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Mollman Media News Archives for 2021-10

2021, Oct. 18th-23rd

Saturday, Oct. 23rd

 

Suspect Accused of Child Neglect Arrested on New Charges

A Chickasha man arrested for child neglect and drug possession earlier this year is back behind bars. 34-year old Matthew Dale Lane was arrested by Chickasha police this week for alleged domestic violence and having a firearm after former felony conviction. Lane was taken into custody Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his alleged assault of a woman in the presence of a child. Lane has been formally charged with a misdemeanor in connection with that arrest. He's also facing a felony charge for having a firearm after former  conviction following an arrest near Rush Springs earlier this year. Lane is awaiting trial on the child neglect and drug charges that stem from an investigation by Chickasha police this past January. Bond for Lane on the most recent charges has been set at $100,000 and prosecutors have filed documents to revoke his bond on the previous charges.

 

Suspects in Blanchard Homicide Case Arrested in Wyoming

A mother and her son have been arrested in connection with the death of a Blanchard man. The OSBI say they are suspects in the death of 47-year old Michael McDuffie. McDuffie's body was found in the remnants of his burned out home earlier this month. 47-year old Debbie Senft - who is McDuffie's half-sister - and 26-year old Zachary Mussett were arrested in Wyoming. Both are charged with murder and arson in connection with McDuffie's death.

 

Driver Arrested for Speeding Through Verden

A driver allegedly speeding through Verden leads police on a pursuit at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour. Verden Police Chief Jeff Goucher says an officer attempted to make a traffic stop just before 4:00 a.m. Friday on a motorist going about 80 miles per hour through town where the speed limit is 35 mile per hour. The driver increased his speed as he drove west of town on Highway 62.  The motorist finally pulled over about three miles west of Verden. The officer arrested 37-year old Jorey Brooks Stockton who lists an Edmond address. Prosecutors have charged him with a felony DUI and misdemeanors of reckless driving and driving under restriction. He's in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $7,500 bond.

 

High School, Jr. High Rodeo Contestants in Chickasha

Highly-skilled teenaged cowboys and cowgirls from across the state and nearby states are in Chickasha this weekend. The members of the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association and the Oklahoma Junior High School Rodeo Association are competing in one of their final fall events of the year. The members meet at different locations once or twice a month. They were in Lawton in August, in Stigler in September, and in Woodward earlier this month. The fall season wraps up with the Fall Bash at the Lazy-E Arena in Guthrie in a couple of weeks. The associations bring their competitions to Chickasha  each spring and fall. They'll also return to Chickasha in June for the state finals where they will compete to earn a spot in the National High School and Junior High rodeos.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

'Kelly' Morris

A graveside service for Peggy Sue 'Kelley" Morris, 65, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 30th at the Ninnekah Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

High School Football Scores

Bethany 38, Chickasha 20

Heritage Hall 45, Anadarko 22

Cushing 27, Blanchard 13

Tuttle 53, Ada 6

Bridge Creek 27, Douglass 6

Newcastle 44, Elgin 21

Ringling 43, Dibble 6

Mangum 26, Minco 14

Wynnewood 36, Rush Springs 0

Apache 40, Hobart 20

Walters 30, Carnegie 8

Marlow  58, Marietta 19

Frederick 46, Lindsay 34

SW Covenant 46, Alex 32

Cyril 58, Central High 8

Mt. View-Gotebo 68, Fox 6

 

Friday, Oct. 22nd

 

Tow Truck Driver Hospitalized After Hit-and-Run

A wrecker driver from Blanchard faces a long recovery after being injured in a hit-and-run while working an accident. Family members say 47-year old Troy Stewart was loading a vehicle on to his wrecker Wednesday when he was struck by another motorist who left the scene. KFOR-TV reports Stewart’s pelvis was broken as were both of his ankles, one leg, and he has several neck fractures. Robert Blankenship, the owner of R and R Towing and Recovery Service where Stewart works, said Stewart had only been on the job about a week. Blankenship asks motorists to heed the state's Move Over Law, requiring them to slow down and move over when emergency vehicles are in service. It was reported that Stewart’s wrecker did have its emergency lights activated at the scene.

 

Suspected Love Triangle Leads to Stabbing, Arrest

One man is hospitalized and another is in jail in connection with a stabbing that occurred as a result of a suspected love triangle. 32-year old Richard Charles Zane Hancock is in the Stephens County Jail in Duncan on a $150,000 bond after being charged with felony assault. The Lawton Constitution reports the stabbing occurred at a Marlow home where Hancock was in his ex-girlfriend's garage smoking meth when the woman and her new boyfriend came to the house. The two men started fighting and that's when the victim was stabbed. Hancock fled the scene but he was eventually apprehended. The unidentified victim - reportedly from Fletcher - was taken by air ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital with a knife wound to his chest where he was last in stable condition.

 

Anadarko Prepares for Kids, Kites, and Frights Fall Fest

Tomorrow is a big day in Anadarko with the Kids, Kites, and Frights Fall Festival. It starts at the airport at 10:00 a.m. with some of the largest kites in the world - some are 30 feet tall and 200 feet long and can pull a full-size truck. There will also be some hot air balloons taking to the sky about 5 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. There will be a petting zoo, inflatable games, pumpkins and hayrides. There is a tee-pee building demonstration, Native American dancing, a car show, and town wide garage sales. Admission to the event is free. There are food trucks and vendors and activities where entry fees are required including corn hole and arm wrestling tournaments. There's also live music tomorrow night.

 

Sheriff's Office Updates Wanted 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.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.50 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.61.

Natural gas is $5.11 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,794 and silver is $24.44.

 

Thursday, Oct. 21st

 

Homicide Investigation Continues

Tribal, state, and federal officials continue their investigation into the brutal death of a man whose body was found in the backyard of a Chickasha home. Chickasha police were dispatched to the 900 block of South 13th Street late Wednesday to a home within walking distance of the middle school. Authorities say the victim had trauma injuries but have not indicated how the as-yet unidentified man may have died. Police said he is Native American so the Lighthorse Patrol, OSBI, and FBI were called in. A suspect is in custody. 43-year old Phillip Keith Ray is being held in the Grady County Jail on a murder complaint. On-line court records indicate that Ray pleaded guilty to misdemeanor alcohol-related charges in 2015.  Back in 2003 he pleaded guilty to felony assault and battery and drug possession charges out of Grady County.

 

Tuttle School Officials Begin Talks for New Construction

In Tuttle, school officials are meeting this week to discuss how to proceed with the new construction projects approved with the passage of a big bond issue last week. The projects include a new barn for the agriculture program and numerous improvements in and around the high school football stadium. Superintendent Keith Sinor says they will be re-locating the ag barn since the current facility will be demolished and new locker rooms, a weight room, and classrooms will be built at its current location.

 

              

 

Sinor said the plan is to start construction of new bleachers at the football field after the first of the year depending on how long it might take to get the needed materials. He said they do not want to move any home football games so they want to make sure that the work can be finished in time for football season next year. The stadium will be expanding to 2,000 seats on the home side and 1,000 seats on the visitor’s side.

 

Benefits of Permanent Daylight Savings Time Discussed

We have an update on an interim study held at the state capital this week regarding a proposal to make Daylight Savings Time permanent in Oklahoma. Part of the discussion included benefits that may include better health, extra daylight for farmers and ranchers to work safely during the evening hours, as well as more time for families to be active outdoors. The study was led by State Senator Blake Stephens (R-Tahlequah). He said while it’s not a drastic change in our day-to-day lives it could make a huge impact on the state's health and productivity. Stephens says he will re-introduce a bill filed this past legislative session to make Daylight Savings Time permanent. If passed and signed by the governor the state would still have to wait for federal approval before the change could be made.

 

Medicine Park Aquarium Has New Director

A new director has been named for the Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center near Lawton. Rainette Rowlands, previously the deputy director of the center, will take over the post previously held by Doug Kemper. Kemper passed away recently but had selected Rowlands to be his successor. Kemper and Rowlands were both instrumental in the development and construction of the habitat which was first proposed 15 years ago. It took 11 years before the center would become a reality starting with an aquarium and now featuring a dozen exhibits. Rowlands says she has big shoes to fill but that Kemper left behind a lot of information to help with the continued growth of the center including drawings and 20-year marketing plans.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.87 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.82.

Natural gas is $5.17 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,787 and silver is $24.33.

 

Obituary

Sharon Roper

A funeral service has not yet been scheduled for Sharon Roper, 80, of Fletcher. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 20th

 

Breaking-

A homicide investigation is underway in Chickasha. Police say a body showing obvious signs of trauma was found in the yard of a home of 909 S. 13th. The victim is a member of a federally-recognized tribe so the Chickasaw Nation’s Lighthorse Patrol, OSBI, and FBI were called into investigate. A suspect is in custody. Authorities have not identified the victim nor the suspect.

 

Chickasha Officials to Consider Water Meter Fee

Chickasha city officials will consider implementing a water meter fee next month - a move that Mayor Chris Mosley says is needed to keep the city from losing money on city services provided to residents and businesses. In his State-of-the-City address yesterday, Mosley said while the city made more $6 million in water, sewer, and sanitation revenues in fiscal year 2020 the city actually was in the red after expenses-

 

              

 

Mosley said he's frustrated that the city can't make any progress since a lot of attention is devoted to repairing and replacing decades-old water and sewer lines-

 

              

 

The city council will consider the meter fee during its Nov. 8th council meeting.

 

Crashes Halt Traffic on H.E. Bailey Turnpike

A couple of simultaneous traffic accidents involving multiple vehicles shut down a portion of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike last night. The eastbound lanes of the interstate near mile marker 92 south of the toll gate were closed about 8:30 p.m. The highway patrol reports the roadway was reopened just after 10:00 p.m. after being closed for more than an hour-and-a-half. There was no word on any injuries in those accidents.

 

Reward Offered in Stephens County Cold Case

A $10,000 reward has been offered in a more than 20-year old cold case out of Stephens County. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is asking for information about the shooting death of George ‘Dale’ Turner. A son discovered Turner's body in a bedroom at the family ranch between Marlow and Bray just a few days before Christmas in 2000. The only clue that investigators had was a pair of brown work boots that were found outside the home. Turner's son Jeff is hoping the reward can help bring some closure to his father's murder. Turner said it's his job to honor his father’s memory and it’s the OSBI's job to solve his father's case and bring justice. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSBI by e-mailing information anonymously at: tips@osbi.ok.gov

 

University Receives U.S. Dept. of Education Grant

The University of Science and Arts is the beneficiary of a federal grant that will be used to boost distance-learning capabilities and improve services for students and faculty. The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) awarded a more than $2 million grant to the university ‘s Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions program. The university previously received a more than $1.5 million grant from the Title III program bringing the total amount of grants to nearly $4 million from USDE within the last four years. The program assists non-tribal universities where at least 10 percent of the student population are members of federally-recognized tribes.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.96 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.08.

Natural gas is $5.08 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,779 and silver is $23.97.

 

Obituary

Rick Young

Funeral service for Rick Young, 81, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 22nd at Sharon Baptist Church. He was a long-time water well driller.  Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 19th

 

Chix City Council Gets Info on Proposed Train Depot Park

A proposal to build a new park next to Chickasha's Rock Island Railroad depot was discussed during last night's city council meeting. Economic Development Council President Jim Cowan said he represented several groups that support the idea including the Chamber of Commerce and the non-profit Chickasha Community Foundation. Cowan said that no city funds would be requested to develop the park which could cost anywhere from $6 million to $10 million. He said private money and grants could be used including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

 

              

 

Cowan said citizens would have input on what should be in the park and that there could be tributes to the city's history and paint a picture for the future.

 

Driver Hospitalized After Crashing into Barn

A Chickasha woman is hospitalized after her SUV ran off the road, crashed through a fence, and hit a barn. 68-year old Lynda Scott was last in fair condition with arm injuries at Grady Memorial Hospital. The accident happened about 2:15 p.m. Monday east of Ninnekah on State Highway 19 near Dell Street (CR 1420). The state trooper called out to investigate the accident reports that Scott may have been sleepy.

 

Medicare Enrollment Period Now Open

Oklahoma senior citizens are urged to take some time over the next few weeks to review their Medicare insurance plans. The open enrollment period for coverage in 2022 is open through December 7th. Ray Walker is the Director of the Medicare Assistance Program with the State Insurance Department.


              

Walker says the state insurance department's website is hosting a series of weekly webinars to help seniors in making their decisions. The webinars can be seen on: www.oid.ok.gov and all previous and future webinars will be available on the website.

 

Anadarko Schedules Proposed Walking Trail Meeting

The City of Anadarko will hold a public meeting to get input about a proposed master walking-biking trail. Anadarko has received a grant to develop the trail from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Southwestern Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization. Those attending the meeting will be able to view maps of the city; answer a brief questionnaire; and provide input on what items might be placed along the trail. The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 18th at the Anadarko Library from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Individuals who plan on attending should contact the library by calling 405-247-7351.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.44 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.33.

Natural gas is $4.99 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,779 and silver is $23.76.

 

Obituaries

William Green

Funeral service for William Green, 91, of Oklahoma City and formerly of Chickasha was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 19th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a pastor for more than 25 years and also was a military veteran serving in both the Army and Air Force for a total of more than 35 years.

Madison Preciado

A funeral service for Madison Preciado, of Yuma, Arizona the infant daughter of Armando and Elizabeth Preciado are pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Cynthia Webster-Long

A funeral service Cynthia Webster-Long, 59, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Oct. 18th

 

Chix City Council to Discuss Proposed Park

There has been some discussion over the last couple of years to create a new Chickasha park which would be located on city-owned property next to the Rock Island Railroad depot. Tonight, the Chickasha City council will discuss a proposal to lease the property to the non-profit Chickasha Community Foundation for that purpose. A draft of a proposed lease calls for the foundation to begin construction of the park within three years of when the lease might be approved and that all the projects in the park would be completed within five years of the proposed agreement. The city would lease the land to the Foundation for $10 per year. The proposal will be discussed during the Chickasha Municipal Authority portion of tonight's city council meeting. No formal action will be taken tonight.

Council to Consider Grant to Upgrade Police Department Fleet

The council is expected to give final approval to receive a grant that will allow the police department to obtain four or five SUVs to replace part of its fleet. The grant is for nearly $300,000 which will allow the department to purchase some used SUV's from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Council to Surplus Firetrucks, Ambulances

The council is expected to approve getting rid of several old vehicles within the fire department. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego is recommending the council surplus a nearly 30-year old pumper which has not been used in two years; a nearly 20-year old pumper that was in an accident this summer and has been deemed inoperable; a nearly 15-year old ambulance that has been out of service for three years; and a six-year old ambulance that has not been in service since it was in traffic accident on the turnpike.

Sports Complex, Dog Park Issues to be Reviewed

The council is also expected to approve going out for bids to repair the sidewalk path lighting at the city's sports complex and to pay the first installment of the current construction of the new dog park at just over $26,000.

Chickasha's New City Manager to Attend First Council Meeting

New Chickasha City Manager Tyler Brooks will be in attendance for his first city council meeting tonight. He started last week and was part of the ceremony putting the city's new fire engine into service. A come-and-go reception to welcome Brooks will be held before the council meeting tonight at city hall from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Mayor Chris Mosley is expected to sign a couple of proclamations shortly after the reception and the council meeting will get underway at 6:30 p.m..

 

Family Injured in Crash with Anadarko Truck Driver

A woman and two children were injured in a Friday afternoon traffic accident with an Anadarko truck driver. 47-year old Kendall Willhite of Anadarko was not injured in the crash which occurred west of Hennessey. The highway patrol reports that Willhite had initially stopped at a stop sign but then pulled out in front of an oncoming SUV which hit Willhite's truck. The driver of the SUV, 30-year old Samantha Winegart of Okeene, and two children in the vehicle with her were taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. Winegart suffered an ankle injury and one child suffered head, trunk, and internal injuries. Both were in stable condition and the other child was not hurt.                            

 

Duncan Woman Awarded New Home Heating, Cooling System

A Chickasha-based company and one of its suppliers has again helped to provide a free heating and air conditioning system to an Oklahoma family. DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning spent all day Friday in Duncan installing a new system at the home of Clara Ferguson. Ferguson was selected to receive the new system with the DeHart and Lennox ‘Feel the Love’ program. Ferguson was one of many individuals nominated to receive the new HVAC system. Winners are selected based on their need and how they treat others in their communities. Sheri Rice, the regional manager for the DeHart office in Duncan, says they focus on heroes, families, and people who give of themselves and don't ask for anything in return. Ferguson said it was a blessing to receive the new system.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.28 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.86.

Natural gas is $5.41 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,761 and silver is $23.26.

 

Obituaries

Hope Owens

A wake service for Hope Owens, 94, of Chickasha will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 19th at Holy Name Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 20th at the church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Betty Jo Scarbarough

A graveside service for Betty Jo Scarbarough, 94, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 20th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral home.

Bobby West

Funeral service for Bobby West, 69, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21st at Sevier Funeral Home.

2021, Oct. 11th-16th

Saturday, Oct. 16th

 

Suspicious Grady County Death Under Investigation

Agents with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) are looking into a suspicious death in eastern Grady County. The agency reports that a body was found in the 8300 block of Garvin Drive on Friday.  A mapping app indicates that is an area about two miles east of Bridge Creek schools. The individual has not been identified. Officials did not indicate if there was any trauma to the body. Agency officials said the state medical examiner's office will determine the cause and manner of death.

 

Suspended Superintendent's Teaching Certificate Re-instated;

State Board to Move Forward with Plans to Revoke the Document

A suspended Ninnekah school administrator was able to get his teaching certificate re-instated but officials still want to revoke that certification. The State Board of Education initially suspended the teaching license of Superintendent Todd Bunch on Sept. 30th as a result of that federal lawsuit filed against Bunch and others over allegations of years of alleged sexual assaults of girls basketball players by a former coach. On Friday, the board voted 4-0 to reinstate Bunch's certification following a recent recommendation of a judge who ruled that Bunch presents no immediate harm and doesn't fit the bill for emergency action.  The judge advised the state board to schedule a hearing to potentially revoke Bunch's certification. An attorney for the board said the group will proceed immediately with that hearing although no date has yet been set.

 

State Senate Group to Consider Daylight Savings Time Year 'Round

A group of Oklahoma state lawmakers will consider a proposal to establish Daylight Savings Time year round. The Senate's General Government Committee will have an interim study on the measure next week. State Senator Blake Stephens (R-Tahlequah) and others will review the health and work-day benefits of not having to change times in the spring and fall. Individuals to address the meeting include representatives from the agriculture industry, business sector, health and mental health fields, and even a retired meteorologist. The interim study will get underway at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 19th in Room 230 at the State Capital. It will be live-streamed on the state senate's website: www.oksenate.gov

 

Home Heating Bills Could be Higher for Natural Gas Users

Home heating bills are expected to be higher this coming winter especially if you use natural gas. A couple of reasons for that are the prediction of a colder than normal winter and that natural gas prices are on the rise. A report from the Energy Information Administration indicates that natural gas prices will be at their highest levels in nearly 15 years. Officials say among the reasons for the recent price hike for natural gas is that storage levels are at below-average levels heading into the winter months.

 

Obituary

Betty Jo Scarbarough

A graveside service for Betty Jo Scarbarough, 94, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Friday, Oct. 15th

 

Suspended Ninnekah School Administrator

Fights Ruling Pulling his Teaching Certificate

The suspended superintendent at Ninnekah Public Schools may have his teaching license reinstated today. However, the state board of education still wants to revoke his certification. The Oklahoman reports that Todd Bunch is expected to have his teaching license re-instated after a judge recommended that the suspension be lifted. The state panel is meeting today to vote again on the matter. Bunch remains on paid suspension from Ninnekah schools after several current and former girls basketball players filed a federal lawsuit against Bunch, other administrators, and the school district, alleging that they ignored complaints that they were being sexually assaulted by a coach. The Oklahoman reports that Bunch's attorney said his client was never told of any concrete allegations about the actions of former coach Ron Akins who is facing charges of rape and sexual assault in connection with the alleged attacks.

 

Chickasha's New Fire Engine in Service

The Chickasha Fire Department now has its new fire engine ready when needed. It's a demonstration 2020 model Pierce Enforcer that Fire Chief Tony Samaniego says is one of the best engines available. It can pump more than 1,200 gallons of water per minute. Samaniego talks about one of the many features of the engine.

 

              

 

Mayor Chris Mosley and City Manager Tyler Brooks joined current and retired firefighters in long-standing traditions of washing the engine and pushing it into the fire station prior to a radio call indicating the engine is now in service. The engine came in at a total cost of just over $500,000 and will replace an older engine which is being kept to serve as a back-up.

 

Site Teachers Selected for Chickasha Schools

Five Chickasha school teachers are being recognized for their work in the classroom. All have been selected as teachers of the year at their respective school. Sharita Brown is an instructor for special needs students at the high school; Michael Boyles is a language arts teacher at the middle school; Megan Drennon is a 6th grade teacher at Lincoln School; Chris Albrecht is a 4th grade teacher at Grand; and Nancy Ragain is a pre-K teacher at Bill Wallace. All are now candidates for the district teacher of the year with the winner to be announced in the spring.

 

Ag Producers Meeting to Address Winter Cattle Needs

Cattle producers who would like to make sure their animals will be getting adequate and proper minerals during the upcoming winter can get helpful information at the next Grady County OSU Extension ag producers meeting. Dr. Paul Beck will discuss winter supplementation for cattle herds at the next meeting, which will be Tuesday, Oct. 19th at 7 a.m. Producers can attend in person or via the Zoom platform. Contact the extension office for more information by calling 405-224-2216.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Kimmie Loggins and Julie Bohannon-Dais with the Salvation Army and attorney David Ratcliff are on our KOOL Konversation discussing estate planning. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.31 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.

Natural gas is $5.68 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,784 and silver is $23.34.

 

Thursday, Oct. 14th

 

Woman Accused of Taking Child from Neighbor's Yard

A Chickasha woman is behind bars after allegedly taking a two-year old from her neighbor's backyard. 44-year old Brandi Denise Bennett was arrested by Chickasha police after the incident Monday afternoon. A probable cause affidavit filed by police indicates that the child was playing in the backyard alone while his teenaged sister was inside. Witnesses saw Bennett reach over the chain-link fence and take the boy and the witnesses went to tell the teen what had happened. The teen went to Bennett's house to get the child and Bennett refused to let the boy go. Bennett told police that she had seen a baby crying and thought the child was home alone and that the child had a dirty diaper. Bennett told investigators she went to the take the child home but no one answered the door. However, witnesses said Bennett did not try to return him. Bennett was originally arrested on a kidnapping complaint but prosecutors have charged her with a felony of forcibly taking a child. Bond for Bennett has not yet been set. On-line court records indicate that she has been un-cooperative and has not yet had her initial appearance on the charge.

 

Embezzlement Hearing for County Commissioner Delayed

A Grady County commissioner accused of allegedly using county resources for personal gain has had his preliminary hearing delayed. District One Commissioner Mike Walker was to be in Grady County District Court today but officials have postponed the hearing to November 24th. This past May, Walker was charged with one count of felony embezzlement following a nine-month investigation by the OSBI. It's alleged he used county materials, equipment, and labor to pave a private road to his Tuttle home. Walker called the investigation a witch hunt. Walker remains on the job while the case is being adjudicated. Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks recused himself from the case and officials named Brian Hermanson of Newkirk as the prosecutor. Also, Judge Gina Lowe has also stepped down from hearing the case which will now be presided over by David Stephens of Caddo County.

 

Tornado Clean-up Continues in Anadarko

The clean-up continues in Anadarko where a tornado caused alot damage in the downtown area and downed trees and limbs throughout the city. The city has opened a roll-off site for trash and debris that will be open through Saturday. Residents can take brush and limbs to an area south of the hangars at the airport or put them on the curb. Starting on Monday, city crews will start picking them up, beginning in the Shady Acres area and working their way north. Crews will only be making one pass through the city. Officials say this will be for brush pick up and not for other trash or debris.

 

Section of Chickasha Street Temporarily Closed

A short section of a Chickasha street is temporarily closed for repairs. It’s 16th Street from Grand Avenue south to California Avenue. City crews are making improvements to a section of the street where they repaired a water line a few weeks ago. Streets are accessible to local traffic. Repairs are expected to be completed Friday afternoon and the street re-opened Saturday morning.

 

Swap Meet, Team Roping Highlight Weekend Events

There is a lot going on in Chickasha this weekend. The 53rd annual Chickasha Antique Auto Club’s fall swap meet is underway. Vendors started setting up shop yesterday with many more expected to arrive today. The meet draws thousands of antique car and truck enthusiasts from across the country. The event runs through Saturday at the Chickasha Antique Auto Club property next to the Grady County Fairgrounds. There are also vendors in the north exhibit building of the fairgrounds where a craft show is also being held.

The Capitalist Team Roping

Also getting underway today, many of the top team ropers in North and South America will be competing in what's called the pro bowl of team ropers. It's called the Capitalist Team Roping event which will run through Sunday in the two indoor arenas at the fairgrounds. The ropers come from as far away as Brazil and Canada to compete for cash prizes and $80,000 added money. There are men's, women's and youth divisions. There is no admission for anyone who wants to check out the competition which is in Chickasha for the fourth straight year.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.44 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.18.

Natural gas is $5.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,799 and silver is $23.30.

 

Obituary

Elizabeth Nitzel

Funeral service for Elizabeth Nitzel, 90, of Oklahoma City will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 15th at Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 13th

 

Power in Anadarko Almost Completely Restored

Dozens of power crews were back in Anadarko yesterday working to get electricity restored after Sunday night's fierce storms. The National Weather Service has confirmed tornadoes in and near Anadarko and Verden which are among seven confirmed twisters statewide Sunday night. Five other suspected tornadoes were still being assessed. Anadarko City Manager Kenneth Corn posted another video message on the City of Anadarko’s Facebook page and said only a few customers are still without power today.

 

              

 

Crews from Purcell, Lexington, Edmond and the Oklahoma Municipal Power Association were on hand to help Anadarko crews in their efforts.

 

Tuttle Voters Approve School Bond Issue

Voters in the Tuttle school district approved a special bond issue that will help fund nearly $10 million in improvements. Unofficial results from yesterday's special election show a $4.7 million bond issue passed by a more than 2-to-1 margin. The measure needed a super-majority 60 percent approval and it picked up more than 67 percent of the vote. Less than 600 voters turned out to pass the plan with the unofficial tally being 394 to 194. The bonds will be combined with a $4.7 million contribution from the Richison Family. It will allow the district to build a new agriculture building and will provide a big facelift for athletics - including a 2,000 seat home grandstand with a two-story press box, a 1,000-seat visitor's grandstand, a video scoreboard and LED sports lighting. Also included are a new weight room and locker room which will include classrooms and offices.

 

New Chickasha City Manager On Board

Chickasha's new city manager is on the job. Tyler Brooks officially started this past Monday. There will be an informal meet-and-greet for the former Air Force captain next Monday, Oct. 18th, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. before the regularly scheduled city council meeting at 6:30 p.m..

 

Chix Mayor to Give 'State of the City' Address

Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley will be giving a State of the City address next week. In a public forum put together by the Chamber of Commerce Mosley is expected to address recent achievements for the city as well as future plans. The State of the City address will be Tuesday, Oct. 19th at noon at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Alexander Eats will cater a meal with the cost for chamber members at $20 and the cost for prospective chamber members is $25. Individuals who plan on attending are asked to RSVP the chamber by noon Monday.

 

Chix High School Band Gets Top Rating

Congratulations are in order for the Pride of Chickasha High School marching band! The band received a superior rating at the OSSAA regional marching contest yesterday. The rating is the highest a band can receive. Regionals are the highest competition at the state level for high school bands.

 

Oil Lease Vandal Suspect Also Faces Eluding Charges

A Lindsay man already behind bars is wanted in Stephens County for crimes  that allegedly took place when he tried to elude the law. 34-year old Seth Daniel Coots is wanted in the Duncan court for damaging an oil and gas lease.  The Lawton Constitution cites an arrest warrant that indicates Coots was running from Garvin County authorities two weeks ago when he drove into the eastern Stephens County lease. Coots is accused of causing nearly $5,000 dollars in damage which shut down the site for several hours. Coots is being held in the Garvin County Jail in Pauls Valley where he is facing felony charges of endangering others while eluding and DUI. Coots has prior felony convictions out of Stephens County.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.64 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.42.

Natural gas is $5.50 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,771 and silver is $22.82.

 

Obituary

Harvey Reed

Funeral service for Harvey Reed, 84, of Ninnekah will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18th at Sevier Funeral Home. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and Army Reserves.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 12th

 

Power Returns to Parts of Chickasha After Brief Outage 

An early morning power outage forced Chickasha school officials to make a snap decision about whether to have classes at one of its schools. The power outage about 6:15 this morning impacted Grand Avenue school and superintendent Rick Croslin said PSO estimated that power would not be back on until 11 a.m. Croslin initially said Grand would be closed just before 7 a.m. however power was back on at the school at 7:05 - so officials said classes would go on as scheduled. About 800 PSO customers were without power for about 45 minutes. A PSO spokesman said an equipment malfunction caused the outage. The outage area was between 4th and 29th Streets and between Almar Drive and Georgia Avenue.

 

Most Eletricity Back On in Anadarko After Storms

Most of the City of Anadarko has power restored after Sunday night's violent storms. City Manager Kenneth Corn kept residents up to date with a number of Facebook live posts with the last coming just before midnight last night.

 

              

 

Corn said most of the central circuit should be also on while the south part of the city is still without electricity. All the crews that were working yesterday were to be back today and Corn is hopeful that power can be fully restored today.

 

Corn Credits New System for Saving Lives

There were no deaths or serious injuries as a result of that Anadarko storm and Corn credits part of that to the city's new hyper-reach notification system that sends out text messages, phone calls, and e-mails about emergencies. A link to that hyper-reach notification system can be accessed from Anadarko's Facebook page or website: www.cityofanadarko.org

 

Teenager in Critical Condition After ATV Crash

Two Lindsay teenagers were injured and one is in critical condition following an ATV accident near Dibble. The highway patrol reports that a 14-year old female passenger was airlifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head injuries. The 16-year old male driving the ATV was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was treated and released. State troopers do not identify juveniles who are involved in accidents. The crash happened southwest of Dibble near 170th Street and Council Avenue Saturday afternoon.

 

Tuttle School Patrons Deciding Bond Issue Today

Voters in the Tuttle school district are going to the polls today to decide a unique bond issue. On the ballot is a $4.7 million supplemental bond with proceeds going toward improvements to athletic facilities and a new agriculture barn. Among the athletic facility improvements are seating for 3,000 fans at the football field, a two-story press box, a video scoreboard, and LED sports lighting. Also additional classrooms, offices, locker rooms, and a weight room would be built. If approved, the district would get a matching $4.7 million donation from the Richison family. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.

 

State Auditor Schedules Visit with Grady County GOP

Oklahoma Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd will be in Chickasha to address Grady County Republicans next week. Byrd is expected to discuss wasteful spending and the upcoming first-ever audit of the State Department of Education. Byrd will address the county GOP members at 7 p.m. next Thursday, Oct. 21st at Bible Baptist Church. There is no charge to attend the meeting.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.52 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.65.

Natural gas is $5.34 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,759 and silver is $22.62.

 

Monday, Oct. 11th

 

Storms, Tornadoes Leave Trail of Damage

Last night's severe storms left a lengthy trail of damage from southwest to central Oklahoma. Storms that began in Hobart late yesterday afternoon tracked eastward through Anadarko, to Verden, north of Chickasha and to Amber, Blanchard, and Norman. KWTV News 9 weather coverage reported a tornado in Anadarko just before 7:00 p.m. Sunday where power was knocked out and there were reports of damage.  Anadarko City Manager Kenneth Corn issued on update on the city's Facebook page.

 

              

 

The National Weather Service issued a number of tornado warnings throughout the evening. A tornado warning in Chickasha was issued just before 7:00 p.m. and stretched until 7:45 p.m. In Amber there were reports of power poles being snapped and a shop building, a house, and an old grain silo in town damaged. The storm tracked to the Blanchard area and into Norman where there were more reports of damage.

 

Many Still Without Power in Storm's Aftermath

Thousands of households were without electricity for a period of time. Last night there were reports of 10,000 customers throughout Grady County and about 5,000 customers with no power in Caddo County. As of this morning, Grady County still had about 1,000 customers without power, including PSO customers at Verden, near the Chickasha Airport, and in Amber. About 1,800 CK Energy customers were still without power throughout Caddo County.

 

Chickasha School Principal Honored

A big honor for a Chickasha educator and city councilman. Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander is one of the newest members of the Oklahoma African-American American Educators Hall of Fame. He is the principal at Lincoln School and also serves as a city councilman. Dr. A as he is known is a Chickasha native and a graduate of Chickasha High School. He has worked in the education field for more than 40 years in Nebraska and Oklahoma.

 

Annual School Land, Mineral Lease Auctions Underway

Oklahoma's School Land Commission is beginning its annual auction of land and mineral leases today. Those auctions begin in the Panhandle and will continue through other sections of the state over the next couple of weeks. An auction for school land in Caddo, Kiowa, Washita, and Beckham counties will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18th at the Elk City Convention Center. An auction for land in Grady, Comanche, Cotton, Jackson, and Tillman counties will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19th at the Comanche County Fairgrounds in Lawton. For information about the leases that are available visit the website: www.clo.ok.gov

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.35 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.39.

Natural gas is $5.56 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,756 and silver is $22.58.

 

Obituaries

Sharron Carlisle

Funeral service for Sharron Carlisle, 64, of Ninnekah was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11th at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Eleanor Koehler

Funeral service for Eleanor Koehler, 93, of Cement will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13th at the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Cement. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Guwanna ‘Kay’ Moore

A memorial service for Kay Moore, 65, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14th at College Heights Baptist Church. Arrangements are also with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

2021, Oct. 4th-9th

Saturday, Oct. 9th

 

Federal Grants to Help Rural Oklahoma Water Projects

A couple of federal grants totaling more than $7 million are expected to help rural Oklahoma with fresh water and waste-water infrastructure projects. The National Rural Water Association which is based in Duncan received the grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist with projects and training to solve water and waste-related issues. 4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) said along with paving the way for the creation of jobs and increasing economic opportunities, the investment in rural Oklahoma will help maintain safe water and modern and sustainable infrastructure for the future. One of the grants is a $2.6 million award that will support projects in Stephens County. A second grant of more than $4.5 million was awarded to Payne County, a portion of which will establish a set of highly skilled water workers to ensure infrastructure is strong, modern, safe, and sustainable. Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Cheyenne) said that in addition to creating jobs the grants will improve the public health and safety of rural communities and lay the groundwork for innovative water systems across the state.

 

Gypsy Horse Show Underway at Grady County Fairgrounds

For the second straight weekend there is a horse show at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Last week was the Welsh Pony show and today and tomorrow it’s the South Central Region Gypsy Horse Show.  Colin Stanley with Deerinwater Farms in Pocasset is with The Gypsy Horse Show Association. He says the Gypsy horse is a lot like a Clydesdale but smaller. Stanley says gypsies are draft horses that are about the size of a quarterhorse but they are bigger boned and weigh a little more.  Exhibitors from Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, and Arizona are expected. There are halter, riding, and cart classes for adult and youth divisions. This is one of several shows for Gypsy horse owners held throughout the year and this is the second straight year the South Central show has been held at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Admission is free for spectators. Check out the Gypsy Horse Show Association's Facebook page for info.

 

OSU Research Station to Host Recycle Day

The OSU Research Station in Chickasha will have its annual recycling day next week. Residents and ag producers will be able to take their used tires, batteries, motor oil, and plastic ag containers to the research station. Any tires must be off the wheels and the plastic ag containers must be triple rinsed and dry with the labels and caps removed. The items can be taken to the Research Station Wednesday, Oct. 13th from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The research station is on the east edge of Chickasha, off the Grand Avenue Extension.

 

Obituaries

Shannon Carlisle

Funeral service for Shannon Carlisle, 64, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11th at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Guwanna ‘Kay’ Moore

A memorial service for ‘Kay’ Moore, 65, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14th at College Heights Baptist Church. Arrangements are also with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Friday, Oct. 8th

 

More Highway, Bridge Projects Discussed

Earlier this week, we reported on the state Department of Transportation's (ODOT) continuing work on the U.S. Highway 81 west bypass of Chickasha. Today, we'll report on some of the other ODOT projects in progress or approved for the region. Officials say the U.S. Highway 62 bridge replacements over the Washita River east of Chickasha is more than 50 percent complete. A resurfacing project south of Tuttle on State Highway 4 between the H.E. Bailey Turnpike and State Highway 37 should be completed within the next few weeks. Officials are also obtaining right-of-way to widen State Highway 19 between Chickasha and Lindsay with utility relocations starting later in the fiscal year. Sometime in 2022 or 2023, a project to widen State Highway 39 from State Highway 76 west to the East Winter Creek Bridge should take place, as well as an upgrade to a section of State Highway 37 just west of Tuttle. All are among the $8 billion in projects in the 8-year road plan for ODOT approved by the state Transportation Commission this week.

 

AARP Speaks Against Proposed PSO Rate Hike

A rate-hike request by Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is getting some push back. The Oklahoma Chapter of AARP reports that more than 1,500 of its Oklahoma members have contacted the Oklahoma Corporation Commission opposing the request. The website OK Energy Today reports that AARP describes the more than $172 million proposal as a ‘bloated rate hike’. An AARP official said the group was troubled to learn that PSO signed a settlement agreement to shift more of the proposed rate increase to residential customers and away from large electricity consumers like industrial plants. AARP also says PSO wants to maintain its high fixed monthly charge of $20 which is assessed to consumers even before using electricity. AARP says that's on top of the fact that PSO will be seeking another rate increase in December.

 

Water Costs, RV Storage Discussion Set for City Council Work Session

A discussion of the City of Chickasha's water costs and more detailed talk of proposed changes to the city's recreational vehicle storage ordinance are part of a special city council work session next week. The work session agenda also calls for discussion of public work fees. The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11th at city hall. No formal action can be taken during a work session.

 

Chix Community Blood Drive Tomorrow

Another Chickasha community blood drive is scheduled tomorrow. The Oklahoma Blood Institute will have its bloodmobile at the YMCA parking lot at 7th and Chickasha Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Donors will get free COVID-19 anti-body and A1C Blood sugar tests. The blood sugar test will help donors monitor their risk for diabetes. Officials say that every two seconds there is someone who needs blood.  For information on upcoming blood drives in your area, check out the website: www.obi.gov

 

Chix High School Band Scores High Marks

The Chickasha High School band had a good showing at the Southwest Showdown marching contest in Elgin last weekend. The band placed second in the 4A division and the color guard was presented with the outstanding auxiliary award.

 

Talk Show Topic

Bud Andrus with the Chickasha Antique Auto Club  is our guest on this week's KOOL Konversation regarding the group's fall swap meet coming up next weekend. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.30 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.95.

Natural gas is $5.68 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,758 and silver is $22.51.

 

Obituary

Bobbie Jean Evans

A memorial service for Bobbie Jean Evans, 92, of Ninnekah will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 10th at the Main Street Church of Christ in Alex.

 

Thursday, Oct. 7th

 

Fire Damages Downtown Chickasha Store

Numerous fire departments were summoned to downtown Chickasha yesterday when a department store caught fire. Smoke and flames raged through The Dollar General Store at 3rd and Kansas Avenue starting about 3:30 p.m. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego-

 

              

 

Fire crews from Grady County, Verden, Anadarko, and Tuttle were all dispatched and as many as 30 firefighters were there, including some off-duty Chickasha firefighters who were called back to work.  Samaniego said there were about six people in the store when the fire started, but everyone got out safely. Samaniego said the fire began in a back storage room. There was no information at the time about how the fire started or the amount of damage that was done.

 

Chickasha Area Mourns Death of Larry Sevier

The Chickasha and Grady County community is mourning the death of Larry Sevier. He was the owner and operator of Sevier Funeral Home. He passed away at his home Monday morning at the age of 76. He was the second of now four generations of the Sevier family to operate the funeral home. Larry’s father, Jodie, started the funeral home in the 1940s. He was a lifelong Chickasha resident and played on Chickasha High School’s 1963 state championship basketball team. He started working at the funeral home when he was 10 years old. He was active with the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, supported Little League baseball and Mighty Might football, and was directly involved in the early years of the USAO basketball team. He was a Deacon at the First Baptist Church. He and his wife Linda were married for 46 years. She passed away in 2012 and their son Todd died in 2010. Survivors include three sisters; daughter April and husband Jeff; and grandchildren Jeremy, Austin, and Brayden. Austin recently completed his degree in funeral service and was brought in as the fourth generation of the family to operate the funeral home, although Larry said he wasn't planning on retiring any time soon. The funeral service for Larry Sevier will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11th at the First Baptist Church. Visitation with family will be from 4-6 this afternoon and on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Community Church or to Gideons International.

 

Regional Youth, Animals Take Top Honors at Tulsa State Fair

A couple of regional ag students took some top honors with their animals at the Tulsa State Fair. We get the news from Farm Broadcaster Ron Hays with the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network-

 

              

 

There was no premium sale for the top animals this year but the students received an equivalent amount of what they might have collected had there been a sale.

 

USDA Ups Guaranteed Loans For Producers

Ag producers have the opportunity to apply for a slightly higher USDA loan to help with their operations. Guaranteed farm loans now top out at just over $1.8 million - about $500,000 more than the previous limit. In a USDA press release, Farm Service Agency officials say farm loans are critical for operating and family living expenses, emergency needs, and cash flow. The loans offer access to funding to help with securing land as well as financing the purchase of equipment. The loans are financed and serviced by commercial lenders. FSA provides up to a 95 percent guarantee against possible financial loss of principal and interest. The loans can be used for operating purposes as well as farm ownership. Producers can get more information from their local USDA service center or on-line: www.fsa.usda.gov

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.43 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.08.

Natural gas is $5.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,760 and silver is $22.71.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 6th

 

Update on the Highway 81 Bypass of Chickasha

This week The State Transportation Commission approved its eight-year construction work plan for Oklahoma roads and bridges. The plan runs through the end of the decade in 2029. Jay Earp, the Division 7 Engineer for the Duncan Office of the Department of Transportation, says a lot of work is schedule for the U.S. Highway 81 re-alignment project which most people call the Highway 81 west bypass of Chickasha. Earp says some of the big work could begin within a couple of years.

 

             

 

The transportation commission this week approved spending about $8 billion for highway, road and bridge projects over the next eight years. A map of the proposed projects can be viewed on the Department of Transportation's website: www.odot.org

 

City of Chickasha Hosts Coat Drive

With cooler fall weather here, colder winter weather is not that far off. The City of Chickasha is again having its Coats for Chickasha drive to collect warm clothing items that will be given to students in the Chickasha school district. The city is collecting new or gently used coats, jackets, warm hats, gloves, and scarves - and is accepting packages of new socks. Donations can be dropped off at city hall, the police department, fire station No. 1, the library, or the airport. The clothing drive runs through next Friday, Oct. 15th.

 

Rock Island Ride Had Record Number of Riders

Organizers of the Rock Island Ride bicycle tour were happy with the turnout at the ride last weekend. Nearly 300 riders registered and that is believed to be a record number of entries. For the first time there were competitions inside the race, including a climb KOM (King/Queen of the Mountain) and a sprint KOM. In the men's KOM climb there was a tie for first place between Christopher Hattendorf of Wichita Falls, Texas and Chris Shelton of Bethany, both of whom made the climb in 45 seconds. In the sprint KOM which was just over 1 1/2 miles, the winner was Chad Shanks with a time of 3:46. For the women, Hristina Brown of Moore won both events, making the climb in 1:15 and the sprint in 5:40. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three placers in each event. Taylor and Sons Pipe and Steel provided the prize money for the sprint and Mosley Insurance Agency provided the prize money for the climb.

 

Science and Arts Instructor Honored

A music instructor at the University of Science and Arts is recognized for his work. Kaleb Benda was named one of NextGen's 30 under 30 honorees. NextGen selects 30 individuals under the age of 30 who have demonstrated career leadership qualities and service to their communities. Candidates are nominated by the general public. Benda was nominated for his work with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra. He has been with Science and Arts for two years where he leads the concert band. Benda also serves as the assistant conductor of the Enid Symphony Orchestra and is the music director of the Mt. St. Mary Instrumental Music Ensemble.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.93 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.56.

Natural gas is $6.31 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,749 and silver is $22.29.

 

Obituaries

Kenneth Baker

Funeral service for Kenneth Baker, 83, of Alex will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 7th at the Alex Southern Baptist Chapel. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

‘Tootsie’ Hopper

Funeral service for Billie ‘Tootsie’ Hopper, 85, of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 8th at Trinity Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Bobby Sons

A memorial service for Bobby Sons, 85, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 12th at Grand Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Royal Rangers at the church.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 5th

 

City Council Delays Vote on Boat, RV Storage Ordinance

Revisions to Chickasha's boat and RV storage ordinance were put on hold last night after some city council members voiced concerns about enforcement and language within the regulation. Councilman Clark Van Dyck was concerned about how future city officials might look at the ordinance.

 

              

 

There was also a concern about the definition of an 'inoperable' boat or RV and how city officials would have to prove that a vehicle was not in operating condition. The measure will be tweaked for future consideration and it was mentioned that the council might hold a work session on the issue.

New City Manager Attends Meeting

Attending last night's meeting was new city manager Tyler Brooks. Brooks does not officially begin working until next week but he took the opportunity to see how the council inter-acted. Brooks and his family moved to Chickasha from South Daytona, Florida last week.

Council Approves Adjusted Work Schedule for Police

Chickasha police officers will be working seven days on and seven days off following action by the city council last night. The council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Fraternal Order of Police Local 129. The move was suggested as there is a shortage of police officers which is a concern of a lot of police departments across the state and nation. Officers will work 12-hour shifts for seven consecutive days then get seven days off. The proposal will be reviewed every three months as officials work to hire more officers.

State Attorney General Awards Grant to Chix PD

The council also approved the receipt of a $40,000 grant to the police department from the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office with the funds to be used for violent crime prevention. The panel also approved the purchase of three heating-ventilation and air conditioning units for the library at a cost of nearly $37,000 from DeHart Heating and Air Conditioning.

Council OKs Food Truck Court Use-on-Review

By a 6-2 vote, the council approved a use-on-review to build a food truck court near the downtown area. It's at the intersection of 4th and Iowa Avenue where developer Ken Carpenter will tear down a current building to allow for the location of four or five food trucks. Carpenter told the council he's also willing to demolish another building on the lot to increase parking for customers. He would install electrical outlets for the food trucks which would lease spots for a pre-determined amount of time. There were some concerns about providing water and sewer services and Carpenter said he would be willing to install those lines. City officials are working with the county health department to discuss other guidelines. Councilmen Clark Van Dyck and R.P. Ashanti-Alexander voted against the use-on-review.

 

Wendy's Restaurant Opens

A new restaurant will be opening its doors in Chickasha today. Wendy's will have a ribbon-cutting this morning with the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant is near 4th and Minnesota Avenue (1101 S. 4th St.) in the former location of Long John Silvers and Sam's Southern Eatery.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.62 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.26.

Natural gas is $5.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,757 and silver is $22.57.

 

Obituaries

Steve Barboza

A graveside service for Steve Barboza, 68, of Chickasha was held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 5th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements were with McRay Funeral Home.

Yvette Schlehuber

Funeral service for Yvette Schlehuber, 58, of Ninnekah will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 8th  at the Ninnekah First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Oct. 4th

 

Revised Boat, RV Storage Ordinance

to Get Public Hearing by Chix City Council

Proposed changes to Chickasha's boat and recreational vehicle storage ordinance will be among one of three public hearings to be held by the Chickasha City Council this evening. The panel will discuss recommendations that boats and RVs should be parked on a paved surface in the front and side yards of residential areas, while they can be parked behind a fence on any surface in backyards. They would have to be kept in operable condition and could not be dismantled in a way to cause a public nuisance. Background information provided by the Community Development Department indicates there are proposed updates in every zoning district and the changes would allow for new development in commercial and industrial areas.

Public Hearing Also set for Proposed 'Food Truck' Court

There is also a public hearing to discuss a proposed use-on-review for a food truck court at 401 S. 4th. Ken Carpenter is proposing that a current building at that site be demolished and that the area could serve four or five food trucks. Carpenter would be required to have a bathroom that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Planning Commission has recommended that the use-on-review be approved.

Third Public Hearing for Proposed Storage Development

A third public hearing is scheduled to consider a request from Lance Mills and Cedar Creek Consulting to vacate a roadway and utility easement along Genevieve Street to build a new storage development. This proposal is also being recommended for approval.

 

Council to Consider New Squad Truck for Fire Department

The council will also consider a proposal to purchase a new squad truck for the fire department. The truck is a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab from the Merit Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram dealership at a state contract price of nearly $50,000. The funds would be reimbursed by the Grady EMS 522 District. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego says the purchase could save the city about $15,000 per year in operating costs. Another proposal for the council to review is a more than $18,000 bid from state contract from Metro Emergency Upfitters for that truck for lights, sirens, a bed cover, and other equipment, with those funds also to be reimbursed by the County EMS 522 District. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at City Hall.

 

Food Truck Competition Winners Are...

The winners from the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship from this past weekend included Pop's Pockets with its Caramel Apple Egg Roll. It was the first place winner in the Sweets Category and also the overall winner of the competition. In second place in the Sweets Category was Metro Minis OKC with its pumpkin with cream donut. In the Savory Division, first place winner was Creek Bottom Burgers with its fried onion burger and in second place was Geaux Cajun with its blackened fish-and-shrimp platter called The Louisiana Purchase. The Most Creative winner was Boss'n Hogs Barbecue with its Barbecue sundae.

 

Centenarian is Oldest to Finish 5K at OKC Memorial Run

A Chickasha man was the oldest participant in Saturday's 5K division of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Burrell Gambel also was the oldest person ever to finish the race in the history of the event.  Gambel and his friend, 92-year old Irene Park, held hands as they crossed the finish line together

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.75 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.19.

Natural gas is $5.81 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,750 and silver is $22.37.

 

Obituaries

Sharon Robinson

Funeral service for Sharon Robinson, 74, of Rush Springs will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 5th at Sevier Funeral Home.

Ronald Varva

Funeral service for Ronald Varva, 73, Ninnekah are pending with Sevier Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired from the U.S. Postal Service.

DeLois Hunter

A memorial service for DeLois Hunter, 72, of Ninnekah is pending with the family. Cremation arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.

2021, Sept. 27th-Oct. 2nd

Saturday, Oct. 2nd

 

More Details on Interim Study Addressing

Protested Property Tax Assessments

State Representative Dick Lowe (R-Amber) and members of the State House Energy and Natural Resources Committee held at interim study last month on the topic of protested ad valorem tax assessments. The protests are affecting many school districts which rely on the property taxes paid on those assessments. A recent report from CNHI said when a wind farm was built around Minco the school district's assessed tax base grew by nearly $50 million in ten years. That allowed the district to build a new high school, middle school, and improve its athletic facilities. CNHI reports that Minco  School Superintendent Kevin Sims addressed the interim study, saying his district's budget is in shambles after learning that about $1.5 million in expected ad valorem revenue was placed into escrow until the county assessor and the wind company can agree on the assessment. Minco taxpayers had been promised a 4 percent tax cut but will instead face a 4 percent increase to cover bond debt. For years the state offered qualifying manufactures - including wind developers - a tax credit to build in Oklahoma and the state paid the tax bill for five years. But with those exemptions now expiring energy companies now say that county assessors and school districts have relied on years of over-inflated property valuations. Oklahoma counties are holding about $80 million in escrow in disputed property taxes for more than 100 school districts. Grady County has the highest amount of any county in the amount held in escrow at more than $10 million.

 

Rain Clears Out for Weekend Chix Activities

After some early morning rain it looks like today's weather will be ideal for Chickasha's Rock Island Arts Festival and all the events connected with it. The arts festival includes more than 60 vendors along with live entertainment, a children's play area, food, and a wine and beer garden. The Rock Island Ride bicycle tour may be a little cool and damp to get started this morning  but no rain is expected for the duration of the event. The Together We Heel walk to end domestic violence will also have cool, damp conditions. And Mother Nature is expected to be in a good mood for the Oklahoma Food Truck championship with 35 food trucks lining Chickasha Avenue today. Weather will not be a factor for the continuing performance of The Last of the Guacamole Queens with the Chickasha Community Theater nor for the Southwest Regional Welsh Pony show going on at the Grady County Fairgrounds.

 

Thieves Break In to Apache Football Fieldhouse

In Apache, thieves broke into the high school football fieldhouse and stole a number of computers - and they tried to get away with a big screen TV. A post on the town of Apache's Facebook page says the break in occurred just before 4:30 a.m. Friday. The perpetrators took four desk computers and a lap-top. They tried to steal an 84-inch big screen TV but dropped it on the way out. There were no signs of forced entry. Video surveillance shows a black four-door sedan with black wheels which was on the school campus for about 45 minutes leaving shortly after 5 a.m. Friday. Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to contact Apache City Hall or the Caddo County Sheriff's Office.

 

Input Sought for Proposed Wildlife Refuge Upgrades

Officials at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are seeking public comment on some proposed changes. Among the revisions suggested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service include the demolition of infrastructure around the current administrative compound, the abandoned Treasure Lake Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center site, and some wilderness access points. It also includes building a new administrative compound near the current visitors’ center. Other proposals are to consolidate a number of facilities in order to improve efficiency and to update transportation infrastructure. The projects would be paid for with funds from the Great American Outdoors Act. Comments can be made on-line by doing a search for the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The deadline for comments is Nov. 1st.

 

Obituaries

Sharon Robinson

Funeral service for Sharon Robinson, 74, of Rush Springs will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 5th at Sevier Funeral Home.

Ronald Varva

Funeral service for Ronald Varva, 73, of Ninnekah is pending with Sevier Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired from the U.S. Postal Service.

DeLois Hunter

A memorial service for DeLois Hunter, 72, of Ninnekah is pending with the family. Cremation arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Friday, Oct. 1st

 

Ninnekah Schools Placed on Probation

The Ninnekah Public School district was placed on probation by the state board of education yesterday. The Oklahoman reports that State Superintendent Joy Hoffmeister said district leaders had a total breakdown of Title IX protections for students, and that it was plainly astonishing that a certified public school administrator failed to respond to such concerns. The move comes after more than a dozen current and former female student athletes at Ninnekah filed a federal lawsuit against the district and others, alleging they told school officials they were being sexually assaulted by a coach and that the administrators did nothing about it. In addition to the district being placed on probation the state school board suspended the teaching certificates of Superintendent Todd Bunch and High School Principal David Pitts, both of whom are on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into the sexual assault allegations. Hoffmeister said  Bunch and Pitts failed to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against then coach Ron Akins from when Akins coached at Friend School. Akins resigned from Ninnekah in June and has been formally charged with sex crimes against juveniles. The Oklahoman reports that since the lawsuit was field that the Ninnekah School Board has approved new procedures for processing complaints, hearings, and discipline regarding sexual harassment of students. The Ninnekah board has also established a three-person Title IX team which will investigate discrimination complaints.

 

Chickasha Schools Await Results of Community Survey

Chickasha schools will soon be moving into the second phase of an in-depth study designed to make improvements throughout the district. A nearly month-long survey was completed yesterday and Superintendent Rick Croslin said there were about 400 responses from the community and about 1,000 responses all together including school personnel and students.

 

              

 

Croslin said the next phase is to compile all the data and issue a report to the school board and the community. The detailed review is in conjunction with the state school boards association and the K20 Center out of OU. Croslin said the district paid $40,000 to participate in the study which has received national recognition for helping communities improve their school systems.

 

Hurricane Blamed on Missing Guard Rails for Anadarko Project

A strange case of missing guard rails for a street improvement project in Anadarko. The upgrades to McLemore Road between Mission Boulevard and State Highway 8 (previously named Petree Road) have been delayed because the guard rails for the project can't be found. A post on the City of Anadarko's Facebook page indicates that Hurricane Ida could be to blame. The guard rails were on a truck in Louisiana when the hurricane hit the New Orleans area earlier this year. New guard rails have been ordered and the estimated delivery time is about six weeks. The roadway will remain closed until the guard rails are delivered and installed.

 

Reception Today for New Anadarko Chamber Director

The Anadarko Chamber of Commerce has a new executive director. Alicia White was recently named to the post. A reception to welcome her to the chamber will be held today. Her office is in the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians. The reception will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. today and free hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be served.

 

Continental Resources Completes Wells Drilled in 2019

Continental Resources reports the completion of some Grady County oil wells. The McBryde Wells are about four miles southwest of Dibble in section 23 of Township 6 North and Range 5 West. Continental reports three additional wells have been completed at a site where one had already been completed. The website OK Energy Today reports that the newest completions may have been drilled two years ago but that Continental didn't carry out completion until this year. The wells have a combined production of about 353 barrels of oil and more than 1,100 MCF of natural gas per day.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here’s what we’re talking about this weekend. Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin is on our KOOL Konversation program. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.03 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.52.

Natural gas is $5.86 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,754 and silver is $22.22.

 

Thursday, Sept. 30th

 

City of Chickasha Ready for Arts Festival, Other Events

Months of planning for the numerous events in Chickasha this weekend is wrapping up. The Rock Island Arts Festival and related activities will be getting underway for most of the events tomorrow. Volunteers are finishing work on the cleanup effort for Civic Pride Week, from volunteers with the Economic Development Council and Chamber of Commerce. The three-day arts festival will get underway tomorrow morning, rain or shine and will feature more than 60 vendors with items for sale, a play area for kids, food trucks, and live entertainment at the historic Rock Island Railroad Depot.  A list of vendors and a schedule of performers can be found on the Rock Island Arts Festival Facebook page or on-line: www.rockislandartsfestival.org

Rock Island Ride

On Saturday, the Rock Island Ride bicycle tour will get underway. More than 200 riders have pre-registered and organizers believe the final count could be 250 to 300 riders. Participants can pick up their packets at the Canadian River Brewery tomorrow night between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. where riders can still register. A potato bar will also be available during that time. Final registration for the ride will be Saturday morning from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Oklahoma Food Truck Championship

Also Saturday is the 4th annual Oklahoma Food Truck Championship where 35 food trucks will be competing for $10,000 in prize money and bragging rights. There will also be live music in the food truck area all day with Dollar-98 playing Saturday night.

Together We 'Heel' Walk

Also Saturday, an awareness campaign to end domestic violence with the Together We Heel Walk. The district attorney's office, law enforcement groups, and agencies that provide help and support for domestic violence victims will walk from the YMCA to the depot.

Live Theatre

Among other events are weekend performances from the Chickasha Community Theater which offers The Last Roundup of the Guacamole Queens with performances tonight, tomorrow night and Saturday night and a matinee Sunday afternoon. Also tonight, the University of Science and Arts has its opening Davis Waldorf Performing Arts series program.

 

Pipeline Donation Helps County Emergency Management

Grady County's Emergency Management Agency gets some help to allow workers to communicate with numerous groups when responding to disasters. Plains All-American Pipeline came forward with a $3,600 contribution to purchase six 800 Megahertz hand-held radios. County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said the radios will help his team communicate with dispatch centers and responders throughout the county, the state emergency management office, and the National Weather Service. Thompson said his office trains with companies like Plains All-American Pipeline to be prepared for pipeline emergencies should they arise. Thompson reminds individuals and businesses to call 8-1-1 before doing any kind of digging to ensure they don't hit the numerous pipelines which run through the county.

 

One More Thing for This Weekend

In addition to the activities going on downtown Chickasha this weekend is a multi-day event at the Grady County Fairgrounds. It’s the regional Welsh Pony and Cob Show which will include competitors from Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri. One exhibitor is coming from as far away as Oregon. It's a free event for spectators with youth, novice, and experienced participants putting their skills to the test.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.83 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.64.

Natural gas is $5.47 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,729 and silver is $21.64.

 

Obituaries

Marvin Jessen

A graveside service for Marvin Jessen, 83, of Rush Springs will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 2nd at the Rush Springs Cemetery. He started the Rush Springs Manufacturing Company and was a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Rondie Lee Surber

A memorial service for Rondie Surber, 79, of Comanche will be held at a later date. He owned and operated a speed shop and a salvage yard. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 29th

 

Shots Fired During Attempted Break-in Near Chix

A suspect is in custody accused of trying to break in to a barn in the Tabler area over the weekend. Shots were fired by the property owners and a couple of suspects fled on foot. The property owners said they believed someone tried to break in to the barn Friday night and decided to stay in the barn Saturday night. A probable cause affidavit indicates that just before 9 p.m. the property owners saw a couple of individuals drive up in a pickup and one of them used bolt cutters cut a lock on a gate. One of the property owners let the air out of all the tires of the truck. The property owners then encountered the suspects and shots were fired and the suspects ran off. Grady County sheriff's deputies, Ninnekah, Dibble, and Lindsay police and the Lighthorse Patrol were called in to help in a manhunt for the suspects which was called off about midnight. Authorities traced the pickup to a man in Amber who said he sold the pickup and gave authorities the name of that individual. Sunday night, authorities were able to contact him at a home in Amber took him in to custody. 24-year old Johnnie Lee Jones has been formally charged with felonies which include burglary and having a firearm while committing a felony. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

 

One Dead, One Hospitalized After Motorcycle Crash

One person died and another is hospitalized following a motorcycle crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. 59-year old Terri Hawk of Fletcher suffered fatal injuries in the accident. 56-year old Phillip Hawk also of Fletcher was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital and was last in fair condition. The accident happened about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday in the westbound lanes of the turnpike near Mile Marker 101. The highway patrol reports that the bike left the highway for an unknown reason then came back on the highway where it rolled on to its side. Neither passenger was wearing a helmet.

 

Thieves, Vandals Destroy Lake Chickasha Bar

Thieves and vandals go to extreme levels to destroy a business at Lake Chickasha. Someone drove a pick up through the entire Branding Iron Saloon late Monday or early Tuesday and caused thousands of dollars in damage and took the ATM. Owner Johnny Kurtz said he got a phone call Tuesday morning that the bar was in shambles.

 

              

 

Kurtz estimated damage between $10,000 and $15,000. He said the thieves somehow dragged the ATM about a mile away to the opposite side of the lake, took about $2,000 out of the machine then abandoned the truck. Kurtz said authorities determined the pickup had been stolen out of Chickasha. No suspects have been identified. Kurtz said the Caddo County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation and asks anyone with information to call Caddo County or local law enforcement.

 

New Chickasha Firm Makes Electronic Filters

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held yesterday to celebrate the grand opening of a new company that has re-located to Chickasha. Genisco Filter, originally based in California with an office in Wisconsin, was purchased by HSI Sensing in 2013. CMS Willowbrook Construction recently completed a new 25,000 sq. ft. facility just west of Norge Highway and Country Club Road. Ryan Posey tells what they manufacture.

 

             

 

Posey said some of those electronic filters can be as large as refrigerators.  The company currently has a dozen employees and hope to add more in the future.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.29 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.09.

Natural gas is $5.84 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,742 and silver is $22.32.

 

Obituaries

Eddra Ann ‘Gammy’ Husley

Funeral service for ‘Gammy’ Hulsey, 79, of Tuttle will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 30th at Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

Marty Smith

Funeral service for Marty Smith, 61, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 2nd at the Pioneer School gymnasium. He was known as Mr. ‘Marty’ at the school. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer School.

 

Tuesday, Sept. 28th

 

Driver Dies in Rollover Crash

A Chickasha man lost his life in a rollover accident yesterday. 61-year old Marty Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident happened about 3:30 p.m. Monday two miles west of Norge on State Highway 92. The highway patrol reports that Smith's pickup ran off the road, went through a fence, struck a pole, and rolled several times.

 

Proposed PSO Rate Hike Hearing is Today

A proposed rate hike for Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) goes before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission today. A hearing for the requested $243 million increase will be heard by an administrative law judge. The website www.okenergytoday.com reports that many PSO customers and consumer groups are opposed to the rate hike request. PSO filed the request to address a revenue deficiency based on a test year that ended last December. Officials say the utility has increased its operations by more than $700 million from the amount of operations the current rates are based on. If approved, the increase would provide PSO with a more than 7 percent rate of return which would be about $243 million in additional revenue.

 

State Rep Selected for Leadership Program

A state lawmaker from Grady County has been chosen to take part in a national leadership program. The southern office of the Council of State Governments has selected State Representative Dick Lowe (R-Amber) to be part of its Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills. Lowe said he's honored to be selected to take part in the highly respective program. The organization brings together officials from all three branches of state government from 15 southern states. The conference will be held in Little Rock, Arkansas Oct. 2nd through 6th.

 

Chix Police Officers Receive Appreciation Gifts

Some Chickasha police officers were recipients of gifts of appreciation from a couple of law enforcement organizations. A group called Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) is a national program that provides training to law enforcement agencies and offers support for officers' families. COPS will be hosting its National Law Enforcement Conference in Oklahoma City in November. A group called LA Police Gear, founded in Los Angeles, has helped more than 1 million officers worldwide by providing them with police gear and services.

 

Dark Water Ranch Offers Fall Family Fun

A good family activity for the fall is a trip to a local pumpkin patch. Dark Water Ranch is between Ninnekah and Rush Springs and will be opening this weekend with a lot of activities which include its pumpkin patch and a hay maze. The ranch also has a petting zoo and visitors can feed the pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens. Philip Anneler says other activities include a pumpkin slingshot as well as a trebuchet-

 

              

 

The ranch will be open mainly on the weekends but welcomes school and church groups during the week. Admission is $10 and everyone gets a souvenir pumpkin. For information about Dark Water Ranch, checkout the website www.Oklahomafarmfun.com or find Dark Water Ranch on Facebook.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.45 per barrel.

London-based Brent is $79.53.

Natural gas is $5.70 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,736 and silver is $22.30.

 

Obituaries

Everett Hulsey

A private memorial service will be held for Everett Hulsey, 68, of Chickasha. Arrangements are will Ferguson Funeral Home.

Charlene Brunson

Funeral service for Charlene Brunson, 59, of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 29th at the First Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Georgia Johnson

A graveside service for Georgia Johnson, 87, of Ninnekah will be at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, September 30th at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Sept. 27th

 

Emergency Preparedness Kits Needed at all Times

With the fall season now here it’s a good time to make preparations for the cold weather that will eventually follow. September is emergency preparedness month which is a good time to prepare for whatever emergency could happen. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson reminds us that its a good time to have your home heating system tested.

 

              

 

If you have a fireplace, have your chimney cleaned by a chimney sweep service and if you have a portable generator it’s a good time to get that serviced as well. Thompson said families should put together a disaster preparedness kit which would provide necessities to get through a lenghty power outage. Get a large plastic tote for water, non-perishable food, a flashlight with new batteries. For information on putting together a disaster kit check the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website: www.fema.gov

 

Chickasha Hosts Numerous Events This Week

It's a big week for Chickasha as the community gets ready for one its busiest weekends of the year. The headliner is the three day Rock Island Arts Festival (Oct. 1st-3rd) along with the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship and the Rock Island Bicycle Tour (both on Oct. 2nd). Also taking place will be a four-day performance with the Chickasha Community Theatre, the University of Science and Arts has its first Davis Waldorf Performing Arts Series program, and there's the Together We Heel walk against domestic violence on Saturday. The Grady County Fairgrounds is also hosting the South Central Regional Welsh Pony and Cob Show (Oct. 1st-3rd).

 

Chix Civic Pride Week Underway

The Chickasha Economic Development Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and numerous volunteers are encouraging residents and businesses to spruce up their neighborhoods and properties for Civic Pride Week which runs through Thursday, Sept. 30th. Groups will be working to clean up various areas of downtown and entry points to the city. They are also painting the light poles downtown, and painting some artwork in downtown crosswalks in advance of everything going on downtown this weekend.

 

Chix Fire Department's New Engine Arrives Soon

The City of Chickasha's new fire engine should be arriving this week. A Facebook post from the Chickasha Fire Department and Emergency Management indicates the $500,000 machine could be in place in a few days if everything goes as planned. All three fire department crews will get some initial training on the engine before it’s placed into service. The community will then be invited to help wash and put the new engine into service at Station No. 2. We’ll let you know when that will take place.

 

Study Reviews Transportation Needs for the Disabled

State leaders say there is a need to help the more than 600,000 disabled Oklahomans who struggle with transportation needs. The State Senate Business, Commerce, and Tourism Committee reviewed the issue during a recent interim study. In a press release, Senator Mary Boren (D-Norman) said she was disturbed about the lack of adequate transportation needs for the disabled. She said while some do have a network of family and friends to get them around many do not. Presenters during the interim study urged state lawmakers to invest in and develop a statewide on-demand transportation service. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has established the Office of Mobility and Public Transit program to ensure that individuals with disabilities are included during the planning of the state's long-term transit plan.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.98 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.09.

Natural gas is $5.14 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,748 and silver is $22.54.

 

Obituaries

Bernice Brewer

Funeral service for Bernice Brewer, 93, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Lorene Beasley-Leverett

A graveside service for Lorene Beasley-Leverett, 84, of Duncan and formerly of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 28th at Fairlawn Cemetery in Chickasha. She was a graduate of Friend High School. Arrangements are with Whitt Funeral Home of Duncan. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Denton Reace Walker Scholarship Fund at Liberty National Bank.

David 'Mike' Halcomb

A memorial service for Mike Halcomb, 67, of Cement will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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