Saturday, Jan. 28th

 

More Winter Weather on the Way

Freezing rain, sleet, and snow are all in the forecast for much of next week as another winter storm approaches Oklahoma. After a windy and warm day today with afternoon highs in the low 60s -  tomorrow's forecast is for highs in the 30s with north winds gusting to 30 mph. Precipitation will begin Monday in parts of the state with sleet and snow and steady temps in the 20s through Wednesday. More rain and freezing rain is expected Wednesday and a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is forecast for Thursday. Officials with the National Weather Service say to expect hazardous driving conditions and school officials are keeping a close eye on things in anticipation of cancelling classes.

Warming Centers to Open

The forecast for winter weather has the Chickasha Community Alliance preparing warming shelters for the extended cold weather event. Lt. Crystal McFarland with the Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo counties serves as one of the co-chair of the alliance. She said that beginning tomorrow night, The Resurrection House at 7th and Colorado will serve as an emergency overnight shelter from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. for the duration of the storm. Beginning Monday, day shelters will be open at Linked Church at 902 S. 9th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Heidi Helping the Homeless at 3rd and Minnesota will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Food will be provided at the day shelters. McFarland said the shelters are not just for the homeless but also for individuals who may not have proper heating sources in their homes.  As of now the shelters are expected to be available through Tuesday night and perhaps longer depending on the weather forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

 

Assault Suspect Wanted for Five Years Arrested

A domestic violence suspect wanted for nearly five years was arrested this week. An arrest warrant for 42-year old Brandon James Hutchins was issued in June of 2018.  The arrest warrant affidavit filed in the case reports that Hutchins and his then girlfriend got into an argument while driving from Lindsay to Chickasha. They stopped at convenience store where the argument turned physical and it is alleged that Hutchins hit the victim in the face pulled out some of her hair. Two witnesses say they observed parts of the altercation. Hutchins is facing a felony count of assault and battery. He was released from jail after posting a $10,000 bond.  He's to be back in court in April for a preliminary hearing conference.

 

Blanchard Student Saves Classmates' Life

A Blanchard middle school student is being called a hero after he saved a friend's life. It happened at lunchtime on Thursday when 11-year old Vollie Hines saw him choking and gasping for air. KFOR-TV reports that Hines took action and applied the Heimlich maneuver. After several thrusts to the fellow student’s abdomen a potato chip came out of his mouth. Vollie said he was nervous for his friend and is relieved he will be OK. Principal Paula Floyd shared the heroic deed on Facebook and the Blanchard community is congratulating him for his work. Floyd said the parents of the choking student are grateful that Vollie stepped in as quickly as he did. She said Vollie didn't take any time to think about it and that he did what needed to be done.

 

Vintage Toy Show Today

Buyers and sellers of collectible toys will meet today at the Southwest Vintage Toy Show. More than 25 vendors will have hot wheels, Star Wars items, action figures, Barbies and G.I. Joes. Some vendors will have video games, baseball and other trading cards, farm toy collectibles, die cast, and pressed steel toys. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Admission is three dollars for adults and children 12 and under get in free.

 

Talk Show Topics

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Cathy Perri, director of USAO's Neil-Wint Center for Neurodiversity, and program founders Phillip and Katy Wint are guests on the KOOL Konversation program talking about the center and its work with autistic USAO students. On Real Estate Today this week’s guests are Jim Cowan with the Chickasha Economic Development Council and Logan Lassley with the Chickasha Festival of Light.  Find podcasts of both programs under the Community tab on this website.

 

Obituary

Daija Jones

Funeral service for Daija Jones of Lawton was held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28^th at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Lawton. Arrangements were with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

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Friday, January 27th

 

Athena Brownfield's Remains Identified

The State Medical Examiner's office has confirmed that remains of a child found in the Agawam area were those of Athena Brownfield. The news came one day after a funeral for the 4-year old from Cyril. The remains were found last week on property that used to belong to Athena's caretakers, Ivon Adams and Alycia Adams. Brownfield was reported missing from Cyril on January 10th and the remains found a week later on Jan. 17th. Ivon Adams is facing a murder charge in connection with Athena's death, as it is alleged that he beat her to death Christmas Day then buried her little body along a fence line in a field north of Rush Springs. Adams is also charged with child neglect after Athena's sister was found wandering near their Cyril home on January 10th. Alysia Adams is facing two charges of child neglect. Both remain in the Caddo County jail in Anadarko.

 

Pursuit Suspect is on Probation for 2017 Arrest

The man arrested following a short pursuit in the Tabler area was on probation out of McCurtain County for assaulting a police officer. 32-year old James Dalton Horne of Blanchard was arrested Wednesday night after a Grady County deputy tried to pull him over for speeding. The short pursuit ended when Horne pulled into the driveway of his home near where the pursuit began. A probable cause affidavit indicates the deputy called for back-up and before help could arrive the deputy and Horne got into a scuffle. Authorities were eventually able to take Horne into custody. The affidavit indicates Horne pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting a police officer following a 2017 arrest in McCurtain County. Horne is now facing a similar charge in Grady County along with having a firearm while on probation. He's also facing misdemeanor charges of obstructing an officer and resisting arrest. Horne remains in jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond.

 

More Winter Weather in the Forecast

Another round of winter weather - this one with freezing rain and ice - is expected to move into the Sooner State early next week. The National Weather Service says an arctic storm system is predicted to arrive Monday afternoon and could drop a wintry mix of precipitation through Thursday. The first precipitation could be freezing rain and sleet Monday afternoon through Tuesday with parts of central, southern, and western Oklahoma seeing ice accumulations of one-tenth of an inch or more.  The forecast also shows chances of freezing rain and snow Wednesday and Thursday.

 

SCOOP Rig has Good Oil, Gas Production

Drilling efforts in the Lindsay area have paid off for Marathon Oil Company. A completion report filed on the Hard Knox Well show it was producing more than 1,700 barrels of oil-equivalent and more than 1,100 metric cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas per day at a depth of more than 22,000 feet. The well is in the Goddard Formation five miles south of Lindsay. The website OK Energy Today cites Corporation Commission records showing the spud date was January of last year and the completion date was last spring. Officials just recently issued the completion report.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.01 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.47.

Natural gas is $2.94 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,946 and silver is $23.84.

 

Obituary

Noel Lambert

A memorial service for Noel Lambert, 82, of Centerville, Iowa and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28^th at Southern Oaks Church of Christ.

 

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Thursday, Jan. 26th

 

Pursuit Suspect in Custody

Law enforcement officials were involved in a pursuit east of Chickasha last night and authorities have a suspect in custody. The pursuit occurred around 7:00 p.m. north of Tabler near U.S. Highway 62 and State Highway 19C (the Alex highway). No details about the pursuit were available but authorities did arrest 23-year old James Dalton Horn. He was taken into custody on complaints of attempting to elude, assault on an officer, obstruction, resisting arrest, and speeding. Prosecutors will decide if any formal charges should be filed.

 

150+ Pounds of Illicit Marijuana Seized in Union City

A traffic stop in Union City led to a police officer finding more than 150 pounds of illegal marijuana. A post on the Union City Police Department's Facebook page indicates the vehicle was pulled over on U.S. Highway 81 sometime Tuesday. While speaking with the driver the officer noticed a small container of what was believed to be medical marijuana spilled in the console. There were also a number of black bags in the vehicle. The officer was given consent to search and found 162 pounds of pot. The driver allegedly did not have a valid medical marijuana transport license nor a commercial license - and was not following Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority guidelines for transporting the product. Arrested was 39-year old Kae Saetern of Lindsay who was taken to the Canadian County Jail in El Reno on a complaint of trafficking illegal marijuana.

 

Homeless Survey Scheduled Today

An effort to determine the needs of the homeless in the region will be taking place today. It's called a point-in-time survey and is being conducted by agencies in a federal program under the direction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Grady, Caddo, Comanche, Garvin, and McClain counties are part of the Southwest Continuum of Care based in Lawton. Two surveys will be taking place in Chickasha today. The Chickasha Community Alliance will hold one survey from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Michigan Avenue Baptist Church. Individuals will be able to get free COVID tests and vaccines from the Grady County Health Department and the church clothing closet will be open. The second survey will be done by Heidi Helping the Homeless. The results of both surveys will be passed along to determine if areas may qualify for HUD funds to address homelessness. Crystal McFarland with the Salvation Army says that could include rental assistance to prevent evictions or opening community centers. During the last point-in-time survey McFarland said it was determined there was a need for transportation.

 

Blood Shortage Emergency Declared

A blood shortage emergency has been declared by the Oklahoma Blood Institute. The agency has issued an immediate call for donors of all blood types. Officials say this week's winter weather caused many donors to cancel appointments and that scheduled blood drives had to be postponed. Officials say they typically have a three-to-five day supply of blood on hand which is about 1,200 units but the inventory is well below that level. OBI president and CEO John Armitage says patients throughout Oklahoma rely on blood products to fight cancer, survive trauma, and heal after childbirth. Officials urge regular donors to schedule appointments and encourage individuals who have never donated to consider doing so. One unit of blood can save the lives of three people. There is a community blood drive in Chickasha tomorrow as an OBI bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot at 7^th and Chickasha Ave. from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Donors will not have to make an appointment but may have to wait for an opening. To find an upcoming blood drive in your area visit the blood institute's website: www.obi.org

 

Congressman Cole to Have Telephone Town Hall Meeting

4th District Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) will hold a telephone town hall meeting with constituents next week. Cole said the new Republican majority in the House has hit the ground running and he'll give updates on some of the legislative activity during the first days of the 118th Congress. The telephone town hall will be Thursday, Feb. 2nd from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Participants can sign up on-line at: www.cole.house.gov or contact Cole's Norman office for information.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.15 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.12.

Natural gas is $3.06 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,952 and silver is $23.76.

 

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Wednesday, Jan. 25th

 

Funeral for Athena Brownfield set Today

A large gathering is expected today for the funeral of 4-year old Athena Brownfield. She's the Cyril girl who was the subject of an intense search after she was reported missing earlier this month. Her remains are believed to have been found last week in a rural area near Agawam (the State Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet confirmed the identity of those remains). The service will be at 2 o'clock this afternoon in Enid. There has been a concerted effort to make sure that Athena's older sister Adina will be helped with a benefit account which has been established at the First National Bank. The Cyril community organized a t-shirt fundraiser to help and others are holding an on-line raffle. Amanda Widman and Kelly Jensen of Patriot Maid Services hope the raffle will bring in $5,000 and that a corporate donor will match that. Widman said her hope is that Adina can have a car when she gets older and that her college tuition will be paid for. The on-line raffle begins Monday and will end Feb. 10th.

 

Chix Ass't City Manager, Finance Director Steps Down

The City of Chickasha is losing its assistant city manager and finance director. Today is the last day at city hall for Cindy Rogers. She's spent two years with the city and Mayor Chris Mosley says she has served the city well. Mosley worked closely with her when he served as interim city manager. He said in addition to developing policies and procedures the city never had before, Rogers was able to correct some problems which were causing the city to lose a lot of  money in the water department.

 

              

 

Rogers spent several years working with the Oklahoma State Fair before becoming the city’s finance director. She was named assistant city manager last summer. Rogers has accepted a new post where she will work with a management company which oversees the Myriad Gardens Foundation and the Scissortail Park Foundation in Oklahoma City.

 

Separate Crashes send Two to Hospitals

Traffic accidents in Grady County sent two people to hospitals yesterday and one of them was weather-related. Just before noon a driver ran off U.S. Highway 277 about a mile west of Ninnekah and hit a tree. 50-year old Manjit Singh of Moreno Valley, California was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital by ground ambulance where he was admitted in critical condition with head and trunk injuries. Last night, a passenger in a car that crashed near the intersection of a couple of county roads three miles south of Tuttle was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. 46-year old Gwindalon Gillian of Tuttle suffered head injuries and was admitted in serious condition. The driver of the car, 67-year old Teresa Vaughn of Tuttle and another passenger, 51-year old Lynda Landreth of Blanchard were not hurt. That accident happened about 7:15 last night. The trooper investigating that crash said Vaughn was driving too fast for the snowy road conditions.

 

Suspect Faces Charges for Alleged Crimes in Verden, Chix

A Grady County man is facing charges after arrests in separate incidents in Verden and Chickasha over the last few months. 42-year old Calvin Joe Malone was first taken into custody last August for allegedly threatening his ex-girlfriend with a weapon in Verden. At that time he was charged with a felony for planning, attempting, or conspiring to perform an act of violence then released from jail after posting a $15,000 bond. The second incident happened just a few days before Christmas when it is alleged he stabbed a man in the parking lot of Grady Memorial Hospital. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was picked up last week. Malone is facing a felony charge for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with that arrest. On-line court records also indicate Malone failed to show up for a court appearance on the first charge. Malone is now in the Grady County Jail pending a $100,000 bond and has a preliminary hearing conference is scheduled on Feb. 15th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.13 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.13.

Natural gas is $3.26 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,942 and silver is $23.57.

 

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Tuesday, Jan. 24th

 

Winter Storm to Move Through Oklahoma

A winter storm warning is now in effect for Oklahoma as parts of the state could see six inches of snow or more. There are numerous school closings although Chickasha, Blanchard, and Minco schools are open. A lot of schools districts opted to have virtual learning today. Among the closings are senior nutrition centers in Chickasha, Rush Springs, Anadarko, Lindsay, and Marlow. Other closings include The Caddo Nation and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes offices and today’s Grady County Crimestoppers meeting was canceled.

No Ice Anticipated, but Power Outages Could Occur

There will be periods of rain before the snow comes in with the snow expected to be in central Oklahoma before noon. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said there could be some downed power lines.

 

              

 

The morning commute will be rain but afternoon travel will be treacherous as roads become slushy or even snow-packed. Snow should be ending late tonight but the winter storm warning is in effect until 6 o'clock Wednesday morning.

 

Chix School Foundation to Hold Annual Gala

The Chickasha Public School Foundation has several events scheduled over the next couple of months. In February, the group will have programs for 5th grade girls and boys. For the girls it's called Diamonds in the Rough and for the boys it's called Gentlemen of Distinction. It's a day for the students visit with mentors from the community to talk about their dreams and aspirations. In March, the Foundation will hold its major fundraiser of the year with the Foundation Gala. Foundation director Gab Shepard said the gala helps provide grants to teachers throughout the district.

 

              

 

The Foundation also provides free school supplies for all students in the district throughout the year. The gala will be held Friday, March 31st at the Grady County Fairgrounds where the district teacher of the year will be introduced and officials will announce the very first inductions into the school district’s newly created Hall of Honor. Officials will also announce the newest inductees into the district’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.62 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $88.19.

Natural gas is $3.44 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,953 and silver is $23.76.

 

Obituaries

‘Bunk’ Parrott

Funeral service for Bill ‘Bunk' Parrott, III, 29, of Cement will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26^th at the First Baptist Church of Cement. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. He worked as a roughneck.

Johnny Wilson

A memorial service for Johnny Wilson, 65, of Mustang and formerly of the Verden and Alex area will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26th at Sevier Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Army veteran and worked at Delta Faucet and Mustang Public Schools.

Carol Woods

Funeral service for Carol Woods, 93, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She taught at Chickasha's Northwest Elementary School and was a pianist for several area churches.

 

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Monday, Jan. 23rd

 

Winter Storm Approaches Oklahoma

A winter storm racing across the country will be moving across Oklahoma tomorrow and meteorologists are saying it could cause some problems. Weather forecasters are predicting the heart of the storm could dump 3-6 inches of snow or more in areas along and south of the entire I-40 corridor  from the Texas border east to the Arkansas border and south of I-40 to State Highway 7. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch that is effective from 6 a.m. tomorrow morning to 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. So far there have been no cancelations or  postponements but should they develop we'll be sure to pass them along and post them on our Facebook page.

 

Anadarko Continues Utility Pole Replacement Project

Parts of Anadarko will have brief power outages today as crews continue the city's utility pole replacement program. Those areas will be the 500 blocks of West Alabama St. and West Louisiana St. and the 100 blocks of East Alabama St. and  East Louisiana St. The work will be done on the even-numbered houses on Alabama and the odd-numbered housed on Louisiana.

 

USDA Grants Available to Small Businesses, Ag Producers

Oklahoma small businesses and agriculture producers can apply for some federal grants to help to install renewable energy systems, or to make energy efficiency improvements. Kenneth Corn is with Oklahoma's Rural Development office for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). He says there are a couple of options available.

 

              

 

Some funds can be used to install geo-thermal systems for electric generation or to buy, build, or install energy-efficient improvements such as heat and air systems, insulation, lighting, cooling or refrigeration units, and replacing inefficient energy systems. The application deadline is March 31st. For information, visit the website: rd.usda.gov

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.31 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.63.

Natural gas is $3.17 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,943 and silver is $23.81.

 

Obituaries

Adrian Drew

No services were held for Adrian Drew, 87, of of Minot, North Dakota and formerly of Chickasha. She worked for Chickasha Public Schools and volunteered with the Grady County Historical Society Museum.

Helen Foley

Funeral service for Helen Foley, 93, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24th at Ferguson Funeral Home.  She worked at Grady Memorial Hospital and Hermetic Switch.

Saturday, Jan. 21st

 

Child Murder Suspect Held Without Bond

The man accused of the Christmas Day beating death of Athena Brownfield has been formally charged with murder. Ivon Neal Adams, III had his initial appearance on charges of murder and child neglect in Caddo County District Court in Anadarko yesterday. Judge David Stephens ordered Adams held in the Caddo County Jail without bond. Adams was found in Arizona last week after the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) issued an arrested warrant in connection with Athena's death. Adams filed a pauper's affidavit application to obtain a court-appointed attorney from the state's indigent defense system. Judge Stephens issued a gag order in the case. Adams is to be back in court April 27th.

 

Thousands Challenge State's Broadband Service Map

A lot of Oklahomans took part in a month-long effort to challenge the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) proposed broadband map of the Sooner State. More than 10,000 responses came in to the state's broadband office challenging the proposal. Right now, the map shows that all areas of the state have service which some say is misleading. The FCC was asking for individuals to give information about their internet service. State officials are working to get $50 million in federal funds to improve broadband service in rural areas. Officials with the state office say the FCC will review the challenges and issue an updated map later this year.

 

Rural Jobs Act Designed to Help Rural Business, Industry

Five investment firms have been selected to potentially put millions of dollars into rural areas of Oklahoma. The firms would receive federal tax credits on part of their investments. The Oklahoman reported this week on the Rural Jobs Act. It's meant to stimulate Oklahoma's rural economy by giving a tax break to the investors that provide capital or debt-financing to businesses in rural areas. The state is allowed to authorize up to $15 million in tax credits each year beginning in 2026 but the money can been invested as soon as this year. Brent Kisling, director of the state department of commerce, said the financial flexibility will allow Oklahoma businesses to invest in equipment, purchase supplies, or hire employees when they have the opportunity to expand. Most of the funds have to be invested within two years and all funds have to be invested within three years. At least 70 percent of the investments must be made in businesses in rural areas, defined as counties with populations of less than 75,000 or cities or towns with populations of less than 7,000. Details about the program can be found on the state department of commerce website: www.okcommerce.gov

 

Obituaries

Adrian Drew

No services were held for Adrian Drew, 87, of of Minot, North Dakota and formerly of Chickasha. She worked for Chickasha Public Schools and in her retirement years volunteered with the Grady County Historical Society Museum.

Helen Foley

Funeral service for Helen Foley, 93, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24th at Ferguson Funeral Home.  She worked at Grady Memorial Hospital and Hermetic Switch.

 

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Friday, Jan. 20th

 

Suspected Child Killer Jailed in Caddo County

Ivon Adams, the man accused of the beating death of 4-year old Athena Brownfield is now in the Caddo County jail. Adams, who was arrested in the Phoenix, Arizona area last week, was brought back to Oklahoma yesterday and booked into the jail about 9 o'clock last night. He's facing complaints of murder and child neglect, and could have his initial court appearance and hear formal charges against him today. Adams has been implicated in the death of Brownfield and is alleged to have beaten her to death Christmas Day and then bury her body in the Agawam area. The remains of a child were found in that area earlier this week but officials are awaiting a report from the state medical examiner's office which is still in the process of identifying those remains.

Athena's Funeral Scheduled; Cyril Community Rallies for her Sister

In the meantime, a funeral service for Athena will be held in Enid next week. The service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Stride Center. And in Cyril, the community is rallying behind Athena's sister, Adina, who was found alone near their home by a mail carrier last week which resulted in the start of an extensive search for Athena. A benefit account has been established at the First National Bank and contributions can be made at the branch in Cyril or the banks’ 10 other branches. Also, t-shirts have been designed to help raise funds and they may be purchased through the Family Life Church in Cyril.

 

New Web Site Seeks Comments on City of Chickasha's Future

A new comprehensive plan for the City of Chickasha’s future is now available on-line. It's called Onward Chickasha. Officials say it a community engagement platform which will serve as the hub for project updates, will include educational components, engagement opportunities, and events. Officials encourage individuals to explore the site and take a look at the inter-active map and leave comments. This is the first of several opportunities the public will have to provide input on the projects being considered. Officials say it takes about 10 minutes to complete. The survey has its own website: Onwardchickasha.org

 

Robyn Morse to be Inducted into Educators Hall of Fame

A lifelong teacher and educator will be honored for work. Robyn Morse will be inducted in to the Grady County Educators Hall of Fame this weekend. Morse was a teacher for Chickasha Public Schools for several years then moved into administration for about 17 years where she served as a principal and then assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Federal programs. She retired in 2015 but returned to administration for a brief time last year when she served as interim superintendent for Ninnekah Public Schools. Morse has also spent several years on the Chickasha School Board. Morse will be inducted into the hall between the championship games of the Grady County basketball tournament in Verden tomorrow night.

 

Anadarko Utility Pole Replacement Continues

We have an update on the City of Anadarko's utility pole replacement project. Officials say crews will be in the 100 blocks of West Louisiana and West Alabama Streets today. Officials say there will be some power outages while that work is underway.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.96 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $86.16

Natural gas is $3.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,930 and silver is $24.06.

 

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Thursday, Jan. 19th

 

Motorcyclist Critical After Hitting Animal

A Chickasha man is hospitalized in critical condition after hitting a deer while riding his motorcycle. 65-year old Greg Wendler was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City hospital with arm, shoulder, and internal injuries. The accident happend just before 6:00 p.m. Wednesday southwest of Chickasha near Lake Burtchi. The highway patrol reports that Wendler was wearing a helmet.

 

Dad Faces Child Abuse Allegation over Infant's Broken Arm

A father is arrested on a child abuse complaint after his month-old child suffers a broken arm. 24-year old Hunter Gilles of Chickasha was taken into custody last week after a warrant was issued for his arrest. A probable cause affidavit states that authorities were called to Grady Memorial Hospital on December 29th where a five-week old baby was being treated for a broken arm. Gilles told investigators that he was feeding the child when she scratched his neck. Gilles said he grabbed the girl's arm and moved it out of the way and heard a ‘pop’ and immediately took the baby to the hospital. Doctors said  the baby suffered a spiral fracture of her left arm and was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital for additional treatment. Gilles has been formally charged with a felony count of child abuse. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $15,000 bond.

 

Caddo County Towns Get Funds for Infrastructure Upgrades

A couple of Caddo County communities will be getting some financial help to make infrastructure improvements. Ft. Cobb has received approval for $1 million in funds from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The improvements will be financed by a 100 percent principal-forgiveness loan through the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The public works authority at Ft. Cobb will also receive Rural Economic Action Plan or REAP grants from the Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG) totaling more than $6,000 to help pay for the project. The funds will be used to replace more than a mile of deteriorated water lines. The upgrade is expected to ensure water pressure is maintained in the community and reduce water loss issues from leaks and pipeline breaks.  Ft. Cobb authorities say the grants will save customers more than $1.5 million compared to traditional funding measures.

Anadarko Also Receives REAP Grant

The City of Anadarko has received a $60,000 REAP grant from ASCOG to help replace fire hydrants. City officials say the funds will be used to replace 60 fire hydrants over a three-year period. The city will have to provide $30,000 for the project.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.48 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.98.

Natural gas is $3.31 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,911 and silver is $23.53.

 

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Wednesday, Jan. 18th

 

Child's Body Found; No Confirmation

That it May be Missing Cyril Girl

Investigators looking for the body of 4-year old Athena Brownfield discovered the remains of a child in southern Grady County yesterday but they would not positively say that the remains were hers. The body was found in the Agawam area north of Rush Springs. Authorities previously searched the property including the use of dive teams to search a pond. Authorities say the remains were taken to the state medical examiner's office which will determine if the remains are those of Athena. As previously reported Alysia and Ivon Adams are facing charges in connection with Athena's disappearance with Ivon Adams arrested on a murder complaint. Court documents have graphic details of how Athena may have died. It's alleged that Ivon Adams beat the child on Christmas Day to the point where she barely could open her eyes. He then threw her on the floor and punched her in the chest several times and the child stopped moving. It's alleged that Ivon took the body to the Agawam property where he buried her. Alysia Adams was formally charged with two counts of child neglect in Caddo County District Court where a judge initially set bond at $1 million but that was lowered to $500,000. Ivon Adams is still in an Arizona jail after being arrested in the Phoenix area last week.

 

Fire Damages Ninnekah Pumpkin Patch, Animal Farm

Fire caused a lot of damage at a Ninnekah pumpkin patch and animal farm. The fire erupted Sunday afternoon at Dark Water Ranch and destroyed a gift shop and its contents, damaged a couple of barns, and killed more than a dozen animals. Ranch owner Phllip Anneler said he was running an errand in Chickasha when he got a call from a neighbor who asked if he was burning anything. Phillip said no - so they both hung up and called 9-1-1. Volunteer fire fighters from Ninnekah, Rush Springs, Farwell, and other crews with the Grady County Fire Department were dispatched and others were placed on standby. Anneler estimated damage at about $25,000 and that the fire killed eight chickens and six rabbits however a number of ducks, goats, pigs, and turkeys survived. The fire did not damage the family home or greenhouse. Anneler said the fire may have been sparked by an electrical short in the breaker box that may have occurred due to high winds. Anneler was hoping to open the ranch this spring for visitors to pick their own flowers but the opening has been delayed to late spring or early  summer while they recover from the fire. Anneler says he's grateful for the efforts of the firefighters. He posted a ‘thank you’ message on the Grady County Fire Department’s Facebook page and said once they get back on their feet the ranch will offer free admission to volunteer fire fighters and their families.

 

Chix City Council OK's Fire Equipment Purchase

The Chickasha Fire Department will be getting new equipment to help them in their efforts. Last night, the Chickasha City Council approved the purchase of more than a dozen Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus tanks and related equipment at a cost of just under $140,000.

30-year old Fire Truck to be Sold to County Fire Department

The council also approved a proposal to sell the fire department's 1992 International pumper truck to the Grady County Fire Department for $5,000. The council initially ok'd a plan to sell the pumper on consignment but fire chief Tony Samaniego said selling it to Grady County would be more beneficial.

Bids to be Sought for Hwy 81 Bypass Sewer Line Project

The council also approved going out for bids for a sewer main replacement project near 29th Street and U.S. Highway 62 related to the Highway 81 bypass project. Public Works Director Jim Crosby said the State Department of Transportation is expected to reimburse the city as much as 60 percent of the cost of that project.

Ammunition to be Traded for New Supply

The council also declared 15 thousand rounds of ammunition as surplus and to exchange it for 9MM ammunition from R and M Arms in Minco.

New Residential Project Approved

The council also approved the final plat for some residential construction in the area of 12th and California Street on the west edge of Shannon Springs Park.

 

Emergency Planning Committee Meets Thursday

First responders who are part of Grady County's Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) are encouraged to attend the group's first meeting of the year tomorrow. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said the meetings are for volunteers as well as city and town leaders to discuss how to handle emergencies in the aftermath of tornadoes, floods, fires, and hazardous material spills. Guest speakers will include representatives from OKIE 811, Iron Horse Midstream, and Grady and Caddo County Salvation Army. The meeting will be held at the Canadian Valley Technology Center starting at 11:30 tomorrow morning and lunch will be provided.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.18 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.92.

Natural gas is $3.59 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,917 and silver is $24.38.

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Tuesday, Jan. 17th

 

OSBI Confirms Missing Girl is Dead

It's news that nobody wanted to hear. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) says the week-long search for little Athena Brownfield is now a recovery operation. The agency announced that special agents and state troopers are searching areas of Caddo County for the child's remains. Dive teams searched a pond in southern Grady County in the Agawam area over the weekend.  The two people entrusted to care for her - Alysia Adams and Ivon Adams - have been arrested. Our partners at KWTV-News 9 report that Alysia and Athena's mom are cousins and that Athena had been with Alysia for about 18 months. Alysia is being held in the Caddo County Jail on two complaints of child neglect. Ivon Adams is still in a Phoenix, Arizona jail awaiting extradition to Oklahoma. He's being held on complaints of murder and child neglect. Authorities say they were able to retrieve evidence from Ivon's cel phone that led to the arrest warrant being issued for a first-degree murder complaint but officials have not stated what evidence that is.

 

Area School Districts Have February Bond Elections

Verden and Gracemont school districts have special bond elections next month. Voters who would like absentee ballots mailed to them will need to apply for those ballots in the next couple of weeks. They are available to any qualified registered voter in those school districts and individuals don’t need an excuse to vote by absentee. Voters in the Verden school district can pick up applications at the Grady County Election Board and Gracemont school district voters can get them at the Caddo County Election board. Voters may also download applications from the state election board website: oklahoma.gov/elections

The deadline to apply is January 30th and the election is Tuesday, Feb. 14th.

 

Congressman Lucas Returns to House Ag Committee

Third District Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas is returning to the house agriculture committee. Lucas chaired the panel between 2011 and 2015. Lucas has been in congress for nearly 30 years and has been helping to write every farm bill since 1996. Lucas says it’s the responsibility of the committee to work with both Republicans and Democrats to craft the 2023 farm bill to ensure that farmers and ranchers have the tools and resources they need to thrive in the 21st century. Lucas will also chair the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and will be back on the House Financial Services Committee where he is the longest serving Republican.

 

Rig Numbers Up Nationally, Down Slightly in Oklahoma

Energy activity nationwide is on the rise however the trend is down a bit in the Sooner State. Here's Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission with the latest numbers.

 

              

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.86 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.28.

Natural gas is $3.42 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,909 and silver is $24.06.

 

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Monday, Jan. 16th

 

OSBI: Search for Missing Child Now a Recovery Operation

(BREAKING – The OSBI now reports the search for Athena Brownfield has turned into a recovery operation) Authorities are still searching for Athena Brownfield, the four-year old from Cyril who has been missing for more than a week. The man and woman who were her caretakers have both been arrested, and one of them is facing a murder complaint. Cyril residents gathered for a candlelight vigil Saturday night. Divers were called in to search ponds in the Agawam area...about 15 miles from where the child lived. Yesterday, the OSBI was back in Cyril serving a search warrant on the home where Athena lived. It was unclear what investigators were hoping to find. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has issued an alert for Athena. Information can be submitted anonymously to the OSBI via e-mail at: tips@osbi.ok.gov or the agency's toll-free phone number, 800-522-8017.

 

Rush Springs Driver Hospitalized After Pickup Crash

A Grady County man had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after his pickup crashed in Duncan. 40-year old Matthew Hesbrook of Rush Springs suffered head, leg, and internal injuries and was last in fair condition. A passenger in the truck, 18-year old Israel Trujillo of Duncan, was not injured. The accident happened east of Duncan just before 11 o'clock last night. The highway patrol reports that for an unknown reason, Hesbrook veered off the road, ran into a ditch, and hit a couple of trees. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

 

Chix Arts Council to Host 'Art Walk'

The Chickasha Area Arts Council has come up with a new event to promote local artists. It's called an 'art walk,' where individuals can take a stroll through downtown Chickasha and see the works of local artists. Erin Thompson is with the Arts Council –

 

             

 

It is a free event that will be held the evening of Friday, Feb. 10th. The arts council is seeking contributions from businesses that would like to support the event and pay a stipend to the artists. Reach out to the Arts Council on Facebook or at the arts council store downtown at 521 Chickasha Avenue.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $79.86 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $85.28.

Natural gas is $3.42 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,920 and silver is $24.36.

 

Obituaries

Juanita Walker

Funeral service for Juanita Walker, 102, of Ninnekah will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17^th at Sevier Funeral Home. She worked at Pet Milk, and owned and operated a Conoco gas station with her husband Louie.

Larry Bob Short

Funeral Service for Larry Bob Short, 69, of Chickasha will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a mechanic and spent a lot of time at the Lawton Speedway and served as the exaulted ruler at the Elks Lodge.

Claudene Alt

Funeral service for Claudene Alt, 93, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20th at Parkview Christian Church. She and her husband Jack owned and operated the Big Burger Drive In and they also ran a Century 21 office and the Alt Lock and Safe Company. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

Saturday, Jan. 14th

 

Both Caretakers of Missing Cyril Girl Arrested;

One Faces Murder Complaint, Child Still Missing

Both caretakers of Athena Brownfield - the four-year old girl reported missing from Cyril this week - are in custody. Alysia Adams and Ivon Adams were both arrested Thursday in separate parts of the country. Alysia Adams was taken into custody at the Grady County Sheriff's Office in Chickasha and Ivon Adams was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona. Reports indicate that Ivon Adams has been arrested on pending complaints of murder and child neglect. Alysia Adams is facing two complaints child neglect. It's not clear how authorities were able to track down Ivon Adams in Arizona. KSWO-TV reports court documents say investigators issued a warrant for his arrest after allegedly finding evidence on his cell phone. During his court appearance in Phoenix, a judge set bond at $1 million if he opted to remain in Arizona. Adams told the judge he wanted to get back to Oklahoma and ‘take care of it.’ Ivon Adams is expected to be returned to Oklahoma within the next 30 days. Regarding the search for Athena, Investigators spent much of the day Friday searching an area north of Rush Springs in the Agawam area. Nearby residents say Alysia Adams was known to spend time in that area. Back in Cyril, the community is expected to hold a candelight vigil for Athena tonight.

 

 

GOP Lawmakers at Odds over Ukraine Troops at Ft. Sill

Some Republican state lawmakers have an issue with a fellow party member who crtitcized the training of troops from the Ukraine at Ft. Sill. Sen. Nathan Dahm filed a resolution at the state capital to reject the move to train about 100 Ukranian troops there. But other senate GOP members, including president pro tem Greg Treat, issued a statement supporting the action. Dahm filed a resolution which would direct the Pentagon, Department of Defense, and the federal government to no longer send foreign troops to the state for training - after the Ukranian military fired a rocket into Poland that killed two civilians. Dahm said we don't need the troops training in Oklahoma where citizens could be under the constant threat of a similar failure. But Treat and other senate leaders say Oklahoma has had partnerships with military forces from partner countries and other allies for decades, and that cutting those ties could jeopardize the United States. The statement says Dahm's resolution does not speak for the vast majority of Oklahomans who welcome training exercises to defend the land we love and our neighbors in foreign countries.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. Erin Thompson and Dana Helms with the Chickasha Area Arts Council are on our KOOL Konversation program. Find a podcasts to the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Friday, Jan. 13th

 

Arrest Made in Missing Child Case

Four-year old Athena Brownfield of Cyril is still missing. And while officials continue their efforts to find her, the OSBI has arrested the caretaker responsible for her well-being. 31-year old Alysia Adams was taken into custody at the Grady County Sheriff's Office just after 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. The OSBI says she was arrested on two complaints of child neglect. Both Athena and her 5-year old sister were in the care of Adams and her husband. Regarding the search for Athena, authorities are looking over video surveillance which has been submitted and are following tips which have come in - including some from out of state. The OSBI suspended trash pick-up services in Cyril in an attempt to find clues as to Athena's whereabouts.

 

Road Work to Close Part of SH 39

Road construction work continues in Grady County on State Highway 39 west of the Dibble Crossroads. Contractors are widening the highway as part of a more than $10.5 million project to make travel on that section of the highway safer. Department of Transportation officials are planning to close the highway to through traffic early next month. Local traffic will be able to access county roads while the highway is closed. Beginning on Monday, Feb. 6^th (weather permitting) the highway is expected to be closed for more than three months. The contractor, Silver Star Construction of Moore, would qualify for a significant bonus if they can get the highway re-opened within 100 days which would be around the Memorial Day weekend in May.

Other Highway Projects to Begin

ODOT officials also say that other road construction projects in Grady are expected to get underway next month including upgrades to State Highway 19 between Alex and Bradley. Another project is U.S. U.S. Highway 277 southwest of Chickasha from the Lake Burtschi turn-off to the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. Both of those roadways will be open during construction.

 

WWI Soldier to Get Headstone

A headstone for a forgotten World War I soldier will be dedicated later this month. The marker for 21-year old Ivan Brady will be placed at the abandoned Mt. Scott Cemetery near Lake Elsworth. The Lawton-Ft. Sill Chamber of Commerce says the effort is due to the help of a patriotic woman named Melanie Jackson. Bruce Dwyer, the adjutant for the Mt. Scott Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, will make some comments. The ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21st.

 

Snags Delay Start of Abandoned Oil, Gas Well Clean-up

The Sooner State is moving forward with a plan to use millions in federal funds to plug abandoned oil and gas wells. However, officials with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission say there have been some issues to contend with. One of them is the loss of the initial selected bidder chosen to be the 'third party' administrator of the $25 million. According to the website OK Energy Today, there is no date when Oklahoma will officially launch the project. In the meantime, a new federal office has been established to handle clean-up projects nationwide. Officials with the U.S. Department of the Interior say they want to ensure that there is efficient use of the Biden Administration's $4.7 billion investment in the clean-p campaign.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $84.03.

Natural gas is $3.69 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,908 and silver is $23.95.

 

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Thursday, Jan. 12th

 

Search for Missing Cyril Girl Continues

Hundreds of volunteers combed the community of Cyril yesterday looking for four-year old Athena Brownfield. The child was reported missing on Tuesday but reportedly had not been seen for several days. The child was reported missing after a postal worker found Athena’s five year old sister alone and called police. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is leading the effort to locate Athena and there's word that the FBI is involved although they are not on the scene. Search dogs from the Department of Corrections were brought in to assist in the ground search where authorities say all abandoned properties, vacant buildings, and bodies of water have been checked. There have been air searches with the Highway Patrol using helicopters with infrared cameras, and the state Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs brought in drones to survey the area. A command post at the Family Life Church serves as the focal point for searchers. The OSBI continues asking anyone who may have information to call their toll-free hot-line at 800-522-8017 or e-mail information to: tips@osbi.ok.gov

 

City of Chickasha December Construction Report

Nearly $1.8 million in new construction projects were approved by the City of Chickasha's Community Development Department last month. Officials issued 15 permits in residential and commercial work. At the top of the list was nearly $200,000 in renovations for Elite Star Construction for improvements at 323 W. Chickasha Ave. RiderVale Construction was issued a $150,000 permit for a remodel project at 3102 S. 4th. Among the new home construction, LandMark Fine Homes was issued permits to build eight new homes – all of which are in the $170,000 range. A $50,000 remodel project was approved for Eyes on Properties at 107 Windsor; a $21,000 residential remodel project was ok'd for Guss Construction at 706 Idaho; a $20,000 residential remodel effort got a stamp of approval for Jannelle Pichon at 610 Pennsylvania; and a $10,000 remodel project was ok'd for George Samuel at 24 Highland Drive.

 

New Voting Precinct Named in Chickasha

Some Chickasha voters will be casting ballots in a new precinct this year. Precinct No. 3 which has been at the Holiday Inn Express at 2610 S. 4th Street is moving. The new location will be close by at Grand Assembly of God Church at 102 E. Almar. The first election for the new location will be March 7th. Grady County Election Board secretary Katrina Hughes said that all registered voters in that precinct will be receiving  new voter identification cards in the mail.

 

Chix Chamber to Host Workforce Development Program

Many employers face numerous challenges in their searches to find qualified workers to fill vacant slots. The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a program later this month designed to help. The monthly Lunch and Learn program will feature a representative from the South Central Oklahoma Workforce Board. It will be an opportunity for any small business owner and human resources officers for larger companies to get tips and tricks to recruit skilled employees, understand local labor markets, and manage changes in the workforce. The program will be held Thursday, Jan. 26th at noon at the Chamber office. It's exclusively for chamber members and there is a $10 fee for lunch. Seating is limited. Interested chamber members are asked to RSVP by Tuesday, Jan. 24th.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.41 per barrel.

London-based Brent is $82.67.

Natural gas is $3.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,887 and silver is $23.84.

 

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Wednesday, Jan. 11th

 

Searchers in Cyril Look for Missing Three -Year Old

A three-year old child is missing from Cyril and numerous law enforcement agencies and volunteers are helping with the search. The OSBI reports that Athena Brownfield was reported missing from her home yesterday although reports say she had not been seen since Saturday. Cyril police called in the Caddo County Sheriff's Office and the OSBI to assist with the investigation. A search team of about 250 people gathered late yesterday afternoon. Authorities say a sister of Brownfield also went missing over the weekend but she was found on Monday. No details were made available about where or when the sibling was located. A command post has been set up at the Family Life Church in Cyril. Authorities ask anyone who wants to aid in the search to first check in with the command post and ask for the OSBI. Anyone who may have information can contact the OSBI by calling 800-522-8017 or e-mail info to: tips@osbi.ok.gov

 

Minco-Area Father Accused of Child Abuse

A Minco area man is accused of beating his 10-month old child. 41-year old William Olen Hatcher has been charged with felony child abuse after his arrest. The Lawton Constitution reports that Hatcher told deputies with the Caddo County Sheriff's Office that the child fell on some blocks. However officials alleged that the child's head injuries could only have come from being beaten. Hatcher was arraigned on the felony charge in Caddo County District Court on Monday and his bond was set at $250,000. He's to announce his attorney March 13th and a preliminary hearing conference is set for March 23rd.

 

Pursuit, Crash Close Turnpike 

A pursuit by law enforcement on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike late yesterday resulted in a crash and the turnpike had to be shut down for nearly two hours. The Highway Patrol reported the turnpike was shut down in both directions northeast of Chickasha near mile marker 92 about 5:45 last night and re-opened about 7:30. No details about the pursuit or crash were released.

 

Homeless Count Set for Jan. 26th

Chickasha area agencies will be part of a southwest Oklahoma effort to get an idea of the extent of homelessness in the region. The Chickasha Community Alliance and Heidi Helping the Homeless will be part of a Point-in-Time effort on Thursday, Jan. 26th. The alliance which includes the Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo Counties, the Life Skills Institute, and Resurrection House will hold its point-in-time event at Michigan Avenue Baptist Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The health department will have flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, individuals will be able to apply for SNAP benefits, and survival kits will be available. Heidi Helping the Homeless will have a similar point-in-time event at its location at 3rd and Minnesota Ave. that same day. Both are in conjunction with the Continuum of Care based in Lawton which serves southwest Oklahoma. The Point-in-Time event Is to help the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) get better information in order to assist communities that apply for funding to try and prevent homelessness.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.12 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $80.10.

Natural gas is $3.64 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,888 and silver is $24.04.

 

Obituaries

Joseph Phillips

A memorial service for Joseph Phillips, 30, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13^th at New Life Christian Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Sonja Hightower-Smith

Funeral service Sonja Hightower-Smith, 82, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14th at McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, Jan. 10th

 

Grady County Sheriff to Retire

After a more than 40-year career in law enforcement, Grady County Sheriff Jim Weir is retiring. Grady County commissioners accepted Weir's retirement letter in their meeting yesterday. Weir will be stepping down at the end of the month. Weir has spent 10 years as sheriff and was first elected in 2012,  and was in the middle of his third term. Weir cites personal reasons for his decision to retire. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. He said it has been an honor and privilege to serve and he'll miss working with the deputies and all county employees. He also said that working with other elected officials has been the highlight of his law enforcement career. Weir is recommending that commissioners appoint Undersheriff Gary Boggess to fill out the two years remaining on his term. He said Boggess’ combination of education, training, experience, skills, and leadership would be hard to find in anyone else. He said Boggess has been basically running the sheriff's office over the last year and has already attended the sheriff's academy.

 

Chix PD Dispatcher Awaiting Heart Transplant

A dispatcher for the Chickasha Police Department is hospitalized and awaiting a heart transplant. Jerry Rich has been a communications specialist for the department for nearly five years. A post on the department's Facebook page says anyone who has called the dispatch center has likely spoken with Rich. The post indicates that Rich and his wife are grateful for the prayers, help, and support from the community. A Go Fund Me page has been established for those who would like to provide financial support.

 

Former Band Director to Serve Time in Federal Prison

A former band director for Marlow Public Schools will serve some time in a federal prison. 46-year old William Joseph Daniel was indicted on two counts of sexual battery by a federal grand jury for improper sexual incidents with a student. A press release from the U.S. Department of Justice indicates Daniel was accused of two separate incidents of inappropriate contact with a student between February and May of last year. Charges were filed against him in June and he pleaded guilty in July. Daniel faced a maximum sentence of life in prison but a U.S. District Judge sentenced him to 18 months behind bars. That will be followed by three years of probation and he will have to register as a sex offender.

 

School Bus Drivers Sought

Many school districts are facing shortages of bus drivers and Chickasha Public Schools are among them. Director of Operations Dan Turner says starting pay at Chickasha is just under $16 per hour, hours are flexible, and it’s a good part time job for retirees and college students. Individuals need a commercial driver's license and there is a class coming up the week of February 6th. For information reach out to Turner by calling 405-222-6500.

 

Anadarko to Begin Power Line Maintenance Project

A program to replace many of the aging utility poles in Anadarko will soon get underway. City officials say the pole replacement and utility line maintenance project has been in the works for quite some time and they are ready to go. There will be brief power outages and officials say contractors will be in neighborhoods 24 hours prior to the work in those areas. They’ll be placing door hangars at homes to make residents aware of when the work is expected to take place.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.63 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.65.

Natural gas is $3.91 per million BTUs.

Gold $1,879 and silver is $23.69.

 

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Monday, Jan. 9th

 

Suspect Charged with Lewd Acts Bound Over for Trial

A Cement man will stand trial on more than a half-dozen charges of lewd acts to a child. 48-year old Lonnie Franklin Henson waived his right to a preliminary hearing on the charges in Caddo County District Court in Anadarko last week.  Henson was arrested in March of 2022 following an investigation by the Caddo County Sheriff's Office. He was initially charged with five counts of lewd acts to a child under 16 and prosecutors added three additional charges in April. Henson is being held in the Caddo County Jail.  Henson is to be back in court March 8th when a trial date could be set later in the year.

 

Busy County Fairgrounds Wraps Up Another Good Year

The Grady County Fairgrounds continues hosting numerous events. Marketing Director Jamie Jones said the facility had about 320 event-days last year. Here's a summary of the last half of 2022 starting with the attendance at Grady County Fair-

 

              

 

Upcoming events at the fairgrounds include the extreme dwarfanators wresting this weekend; the southwest vintage toy show Jan. 28^th; the Southwest District Livestock Show next month; and the Grady County Junior Live Stock show in March.

 

CHS Ag Educators to be Noted for National Award

The Chickasha Board of Education holds its first meeting of the new year tonight. The panel will consider some minor changes in the job description for the Individual Education Plan instructors. Chickasha agriculture teachers Kolby and Emily Schmidt will be recognized for their work as they were recently presented an award from the National Association of Agriculture Educators. Chicken Express Employees of the Month come from the Chickasha High School. Miranda Molder is the certified employee and Terri Snyder is the support employee of the month. Dominic Neff will be recognized as the support employee of the quarter. The school board will meet at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building.

 

Anadarko Superintendent to Have Annual Review

The Anadarko school board also meets tonight and will hold its annual evaluation of Superintendent Jerry McCormick in a behind closed-door segment. The panel will then consider retaining both McCormick and Assistant Superintendent Daniel Pittman for the 2023-24 school year. That meeting will also get underway at 6 o'clock tonight. The group is also scheduled to hold a special meeting at noon tomorrow to discuss bids received for $835,000 in general obligation bonds and award them to the lowest bidder; and to employee Stephen McDonald and Associates as the district's financial consultant.

 

Regional Prescribed Burn Association to Get Equipment

Members of the Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association will be featured at the first Grady and Caddo County Prescribed Burn Association meeting of the year tomorrow night. John Weir and Harry Fritzer will be bringing a burn trailer and equipment to the local group. It includes drip torches, fire rakes, road signs, hand held radios, a weather instrument, a 60-gallon UTV sprayer, and other items. That meeting will be held at 6:30 tomorrow night (Tuesday, Jan. 10^th) at the Grady County OSU Extension Office in Chickasha. The meeting is open to all interested parties including firefighters who would like to learn about the benefits of prescribed burning.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.77 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.57.

Natural gas is $3.71 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,876 and silver is $23.96.

 

Obituary

Judy Ann Mayrhofen

Funeral service for Judy Ann Mayrhofen, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Saturday, Jan. 7th

 

State Population Tops 4 Million Residents

New numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show that the number of people living in Oklahoma has topped the 4 million mark. Data shows that Oklahoma was 10th among the 50 states for population growth with nearly 27,000 people migrating to the Sooner State between July of 2021 and July of 2022. The Oklahoman reports that Oklahoma is one of just four states to have a population between 4 million and 5 million residents. By the way, Florida leads the list of states where people are moving to with nearly 318,000 relocating to the Sunshine State with Texas second with more than 230,000 transitioning to the Lone Star State. On the other end of the spectrum, California tops the list of states where people are leaving with more than 340,000 people headed elsewhere with New York second with nearly 300,000 residents leaving.

 

Gubernatorial Inauguration Ceremony Set

Officials are making final preparations the inauguration of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. The event will be held on Monday as the governor prepares to begin his second term in office. Also at the state capital this week officials announced leadership roles in the State House of Representatives. State Rep. Brad Boles of Marlow will be chairman of the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee. State Representative Dick Lowe of Amber will serve as an assistant whip and State Representative Toni Hasenbeck of Elgin will serve as a presiding officer.

 

State Tax Revenues Hit Record Level

2022 was a record-breaking year for gross tax receipts being deposited into the state's bank account. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel says the state received an all-time high of nearly $17.5 billion in various tax revenues. That's nearly 15 percent higher than the previous year. The website OK Energy Today reports that combined sales and use taxes brought in $7 billion; gross income tax collections were $6 billion; gross production taxes on oil and natural gas were $2 billion; corporate tax collections were about $1 billion; motor vehicle tax collections were $870 million; and medical marijuana taxes brought in nearly $55 million which was down about 17 percent compared to 2021.

 

OSBI Seeks Info on Garvin County Cold Case

The OSBI is re-opening a nearly 20-year cold case regarding the murder of a woman in Garvin County. 30-year old Sheila Ann Deviney died in fire in her Maysville home on Jan. 6th of 2004. The medical examiner's office ruled her death a homicide and that she died from burns and smoke inhalation. Persons who may have information about the death of Deviney are asked to reach out to the OSBI anonymously by calling 800-522-8017 or by sending an e-mail to tips@osbi.ok.gov

 

Obituary

Dorothy Williams

A private memorial service will be held for Dorothy Williams, 96, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Friday, Jan. 6th

 

Chix Fire Department Continues Updating Fleet

The Chickasha Fire Department continues efforts to replace some of its older fire trucks and ambulances. The city council this week approved the purchase of a new brush truck. The city received four bids from three vendors which ranged from $154,000 to $193,000. A bid of nearly $180,000 from Emergency Vehicle Sales from Oklahoma was approved. $154,000 of that will be reimbursed by Grady County ARPA Funds.

City Council OKs Air Show Promoter

The council this week also approved a proposal to contract with a firm to bring in performers for the city’s annual Wings and Wheels Air Show in June. The council authorized officials to contract with David Schultz Air Shows at a cost of just under $6,000. That's the same company the city has worked with for the air show over the last several years.

Grant for Safety, Medical Supplies Approved

The panel also accepted a OneOK Emergency Responder Grant of nearly $2,400 for the police department to purchase safety and medical supplies for employees, citizens, and volunteers.

 

Prescribed Burns Scheduled for Wildlife Refuge

Prescribed burns at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are expected to wrap up this weekend. Officials say weather conditions have been favorable for the burns. They are conducted under a strict set of guidelines and weather conditions in order to provide for public and firefighter safety and to limit potential smoke impacts. The burns are not held if weather conditions do not meet the guidelines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses prescribed burns to restore and revitalize refuge eco-systems; reduce the potential for catastrophic wildfires; and to control invasive plant species. They also help to preserve and maintain natural environment processes which support various plant communities and promote forage for bison, elk, and deer.

 

USAO Student to Study Abroad

A USAO student will be studying abroad after receiving a scholarship from the State Regents for Higher Education. Yukon junior Chelsea Fuston received the Brad Henry International Scholar funds named for the former governor.  Fuston will spend the spring trimester studying at Swansea University in Wales. It's not the first time that Fuston has had the opportunity to study internationally. She has taken part in USAO-organized trips to Belize and Italy. After graduation she plans on pursuing a law degree and a master's degree in public policy. Fuston says she's passionate about how policies and laws impact people particularly those who are underserved and unrepresented.

 

Grant to Library to Help with Early Literacy 

A new grant for the Chickasha Library will help purchase materials to support early literacy programs. The library received a $2,000 Ready-2-Read grant from the State Department of Libraries and Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma. The grant comes from ARPA funds and is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The materials are designed to enhance pre-reading skills for infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers.

 

Obituaries

Harry ‘Cowboy’ Ellis

Funeral service for ‘Cowboy’ Ellis, 69, of Lawton was held at 11:00 a.m. today (Friday, Jan. 6^th) at the Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church in Lawton. Arrangements were with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Dovie Clouse

Funeral service for Dovie Clouse, 89, of Moore and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Thursday, Jan. 5th

 

Verden Citizens Aid in Arrest of Suspect

Responsible for School Lockdown

Verden schools were locked down for a couple of hours Wednesday after Verden police received information that a dangerous suspect may be hiding somewhere on the middle school campus. Police Chief Jason Cox says the situation began to unfold very early Wednesday morning when a police officer tried to make a traffic stop on a vehicle that did not have a tag. The driver of the vehicle managed to hide for a short time before the officer was able to locate the vehicle. Officials found a weapon and some drugs in the car and arrested the driver, 48-year old Jerrell Wayne Quisenberry of Chickasha. Quisenberry told police that a passenger in the car fled on foot. Later in the morning, authorities interviewed Quinsenberry's girlfriend who told them the suspect called her and said he was somewhere at the middle school and needed a ride. The lockdown was issued around 9 a.m. while authorities searched for the suspect. The lockdown was lifted just before noon after authorities were unable to find anyone. Later in the day, Chief Cox said that parents and grandparents of Verden students received information that the suspect was in Chickasha and Cox notified Chickasha police. Officials arrested William Preston Dehart in broad daylight in a residential neighborhood in the area of 15th and Florida, which is just a few blocks away from the Chickasha Middle School and USAO. DeHart, believed to be a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, was wanted in Garfield County (Enid) and  he was taken there. Quisenberry was charged in Grady County District Court with possession of a firearm after former felony conviction. Despite his criminal history his bond was only set at $10,000 and he is already back out on the streets.

 

Chix High School Students to Have Virtual Learning Friday

A water line break discovered at Chickasha High School is forcing some changes for high school students later this week. Students will be in the classroom today but Superintendent Rick Croslin says that high school students will have virtual learning tomorrow. Students at all other schools in the district will still be in the classroom on Friday. Croslin said repairs to the water line will get underway tomorrow and are expected to be completed over the weekend. High school students should be able to return to classrooms on Monday.

 

Bullock Memorial Center to Hold MLK Jr. Day Benefit

A Chickasha group will honor the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. later this month. The Bullock Memorial Center will be serving a meal on Martin Luther King Junior Day on Monday, Jan. 16th. They'll be serving chicken wings, beans, cornbread and dessert for a $15 per person donation from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. Proceeds will help the non-profit center promote its mission to educate and inspire younger generations. For information contact Bullock Memorial Center Foundation co-chair Charlotte Oliver by calling 405-274-6268 or Bruce Alexander at 405-650-4521.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.84 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.84.

Natural gas is $4.17 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,854 and silver is $23.67.

 

Obituaries

‘Bob’ Wade

A memorial service for Robert ‘Bob’ Wade, 73, of Chickasha will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

‘Billy’ Brooks

Funeral service for William ‘Billy’ Brooks, 46, of Lindsay will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday Jan. 9th at Vimy Ridge Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Wednesday, Jan. 4th

 

'Separation Agreement' OK'd for Suspended Chix Police Chief

The City of Chickasha is looking for a new police chief. Last night the Chickasha City Council approved a separation agreement with Chief Kathryn 'Dee' Rowell who had been on administrative leave for more than three months. Following a closed-door session that lasted nearly 30 minutes the panel approved the agreement and to resolve all pending matters. Among those pending matters were a discrimination complaint that Rowell filed against the city with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and information resulting from pending investigations. The measure passed with a 7-0 vote. City officials did not say why Rowell was suspended other than it was a personnel issue and they could not comment. Rowell was the city's first female police chief. She led the department for 3 1/2 years after being hired in March of 2019. She previously spent 32 years with the Ft. Worth, Texas police department and rose through the ranks to serve as a captain and command 200 other officers. Assistant Chickasha Police Chief G.G. Music has been serving as interim chief since Rowell's suspension.

Rock Island Railroad Mill Building Property Sold to Developer

The council also approved the sale of city-owned property near the Rock Island Railroad Depot to a developer who has promised a multi-million dollar investment in that area. The council first approved declaring as surplus the property where the Mill Building is located adjacent to the depot and the leg lamp. The council then approved a bid of $130,000 for the parcel of land from Chet Hitt and his Victor Valley Mortuary Company. Hitt approached the city last month with a proposal to invest $5 million in the depot area to build a distillery, a restaurant, and make other improvements in the continuing development of that area.

Re-zoning Requests Approved

The council also approved a re-zoning proposal for vacant property at 17th and Iowa. Property owner Elsie Wilkerson asked for the change in order to sell the property to an individual who wants to build a small drive-through convenience store there. The council also approved re-zoning property at 1420 N. 16th from industrial to residential for Buffie Howe in order to build a home. There are more than 100 acres in that area and much of the acreage will still be allowed to be farmed.

Other City Council Notes

The council also authorized the transfer of a police department handgun to retired police Sgt. Kori Brewer per the city's collective bargaining agreement with the police union. Brewer recently retired after 20 years of service and is now a deputy with the Grady County Sheriff's Office. The council also presented fireman Mike Peek with a 25-year service pin and certificate from the Oklahoma Municipal League for his long service.

 

Trio of Elected Officials Sworn In

Three Grady County Elected Officials took their oaths of office yesterday.

 

             

 

District Judge Kory Kirkland led the swearing in ceremony at the Grady County Courthouse Monday. Taking their oaths were Assessor Bari Firestone and new county commissioners Gary Bray and Zach Davis. All will serve four-year terms.

 

Wanted Suspect Arrested After Shooting His Mother

An Anadarko man was arrested for shooting his mother over the weekend.  21-year old Malackhi Wolfe has been formally charged with felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon and using a firearm with the serial number removed. The Lawton Constitution reports that Anadarko police arrested Wolfe after shooting his mother in the stomach on New Year's Eve. On-line Caddo County court records indicate that Wolfe was wanted for a previous weapons charge. A felony arrest warrant was filed in September for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Wolfe remains in the Caddo County Jail as bond has has not yet been set.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.93 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.10.

Natural gas fell to $3.99 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,868 and silver is $24.62.

 

Obituary

Alda Joyce Updegrove

A graveside service for Alda Joyce Updegrove of Cement will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday. Jan. 6th in the Cement Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, Jan. 3rd

 

Chix City Council to Consider 'Separation Agreement'

with Suspended Police Chief

The Chickasha City Council will go behind closed doors tonight to discuss a separation agreement with police chief Dee Rowell. Rowell has been on paid administrative leave since late August but officials have not indicated why she was suspended. Rowell has filed a discrimination complaint against the city with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Panel to Consider Land Sale for Proposed Downtown Development

The council will consider selling the surface rights of property near the Rock Island Railroad Depot to a developer who wants to invest more than $5 million around the depot area. Chet Hitt presented proposal to the council last month which included building a distillery, a restaurant, and a gift shop in the area. This particular tract includes the Mill Building next to the depot. The council must first deem the property surplus with Hitt offering $130,000 for that property.

Public Hearings Also Scheduled

The council will also hold several public hearings, including one to consider changes to the city's land development code. A public hearing is also scheduled for a rezoning request at 1627 West Iowa for applicant Elsie Wilkerson. Wilkerson has been trying unsuccessfully to sell the lot on the southeast corner of 17^th and Idaho on vacant property which used to be laundromat. Wilkerson told the planning commission recently she has an interested buyer that would like to open a small drive-through convenience store to serve the school, hospital and doctors’ offices nearby. A public hearing will also be held for a rezoning request at 1420 N. 16th Street for applicant Buffie Howe. There are 116 acres that Howe would like to re-zone from industrial to residential use to build a home. The planning commission has recommended that both re-zoning proposals be approved.

 

Grady County Officials Sworn In

Two new Grady County Commissioners and the current county assessor were all sworn in to office this morning. District One Commissioner Zack Davis and District 3 Commissoner Gary Bray - along with County Assessor Bari Firestone all took their oaths of office from District Judge Kory Kirkland prior to this morning's county commissioners meeting. Davis defeated incumbent Commissioner Mike Walker and Bray defeated incumbent Commissioner Ralph Beard in last year's elections.

 

Fatal Crash Near Lindsay Under Investigation

One person died and a passenger was hospitalized after an SUV ran off the road and overturned near Lindsay. The driver of the SUV, 46-year old William Brooks of Lindsay was thrown out of the vehicle and died at the scene. The passenger, 29-year old Brook Wood also of Lindsay was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital with arm and trunk injuries. The accident happened just before 8:00 a.m. Monday on a county road about three miles south and one mile east of Lindsay. The cause of that crash is still under investigation.

 

Driver Hospitalized After SUV Rollover in Caddo County

A driver had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after crashing his pickup near Apache over the weekend. 29-year old Shade Nahquaddy of Lawton suffered arm, leg, and internal injuries in the crash that happened about 3:30 a.m. Sunday, New Year's Day. Nahquaddy was eastbound on State Highway 19 west of Apache when for an unknown reason the truck veered off the highway and rolled several times.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $80.26 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.46.

Natural gas is $4.47 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,838 and silver is $24.48.

 

Obituaries

Travis Wallis

Funeral service for Travis Wallis, 41, of Chickasha was held at 10 a.m. this morning at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Linda Schmidt

Funeral service for Linda Schmidt, 73, of Chickasha was held at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon at the First Church of the Nazarene. Arrangements were with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Donna Mealer Chappell

Funeral service for Donna Chappell, 58, of Lindsay will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 4th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Michelle Mendoza

Funeral service for Michelle Mendoza, 31, of Lawton is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

Monday, Jan. 2nd

No news due to holiday

Saturday, Dec. 24th

 

Fire Damages Used Appliance Store

An early-morning fire at a Chickasha used appliance store caused an undetermined amount of damage. The fire erupted near 4^th and Washington just before 8:00 a.m. Fire crews were summoned to the store and witnesses said they saw smoke and flames coming out of the roof. No one was in the business at the time.  The business owner said a neighbor who lives across the street called him about the fire. The owner said a transformer in the alley blew which he believed led to the fire. As of this report fire officials had not yet started their investigation. The owner said he did not have insurance.

 

One Driver Hospitalized Following Near Head-on Crash

A Rush Springs woman had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after a near head-on collision. 36-year old Alisha Kenyon suffered head injuries in the crash that happened just south of Duncan Friday morning. The highway patrol reports that an oncoming vehicle driven by 28-year old Nickelas Pollard of Tulsa crossed over the center line of the roadway and struck Kenyon's vehicle. Kenyon was last in stable condition and Pollard refused treatment at the scene. The trooper investigating the accident reported that Pollard was distracted just prior to the crash.

 

Home Explodes Shortly After Family Leaves 

A Blanchard family is lucky to alive to celebrate Christmas after their home explodes. Their brand new home was destroyed Thursday just minutes after they left to get out of the bitter cold. KFOR-TV reports the family spent 2 ½ years building the home and they had just moved in this past Monday. However, freezing pipes and a malfunctioning heating system forced the family to leave and find a warm place to go.  Kelly Hall is the CEO of a group called the Homeless Military Veterans that has stepped in to help. Hall said the family lost everything including Christmas presents. Hall said the family has asked for prayers and community support. Anyone who would like to help the family or any homeless veteran can reach out to the website www.homelessmilitaryveterans.com or see the group’s Facebook page. The group lists an Oklahoma City address.

 

Southwest Power Pool Issued Energy Emergency

It wasn't publicized during the height of the bitterly cold weather this week but we can now tell you that the Southwest Power Pool issued an energy emergency yesterday. The Power Pool is part of the country's power grid that supplies electricity to states in the middle of the U.S. from Texas to Montana. The website OK Energy Today reports that the power pool issued a level one emergency alert at 8:27 a.m. CDT Friday. It is the lowest of three possible alerts and does not require the public to conserve energy. The alert puts member states on notice that all available resources were being committed to meet power obligations while also saying it was not at-risk of meeting required operating reserves. You might remember that the Southwest Power Pool was put under a lot of strain during the Polar Vortex weather phenomenon in February of 2021.

 

Minco Donor Pay Off School Lunch Debt

Minco Public Schools recently received an unexpected contribution. Superintendent Kevin Sims said an anonymous donor paid off all the school lunch debt owed by families.

 

              

 

 

Sims said some families owed upwards of $300 because they were unable to pay even though they may have been on a reduced-fee program. Sims was grateful for the contribution and said the district reached out to school patrons via text messages and social media to let them know that all the outstanding balances were paid off. Sims encourages families enroll their children in the free and reduced lunch program. There is no cost and all applications remain confidential.

 

Obituary

Jimmie Cooper

Funeral service for Jimmie Cooper, 77, of Tuttle will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28th at Trinity Crossing Church of Tuttle. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

                

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Friday, Dec. 23rd

 

Deep Freeze Continues One More Day

Sub-freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills will be around for one more day but weather for the Christmas holiday is expected to be better. Single-digit temperatures will be hanging around until noon and the forecast high of 22 degrees won't be reached until late this afternoon. The region will not get above freezing until Saturday afternoon with a forecast high of 34 degrees with Christmas Day afternoon temps forecast to be in the low 40s. High winds yesterday caused of lot of power outages and even some downed power lines for some utilities. Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) reported about 1,300 power outages from Rush Springs to Elgin. There are no outages listed on the PSO website this morning. There were just a handful of co-op outages from Lindsay to Binger and from Duncan to El Reno yesterday. As of this morning there was only one REC member in Garvin County without power.

 

Warming Centers Remain Open

Chickasha warming centers will be open through tomorrow (Saturday). Linked Church at 9th and Oregon and Heidi Helping the Homeless at 3^rd and Minnesota will be open during the day. The Resurrection House and Life Skills Institute at 7th and Colorado will have its emergency shelter open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. tonight and tomorrow night.

 

Blood Donors Needed During Cold Spell

The frigid weather has taken a toll on blood donations. Officials with the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) encourage donors to keep their appointments even as the region continues to be in the deep freeze. OBI Director Christi Chambers stopped short of saying there is a blood emergency but said current supplies are low and ask donors to brave the cold weather-

 

              

 

 

There is another community blood drive in Chickasha today. The OBI bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot at 7^th and Chickasha from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The names of all donors throughout the OBI territory today will go into a drawing for a 250 gift card. Look for upcoming blood drives in your area by going to the blood institute's website at www.obi.org

 

 

KOOL 105.5 to Air 'The Imaginaries' Christmas Concert

              

 

Chickasha's hometown musical duo, The Imaginaries will have a special holiday program on our sisters station KOOL 105FM this weekend. Maggie McClure and Shane Henry have pre-recorded a 30-minute performance that will air at 7:00 p.m. Saturday on KOOL 105.5FM and on the KOOL 105.5 Facebook page. The program will be re-broadcast noon Christmas Day (Sunday) only on KOOL 105.5FM.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $77.49 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $80.98.

Natural gas is $5.00 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,806 and silver is $23.97.

 

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Thursday, Dec. 22nd

 

Gov. Stitt Issues Statewide Emergency Due to Weather

Today is the first full day of winter and Oklahoma along with many parts of the country are experiencing brutally cold and snowy conditions. In Oklahoma, The National Weather Service issued travelers’ advisories for much of the state until noon while wind and wind chill advisories are in effect until noon tomorrow. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order declaring a statewide emergency. The order temporarily suspends requirements for size and weight permits of oversized vehicles which transport materials and supplies needed for emergency relief and power restoration. The executive order is in effect for seven days.

 

Warming Centers Open for Duration of Frigid Conditions

Local relief agencies are offering warming stations for the homeless who face life-threatening cold weather conditions. The Chickasha Community Alliance which includes the Salvation Army, the Resurrection House, Life Skills Institute, and numerous church and other groups are assisting. Linked Church at 9th and Oregon will have a day center open today, tomorrow, and Saturday and will provide soup and coffee. The Resurrection House and Life Skills Institute at 7th and Colorado will have an emergency shelter open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. tonight, Friday night, and Saturday night to Sunday morning. Heidi Helping the Homeless at 3^rd and Minnesota will be open during the day and will provide transportation for individuals to the homes of local relatives and friends.

 

Chickasha Firm's 'Jobsite Challenge' Helps Salvation Army

A Chickasha company continues its creative holiday tradition of raising funds to help needy families. CMSWillowbrook began a competition among its many jobsites in 2020 to raise funds for the Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo counties. This year the competition brought in more than $5,000 with the Page Woodson Project of Northeast Oklahoma City responsible for the largest donation of $2,200. CMSWillowbrook matched the jobsite contributions to give a total of $11,000 to the Salvation Army. CMSWillowbrook Marketing Coordinator Jessica Williams said they appreciate their team members, vendors, subcontractors, and architects for supporting the cause and making a difference.

 

Festival of Light Open, but Some Attractions Closed Tonight

Chickasha's Festival of Light will be open tonight but some of the attractions will not be operating. The ice skating rink and the Ferris wheel will be closed due to the cold weather and food trucks may also not be open. The gift shop will be open with coffee, hot cocoa, food items, and gifts.

 

Grady County Sheriff's Office Employees Honored

Several employees at the Grady County Sheriff's Office were honored for their work over the past year. Deputy Keith Williams received the Purple Heart and Life Saving Award for his work on Aug. 12th when he and a civilian were injured. Williams was struck in the back of the neck but was able to remove a civilian and render first aid to the individual who had been shot in the chest. Deputy Danny Booth also received a Life Saving Award for his effort to render aid and security. Sgt. Justin Johnston and Deputy Howard Jamison receive Life Saving Awards for helping a teenaged girl who overdosed on fentanyl in October by giving her Narcan. From the Dispatch Center - Sgt. Amanda Cox, Corporal Kayla Bailey, and Dispatcher Haylee Coatney received commendation letters for the way they handled a shots fired and officer down call Aug. 1st. That was an hours-long event and the dispatchers kept their cool and handled nearly 30 other calls during that incident.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.29 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $82.20.

Natural gas is $5.33 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,823 and silver is $23.89.

 

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Wednesday, Dec. 21st

 

Drug Trafficking Suspect Held on $1 Million Bond

A Chickasha man is behind bars on a $1 million bond after authorities find fentanyl powder in his motel room. Documents filed in Grady County District Court indicate that sheriff's deputy Jim Peek, an agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), said he obtained information about a large shipment of fentanyl powder at the Maverick Inn over the weekend. Peek and Deputy John Cordell went to the motel just after midnight Saturday night and located a couple of bags of the suspected powder with one of them being stored in the toilet tank. The substance field-tested positive as fentanyl and authorities arrested 32-year old Christopher Sebastian Rowe. Rowe has a criminal record dating back to 2013 including convictions of possession of a stolen vehicle, weapons charges, and escape from the state Department of Corrections. Rowe is facing new felony charges of aggravated trafficking and having weapons.

 

Suspect Accused of Teen Rape

A Grady County man is charged with raping a teenager. 40-year old Cody Rountree of Rush Springs was arrested after the alleged victim came to the sheriff's office more than a year ago to report that she had been raped by Rountree for several years. A warrant for Rountree's arrest was issued just last week and he was taken into custody this past Monday. Prosecutors have charged him with one felony count of rape. He is out of jail after posting a $7,500 bond and he's to be back in court for a preliminary hearing conference Jan. 4th.

 

Man Accused of Sharing Nude Photos of Ex-Girlfriend

A suspect is accused of sharing nude pictures of his ex-girlfriend without her approval. 27-year old Colin John Manning of Washington, Okla. was arrested last week. A probable cause affidavit indicates the woman started getting friend requests on Snapchat from people she didn't know. One of the individuals told her Manning was trying to sell a photograph for $30. An arrest warrant for Manning was issued last week and he was arrested Friday night. Prosecutors have charged him with a felony count of disseminating private sexual images. He is out of jail after posting a $10,000 bond and is to be back in court Jan. 4th for a preliminary hearing conference.

 

Another High-Speed Chase Leads to Arrest

Another high speed pursuit in the area lands an Oklahoma City man behind bars. This happened the night of Wednesday, Dec. 14th when Grady County deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on a pickup outside of Tuttle and the motorist did not pull over. Dispatch notified deputies that the truck had been reported stolen out of Okmulgee. The motorist eventually gave up the chase near the Norman Spur on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. Arrested was 54-year old Travis Phillips who is facing charges which include endangering others while eluding; unauthorized use of a vehicle; and misdemeanor drug charges. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

 

Final 'Buy Chickasha' Campaign Winner Confirmed

A winner has finally been confirmed for the final and largest prize in the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce Buy Chickasha promotion. April Rowell was certified as the winner of the $5,000 in gift cards yesterday (Tuesday). Potential winning numbers which were drawn last Thursday and Friday were not claimed. Rowell’s winning number was drawn on Monday and came from Friendly Travel.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.09 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.99.

Natural gas is $5.33 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,811 and silver is $24.11.

 

Obituary

Patricia Fitzpatrick

Funeral service for Patricia Fitzpatrick, 79, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27^th at New Song Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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Tuesday, Dec. 20th

 

OSU Fire School Holds Exercises in Chix

A number firefighters spent time in Chickasha last night taking part in training exercises put on by the Oklahoma State University Fire School. About 20 firefighters from across the state spent a couple of hours of getting hands-on experience in putting out fires. John Carpenter, who retired from the Chickasha Fire Department a few years ago, has been with the fire school for about three years where he currently serves as assistant director of the hazardous materials program. He explains the three parts of the training that took place-

              

 

Members of the Chickasha Fire Department and volunteers with the Grady County Fire Department also took part in the exercises held in front of the leg lamp in downtown Chickasha. The leg lamp was not damaged. Chickasha Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said the training was funded through the Oklahoma Pipeline Awareness Liaison. The group's website describes it has being a member-driven organization of pipeline operators dedicated to improving public awareness of pipeline transportation and safety.

 

Caddo County Storyteller Named State Poet Laureate

A Cyril man will serve as the state poet next year. Jay Snider was appointed as State Poet Laureate by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Snider's specialty is cowboy poetry and preserving the stories of the state's Western heritage. He has numerous contributions to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan and for taking part in many regional and national events. Snider tells KSWO-TV that he was fortunate to be raised by a lot of guys who were good storytellers. He says it’s important to capture their stories before they are gone.

 

Anadarko High School Band Prepares for San Antonio Trip

It's been a three-year wait for the Anadarko High School band but they will finally get to go San Antonio over the holidays to take part in festivities prior to and during the Alamo Bowl. Band Director Jessica Stone said they first starting make plans to go in 2019 but the trip was postponed indefinitely because of COVID. They resumed fund-raising earlier this year and was able to collect about $41,000 for the 32 band members to go. Stone talks about all their activities.

 

             

 

The band will leave on a charter bus on Monday. The game is next Thursday, Dec. 29th in the AlamoDome which will feature the University of Texas vs. the University of Washington.

 

New Number Drawn for Chix Chamber's Big Gift Card Prize

Chickasha Chamber of Commerce officials say there is still not a winner for the $5,000 in gift cards for the Buy Chickasha campaign. Another number was drawn yesterday and whoever has that ticket has until 2 o'clock this afternoon to get their number certified. The new number is 36491 and came from Wing T's. Contact the chamber by calling 405-224-0787.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.19 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.80.

Natural gas is $5.85 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,815 and silver is $23.98.

 

Obituary

Greg Remy

A graveside service for Greg Remy, 53, was held at the Pleasant Hill Woods Memorial Cemetery in Cement at 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, Dec. 20^th). Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, Dec. 19th

 

Grady County Consumer Spending Steady

Consumer spending in Grady County was steady in the month-to-month numbers in the most recent reporting period available. It's estimated that $94.4 million was spent on taxable goods and services in September. That's up just slightly from August and is the third-best month for spending in 2022 to date. The number is up 19 percent compared to the same time last year. We estimate consumer spending when we see the sales tax revenue report from the county. The county's bank account collected more than $708,000 in sales tax revenues last month which were the sales taxes paid on purchases made in September. Here's the breakdown on where that money went: The Grady County Fairgrounds received more than $236,000; Grady Memorial Hospital, $209,000; Grady County Fire Departments shared $118,000 so each of the 20 departments received about $6,000; the county's senior nutrition centers also shared $118,000 so each of seven locations received about $17,000; Tuttle EMS collected $22,000; and Rush Springs EMS received $5,400.

 

State Rep Addresses Grady County Earthquake Issue

State lawmakers in the region may be working on some policy to address the swarm of earthquakes that have occurred recently in Grady County. State Representative Brad Boles’ (R-Marlow) district includes a section of Grady County that has experienced numerous tremors recently. He speculates why those may be occurring and how they may work to help residents in that area.

 

              

 

Save A Life this Holiday by Donating Blood

There are a couple of community blood drives with the Oklahoma Blood institute today. And donors get their name in a drawing to win a $250 gift card that will be issued today from all the donors in this region. A blood drive is underway until 10:30 this morning at Badgett Corporation located at 4009 S. 4^th Street. Then later today KOOL-RANCH Radio and the YMCA team up for a blood drive from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with the OBI Bloodmobile that will be in the YMCA parking lot at 7^th and Chickasha Ave. Walk-ins are welcome at either location. Donors will also get a holiday-themed long-sleeve t-shirt and an ornament for the tree. To find upcoming blood drives in your area go to the website: www.obi.org

 

Funeral Home Offers New Service

A local funeral home is offering a new way to preserve the memories of those who have passed on. Ferguson Funeral Home has partnered with a New Mexico firm to preserve the cremated remains of loved ones into stone-like solidified remains which can be touched and held. Chris Ferguson said the process creates a solid and clean form which resembles a collection of polished stones. Ferguson is working with Justin Crowe of Parting Stone to offer the service. Crowe said those who have cremains of loved ones in the home makes the experience uncomfortable for some, so his firm created an alternative method to preserve the ashes and help families feel a meaningful connection with their loved one.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.29 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.04.

Natural gas is $6.60 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,806 and silver is $23.52.

 

Obituaries

Seth McCool

Funeral service for Seth McCool, 40, of Mt. View and formerly of the Chickasha and Verden area will be held at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon (Monday, Dec. 19^th) at the United Methodist Church in Mt. View. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Ray and Martha's Funeral Home in Mt. View.

Robert Sims

Funeral service for Robert Sims, 76, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Dec. 20th at the First Baptist Church of Ninnekah. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.