traffic stops. Pickens stepped down from his post in June and resigned last month.

 

COVID Hits Blanchard PD Hard; 9-1-1 Calls Being Transferred

In Blanchard, there's been an outbreak of COVID-19 within the police department's emergency dispatch services. A notice was posted on the department's Facebook page yesterday. The department's 9-1-1 system and phones will be temporarily rolled over to the McClain County Sheriff's Office regular dispatch telephone number in Purcell. Blanchard authorities still encourage residents to call 9-1-1 with emergencies. The front door of the police department will be locked in order that decontamination can take place.

 

Grady County 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.

 

All Chickasha School Employees to Return Monday

Students across the state are preparing to return to the classroom. A few Chickasha schools have held meet-and-greets this week and others will hold similar programs next week. Teachers and support staff will officially report on Monday, Aug. 9th with classes to begin next Thursday. A post on the Chickasha schools Facebook page indicates that all schools will be closed from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday as school employees gather for a back-to-school meeting. Sites will re-open at 1:00 p.m. High school seniors will be able to pick up their schedules Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Freshmen orientation will be Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Middle School open house is Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Lincoln School’s open house is Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Pioneer School Hosts Enrollment, Open House Today

Pioneer School is having enrollment and an open house today. Both activities will run until 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. Pioneer School also will have its first day of classes next Thursday, Aug. 12th.

 

Grady County Youth Nabs Top State Honor

A Grady County youth wins a top honor from a state organization. 11-year old Madilyn Norvell of Tuttle was named the All-Around Junior Cattleman of the Year at the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen's Association annual awards luncheon this week. Members earn points for participating in contests like speech and sales; and placing in the Top 10 Triple Crown Heifers and Steers Shows and the top 10 of the steer feed-out contest. Madilyn has been showing cattle, pigs, and goats for several years. She also judges livestock, is involved in public speaking, and finds time to play basketball, tumble, and take piano lessons. She's even started her own cattle herd and plans to begin showing bred and owned heifers next year. She and her younger sister Saylor work together every day to help each other succeed with their livestock projects. Madilyn will be a 6th grader at Amber-Pocasset this year. She and Saylor are the daughters of Tyler and Beth Norvell.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.09 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $71.29.

Natural gas is $4.14 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,799 and silver is $25.09.

 

Thursday, August 5th

 

Public Hearing Set for Proposed Boat, RV Storage Regulations

The City of Chickasha’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing next week to get comments about boat and recreational vehicle storage requirements in all city zoning classifications. The topic is one of three public hearings scheduled during next Tuesday's meeting. Others are to get comments on the final plat for Red Bud Ridge, a gated community project for Shayla Crawford. The city council just approved a zoning change this week for the Red Bud Ridge project. The other public hearing is for a use-on-review permit for a community outreach center being proposed by Heidi Harrison who operates the non-profit group Heidi Helping the Homeless. Harrison wants to operate the center at 3rd and Minnesota Avenue. The Planning Commission meets at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 10th at city hall.

 

Grady County Fair to Have Full Schedule This Year

The Grady County Fair is just three weeks away. The fair is expected to return to its normal schedule after the pandemic forced officials to cut back on many events last year. The theme for the fair is County Nights and Carnival Lights and as the theme suggests there will be a carnival. A new carnival vendor will be at the fair. The Pride of Texas Carnival is based in Elm Mott which is not far from the Texas Motor Speedway. One of the newest attractions will be a tractor pull with the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association. Fair officials are currently looking for fair princess candidates. Candidates need to be a high school student living in the county or attending a county public, private, or home school. The top candidates of the fair princess contest will win cash prizes. Applications are due next Monday and an orientation for the candidates will be Tuesday, Aug. 10th. The actual princess contest will be Monday, Aug. 23rd. The fair will run Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Aug. 26th through 28th. Applications for the fair princess contest and information about the fair is available on the website: www.gradycountyfairgrounds.com

 

Anadarko Schools Back-to-School Expo Tonight

Students who will be attending Anadarko Public Schools for the upcoming year are encouraged to take part in the 9th annual back-to-school expo and meet-and-greet tonight. Students can pick up class schedules and learn about school programs; there will be college, career tech, and career information; and community outreach services. Student-athletes can get free sports physicals and the first 80 students can get free haircuts. There will be free hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks and drawings for door prizes. Anyone living in Caddo County who are 12 years old and older can stop by and get their COVID vaccination. Those who get their COVID shots and who have already been vaccinated can be entered into a drawing to win cash prizes that will be given away tomorrow morning. A $1,000 prize will be awarded to one person 18-and-over and two $500 prizes will be awarded to individuals in the 12-to-17 year old division. The expo and meet-and-greet is from 5 to 7 tonight at Anadarko's Warrior Fieldhouse.

 

Faith-Based Girls Youth Group Forming

A new faith-based leadership program for girls and young women will be getting underway soon. It's called The American Heritage Girls and has programs for children five through 18 years old. The program will be sponsored by Maranatha Baptist Church and there will be a kick-off meeting September 7th. A flyer for the program indicates it enables girls to grow in their faith, cultivate a heart for service, and enjoy outdoor experiences. For information, contact John Smith at 405-473-3968 and visit the national organization's website: www.americanheritagegirls.org

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.15.

London-based Brent crude is $70.38.

Natural gas climbs to $4.16 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,815 and silver is $25.47.

 

Wednesday, August 4th

 

Domestic Violence Suspect Faces Several Charges

A man arrested for holding his family against their will at their Alex home heard formal charges against him in Grady County District Court yesterday. 31-year old Jeffery Waylon Gregory was arrested Sunday on more than 20 complaints but prosecutors have charged him with four felonies which include child abuse by injury, domestic assault resulting in bodily harm, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. At his initial appearance on the charges in Grady County district court Tuesday a judge set Gregory's bond at $250,000. He's to announce his attorney Aug. 26th and a preliminary hearing conference is scheduled for Sept. 8th.

 

Silver Alert Canceled for Missing Blanchard Woman

A Blanchard family is breathing a collective sigh of relief after a missing woman was found safe. Blanchard police issued a Silver Alert for 78-year old Shirley Pickard on Monday. Officials canceled the alert after she was located late Tuesday afternoon. Officials did not indicate where Pickard was found.

 

Search Continues for Missing Anadarko Woman

An Anadarko family continues their search for Dawn Sherrill. She's been missing for two weeks after undergoing surgery for brain cancer. The family held an extensive search last weekend but had no success. There were unconfirmed reports that she may have been seen in Weatherford and Clinton and family members were following up on those tips. Anyone with information about Sherrill is asked to contact the Caddo County Sheriff’s Office, Anadarko Police, or local law enforcement.

 

Beloved Chickasha Man Dies in Freak Accident

A beloved member of the Chickasha community died in a freak accident this week. Jay Spradlin was riding his motorized bicycle Monday morning when the motor froze and threw him to the pavement where he suffered a fatal head injury. Spradlin was 71 years old. Spradlin worked for nearly 40 years with a Chickasha grocery store first known as Dunn's Food Center, then Spencer’s and now Williams Grocery. He was also a longtime member of the Chickasha Optimist Club and an elder at the First Christian Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Jay is survived by his wife Carolyn, a daughter and son and their families. A visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, August 8th at the First Christian Church and a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 9th at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Chix City Council to Review City Manager Candidates

As the search for a new Chickasha city manager continues the Chickasha City Council will have a special meeting tonight to review some of the applicants. The panel will go behind closed doors to discuss the resumes and qualifications of some of the candidates. The council may schedule some interviews with some of the candidates which would be held at a later date. The council will also have a brief open meeting to discuss declaring an emergency to waive competitive bidding and get quotes for a new fire truck. The council will also consider declaring a 2007 Ford F-150 truck as surplus. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Two New Officers Sworn In to Serve Chix Police Department

Two new police officers have been sworn in to serve with the Chickasha Police Department. Zebadiah Wilson and Zach Banker both took their oaths of office yesterday. Both are 27 years old. Wilson has been with the department for four years and has served with the Oklahoma National Guard for nearly 10 years. He recently completed a nearly year-long combat deployment to Afghanistan and he has a degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. Banker also has a military background having served in the U.S. Army. He holds a degree in history from the University of Science and Arts. Banker will be attending the CLEET Academy later this month.

 

Anadarko Mayor Steps Down

In Anadarko, Mayor Kyle Eastwood is stepping down. Eastwood has spent the last six years at the helm of the city council there. According to a post on the city's Facebook page, Eastwood said he has to put the needs of his children ahead of his desire to serve. He said he has an opportunity to move closer to his parents and seek new opportunities for his kids. Eastwood said he promised change to the city and that he hopes and believes they've made improvements and restored financial order and accountability to the City of Anadarko.

 

Chix Schools Change Enrollment Location for New Students

Chickasha schools have changed the enrollment site for students who will be new to the district for the upcoming year. Officials announced yesterday that the new students now should enroll at the school the student will be attending. Enrollment for new students runs all this week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at each school. For information on which school students will attend - contact the administration office by calling 405-222-6500. Chickasha schools open next Thursday, August 12th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $70.56 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.41.

Natural gas is $4.02 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,816 and silver is $25.73.

 

Tuesday, August 3rd

 

Chix City Council OKs Firefighter Lawsuit Settlement

A lawsuit filed against the City of Chickasha by the Chickasha Firefighters Association is being settled out of court. The Chickasha City Council authorized a settlement following a seven-minute closed-door session during last night's city council meeting. Ward 2 Councilwoman Georgianne Hebblethwaite made the formal move to end the suit.

 

              

 

The suit had been in the court system for the last nine months after the International Association of Firefighters Local 2041 filed suit against the city last December. In a statement posted on the firefighters’ Facebook page at that time the group said the city failed to repay the firefighters annual longevity pay they were owed under contract. We reached out to the firefighters association for comment but have not heard back from them yet. In a related issue, the council also approved a memorandum of understanding with the firefighters that addresses confidential employee matters pending the approval of a new collective bargaining agreement.

 

Re-Zoning Requests Approved, Other Council Action              

The council unanimously approved three re-zoning requests following public hearings last night. No one spoke against any of them. Two of the hearings were for the southeast corner of 29th and Grand Avenue where EP Leasing out of Norman asked to re-zone about 12 acres from residential to commercial use.  Part of the acreage will be commercial development and another section will be for 55 residential lots to be called Scissortail Crossing. The council also approved a rezoning request from Shelby Crawford to re-zone property near Pondridge Road to build some homes in a gated community to be called Redbud Ridge. The council also approved a $71,000 grant reimbursement to Gail Bush as recommended by the city's Economic Development Council. The re-imbursement was for the installation of a new elevator and some renovations in the Petroleum Building. The council also approved an 18-month extension of an economic development project by a group called Chickasha Today for work underway on a building near the Rock Island Railroad depot.

 

Alex Man Suspected in Brutal Domestic Violence Act

An Alex man is in custody facing more than 20 complaints in connection with a brutal domestic violence investigation. 31-year old Jeffery Gregory was arrested early Sunday morning after numerous law enforcement officials responded to a 9-1-1 call. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess said an 11-year old boy had called to say he, his sister, and his mother were in trouble. Boggess said Gregory has a criminal past and describes some of the allegations against the suspect.

 

              

 

Gregory was arrested without incident. Boggess said the mother and children were taken to the hospital and that it appeared the woman had bruises on about 85 percent of her body. All were treated and released and the children were placed in DHS custody. Gregory could have his initial appearance on the complaints filed against him today.

 

Deputy OK After Crashing Car 

A Grady County deputy was injured when his cruiser crashed while responding to that domestic violence call in Alex. Undersheriff Boggess says Corey Loftice was heading east on Highway 19 Sunday morning when he swerved to miss some oilfield equipment that was in the middle of the highway. Loftice veered around the debris and ended up rolling his new sheriff's car. Loftice was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released. The new car was totaled.

 

Silver Alert Issued for  Missing Blanchard Woman

A Silver Alert remains active for a Blanchard woman who went missing from her home. 78-year old Shirley Pickard was last seen about 3:30 p.m. Monday near North Main and Northeast 10th Street. Blanchard police say she has Alzheimer's and dementia and becomes disoriented. The only available description is that she is Caucasian with dark brown hair with some gray and she walks with a limp due to a bowed right leg. Anyone with information is asked to call Blanchard police or local law enforcement.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.26 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72. 89.

Natural gas is $3.93 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,813 and silver is $25.52.

 

Obituary

John Carroll

Obituaries today include John Carroll, 79, of Chickasha. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 6th in the St. Thomas More University Parish Church in Norman. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Aug. 2nd

 

Public Hearings Set to Re-zone Several Chix Properties

Public hearings to re-zone about 12 acres of residential property to commercial use will be held by the Chickasha City Council tonight. E-P Leasing out of Norman is requesting the re-zoning at the southeast corner of 29th Street and Grand Avenue for a development to be called Scissortail Crossing. There are two public hearings for that property.  The council will also hold a public hearing to re-zone property to build a gated community along the south end of Pond Ridge Road. The request is from Shelby Crawford. The city’s Planning Commission is recommending that all the re-zoning requests be approved. The council will also present retirement watches to fire fighters Chris Calhoun and Randy Brown. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Chix Schools Schedule Open Houses, Meet-and-Greets

Many Oklahoma school districts will be opening their doors for the upcoming school year over the next couple of weeks. Chickasha schools will welcome students on Thursday, August 12th. For new students who will be in Chickasha schools, enrollment takes place all this week at the administration building at 9th Street and Choctaw Avenue from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or on-line at the district website: www.chickasha.k12.ok.us New students will needs their birth certificates, immunization records, Social Security cards, and proof of residency. Various meet-and-greets will be held over the next week. Tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 4th), Bill Wallace will hold its meet-and-greet for Pre-K students at 5:30 p.m.; 1st graders will be at 6:00 p.m.; and kindergarten students at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, August 5th, Grand Avenue Elementary will have its meet-and-greet from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Friday, August 6th, the middle school will have a schedule pick up from 1:00-3:00 p.m.; and an open house on Tuesday, Aug. 10th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Lincoln School will also have a meet-and-greet on Tuesday, Aug. 10th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. At the high school, seniors pick up their schedules Monday August 9th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Tuesday is freshman orientation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. - with parents meetings at either 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. Sophomores and juniors can get their schedules on Wednesday, Aug. 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or  from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. All the information is posted on the Chickasha school district website.

 

Chix Schools Foundation Names New Director

There is a changing of the guard at the Chickasha Public School Foundation. Gab Atwell has been named the foundation’s new executive director. She'll be taking over the post previously held by Jen Jantzen who has accepted a teaching position at Chickasha High School. Atwell previously worked at Arvest Bank and she has been serving on the board of directors for the Foundation. Among the projects for the foundation is providing all Chickasha school students with most of their classroom supplies for the entire year. Atwell says it’s a big help to families since school supplies typically cost about $100 per student  per year.

 

              

 

The only supplies not provided are back-packs and napping-mats for pre-K students. Teachers pick up the supplies they need and will distribute them to their students. The foundation is in its 35th year and is funded entirely by private contributions.

 

OBI Offers Free Pre-Diabetes Screenings

for Blood Donors for a Limited Time 

We see and hear a lot of information about diabetes and pre-diabetes these days. The Oklahoma Blood Institute will be offering free A1C hemoglobin testing for all donors for a limited time. The test monitors average blood sugar levels and can help monitor diabetes risk. One in three adults has pre-diabetes. There are a number of upcoming blood drives in the region so you can go to the Oklahoma Blood Institute website to find one close to you to make an appointment: www.obi.org KOOL-RANCH radio stations and the YMCA are hosting a bedlam blood drive next Tuesday, Aug. 10th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call George Plummer at 405-224-1560 to schedule your appointment for that day. All donors will receive either an OU or OSU t-shirt.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.95 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.33.

Natural gas is $3.91 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,811 and silver is $25.52.

2021, July 26th-31st

Saturday, July 31st

 

Family Survives Early-morning Fire Set by Neighbor

Seven members of a Chickasha family escape serious injury after their neighbor set their mobile home and attacked them with a baseball bat. Firefighters and police were dispatched to the 800 block of Nevada Avenue just before 5:00 a.m. Friday. Mandi Ferrell tells KOOL-RANCH News that they were awakened by the smoke alarms. Ferrell and her family - including children who are 8, 3 and 1-year old - tried to get out of the home but she said her neighbor was on their porch swinging a baseball bat at them. Teddy Willis was one of the individuals inside the home and he fought the neighbor but was stabbed in the arm with a knife. Police were able to take the neighbor into custody and turned him over to the Lighthorse Police Department where he was taken to an Ada jail. Willis was taken to the hospital where he received six stitches and was released. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego says the fire was intentionally set and estimated damage at $10,000. In the meantime, Ferrell's family has been able to find temporary housing thanks to their landlord. The Red Cross and Salvation Army are providing assistance and others have also reached out to help.

 

Cash Drawing Set for Anadarko Residents

Who Have Had COVID-19 Vaccinations

Anadarko residents who get their COVID 19 vaccinations could win up to $1,000 in a special drawing next week. The City of Anadarko, Anadarko Public Schools, the Caddo County Health Department, and Physician's Hospital are sponsoring the cash give-away. A total of $2,000 will be given away. A post on the City of Anadarko's Facebook page indicates that a $1,000 cash prize will be awarded to one person in the 18-years and older category and two $500 cash awards will be awarded in the 12-17 year old age group. Individuals will have to show their vaccination card or get vaccinated by next Thursday, August 5th. Individuals can enter at Anadarko City Hall or at Warrior Fieldhouse during the back-to-school expo and meet-and-greet next Thursday evening. Winners will be announced live on the city's Facebook page at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6th.

 

Pastor Celebrates 50 Years in the Pulpit

There was a special celebration at a Chickasha church last night. Sister Alice Wendling at Full Gospel Church has been preaching for 50 years! Family, friends, and special guests took part in a special service which was followed by a reception to recognize her remarkable career. Sister Alice says she was active in church as a teenager and young adult and that it was her mother who encouraged her accept the challenge of being a pastor.

 

              

 

Wendling said at the time there weren't very many female pastors and was able to overcome the obstacles that came with that. Sister Alice spent more than 30 years doing prison ministry and ministered to inmates at the Grady County Jail for 34 years. She says she's not planning on retiring any time soon and will continue her work until health won't let her.

 

Craig's Walk for Special Olympics is Today

Supporters of Special Olympics will gather today for a virtual walk to Stillwater. Stewart and Beth Ann Meyer are hosting their 15th annual Craig's Walk. The event will be held at the Chickasha High School football field with participants joining efforts to walk a combined 125 miles - which is the distance from Chickasha to Boone-Pickens Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University. Stewart and Beth Ann traditionally make the actual walk to Stillwater in May but the effort has been canceled the last two years because of the pandemic. Craig's Walk is named in honor of their son who died in a plane crash. Craig was always helping his parents with their Special Olympics work even when he was in high school. Tim Brauer and First Look will be providing entertainment for Craig’s Walk.

 

Friday, July 30th

 

Chickasha Family Survives Fire, Assault

A Chickasha family escapes serious injury after their neighbor set their mobile home on fire and attacked them with a baseball bat. Chickasha police and fire were called out to the fire in the 800 block of Nevada Avenue just before 5:00 a.m. this morning. A suspect has been arrested. Listen for details later today on KOOL 105.5FM. The story will be updated here tomorrow.

 

Expanded Search for Missing Woman to be Held Today

Dozens of volunteers have joined the search for Dawn Sherrill, the Anadarko woman who went missing last week. Sherrill's brother-in-law, Larry Moffitt, tells KOOL-RANCH News that the Oklahoma City Metro Search and Rescue Team helped to coordinate the search. They will comb the area within a 50-mile radius of Sherrill's home. Volunteers meet at the Anadarko First Baptist Church this morning and will be appointed to teams of two people each - one being a driver and one being a looker. Teams will be assigned a four-square mile area in urban areas and a 25-square mile area in rural areas. Each team is asked to download a GPS tracking app and record the track during their search. In the meantime, Dawn Sherrill could be driving a red or maroon 2007 Ford-F150 pickup with a black tailgate and it may have a smoker in the back. Anyone who thinks they've seen Sherrill and/or the truck is asked to call 9-1-1 or local law enforcement.

              

Former Chix City Manager Finds New Job in Texas

Former Chickasha City Manager John Noblitt has been hired for the same position in North Texas. Noblitt began his new post this week in Sanger, Texas. A press release on the Sanger city website says the city council unanimously approved Noblitt for the post earlier this month. Noblitt resigned his post with the city of Chickasha in January. The Chickasha City council is still searching for a replacement. Mayor Chris Mosley is currently serving as acting city manager.

              

Fire Ants Continue Moving in to Oklahoma

Fire ants are marching into Oklahoma. 21 counties in the Sooner State are on a quarantine list put together by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The quarantine prevents producers from selling hay that has been lying directly on the ground in those counties. The counties are mostly in the southern part of the state but now include Garvin, Stephens, Comanche, and Jefferson counties. USDA officials say there are some exceptions. As long as the hay is cut baled without first being stored that it can be shipped and moved. Officials say there's no way to get rid of the fire ants but they can be managed. A bait laced with slow-acting insecticide that the ants will carry back to their nest can reduce the fire ant colonies.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Terry Banks and Zach Love with the state department of human services are on our KOOL Konversation discussing the need for foster families in Oklahoma. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.62 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.05.

Natural gas is $4.06 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,831 and silver is $25.58.

 

Thursday, July 29th

 

Manhunt Suspect in Custody

A suspect wanted for shooting at a Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Patrol officer, and who was the subject of a manhunt in Chickasha yesterday, is in custody. Stephens County Sheriff Wayne McKinney said the suspect was found in the small southeastern Stephens County town of Loco sometime last night. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) reports it all began when the Lighthorse officer tried to pull over a stolen pickup near Marlow. The pickup pulled into a convenience store parking lot at the Lawton-Duncan Y where three people got into a shootout with the officer. Two of the individuals were arrested but the third got away. Officials pinged the suspect's phone near Grady Memorial Hospital. Chickasha police, Grady County sheriff's deputies, the highway patrol, and the Lighthorse Police tactical team locked down the hospital and evacuated the high school nearby. The search was called off about 6:00 p.m. Sheriff McKinney said the suspect did have a gunshot injury from the shootout with the Lighthorse officer. The suspect, whose name has not been released, was taken to a hospital but it wasn't clear how seriously he was wounded.

              

Amber Woman Dies in Multi-vehicle Crash

A multi-vehicle crash just south of Chickasha claims the life of a Grady County woman. 36-year old Samantha Gunnoe of Amber was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where she died. Four vehicles were involved in pile-up that happened just south of U.S. Highway 81 and Country Club Road Wednesday morning about 9:00 a.m. The highway patrol reports that Gunnoe was eastbound in the cut-through of the highway and drove into the path of a southbound car. The collision sent Gunnoe's car into the northbound lanes where it was struck by an oncoming pick-up. Gunnoe's car then crossed the southbound lanes of traffic and hit a parked truck. One of the other drivers identified as 60-year old Don Melot of Shawnee was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released. A third driver identified as 68-year old Carolyn McGruder of Chickasha was not hurt. The accident shut down the highway for several hours.

 

OSBI Describes Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting

Here is an update to an OSBI investigation into that deadly officer-involved shooting in Chickasha Tuesday night. Agents say Chickasha police responded to a 9-1-1 call about a suicidal woman who had a gun. Officers found the woman and a man outside the home when they arrived. Officers tried to get the woman to put the gun down, but she ran into the home and fired multiple shots. At one point, the woman raised the gun and pointed it at officers, who fired their weapons. Later, officers saw the woman walking around inside the home and again she refused commands to put the gun down. Officers heard another gunshot and when the officers entered the house they found that the woman had died. No names have been released and OSBI says the officers names will not be released unless charges are filed by the district attorney. The medical examiner will determine how the woman died.

 

Back-to-School Programs Scheduled

Here are a couple of back-to-school programs for some area students. Anadarko Public Schools will have its back-to-school expo and meet-and-greet on Thursday, Aug. 5th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Warrior Fieldhouse. There will be free hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks, free school supplies and books, free haircuts for the first 80 students, and they will have door prize giveaways. COVID vaccinations will be available for everyone 12 years of age and older. A parent or guardian must be with each student. Individuals must have their identification for the vaccinations. In Chickasha, Michigan Avenue Baptist Church will have a back-to-school bash and resource fair on Saturday, Aug. 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will be giving away more than 250 backpacks, supplies, and personal care items. They will also provide free haircuts and clothing, and they will have a free lunch and sno-cones. The state health department will provide free COVID vaccinations for everyone 12 years of age and older and will also provide free sports physicals. All students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.74.

Natural gas is $4.04 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,827 and silver is $25.57.

 

Obituary

Dorothy Dixon

A graveside service for Dorothy Dixon, 82, of Oklahoma City will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 31st at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Pauls Valley. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, July 28th

 

OSBI Investigates Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has been summoned to look into a deadly officer-involved shooting that took place in Chickasha last night. OSBI officials tell our partners at KWTV News 9 that agents were called out to the neighborhood of 12th and Tennessee Avenue between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. It wasn't clear why police were sent to the area. Very little information has been released. OSBI has only reported that shots were fired, one person has died and officers were involved. The names of the individual who died and the police officers involved have not been released

 

Trooper Investigates Crash

State troopers were called out to a motor vehicle accident east of Ninnekah yesterday. The accident happened at State Highway 19 and CR 1420 which is also known as Dell Street. The accident happened about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and the intersection was shut down for about 90 minutes. No information was available about the crash.

 

Teens Critically Hurt in Accident

A car full of teenagers runs a stop sign and crashes into a pick-up - and two of the teens were critically injured. The accident happened north of Medicine Park about 10:00 p.m. Monday. The teens were all 15 to 17 years old and the 17-year old driver was from Fletcher. The OHP does not release the names of juveniles who are involved in accidents. The two critically-injured teens were air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital while the other two were taken by ground ambulance to a Lawton Hospital. None of the teens were wearing seat belts. The driver of the pick-up identified as 51-year old Denis Delcamp of Elgin was taken by a private vehicle to a Lawton hospital where he was treated and released. Delcamp was wearing his seat belt.

 

One Critical After Head-on Collision

A head-on crash between two pickups critically injured one driver near Elgin Monday morning. 52-year old Thomas Morse of Sterling was airlifted to an Oklahoma City hospital following the crash. He was pinned in the wreckage for about 30 minutes. The driver of the other truck identified as 49-year old Kayle Klinekole of Elgin was taken to a Lawton Hospital where she was treated and released. The trooper investigating the accident said Klinekole failed to yield to oncoming traffic while trying to turn on to State Highway 17. Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts.

 

Report: Fuel Shortage Led to 'Rolling Blackouts'

Those rolling blackouts that took place when a polar vortex hit Oklahoma and Texas in February were mostly due to fuel shortages. The website OK Energy Today cites a report from the Missouri Independent that the shortage was mostly in natural gas. Officials with The Southwest Power Pool have spent the last few months reviewing reasons for the blackouts. It found that less than half of the power pool's 'accredited' natural gas-powered electricity was available at the height of the extremely cold weather.

 

Two Blood Drives Being Held Today

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is in Chickasha for a couple of blood drives today. One is at Around the Clock Home Care at 313 Chickasha Avenue which is from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The other is at the University of Science and Arts Ballroom which runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment is needed at either location.

 

Rock Island Arts Fest, Related Events to Return

One of the next big events in Chickasha is just a couple of months away. The city will host the 13th Rock Island Arts Festival the first weekend in October. The festival is three events rolled into one weekend. The Arts Festival is a three-day event, while Saturday brings the Rock Island Ride bicycle tour and the Oklahoma Food Truck competition. Word is there are already 35 food trucks that could take part with $10,000 in prize money to be paid out. For the arts festival, it is hosted by the Chickasha Area Arts Council and vendor spaces are still available. This Sunday, August 1st is the last day to purchase a space without a late fee. Applications and information about the festival is available on the festival’s website: www.rockislandartsfestival.org and you can also check out social media for info.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.65 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.58.

Natural gas is $3.97 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,804 and silver is $24.85.

 

Tuesday, July 27th

 

Missing Woman May Have Been Seen in Chickasha

The Caddo County Sheriff's Office continues following up on tips about 55-year old Dawn Sherrill who went missing from her rural Anadarko home last week. Sheriff Spencer Davis says one of those tips led authorities to a Chickasha fast food restaurant. Davis says they are working to get video surveillance from Taco Bell to determine if Sherrill may have been there. Davis said a tip that Sherrill may have been seen in Oklahoma City didn't pan out. Today is Day Six of the search for Sherrill who was recently diagnosed and had surgery for brain cancer. Her son said she may be confused or disoriented. Sherrill left her home in a 2007 red Ford F-150 pickup that had a black tailgate and a barbecue smoker in the bed. Anyone with information about Dawn Sherrill is asked to reach out to the Caddo County Sheriff's Office or local police.

              

Equipment Stolen from Chickasha Sports Complex

Thousands of dollars in equipment was stolen from the Chickasha sports complex last week. Kyle Marks, the city's Parks and Recreation Director says thieves managed to steal a UTV and a chain saw and that he's trying to determine of anything else is missing. Marks estimates the value of the stolen merchandise is anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000. The break-in occurred about 4:00 a.m. Friday, July 23rd. Marks says the culprits worked pretty fast as they were in and out in just a matter of a few minutes. He said video surveillance inside the building shows two hooded individuals rolling a Gator out of the building. Marks said video cameras outside of the building weren't working. Chickasha police are investigating. Anyone with information about the break-in can call Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS and anonymous tips can also be sent to the Grady County Crimestoppers Facebook page.

 

Open Transfer Coming to Oklahoma Public Schools

There are a lot of benefits for students who attend small school districts. Among them is that the student-to-teacher ratio is much lower which allows for additional one-on-one instruction. But a new state policy that will go into effect next year could change that. Alex School Superintendent Keith Weldon tells KOOL-RANCH News-

 

              

 

Weldon said Alex is fortunate to have one teacher and a teacher's assistant in every classroom.

 

Anadarko Town Hall Meeting Scheduled

A town hall meeting will be held in Anadarko next week to discuss a number of infrastructure projects proposed to improve areas like water and sewer services. A post on the city's Facebook page indicates residents will also be able to bring their ideas for improvements which city leaders may consider. The town hall meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the library. Also at Anadarko, city officials recognized long-time city employee Rodney Green for 30 years of service. Green, who is the supervisor of the city's electric department began his career as a meter reader in 1991.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.91 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.50.

Natural gas is $4.10 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,801 and silver is $25.22.

 

Obituary

Kenneth Pace, Jr.
A graveside service for Kenneth Pace, Jr., 61, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 31st at Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the SLO/RSH Foundation in Fargo, North Dakota.

 

Tuesday, July 27th

 

Missing Woman May Have Been Seen in Chickasha

The Caddo County Sheriff's Office continues following up on tips about 55-year old Dawn Sherrill who went missing from her rural Anadarko home last week. Sheriff Spencer Davis says one of those tips led authorities to a Chickasha fast food restaurant. Davis says they are working to get video surveillance from Taco Bell to determine if Sherrill may have been there. Davis said a tip that Sherrill may have been seen in Oklahoma City didn't pan out. Today is Day Six of the search for Sherrill who was recently diagnosed and had surgery for brain cancer. Her son said she may be confused or disoriented. Sherrill left her home in a 2007 red Ford F-150 pickup that had a black tailgate and a barbecue smoker in the bed. Anyone with information about Dawn Sherrill is asked to reach out to the Caddo County Sheriff's Office or local police.

              

Equipment Stolen from Chickasha Sports Complex

Thousands of dollars in equipment was stolen from the Chickasha sports complex last week. Kyle Marks, the city's Parks and Recreation Director says thieves managed to steal a UTV and a chain saw and that he's trying to determine of anything else is missing. Marks estimates the value of the stolen merchandise is anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000. The break-in occurred about 4:00 a.m. Friday, July 23rd. Marks says the culprits worked pretty fast as they were in and out in just a matter of a few minutes. He said video surveillance inside the building shows two hooded individuals rolling a Gator out of the building. Marks said video cameras outside of the building weren't working. Chickasha police are investigating. Anyone with information about the break-in can call Grady County Crimestoppers at 405-224-TIPS and anonymous tips can also be sent to the Grady County Crimestoppers Facebook page.

 

Open Transfer Coming to Oklahoma Public Schools

There are a lot of benefits for students who attend small school districts. Among them is that the student-to-teacher ratio is much lower which allows for additional one-on-one instruction. But a new state policy that will go into effect next year could change that. Alex School Superintendent Keith Weldon tells KOOL-RANCH News-

 

              

 

Weldon said Alex is fortunate to have one teacher and a teacher's assistant in every classroom.

 

Anadarko Town Hall Meeting Scheduled

A town hall meeting will be held in Anadarko next week to discuss a number of infrastructure projects proposed to improve areas like water and sewer services. A post on the city's Facebook page indicates residents will also be able to bring their ideas for improvements which city leaders may consider. The town hall meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the library. Also at Anadarko, city officials recognized long-time city employee Rodney Green for 30 years of service. Green, who is the supervisor of the city's electric department began his career as a meter reader in 1991.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.91 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.50.

Natural gas is $4.10 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,801 and silver is $25.22.

 

Obituary

Kenneth Pace, Jr.

A graveside service for Kenneth Pace, Jr., 61, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 31st at Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the SLO/RSH Foundation in Fargo, North Dakota.

 

Monday, July 26th

 

Storms Bring Heavy Rains, Power Outages

Midsummer thunderstorms dropped anywhere from a half- inch to an inch of rain throughout Grady and Caddo counties last night. One weather reporting service showed the rainfall rate in Chickasha was more than 3 1/2 inches per hour. There were also power outages with a number of Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) customers in the west and southwest parts of Chickasha going dark last night.  PSO reports there are still a handful of outages this morning near the Nazarene Church and the Chickasha school's agriculture barns. There are also scattered outages throughout the region for some CK Energy and Rural Electric Cooperative customers.

 

Silver Alert Still Active for Missing Anadarko Woman

Authorities are continuing their search for Dawn Sherrill, the Anadarko woman who has been missing since last Wednesday. The Caddo County Sheriff’s Office issued a Silver Alert for Sherrill, who was diagnosed with brain cancer just a few weeks ago. She had surgery to remove one mass and another was said to have been inoperable. Over the weekend, ground and air searches were conducted by family members, law enforcement, and pilots from the Chickasha Wings Flying School. She could be driving a red Ford F-150 pickup that had a smoker in the back. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Caddo County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement.

              

Cleveland County Silver Alert Canceled              

In a related story a Silver Alert issued for a missing Lexington woman over the weekend was canceled after she was located. 71-year old Shirley Coker was reported missing about 10:30 p.m. Saturday by the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office. The alert was canceled early Sunday morning. There was no information available about where she may have been found.

 

Grady County Rancher Named 'Cattleman of the Year'

A Grady County rancher is honored for his long service to his trade. Harold Gillenwaters was named Cattleman of the Year at the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association annual convention over the weekend. Harold and his wife Donna own and operate a ranch where they raise Angus cattle. The Gillenwaters have been active not only with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association but the Grady County Cattlemen's Association as well. Gillenwaters just completed a term on the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association executive committee where he served as the southwest district's vice president.

 

Verden Schools to Offer Shooting Sports, Fishing

Oklahoma school districts will be opening their classrooms in the next couple of weeks. At Verden, Superintendent Mickey Edwards said they are offering a number of non-traditional extra-curricular activities.

 

              

 

All the programs are offered through the State Department of Wildlife. The first day of classes for Verden Public Schools is Thursday, August 12th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.07 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.10.

Natural gas is $4.06 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,812 and silver is $25.45.

 

Obituary

Donald Habener

Funeral service for Donald Habener, 65, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 27th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

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