Saturday, Oct. 29th

(Burn ban remains in effect for Oklahoma County)

 

Biker Hospitalized After Crash

A motorcycle rider is in fair condition after crashing his bike. 22-year old Jace Tunstall of Blanchard was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was admitted in fair condition with head, arm, leg, and trunk injuries. He was not wearing a helmet. The accident happened just after 11:15 p.m. Friday about a half-mile south of Tuttle on CS 2980. It wasn't clear what happened although it had been raining much of the evening and the roadway was wet. The highway patrol reports that officials are still investigating the accident.

 

Grady County Jury Duty Canceled Next Week

Grady county residents who received a summons for jury duty next week are off the hook. Officials at the Grady County courthouse say the jury docket has been canceled.

 

Refuge Considers Building Cell Phone Tower

Officials with the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are considering building a cell phone tower in the refuge. Authorities are seeking public comment on the proposal. They say the tower would be valuable to help with emergency responses and improve communication throughout the refuge as there is limited cell service in the area. The tower would support multiple cellular carriers, radio equipment, and provide fiber-optic cable for use at the visitor's center and new administrative and maintenance complex. The proposal is to build a 320-foot tower southeast of State Highways 49 and 115 just east of the visitors center. A draft of the proposal is available on the refuge website fws.gov/media or you can e-mail: wmr_publiccomments@fws.gov

Public comments need to be submitted by midnight on Monday, Nov. 28th.

 

Report: Feds Concerned About Texas Power Grid

There are concerns that the power grid south of the Red River is no stronger or better than when it nearly collapsed during the Polar Vortex that occurred in February of 2021. The Polar Vortex brought an extended period of sub-zero temperatures to Oklahoma, Texas and many states in middle America. The website OK Energy Today cites a report from the Austin American-Statesman that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission says the grid is just as vulnerable now as it was more than a year and a half ago. The Texas Public Utility Commission denies the report with one official saying it contains inaccuracies.

 

State Rig Count Steady

The number of rigs searching for oil and gas in Oklahoma is holding steady. Baker Hughes is reporting that the Sooner State added one more rig this week which bring the total to 66. That's an improvement from the same time a year ago when the rig count was only 43. There are a few rigs going up in the Chickasha area. There is one northwest of Ninnekah near the U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 19 junction. Two rigs are going up east of Chickasha with a site is under construction just east of the H.E. Bailey and U.S. Highway 62 intersection. Another is near the U.S. Highway 62 and State Highway 92 junction.

 

'Haunted Hotel' Open One Night Only

For those of you wanting a little scare in your Hallowe'en weekend the USAO Art Wrecker Studio is hosting a Haunted Hotel tonight. The Art Wrecker studio is on Chickasha Avenue next to MidFirst Bank. Admission is $12 at the door and it will be open for those who dare to enter from 7 to 10 o'clock tonight.

 

Anadarko Chamber to Host Trunk-or-Treat

Ghosts and ghouls, princesses and pirates and others are welcome to a trunk-or-treat event in Anadarko tonight. The Anadarko Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event in the parking lot of Warrior Fieldhouse near the high school. Businesses, tribal groups, churches, and others are welcome to set up a spot to provide treats for the kiddos. There's no need to contact anyone to reserve a space just show up and decorate your area. One trunk-or-treat vendor will receive a gift basket of $100 in items and gift cards from Anadarko area merchants. Trunk-or-Treat in Anadarko runs from 6 to 8 p.m.

 

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Friday, Oct. 28th

(Burn ban remains in effect for Oklahoma County)

 

Many Oklahoma Counties Said to be 'Child Care Deserts'

Grady County and others in the region are among 34 counties that are considered to be child care deserts. A child care desert is identified as an area where there is not enough licensed child care operations to support the needs of working families. McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, Comanche, and Garvin counties are also considered to be child care deserts. The state Department of Human Services has grants available to help increase accessibility to quality child care in those areas. The grants can be used to create new child care programs or help existing programs increase their licensed capacities. Applications for the grants will be accepted through July 31^st of next year or until funds are depleted. For information visit the website: www.okchildcaregrants.com

 

Crash Sends Three People to Hospitals

Three people are hospitalized after two vehicles collide near Elgin.  78-year old Renate Goucher of Chickasha was last in critical condition while 70-year Marvel Goucher of Verden and 73-year old Betty Cade of Lawton were both last in fair condition. The accident happened just before noon yesterday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 277 and Porter Hill Road about four miles west of Elgin. The highway patrol reports that the Gouchers were in a vehicle that was westbound on the highway and failed to stop at a stop sign. Their car was hit by a van driven by Cade. Renate Goucher was air-lifted to a Wichita Falls hospital. Marvel Goucher and Cade were taken by separate ground ambulances to a Lawton hospital. The trooper investigating the crash says inattention to driving may have led to the crash. All three individuals were wearing their seatbelts.

 

Chickasha Library Programs

Here are a couple of items from the Chickasha Public Library. The Friends of the Library used book sale wraps up this weekend. A lot of materials are available including books of fiction for all ages, non-fiction books, DVDs, books on CD, and reference materials. All proceed will be used to purchase new books and materials. The used book sale runs through tomorrow. And the libary's monthly Let's Read About It series which was scheduled for next week has been postponed. The program has been re-scheduled for Monday, Nov. 14th. The book to be reviewed is called The Plague of the Doves by Louise Erdrich. It is a fictional story based on real events from the 1890s that explores racial injustice and its effects on the relationship between Native American and Caucasian communities in North Dakota. For information on either program contact the Chickasha Public Library.

 

Talk Show Topic

Lourie Myers with the state Department of Human Services foster family program will be on our KOOL Konversation. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.08 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $96.96.

Natural gas is $5.19 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,653 and silver is $19.21.

 

Obituaries

Wanda Craddock

 Funeral service for Wanda Craddock, 89, of Chickasha will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29th at the First Baptist Church of Ninnekah. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Elizabeth ‘Deanna’ Nabors

Funeral service for ‘Deanna’ Nabors, 85, of Weatherford and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31st at Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Thursday Night High School Football

Chickasha 50, Mustang JV 36

 

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Thursday, Oct. 27th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Cleveland and Oklahoma counties)

 

Chix Schools Among Districts Getting Grants

to Purchase Electric School Buses

KOOL-RANCH news recently reported that the Chickasha Public School district was among 400 districts nationwide to receive a federal grant to help purchase electric school buses. More than $26 million in grants were issued under the Biden Administration's Clean School Bus rebate competition. The grant recipients were formally announced in a ceremony yesterday. The website OK Energy Today reports that officials hope the electric buses will accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities. Many of the grant applicants received help from the Lion Electric Company, a Canadian-based manufacturer of EV buses. Chickasha received nearly $2 million to help purchase five buses. Chickasha officials hope to have the buses added to the fleet some time next spring.

 

'Not Guilty' Verdict Rendered in Negligent Homicide Trial

A Grady County jury finds a Chickasha woman not guilty of negligent homicide. Rebecca Cook was charged with a misdemeanor in connection with a traffic accident that killed a Minco teenager in April of 2019. The verdict was issued yesterday following a 2 1/2 day trial in Grady County District Court. The accident resulted in the death of 17-year old Logan Dobson who was a junior at Minco High School.

 

Help for the Homeless and Needy Families Set Friday

Recently the Chickasha City Council heard comments from citizens that the city needs to be doing more to help the homeless. There is a group called the Chickasha Community Alliance which been working to lend a hand. The alliance includes service organizations like the Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo counties and Life Skills Institute as well as local churches.  The alliance will be hosting what it calls a point-in-time count and a resource fair tomorrow for those experiencing homelessness. The resource fair will be held at the First Baptist Church parking lot from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow. A hot meal will be provided, as will hygiene products, survival kits, flu shots, take-home COVID 19 tests, and resource lists of locations of where assistance may be available. Lt Crystal McFarland with the Salvation Army said the meal and resources are available for any needy family in the area.

 

National FFA Convention Underway

A lot of FFA students from the region are attending the National FFA Convention in Indiana this weekend.  It's the 95th annual convention with an estimated 65,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests attending. Scott Stumpf is the CEO of the National FFA Organization. He says the event connects students to the ag industry. He talks about one of the most interesting exhibits.

 

              

 

Oklahoma has about 2,000 FFA students at the convention.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.91 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $95.69.

Natural gas is $5.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,665 and silver is $19.31.

 

Obituaries

Loretta Jackson

Funeral service for Loretta Jackson, 87, of the Chickasha and Verden area will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29th at Sevier Funeral Home.

Haril Walker

A memorial service for Haril Walker of Chickasha will be held Saturday, Oct. 29^th at Cowboy Country Church. A meal for the family will be held at noon with the memorial service to begin at 1:00 p.m.

 

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Wednesday, Oct. 26th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Cleveland and Oklahoma counties)

 

'A Cowgirls Song' Wins Awards at Film Festival

A movie filmed in Chickasha a couple of years ago earned some hardware in a recent film festival. 'A Cowgirls Song' picked up eight awards from The Wild Bunch Film Festival in Tucson, Ariz. According to a Facebook post from The Imaginaries (Maggie McClure and Shane Henry), the movie received the award for Best Modern Day Western Feature. In that same category Savannah Lee May was named Best Actress; Darci Lynn Farmer was named Best Supporting Actress; Tim Armstrong was named Best Director; The Imaginaries-written song, Hailey's Comet which was performed by Savannah Lee May was named the Best Score or Song; the cast won Best Ensemble; it was named Best Family Western; and Cheryl Ladd was named the Director's Choice for Best Actress.

 

Governor Touts New Laws Helping Military Veterans

Gov. Kevin Stitt was in southwest Oklahoma yesterday and held a ceremonial bill-signing event for legislation supporting veterans who served in the armed forces. The event was hosted by the Lawton-Ft. Sill Chamber of Commerce and the governor discussed the benefits of the measures which were all signed into law. Among them is SB 401 which provides total tax exemptions to veterans. The measure allows the state's estimated 36,000 retired service members to deduct their retirement income from state income tax; SB 1670 provides sales tax exemptions to widows of military members who died in combat; HB 3649 provides sales tax-exemptions to veteran-affiliated organizations; HB 3709 allows veterans in public retirement systems to purchase military service credits; and HB 1067 establishes a program to ensure dignified burials for certain veterans.

 

One Arrested After Convenience Store Knife Fight

Two men get into a knife fight at a convenience store and one of them was arrested on an assault complaint. Chickasha police were called to the Love's North convenience store early Saturday morning to investigate. A probable cause affidavit indicates one of the men tried to buy beer but he was told the store couldn't sell beer after midnight. The store clerk alleged that the suspect started causing a disturbance and another customer intervened and pushed the suspect out the door. Both men produced knives. The suspect is alleged to have tried to stab the other customer and threatened to kill him. The intervening customer cut the suspect's hand and finger. Paramedics were called but the suspect refused treatment. Police arrested 46-year old Antwan Johnson but the other customer was not. Prosecutors have charged Johnson with a felony of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and a misdemeanor for public intoxication. He remains in jail on a $50,000 bond.

 

Downtown Chix to Have 'Haunted Hotel'

Hallowe'en is just a few days away and there will be a haunted house to visit for those who have the courage to do so. Actually, it is a haunted hotel that has been created by USAO students at the University's Art Wrecker studio in downtown Chickasha. Studio director Jordan Vinyard said they have actual pieces of the historic Alpine Hotel that was once a downtown focal point. It's said there will be bizarre environments, elaborate costumes, and plenty of scares. It will be open one-night only, Saturday, Oct. 29th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance on-line at usao.edu/hauntedhouse or $12 at the door.

 

Chix Chamber of Commerce Honored at State Meeting

The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce earns some state recognition. The chamber picked up the honors at the annual Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Awards meeting in Tahlequah last weekend. The group was presented with a Communications Excellence Award for the Chickasha Chamber Chatter Podcast and its 2022 Chickasha Community Guide. The chamber’s membership coordinator Whitney Palesano was recognized for graduating from the Chamber Management Institute.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.32 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.52.

Natural gas is $5.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,673 and silver is $19.63.

 

Obituary

Ronnie Climer

Funeral service for Ronnie Climer, 63, of Chickasha will be held at 10:-00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, Oct. 25th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Cleveland and Oklahoma counties)

 

Suspect Faces 91 Counts of Forgery

More than 90 felony charges of forgery have been filed against a Chickasha woman for allegedly writing dozens of checks to herself totaling more than $400,000.  49-year old Tamara Radonna Walters was arrested by Chickasha police last week. A probable cause affidavit indicates that Walters forged 91 checks between January of 2021 and December of 2021. The document also indicates that Walters managed to gain possession of an individual's checkbook and that Walters was not listed as an authorized signer on the account. All 91 checks were for more than $3,000 each and the total amount taken was nearly $450,000. The affidavit indicates that Walters admitted to the forgery, that she had a gambling addiction and spent the money at a casino. Walters was arraigned on the charges in Grady County District Court yesterday and she is out of jail after posting a $100,000 bond. She's to announce her attorney Nov. 3rd and a preliminary hearing conference was set for Nov. 9th.

 

Jury Selection Begins in Negligent Homicide Trial

A woman charged with negligent homicide in connection with the traffic death of a Minco teenager is on trial this week. Jury selection began yesterday in Grady County District Court in the case against Rebecca Cook of Blanchard. Cook was charged with a misdemeanor following the fatal accident that occurred in April of 2019. The accident claimed the life of 17-year old Logan Dobson who was a junior at Minco High School. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 81 about a mile north of the Chickasha Airport. The highway patrol reported that Cook was southbound on the highway and turned in front of an oncoming pickup – and the pick-up crashed into Cook’s vehicle. Dobson was a passenger in the pick-up.

 

Burn Bans Lifted for Several Area Counties

Burn bans which have been in effect for a number of area counties have been lifted. That includes Grady, Stephens, Garvin, and McClain counties. Oklahoma and Cleveland counties remain under burn bans. Much of the state has received beneficial rainfall over the last couple of days. Rainfall totals at Mesonet sites throughout the region show that Chickasha has received  1 3/4 inches of rain; Minco, 2 ¼ inches; Rush Springs 1.6 inches; Ft. Cobb received about two inches; and Apache about 2.3 inches.

 

Schlumberger Changes Company Name

There has been a name change for an energy company whose name is often mispronounced. Schlumberger has announced that it is now known as SLB. According to the website OK Energy Today, the Houston and Paris-based firm is rebranding itself as a technology firm going after more clean-energy space work. Schlumberger has been the world's biggest oilfield services provider. Company officials say the name change couldn't have come at a better time at a critical point in the industry. The representative said digital is the future of the industry.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.58 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.26.

Natural gas is $5.20 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,643 and sliver is $18.77.

 

Obituaries

Brent Layton

Funeral service for Brent Layton, 59, of Pocasset will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26th at Erin Springs Baptist Church in Lindsay. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Shirley Ibsen

Funeral service for Shirley Ibsen, 85, of the Chickasha and Ninnekah area will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27th at Chickasha's First Assembly of God Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Deacon Slater

Funeral service for Deacon Slater, 58, of Midwest City is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Oct. 24th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, McClain, and Cleveland counties)

 

Proposed Sales Tax Increase for Chix to be Considered

The Chickasha City Council will discuss a proposal to ask voters to increase the city's sales tax tonight. The topic is the only item to be reviewed during a special work session. Mayor Chris Mosley said a 1/4-cent increase in the city sales tax rate would bring in about $875,000 more per year with the funds to be used for police, fire, and safety measures. Any sales tax increase proposal would have to get the approval of city voters before it could be enacted. The city's current sales tax rate is 3.75 percent. No formal action can be taken during tonight's work session. If the council does eventually decide to call for an election it wouldn't take place until after the first of the year. The work session is open to the public and will get underway at 6 o'clock tonight at city hall.

 

New Businesses Seek Sign Permits

A number of new businesses opening in downtown Chickasha are looking to put signs on their buildings. Six new businesses will have their sign permit applications considered by the city's Historic Preservation Committee today. They are: L and L Emporium at 313 Chickasha Ave.; Brink's Boutique at 408 Chickasha Ave.; Dab Daddy's Dispensary at 411 Chickasha Ave.; Downtown Tattoo at 421 Chickasha Ave.; Roberto's Tex-Mex and Cantina at 117 N. 2nd; and Courtesy Loans at 302 Kansas Ave. The Historic Preservation Committee meets at 4 o'clock this afternoon at city hall.

 

Turnpike Crash Slows Sunday Traffic

 An accident on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike just outside of Chickasha slowed traffic on the interstate for a short time yesterday. The accident happened just after 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the westbound lanes of the highway near mile marker 86. The highway patrol did not give any details about the accident other than it was a vehicle collision. The inside westbound lane of the turnpike was closed for about 30 minutes

 

Grady County Historical Society Prepares for Annual Meeting

The Grady County Historical Society and Museum keeps getting new items almost on a weekly basis. Museum curator Pat Cunningham describes some recent donations from hundreds of miles away that are more than 100 years old.

 

              

 

Cunningham said the family has promised even more contributions. The historical society’s annual meeting and banquet will be held Monday, Nov. 7th at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Guest speaker is Oklahoma author and historian John Dwyer. Stop by the museum for information or check out the Grady County Historical Society's Facebook page.

 

CHS Native American Group Sets Indian Taco Sale

The Chickasha High School's Johnson O'Malley (JOM) Native American program will be holding a benefit Indian Taco sale next month. The Masonic Lodge will be helping with the project. The fundraiser will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16^th but you can place orders now until Monday, Nov. 14th. The Indian Tacos are $8 each and can be picked up at the Masonic Lodge at 112 ½ S. 6^th St. Orders of five or more can be delivered. E-mail: chickashajom@gmail.com for tickets and other information.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.05 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.50.

Natural gas is $4.96 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,653 and silver is $19.15.

 

Obituaries

Donald ‘Don’ Tallent

A memorial service for ‘Don’ Tallent, 92, of Chickasha will be held in Delta, Colorado next spring. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Jim ‘Coop’ Cooper

A memorial service for Jim ‘Coop’ Cooper, 69, of Ninnekah will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27th at the First Baptist Church of Ninnekah. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Saturday, Oct. 22nd

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, McClain, and Cleveland counties)

 

Child Sex Offender Sentenced

A Florida man pleads guilty to child molestation charges filed against him in Caddo County. 54-year old Robert Elgin Mister Messer of Bradenton, Fla. was arrested by Anadarko police in February of 2021 on allegations of child sexual abuse. After initially pleading not guilty to the charges in January of this year he admitted guilt last month. Yesterday, District Judge Kory Kirkland sentenced Messer to serve three consecutive 25 year prison  terms - though 15-years of each sentence were suspended which means Messer will be behind bars for 30 years so he'll be nearly 80 years old before he would be eligible for parole.

 

Ninnekah Wells Produce Lots of Natural Gas

A lot of natural gas is being produced at wells drilled just outside of Ninnekah. Continental Resources filed completion reports on the wells with the state corporation commission recently. The George wells are four wells on a single pad about three miles northeast of Ninnekah. They were bringing in a combined 35,000 Mcf of natural gas and about 1,200 barrels of oil per day. The wells are in Range 6 North and 6 West in Township 17. The wells are in the Woodford formation and were drilled to depths of about 25,000 feet.

 

USAO Prof is Part of Civil War Documentary

A USAO professor is featured in a new documentary about the Civil War. Dr. James Finck appears in the documentary entitled The Battle of Honey Springs. Directed by Oklahoma native Bryan Beasley, the film references the largest Civil War engagement in the area that was Indian Territory well before Oklahoma statehood. Finck is an associate professor of history at the university and he has spent much of his career researching The Battle of Honey Springs. Every summer, he teaches a course at the historic site which is in eastern Oklahoma near Checotah. He has his students lead tours and explain the relevance of the site to the histories of both Oklahoma and the United States. By the way, the documentary won the Oklahoma Showcase Award at its world premiere at Oklahoma City's DeadCenter Film Festival, and won best documentary at DocOKC and the Bass and Belle Film Fest in Muskogee. It is expected to air in syndication on PBS affiliates around the country next spring.

 

Talk Show Topic

Debbie Ashley with Alpacas of Oklahoma is this week's guest on the KOOL Konversation. She'll be talking about the group's Alpaca Blast Off national show that will be held in Chickasha next month. There is a podcast to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Jim ‘Coop’ Cooper

A memorial service for Jim ‘Coop’ Cooper, 69, of Ninnekah will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27th at the First Baptist Church of Ninnekah. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

High School Football Scores

Clinton 40, Chickasha 7

Anadarko 49, Mt. St. Mary 9

Blanchard 47, Bridge Creek 0

Tuttle 40, Tecumseh 6

Newcastle 51, Classen SAS 12

Hinton 19, Minco 18

Elmore City 20, Rush Springs 8

Stratford 28, Dibble 6

Apache 16, Walters  0

Carnegie 21, Empire 14

Lindsay 28, Community Christian 14

Marlow 28, Sulphur 10

8-Man

Cyril 18, Alex 0

Corn Bible Academy 58, Bray-Doyle 12

No. 3 Tipton 46, No. 6 Mt. View-Gotebo 0

Maud 52, Maysville 6

Waurika 56, Central High 6

 

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Friday, Oct. 21st

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, McClain, and Cleveland counties)

 

OKC Police Officer, Wife Arrested in Grady County

An Oklahoma City police officer and his wife were arrested at their Grady County home yesterday. Arrest warrants for drug allegations had been issued for 49-year old Dean Yancy Walt Forbes – who is a sergeant with the Oklahoma City Police Deparatment - and 47-year old Sandra Joy Forbes. They were taken into custody at their home near Alex. Sgt. Forbes has been an Oklahoma City police officer for about 15 years, according to Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess. Grady County's DEA officer Deputy Jim Peek began investigating the couple last month when they both overdosed on cocaine and magic mushrooms. Dean Forbes reportedly told investigators he spent about $1,000 a month on illicit drugs. Forbes is on administrative leave from his post with Oklahoma City police. Both are charged with felonies which include distribution of a controlled, dangerous substance; possession of CDS; and maintaining a place for keeping or selling drugs. They could have their initial appearances on the charges in Grady County District Court today.

 

Verden Suspect Faces Sexual Battery Allegations

A Verden man is arrested for the alleged sexual battery of a female relative. 42-year old Jose Ernesto Ramirez was taken into custody this week after the victim reported the alleged assault. In a probable cause affidavit, it states that the woman told Verden Police Chief Jason Cox that the assaults have being going on for several days. She alleged that Ramirez physically kept her from leaving the house and going to work, and that he took her cell phone away from her. She said Ramirez threatened her life and the lives of her pets and even the lives of police if they were to show up. The victim managed to get out of the house when she told Ramirez she had to go work. Cox arrested Ramirez at the home without incident. Prosecutors have charged Ramirez with a felony count of sexual battery and misdemeanors of domestic abuse and threatening violence. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

 

Anadarko to Host Kids, Kites, and Frights

There are a couple of events in the area which are expected to draw some big crowds this weekend. In Anadarko it's Kids, Kites, and Frights with numerous activities at the Anadarko Airport. The City of Anadarko is bringing in a Missouri firm called Great American Kites. These are some of the largest kites you will ever see. Sean Beaver says one of them is similar to a wind sock which is nearly the length of a football field.

 

              

 

In addition to the kites, there are numerous activities for kids and adults. There's a 5K and fun-run in the morning where participants are encouraged to wear super hero costumes. There is a Hallowe’en costume contest, food trucks, vendors, a car show, Native American exhibits and cornhole and arm wrestling tournaments. Activities at the airport begin at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

Blanchard Hosts Blowin' Smoke BBQ Cook-off

In Blanchard, it’s the annual Blowin' Smoke Barbecue Cook-off where teams are competing for a $500 top prize. Activities begin in Lions Park at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow with vendors and live music. Judging starts at 3:30 p.m. with tasting starting at 4:30 p.m. You have to buy a wristband to taste the entries. Adult wristbands are $10 and they are $5 for kids. The event is put on by the Blanchard Chamber of Commerce.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.98 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $92.38.

Natural gas is $5.36 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,629 and silver is $18.32.

 

Obituaries

Haril Walker

Funeral service for Haril Walker, 84, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

LaVonda Davis

A memorial service for LaVonda Davis, 69, of Chickasha will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Katherine ‘Kay’ Leduc

Memorial service for ‘Kay’ Leduc, 80, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24^th at the First Baptist Church of Verden. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Thursday, Oct. 20th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, McClain, and Cleveland counties)

 

State, Federal Officials Asked to Investigate

Another Another Massive Hand Sanitizer Fire

There was another huge hand sanitizer fire at a storage site between Chickasha and Ninnekah yesterday. It was the third such fire that has taken place over the last three months. Yesterday, it was at H and B Machine and Manufacturing which is just south of the U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 19 junction. That's just a half-mile from where the first hand sanitizer fire destroyed the former Chickasha Manufacturing Company.  News reports indicate that Ninnekah Police Chief Scott Miller and District Attorney Jason Hicks both asked the OSBI to take over the investigation and officials have also asked federal agencies to look into the matter. As many as 2,000 pallets of expired hand sanitizer were believed to be inside and outside the metal building at the Ninnekah property. Bordwine Development Company was reported to have been leasing the facilities to store the expired sanitizer where the fires occurred. The state department of environmental quality issued a $6.6 million fine against the company after authorities say the firm dumped thousands of gallons of sanitizer into bar ditches near the site of the first two fires back in August.

 

Chix City Council to Discuss Proposed Sales Tax Hike

Chickasha residents may be asked to increase the city sales tax to help pay for police, fire, and safety measures. The Chickasha City Council will have a special work session next week to discuss the plan. The council will discuss proposing a ¼-penny sales tax increase to residents when they meet Monday night. Mayor Chris Mosley estimated it could bring in $875,000 a year and  based his estimate on last year's sales tax revenues. A number of residents attended this week's city council meeting to complain of increased crime activity in their neighborhood. Any sales tax increase proposal would have to get the approval of city voters. Should the council follow-through with sending the issue to voters an election would not be held until next year

 

Matriarch of Stidham Trailer Company Dies

A co-founder of one of Chickasha's well-known horse-trailer manufacturing companies has died. Anita Stidham, the wife of the late Jack Stidham passed away Monday. She was 91. The Stidhams opened their company in 1958 during a time when Chickasha was known as the Horse Trailer Manufacturing Capital of the World. Anita was born in McClain County in 1931 and the family moved to the Hawkins Community north of Alex when she was a child. In addition to running the trailer company Jack was also a well-known fiddle player. A graveside service for Anita Stidham was held at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon (Thursday, Oct. 20^th) at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Coffee with a Cop Set for Friday Morning

Chickasha residents have an opportunity to meet some of the city's police officers in an informal gathering. Coffee with a Cop will be held in downtown Chickasha tomorrow morning at Iron Tree Coffee at 115 South 4^th which is right behind Jay's Jewelry. Parking is available in the municipal parking lot in the 300 block of Kansas Avenue. Coffee with a Cop will run for a couple of hours from about 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

 

U.S. Senate Candidate Stops in Chickasha

U.S. Senate candidate Madison Horn spent some time in Chickasha this week. The Democrat is among those looking to unseat incumbent Republican James Lankford. She says Democrats and Republicans have to work together to battle economic issues like inflation and rising interest rates.

 

              

 

Horn is one of three candidates looking to oust Lankford. Also on the ballot are Independent candidate Michael Delaney and Libertarian candidate Kenneth Blevins.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.55 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $92.41.

Natural gas is $5.46 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,639 and silver is $18.53.

 

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Wednesday, Oct. 19th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Garvin, McClain, and Cleveland counties)

 

OSBI: Man Fatally Shot by Anadarko Police was Armed

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) reports that the man who was shot and killed by Anadarko police this past weekend was armed. The agency posted updated information on its official Facebook page indicating that police saw Angel Jiminez with a gun as he began running away after the vehicle he was in was pulled over for a traffic violation. Officers gave Jiminez numerous commands to drop the weapon. He did not comply, and Jiminez turned toward officers with the gun. That's when the officers fired their guns. Authorities still have not indicated why the vehicle was pulled over.

 

Grady County Burn Ban Extended

Grady County Commissioners extended a burn ban for the region this week. The ban continues through next Monday, Oct. 24th. While the area did see between one and one-and-a-half inches of rain over the weekend and has had cooler temps the last few days - the forecast is for temps to climb to the mid-80s Friday through Sunday and winds to increase which will elevate the fire threat for much of western Oklahoma. The latest burn ban map on the State Department of Agriculture website shows that Garvin, McLain, and Cleveland counties also remain under burn bans. Bans have been lifted in Stephens, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties.

 

More Drought Relief Approved for Ag Producers

More drought relief has been approved for the state's farmers and ranchers. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission has approved an additional $5 million to help producers. Trey Lam with the conservation commission says more than 1,300 applications have been filed as producers look for help to clean out ponds, drill water wells, and other projects. Lam said producers should stop by their local FSA office before applying. Lam said producers cannot double-dip for projects. If they've already been approved for a project through FSA they won't be available for drought relief for the same project. For grazing losses, Lam said FSA is accepting applications from all livestock producers and not just cattle. The payment rate for drought is equal to 60 percent of the lesser of monthly feed costs for covered livestock, or the normal carrying capacity of the eligible grazing land.

 

Leg Lamp Topped with Lamp Shade

One of the final pieces of Chickasha's permanent leg lamp was hoisted into place yesterday. The 10-foot tall pale-yellow lamp shade was lifted above the 30-foot leg near the Rock Island Railroad Depot. Crews from Johnson's Cranes were challenged by some light winds but the connection was made without any problems. Jim Cowan with the Economic Development Council says there are still a few things to do before the project is considered complete.

 

              

 

The Saturday, Nov. 5th opening will be highlighted by a performance of The Imaginaries, Maggie McLure and Shane Henry.

 

Winter Gas Bills Expected to be Higher

If you heat your home with natural gas you’ll probably be paying more this winter.

 

              

 

 

That’s Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.82 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.03.

Natural gas is $5.74 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,644 and silver is $18.49.

 

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Tuesday, Oct. 18th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Chix Residents Air Concerns of Crime Increase

Chickasha residents speak out about a rise in crime in their neighborhood. A number of individuals voiced their concerns during last night’s city council meeting. About 10 individuals spent nearly an hour describing what they say are drug houses and increasing problems of vandalism and vagrancy. Many of them live close to the middle school and Centennial Park. Marsha Strunk told the council her son recently installed security cameras at her home. She said the video surveillance showed 40 people go in and out of the house next door within a 24-hour period and most of them only stayed a few minutes. She said the area has become a dangerous place for children.

 

              

 

Others said that police staffing is at an all-time low and that at times only two officers are patrolling the streets. Others called for the council to come up with additional funds to hire more police officers.

 

Council Votes Down Lamp Shades for D'Town Light Poles

Angels or lampshades? Also at last night's council meeting some residents spoke out against a proposal to buy and install lamp shades to put on the light posts in downtown Chickasha for the upcoming holiday season. The lamp shades were proposed to replace the lighted angels that have adorned the street lights for about the last 20 years. One resident said the lamp shades would move the city away from the Christian values that the angels represent.

 

              

 

Jim Cowan with the Economic Development Council (EDC) said the angels had fallen into a state of disrepair and it was recommended they not be used anymore. He said the EDC came up with the recommendation for the lamp shades. The council unanimously voted against the purchase of the lamp shades and asked Cowan to see if the angels could be repaired or perhaps the EDC could buy some new angels.

 

Man Shot by Anadarko Police Dies

A man shot by Anadarko police Sunday night has died and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has been called in to investigate. The OSBI identified the man who died as 26-year old Angel Jiminez. A post on the OSBI Official Facebook page provided this time-line of what happened. Anadarko police made a traffic stop on a vehicle about 9 p.m. Sunday at 4th and Louisiana. That's a residential area just a couple of blocks from the Anadarko City Hall. The unidentified officer called for back-up and began questioning the individuals in the vehicle. One of the officers was helping Jiminez get out of the vehicle - then Jiminez ran from the scene.  A short foot pursuit began and Jiminez was shot about a block away. Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived. Jiminez was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. A gun was recovered at the scene but it wasn't made clear if Jiminez was armed. The OSBI says the investigation is on-going and the results will be turned over to the district attorney

 

Teen to Donate Hair to Cancer Victims

A Cement teenager wants to help children diagnosed with cancer. Cement FFA reporter Mark Sanders fills us in-

 

              

 

Sanders will let us know when Cash will have his hair cut.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.46 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $91.62.

Natural gas is $6.00 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,657 and silver is $18.65.

 

Obituary

Rebecca ‘Becky’ Chaney

Funeral service for ‘Becky’ Chaney, 67, formerly of Chickasha will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Oct. 17th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

OSBI Investigates Officer-Involving Shooting in Anadarko

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has been called in to investigate an officer-involved shooting in Anadarko. Very little is known about what happened but our partners at KWTV News 9 report that one person was taken to the hospital. It wasn't known how seriously the individual was injured. Two officers were reportedly involved and they were not hurt. Witnesses say the shootout took place in the street in the 300 block of West Texas.

 

Chix Officials to Consider Engineering Contract

for Upgrades to Water Distribution System

The Chickasha City Council will consider entering into a contract with Chisholm Trail Consulting for an engineering project for improvements to the city’s water distribution system. The discussion will take place during the Chickasha Municipal Authority portion of tonight’s city council meeting. The area being considered for the upgrades include from 2nd Street to Shepherd Street and from Alabama Avenue to Missouri Avenue; Virginia Avenue from Shepherd Street to Henderson Street; and constructing water mains in the 300 block of Missouri Avenue.

Lake Chickasha Oil and Gas Leases to be Discussed

The council will consider approving oil and gas leases on thousands of acres of land owned by the city at Lake Chickasha. The proposed leases with Dutton Resources include 10 sites ranging from 80 acres to 620 acres.

Bullet-proof Vests; Downtown Holiday Decorating also on the Agenda

The panel will also consider accepting a bullet-proof vest partnership grant of more than $4,000 from the Office of Justice program; a request from the Chickasha Area Arts Council to decorate the pocket park at 6th and Chickasha Avenue for the upcoming holiday season; and a similar request from Masonic Lodge No. 94 to decorate the lot at the southwest corner of 6th and Chickasha Avenue for the holidays. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Two County School Districts Receive Federal Grants

A couple of Grady County School districts have received some large grants from the U.S. Department of Justice. Chickasha and Ninnekah school districts have both received $500,000 grants to be used for violence protection programs. The districts were among seven Oklahoma school districts to receive the grants from what's known as the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). Nearly $72 million in grants were distributed nationwide.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.61 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $91.93.

Natural gas is $6.45 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,662 and silver is $18.51.

 

Obituaries

Delbert Akins

Funeral service for Delbert Akins, 81, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18th at Northside Church of Christ. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Colby Rogers

A viewing for Colby Rogers, 45, of Chickasha will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18th at Ferguson Funeral Home. The family will also hold a visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. that afternoon.

Bill Furra

Funeral service for Bill Furra, 70, formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Saturday, Oct. 15th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

 

Truck Driver Hospitalized Following Crash

A Blanchard truck driver is hospitalized after his big rig hit a car then ran off the road and overturned. 71-year old Lewis McConnell was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital with head, arm, and leg injuries and was last in stable condition. The accident happened just before 3:00 p.m. Friday on State Highway 17 about 4 ½ miles west of Rush Springs. The highway patrol reports that McConnell was eastbound on the highway when a car pulled out in front him from a private drive. McConnell hit the car, ran off the highway, and the semi rolled onto its driver's side. McConnell was pinned in the cab for more than an hour and a half. The driver of the car, 68-year old Kathy Christian of Marlow, was taken to a Duncan hospital in a private vehicle where she was treated and released. The roadway was closed for more than four hours after the crash.

 

Workers Dies After Strange Oilfield Site Accident

A bizarre accident at an oilfield site near Dibble claimed the life of man last weekend. KWTV News 9 cites McClain County officials as saying the accident occurred south of Dibble near State Highway 76 and what is known as Peanut Road. Authorities said the man was standing near a load of unknown materials. The rigging on the load broke causing the materials to fall on the victim and trapping him underneath. It was the second oilfield related fatality in the area in less than a week. 20-year old Tanner Snider of Alex died in an oilfield accident west of Ninnekah just a few days before.

 

Teen Killed in Traffic Accident Memorialized at Football Games

A high school football player who died in a traffic accident is remembered as a gentle giant. 17-year old Tristan Manning of Lindsay died last Sunday when he hit an oncoming semi that was attempting to turn in front of him. He was a junior at Lindsay high school and died just a few days before his 18th birthday. Manning played both football and basketball for Lindsay and also excelled in the classroom. The Lindsay football team had a huge game scheduled with Washington this week and the team and school officials decided to play the game because that's what Tristan would have wanted. At least one other area football game held a moment of silence to honor Tristan. The Blanchard Lions recognized him Thursday night before their game with Classen SAS.

 

ARPA Funds to Help Upgrades at State's Air and Space Port

A state senator is looking to better utilize the Clinton-Sherman Industrial Park in western Oklahoma. Sen. Darcy Jech (R-Kingfisher) says some ARPA funds are being directed to the site which is  also known as the Oklahoma Air and Space Port. Jech says the runway is the longest and widest in the country which is ideal for military and civilian use. Two U.S. Air Force bases use it for flight training and the highway patrol has driver training there. There are three water wells on site that provide water to the area and a waste water treatment facility all in need of upgrades. The funds will help offset the cost of maintaining the concrete runway and allow for renovations to buildings and hangars. Jech says the ultimate hope is that commercial businesses take interest in the park.

 

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Friday, Oct. 14th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Another Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested

Grady County's Drug Enforcement Administration officer makes another drug trafficking arrest.  Authorities arrested 43-year old Lacey Nicole Montgomery this week. Deputy Jim Peek with the Grady County Sheriff's office arrested Montgomery early Thursday morning. A press release from the sheriff's office indicates that authorities were dispatched to the U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 19 junction late Wednesday regarding an individual who allegedly overdosed after taking a counterfeit painkiller laced with fentanyl. First responders had given the victim Narcan and took her to the hospital. The victim told investigators that she allegedly purchased the pills from Montgomery. Peek and Ninnekah police went to Montgomery's home where she was arrested. The victim also claimed she had been buying fentanyl-laced pills from Ronnie Null who was arrested earlier in the week in connection with a previous investigation. Montgomery has already served time for previous arrest. She was arrested and charged for distribution in 2016 and pleaded guilty in 2018. Court records show she was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 10 years suspended but it wasn't clear when she was released. Montgomery is facing new charges of trafficking and distribution. She remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of a $300,000 bond.

 

Supect Arrested Following Child Porn Investigation

A child porn investigation leads to the arrest of a Chickasha man. 21-year old Zachary Quaid Wikel was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon. A probable cause affidavit indicates that in August of last year, the OSBI received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about an individual who was downloading child pornography from the Internet. The affidavit indicates the FBI also was investigating child porn allegations against Wikel. Investigators traced the illicit material to Wikel's IP address. Authorities asked that Wikel be charged with two counts each of possession and distribution of child porn. At his initial appearance in Grady County District Court yesterday prosecutors charged Wikel with just one count of having the graphic material. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

 

Officials Close Attic to Grady County Courthouse

Officials at the Grady County Courthouse have closed the attic of the building to the general public due to safety concerns. County commissioners this week approved the recommendation to close the attic by county safety director Bobby Cantu. The Express-Star reports that Cantu said the attic has become hazardous due to the clutter, taped-up wires everywhere, low ceilings, and running water and gas pipes. Plus, the records are inaccessible for people who are unable to navigate the area. Cantu suggested that public records that are currently in the attic be moved to a safer location for the public and county employees. Cantu suggests that many of the paper documents could be digitized to minimize storage overall.

 

State Rep Appointed to National Education Panel

State Representative Dick Lowe has been named to a national education group. The Amber Republican will serve with a group known as the Education Commission of the States. It is an agency that brings together policymakers across the country to create more effective education policy. Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Lowe to the panel. In a prepared statement, Lowe said it's vitally important that we have well-researched policies in place to help Oklahoma children succeed and he looks forward to serving in his new role. Lowe is the vice chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education and also serves on the House Common Education, and the Higher Education and Career Tech committees.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.11 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $94.57.

Natural gas is $6.74 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,661 and silver is $18.73.

 

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Thursday, Oct. 13th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

OSBI Investigates Body Found in Rural Grady County

Agents with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Iinvestigation (OSBI) have been called in to look into the report of a body found in a vehicle near Cement. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess said the sheriff's office got a call Wednesday morning about an SUV found in a field on County Street 2780 south of U.S. Highway 277 east of Cement. A body inside the Honda Oddyssey was in an advanced stage of decomposition. The state medical examiner was called in but there was no immediate word on how the individual may have died. Boggess said authorities are looking into the possibility that the body may be linked to a missing persons case out of Pottawatomie County. An individual was reported missing from that area in early September.

 

PSO Begins Street Light Replacement Project

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) in the process of replacing all the street lights in the communities the utility serves. Spokesman Tim Hushbeck says crews will be changing out the lights in Chickasha early next year.

 

              

 

Hushbeck said there are more than 1,100 street lights in Chickasha. They'll be switching to LED lights which are brighter, use less energy, and are more durable.

 

Chix Fire Chief Completes Leadership Training

Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego recently completed an extensive training program for fire chiefs. Samaniego attended the Oklahoma Executive Fire Official Leadership program. Samaniego said about 25 fire chiefs completed the 160 hours of training using curriculum from the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute. It was developed to bring the concepts of leadership and ethics to the forefront of an individual’s career. Topics included Ethics and the Challenge of Leadership, Ethical Leadership in Organizations, and Development of a Personal Philosophy of Leadership and Ethics. The program took place over several months.

 

Antique Auto Club's Fall Swap Meet Underway

Chickasha's population will grow exponentially over the next few days as the fall swap meet hosted by the Chickasha Antique Auto Club is underway. Organizers say it’s the largest swap meet of its kind in the state. It brings together antique auto enthusiasts not only from across the country but around the world – many of whom are looking for hard-to-find parts to use in their restoration projects. Even fully restored vehicles will be featured and perhaps find a new home. It's for all transportation related items, including muscle cars, street rods, and special interest vehicles. The swap meet runs through Saturday. It's held at the auto club's 35-acre site next to the Grady County Fairgrounds and there are vendors at the fairgrounds as well. Admission is free. Paid parking benefits local charities.

 

USAO to Hold Technology Workshop for Girls

5th and 6th grade girls in the region will have an opportunity to perform science experiments and take part in other hands-on engineering projects. USAO will be hosting its annual Women in Science and Technology workshop. Led by Dr. Jeanette Loutsch, the students will have seven different work stations featuring projects in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. All the instructors are women as they work to encourage students to consider a non-traditional career. There is a $5 registration fee and while snacks will be provided throughout the day, students should bring a sack lunch. The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 5th starting at 8 a.m. Space is limited so advance registration is requested although walk-ins will be welcome. Register on line at usao.edu/wts

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.27 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $92.45.

Natural gas is $6.43 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,682 and silver is $19.14.

 

Obituary

Earl ‘Skip’ Caldwell

A graveside service for Earl ‘Skip’ Caldwell, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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Wednesday, Oct. 12th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, McClain, Cleveland, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Three Suspects Arrested for Alleged Drug Distribution

(EDITOR'S NOTE - This story has been updated from the story that aired on the 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. news)

We have an update to a story we first aired this morning about the arrests of suspects for alleged drug distribution. Authorities arrested three people Monday afternoon on drug complaints. A probable cause affidavit indicates that Lt. Jim Peek with the Grady County Sheriff's Office, who is assigned as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration, made contact with a confidential informant to purchase counterfeit painkillers laced with fentanyl. The informant arranged a purchase in a residential area not far from Washita Valley Park. Following the buy, officers pulled over a vehicle the suspects were in and made the arrests. Arrested were 38-year old Lana Marie Kiplinger, 42-year old Ronnie Dean Null, and 26-year old Brandon Lee Freeman, all of  Chickasha. Kiplinger and Null have both been charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS within 2,000 feet of a park. Kiplinger is also charged with having contraband in jail. Freeman has been charged with endeavoring and conspiring to deliver or manufacture CDS. Kiplinger and Freeman are both being held in the Grady County Jail on $250,000 bond each. Null is being held on a $50,000 bond.

 

Sheriff's Office Employee Earns State Honor

A long-time employee of the Grady County Sheriff's Office receives a state award. Sabra Martin was named the Administrative Assistant of the Year at the recent Oklahoma Sheriff's Association annual banquet. A post on the Grady County Sheriff's Office Facebook page says she has a lot of different duties and is a vital asset to the day-to-day operations of the office.

 

Duncan Author to Headline Historical Society Event

A regional author will again headline the annual Grady County Historical Society annual meeting and banquet. Duncan author and historian John Dwyer is back to discuss his newest book. The annual meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 7th at 6:30 at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Reservations are needed by Tuesday, Nov. 1st. For information, contact Pat Cunningham at the Grady County Historical Society Museum in Downtown Chickasha.

 

GMH Foundation Schedules Golf Scramble Benefit

The Grady Memorial Hospital Foundation is getting ready for its annual benefit golf scramble. The event will be held at the Chickasha Golf and Country Club on Friday, Oct. 21st. There are morning and afternoon flights available. Entry is $125 per player and there are several levels of sponsorship. The foundation is a non-profit group separate from hospital operations and relies on the generosity of donors to assist the medical services and programs at Grady Memorial. Entry fees and corporation sponsorships are all tax deductible. For information contact Amber at 405-779-2266.

 

Entries Sought for Blanchard's 'Blowin' Smoke Cook-off'

Calling all competitive barbecuers. The 4th annual Blowin' Smoke Cook-off will be held in Blanchard. The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 22nd at Lion's Park. $800 in prize money will be awarded to the top barbecue cookers with $500 going to the first place team. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, Oct. 19th. Entry fee is $150 per two-person team and teams should contact the Blanchard Chamber of Commerce to sign up. The day gets started at 2:30 with a cornhole tournament, plus there will be live music and a beer garden. Individuals can purchase a wristband to sample the barbecue. The wristbands will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids and you can vote for your favorite. The judging starts at 3:30 p.m. and the tasting will start at 4:30 p.m.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $89.35 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $94.29.

Natural gas is $6.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,676 and silver is $19.21.

 

Obituaries

Gene Melies

A graveside service for Gene Melies, 68, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14^th at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Terry Bogle

Funeral service for Terry Bogle, 60, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14th at First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Donna Metcalf

No service is scheduled for Donna Metcalf, 75, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, Oct. 11th

(Burn bans remain in effect in Grady, Garvin, Stephens, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Grady County Burn Ban Extended

A burn ban in Grady County has been continued. County Commissioners this morning approved extending the burn ban through next Tuesday, Oct. 18^th. While afternoon highs have been in the 60s, 70s, and low 80s the last several days and there has some rain showers, much of the region has received less than one-half inch of rain. Officials in one nearby county allowed a burn ban to expire. Burn bans are also still in effect for Garvin Stephens, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties. For a map of all Oklahoma counties under burn bans go to:

www.okforestry.maps.arcgis.com

 

OSBI Seeks Info on Anadarko Cold Case

The OSBI is seeking information regarding a cold case out of Anadarko. Ruth Lucille Lee, 31, suffered a violent death more than 50 years ago. The agency posted on its Facebook page that Lee's body was discovered in her apartment on September 25th, 1972. She had been stabbed and strangled to death. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSBI. Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to: www.osbi.ok.gov or by calling 800-522-8017.

 

Suspect Accused of Embezzling from Former Employer

A Chickasha man is accused of embezzling from his former employer. An arrest warrant for 20-year old Elijah Wayland was issued Sept. 28th and Grady County deputies picked him up last week. A probable cause affidavit shows that officials with the E-Z Go Convenience Store on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike allege that Wayland embezzled thousands of dollars from the store between October and December of last year. Store officials had video surveillance that allegedly show Wayland taking money out the safe drop box and several registers. Wayland is facing a felony charge of embezzlement and he remains in the Grady County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

 

Public Hearing Set for Chix Land Development Code

The Chickasha Planning Commission will hold a public hearing today to discuss a Land Development Code. The code is designed to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of residents and to bring about coordinated and economic development of the city. The Planning Commission meets at 4 o'clock this afternoon at City Hall.

City Council to Discuss Land Development Code;

Consider Recognizing 1930s Lynching Victim

After the planning commission's public hearing on the Land Development Code the draft will be considered during a special work session of the city council tonight. The city council will meet at 6 o'clock at city hall. The council will also discuss a proposed resolution commemorating the life of Henry Argo. Argo was reportedly killed in the last known lynching in Oklahoma in May of 1930 which took place in Chickasha. Argo - who was black - was accused of an attack against a white woman and her child. No one was ever arrested for Argo’s murder.

 

ODOT Seeks Comment on Goldsby Project

The State Department of Transportation is seeking input on a proposal to replace the State Highway 74 bridge at I-35 in Goldsby. Initial plans are to widen I-35 to six lanes and bring the interchange up to current standards. A virtual open house - which includes short videos that detail some of the design options - is available on ODOT's website. Go to:

www.odot.org/SH74Goldsby

The deadline to submit public comments is Monday, Oct. 31st.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $91.13 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $96.18.

Natural gas is $6.43 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,668 and silver is $19.25.

 

Obituary

Bettie Jo Higgins

A memorial service for Bettie Jo Higgins, 90, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Oct. 10th

(Burn bans remain in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Teenager Dies in Crash with Semi

A Lindsay teenager has died after the SUV he was driving hit a semi. The accident happened on State Highway 76 about a mile south of Lindsay just after 2:00 p.m. Sunday. The unidentified 17-year old was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was pronounced dead. The highway patrol reports that the teen was northbound on the highway when a southbound semi attempted to turn onto a county road. The teen hit the semi head on. The driver of the semi, 52-year old Travis Christensen and a passenger, 37-year old Keisha Nitz, both of Washington, OK were not injured. The highway patrol is still investigating the fatal crash.

 

Motorcycle Crashes Injure Riders;

Two Accidents Involved Animals

There have been three motorcycle accidents in the region over the last few days and two of them involved animals. Sunday afternoon, a  motorcycle hit a cow on  State Highway 39 west of Dibble. 32-year old Jesse Foster of Oklahoma City was westbound on the highway about four miles west of the Dibble Crossroads when he hit the animal. Foster was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital by Chickasha EMS where he was admitted in fair condition with head, arm, leg, and trunk injuries. He was wearing his helmet. Last Thursday, 48-year old Glendon Smith of Marlow hit a deer on a county road west of Marlow. He was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and was last in critical condition. Saturday night, a motorcycle rider crashed when he failed to go around a curve in the east part of Chickasha near Jungle Ice Fun Zone. Chickasha police are still investigating that crash. The unidentified driver was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital and authorities say he was last in critical condition.

 

Woman Jailed Again in Connection with Neglect Case

Officials want to revoke the probation of a woman who pleaded guilty to neglecting her elderly father. A warrant was issued last week for the arrest of 50-year old Kristal June Lee. She was taken into custody last Thursday evening. Lee pleaded guilty in 2020 to a felony charge of neglect stemming from a 2019 case where she left her 80-year old father alone. He suffered from dementia. Lee was sentenced to seven years in prison with five years suspended. Lee remains in jail on a $20,000 bond.

 

Roof Repairs May Soon Begin on Some Chix Schools

Work on some of the first projects associated with the passage of the Chickasha Public Schools Safety and Security bond could get started soon. The Board of Education is expected to approve more than $4.7 million in roof repairs and replacements when the panel meets tonight. The group will discuss a proposed contract with Exterior Solutions Group of Edmond for the roofs on the high school, the middle school, and Lincoln School. The panel will also consider updating school policy for service animals for students and staff. Service animals can only be dogs that are certified as service animals, and not animals that may be considered emotional support or therapy animals. The panel is also to recognize the Chicken Express Employees of the Month. The certified employee is Lindsey Kemp and the support employee is Ashley Nitzinger both of Grand Elementary. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school district’s administration office. The meeting will be live-streamed on the school district's website through YouTube.

 

Chix City-Wide Clean-Up Campaign Underway

The City of Chickasha is beginning a week-long fall clean-up campaign today. The city, Waste Connections, and the Economic Development Council are combining efforts for the clean-up. Residents are encouraged to take bulky and unwanted items to the city's Public Works Department where there will be several large roll-off dumpsters. The site will be open extended hours throughout the week - from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. today through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. It doesn't cost anything to dispose of the items but residents will have to show a utility bill. Items that cannot be dropped off include tires, batteries, motor oil, hazardous chemicals and materials, pesticides, paint, and appliances with Freon. Limbs and brush are allowed although no contractors are allowed.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $92.64 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $97.92.

Natural gas is $6.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,688 and silver is $19.82.

 

Obituary

Alfretta Boardingham-Gill

A graveside service for Alfretta Boardingham-Gill, 77, of Oklahoma City and formerly of Anadarko and Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11th at Memory Lane Cemetery in Anadarko. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Saturday, Oct. 8th

(Burn bans in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Grammy-award Winning Recording Artist Jody Miller Dies

Jody Miller, whose singing career spanned six decades and earned her a Grammy Award has died.  Miller, who lived in Blanchard for many years, was 80-years old when she passed away Thursday. Her record label says she died after a battle with Parkinson's disease. Miller's singing career took off after a meeting with actor Dale Robertson who was also an Oklahoma native. Miller was best-known for her 1965 song Queen of the House, an answer to fellow-Oklahoma recording artist Roger Miller's King of the Road. (The two are not related). She was nominated for a Grammy for Queen of the House and the song was named Best Country Vocal Performance. She toured with the Beach Boys and performed alongside the Rolling Stones. Glen Campbell and Leon Russell helped with several of her records. Over the last 30 years she was a Christian recording artist. In 2016, Gov. Mary Fallin declared June 29th as Jody Miller Day in Oklahoma. Funeral service for Jody Miller will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11th at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Blanchard. Memorial contributions may be made in Jody's name to the church or to the Blanchard High School band and music programs.

 

CHS Head Football Coach Resigns

Chickasha High School head football coach Eric Gibson has resigned. Superintendent Rick Croslin confirmed with KOOL/RANCH News that Gibson's resignation from the district was effective Sept. 30th. Gibson was placed on administrative leave last month after some unspecified complaints were made about Gibson's actions. An official statement from the district indicated that Gibson was placed on paid administrative leave for ‘poor judgement pertaining to interactions and word choices’. Officials did not elaborate on what that meant. Gibson had only spent six months as the head football coach. He was hired in March after previous head coach Jerry Don Bray stepped down to focus solely on his athletic director duties. Gibson coached only two games - the season opening win over El Reno and a loss to Marlow. Ross Carter, who was named interim head coach after Gibson's suspension, will remain as interim head coach for the rest of the season. Gibson's resignation is expected to be formally approved by the school board when the panel meets Monday night.

 

Illegal Marijuana Confiscated by Verden Police

Verden police confiscated about $150,000 worth of illicit marijuana in a traffic stop. A post on the police department's Facebook page indicates that Capt. Matt Perry made a traffic stop in a school zone and upon searching the vehicle he found about 34 pounds of illegal marijuana buds which were believed to have been headed out of state. The driver was arrested and taken to the Grady County Jail on a complaint of illegal trafficking but he was released after prosecutors opted to not file charges at this time.

 

Bids to Replace Old Sewer Line Higher than Estimated

Chickasha city officials will consider rejecting all bids received to replace a sewer line just west of downtown Chickasha. In special meetings of the Chickasha City Council and the city's Muncipal Authority meeting Monday night, engineers are recommending that all bids be rejected as they are over the estimated cost of replacement. The engineering estimate is about $163,000. The lowest of the two bids submitted was nearly $285,000 and the highest was more than $460,000. The sewer line targeted for replacement is near the intersection of U.S. Highway 62 and 16th Street (16^th and Choctaw). It's for nearly 300 linear feet of 12-inch diameter sewer line inside a 20-inch diameter steel casing to go underneath the highway. The engineer says the work is needed to remedy an on-going situation in which the existing sewer line has failed and the city has been compelled to use a bypass pump for an extended period of time. The council will also consider approving a request from Camino Natural Resources to drill a couple of wells in the city limits. The proposed well site is just east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 62 and H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The council is also expected to issue a truck route to keep big trucks headed to and from the site off the city's main roads. The meeting is slated to start at 6:00 p.m. Monday at city hall.

 

Football Scores

Chickasha 23, Woodward 0

Blanchard 30, Tuttle 28

Perkins-Tryon 34, Anadarko 20

Newcastle 68, Bridge Creek 0

Christian Heritage Academy 28, Minco 7

Dibble 44, Elmore City 6

Rush Springs 20, Wayne 16

Apache 44, Cordell 0

Snyder 28, Carnegie 16

Marlow 27, Dickson 0

Central High 60, Alex 22

Velma-Alma 50, Cyril 0

Grandfield 46, Bray-Doyle 0

Lindsay 44, Little Axe 0 (Thursday)

 

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Friday, Oct. 7th

(Burn bans in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Oilfield Accident Claims Life of 20-year Old

A tragic oilfield accident claimed the life of a young Grady County man. 20-year old Tanner Snider of Alex died in the accident that happened south of Chickasha Wednesday afternoon. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess said the accident happened at Cactus Rig No. 154 just west of the U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 19 junction. Boggess said crews were pulling a pipe out of the ground when a joint broke and the pipe hit Snider in the face and killed him instantly. There has been an outpouring of love and support on social media for Tanner's family and friends. He had just proposed to his fiancee a couple of weeks ago, and posts say that he was a cowboy and learning how to play the guitar.

 

Biker Critical After Collision with Deer

A motorcycle rider is in critical condition after he hit a deer. 48-year old Glendon Smith of Marlow was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head and leg injuries. The accident happened about a mile west of Marlow on a county road just after 9:00 p.m. Thursday. Smith was not wearing a helmet.

 

Suspect Jailed in Baseball Bat-Attack

One man is in jail and another is recovering from injuries after he was allegedly hit in the head with a baseball bat. Chickasha police were called to the Castle Inn late Monday evening. A probable cause affidavit indicates the two men got into an argument and the suspect hit the victim in the body with the bat twice and once above his right eye. The victim was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he received seven stitches. Police arrested 20-year old Randall Alen Leitner who was listed as homeless on the affidavit although on-line court records show him to be from Noble. Leitner has been formally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and remains in the Grady County jail on a $15,000 bond.

 

Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested

A Rush Springs man is in custody for the alleged rape and sexual assault of a woman. 51-year old Keith Robert Gregg was arrested by a Grady County sheriff's deputy earlier this week. Authorities were called a rural home near Cox City early Tuesday morning where the 19-year old victim alleged that Gregg assaulted her at his home. The woman made the call from a neighbor’s residence. A probable cause affidavit indicates the victim and Gregg had both been drinking and the victim claimed he made inappropriate and unwelcome advances. The victim was taken to a shelter in Chickasha for assistance. Authorities went to Gregg’s home later Tuesday to interview him. The affidavit indicates that Gregg admitted to some of the allegations. Prosecutors have formally charged Gregg with rape, sexual battery, and providing alcohol to a person under 21 years old. He remains in the county jail on a $100,000 bond.

 

USAO Names Employee of the Year

A custodian at USAO is recognized for her work. Angela Kinzinger was named the university's employee of the year for 2022. Kinzinger has been with USAO for five years and is part of the physical plant operations which oversees groundskeeping, building maintenance, motor pool, and carpentry. President John Feaver says her record of service shows how deserving she is of the award and is proud to count her as part of the university's dedicated staff.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $88.45 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $94.42.

Natural gas is $6.92 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,716 and silver is $20.76.

 

Talk Show Topic

Jim Cowan with the Chickasha Economic Development Council is this week's guest on the KOOL Konversation. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Thursday, Oct. 6th

(Burn bans in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Tractor Driver Critical After Being Hit by Truck

A tractor driver remains in critical condition after a pickup crashed into him. 60-year old Donnie Rogers of Oklahoma City was taken by Chickasha EMS to an Oklahoma City hospital after the crash yesterday morning. The accident happened about 9 a.m. on U.S. Highway near Old Fred Road in Ninnekah. The highway patrol reported that Rogers was driving a John Deere tractor northbound on the highway. Trailing behind was a Ford F350 pickup driven by 35-year old Justin Henington of Rush Springs. The trooper's report indicates that Henington became distracted and failed to slow down. Henington swerved to try and avoid a collision but was unable to do so. Rogers was ejected from the tractor and suffered head, trunk, and internal injuries. Henington refused treatment at the scene. The accident closed both northbound lanes of U.S Highway 81 for nearly 3 1/2 hours.

 

Businesses Evacuated After Crew Ruptures Natural Gas Line

Several businesses near downtown Chickasha had to be evacuated yesterday after a construction crew hit a natural gas pipeline. It happened just before 11:00 a.m. Wednesday. Crews were digging behind the Wing T's store at 8th and Chickasha Avenue when they ruptured the pipeline. That's right across the street from the YMCA. The Chickasha Fire Department arrived and went door-to-door to evacuate about a one-square block area. Summit Energy workers were summoned to turn off the gas to the pipeline and make repairs. The businesses were allowed to re-open around 1 o'clock.

 

State Lawmakers Approve ARPA Projects

State lawmakers approved spending more than $1.4 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. During a special session last week officials authorized funding for about 50 projects out of some 1,400 requests. Most of the funding is geared toward improving mental health services, infrastructure upgrades, and putting a priority on projects that will improve economic development offerings. State Representative Brad Boles discusses another critical area that will share the funds-

 

              

 

The funding proposals now go to Gov. Kevin Stitt for his consideration.

 

Retired Educators to Host Candidate Forum

Retired educators in Grady, Caddo, and Kiowa counties are combining efforts to hold a forum for candidates who are on the ballot for the Nov. 8th mid-term election. Among the confirmed candidates are Jena Nelson, the Democratic candidate for state school superintendent and state Labor Commissioner, Republican Leslie Osborn. The forum will be held Monday Oct. 10th at the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center. There will be a meet-and-greet with candidates starting at 4:30 and the forum will begin at 5:30.

 

Anadarko Library Offers Adult Basic Education Class

The Anadarko Public Library is now offering weekly Adult Basic Education classes. The programs are free and open to the public each Monday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The class is being conducted by the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center. For information, contact the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $87.76 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $93.37.

Natural gas is $6.93 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,724 and silver is $20.60.

 

Obituaries

Alfretta Boardingham-Gill

Funeral service for Alfretta Boardingham-Gill, 77, formerly of Anadarko is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Helen Handke

Funeral service for Helen Handke, 94, of the Verden and Lake Chickasha area will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8th at the First Baptist Church of Verden. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Wednesday, Oct. 5th

(Burn bans are in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

 

High Bond Set for Child Sexual Assault Suspect

A Grady County judge set a high bond for a Chickasha area man facing nearly a dozen charges of child rape and sexual assault. 61-year old Bryan Shaun Lile remains in the Grady County in lieu of a $500,000 bond. Lile was arraigned on 11 felonies in Grady County District Court yesterday. Grady County deputies were summoned to a home near Pocasset on Sept. 3rd where it is alleged that Lile was showing a 10-year old girl pornography and X-rated pictures on his phone. On Sept. 13th, investigators took the child to the Mary Abbott House in Norman for a forensic interview and she alleged there were 10 occasions when she was assaulted. Lile is facing one count of rape and several counts of lewd acts with a child. He's to be back in court next Tuesday to announce his attorney with a preliminary hearing conference set next Wednesday.

 

Farmers Can Now Apply for Drought Relief Funds

Agriculture producers can now begin applying for drought relief approved by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission this week. Each county will have $33,000 to distribute. Producers are eligible for up to $7,500 in drought relief which is part of an 80-20 match. Producers have until December 2nd to fill out the applications with their local conservation districts. In Grady County, the office is at 9th and Choctaw in Chickasha. There are three offices in Caddo County - the South Caddo Conservation District in Anadarko; the West Caddo Conservation District in Ft. Cobb; and the North Caddo Conservation District in Hinton.

 

Crews Demolish Former Restaurant

to Make Way for New Convenience Store

Demolition has begun on a former Chickasha restaurant to make way for a new convenience store. Crews spent much of yesterday at the former Fisherman's Seafood and Bar in the 500 block of Grand Avenue. The City of Chickasha recently vacated the easements in the alley just north of Grand Avenue to make room for a new Roasters' Market Convenience Store and coffee shop. It will be the second location for Lawson Retail Properties. Mike Lawson said their first location opened in Ada two years ago.

 

Chickasha Schedules Fall Clean-up Days

Chickasha officials are combining efforts for a community-wide fall clean-up campaign. The City of Chickasha and The Economic Development Council will provide an area for residents to take their unwanted items and debris. This is similar to the spring clean-up campaign however, instead of several roll-off dumpsters located throughout the city there will be just one location. They will be at the city's Public Works Department which is north of the animal shelter on Genevieve Street. The dumpsters will be available all next week - Monday, Oct. 10th through Friday, Oct. 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You will have to show a copy of your Chickasha water bill. Items which cannot be placed in the dumpsters include hazardous waste, pesticides, Freon, paint, motor oil, batteries and tires.

 

Voter Registration Deadline Looms for Nov. 8th Election

The mid-term elections are about a month away and that means the deadline to register to vote Tuesday, Nov. 8th is coming up. Election board officials say individuals who have never registered to vote and want to cast ballots have until next Friday, Oct. 14th to do complete registration. Voters who may need to update their registration because of a name change or a new address are also encouraged to update their registration. Also, registered voters who would like an absentee ballot mailed to them have until Monday, Oct. 24th to apply. You can register to vote at your local county election board or go to the state election board website and use the voter portal. The website is: www.oklahoma.gov/elections

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $86.52 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $91.80.

Natural gas is $6.83 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,714 and silver is $20.46.

 

Obituaries

Anna Edens

A graveside service for Anna Edens, 85, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8th at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Anita Hood

A graveside service for Anita Hood, 86, of Oklahoma City and formerly of Cement will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10th at the Cement Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, Oct. 4th

(Burn bans are in effect for Grady, Stephens, Garvin, Canadian, and Oklahoma counties)

 

Suspect Arrested for Child Sex Crimes

A Chickasha man is in the Grady County Jail facing nearly a dozen charges of sex crimes against children. Grady County deputies arrested 61-year old Brian Shaun Lile yesterday afternoon. On-line court records indicate that a warrant was issued for Liles’ arrest on Sept. 22nd. The warrant was for one count of rape by instrumentation to a child under 12 years old. He's facing 10 other charges which include performing lewd acts to children and in front of children under 12 years old. Lile is expected to have his initial appearance on the charges in Grady County District Court today.

 

City of Chickasha to Sell Vacant City-Owned Lots

A number of vacant or un-used lots owned by the City of Chickasha are going to be sold. Last night the city council approved selling the lots, many of which are large enough to build single-family homes, with a couple of the lots large enough to build duplexes. Parks and  Recreation Director Spencer Wizenried says some of the lots are in the flood plain and would have to be built up out of the flood plain before construction could begin. He said city crews currently mow all of the sites and that takes time away from other projects. Details of the lots are available at city hall. Officials will be taking sealed bids on the properties in the near future.

 

Pursuit Suspect Faces Eluding, Weapons Charges

The man arrested by Apache police over the weekend after leading authorities on a high-speed chase has been formally charged with two felonies in Caddo County District Court. Brett Allen Howard of Oracle, AZ is charged with eluding or attempting to elude and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Howard was arrested Saturday - two days after eluding police in a chase that topped 110 miles per hour. Authorities found a number of rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition in his vehicle. Howard remains in the Caddo County jail on a $20,000 bond.

 

Some Drought Relief Approved for Ag Producers

The Oklahoma Conservation Commission will be sending out more than $2.5 million in emergency drought relief to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers. Each of the state's 77 counties will have $33,000 to distribute. These will be cost-share funds that will be available at an 80-20 match. The maximum funds for each producer will be $7,500. State Representative Dick Lowe (R-Amber) said the funds will be distributed by county conservation districts. The staff of the county conservation districts will attend training on the program today. Producers can reach out to their local districts starting tomorrow and producers will have until Dec. 2nd to apply.

 

Food Truck Championship Winners Announced

We have the winners of the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship which drew thousands of people to Chickasha last weekend. The overall winner was Mindy Mae's Fat Stacks which was the winner of the Savory Category. Creek Bottom Burgers of Verden was the second-place finisher in that division. The Sweet Division winner was Metro Minis with Scotty's Treats the runner-up. The Most Creative food truck was Some Like it Tot, and the fan favorite was Afonsno's Smoked Barbecue.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.63 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $88.86.

Natural gas is $6.47 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,717 and silver is $20.94.

 

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Monday, Oct. 3rd

(Burn bans are in effect in Grady and Garvin counties)

 

Pedestrian Killed in Caddo County Accident

An Anadarko man died this past weekend after being hit by an SUV. 58-year old Charles Tustison of Anadarko was walking in the area of 38105 CS 2650 about two miles south of Anadarko just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Highway Patrol reports that Tustison was struck by an SUV driven by 37-year old Leah Kaulity also of Anadarko. Kaulity and two children in the SUV with her were not hurt.

 

Grady County Truck Driver Involved in Fatal Crash

The highway patrol continues to investigate a deadly crash that occurred over the weekend involving a Grady County truck driver. The accident took place about 10:00 a.m. Saturday near Coalgate in southeast Oklahoma. The highway patrol reports that a semi driven by 53-year old Russell Dyer of Alex was southbound on a county road and went left-of-center while attempting to turn onto a state highway. The semi was hit by a pickup driven by 78-year old Martin Brown of Coalgate who died of his injuries. Dyer was not injured.

 

Chix City Council to Consider Declaring

Some City-Owned Property as Surplus

Chickasha city officials will consider declaring a number of city-owned lots as surplus and authorize the sale of those properties. During tonight's city council meeting, the panel will consider locations at 1103 N. 11th; 2111 Dakota; 1407 S. 1st; 923 Minnesota; a parcel of land in the Kenwood addition; and 1007 N. 9th as surplus. Only the surface rights will be sold. If approved, the city will accept sealed bids on those properties with a time and date to be published by a legal publication.

Signal Light Repair Project to be Discussed

The council is also to consider spending about $60,000 to repair the signal lights at 9th and Grand which were damaged in recent traffic accident. The panel is expected to award the project to Traffic Signals, Inc.

Public Hearing to be Held for Use-on-Review Permit

The panel is also to hold a public hearing regarding a proposed use-on-review permit for Josh Woods on property in the 1800 block of West Grand and to consider requests from the Chamber of Commerce. One of them is to hold the annual Neewollah Festival for Halloween on Monday, Oct. 31st; and the  other is to close a portion of Chickasha Avenue the evening of Saturday, Nov. 5th for the grand opening of the first phase of the new park being built next to the Rock Island Railroad Depot. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Caddo County Pursuit Suspect Arrested

A man who initially managed to elude Caddo County authorities after a high-speed pursuit was eventually arrested - and he was found to have weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition in his vehicle. On Thursday, September 29th Apache police were dispatched to the town's sports complex to investigate a verbal disturbance. KSWO-TV reports that the suspect led authorities on a chase at speeds that topped 110 miles per hour and he managed to get away. However, the suspect returned to Apache on Saturday and authorities arrested 53-year old Brett Howard of Arizona on a complaint of felony eluding. In a routine search of Howard's vehicle authorities found several rifles and an estimated 4,000 rounds of ammunition.

 

Drought Relief for Ag Producers Nears

State agriculture producers are a little closer to getting some drought relief. The Oklahoma Emergency Drought Commission met last Friday and authorized a program proposed by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to distribute $3 million to help producers.

 

              

 

That’s K.C. Shephard with the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.49 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.96.

Natural gas is $6.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,672 and silver is $19.36.

 

Obituaries

Roger Ziegenfuss

Funeral service for Roger Ziegenfuss, 82, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7th at Bible Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Army reserves. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Saturday, Oct. 1st

(Burn bans are in effect in Grady and Garvin counties)

 

Suspects Arrested for Alleged Drug Trafficking

Grady County authorities continue their efforts to rid the streets of illegal pain-killing drugs laced with deadly fentanyl. Deputies arrested two people for alleged drug trafficking after finding an individual wanted for not showing up in court. It happened Tuesday, Sept. 27^th when authorities went to the Maverick Inn. Authorities were looking for 29-year old Dustyn Rudder of Chickasha who was wanted for failure to appear following a previous arrest for domestic abuse in the presence of a minor. Authorities found Rudder and several other individuals in a room where illegal drugs were out in the open. Authorities seized more than 60 pills which tested positive for fentanyl, hydrocodone pills, Xanax bars, and more than 15 grams of methamphetamine. Authorities arrested Rudder on his outstanding warrant and also arrested 36-year old Cara Lihn Bromlow of Verden on a drug-related complaint. Both have been charged with a felony for aggravated drug trafficking and remain in the Grady County Jail on $250,000 bond each.

 

Body of Missing Man Found

The body of a missing Chickasha man was found in a cotton field just outside of town this week. Relatives reported Juan Mata as missing after he didn’t come home from work Tuesday night. His body was found southeast of Chickasha about 8:15 a.m. Wednesday. Grady County Undersheriff Gary Boggess said relatives indicated Mata suffered from a number of health issues and was supposed to see a doctor later that day. No foul play is suspected in connection with Mata’s death.

 

Lindsay-area Well has Good Production Numbers

A recently filed oil well completion report shows some good production at a site near Lindsay. The Yoshi Well five miles southwest of Lindsay was producing 2,000 barrels of oil-equivalent and more than 1,900 Mcf of natural gas per day. The well is in Section 5 of Township 3 North and 4 West in Garvin County. The spud date for the well in the Springer Formation was last December and it was drilled to a depth of more than 20,000 feet.

 

Talk Show Topic

State Representatives Dick Lowe (R-Amber) and Brad Boles (R-Marlow) are on our KOOL Konversation program discussing the $1.4 billion in ARPA funded projects that were approved this week by state lawmakers and the drought relief approved for farmers and ranchers. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituaries

Juan Mata

Funeral service for Juan Mata, 80, of Chickasha was held at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon (Saturday) at the First Baptist Church. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

Roger Ziegenfuss

Funeral service for Roger Ziegenfuss, 82, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7th at Bible Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Army reserves. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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Friday, Sept. 30th

(Burn bans are in effect in Grady and Garvin counties)

 

Consumer Spending 'Steady' in Grady County

A new report indicates that consumer spending has been fairly steady this year. It shows that more than $94 million was spent on taxable goods and services in the month of May. That was down a fraction from April and both are among the top months for spending at retail outlets in 2022. Consumer spending estimates are based the county sales tax revenue. The most recent report shows Grady County received about $707,000 in sales tax revenue in July (which was paid on retail purchases in the month of May). The county has a 3/4ths of a penny sales tax and the revenue generated is distributed to a number of programs which were all approved by county voters. The Grady County Fairgrounds received $236,000; Grady Memorial Hospital received nearly $209,000; county and municipal fire departments shared $118,000 so each one received about $9,000; seven senior nutrition centers shared $118,000 and each one received $17,000. Tuttle EMS received nearly $22,000; and Rush Springs EMS received $5,400.

 

State Group Meets to Distribute Emergency Drought Funds

The drought of 2022 has been hard on Oklahoma's farmers and ranchers. State lawmakers this week approved providing $20 million for drought relief for producers. One official said they saw the drought coming this past spring and at that time set aside $5 million to help but the drought is much worse than anticipated and its feared that the state could lose many family farms and ranches. Altogether, lawmakers plan to set aside $23 million to help producers who are at the breaking point. Gov. Kevin Stitt recently issued an emergency drought declaration which brought to life a long dormant group called the Emergency Drought Commission. That group will be meeting today to determine how some of the money will be spent.

 

Rock Island Arts Festival Headlines Weekend Activities

Thousands of visitors will be making their way to Chickasha over the next few days for one of the city’s busiest weekends of the year. Activities start today with the 14th annual Rock Island Arts Festival. 90 artisans and crafters will have items for sale; there's live music and entertainment; and children's activities each day through Sunday. Tomorrow morning is the 6th annual Rock Island Ride bicycle tour with some 300 riders expected. Also tomorrow morning is the Together We Heel (Heal) walk to end domestic violence for the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network. Also tomorrow is the 5th annual Oklahoma Food Truck Championship with some 30 food trucks lining Chickasha Avenue all competing for $10,000 in prize money.

 

JSW Spaghetti Day is Today

Spaghetti Day has arrived for a local group. This is the 57th year for the Chickasha Junior Social Workers (JSW) annual fundraiser. A year's worth of planning comes together for the event. Stephanie Adams is this year's chairwoman and says the three months before the event is when they really get busy.

 

              

 

All the proceeds from Spaghetti Day are distributed to local charities. There are two serving times with lunch from 11 to 2 and tonight from 5 to 7:30. It takes place at the Grady County Fairgrounds in the north exhibit building. Dine in or carryout is available.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.23.

London-based Brent crude is $88.49.

Natural gas is $6.87 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,674 and silver is $18.95.

 

Obituary

Lahoma Spurlin

Funeral service for Lahoma Spurlin, 89, of Chickasha will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Thursday, Sept. 29th

(Burn bans are in effect in Grady and Garvin counties)

 

Grady County Burn Ban Re-instated

A lack of rain, warmer than normal temperatures, dry conditions, and low humidity levels are all factors that were considered in a decision to re-instate a burn ban in Grady County. In a brief special meeting Wednesday county commissioners approved a resolution to put the ban in place immediately. The ban will be in effect for the next two weeks and is effective through Oct. 12th. There should be no trash, brush, or pasture burning during the ban. Farmers and ranchers with prescribed burn plans should follow state department of agriculture guidelines. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said barbecuing and welding are allowed under certain conditions.

 

              

 

 

Much of the region hasn’t received any rain since before Labor Day and forecasts are showing little if any rain chances through mid-October. The U.S. Drought Monitor has much of the region from Duncan to Enid and from Norman to Altus in the second highest designation of drought called a D-3 or 'extreme' drought. The highest level is a D-4 or exceptional drought.

 

Two Teens Die in Caddo County Crash

There's been another fatal traffic accident in the region where teenagers have died. Two Carnegie teens were killed in a one-vehicle accident that happened in Caddo County just after 7:00 p.m. last night (Wednesday). The unidentified boys were 13 and 15 years old. The accident happened near CR 1320 and CS 2585 about 3 1/2 miles east of Ft. Cobb. Two adults in the vehicle with the teens were air lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head injuries and both were treated and released. The adults were identified as 33-year old Josh Kestler and 26-year old Erica Mayfield also of Carnegie. The highway patrol reports that Kestler was driving. No details of the crash were provided and the highway patrol says the investigation is on-going. With last night’s deaths, four teenagers have now lost their lives in area traffic accidents over the last couple of weeks. A 14-year old Dibble girl died when she was hit by an SUV after chasing a family pet onto a highway and a 13-year old Lawton boy died in a crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike northeast of Chickasha this past weekend.

 

Biker Dies in Multi-Vehicle Accident

A Blanchard man died when his motorcycle was part of a four-vehicle crash in Norman. 70-year old Garth McDonald died in the crash that happened about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday near I-35 at Indian Hills Road. One of the other vehicles involved was driven by 36-year old Ashley Wescott of Lindsay. She was not injured. The highway patrol is still investigating that deadly crash.

 

Chix Police Seeks Info on Person of Interest

The Chickasha Police Department is seeking information about a person of interest who may have information about some recent thefts. Officials didn't provide any details about their investigation. Authorities posted a photograph of the individual on the Chickasha Police Department’s Facebook page. Police ask that you take a look at it and if you have information on his name or location you can call the police department's non-emergency dispatch number, 405-222-6050.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.15 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $89.32.

Natural gas is $6.87 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,655 and silver is $18.64.

 

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Wednesday, Sept. 28th

(A burn ban is in effect for Garvin County)

 

Fire Damages Two Homes

Chickasha fire crews were dispatched to a blaze that threatened a residential neighborhood yesterday. The fire in the 700 block of West Minnesota was called in about noon. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego-

 

              

 

Samaniego said both homes were occupied when the fire started but everyone managed to escape without injury as did a couple of pets. Samaniego said the cause of the fire was an electric smoker. Marsha Terry and her 89-year old father live at the home where the fire started. Marsha said she wasn’t home when the fire started and was thankful her dad and pets were not hurt. However the home suffered major damage.

 

              

 

Samaniego estimated $75,000 in damage to the Terry home and $25,000 in damage to the duplex.

 

Suspect Arrested in 'Trucker-Style-Bat' Taser Attack

A woman is arrested for allegedly using a trucker-style bat taser in a robbery attempt. 33-year old Elizabeth Christine Benedict was taken into early Sunday. A probable cause affidavit indicates Chickasha Police were called to the 1400 block of South 17th Street just before 5 a.m. that morning where two victims had been assaulted and had blood on their faces. Paramedics were dispatched but both victims refused treatment. One of the victims said he had given Benedict and another person a ride and that Benedict asked him for money. The victim said he turned his back on the suspect and that's when he was attacked. Officers found Benedict just a couple of blocks away and she told investigators that the two had been arguing all day and that the victim used a taser on her first. Prosecutors have charged Benedict with a felony for attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon. She remains in the Grady County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

 

Anadarko Moves Forward with New City Manager

Anadarko's new city manager says he will continue efforts to make improvements to the city. Richard Rogalski has been on board for about six weeks after previously serving as the assistant city manager for the City of Lawton. Anadarko Mayor Kelley McGlothlin says many of the Native American tribes in Anadarko are lending a hand with police, fire, and other needs.

              

 

Officials are also working to get additional grants to build a walking trail through the city and a new park and amphitheater downtown.

 

National Horse Group Brings Competition to Chix

As you know, a lot will be happening in Chickasha this weekend. Thousands of visitors will be in town for the Rock Island Arts Festival, the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship, and Rock Island Ride bicycle tour. But there is another event which will draw an estimated 1,000 people from across the country to the area. The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America based in Stephens City, VA will be holding its American National Show at the Grady County Fairgrounds. There are divisions for adults and children. The first competitions get underway today will run through Sunday.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.50 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.27.

Natural gas is $6.65 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,624 and silver is $17.96.

 

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Tuesday, Sept. 27th

(Burn ban is in effect in Garvin County)

 

$1 Million Bond set for Suspect in Fatal Crash

A $1 million bond has been set for the Grady County man who allegedly caused that deadly crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike Saturday night. 33-year old Eric Nunez of Tuttle was formally charged with felonies which include first degree manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatality accident and a misdemeanor of possession of paraphernalia in Grady County District Court on Monday. A probable cause affidavit shows that after the crash, Nunez continued down the highway way for about five miles before pulling over. A Chickasha police officer made contact with Nunez and said the pickup he was driving had fresh damage. An odor of alcohol was present and Nunez was confused of his whereabouts. He believed he was in Oklahoma City and that he had not been in an accident. Nunez was taken to the hospital for a blood test but no results were available. Nunez is to back in court Oct. 6^th to announce his attorney and again Oct. 12^th for a  preliminary hearing conference. Several years ago Nunez pleaded guilty to felony drug possession stemming from a 2008 arrest in Tuttle.

 

Grady County Officials May Re-instate Burn Ban

A burn ban could be re-instated for Grady County. County Commissioners will hold a special meeting tomorrow afternoon to discuss the issue. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson told  commissioners at their regular meeting yesterday that the chiefs of many of the county's volunteer fire departments would like to put the ban back into place. This past weekend, eight of the county’s volunteer departments responded to a  grass fire south of Rush Springs which closed U.S. Highway 81 for some time due to lack of visibility from the smoke. If approved Grady County would join Garvin County with burns bans. Garvin County officials re-instated a burn ban yesterday which is in effect for two weeks.

 

State Rep Outlines Some Road, Bridge Projects

A number of state road and bridge improvement projects are scheduled for the region over the next few months. State Representative Brad Boles of Marlow listed some of them in a recent media column. Reconstruction of a portion of State Highway 39 from State Highway 76 west to the East Winter Creek Bridge is a more than $11 million project that is expected to begin next month. A portion of State Highway 19 is scheduled for reconstruction starting five miles east of Highway 81 and east through Alex and ending at Roaring Creek. That is a $45 million project. Reconstruction of a portion of U.S. Highway 277 southwest of Chickasha is a $14.3 million project. Further into the future, grading and bridge projects for the U.S. Highway 81 Bypass of Chickasha could be issued in the 2023 program year. Two projects associated with the bypass total nearly $92 million.

 

Prescribed Burn Group Meets Tonight

The Caddo and Grady County Prescribed Burn Association will meet in Chickasha tonight. There may be some discussion about the prescribed burning of red cedar trees in crop and pasture lands. Officials say a prescribed burning of the trees could go a long way in preserving ground water. It's estimated that each tree can move between 6 and 11 gallons of water into the air every day - that's about 100 gallons of water per week.  The meeting will be held at the Grady County OSU Extension office In Chickasha at 6:30 tonight.

 

Disabled Vets Must Register with Database

to Continue Receiving State Sales Tax Exemptions

Disabled military veterans are being urged to register with a state-sponsored database in order to keep their sales tax exemption. Veterans with the state-issued "blue" card need to enroll in the database by July of next year or they will lose the benefit. Veterans with 100 percent service-related disabilities are eligible for exemptions of up to $25,000 a year from sales taxes which include city and county-imposed taxes.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.71 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.06.

Natural gas is $6.90 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,641 and silver is $18.61.

 

Obituaries

Monty Wendling

Funeral service for Monty Wendling, 60, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29^th at Grand Assembly of God. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Joseph Richardson

Funeral service Joseph Richardson, 28, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1st at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Clifton Wilson

Funeral service for Clifton Wilson, 50, of Anadarko will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1st at Bethel Baptist Church in Anadarko. Arrangements are with Brown Thomas Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Sept. 26th

 

Suspect Arrested in Connection with Deadly Turnpike Crash

A deadly crash on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike late Saturday night killed a Lawton teenager and hospitalized two other people in the vehicle with him. And the driver of the pick-up alleged to have caused the crash is behind bars on multiple complaints. The accident happened just before midnight Saturday near Mile Marker 89 about five miles northeast of Chickasha. A 13-year old boy died at the scene and two other passengers - a 12-year old boy and a 45-year old man - were both taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where they were admitted. The driver of that vehicle was treated and released. In jail is 33-year old Eric Armando Nunez of Tuttle. The highway patrol reports that an SUV and a pickup driven by Nunez were both westbound on the turnpike. It’s alleged Nunez was traveling at a high rate of speed when he hit the SUV, causing it to careen off the road and overturn several times. Nunez is being held on complaints that include manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatality accident, and DUI.

 

Fire Crews Handle Large Grady County Blaze

A number of fire departments were dispatched to a large grass fire south of Rush Springs yesterday. It broke out along an area along U.S. Highway 81 near CR1580 which is about four miles south of Rush Springs.  Several large round bales of hay caught fire and the flames came within 50-yards of a home. Authorities are still trying to determine the cause of that fire.

 

Monthly Expenses for Chickasha Residents

Are Lower the State, National Averages

A new report shows that Chickasha residents pay less for their monthly expenses than the average Oklahoman. The study by DOXO Insights shows that the average cost in Chickasha for the 10 most common household expenses is about $1,391 per month. That's about 15 percent lower that the state average of $1,634 and 30 percent lower than the national average of more than $2,000. The average mortgage payment is $787 and the average for rent is $714. Auto loans average about $424 per month, and utilities are about $225. Auto insurance is next at $176 per month followed by health insurance at $100. Mobile phone service is $84 and cable and internet is $78. The study indicates that 37 percent of the household income for Chickasha residents goes to pay for those expenses. Edmond is the most expensive city in Oklahoma at more than $2,260 per month. Blanchard is the 7th most expensive at $1,968. Chickasha is 44^th on the list of cities in the study. 

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.84 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.03.

Natural gas is $6.83 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,649 and silver is $18.59.

 

Obituaries

Mildred Thompson

A private family service will be held for Mildred Thompson, 95, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

J.V. Lobaugh

A graveside service for J.V. Lobaugh, 91, of Chickasha was held at 10:00 a.m. today (Monday, Sept. 26th) at Fairlawn Cemetery. Arrangements were with McCray Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Children's Home in Oklahoma City.

Link Jarnagin

Funeral service for Link Jarnagin, 71, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Felicia Kearny

Funeral service for Felecia Kearny, 68, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 29th at Shepherd Street Christian Church. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Joseph Richardson

Funeral service for Joseph Richardson, 28, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.