Saturday, July 15th

 

Anadarko Stand-off Ends Peacefully; Suspect in Custody

Law enforcement agencies were summoned to an Anadarko home yesterday where a man pointed a gun at utility crews working near his home. The incident led to a stand-off where it was reported the suspect barricaded himself inside his home in the area of Southwest 2nd Street and Alabama Avenue. The Caddo County Sheriff's Office and state troopers were called in to assist. The suspect kept law enforcement at bay for about two hours. Our partners at KWTV-News 9 reported the suspect attempted to escape out of a back window of the home but he was quickly taken into custody.  Authorities arrested Jeremy Jonhammadi who was taken to the Caddo County Jail on unspecified complaints. Formal charges could be filed on Monday.

 

Driver Hospitalized Following SUV Crash

A driver had to be air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after his SUV crashed and rolled between Verden and Anadarko. 34-year old James Parrot suffered head and trunk injuries and was last in stable condition. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 62 five miles east of Anadarko about 3:30 yesterday afternoon. The highway patrol reports that Parrot was westbound at a high rate of speed, veered off the highway, drove through the median and hit a guard rail on the other side of the highway, then flipped end-over-end twice. The trooper investigating the crash said there was an odor of alcohol inside the SUV.

 

Woman Arrested for Alleged Threat with Broken Lamp Bulb

A Ninnekah woman is out of jail on bond after being charged with attacking a man with a broken heat lamp bulb. Ninnekah police arrested 25-year old Esperanza Ramirez Machen after they were called to a home Wednesday afternoon to investigate a domestic disturbance. The alleged victim said he and Machen were arguing when she broke a heat lamp bulb and threatened to stab the victim with the broken end. A probable cause affidavit indicates that the suspect admitted threatening the victim but did not intend to hurt him. Machen is facing a felony count of domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and was released after posting a $15,000 bond. She is to return to court August 2nd.

 

Suspect on Probation Back in Custody After Short Chase

A man who recently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug charges is in more touble with the law after leading a deputy on a short vehicle pursuit through a Chickasha neighborhood. 47-year old Donald Muerice Long, III of Ninnekah was arrested late Thursday night. A Grady County deputy tried to pull Long over for not having a valid tag on his vehicle. A probable cause affidavit indicates that Long did not stop for several blocks until he pulled into the driveway of a home near 12th and Kansas. While questioning Long the deputy saw marijuana and drug items in the vehicle. The deputy was also notified that Long did not have a valid drivers licence and that he had an oustanding warrant through the city of Ninnekah. He was taken to the Grady County Jail and prosecutors charged him with misdemeanors which include eluding, drug possession, and not having a license. He remains in jail pending a $5,000 bond. This past March, Long pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug charges after being arrested by a state trooper. He was sentenced to a year in jail with all but 25 days suspended.

 

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day!

Tomorrow (Sunday, Jan 16th) is National Ice Cream Day. Braum's stores throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Missouri are celebrating with special sales on ice cream cones and frozen yogurt cones. As many of you know, the Braums family farm is just outside of Tuttle - but what you may not know is that all of Braum's ice cream and baked goods are also made there. Braums is one of the largest dairy operations of its kind in the world where crews milk 800 cows every 32 minutes.

 

Talk Show Topic

Here's what we're talking about this weekend. On our KOOL Konversation our guest is Lt. Bobby McFarland with the Salvation Army serving Grady and Caddo counties. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Friday, July 14th

 

New Chix Leaders Discuss City's Future

New USAO president Kayla Hale and downtown Chickasha developer Chet Hitt join forces in a social media video discussing plans to unite the Grady County Fairgrounds and the Rock Island Railroad Depot. A more than two-minute video is posted on the USAO Facebook page with Hitt welcoming Hale to Chickasha and promoting two proposals. The first is to build a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks which runs between the two sites and the second is to construct what would be called the Drover Hotel.

 

              

 

 

Hitt talked about the proposal to have the university and hotel incorporate culinary and hospitality programs. Hitt continues work to build a distillery and renovate the former Savoy 1902 hotel into a barbecue restaurant. Hale was recently named the new president of USAO and will assume her duties on August 1st.

 

Grady County Fair Set Aug. 24th-26th

The 108th Grady County Fair will be here before you know it. The fair will be a three-day event running Thursday, Aug. 24th through Saturday, Aug. 26th. The theme this year is "The Place to be in 2023”. It will include the usual events like stock shows, a cake show and auction, a pet show, live music, and dozens of commercial vendors. Of course there will be a carnival and for the second straight year, a tractor pull with ear-splitting, high horse-powered tractors. Grady County OHCE will be serving their home-cooked meals and concessions to include sandwiches and Indian tacos. A couple of new events are a cornhole tournament and a mullet contest.

 

Downtown Chix Art Walk Tonight

The monthly art walk in downtown Chickasha will be held this evening. It's held the second Friday of each month and artists from all mediums will have items on display and for sale. It encompasses the area from the leg lamp and the Rock Island Depot to the Chickasha Art Center near 7th and Chickasha and the Shakespeare Wine Company near 6th and Kansas. Coordinator Dana Helms says at least one area community is envious.

 

              

 

 

The art walk is from 5 to 8 tonight. To enhance activities on the west end area Shakespeare Wine Company will have free hot dogs and water while Downtown Scoops and Jungle Ice food trucks are expected to have cool treats available.  For information check out the Chickasha Art Walk Facebook page.

 

Fairgrounds Hosts State 4H Horse Show

The Grady County Fairgrounds is hosting the Oklahoma 4H Horse Show this weekend. About 100 youth from across the state are competing. The show coordinator is Kris Hiney who is an Extension Equine specialist with Oklahoma State University.

 

              

 

 

Winners this weekend can go on to compete in the National 4H Horse Show. This is the third straight year for the event to be held in Chickasha. The show runs through tomorrow and admission is free for spectators.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.89 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $81.36.

Natural gas is $2.55 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,960 and silver is $24.95.

 

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Thursday, July 13th

 

Chix Voters to Decide How to Pay for Water Treatment Plant

The City of Chickasha has been ordered by the state department of environmental quality to make upgrades to the city's water. Chickasha residents will go to the polls next month to consider how to pay to build a new water treatment plant that has an estimated price tag of $74 million. Residents will decide if the city's sales tax should be permanently increased to pay for it. Otherwise, Mayor Chris Mosley says the city's water customers will see a huge increase in their water rates.

 

              

 

The tax increase would also help pay for additional street repairs as well as police and fire equipment. Voters will go to the polls August 8th to decide the sales tax issue which would go into effect the first of the year if it's approved. Details of the proposals are on the city’s website: chickasha.org

 

Onward Chickasha Project Seeks More Community Input

The firm leading the Onward Chickasha project has introduced the next part of its effort to get community input regarding the future of the city. Participants can now take part in a visual preference survey. It includes a number of images of potential development and design alternatives and asks individuals to choose the ones they like best. The information will be used to get an overall idea of what homes, stores, offices, and streets should look like. The Onward Chickasha project is an 18-month effort to get input from the community regarding the next 20-30 years of development in the city. For information visit the website: Onward Chickasha.org

 

New Principal Named for Lincoln School

Chickasha school officials have hired a new principal for Lincoln School but it's someone who has been with the 4th and 5th graders for some time. Angie Morgan, who previously served as the school’s assistant principal, was named to the post by the Chickasha school board this week. She is a life-long educator with more than 30 years in the field including 17 of those years with Chickasha schools. She taught at teaching at Lincoln, Grand, and the former Southwest Elementary school. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from USAO and a master's in education from Southwestern Oklahoma State. Morgan will assume the role previously held by Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander who retired from the district at the end of this past school year.

 

New Anadarko School Board Member Sworn In

A vacant post on the Anadarko School Board has been filled. Paul Tointigh has the story.

 

              

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.75 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $80.11.

Natural gas is $2.63 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,964 and silver is $24.42.

 

Obituaries

Richard Welch

No service is schedule for Richard Welch, 85, of Chickasha. He was a life-long printer and established Richard's Printing Company. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Nelda Ross

Funeral service for Nelda Ross, 95, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 15^th at the Verden First Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Wednesday, July 12th

 

Deputy Killed in Accident to be Laid to Rest

Grady County Deputy Sheriff Chase Stinson will be laid to rest tomorrow. Stinson died in a weekend motorcycle accident in Norman. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning at the First Baptist Church of Blanchard. His body was escorted home yesterday by a number of law enforcement personnel. Stinson had an early interest in law enforcement in the Explorer program when he was a student at Blanchard High School. He was part of the Lions football and wrestling teams and graduated in 2015. He worked for the Blanchard Police Department for five years and worked with the sheriff's office for about three years and was the school resource officer at Bridge Creek. He also was a firearms instructor with CLEET.

 

Salvation Army, Utilities Join Efforts 

to Provide Summer Cooling Assistance 

Summer time temps are returning to the region and that means air conditioners will be kicking in to high gear. That can put a toll on needy families struggling to meet their summer cooling needs. The Salvation Army which serves Grady and Caddo counties is working with some utility companies to ask their customers to add a little extra to their monthly payments to help those in need. July is Home Energy Aid month, and utility companies like PSO, OG&E, and Oklahoma Natural Gas will match some of those donated funds. Last year, more than $530,000 in utility assistance was provided statewide to nearly 2,400 households and over 10,000 individuals through this program. Utility customers can submit monthly contributions simply by checking a box on their utility bill. Contributions may also be made at the Grady and Caddo County Salvation Army headquarters at 2402 S. 16th in Chickasha.

 

USAO Environmental Studies Students Serve Summer Internships

A number of environmental science students majoring in environmental studies at USAO are getting some real-world experience in summer internships. Savanna Rivera, who is also working a double major in psychology, is interning at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory in California. Devonian Locke of McAlester is interning at an independent, research-based non-profit in Boston; Yeishka Reyes of Puerto Rico is interning with a pharmaceutical company in her home country; and Bea Bourland of Mustang is interning with the Oklahoma Water Survey in Norman. Dr. Rachel Jones says summer research positions are a great way for students to prepare for post college-career options, and for students to get exposure to a wider set of opportunities.

 

Chickasha Grad Scores Post With Texas Tech

A Chickasha high school grad will be working with a Big 12 conference basketball team this year. Chris Nottingham has was recently named video coordinator for Texas Tech. Nottingham held a similar position at Baylor when the Bears won a national championship and two Big 12 titles. Nottingham talks about his role with Texas Tech.

 

              

 

Nottingham earned both a bachelor's and master's degree at Baylor.

 

Obituaries 

Seth Hoover

Funeral service for Seth Hoover, 29, of Cement, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 14th at Laverty Baptist Church. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Lila 'Jill" Clark

Funeral service for Jill Clark, 76, of Oklahoma City, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 14th at Chickasha's First Christian Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.83 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.40.

Natural gas is $2.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,940 and silver is 23.37.

 

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Tuesday, July 11th

 

Grady County Deputy Dies in Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident claims the life of a Grady County deputy sheriff. Deputy Chase Stinson died early Sunday morning while riding motorcycles with his brothers in Norman. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says they were riding in the area of I-35 and Lindsay Street when Stinson hit the curb of the on-ramp to I-35. That made him lose control of the bike and it crashed into a concrete wall. Stinson was just 26-years old. He had only been with the sheriff's office for two years starting as a courthouse deputy and this past year he was the resource officer for Bridge Creek schools. Prior to that he spent five years with the Blanchard Police Department. Stinson leaves behind his wife Maria and their three-year old daughter. More than 180 comments have been posted on the sheriff's office Facebook page regarding Stinson's death. A funeral service has not yet been announced.

 

Bradley Community Under Voluntary Boil Order

Customers of Grady County Rural Water District Three in the Bradley area are under a voluntary boil order. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said there was a 4-inch water line break on Saturday and crews spent much of Saturday making repairs. When they turned the water pressure back on the water line broke again causing all the water to drain out of the tower. Officials brought in some potable and non-potable water for customers until the line could be fixed again. Thompson said the Oklahoma Rural Water Association helped with repairs on Sunday.  District Supervisor Jamie Mainka said the voluntary boil order will be in effect until they get two consecutive clear water samples.

 

Rush Springs Burglary Suspect in Custody

A burglary suspect is in the Grady County Jail after being arrested in connection with a number of break-ins in Rush Springs. 23-year old Robert Capone Clemons was arrested by Rush Springs police Saturday morning. KSWO-TV cites court documents alleging that Clemons broke into several vehicles and took items that included boxes of ammunition, knives, a wallet, and even a couple of vapes. Prosecutors have charged Clemens with six felony counts of counts third degree burglary and  he remains in jail on a $20,000 bond.

 

Contractor Seeks Zoning Change to Build Homes

A local contractor goes before the Chickasha Planning Commission today for a public hearing to request a zoning change for some property in the southwest part of the city. Brannan Bordwine is asking to re-zone a couple of acres of agriculturally-zoned property to residential use in order to build some homes. The property is in the 2300 to 2500 blocks of Country Club Road.

Home day care operation approval sought

The Planning Commission will also have a public hearing regarding a use-on-review request to operate a home daycare in the 900 block of South 13th Street. Kelsea Dobbins is the applicant.

 

Chix Police Department Offers Sign-on Bonuses

The Chickasha Police Department is now offering sign-on bonuses of up to $10,000 for certified applicants who join the force.  The department's Facebook page indicates that non-certified applicants who are hired are eligible for up to a $6,000 sign-on bonus. Benefits include 10 paid holidays per year, paid vacation, sick leave, personal days, and paid training. Uniforms and equipment are provided and there is college tuition reimbursement assistance. Candidates can apply on-line at chickasha.org/jobs or applicants can send an e-mail to:

recruiting@chickashapd.org.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.99 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $77.69.

Natural gas is $2.67 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,943 and silver is $23.42

 

Obituary

Faybell ‘Fay’ Buchanan

A graveside service for Fay Buchanan, 85, of Verden will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 12th in the Verden Cemetery. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, July 10th

 

Truck Driver Dies in OKC Crash

A truck driver from Cement died after he was thrown out of his semi and pinned underneath when the big rig crashed last night. 29-year old Seth Hoover died in the accident that happed just after 8:00 p.m. near I-44 and I-240 Oklahoma City. The highway patrol reported that Hoover was northbound on I-44 when the truck went into a broad slide on a curve and rolled over onto its side. Hoover was ejected from the cab and pinned under the wreckage for nearly two hours. The trooper investigating the crash said Hoover was traveling at an unsafe speed. The semi's airbags did deploy but and Hoover was not wearing his seat belt.

 

More Changes Requested With CHS Upgrades

Another change-order is being requested in connection with the installation of the new field turf on the football field and related construction at Chickasha High School. The board of education will consider a more than $7,000 revision in the contract in order to improve water drainage along John Cowan Drive. The proposal from Field Turf USA includes removing an obsolete tin horn which blocks proper water flow and re-grading the roadway ditch. It also includes soil stabilization, installing manholes, junction boxes, storm drainage and concrete work, and sod or hydro-seeding. The school board will also consider an agreement with Canadian Valley Technology Center to provided advanced math and science classes, memorandums of understanding with the Delta Community Action Foster Grandparent program, and the South Central Oklahoma Workforce Board. The school board meets at 6 o'clock tonight at the school administration building.

 

Library to Host Job Fair 

There are dozens of employment opportunities in the Chickasha area. The Chickasha Library will be the site of another hiring event this Friday, July 14th with companies seeking military veterans. Among the companies and groups on hand will be Grady Memorial Hospital, the City of Chickasha, Wal-Mart, Amazon, Cherokee Temps, and Express Employment Services. The job fair will be from noon to 3 p.m. with the first hour reserved for veterans and their spouses including active or transitioning service members, and those serving in the guard or reserve. The event will be open to the public from 1-3 p.m. 

 

Indian Expo Returns After Hiatus

The Anadarko American Indian Exposition is returning. It will be the first expo to be held since the pandemic. The last was held in 2019. This will be the 88th expo with many activities to take place at the Caddo County Fairgrounds. The expo began in 1935 to promote and retain Native American cultural life, art, and hand-made crafts. Officials have announced that Lane Factor of television series Reservation Dogs is this year's Celebrity Indian of the Year. The expo will be August 2nd through the 5th. Tanner Mahseet is the chairman of this year's expo.

 

OSU Extension to Offer Grilling Tips

It's grilling season and some people have the knack to always prepare the perfect cut of meat. If your barbecuing skills could use some improvement, Grady County OSU Extension is offering some help. Emma Lewis is the summer intern for the extension office.

 

              

 

Lewis will lead a lunch-and-learn program tomorrow to pass along some tips about beef selection and cooking and will even have some samples. The program is from 12 to 1 tomorrow at the Extension Office. If you are unable to attend the office has free booklets available.

 

Energy and Metals 

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $73.86 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.47.

Natural gas is $2.58 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,928 and silver is $23.24.

Saturday, July 8th

 

'Wanted' Suspect in Custody After Pursuit

A wanted Minco man is in custody and facing a several charges after a pursuit in Caddo County. 22-year old Williams Alan Hatcher of Minco is facing multiple felony charges in connection with the incident. The Lawton Constitution cites Caddo County court documents that indicate it took place Thursday, June 29th. A Hinton police officer made a traffic stop on Hatcher at the Sugar Creek Casino. The officer discovered that Hatcher had outstanding warrants and Hatcher sped away. The pursuit went in to a rural area where Hatcher is alleged to have driven through the fence and yard of a home where a man, his children, and pets were playing. The chase came to an end when Hatcher crashed in a bar ditch and was arrested after a short foot pursuit. Hatcher is charged with felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, endangering others while attempting to elude and some misdemeanors. His bond was set at $100,000.

 

Suspect Arrested for Alleged Rape of Teen

An Anadarko man is accused of raping a teenaged girl after he had her eat edible marijuana. 21-year old Toby Olen Coley was arrested after a six-month investigation by Anadarko police and the district attorney's office. The Lawton Constitution cites court documents indicating that the 17-year old victim alleged Coley raped her in August. She also claimed Coley sexually assaulted her several months before after they had been drinking. The victim's mother filed the report last December. Coley told investigator's the report was false, and he refused to take a lie detector test because he didn't do anything wrong. Coley is being held in the Caddo County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Coley is charged with felony rape and a misdemeanor for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

 

Talk Show Topic

State Senator and author Darrell Weaver is this week's guest on our KOOL Konversation. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.

 

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Friday, July 7th

 

Rush Springs Driver Air-Lifted After Crash

A driver had to be air lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital after being thrown out of his pick up after it ran off the road and crashed. 35-year old Robert Wilkinson of Rush Springs suffered leg injuries in the crash and was last in fair condition. The accident happened about 12:30 yesterday afternoon just southeast of Chickasha near South Mockingbird Road and Quail Lane. The trooper dispatched to the crash said that Wilkinson failed to go around a curve, ran off the road and rolled, ejecting him from the truck. The trooper said Wilkinson was not wearing his seat belt.

 

Port-a-Potty Arrestee Back in Custody 

After Being Accidentally Released From Jail 

The man arrested after locking himself in a port-a-potty this week is back in custody after he was inadvertently released from jail. We reported yesterday that Shawn Lang of Duncan was arrested after a call came in about a suspicious person being on some property in Rush Springs. Lang locked himself in the port-a-potty and officers sprayed pepper spray through the vents to get him out. He then fought with officers before they were able to take him in to custody. KSWO-TV reports that a clerical error led to Lang's release. The station reported that law enforcement officials worked with Lang's family to convince him to turn himself back in. Lang is not facing any additional charges. He is facing a felony charge of assault and battery on a police officer and misdemeanors which include resisting arrest, drug possession, trespassing, and disturbing the peace.

 

State Senator-Author Publishes Book

About Dealing With Child's Cancer Death

An Oklahoma State Senator who at one time led the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and is in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame is now a published author. Republican Darrell Weaver of Moore is in his second term serving district 24. The Comanche native is a Christian author who recently released his second book 'The Ashley Weaver Story: A John the Baptist Moment.' It was written about his teenaged daughter who died of brain cancer when she was 15 years old. The book was released just ahead of would have been Ashley's 35th birthday. Weaver said it was difficult for him and his wife Dr. Kim Weaver to deal with their daughter's death and wanted to share their experiences to help others dealing with the deaths of loved ones.

 

              

 

Weaver will have a book signing at the Weaver Clinic in downtown Chickasha at 512 Chickasha Avenue from about 10:00 a.m. to noon and books will be available. Copies of his first book 'Undercover Drug Agent: A Walk of Faith' will also be available. Both can be purchased on Amazon.

 

New Anadarko School Board Member to be Sworn In  

An accountant and financial advisor will be joining the Anadarko school board. Richard Ross was appointed to the panel to fill the remaining months of a vacant Ward 3 seat. The school board approved the appointment held this past Wednesday. Ross is set to take his oath of office at the regular Anadarko school board meeting on Monday. Superintendent Jerry McCormick said Ross previously worked at Western Farmers Electric Co-op and serves on the Anadarko Public School Foundation. Ross will serve out the remaining few months of the term in Ward 3 which runs through June 30, 2024. He will have to run for the post next year should he want to remain on the board.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.80 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.52.

Natural gas is $2.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,921 and silver is $22.90.

 

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Thursday, July 6th

 

Semi Driver Hospitalized After Near Head-on Collision

Two semis were involved in a near head-on collision south of Anadarko and one of the drivers was hospitalized with trunk injuries. 51-year old Mario Watson of Chickasha was taken by ground ambulance to an Oklahoma City Hospital where he was admitted in stable condition. A passenger, 59-year old Timmy Manning of Cyril, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was treated for head and trunk injuries and released. The other truck driver, 40-year old Phillip Stroll of Elgin, was not injured. The accident happened about 11:00 a.m. Wednesday on State Highway 8 about three miles south of Anadarko. The highway patrol reports that Watson was traveling at an unsafe speed and ran off the highway - over-corrected - and struck the other semi, then Watson's semi rolled onto its side. The trooper said neither Watson nor his passenger were wearing their seatbelts while Stroll was buckled up.

 

Child Hospitalized After Crash Near Tuttle

A three-year old girl was one of four people taken to a hospital following a near head-on collision near Tuttle Tuesday night. The accident happened about 8:00 p.m. near State Highway 4 and Fox Lane. The highway patrol reports that a northbound vehicle driven by 21-year old Alyssa Todd of El Reno turned in front on an oncoming vehicle driven by 35-year old Alicia Strause of Roosevelt. The child was in the Strause car, and the girl was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital and admitted in good condition. Strause was not hurt. Todd and a passenger, 22-year old Greyson Barker of Yukon were also taken to an Oklahoma City hospital. Todd suffered leg and internal injuries and was admitted in stable condition while Barker was treated and released.

 

Suspect Arrested After Barricading Himself in Port-a-Potty

A port-a-potty was the scene of a brief standoff between a man and Grady County deputies this week. A probable cause affidavit indicates authorities were called to the Rush Springs area at 789 State Highway 17 to investigate a suspicious person on Monday. The individual had locked himself inside the port-a-potty. Deputies sprayed pepper spray through the vent which forced the man out. A brief scuffle ensued and the man twice kicked a deputy in his chest. Deputies eventually subdued the suspect and he was taken to jail. In custody is 46-year old Sean Dwayne Lang of Duncan. He's been charged with a felony for assault and battery on an officer and a number of misdemeanors including resisting arrest, possession of meth, and public intoxication. His bond was set at $50,000.

 

Rush Springs Woman Charged After Bizarre Incident

A follow-up today on the woman who tried to drive off in a Rush Springs police officer's cruiser. 21-year old Rochelle May High of Rush Springs is facing several charges in connection with the incident. It happened last Saturday night after Sgt. Stephen Fish pulled High over and discovered she didn't have a driver's license. High was handcuffed and placed in the back of the cruiser - but she managed to get out of the cuffs, climb over the back seat, and tried to drive off. Media reports indicated that Sgt. Fish attempted to stop her from driving away but was dragged a few feet after grabbing the door handle. Pastor Tom Handke with the Rush Springs Assembly of God Church and other good Samaritans witnessed the incident and ran to help. The cruiser came to a stop after hitting a retaining wall at the church. Fish suffered some scrapes and bruises but no serious injuries. High was eventually arrested and taken to the Grady County Jail. She has been formally charged with felonies for assault on an officer and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon as well as numerous misdemeanors. Her bond is set at $125,000.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.79 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $76.65.

Natural gas is $2.66 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,924 and silver is $23.32.

 

Obituaries

Hada Terrell

Funeral for Hada Terrell, 81, of Tuttle will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 8th at Sevier Funeral Home in Tuttle. She was a machinist, a mail carrier, and delivered newspapers. She was the sister of Ealmer Klippel who served as a Grady County Commissioner for several years.

Conway Hubbard

Funeral for Conway Hubbard, 77, of Oklahoma City will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 8th at the Divine Wisdom Worship Center in Midwest City. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

 

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Wednesday, July 5th

 

City of Chix Provides Details of Sales Tax Election

For Water Treatment Plant, Capital Improvements

Chickasha residents will go to the polls in 32 days to consider a sales tax proposal that - if passed - would pay to build a new $74 million water treatment plant.  Officials have posted extensive information on the city's website about the history of the current plant and why a new plant is needed. Officials say the more than 70-year old plant is past its useful life and is at risk of catastrophic failure. The Department of Environmental Quality has told city leaders that one way or another, a new plant needs to be built.  The City has published information on its website that officials hope may answer questions that residents may have about the upcoming sales tax election.

Sales tax proposal details 

Voters will decide if a permanent 1 1/2 percent sales tax should be implemented to pay for the facility as well other capital improvements. Officials say a current 3/4 of percent sales tax expires at the end of the year. If approved, the overall sales tax would increase by 1/2 of 1 percent. The increase is expected to bring in more than $4.5 million per year with $3 million each year to pay for a loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to build the plant.  About $1.5 million per year would be used for capital improvements including a new fire station, a new firetruck, and equipment for the fire and police departments; street repairs and construction; and construction or relocation of water and sewer lines associated with the Highway 81 Bypass. If the sales tax doesn't pass, water rates will increase by more than 80 percent in order to pay only for the water plant and that no funds would be available for the capital improvement projects. The information can be found on the city's website: www.chickasha.org

The election is set for Tuesday, Aug. 8th.

 

Watchdog Group Questions Supreme Court Justice's Actions

Over Wife's Ownership Connections to Grady County Oil and Gas Lease

A tract of land in Grady County is at the center of an ethics controversy surrounding a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The website OK Energy Today posted information first published by The Intercept which indicates Justice Samuel Alito has a conflict of interest regarding rulings in favor of the oil and gas industry and against the Environmental Protection Agency.  The report indicates that Alito's wife owns part of a section of land near a Minco-area oil and gas lease. The Intercept reports that Alito's wife agreed in June of last year to lease 160 acres to Tulsa-based Citizen Energy and that she would receive a 3/16ths royalty. The report indicated that if any oil and gas were discovered and produced, it could amount to a small fortune for the Alito family. An official with a watchdog group called the Revolving Door Project said 'there need not be a specific case involving the drilling rights associated with a special plot of land for Alito to understand what outcomes in environmental cases would buttress his family's net wealth.'

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.79 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.65.

Natural gas is $2.71 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,936 and silver is $23.09.

 

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Tuesday, July 4th

No news do to the holiday.

 

Monday, July 3rd

 

Rush Springs Officer Uninjured After Bizarre Incident

A Rush Springs police officer avoids injury after a suspect he detained tried to run him over with the officer's patrol car. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says deputies and state troopers were called to assist the officer Saturday afternoon. A woman had been detained and handcuffed for an unknown reason and she managed to slip out of the handcuffs and tried to steal the officer's vehicle. Boggess said she tried to run the officer over and then hit the car she was initially driving, then crashed into a retaining wall at the Rush Springs Assembly of God Church. State troopers worked the accident and the sheriff's office is working the criminal part of the incident. Boggess did not name the officer involved. The woman was taken into custody on complaints of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and eluding.

 

Trio Arrrested After Alleged Illegal Marijuana Found

Three people are in custody after a deputy attempted to serve tax documents on a marijuana grow operation. Sheriff Boggess said Deputy Larry Schones went to the facility but no one responded. Schones then went to a Chickasha home at 125 Ruskin Place where he detected a strong odor of marijuana and saw in plain sight several pounds of suspected illegal marijuana. A request for a search warrant was approved and the sheriff's office narcotics division was summoned. The deputies confiscated about 35 pounds of illegal weed which was believed to have a street value of about $35,000. The suspects were arrested on complaints of trafficking and maintaining a residence for keeping or selling drugs.

 

Chix Officials Consider Location for Third Fire Station

Chickasha city officials are looking at opening a third fire station. The city council tonight will consider the city's annual contract with the Grady County 522 EMS District. The city is expected to receive more than $576,000 from the district. In addition, the city will ask the district for $750,000 for capital improvements to help the city purchase the Chief Fire and Safety buildings in the 300 block of Washington Avenue. The council will also consider purchasing a battery-operated Jaws of Life tool for the fire department for just under $40,000.

Oil and Gas Leases May be Awarded

The council will also consider awarding a couple of oil and gas leases. One is for 300 acres at Lake Chickasha to Todco Properties and the other is for 40 acres in Section 4 of Township 6 North and Range 7 West in Grady County to Camino Natural Resources.

City Pool to be Evaluated; Should it be Repaired or Replaced?

The council will also consider contracting with a company to evaluate the swimming pool at Shannon Springs Park. The pool is about 40 years old and Parks and Recreation Director Spencer Winzenreid said it’s becoming more time-consuming and expensive to open the pool every year. Winzenreid is a proposing an inspection of the pool by a firm called Paddock Enterprises of Oklahoma City after the swimming season ends. If the $9,500 cost of the evaluation is approved it would include estimated costs of  renovations and estimated costs of a new pool. The city council meets at 6:30 tonight at city hall.

 

Holiday Hours Differ for City, County Offices

Chickasha City Hall and all city offices are open today but will be closed for the 4th of July tomorrow.  The Grady County Courthouse is closed today as work crews are re-tiling the courthouse vestibule, and will also be closed tomorrow for the holiday. The courthouse will re-open on Wednesday.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.70 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.26.

Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,920 and silver is $22.97.

Saturday, July 1st

 

Town Halls Set for Chix Sales Tax Proposal

Chickasha city officials will hold several town hall meetings over the next few weeks to answer questions about a proposed sales tax plan that would pay to build a new $74 million water treatment plant. Officials have proposed a 1 ¼  cent sales tax. If approved, it would replace a 3/4 of a penny sales tax which will be expiring this year with the result being an increase of 1/2 of one cent. The first meeting will be Monday, July 24th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at city hall. The second will be Thursday, July 27th from 6 to 8 p.m. at city hall. The third will be Saturday, July 29th from 8 to 10 a.m. at the library; and the 4th will be a virtual zoom meeting on Tuesday,  Aug. 1st from noon to 1 p.m. Voters will decide the sales tax proposal in a special election on Tuesday, Aug. 8th.

 

Fireworks and the 4th of July Illegal in Many Cities

America will be celebrating its 247th birthday next week. The 4th of July weekend is here and with it the opportunity to purchase and shoot fireworks. It is illegal in many cities and towns to shoot fireworks within the city limits and that includes Chickasha. The fine for anyone ticketed for doing so is $174. Officials with the police department say it has been several years since anyone was given a ticket. The last was in 2019 and before that, 2014. Generally, officers will simply issue a warning if they are called to look into a fireworks complaint.

 

Well completions

Marathon Oil reports a location bringing in about 1,100 barrels of oil and 1,100 Mcf of natural gas per day southwest of Lindsay. It's the Dean Well in section 30 of Township 4 North and Range 4 West five miles southwest of Lindsay in Garvin County. True vertical drilling depth was 11,000 feet and total drilling was more than 21,000 feet.

EOG Resources

A report on the Candi Well four miles northeast of Blanchard. The well is in Section 23 of Township 8 North and Range 4 West in McClain County and was bringing in just over 200 barrels of oil and 150 Mcf of natural gas per day. True vertical depth was nearly 9,300 feet and total drilling was more than 20,000 feet. EOG also filed a completion report on the Wilson Well two miles south of Newcastle in Section 4 of Township 8 North and Range 4 West also in McClain County. It was producing 320 barrels of oil and nearly 300 Mcf of natural gas per day. True vertical depth is 9,600 feet and total drilling was nearly 20,000 feet.

Citizen Energy of Tulsa

Two wells on a single pad southwest of Mustang. The Walther wells are in Section One of Township 10 North and Range Six West in Canadian County. They were producing about 420 barrels of oil and nearly 1,200 Mcf of natural gas per day. True vertical depth was 9.400 feet with total drilling at more than 17,000 feet.

 

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Friday, June 30th

 

State Receives Federal Broadband Expansion Funds

$1.2 billion. That's the budget for the state broadband office to build a statewide network to provide high-speed internet service to all corners of the Sooner State. Much of the money are federal funds from what's called the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program (BEAD). The Oklahoman reports that the Biden administration announced that nearly $798 million in BEAD grants will be provided to Oklahoma. The funds are part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act approved by Congress in 2021. The state broadband office received another $400 million in grants which provides the remaining portion of the budget. Internet service providers who agree to provide internet service at affordable prices will be able to apply for the grant funds through a competitive process to build networks capable of providing higher uploading and downloading speeds. The state office also plans to spend some of the money to support programs to train a workforce to help the providers install and operate the networks to make sure broadband expansion is done effectively and efficiently. State officials expect to receive about 20 percent of the BEAD funds within a year and the remainder over the following three years.

 

Regional July 4th Celebrations

There will be several opportunities over the next few days to enjoy professional fireworks displays for the 4th of July. They start tonight with Anadarko's Honor America celebration. Activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Randlett Park. There are games and activities, more than a dozen food trucks, other vendors, and live music. The fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m. and our sister station New Country 985 will broadcast patriotic music in synch with the show. Monday night, Blanchard will hold its Independence Day celebration behind the Sonic Drive In. There will also be family-oriented games, live music, and fireworks. In Chickasha, a new event will be held Tuesday morning July 4^th. It’s called the Stars and Handlebars Parade. It is open to families, individuals, and groups who would like to dress up and decorate their bicycles and ATVs in red, white, and blue and ride through Shannon Springs Park. A small fee benefits USO Oklahoma. Advanced registration is requested on the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce website by Monday, July 3^rd. Participants can also register at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the park with the parade starting at 10 a.m. The Chickasha fireworks show will be at the park Tuesday night. Marlow will also have its big 4th of July celebration on Tuesday with a downtown parade at 10 a.m. followed by activities at Red Bud Park.

 

Chix Community Theatre Has Final Weekend of Shrek, Jr.

The Chickasha Community Theatre's presentation of Shrek, Jr. hits the stage for three more performances this weekend. There are performances at 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night with a final matinee performance Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Advanced tickets may be purchased at Jay’s Jewelry or tickets will be available at the door.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.70 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.26.

Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,911 and silver is $22.63.

 

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Thursday, June 29th

 

Onward Chickasha Open House Tonight

The latest information regarding a plan to guide the City of Chickasha to the middle part of this century and beyond can be reviewed tonight. The Onward Chickasha project will have an open house at Chickasha City Hall this evening. The Oklahoma City-based engineering and architectural firm of Guernsey Consultants has been hired by the city council to do a detailed survey which will take about a year-and-a-half to complete. The study is still in its early stages. Guernsey representative Laura Bergey says tonight's open-house will allow individuals to review and discuss the work done so far and provide input on a preliminary draft of the community's vision and goals for the future. The open-house is a come-and-go event in the first-floor lobby of city hall from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight. Other information is available on-line at: OnwardChickasha.org

 

Bucket Truck Fire Slows Turnpike Traffic

A commercial truck fire slowed traffic on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike yesterday. It happened just before 1:00 p.m. in the west bound lanes of the interstate near mile marker 97. The driver was able to pull the bucket truck onto the shoulder of the highway forcing officials to close the outside lane for about 45 minutes. The highway patrol and several other first responders were summoned. No details about the incident were available. The truck remained on the shoulder until crews returned to remove it just after 6:30 last night. Traffic was again narrowed to one lane and it took crews three hours to remove the truck.

 

Life Skills Institute Works to Rebuild Lives

Chickasha's Life Skills Institute (LSI) has a mission of providing a way for men and women facing hardships to get on their feet and improve their lives. Director Zack Bowles says it's for those who are experiencing financial devastation, addiction, homelessness, or other issues and help guide them to independent living. It is a faith-based program and just like the name implies LSI provides life skills training and work-readiness programs which can last from one to two years. Individuals can work and do have to pay for their stay however they can qualify for some one-time assistance after successfully completing the program.

 

              

 

 

Bowles says the monthly fee is income based and daily meals are provided. Residents are also encouraged to take part in community service projects. Life Skills Institute recently received an ARPA grant of $900,000 from Grady County Commissioners to help build a new women's dormitory which is under construction.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.56 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.03.

Natural gas is $2.66 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,913 and silver is $22.97.

 

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Wednesday, June 28th

 

Crash Sends Blanchard Man to Hospital

A Blanchard driver was hospitalized after two pick-ups collide between Chickasha and Dibble yesterday. 60-year old Michael Lamb was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital by Chickasha EMS with unknown injuries. He was admitted in stable condition. The accident happened at the junction of State Highway 39 and the Alex Highway, which is CS 2940. The highway patrol reported that Lamb failed to yield from a stop sign, and was hit by an eastbound pickup driven by 67-year old Ronald Smith of Purcell. Neither Smith nor an unidentified 16 year old passenger were injured.

 

Repairs to Chix Intersection Underway

Looks like repairs to a busy Chickasha residential intersection are getting underway. A backhoe is now on site at 14th and Missouri, where crews have to replace storm drain pipes and repair the roadway.

 

Chix Schools Enrollment Scheduled 

Chickasha school officials are getting things ready for enrolling students for the upcoming year. According to the district's website, enrollment will be on-line. That process will start in just two weeks, on Wednesday, July 12th.  This will be for first-time students, or, students who are returning from out-of-district or home-school situations. That will include students who did not finish out last year, and pre-kindergarten students. For students who have applied for a transfer, officials ask that they not start the enrollment process until they have been notified that the district has space available. For information, contact the Chickasha Schools Enrollment Center at 7th and Kansas Avenue, downtown.

 

Ag Dealership Partners With Investment Firm 

One of Chickasha's leading farm tractor and machinery dealerships is continuing to make improvements. Parallel Ag, which purchased Livingston Machinery Company a couple of years ago, has partnered with a private equity firm to assist with the dealership’s growth. Midwest Growth Partners (MGP) is now on board to bring additional capital to the company. MWG has experience in advancing what it calls the endless economic potential of America's smaller communities. Parallel Ag president Shawn Skaggs says MGP is a good match for them.

 

              

 

Skaggs said the Chickasha dealership has been able to add equipment to the shop area which has helped their technicians become more efficient. There are also have to remodel. Parallel Ag also been able to open dealerships in Lubbock, Texas and Liberal, Kansas. 

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.70 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.26.

Natural gas is $2.76 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,915 and silver is $22.91.

 

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Tuesday, June 27th

 

County Fairgrounds Hosts Youth Brangus Show

Another national livestock show is underway at the Grady County Fairgrounds this week. It's the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association. Some 250 youth from across the country will be showing about 550 head of cattle. Briana Hicks is the president of the group.

 

              

 

 

Hicks is 22 years old and recently graduated from Texas A and M with a bachelor's degree in animal science and plans on continuing her education to get a master's degree in ag leadership. The show runs through Saturday and there is no cost to attend any of the activities.

 

Fire Hydrant Flushing to Affect Chix Neighborhood

Parts of Chickasha may experience low water pressure over the next few days. Crews with USW, the  private contractor for the city’s water services, will be flushing some fire hydrants. The area affected is north of Frisco Avenue between 6th and 16th Streets.

 

Repair on Rain-Damaged Intersection Delayed

City officials were hoping that work to repair the 14th and Missouri intersection would start last week however the effort has been delayed. Public Works Director Jim Crosby said the firm hired for the project said a trailer had broken down and they were making repairs yesterday. In an e-mail, Crosby tells RANCH News that they could be moving equipment in today to begin work. The intersection has been closed for more than a month after heavy rains damaged the storm drain pipes underneath the streets.

 

Grady Courthouse to Close July 3rd and 4th

Grady County employees will be getting an extra day off next week in addition to the July 4th holiday. County Commissioners decided to close the courthouse on Monday, July 3^rd to re-tile the courthouse security vestibule. That project is expected to take four days to complete and it's hoped crews can start Saturday and be done by the end of the day Tuesday. The courthouse will re-open for business as usual on Wednesday, July 5th. The weekly county commissioner's meeting normally held on Monday will be at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 5^th.

 

CV Tech Students Do Well at National Event

A number of students from the Chickasha campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center placed in the top 10 in national competitions recently. Lindsay Palesano, Terrie Clark, and Ashley Keeton finished second in creative problem solving for post-secondary students in the Future Health Professionals Division; top-10 placers were Hannah Turner, in post-secondary nutrition; and Kylie Childress in post-secondary medical law and ethics. Trenton Rippey placed third in secondary prepared speech in pre-engineering for Skills USA. Trinity Badillo, Payton Morgan, and Mia Pecina in the business office class placed third in the post-secondary small business management division of the Business Professionals of America.  Rippey was also one of four state officers from the Chickasha campus at the national conference. The others were Zoey Howry, Abby James, and Yesenia Ramirez.

 

Chix Resident Accepted in to Leadership Oklahoma

A Chickasha resident has been selected to take part in the next Leadership Oklahoma program. Jim Cowan, the president of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and director of the Economic Development Council has been accepted into the program. He'll be among 50 participants who will spend one day a month over the next several months visiting several communities. A press release indicates participants will have engaging discussions, work on collaborative problem-solving, and get a better understanding of the social, environmental, and economic challenges facing the state.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.37 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.18.

Natural gas is $2.79 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,932 and silver is $23.13.

 

Obituaries

Terry Morgan

A memorial service for Terry Morgan, 55, of Chickasha, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 30th at Faith Latino Church in Oklahoma City. He was the kitchen manager for Hutch's and previously was the store manager for the Chickasha Travel Plaza. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Ronnie Thomas

A private memorial service for Ronnie Thomas, 61, of Chickasha will be held by the family at a later date. He worked for the City of Chickasha's water maintenance department. Arrangements are also with Ferguson Funeral Home.

 

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Monday, June 26th

 

Pilot Makes Emergency Landing in Field 

The pilot of a small airplane was forced to make an emergency landing in a field near Rush Springs over the weekend. This happened about 2:15 Saturday afternoon. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says the unidentified pilot had just left the Lawton airport and was experiencing some problems and was looking for a place to land. Boggess said the pilot thought about trying to land on Highway 81 but found a field just south of Rush Springs and was able to land safety. The pilot was the only occupant of the plane and he was not hurt. The only information available about the plane was that it was a four-seater. The landing was made in a field two miles south of Rush Springs near CS 2820 and CR 1560.

 

Chix PD Recieves Grant to Offer Mental Health Counseling for Staff

We reported last week that a grant for the Chickasha Police Department will provide mental health counseling for police personnel. Police Chief G.G. Music was on our KOOL Konversation program over the weekend and said the counseling is not just for the police officers on the street.

 

              

 

The $4,000 grant from the Oklahoma Electric Co-op Round-up program will pay for 400 hours of counseling.

 

Open House for Onward Chickasha Survey Set

The on-going work of a firm putting together a 20-30 year plan for the city of Chickasha has re-scheduled an open house that was postponed earlier due to weather concerns. The most recent information of the Onward Chickasha project will be on display later this week. The Guernsey Engineering firm out of Oklahoma City is leading the effort. Chickasha Mayor Chris Mosley said it is a detailed plan, with officials seeking community input about the city's future.

 

              

 

This week's open house will be Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 at Chickasha City Hall.

 

Soldiers Return From Overseas Deployment

A welcome home ceremony held over the weekend for a number of Ft. Sill soldiers who returned from a lengthy deployment. Members of the First Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Division spent nine months in Europe assisting NATO. The soldiers spent time in Germany, Poland, and Estonia. Battalion Commander Emilian Tellado said it was not standard work for the troops. He said what they did made an impact on Europe and their work will always be remembered.

 

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.16 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.85.

Natural gas is $2.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $1,941 and silver is $23.03.