Saturday, Feb. 26th

 

Fatal Crash May Have Been End Result of Murder-Suicide

Law enforcement officials say a deadly traffic accident in Chickasha this week may have been the end result of a murder-suicide. Authorities say a man killed his girlfriend in Oklahoma City then minutes later intentionally crashed his vehicle and died. KOCO-TV reports that on Thursday, Oklahoma City police were called to do a welfare check on a woman in an apartment complex near Britton and MacArthur Road. They found the body of 28-year old Jasmine Smith whose injuries were consistent with homicide. About 15 minutes later Smith’s boyfriend, 29-year old Christopher Smith, died after driving his Jeep off the H.E. Bailey Turnpike in Chickasha where he hit the end of a guard rail and died. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says witnesses stated that Johnson intentionally ran off the road and crashed.

 

More on 'Darko City Manager's New USDA Appointment

We have more information today about Anadarko City Manager Kenneth Corn's new job. Corn has been appointed to serve as the new State Director of Rural Development for the USDA. Corn said with the work he has done in Anadarko over the last seven years he knows first-hand what rural communities are facing as far as their infra-structure needs. He was able to renew partnerships with federal, state, and tribal governments to generate more than $2 million in grants which helped to upgrade Andarko's water and sewer systems. Corn was appointed to the post by President Joe Biden and tells how the appointment came about.

 

              

 

Corn's last day on the job in Anadarko is March 13th and he'll begin his new job in Stillwater March 14th. Corn said he would assist the Anadarko City Council as the group transitions to a new city manager.

 

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe Formally Announces Retirement

Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe formally announced his retirement plans yesterday. Reports than Inhofe was leaving his long-time post surfaced on Thursday. Inhofe served nearly 50 years in politics, first running for Congress in 1987 then for the U.S. Senate in 1994. He also served 10 years in the Oklahoma State legislature. 4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole praised Inhofe’s work saying that no one has done more to defend America, build infra-structure, and fiercely defend and advance the interests of Oklahoma. Inhofe's retirement is effective at the end of the year. HIs post will be filled in a special election set for the November mid-terms. Among the possible Republican candidates are current state house speaker Charles McCall, former house speaker T.W. Shannon, and Oklahoma Congressmen Kevin Hern and MarkWayne Mullin. Possible Democratic candidates include former Congresswoman Kendra Horn and former Congressman Dan Boren.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Paul Frable with the Holy City of the Wichitas is our guest on the KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Friday, Feb. 25th

 

Driver Dies in Fatal Turnpike Crash

The highway patrol is investigating a deadly crash that happened on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike in Chickasha yesterday. 29-year old Christopher Johnson of Oklahoma City died when his Jeep ran off the interstate and crashed into the end of a guardrail. The accident happened just after 3:00 p.m. Thursday near mile marker 80 in the westbound lanes of the highway. The turnpike was wet from the recent winter storm. The trooper dispatched to the accident reported that Johnson was not wearing his seat belt.

 

Anadarko City Manager Leaving to Take USDA Post

Anadarko City Manager Kenneth Corn is moving on. Corn has been named the USDA State Director for Rural Development. Corn has spent the last seven years at Anadarko. He previously spent 12 years at the state capital serving in both the house and senate. Prior to that Corn worked in the oil and gas industry. Corn said his time in Anadarko has been special as he learned about the history and the culture of the region. Corn was appointed to the USDA post by President Joe Biden. He's expected to be sworn in March 14th.

 

Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe to Announce Resignation

There are numerous reports indicating that Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe will be stepping down. An announcement is expected next week that he will wrap up a long political career at the end of the current congressional session which is in December. Inhofe is 87 years old and was first elected to the senate in 1994. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives and also served in both houses of the Oklahoma state legislature and served as the mayor of Tulsa. Currently, Inhofe is the ranking Republican on the Senate's armed services committee and previously was the committee chairman. It is expected the seat will be filled in the November mid-term election. Inhofe is endorsing his chief of staff Luke Holland to replace him.

 

Preparations for Longtime Easter Pageant Underway

The Holy City of the Wichitas is already preparing for its annual Easter Pageant. Practice sessions started last week however officials say there are still a lot of roles to be filled. Paul Frable is the president of the board of directors for the non-profit group.

 

             

 

This will be the 97th year for the pageant which is held at the Holy City near the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. There will be two performances which will be the Saturday before Palm Sunday, April 9th and the Saturday before Easter, April 16^th at 8:30 p.m. both evenings. For information visit the Holy City of the Wichitas Facebook page.

 

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 $92.81 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $99.08.

Natural gas is $4.56 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,913 and silver is $24.33.

 

Obituary

Ella Mae Brownlee-Cook

Funeral service for Ella Mae Brownlee-Smith, 74, of Lawton will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 28^th at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Lawton. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Thursday, Feb. 24th

 

Winter Weather Update

Oklahoma's winter weather is easing a bit this morning. The forecast is for a minimal amount of freezing drizzle, snow, and sleet through mid-morning and partly sunny skies this afternoon with highs in the upper-20s. However, roads continue to be slick and hazardous. About an inch of sleet was recorded throughout much of the area Wednesday forcing many schools to go to virtual learning or canceling classes all together. Many government offices were closed and will be closed again today. They include the Grady County Courthouse; the Chickasha Senior Nutrition Center; Waste Connections will not be picking up trash in Chickasha; and Anadarko City Hall is closed. The Southern Oaks Church of Christ Food Room will be closed tonight and the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Southwest District meeting in Lawton tonight has been postponed.

Very Few Power Outages Reported

There were minimal power outages in the region as a result of yesterday's winter weather. Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and electric co-ops combined to report less than 50 outages in the Grady, McClain, and Caddo county areas. PSO issued a statement saying there were nearly 1,000 line workers, tree crews, and support staff ready to respond which included out-of-state line workers from Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia joining PSO crews mainly in southeast Oklahoma.

 

Reports Shows Chickasha's Economic 'Health'

A recent report shows the City of Chickasha's sales tax revenues were down from month-to-month totals. The report compiled by the Chickasha Economic Development Council (EDC) indicated that the February sales tax distribution from the Oklahoma Tax Commission shows the number down about 4.9 percent from January to just over $1.1 million. Officials say it important to note that the January number was believed to be the biggest month ever for sales tax revenues. Hotel-motel tax collections were down 16 percent from October to November to just over $50,000. The EDC report also showed the city's unemployment rate dropped from 1.7 percent in November to 1.6 percent in December citing numbers from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. The report also indicated that the city’s Community Development Office issued nine building permits in January including six for commercial projects – two for new construction and four for remodeling. There were three residential building permits issued - one for a new home and two for re-modeling projects.

 

Governor Appoints New USAO Regent

Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed a new member to the Board of Regents for USAO. J.J. Francais, the mayor of Elgin and an assistant vice president for Hillary Communications was recently named to the panel. The appointment requires confirmation of the state senate. Francais is a graduate of the university and credits a chance meeting with the late Ingrid Shafer at USAO for changing the trajectory of his life and inspiring him to serve as a regent. Francais’ term will begin July 1st and run for seven years through June of 2029.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $92.10 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $96.84.

Natural gas is $4.62 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,973 and silver is $25.54.

 

Obituary

Walter Bailey

Funeral service for Walter Bailey, 89, of Ninnekah. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26th at McRay Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 23rd

 

Round One of Winter Storm Arrives

Moderate to heavy bands of sleet are making their way through central Oklahoma this morning as a winter storm is just getting started. Much of central Oklahoma, including Grady County, is under a winter storm warning for about the next 36 hours. The National Weather Service says parts of the region could see ½-inch to 1 ½-inches of sleet and snow accumulation by noon making travel virtually impossible. Another round of precipitation is expected tomorrow morning. Many schools are closed or are having remote-learning classes today. Closings include the Grady and Caddo County Courthouses. Waste Connections is delaying trash pic-up in Chickasha; and the Chickasha Senior Nutrition Center will be closed both today and tomorrow. The winter storm warning is in effect until 6:00 p.m. Thursday. In addition, a wind-chill advisory is effect for central Oklahoma until 10 o'clock this morning. Dangerous wind chills to ten-below zero are likely. Temperatures are not expected to get above freezing until Saturday afternoon.

 

Marijuana Grow Houses Targeted in Statewide Raid

More than 200 state, federal, and local law enforcement officials raided nine marijuana-growing operations across the state yesterday and had arrest warrants for more than a dozen individuals. Two grow operations were targeted in Grady County. Mark Woodward with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics said they were targeting criminal organizations that transport black market marijuana nationwide. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess said local officials met before dawn Tuesday to discuss the raids which occurred simultaneously about 8 a.m. The sites were Forest Lake Farms near U.S. Highway 81 south of Pocasset and Space Queen Farms just east of Chickasha near Cottonwood Road and Union Hill. Boggess talks about what they found.

 

              

 

Boggess said they did make arrests at each location. Overall, state drug agents said they collected about 100,000 plants and thousands of pounds of bulk, processed marijuana that had a street value of about $500 million.

 

Rural Broadband Service Bill Filed at State Capital

A bill has been introduced at the state capital designed to enhance the development of broadband service to rural Oklahoma. HB 3363 calls for broadband service to be in place for 95 percent of the state within five years. The bill would create an Oklahoma Broadband Office which would distribute all funding available for broadband expansion. House Speaker Charles McCall said the office would be self-funded and exist only until the job is done and would end in 2028 if it becomes law.  The bill is expected to get a hearing in the State House of Representatives this week.

 

State Treasurer Candidate's Visit Postponed

An announced candidate for state treasurer has postponed a meeting that was to be held in Chickasha today. A meet-and-greet with Clark Jolley was supposed to held at the Chamber of Commerce but it has been delayed because of the weather. No make-up date has been announced.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $92.35 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $94.84.

Natural gas is $4.49 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,895 and silver is $24.15.

 

Obituary

Ella May Brownlee-Cook

A funeral service for Ella May Brownee-Cook, 74, is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 22nd

 

Another Winter Storm Headed to Oklahoma

Oklahomans are bracing for the arrival of another winter storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for much of central Oklahoma for a 36-hour period - from 6 o'clock Wednesday morning through 6 o'clock Thursday evening. The advisory area includes Grady, Caddo, and Canadian counties. Arctic air made its way through much of the Sooner State overnight after a round of rain and thunderstorms moved through the region.

Travel to be Hazardous; Dangerous Wind Chill Values Expected

The weather service is expecting a wintry mix of mostly sleet and snow and perhaps up to an inch of accumulation. A light glaze of ice could also cause dangerous driving conditions and officials say motorists should plan on slippery roads during morning and evening commutes tomorrow. In addition, a wind chill advisory for the region has been issued for Wednesday morning from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for life-threatening wind-chill values as low as five-below zero.

 

Burn Ban Re-Instated in Grady County

Grady County Commissioners have re-instated a burn ban. The panel lifted the ban a couple of weeks ago but voted to put it back in place today. The burn ban is for two weeks and will be in effect through Tuesday, March 8^th. Burn bans are also in effect for Caddo, Comanche, Stephens, Garvin, McClain and Canadian counties.

 

Four Men Honored for Helping Chix Police Department

Four individuals were recognized for volunteering their time to help the Chickasha Police Department. Wade McKnight, Doug Doan, Alex Warnes, and David Boiles spent a day going to Kansas City, Missouri recently to get five Dodge Durangos the city purchased from the Kansas Highway Patrol. Assistant Police Chief G.G. Music honored the men during last night's city council meeting.

 

              

 

Boiles actually made two trips to Kansas City.

SUV's to get Police Package Upgrade

The council also approved a sole-source bid of up to $50,000 to upgrade the newly acquired SUVs with police packages from Metro Emergency Upfitters. The panel also accepted a grant from the Chickasaw Nation which was awarded to the police department. Mayor Chris Mosley said th3 grant was nearly twice the amount that was originally proposed. Police Chief Dee Rowell said the donation was not connected to installing the police packages in the previously mentioned SUVs.

 

Airport 'Land Transfer' Approved

The council also approved the transfer of 240 acres next to the Chickasha airport from the Chickasha Industrial Authority to the Chickasha Airport Authority. It was a paper transfer among city boards with no money being exchanged. The transfer was recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration. Officials say the move could help to bring some aviation-related businesses to the airport.

 

Driver Hospitalized in Pick-up Rollover

A driver had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after crashing her pick-up. 35-year old Erin Davis of Marlow was admitted in fair condition. The accident occurred just after 9:00 p.m. Monday on State Highway 29 about six miles east of Bray. The highway patrol reports that it wasn’t clear why Davis ran off the road. The vehicle overturned an unknown number times and came to rest on its wheels. Davis was wearing her seat belt.

 

Semi Overturns in Caddo County

A semi rollover in Caddo County blocked traffic on a state highway for about an hour yesterday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that accident occurred at State Highway 152 and CS 2520 - that's about three miles east of Eakly - about 4:45 p.m. Monday. The trooper investigating the crash said there were no injuries. It wasn't clear what caused the big rig to overturn.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.07 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.54.

Natural gas is $4.43 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,897 and silver is $24.30.

 

Obituary

Lenford Don ‘Buster’ Austin, Jr.

A graveside service for 68-year old ‘Buster’ Austin of the Bridge Creek area was held earlier today at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

 

Monday, Feb. 21st

 

Chix Police Department Upgrades Fleet

The Chickasha City Council recently approved the purchase of some newer vehicles for the police department. Tonight, the council is expected to approve a payment of nearly $90,000 to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) for three used Dodge Durangos bringing the total number of vehicles purchased from the KHP to five.  The panel is also expected to approve the receipt of a $50,000 grant from the Chickasaw Nation to the police department. Most of that money is expected to be used to 'up-fit' all five of those vehicles. The council will consider waiving the competitive bidding process for that work to a sole-source vendor, Metro Emergency Upfitters which is on a state contract.

Airport Industrial Park 'Ownership' to Transfer to Another City Board

The council will consider a proposal to accept the transfer of 240 acres adjacent to the Chickasha Airport from the city's Industrial Authority to its Airport Authority. The Industrial Authority recently gave its approval to transfer the property at no cost. The acreage is just west of the airport and was partially developed several years ago for a proposed industrial park. The council is also to authorize the city manager to solicit requests for proposals from qualified consulting firms to develop that park.

Citizen Commendations Are Among Other City Council Considerations

Four Chickasha residents will receive citizen commendation awards from the city council. David Boiles, Alex Warnes, Doug Doan and Wade McKnight will all be recognized. The panel is also expected to approve city-wide yard sales for the weekend of May 12th through the 14th which is during the Chickasha Antique Auto Club's Spring Swap meet. Garage sale permit fees would be waived that weekend if it is approved. The council is also expected to approve holding the annual Relay for Life fundraiser on Saturday, June 4th in the downtown area.

 

Dr. Ada Sipuel-Fisher's Work Recognized as part of Black History Month

One of the early champions of the civil rights movement in America was Chickasha's own Dr. Ada Sipuel-Fisher. She was the first black student to be accepted in the OU Law School though it took several years for that to happen. The U.S. Supreme Court eventually ruled in her favor. As part of Black History Month Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander, Lincoln School Principal and city councilman, says Dr. Fisher paved the way for black students to attend OU regardless of their studies.

 

              

 

Coincidentally, Dr. Fisher’s birthday is this month. She was born in Chickasha on February 8^th, 1925. She was 71 when she passed away in October of 1995.

 

State Senator Honored for Support of Ag and History

A state senator who represents Caddo County is being recognized for his support of agriculture and history at the state capital. Senator Darcy Jech (R-Kingfisher) was named a legislative champion by the American Farmers and Ranchers. He was also named the state senate champion by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Jech will also be receiving the Guardian of History Award from the Oklahoma Historical Society. Agriculture officials say Jech has helped to make sure a number of agriculture projects were funded. The state history group selected Jech for its honor for his impact on helping the group collect, preserve, and share Oklahoma history.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.07 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.54.

Natural gas is $4.43 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,899 and silver is $23.87.

Saturday, Feb. 19th

 

State Lawmaker Hears from Legendary OU Coach

About the National Child Identification Program

There are reports that more than 800,000 children are reported missing in America every year.  State Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow) whose district includes areas of Grady, McClain, and Stephens counties, met with legendary OU football coach Barry Switzer this week to discuss the National Child ID Program which the coach is helping to promote. In his media column this week, Boles said the program provides the tools that parents need to collect their children's information. That includes documentation about physical characteristics, fingerprints, and DNA which can then be given to law enforcement. Parents can keep the information in a secure place at home. More information is available from the website: www.childidprogram.com

 

Oklahoma U.S. Senator Visits Chickasha

Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford spent some time visiting with Chickasha area residents yesterday. KOOL-Ranch News had the opportunity to talk with him about a number of issues including the national debt. Lankford said that number is now $30 trillion which is more than the total U.S. economy - but no one, Democrats nor Republicans, want to talk about it.

 

              

 

Missing Caddo County Woman Found

A Silver Alert that had been issued for a missing Caddo County woman earlier this week has been canceled. Apache police issued the alert for 59-year old Wanda Fowler after she left her son's home for a walk and never returned. Assistant Apache Police Chief Chelsey Gordon said they put together a search team and looked for Fowler for several hours Monday. Then authorities received a call from an individual who said she saw Fowler in Lawton. Lawton police and Fowler's daughter found Fowler at that location. She was in good condition and returned home.

 

No Grady County Jury Duty Next Week

Grady County residents who received a summons for jury duty next week do not have to report. District Judge Kory Kirkland said the lone case that was scheduled to go to trial was settled out of court, so anyone who received a jury duty notice will not have to appear at the Grady County courthouse Monday, February 21st.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander is our guest on KOOL Konversation talking about Black History Month. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

Lois Edwards

Funeral service for Lois Edwards, 95, of Anadarko will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 21^st at Bible Baptist Church in Chickasha. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Friday, Feb. 18th

 

Rush Springs Community Unites to Help Local Family

The Rush Springs community is pitching in to help a long-time local family whose business was destroyed by fire. Miller's Fruit Stand was a total loss in the fire early Thursday morning. Fire officials say lightning from thunderstorms that moved through the area before dawn was likely to blame. The Millers have been part of the community for years and always has a big presence at the annual watermelon festival each August. In addition to the destruction of the fruit stand, KSWO-TV reports that Todd Miller is hospitalized with second and third degree burns over nearly 30 percent of his body that he suffered while burning trash last month. A lot of people are stepping up to lend a hand. One business has offered to rebuild the fruit stand and Rush Springs school students will help build fruit racks. Grady County Commissioner Ralph Beard and others will spend the next few days cleaning up the debris so that rebuilding can begin. A ‘Help the Millers Rebuild’ Facebook page has been created to accept donations and a GoFundMe account has been established to help the family with Todd's medical expenses.

 

Chickasha Police Officers Receive Promotions

Two Chickasha police officers are being rewarded for their work and service. Master Sergeant Jason Myrko has been promoted to lieutenant and Corporal Eric Burkhart has been promoted to sergeant. Police Chief Dee Rowell said a formal ceremony will be held next week and the promotions will be effective Feb. 26th.

 

Grady County Events Nominated for Best in Chickasaw Country

Several events in the region have been nominated as best events in their respective categories. The Chickasaw Nation recently accepted nominations of attractions, restaurants, and businesses in 14 categories. Nominees from Grady County include Chickasha's Festival of Light as Best Festival; Chickasha's Rock Island Ride as best run or ride; the Grady County Museum as best museum; the Washita Theater and the Chickasha Community Theatre as best live performance venue; Salt Creek Casino as best casino; and The Plantation at Coal Creek in Tuttle as best wedding venue. Voting is open to anyone who lives within the Chickasaw Nation and the last day to cast ballots is Monday, Feb. 28th. Voting can be done on-line on the website: www.chickasawcountry.com

 

Sheriff's Office Updates Warrant List

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

 

              

 

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

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $92.97.

Natural gas is $4.48 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,891 and silver is $23.82.

 

Obituaries

Miranda Schwandt

Funeral service for Miranda Schwant, 20, of Chickasha is pending with Sevier Funeral Home.

Alberta Butler

Funeral service for Alberta Butler, 68, of Chickasha will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 19^th at the First Baptist Church at 1st and Dakota. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

‘Renee’ Minton

A memorial service for 60-year old Charlotte ' Renee' Minton of Alex will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 21st at the Alex High School gymnasium. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Alex Public Schools.

 

Thursday, Feb. 17th

 

Chix Sports Complex Gets Facelift

The Chickasha Sports Complex has hosted hundreds of baseball and softball tournaments and local events over the years.  City officials say that a half-million people nationwide come to town for the tournaments held there each year. The complex features more than a dozen baseball, softball, and youth soccer fields. The facility has been undergoing major upgrades over the last few weeks. The city recently spent about $100,000 to hire United Turf and Track out of Arcadia, Okla. to make improvements which include leveling fields. The sprinkler system has been upgraded, and the bathrooms have new plumbing and sinks. There's also new lighting along the walkways. The sports complex will welcome its first teams of the spring and summer schedule this weekend as the No. 3 ranked USAO softball team will host the Southern Collegiate Sports NAIA Invitational. Teams from nine universities and colleges including three ranked in the top ten will be playing tomorrow and Saturday.

 

Chix Native to be Honored by Tulsa Theater

A theater in Tulsa will be adding the name of a Chickasha native to its Walk of Fame. The Circle Cinema will be adding a medallion and star to honor Cleavon Little later this year. Little is known for his role as Sheriff Bart in the Mel Brooks movie Blazing Saddles. He starred in the 1970s TV series Temperatures Rising and was also in a number of productions on and off Broadway. He was born in Chickasha in 1939 and The Encyclopedia of the Great Plains says his family moved to California in 1953 when Little was about 13 years old. His acting honors include a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award.  He does have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The American Academy of Dramatic Arts created an endowment for a Cleavon Little Scholarship which provides help to minority students. Little passed away from cancer 1992 at the age of 53.

 

Community Meeting with U.S. Sen. Lankford Moved

Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford will be in Chickasha tomorrow for a community meeting. Originally, the meeting was to be held at the chamber of commerce. However, due to the high demand of constituents wanted to hear from him the meeting has been moved to the Grady County Fairgrounds. Lankford's program will be in the Community Building from about 1:30 to 2:30 tomorrow afternoon.

 

Oklahoma Leads the Nation in Number of Military Veterans

Receiving Service-Connected Disability Benefits

There's a new report that shows Oklahoma is No. 1 in the country for the number of veterans that receive federal, service-connected disability benefits. The State Department of Veterans Affairs says Oklahoma military veterans receive $2.4 billion in benefits. In a press release, Department of Veterans Affairs director Joel Kintzel said about 100,000 veterans have some level of service-connected disability which is one out of every three veterans. State officials from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Paralyzed American Veterans all praised the news. Officials say there are still many veterans who are eligible for disability benefits who have not applied for them. Locally, individuals can contact the Grady County DAV chapter in Chickasha at 6th and Chickasha Avenue or visit the website: oklahoma.gov/veterans

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $93.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $94.81.

Natural gas is $4.71 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,887 and silver is $23.76.

 

Obituary

Sondra Jarvis

Funeral service for Sondra Jarvis, 79, of Cement will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 21st at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 16th

 

County Commissioner Faces New Charges

District 1 Grady County Commissioner Mike Walker is facing additional felony charges associated with allegations that he embezzled county funds and materials. Arrest warrants were issued yesterday for Walker and Neal Locke, who is Walker's assistant at the county barn in Tuttle. Both men voluntarily surrendered to authorities. They were photographed, fingerprinted, and processed at the jail and were released on their own recognizance after their arraignments. Walker was first charged two years ago of embezzling about $30,000 in county funds and materials to pave a private road to his Tuttle home and is awaiting trial on that charge. He's now facing five new felonies which include illegally recording conversations of county employees. The charges include unlawful use of communication, intimidation of a witness, and conspiracy. Locke has been charged with two counts of unlawful communication for installing devices to secretly record conversations and conspiracy. Their court appearances on these charges are scheduled in April.

 

Anadarko Sinkhole Will Lead to Costly Repairs

A sinkhole discovered in Anadarko is expected to be a costly fix. City Manager Kenneth Corn posted a video of the sinkhole on the city's Facebook page. Corn said the sewer line collapse at the intersection of 7th and Kansas Avenue could cost upwards of $600,000 to repair. He said some of the problems are that the sewer was line improperly installed, and that instead of sewer water being sent to the waste water treatment plant it was actually flowing backwards. Corn said it could take four to six weeks to complete repairs.

 

Science and Arts to Host 'Children of The Civil Rights' Film

To commemorate Black History Month, the University of Science and Arts will hold a screening of the film 'Children of The Civil Rights.' The documentary highlights the efforts of several Oklahoma City youth who spent years going into segregated restaurants and asking for service. After six years, the group was successful in desegregating every restaurant but one and it all happened before the 1964 Civil Rights Act was signed into law. The university's Fisher Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing, as well as the university’s Student Services Department are hosting the film. It will be followed by a panel discussion which will include some of the original sit-in participants. The program is free and open to the public and will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22nd at Te Ata Memorial Auditorium. It will also be live-streamed at usao.edu/black-heritage

 

Grady County GOP sets Meeting 

The Grady County Republican Party will host some candidates for national offices this week. Jackson Lahmeyer of Tulsa is an announced candidate for U.S. Senate and James Taylor of Oklahoma City is an announced candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. The group normally meets at Bible Baptist Church but this meeting has been moved to seminar center at the Canadian Valley Technology Center tomorrow night. A light spaghetti dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. with the program starting at 7:00 p.m. More information is available on the group's Facebook page.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $92.07 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.28.

Natural gas is $4.31 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,856 and silver is $23.54.

 

Obituary

Marsha Jean Lewis

A graveside service for Marsha Jean Lewis, 57, of Chickasha was held at 11:00 a.m. today (Wednesday, February 16th) at Pioneer Cemetery. Arrangements were with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 15th

 

Extreme Fire Threat will be in Effect Today

Chickasha and Grady County firefighters spent several hours battling fires yesterday and the threat for wildfires will be extremely high today. Fire crews from Chickasha and a number of Grady County volunteer departments were called out just east of Chickasha Monday where several structures burned. The fire broke out about 1:30 on Jay's Arena Road just south of U.S. Highway 62. Fire crews also battled a grass fire was reported just south of Chickasha. Much of western Oklahoma will be under a red-flag fire warning this afternoon because of high winds, warm temperatures and low humidity levels. Among the areas in the red-flag fire warning area from noon to 7:00 p.m. are Canadian, Caddo, and Comanche counties and points west. Grady County is under a wind advisory from noon to 6:00 p.m. Afternoon highs will be around 70 with sustained south winds to 25-30 miles per hour and gusts to 45 mph. Many counties do have burn bans in effect. See a map of the counties with burn bans on this website: https://forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-info

 

Longtime Doctor Linda Johnson Dies

Long-time Chickasha physician Dr. Linda Johnson has died. She was 78 when she passed away at her home this past weekend. She was born in San Antonio, Texas and then the family moved to Chickasha. She battled polio as a child. She graduated from Chickasha High School and the Oklahoma College for Women, now USAO, and was the first woman to attend the surgical program at OU. She worked at the Chickasha Clinic which is now the Southern Plains Medical Group and Grady Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 2017. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to any of her favorite charities which include Relay for Life of Grady and Caddo Counties; Special Young Adults; the Alzheimer's Association; and the Parkinson Foundation.

 

Silver Alert Still in Affect for Missing Apache Woman

Officials in Apache say a Silver Alert remains in effect for a woman who hasn't been seen since last Friday. Authorities are hoping someone can provide information about 59-year old Wanda Fowler. Apache Police Chief Brian Barnett tells KOOL/RANCH News that Fowler walked away from her son's home last Friday afternoon to go for a walk and never returned. Barnett said as of Monday that no tips had been called in and they may soon coordinate a search party to locate her. He said there is a wooded area near the home. Anyone with information about Wanda Fowler is asked to contact Apache police, the Caddo County Sheriff’s Office, or a local law enforcement agency.

 

Companies Sought for March Job Fair

Businesses looking for employees and individuals looking for work can meet in a job fair that will be in Chickasha next month. The South Central Oklahoma Workforce Board will hold the job fair on Friday, March 4^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Canadian Valley Technology Center. The group is inviting employers to reach out as soon as possible as there are limited booth spaces available. For information send an e-mail to: erin@scworkforceboard.org

 

Repeat 'America's Got Talent' Group in Chickasha This Week

A popular act from the NBC Reality Show America's Got Talent will perform in Chickasha this week. A Denver, Colorado based group called the Silhouettes, which is a shadow dance group, will be part of the Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series at USAO Thursday night. Lynne Waggoner-Patton is the founder of the group which has been on AGT several times.

 

              

 

Waggoner-Patton says the group gives back to communities in a number of ways including raising more than $100,000 for homeless children in America. Thursday's performance will be at 7:30 p.m. at Te Ata Memorial Auditorium. A limited number of tickets are still available for purchase at the USAO Business Office.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $95.46 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $96.48.

Natural gas is $4.20 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,856 and silver is $23.43.

 

Obituaries

Robbie James

Funeral service for Robbie James, 68, Tuttle is pending with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

Frances Green

A graveside service for Frances Green, 87, of Oklahoma City and formerly of Chickasha was held yesterday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Chickasha. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Feb. 14th

 

Grady County Sees Spike in Consumer Spending

Consumer spending in Grady County was up significantly in the most recent report available. It's estimated that nearly $95 million was spent on taxable goods and services last November and its the highest level in nearly two years. It’s up 35 percent from October and up 76 percent compared to November of 2020. As a result of that consumer spending Grady County received nearly $710,000 in sales tax revenues. Here is how the money was divvied up, all of which received the approval of Grady County voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds received $236,000; Grady Memorial Hospital received $209,000; each of the seven senior nutrition centers shared $118,000 ($17,000 each); the 20 county fire districts shared $118,000 ($6,000 each); Tuttle EMS received $22,000; and Rush Springs EMS received $5,500.

 

Silver Alert in Place for Missing Apache Woman

A Silver Alert remains in effect for a missing Caddo County woman. The Apache Police Department issued the alert for Wanda Fowler, a 59-year old white female. A photo shows her to have shoulder-length brown hair. The alert indicated that Fowler has a medical or physical disability and is in imminent danger. Fowler was last seen at 616 West Apache Trail Road about 4:30 Friday afternoon. She was wearing a blue knit sweater, blue jeans, and possibly a dark blue or black jacket. It wasn't clear if she was driving or on foot. Anyone with information about Wanda Fowler is asked to contact Apache Police or their local law enforcement agency.

 

Teen Driver Hospitalized Following Rollover

A teen-aged driver is in critical condition after a weekend crash. 19-year old Gentry Kiley of Mountain View was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital after the Saturday crash that happened near the junction of State Highways 58 and 152 north of Carnegie. The highway patrol said Kiley was driving too fast to go around a curve, ran off the road and rolled three times, throwing him and two passengers of the truck. The passengers were identified as 19-year old Adrien Kodaseet and 36-year old James Chalepah both of Carnegie and neither were hurt.

 

Firefighters Take Part in Destry Horton Fire School

A number of volunteer firefighters across the state took part in the annual Destry Horton Fire School in Lawton over the weekend. The school is named in honor of the Rush Springs volunteer firefighter who died after being critically injured while battling a wildfire in 2004. This was the 11th year for the school which was a three-day event held at the Great Plains Technology Center. Firefighters received training in areas that included Downed Firefighter Rescue and Driving Emergency Vehicles.

 

Swine Results from Southwest District Livestock Show

Here are the results from the swine show held during the Southwest District Livestock show at the Grady County Fairgrounds over the weekend. For the purebred gilts, Mason Pritchart of Weatherford had the grand champion; Garrison Bass of Minco had the reserve; and Kaitlyn Bryant of Weatherford had the bronze. For commercial gilts, Rhett Sites of Granite had the grand champion; Hadley Cooper of Amer-Pocasset had the reserve; and Jackson Bow of Merritt had the bronze. For the barrows, Kinley Bratcher of Rush Springs had the grand; Madeline Norvell of Amber-Pocasset had the reserve; and Brinliee Williams of  Merritt had the bronze.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $93.10 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $94.44.

Natural gas is $3.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,857 and silver is $23.68.

 

Obituary

Betty Koenig

A graveside service for Betty Lou Graham Koenig of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 15^th at the Verden Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital.

Saturday, Feb. 12th

 

Energy Companies' Plans to Recoup Storm Costs From Consumers Ok'd

Customers of Centerpoint Energy and Public Service Company of Oklahoma will be paying the massive costs that both utilities experienced in purchasing the fuel needed for customers during an extended period of sub-freezing temperatures in February last year. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission voted 2-1 this week to approve the plans. Commissioners Dana Murphy and Todd Hiett voted in favor of the plans while Commissioner Bob Anthony voted against them. The utilities can sell bonds to recover their costs and their customers will see their monthly bills increase over 15 or 20 years to pay for those bonds. Centerpoint Energy is passing along nearly $88 million in costs. The average residential consumer will be required to pay an extra $4.36 per month for the next 15 years. Centerpoint customers enrolled its voluntary fixed price billing plan and low-income households that receive assistance to pay their bills will not have to pay the extra costs. PSO will re-coup nearly $690 million in costs. Residential consumers using 1100 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month will see their monthly bills increase by just over $4.00 per month for the next 20 years.

 

Shooting Suspect Released from Hospital, Taken to Jail

An Anadarko man accused of three separate shootings is now in jail. Garrick Boyiddle had been hospitalized after being injured in an officer-involved shooting following a high speed chase back in December. Boyiddle is facing three charges of shooting with intent to kill. They stem from three separate incidents that took place in Anadarko over a 30-day period from November to December. The OSBI is still investigating the officer-involved shooting. Boyiddle is being held in the Caddo County Jail on a $500,000 bond. In addition, Boyiddle has a revocation conference in March to determine the status of his 2016 conviction of assault with a dangerous weapon.

 

Former Grady County Sheriff Larry Crabb Passes Away

Former Grady County Sheriff Larry Crabb has died. Crabb was 64 years old when he passed away on Wednesday. He spent more than 20 years in law enforcement. He was the under-sheriff for Kieran McMullen and served as sheriff for several months after McMullen resigned and before Art Kell won the 2008 election. He also worked for the Grady County Jail and the Grady County and Rush Springs fire departments. Crabb was born in Duncan and lived in the Rush Springs area most of his life.  Survivors include his wife Gennifer. They were married for more than 22 years. Funeral service for Larry Crabb will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 17^th at the Vimy Ridge Baptist Church near Rush Springs.

 

Southwest District Livestock Show Results

We have the winners of the sheep and goat shows from this week's Southwest District Livestock Show at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The grand champion wether lamb was shown by Colt Randall of Canute; reserve grand was shown by Sayde Allen also of Canute; and the bronze was shown by Ashlyn Maddox. Sayde Allen also had the grand champion ewe; while Kolby Scroggins of Tuttle had the reserve and Laray Cox of Elgin had the bronze.

Goat Show

In the goat show, the grand champion wether was shown by Kenna Gay of Canadian County; Sayde Allen of Canute had the reserve; and Emry Lee of Elgin had the bronze. The grand champion doe goat was also shown by Kenna Gay of Canadian County; Addyson Schneberger of Carnegie had the reserve; and Destyn Emerson of Tuttle had the bronze. The show concludes today at the conclusion of the swine show.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Lewis Knisley with the Chickasha Area YMCA is on the KOOL Konversation. Find a link to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

Chester Heavin

Funeral service for Chester Heavin, 97, of Norman and formerly of the Chickasha and Grady County area will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 15th at the First Baptist Church of Ninnekah. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Friday, Feb. 11th

 

Chix Mayor Optimistic About His Next Two Years in Office

Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley says he's looking forward to continued growth and making improvements in the city's overall infrastructure over the next couple of years. Mosley ran un-opposed for his third two-year term as mayor this week. Mosley spent much of last year as the acting city manager and since Tyler Brooks was brought on board for that position last fall, Mosley said city hall has a great team of administrators that will be able to make some things happen.

 

              

 

Mosley is anticipating more commercial development and the building of more new homes over the next couple of years. He says residents will be seeing information about proposed water rate increases in the next few months that he says are needed to help pay for the repair and/or replacement of aging water lines and higher costs the city is facing for water and water treatment.

 

Another Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested

A Chickasha woman is arrested for allegedly selling pain pills laced with fentanyl. 18-year old Marcia Luna was arrested this week after a confidential informant working with law enforcement was able to buy the pills at the Castle Inn. A probable cause affidavit indicates the informant met with officials with the Drug Enforcement Agency at the Grady County Sheriff's Office to set up the buy. The informant told authorities that they had purchased about 50 of the pills from Luna over the last six months. Luna has been charged with distribution of a controlled and dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute. She remains in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

 

U.S. Senator Schedules Chickasha Visit

Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford will be in Chickasha for a meet-and-greet with constituents. Lankford will be at the Chamber of Commerce to discuss recent events in Washington, D.C. next Friday, Feb. 18th from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The program is open to anyone who would like to hear from Lankford.

State Treasurer Candidate Also to be in Chix

The chamber will be hosting an open program with Clark Jolley who has announced his candidacy for Oklahoma State Treasurer. The former state senator will be at the chamber on Wednesday, February 23rd at 8:30 a.m.

 

Top Cattle Winners at the Southwest District Livestock Show

We have the results of the cattle show at the Southwest District Livestock Show that's underway at the Grady County Fairgrounds. For the market steers Claire Collins of Frederick had grand champion; Tommy Glover of Elgin had the reserve; and Madison Short of El Reno had the bronze. For prospect steers Taylor Glover of Elgin had the grand champion; Madison Short of El Reno had the reserve; and Cierra Collins of Frederick had the bronze. In the heifer show, Reagon Wilburn of Tuttle had the grand champion; Madilyn Norvell of Amber-Pocasset had the reserve, and Hays Devine of Verden had the bronze. Over 1,000 youth throughout southwest Oklahoma are showing animals this week. This is the 20th year for the show to be back in Chickasha and the show has been on-going for more than 50 years.

 

'Orphan Train' Program Set For Chix Library

It was called the largest child migration in the history of the United States. Known as the Orphan Train, more than 250,000 orphaned and unwanted children were taken out of New York City and given away at train stations across the country between 1854 and 1929. The Chickasha Public Library will host a program about the Orphan Train next month. Alison Arthur, a humanities scholar who wrote a book called The Riders of the Orphan Train, will be part of the program. Many of the children weren't orphans - they were surrendered by parents who were too poor to keep them. The 76-year so-called 'experiment' is filled with the spectrum of human emotion and reveals a lot of information about the successes and failures of the American Dream. The event is a one-hour multi-media program which combines a dramatic reading by Arthur of her novel, live music, and a video montage of photographs and interviews of survivors. The program will be held Thursday, March 3rd at 6:30 at the library. It is free and open to the public.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.88 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $91.41.

Natural gas is $3.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,827 and silver is $22.95.

 

Thursday, Feb. 10th

 

Commercial Building Damaged by Fire

There were some anxious moments for the owners and operators of a commercial building that caught fire Wednesday. The Chickasha Fire Department was called out to the single-story bulding at 4th and Washington just before 10:00 a.m. The building housed Bad Boy Signs and Brothers Roofing. The building had just been purchased by Blaise and June James who own a used appliance store next door. June said as she drove up she saw some white smoke coming out of the roof...then saw smoke inside the building and called it in. No one was inside the building when the fire started. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said a preliminary investigation indicated that the fire started from an electrical short in the ceiling. Damage was estimated at $40,000.

 

Chix Mayor, Two Councilmen, Run Opposed for Re-Election

Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley will continue to be at the helm of city government for another two years. Mosley filed unopposed for his post during the three-day filing period which ended yesterday. Two other city council members also ran unopposed and will serve two more years on the panel. They are Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander in Ward 3 and Zach Grayson in Ward 4. There will be just one city council seat that will be filled in the April 5th city council election. That will be in Ward 1 where Kea Ginn and David Lucas filed for the post. The winner will take the seat currently held by David Sikes who did not run for re-election. No candidates filed for the Ward 2 post that was also available. Nate McCalla, who was recently appointed to the post did not file.

 

Inmates Face Charges in Connection with Jail-Break Attempt

Several inmates at the Caddo County Jail are accused of trying to break out of jail. Eight inmates have been charged in connection with the attempted jail break that occurred last month. The Lawton Constitution cites documents that indicate the inmates tried to escape the night of January 13th. Arrest warrants have been issued for Charles Esposito, Micah Christopher, Sentrell Johnson, and Jirschelle Britton, all of Anadarko; John Paul Williams-Ryan of Apache; Jesse Couturier of Carnegie; Tyler Cuccias of Clinton; and Terrence Sherrills of Kansas City, Missouri.

 

Search Begins for Ninnekah School Superintendent

The search for a new superintendent is underway for Ninnekah Public Schools. A press release from the school district indicates the school board has approved a partnership with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association to conduct the search. Previous superintendent Todd Bunch resigned after allegations of the sexual assault of girls basketball players arose last summer. A federal lawsuit was filed against the district, Bunch, former girls basketball coach Ron Akins, and others in connection with those allegations. Robyn Morse has been serving as the interim superintendent. The school district has launched on on-line survey to get feedback from the public on what qualities and experiences they would like to see from the new administrator. School board president Dustin Tate said they want to keep the public informed and involved regarding school board decisions. The survey is on the school district's website and will be available until Monday, March 7th. The district will be accepting applications and resumes through March 10th and they hope to have a new superintendent in place as soon as possible after the application period ends.

 

Southwest District Livestock Show Begins

More than 1,000 youth will be leading about 2,500 animals through show rings at the Grady County Fairgrounds over the next several days. The Southwest District Livestock Show is underway today and runs through Saturday. The youth will be competing for as much as $1,500 that will be awarded to those who show some of the top animals. Cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and chickens are all being shown. There is also an agriculture mechanics show where individuals and teams will display their talents. Officials say this stock show is the second largest youth show in Oklahoma. The only one larger is the Oklahoma Youth Expo.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $91.55.

Natural gas is $4.01 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,834 and silver is $23.39.

 

Obituary

Pauline Crow

A graveside service for Pauline Crow, 91, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 11^th at the Rush Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 9th

 

Regional Election Results

Bridge Creek School Bond Comes up Short

A proposal to build a new early childhood center in the Bridge Creek School District came up a few votes short of the super majority needed for passage in yesterday's school bond election. The $44 million plan needed 60 percent approval but picked up just over 57 percent (426 for and 318 against) so the measure failed by 20 votes. Officials were hoping to build not only a new early childhood center with a safe room but also some additional classrooms for the high school and middle school.

Marlow School Bond Issue Passes

Marlow school district voters passed a $34 million bond issue by a 3-to-1 margin (780 to 260), The plan will allow the district to build a new performing arts center, a new fieldhouse, and some new classrooms. It is a 20-year plan and property taxes will increase nearly 10 percent with the approval.

Blanchard Voters Approve Sales Tax Hike for Road Improvements

In Blanchard, city voters approved a one-cent increase in the municipal sales tax that will be dedicated to street and road improvements. The measure passed by a more than two-to-one margin (627 to 299).

Run-offs Needed for Blanchard, Carnegie School Board Races

In the Blanchard school board primary there will be a run-off between Kristi Mitchell and Justin Smith. Mitchell picked up 42 percent of the vote (371); Smith received 37 percent (327); and a third candidate, Lonnie Bewley, received just under 21 percent (182). In the Carnegie school board primary there will be a run-off between Shannon Ware and Brad Holsted. Ware received 47 percent of the vote (196); Holsted collected 39 percent (163); and William Boettger, Jr. received 13.5 percent (56).

Voters Say 'No' to Caddo County Tech Center Bond Levy Proposals

Voters in the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center school district voted down two proposals by huge margins. Nearly eight out of every 10 voters turned down a building fund levy measure (1,729 no votes and 481 yes votes) and seven out of every eight voters turned down a proposal to make any approved building levy funds permanent (1,844 no votes and 353 yes votes).

 

Chickasha City Council Filings, Day Two

Today is the final day of the filing period for candidates who want to run for a seat on the Chickasha City Council. No candidates filed yesterday so only the three candidates who filed on Monday are official candidates. They are Mayor Chris Mosley, Ward 4 incumbent Zach Grayson, and resident David Lucas who has filed in Ward 1. Candidates have until 5 o'clock this afternoon to file at city hall.

 

Union City Police Chief Funeral Service is Friday

The funeral service for Union City Police Chief Richard Stephens will be held later this week. Stephens died last Friday after a six-week battle with COVID-19. The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 11th at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City with burial to follow in the Mustang cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mission 22 which is a charity to help prevent soldier suicide or to a local charity in his name. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, February 10^th) at McNeil Funeral Service in Mustang.

 

Suspect Accused of Assaulting Parents, Animal Cruelty

A Tuttle man is behind bars accused of locking his parents out of their home during last week’s winter storm and for mistreating animals. 44-year old Chad Tylor Watts was arrested following an investigation by the Tuttle Police Department and Grady County Sheriff’s Office. A probable cause affidavit alleges Watts was high on PCP and cocaine at the time. He argued with his parents that they had poisoned him when he came back from time traveling. Watts believed he was Dr. Who and had an IQ of 2500. The affidavit also alleges Watts assaulted his parents and locked them out of the house when the wind-chill temperature was 10-below zero. It's also alleged that Watts put a puppy in a refrigerator and then took it outside into the winter weather with some other animals. Watts has been formally charged with four felonies - two for assault and battery and two for animal cruelty. Watts was already facing felony charges of domestic abuse stemming from an arrest back in December. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $40,000 bond.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.36 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.78.

Natural gas is $4.25 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,827 and silver is $23.22.

 

Obituaries

Devon Stephens

Funeral service for Devon Stephens, 23, of Oklahoma City and formerly of Chickasha will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 10^th at Grand Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Michael Mosley and Jeanne Mosley

A joint memorial service for Michael Mosley, 53, and Jeanne Mosley, 57, of Oklahoma City will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 11^th at the First Baptist Church of Verden. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Connie McKenna

Funeral service for Connie McKenna, 76, of Alex will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 12th at Sevier Funeral Home of Chickasha.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 8th

 

Burn Ban Lifted in Grady County; Continues in Others

A burn ban for Grady County was lifted by county commissioners yesterday while commissioners in neighboring counties extended similar bans. Commissioners opted to lift the ban in Grady County which was first implement in late December. Authorities will allow outdoor burning but ask that no burning take place if the wind is blowing over 5 mph. Individuals who decide to do a controlled burn should contact the sheriff's office ahead of time so as to prevent fire departments from responding. County commissioners will re-visit the burn ban issue at next week's meeting. Commissioners in Caddo and Comanche counties have extended burn bans for another two weeks which will be through February 21st. Stephens, Garvin, and McClain counties also still have burn bans in place.

 

Alleged Arsonist Arrested

A suspected arsonist is arrested in connection with a fire that destroyed a Chickasha home. The FBI was called in to lead the investigation as the suspect is of Native American descent. Authorities were called to a home in the 1000 block of South 20th Street last Thursday morning. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said police officers arrested a suspect who was running from the area. Samaniego said the home had a value estimated at $125,000 and that it was a total loss. The fire chief said it was believed the suspect had been living in the home. A preliminary investigation indicated the fire started in the living room and that an accelerant was likely used. Samaniego credited the quick response of the police department to catch the suspect. The name of the suspect was not immediately available.

 

Chickasha City Council Filings, Day One

Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley was one of three people to file for Chickasha city council yesterday. Mosley is seeking his third term as mayor. Also filing yesterday was Ward 4 councilman and vice mayor Zach Grayson. One other candidate to file was David Lucas who filed in Ward 1. The filing period runs through 5 p.m. tomorrow at city hall.

 

Chickasha City Council OKs Penalty for

Excessive Late Payments of Water Bills

The Chickasha City Council made quick work of a number of ordinance updates during its meeting last night. The panel took just under 30 minutes to approve a change in the enforcement of the non-payment of water bills. Customers who have been disconnected for non-payment four or more times in a calendar year will be subject to a chronic disconnect service charge of $75 which was included as part of a new fee schedule the council approved last night.

 

Former Grady County Assessor Passes Away

Long-time Grady County Assessor Weldon Foster has died. Foster spent 20 years as the county assessor, retiring in 1991. He was 92 when he passed away last Friday. Foster was a U.S. Army veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart after being injured in Korea. Foster spent more than 30 years in the assessor’s office, starting in 1960 and winning his first election in 1971. He was also a long-time member of the Chickasha Lions Club. Survivors include his wife Fern. They were married for 71 years. Funeral service for Weldon Foster will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 10th at Trinity Baptist Church in Chickasha. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Some Voters Casting Ballots Today

Today is election day for some voters. Bridge Creek school district voters will decide on a $44 million bond issue which would allow the district to build an early childhood center with a safe room, and additional classrooms at the high school and middle school. Voters in the Marlow school district will decide on a $34 million bond proposal for projects which include a new performing arts center, new classrooms, and safe rooms. Patrons in the Friend school district will decide two bond issues. One is for $385,000 to renovate the gymnasium and install technology equipment district-wide. The second is for $215,000 to purchase two school buses. In Blanchard, city voters are deciding on a proposed 1-cent sales tax increase with the funds dedicated to road and street improvements.  There are school board primary elections for voters in the Blanchard and Carnegie school districts. Voters in the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center school district which includes Verden and much of Caddo County have two propositions - one for a building fund levy and another to make any approved building fund levy permanent. Polls are open until 6 o'clock tonight.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.32 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $92.62.

Natural gas is $4.23 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,819 and silver is $22.89.

 

Obituaries

John Schlecht

 Funeral service for John Schlecht, 82, of Ninnekah will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 10th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Navy veteran.

Dewey Wilson

Funeral service for Dewey Wilson, 76, of Oklahoma City will be held at 11:00 Saturday, February 12th at the Divine Wisdom Worship Center in Midwest City. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Feb. 7th

 

Chix Schools to Release Info on Long-Range Study

Last year Chickasha Public Schools partnered with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association and the K20 Center at OU to develop a long-range plan for the district. School officials and a group of about 30 residents have been reviewing some of the ideas over the last few months. School Superintendent Rick Croslin said a proposed plan should be out in a few weeks.

 

              

 

Croslin said some of the ideas will be culminated into a proposed bond issue that will be taken to school district voters this fall.

 

Filing Period for Chix City Council Underway

The filing period is open for candidates wanting to run for Chickasha City Council. The post for mayor and one seat in each of the city's four wards are up for election. The filing period runs through Wednesday and candidates will file at city hall. Candidates must have lived in their respective wards for the previous six months. The city council election will be held in April.

 

Chix City  Council to Consider Ordinance Changes

A number of proposed changes to city ordinances will be discussed by the city council tonight. Among them are water fees and excessive false alarms. The council will also consider changes to the master fee schedule. The group will consider the third in a series of payments for the construction of the city's dog park. Bordwine Development has submitted documents for $23,000 for the most recent work completed. The panel will consider approving the YMCA’s annual Open Streets program for Saturday, April 30th and will consider approving activities in October which include the Rock Island Ride Bicycle Tour and the annual Oklahoma Food Truck Championships, both of which are during the Rock Island Arts Festival the first weekend in October. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

State Legislative Session Opens

Oklahoma's lawmakers will be gathering at the state capital today for the beginning of the 2022 legislative session. Gov. Kevin Stitt will open the session with his state-of-the-state address and outline some of his proposed budget items. Lawmakers are expected to have more than $10 billion to dole out. Amber State Representative Dick Lowe says most if not all state agencies are hoping for additional money.

 

              

 

The legislative session runs through the end of May.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $92.31 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.27.

Natural gas is $4.57 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,812 and silver is $22.74.

 

Obituary

Daisy Sprowls

Funeral service for Daisy Sprowls, 78, of Pocasset will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 12th at the Pocasset First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Saturday, Feb. 5th

 

Union City Police Chief Dies from COVID

Union City Police Chief Richard Stephens has died. Stephens passed away Friday after battling COVID-19 for the last six weeks. The Union City Police Department posted on its Facebook page that Stephens was the epitome of a great leader. He put his people first and inspired everyone around him. Stephens served 30 years as a first responder and in law enforcement. Prior to Union City he worked with the Logan County Sheriff's Office. Tributes have been sent by numerous law enforcement agencies and even officials from the Center for Law Enforcement, Education, and Training (CLEET). Officials with the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial said that Stephens is the third line-of-duty death from the coronavirus this year. A date for a funeral service has not been announced.

 

Chickasha Residents to get Trash Pick-up Service Today

It looks like enough snow and ice has melted to allow Waste Connections to run their trucks through Chickasha neighborhoods for trash pick-up today. The City of Chickasha indicates that the company will be servicing residents who missed their pick-ups on Thursday and Friday. Officials say if trucks are unable to get down a street residents are asked to leave their dumpsters out until they are collected.

 

SCOOP Drilling Permits Issued

There's new drilling activity in the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province (SCOOP). In Grady County, Gulfport MidCon received a permit to drill east of Rush Springs and southwest of Lindsay in Section 30 of Township 4 North and Range 5 West.  A company called Warwick-Jupiter received a permit to drill nearby in Section 19 of Township 3 North and Range 5 West. A few miles south of those locations in Stephens County Hays Production was awarded a permit to drill west of Velma.

 

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.

 

Talk Show Topic

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

 

Obituary

Faustin Lowery

A funeral service for Faustin Lowery, 23, of the Del City area was held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 5^th at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Arrangements were with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Friday, Feb. 4th

 

Impact of Winter Storm Still Being Felt

While the snow storm has moved past Oklahoma, the state continues to suffer the lingering effects of this week's winter weather. There are numerous school closings again today or schools have gone to remote learning, many government offices are closed, and dangerous driving conditions continue. Among the closings, Chickasha City Hall and the Grady County Courthouse, and the Five Oaks Medical Group clinics in Chickasha, Rush Springs, and Tuttle. Trash pick-up services in Chickasha will resume when Waste Connections officials believe it is safe for drivers to go through neighborhoods. They are hoping trash service can resume tomorrow (Saturday). Among activities that have been re-scheduled, The Chickasha Optimist Club Pancake Day that was supposed to be today is now scheduled for next Friday, February 11th. And the Rush Springs Ag Booster fund-raiser that was scheduled for tomorrow has been moved to Saturday, February 19th.

 

National Guard Assists OHP

The Oklahoma National Guard is helping out the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) with the hundreds of calls about traffic accidents and stranded motorists. The guard has assembled Stranded Motorist Assistance Recovery Teams (SMART). Each team includes a trooper, 10 National Guardsmen, two Humvees, and a wrecker. At the height of the storm OHP says troopers responded to almost 900 calls statewide. That's more than double the number of calls they would take over a two-day period. Most of the accidents they've seen are single-vehicle crashes where motorists get stuck on the side of the road, or slide in to concrete barriers and ditches. Officials still encourage Oklahomans to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary.

 

Some Brave Storm to Cast Early Ballots

A handful of voters braved the cold and snowy weather yesterday to cast ballots in the first day of in-person, absentee voting ahead of next Tuesday's scheduled elections. Individuals can cast ballots early at their county election board offices again today until 6:00 p.m even if their county courthouse is closed.

 

Blanchard Voters to Decide Sales Tax for Street Upgrades

Blanchard voters will be going to the polls next Tuesday to decide a proposed one-cent city sales tax increase. If approved, the funds would pay for needed street and road improvements. City Manager Robert Floyd says a citizens committee recommended the sales tax as a way to get the funds needed to pay for the projects.

 

              

 

Floyd said if the sales tax passes some projects could start as early as this summer.

 

Replacement Found for Canceled Science and Arts Show

It didn't take long for the University of Science and Arts to find a replacement act for an upcoming performance of the Davis Waldorf Performing Arts Series. Because of COVID-19 travel restrictions the scheduled performance of The Peking Acrobats was canceled. But officials have announced that they have been able to book a show with The Silhouettes for Thursday, Feb. 17th. The Silhouettes is a shadow-dancing group which was the first runner-up on season six of America's Got Talent (AGT) in 2011 and also the Golden Buzzer winners on AGT's The Champions just two years ago. Season ticket holders and others who have previously purchased tickets for the Feb. 17th show will just need to show their tickets at the door. Individual tickets will be available for purchase once the university re-opens Monday.

 

Community Blood Drive Scheduled Today

The Oklahoma Blood Institute will be in Chickasha today for a community blood drive. The bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot across from the KOOL-RANCH studios at 7th and Chickasha Avenue. The blood drive will be from 1:30 to 5:30 this afternoon. A number of appointments are scheduled but officials say walk-ins will be welcome though donors may have to wait to be worked in. There were a few openings between 3 and 5:30 this afternoon. All donations will be tested for coronavirus antibodies. The next Chickasha community blood drive is scheduled for Valentine’s Day on Monday, Feb. 14th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.27 per barrel

London-based Brent crude is $91.11.

Natural gas is $4.89 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,813 and silver is $22.60.

 

Friday, Feb. 4th

 

Impact of Winter Storm Still Being Felt

While the snow storm has moved past Oklahoma, the state continues to suffer the lingering effects of this week's winter weather. There are numerous school closings again today or schools have gone to remote learning, many government offices are closed, and dangerous driving conditions continue. Among the closings, Chickasha City Hall and the Grady County Courthouse, and the Five Oaks Medical Group clinics in Chickasha, Rush Springs, and Tuttle. Trash pick-up services in Chickasha will resume when Waste Connections officials believe it is safe for drivers to go through neighborhoods. They are hoping trash service can resume tomorrow (Saturday). Among activities that have been re-scheduled, The Chickasha Optimist Club Pancake Day that was supposed to be today is now scheduled for next Friday, February 11th. And the Rush Springs Ag Booster fund-raiser that was scheduled for tomorrow has been moved to Saturday, February 19th.

 

National Guard Assists OHP

The Oklahoma National Guard is helping out the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) with the hundreds of calls about traffic accidents and stranded motorists. The guard has assembled Stranded Motorist Assistance Recovery Teams (SMART). Each team includes a trooper, 10 National Guardsmen, two Humvees, and a wrecker. At the height of the storm OHP says troopers responded to almost 900 calls statewide. That's more than double the number of calls they would take over a two-day period. Most of the accidents they've seen are single-vehicle crashes where motorists get stuck on the side of the road, or slide in to concrete barriers and ditches. Officials still encourage Oklahomans to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary.

 

Some Brave Storm to Cast Early Ballots

A handful of voters braved the cold and snowy weather yesterday to cast ballots in the first day of in-person, absentee voting ahead of next Tuesday's scheduled elections. Individuals can cast ballots early at their county election board offices again today until 6:00 p.m even if their county courthouse is closed.

 

Blanchard Voters to Decide Sales Tax for Street Upgrades

Blanchard voters will be going to the polls next Tuesday to decide a proposed one-cent city sales tax increase. If approved, the funds would pay for needed street and road improvements. City Manager Robert Floyd says a citizens committee recommended the sales tax as a way to get the funds needed to pay for the projects.

 

              

 

Floyd said if the sales tax passes some projects could start as early as this summer.

 

Replacement Found for Science and Arts Show

It didn't take long for the University of Science and Arts to find a replacement act for an upcoming performance of the Davis Waldorf Performing Arts Series. Because of COVID-19 travel restrictions the scheduled performance of The Peking Acrobats was canceled. But officials have announced that they have been able to book a show with The Silhouettes for Thursday, Feb. 17th. The Silhouettes is a shadow-dancing group which was the first runner-up on season six of America's Got Talent (AGT) in 2011 and also the Golden Buzzer winners on AGT's The Champions just two years ago. Season ticket holders and others who have previously purchased tickets for the Feb. 17th show will just need to show their tickets at the door. Individual tickets will be available for purchase once the university re-opens Monday.

 

Community Blood Drive Scheduled Today

The Oklahoma Blood Institute will be in Chickasha today for a community blood drive. The bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot across from the KOOL-RANCH studios at 7th and Chickasha Avenue. The blood drive will be from 1:30 to 5:30 this afternoon. A number of appointments are scheduled but officials say walk-ins will be welcome though donors may have to wait to be worked in. There were a few openings between 3 and 5:30 this afternoon. All donations will be tested for coronavirus antibodies. The next Chickasha community blood drive is scheduled for Valentine’s Day on Monday, Feb. 14th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $90.27 per barrel

London-based Brent crude is $91.11.

Natural gas is $4.89 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,813 and silver is $22.60.

 

Thursday, Feb. 3rd

 

Winter Storm Continues

A winter storm warning continues for all of Oklahoma through 6:00 p.m. today. Much of central Oklahoma has received 2-4 inches of snow with another 1-2 inches of snow possible today. Roads are snow-packed and slick and officials are discouraging travel. Among the accidents overnight, a snow plow driver was injured when his plow ran off State Highway 4 north of Tuttle near the Canadian River. The driver was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Wind Chill Advisory Remains in Effect

In addition to more snow, temperatures will remain in the teens over the next 36 hours or longer. A wind chill advisory issued by the National Weather Service remains in place through noon tomorrow. Wind chills will range from zero to ten- or 15-below with north winds gusting to 30 miles per hour at times.

Some Good News; No Power Outages 

There are no power outages to report this morning. The websites for Public Service Company of Oklahoma and the electric co-ops in the region show no outages in Grady, Caddo, McClain, Garvin, or Stephens counties.

Some Closings, Cancellations

The winter weather has forced the cancellation of schools. The Grady County Courthouse will be closed again today, and Chickasha City Hall, the library, and the administrative offices of the police and fire departments will all be closed today. The Five Oaks Medical Clinic is closed, although they will accept tele-medicine calls. The Grady Memorial Hospital Emergency Room is open. The Southern Oaks Church of Christ Food Pantry will be closed tonight.

Election Board Offices Open for In-Person, Absentee Voting

While some county courthouses are closed, election board offices are expected to be open today for in-person, absentee voting ahead of next Tuesday's elections. In Grady County, there are school bond elections for Friend, Bridge Creek, and Marlow school patrons. In Blanchard, city voters will decide a one-cent sales tax to fund road improvement projects. There is also a school board primary election for Blanchard school district patrons. Some Verden residents will cast ballots in the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center millage election. In-person, absentee voting is available from 8-6 both today and tomorrow.

 

Tuttle City Manager Steps Down

Tuttle City Manager Tim Young has resigned. Young's resignation was accepted after a nearly 90-minute closed door session that was part of a special Tuttle City Council meeting on Tuesday, according to the Tuttle Times.  Young had served as city manager for more than 13 years. He was hired in September of 2013 after spending a couple of years as the assistant city manager in Durant. Tuttle Police Chief Don Cluck was appointed acting city manager. 

 

Science and Arts Receives Arts Grant

USAO is the beneficiary of a grant to help with its Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series. The university received a $20,000 grant from the Mid-America Arts Alliance. It was made possible by the National Endowment of the Arts as part of its allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The grant will be used to support costs of presenting workshops, educational outreach performances, and performances by world-class professional performing artists. By the way, the university announced that an upcoming Davis Waldorf Performing Arts Series program has been canceled. The Peking Acrobats were scheduled to perform on Feb. 17th. However the group is not able to leave Taiwan for an undisclosed reason. Officials were working to get a replacement act but one has not yet been scheduled.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.26 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $89.47.

Natural gas is $5.50 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,803 and silver is $22.40.

 

Obituary

Patsy DeVilliers

A memorial service for Patsy DeVilliers, 77, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 2nd

 

Winter Storm Begins Impact on Sooner State

A powerful winter storm is already making life miserable for some Oklahomans and the storm is just getting started. About 1,300 PSO customers were without power in northern Grady and central McClain County for a short time this morning including areas of Minco, Pocasset, Amber, Tuttle, Blanchard, and the Bridge Creek area. Power was restored by 8:00 a.m. About 130 CK Energy customers in Caddo County were also without power. Gov. Kevin Stitt has declared a state of emergency for all 77 counties as the storm is expected to bring freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Many schools have declared snow days or in the case of Chickasha Public Schools and some others, distance learning from home will take place today. Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin made that call before noon yesterday. He said officials will be monitoring the weather to determine what steps to take after today.

 

              

 

Among the latest closings to report this morning are the Grady County Courthouse, the Chickasha Senior Nutrition Center, and Washita Valley Transit. Forecasters say drizzle and freezing drizzle will be around this morning turning to sleet and snow this afternoon. Areas of central Oklahoma could get six inches of snow or more by the time the snow ends tomorrow afternoon.

 

Chickasha Officials Urge Motorists to Use Snow Routes

Chickasha officials remind motorists to use snow routes once the snow begins impacting traffic. The main east-west routes are Country Club Road, Grand Avenue, Iowa Avenue, and Frisco Avenue. North-south routes are 1^st Street; 8^th Street from Choctaw Avenue to Grand Avenue; 9^th Street from Grand Avenue to Country Club Road; 16^th Street from Grand Avenue to Country Club Road; 17^th Street from Iowa Avenue to Grand Avenue;  and 29^th Street from U.S. Highway 62 to Grand Avenue. A map that shows all the city's snow routes can be found on the city's website and Facebook page.

 

Manslaughter Suspect Apprehended

Caddo County authorities say they have captured a suspect who was wanted for felony manslaughter. Authorities say Shawn Michael Tillman was taken into custody in Watonga yesterday. A post on the Caddo County Sheriff's Office Facebook page indicates that numerous law enforcement agencies were involved in Tillman's arrest including sheriff's offices in Canadian, Blaine, and Kingfisher counties, along with the highway patrol and Watonga Police Department. A woman alleged to have been harboring Tillman was also arrested. Tillman is charged with two counts of felony manslaughter in Caddo County in connection with a fatal traffic accident that occurred near Lookeba in May of last year.

 

Wanted Verden Couple Arrested

A Grady County couple has been arrested after warrants were issued for their arrests. 39-year old Joshua David Kitchens and 41-year old Monica Cherie Kitchens of Verden were arrested by Grady County sheriff's deputies last week. Joshua Kitchens was wanted for burglary after it was alleged he broke into a neighbor's home last November. He has had some previous run-ins with the law for knowingly receiving or concealing stolen merchandise and larceny. Joshua Kitchens remains in jail on a $50,000 bond. Monica Kitchens had old warrants dating back to 2012 for child abuse and 2014 for aggravated DUI. She remains in jail on a $20,000 bond.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.20 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $91.29.

Natural gas is $4.75 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,803 and silver is $22.81.

 

Obituaries

Alice Roberts

A memorial service for Alice Roberts, 97, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 5th at Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Tonja Turner

A memorial service for Tonja Turner, 49, of Chickasha will be held Saturday, February 5th at Full Gospel Church. A lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. followed by the service at 2:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, February 1st

 

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Much of Oklahoma

Weather forecasters are urging Oklahomans to get prepared ahead of a winter storm that is expected to hit the Sooner State tomorrow and Thursday. A winter storm watch has been posted for much of the state with the possibility of freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow over the course of a nearly 48-year period. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said the most recent model from the National Weather Service shows the I-44 corridor between Lawton and Oklahoma City could get about a tenth of an inch of ice followed by 4-6 inches of snow which would make travel difficult. Thompson said power companies are preparing for possible power outages. He said Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) has been in contact with the Grady County Fairgrounds to have that facility serve as a staging area for its crews should they be needed. A winter storm watch is posted from 9 o'clock tonight until 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Rain is expected late tonight with a wintry mix anticipated to arrive between 10 a.m. and noon tomorrow, followed by 4-6 inches of snow from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. Dangerous wind chills to 10-below zero are forecast Thursday and Friday mornings.

 

Public Hearings Set for Boat-RV Storage Ordinance,

Use-on-Review for Proposed Winery in Chickasha

A public hearing to get input about a revised boat and recreational vehicle storage ordinance for the City of Chickasha will be held by the city's Planning Commission next week. The ordinance discusses storage regulations in both residential and commercially-zoned areas. The Planning Commission will have a second public hearing to consider a use-on-review for a winery at 524 Kansas Avenue. The applicant is DJ Jenks of Shakespeare Wine Company. Jenks is proposing that wine be made and manufactured at the location and plans to offer wine tastings, wine by the glass, and various snacks. Officials say while the business would be located within 300 feet of two nearby churches Jenks says the churches have no opposition to the proposed business. Regardless of how the Planning Commission votes on the two issues they will be sent to the city council for final rulings. The Planning Commission will meet at 4:00 p.m. next Tuesday, Feb. 8th at Chickasha City Hall.

 

Tuttle City Manager's Job May be on the Line

The Tuttle City Council will hold a special meeting later today to consider firing city manager Tim Young. The council will go behind closed doors to discuss the city manager's performance and employment. Included on the agenda is an item to discuss the continued employment, disciplining, demotion, re-assignment, resignation, or termination of the city manager. Another item is to discuss the appointment and the terms of appointment for an interim city manager in the event a vacancy occurs. The meeting will be held at 5 o'clock this afternoon at Tuttle City Hall.

 

Arrest Warrant Issued for Manslaughter Suspect

Caddo County authorities are searching for a suspect who was involved in a fatal car crash that killed two people last year. Authorities have issued a felony manslaughter arrest warrant for Shaun Michael Tillman. The accident happened in May have last year near Lookeba and the warrant was issued last September. Tillman is facing two charges of first-degree manslaughter and well as driving with a suspended license. Anyone with information about Tillman is asked to contact the Caddo County Sheriff's office by calling 405-247-5700.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.15 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $91.21.

Natural gas is $4.87 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,808 and silver is $22.83.

 

Monday, Jan. 31st

 

Lawmakers Look to Reduce Robo Calls, Phone Scams

State lawmakers may have an opportunity to do something about the nuisance robo calls and telephone scams that plague almost anyone who has a phone. State Reps. Logan Phillips (R-Mounds) and Danny Williams (R-Seminole) and Sen. Zack Taylor (R-Seminole) hope HB 1386 and HB1891 get some traction during the upcoming legislative session. The Federal Trade Commission reports that phone scams cost older Americans nearly $3 billion every year. HB 1386 would require companies to get an individual’s written consent before placing automated calls or texts. The proposal would have the violators pay their victims up to $500 as a penalty. HB 1891 would allow district attorneys and the state attorney general to prosecute bad actors who spoof or mask their telephone numbers. A fine of up to $10,000 per occurrence is proposed in that bill.

GOP, Dems Seek Elimination of State Sales Tax on Groceries

Also at the state capitol, there appears to be bi-partisan support to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. The Oklahoman reports that both Republican and Democratic leaders have filed bills regarding the subject. However, the lawmakers say they have no intention of eliminating local grocery taxes, as cities and towns are almost entirely dependent on sales tax revenues to fund local government. For the upcoming fiscal year, that state tax commission projects that the state could earn more than $300 million in the sales taxes levied on groceries. Officials say if lawmakers do eliminate the sales tax they would still have to decide which food and beverage items would be considered groceries.

 

Filing for Chix City Council Posts set Feb. 7th-9th

Five seats on the Chickasha city council will be up for election this spring including that of mayor. The filing period for candidates will be next week. The posts held by Mayor Chris Mosley; Ward 1 councilman David Sikes; Ward 2 councilman Nate McCalla; Ward 3 councilman Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander; and Ward 4 councilman Zach Grayson are all set to be filled. The filing period is Monday, February 7^th through Wednesday, February 9th at city hall. The city council election will be held in April.

 

Blanchard Voters to Decide Sales Tax for Road Repairs

Voters in the City of Blanchard will decide if a new sales tax should be implemented to pay for road and bridge repairs. The proposed one-cent sales tax is expected to bring in $25 million. Officials say if the measure passes the city would issue low-interest bonds in order to get the projects started as soon as possible. City officials say under Blanchard's current street maintenance budget, it would take decades to fund pay-as-you-go projects. The issue goes before voters next Tuesday, February 8th.

 

'Christmas Town' Meeting Today

A community meeting to get input about growing Chickasha's Christmas Town image will be held this afternoon. Jim Cowan with the city's Economic Development Council is reaching out to see what new events, or even activities from years past might be added to the 2022 Festival of Light that will start in mid-November. The meeting will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the Chamber of Commerce.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.82 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.03.

Natural gas is $4.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,792 and silver is $22.53.

 

Obituaries

Joan Ely

Funeral service for Joan Ely, 63, of Amber was held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, January 31st at Sevier Funeral Home.

Jerry Winstone

Funeral service for Jerry Winstone, 87, Ninnekah will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 1^st at the Ninnekah First Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Otis Culpepper

Funeral service Otis Culpepper, 85, of Lindsay will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 1^st at the Blanchard Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

James Lane

Funeral service for James Lane, 82, of Oklahoma City will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 8th at McRay Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran.