Saturday, Sept. 21st

Juvenile Arrested for Alleged School Threats

Authorities have arrested a juvenile for allegedly making threats toward Minco schools this week. According to a post on the Grady County Sheriff's Office Facebook page the juvenile is also accused of threatening other schools. Minco schools were threatened Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and forced officials to close school Tuesday due to a bomb threat. The post indicates that Minco's school resource officer Deputy Berger conducted much of the investigation. Authorities say the juvenile's name will not be released and that the investigation is on-going.  Minco Superintendent Kevin Sims posted a letter on Facebook saying the juvenile will be charged with Commiting a Terrorism Hoax and Threatening to Commit Physical Harm. Sims thanked School Resource Officer Berger, the Grady County Sheriff's Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the FBI for their work. He said the district will stand strong in the support of the filing of charges.

Remains of Teen Who Died in Pennsylvania Boarding School

Nearly 140 Years Ago Returned to Anadarko

A solemn ceremony was held in Anadarko today as the remains of child who died at a Pennsylvania Indian boarding school over 100 years ago were returned to her home. Kate Ross was taken from her Anadarko family in 1879. She was 15-years old at the time of her death which occurred less than six months after arriving at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in 1885. Leaders with the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes have been diligently working with Pennsylvania officials to have the remains of the children who died returned to their homes. The purpose of boarding schools across the country was to remove Native Americans from their cultures and lifestyles and assimilate them into the white man's society.  Following a graveside ceremony for Kate at Rock Springs Cemetery there was a celebration of life at the Wichita Community Building to honor all the tribe's children whose lives were lost during the adoption of the Indian Boarding School policies.

Chix Begins Annual Chlorine-Only Water Treatment Program

The City of Chickasha is beginning an annual waterline maintenance project today. Officials at the water treatment plant will be using chlorine only to treat the water coming in from the Ft. Cobb Reservoir. Officials say chlorine will help remove biofilm that collects in water pipes over the course of time. Officials say once the chlorinated water moves through the distribution system, tap water will briefly become discolored and smell and taste like chlorine. This process will take place over the next 30 days. The private contractor which operates the water plant, USW, will return to the normal process of treating the water around Oct. 22nd.

Anadarko Officials Seek Help in Finding Lead Water Lines

In Anadarko, officials are asking for help in identifying the number of lead water lines that may be remain in the community. A post on the city's Facebook page says the city is working to comply with new requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Officials say going door-to-door to all the 2,600 homes and businesses with water meters isn't feasible so they are asking consumers to fill out notices that have been mailed to them. The survey is voluntary and does not cost anything. Questions can be directed to the Anadarko Water Department.

Talk Show Topic

On the KOOL Konversation, Adrian Smith and Erica Camero with the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes will have information about a disability awareness day they'll be co-hosting with the Delaware Nation, Apache Tribe, and Comanche Nation to help disabled Native Americans find employment. There is a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.

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Friday, Sept. 20th

Grady Memorial to Add New Services

A new partnership for Grady Memorial Hospital will bring orthopedic and podiatry departments to the area. The hospital is teaming up with Southwest Orthopedic Services of Oklahoma City to bring specialists to Chickasha which will allow patients to see them a lot earlier than having to make long-range appointments and avoid the drive to the Oklahoma City Metro area. A press release issued by the hospital indicates the orthopedic department will specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and diseases affecting bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. The podiatry department will focus on the medical and surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions including a diabetic and non-diabetic wound specialist. The clinics will be in a newly-renovated facility on the main floor of the professional building and will have state-of-the-art equipment including new lift-assisted beds and its own x-ray area.

Alex Community to hold Founders Day

The community of Alex will celebrate its Founders Day tomorrow. It was incorporated in 1910 making it 114 years old but the area is said to have been founded 25 years earlier in 1885 by cattle rancher Red Alexander. A Google search shows he is considered to be the first white man to settle the area. Activities include a parade, a car show, live music, arts and crafts vendors, a cornhole tournament, and a bake-off. Local historian Norman Voss will have displays for the communities of Alex and Old Fred, as well as the Chisholm Trail and town history will be on display in the community center. There will be a grand opening of a new store called Branded by Brandy Boutique and The Patch at Spring Creek will have pumpkins and mums for sale. Founders Day in Alex will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.

Suspect wanted for Stabbing Arrested

A Chickasha man wanted in connection with stabbing a woman is in custody. An arrest warrant was issued Sept. 4th for 45-year old Marcus Don Brown after a violent confrontation with the victim. In an arrest warrant affidavit, Chickasha police say the attack occurred the evening of Aug. 27th. The victim reported that Brown held a knife to her throat and chest, cut her on her thigh, and threatened to kill her. Grady County deputies arrested Brown earlier this week on the warrant for felonies of domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and threatening violence. Brown is also facing a misdemeanor charge for resisting arrest. Brown remains in the Grady County Jail in lieu of an $85,000 bond.

Trafffic on Cottonwood Road to be Detoured for Weeks

Here's a traffic advisory for motorists who use Cottonwood Road east of U.S. Highway 81. Beginning Monday both lanes of Cottonwood Road will be closed for several weeks as contractors replace a culvert and make some road improvements. The road closure will be from about 1/2 mile east of Highway 81 near Royal Filter to about Sooner Road. Detour signs will be in place on Monday. The project is expected to take about 60 days.

Youth Rodeo Competition in Chickasha for the Weekend

Over 150 youth throughout Oklahoma and from surrounding states are in Chickasha this weekend with the Heart of Oklahoma Youth Rodeo Association (HOYRA). All the events will be held in the Event Center at the Grady County Fairgrounds. The group holds monthly events across the state including Duncan, Woodward, and Pawhuska. They'll be back in town in March and May of next year with May being HOYRA's state finals. There are age divisions from 6-and-under to 14-19 in events that include barrel racing, team roping, goat tying, and calf tie-down.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.85 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.65.

Natural gas is $2.34 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,626 and silver is $31.45.

Obituary

James 'Jim' Hobgood

A memorial service for Jim Hobgood, 88, of Anadarko will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23rd at the Verden First Baptist Church. He was a cowboy, a competitive team roper, and a U.S Marine Corps veteran. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Thursday, Sept. 19th

Judge Approves Multi-Million Dollar Settlement

of Lawsuit filed Against Ninnekah School District

A U.S. district judge has approved a $7.5 million settlement of a lawsuit filed against the Ninnekah School District. The district was accused of ignoring complaints that former girls basketball coach Ron Akins sexually assaulted more than a dozen players. Akins pleaded guilty to charges related to the investigation and was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison followed by 25 years of probation. The Oklahoman reports that four former school officials were dismissed from the lawsuit as part of the settlement including a former superintendent, principal, athletic director, and secretary. In a news release, Ninnekah school officials say the district denies any liability to the plaintiffs under state or federal law as a result of the allegations giving rise to the case, as a result of the alleged conduct of Akins or otherwise. Attorneys for the 14 victims say their clients are survivors and suffered unimaginable trauma as young children. They are pleased to have reached a settlement and hope to make all schools across the state safer by bringing awareness to child sex abuse in public schools.

Search Warrant Served on Illegal Pot Operation

About 25 Grady County deputies combined to execute a pre-dawn search warrant at an illegal marijuana grow operation in Pocasset yesterday. Investigators found more than 500 plants inside and outside the buildings on site. The facility is just a few blocks away from the Pocasset Elementary School. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess said the search warrant was issued after a suspect was arrested last week for growing and selling marijuana out of his trailer which was close to the school. Boggess said more than 50 plants were found inside a building and hundreds more found in a wooded area just behind the building. Boggess said the facility was properly license up until a couple of months ago-

No one was at the facility when deputies arrived however Boggess is anticipating that arrest warrants will be issued. Boggess said the illegal plants were collected and taken to an undisclosed location where they were destroyed by pouring diesel fuel on them and burying them in a 20-foot deep pit.

Chix School District Looks to Increase Safety, Security

In an attempt to increase security at Chickasha Public Schools officials will be enforcing student identification procedures with students getting new ID badges. A Facebook post from the district indicates that high school students are getting their badges this week. The statement says that all students and employees are to wear their photo IDs at all times while on school property and attending events on school district grounds. The ID badge will act as the scan card for any school entry access. Students who forget their badges will have to go to the office to get a temporary sticker. If a student loses a badge a new badge will cost $5.

Chix' Annual Water Line Maintenance Starts This Weekend

The City of Chickasha will soon begin an annual maintenance program that is designed to clean out the city's water lines. Starting Saturday, USW - the private contractor that operates the water treatment plant - will begin using chlorine only to treat the water. Officials say while the chlorine level will be elevated it will be within Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) guidelines. The chlorine is designed to remove biofilm buildup in the waterlines. Officials say tap water will initially be discolored and briefly taste and smell like chlorine. Individuals who use tap water for kidney dialysis treatments should contact their doctor to determine if any changes are needed and those who have aquariums should monitor chlorine levels. The program will run from Sept 21st through Oct. 21st.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $71.65 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $74.53.

Natural gas is $2.31 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,616 and silver is $31.53.

Obituaries

Kylee Byfield-Andrews

Funeral service for Kylee Byfield-Andrews, 27, of Yukon and formerly of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20th at Sevier Funeral Home.

Janet Mainka

A graveside service for Janet Mainka, 62, of the Lindsay and Chickasha area will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Sept 27^th at the  Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay.

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Wednesday, Sept. 18^th

Public Schools Dealing with Numerous Threats

A lot of Oklahoma's public schools are dealing with threats made to their respective districts this week. Chickasha Public Schools were the target of threat this past weekend and Minco schools had threats both Monday and Tuesday, including a bomb threat yesterday that had the district cancel classes. Chickasha School Superintendent Rick Croslin posted a video on the district's Facebook page with this response –

Croslin asked parents to monitor the messages, posts, apps, and people their children communicate with on a regular basis. He said the district has increased security at schools throughout the district by adding security vestibules, visitor management protocols, new camera systems, and additional school resource officers.

Minco schools 

Minco superintendent Kevin Sims said the district received another threat last night through Tik-Tok and other social media profiles. Minco did have school today and Sims added there will continue to be serious law enforcement presence.

Country Club Road Traffic to be Disrupted

A portion of a busy Chickasha road will be closed to through traffic for a few weeks for what's called a major culvert replacement project. Starting this morning, Country Club Road will be closed between Flanders and Pond Ridge. That's in the area of the Chickasha Elks Lodge. Traffic will be detoured through the neighborhood south of Country Club Road. An alternate detour for passenger cars and trucks would be to use Carolina Avenue between 16th and 29th Streets and heavy truck traffic can use Grand Avenue from 16^th Street to the Norge Highway.

Mental Health Agency Marks Anniversary

Red Rock Behavioral Health Services is marking a big milestone. The agency is in its 50th year of providing mental health services to the region. Courtney Hill is a licensed professional counselor with Red Rock and talks about the recent expansion at the Chickasha center-

Red Rock will be holding a fall festival to celebrate. The festival will be held outdoors on the USAO Oval from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19^th. It is free and open to the public and will include food and games.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.95 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.54.

Natural gas is $2.31 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,596 and silver is $30.90.

Obituary

Ernest 'Rusty' Adams

Funeral service for Rusty Adams, 71, of Chickasha is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, Sept. 17th

Motorized Bicycle Rider Dies After Being Hit by Pickup

Chickasha police say a man riding his motorized bicycle died after his bike was hit by a pickup over the weekend.  50-year old Robert Fritz passed away from injuries he sustained in the accident after being taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. The accident happened about 7:00 p.m. Saturday near Centennial Park at the intersection of 7th and Idaho. Police report that Fritz failed to stop at a stop sign and drove into the intersection and was hit by the pickup. The driver of the pickup was identified as Heidi Harrison who was not injured.

OKC Crash Claims Life of Former Chix Resident

A former Chickasha resident died a multi-vehicle crash which involved a semi in Oklahoma City over the weekend. 27-year old Kylie Byfield of Yukon and formerly of Chickasha was one of two people killed in the accident near I-40 and Walker just after 5:00 p.m. Saturday. A Go Fund Me Account has been set up for Kylie's family. Funeral service has not yet been scheduled.

Chix City Manager is Moving On

Chickasha City Manager Keith Johnson is stepping down. Johnson, who has spent the last two years as city manager, has accepted a position with a  Benton County government office in Southeastern Washington State. Johnson said he will finish out the calendar year with the city and start his new job after the first of the year. The city council had just approved a raise for Johnson but he said his new employer made a generous offer he couldn't turn down. Mayor Zach Grayson said Johnson is a great leader and will be missed-

Grayson said the search for a new city manager will begin soon and will recommend the council use the same head-hunting firm that lead to Johnson's hiring.

Payment Plan Approved for New Chix Fire Trucks

The Chickasha Fire Department will be getting a couple of new fire trucks but it won't be anytime soon. Last night the city council approved the purchase of a 100-foot aerial ladder truck and an engine/pumper truck at a combined cost of more than $3 million. The council approved a financing plan with Liberty National Bank which offered a 4.75 percent interest rate. The trucks will not be delivered for at least three years - perhaps late in 2027 or early in 2028 - however the city will not have to make the first payment until the trucks are delivered.

City to seek bids for several projects

The council also approved going out for bids for repairs and upgrades for the municipal swimming pool and the splash pad at Shannon Springs Park, and also to go out for bids to design and build some new audio and visual components in the council chambers. Despite some recent improvements it is difficult to hear many of the conversations that take place during council meetings.

Homecoming parade, 5K run approved

The panel also approved the annual Chickasha High School Student Council Homecoming parade for Friday, Oct. 11th and the annual Chickasha Optimist Club Christmas Carroll Run on Saturday, Dec. 7th.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.71 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.28.

Natural gas is $2.37 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,601 and silver is $31.04.

Obituary

Crystal Gregory-Hare

Funeral service for Crystal Gregory-Hare, 43, of Ninnekah will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked for a trucking company.

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Monday, Sept. 16^th

Chix Schools Open Today After Weekend Threat

Chickasha schools are in session today after law enforcement investigated a threatening post on social media over the weekend. The Chickasha Police Department posted on its Facebook page that they were made aware of the threat and that investigators were working with school administrators and the Grady County Sheriff's Office to ensure that concerns were addressed appropriately.

Ninnekah Man Badly Burned in Maysville Explosion

A Ninnekah man was among the three workers injured in an explosion in Maysville last week. Justin Lee suffered severe burns and is being treated in an out-of-state hospital. A Go Fund Me account has been established to help the family. The Go Fund Me page says Justin suffered burns over most of his body and that his family is facing significant challenges and are seeking funds to pay for travel expenses. The post says that Justin has always been a loving and dedicated family member. More than 40 contributions have been made and they have already raised more than $4,000 of the $5,000 goal that was set.

Newcastle Driver Dies in OKC Accident

A Newcastle man died after two pickups collided in Oklahoma City over the weekend. 50-year old Clayton Pueppke died in the crash that happened about 10:00 a.m. on I-44 near Airport Road. It's not clear what happened as the highway patrol reported the accident was still under investigation. The driver of the other truck identified as 72- year old Jimmy Rayburn of Pauls Valley who was not injured.

Contractors to be Sought for Chix Pool, Splash Pad Upgrades

The Chickasha City Council will consider going out for bids to repair the municipal swimming pool and the splash pad at Shannon Springs Park when the panel meets tonight. For the pool, the panel will consider a renovation project that will include removing and replacing the inlet piping, replacing the acid pump, replacing all the electrical panels and wiring in the filter room; and cleaning, repairing, and painting all the safety rails. For the splash pad the work will include removing, replacing, and/or repairing splash pad elements including water control valves, underground water supply pipes, and spray features. These are two separate projects with the splash pad work being funded by a Healthy Incentive Program Grant from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund (TSET). There will be no pre-bid meeting for either project so contractors will need to contact the city's Parks and Recreation Director Spencer Winzenreid to schedule a walk-through. Bids are due Oct. 16^th and a bid could be awarded sometime in November. Officials say both projects must be completed by March 1st of next year or contractors will face a daily fine of $500 until the work is done.

Rush Springs Farm Grows State's Biggest Watermelon

A Rush Springs family can say they have grown the largest watermelon ever in Oklahoma. Bratcher Melons had the humongous melon at the State Fair of Oklahoma wieghing at 268 pounds! While Rush Springs is known as the Watermelon Capital of the World the town has never had the largest melon. Garrin Bratcher said they had three entries at the state fair this year and the big winner was called Dump Truck Donna. Bratcher Melons also had the largest melon at last month's Rush Springs Watermelon Festival. Garrin said he's happy with the record but now he'd like to grow a 300-pounder.

Grady County Ag Producers Meet Tomorrow

Grady County agriculture producers will be meeting tomorrow morning. Producers meet the first and third Tuesdays each month. The guest speaker will be OSU Extension Entomologist Jonathan Cammack. The program will get underway at 7:00 a.m. at the Grady County OSU Extension office.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.00 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $71.88.

Natural gas is $2.29 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,612 and silver is $31.29.

Obituary

Winnie Smith

Funeral service for Winnie Smith, 92, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18th at the Plainview Mennonite Church. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Saturday, Sept. 14th

DHS to End Program That Replaces Stolen Food Stamps

Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) are reaching out to families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. They say that beginning Oct. 1^st the agency will no longer be able to replace stolen food stamps. Officials say they have had a federal grant that has been used to replace them but that program will be ending Sept. 30th.  DHS reports that more than 2,600 households had their food stamps stolen just in the last year and that some victims have lost as much as $1,000 in benefits. DHS officials say one way to help secure benefits is to use the Connect EBT app and to use a PIN number that would be difficult to figure out. Officials also say if families get a call from a number they don't recognize and the caller asks for personal information to simply hang up then call DHS to verify if it is the agency that's reaching out.

Turnpike Authority Warns of Scam

Here's another scam to be aware of. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) warns that scammers are sending text messages to potential victims saying they owe money for using the Turnpike Authority's Plate Pay system. The text message shows a Plate Pay logo and indicates that the individual has a small unpaid toll road invoice of $4.15. It says to avoid a late fee to settle the balance by going to a certain website. OTA officials say they have been hearing from customers over the last couple of days. Officials say the grammar in the statement is bad and that a dollar sign is on the wrong side of the number (i.e. 35.00$). The OTA urges Oklahomans to not fall for the scam. Officials have filed a complaint with the domestic registrar and were told it originated in Russia.

Bailey Turnpike Traffic to be Impacted by Repair Work

Here's a traffic advisory for motorists on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike that will be in effect Monday, Sept. 16^th. Eastbound traffic at mile marker 78 will be narrowed to one lane from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for surface repairs.

Talk Show Topic

Courtney Hill with Red Rock Behavioral Health Services will discuss the agency's recent expansion at its Chickasha office and 50 years of providing mental health services on the KOOL Konversation. Find a podcast of the program under the Community tab on this website.

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Friday, Sept. 13th

Anadarko Parents Accused of Child Neglect

A mother and father in Anadarko are arrested on complaints of child neglect.  Anadarko police were dispatched to the home of Frank and Lorretta Davis last week. They found poor living conditions with roaches crawling on the walls and mouse feces throughout the home. Anadarko Police Chief Erin Harlan told KFOR-TV how they notified of the terrible conditions.

Both parents are facing a single charge of child neglect. Initially, a judge set bond at $50,000 for both. Bond for Frank Davis was reduced to $20,000 and he is out of jail until his next court appearance. On-line court records indicate bond was not reduced for Lorretta Davis, and she remains in the Caddo County Jail. The couple is to be back in court Nov. 25th to announce their attorney with a preliminary hearing conference scheduled Dec. 5th.

Drug Agents Raid Cement Grow Operation

State drug agents seize thousands of marijuana plants in the Cement area they say were connected to black market drug trafficking.  KSWO-TV reports that the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs served a search warrant at an undisclosed location and seized more than 6,000 marijuana plants. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says a few of his deputies assisted with carrying out the search warrant. It wasn't clear if there were any arrests. Officials say their investigation into this drug bust continues.

Second Friday Art Walk Tonight

It looks like it will be a warm evening for a stroll in Old Town Chickasha. The second Friday art walk will take place downtown. A number of artists will have their works on display. The art walk will take place along the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue starting about 5:00 p.m. and will run until 8:00 p.m. or so.

Hurricane Francine Impacts Energy Prices

Hurricane Francine unleashed its fury in the Gulf of Mexico recently which shut down much of the oil and gas production in that region.  Matt Skinner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission said  initially that sent oil and gas prices a bit higher-

Skinner said a new report shows a further slowing in the worldwide demand and that growth this year is far behind the average growth of 2023. Skinner said much of that is blamed on the economic slowdown in China.

Energy Prices

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.82 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $72.62.

Natural gas is $2.38 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,596 and silver is $30.41.

Obituary

Jimmy Kirk

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for Jimmy Kirk, 81, of Chickasha. He was a machinist and worked at Carl Built. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Thursday, Sept. 12th

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Trafficking Arrests

Two people are in custody after Minco police stop a pickup speeding through town. And the officer finds hundreds of fentanyl pills and other drugs.  A probable cause affidavit shows Sgt. Gregory Engel stopped the pick-up about 11:30 Monday night for going 85 mph in a 45-mile an hour zone. Engel saw a piece of burned foil in the truck and the driver told him he and a passenger used it to ingest fentanyl. The driver said Engel might find a small amount pills in the truck. But it was much more than just a few. Engel said he found nearly 600 fentanyl pills, 15 Xanax tablets, more than 15 grams of cocaine, and nearly 100 grams of meth. He also found numerous syringes and $1,000 in cash.  In custody are 37-year old Shon Yousif and 27-year old Elaine Evans, both of Oklahoma City. Both have been charged with three felonies including aggravated drug trafficking and intent to distribute. They each also face a misdemeanor for having drug items. Bond for Yousif was set at $250,000 and bond for Evans was set at $200,000. Both are to be back in court Sept. 25th for preliminary hearing conferences.

Chix Neighborhood to be Without Water Today

A Chickasha neighborhood will be without water service much of the day. City crews will be repairing a broken water line. Water service will be out from 6th Street to 12th Street and from Choctaw Avenue to Minnesota Avenue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to no water the Chickasha Public Schools Enrollment Center will be closed today however Chickasha schools are in session.

Chocolate Celebration Set for Anadarko Library

Everything will be coming up chocolate in Anadarko soon. The Anadarko Community Library will be hosting its annual chocolate celebration. The event is hosted by the Friends of the Anadarko Library and they are seeking table sponsors to provide a number of delectable chocolate goodies to share. In addition to individual chocolate servings, businesses, groups, and individuals will be providing cakes, pies, and platters of cookies and candy that will be auctioned. Groups interested in sponsoring a table can reach out to the Anadarko Community Library. Tickets to the event are now on sale at the library and from the Friends of the Library. They are $7 and ticket holders will select six servings of chocolate per ticket. The celebration is Tuesday, Oct. 1st at the library from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.36 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $71.61

Natural gas is $2.27 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,544 and silver is $29.07.

Obituaries

Charlie Mae Fisher

Funeral service for Charlie Mae Fisher, 81, formerly of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14th at the Church of the Living God, PG of T. She worked in the aerospace industry. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Roy Carter

No service will be held for Roy Carter, 85, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, Sept. 11th

Authorities Identify Driver Who Died in June Crash

(EDITOR'S NOTE - This version is corrected from a previous story that contained wrong information about the date of the accident. We regret the error)

Authorities have identified the driver of a pickup who died in a traffic accident near Verden earlier this summer. The Highway Patrol reported that 22-year old Kobe Harris of Chickasha died in the crash that happened the night of June 22nd. The OHP said Harris' pickup ran off the road, hit a tree, and caught fire. The accident happened  northeast of Verden near CR 1310 and CS 2785. 

Suspect Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

A Grady County man pleads guilty to manslaughter in connection with a fatal crash that happened more than three years ago. 24-year old Brian McConnell of Tuttle entered the plea in Grady County District Court on Monday. He waived his right to a jury trial last month. The accident happened in April of 2021 on SH 37 east of Minco. Artemio Moreno of Anadarko died in the crash. McConnell also pleaded guilty to a separate felony charge of leaving the scene of an injury accident in connection with an arrest in May of 2023. A judge sentenced McConnell to 25 years in prison on the manslaughter charge with 17 years' suspended. He was given a two-year sentence for the leaving the scene of an injury accident charge. That sentence will run consecutive to the manslaughter sentence meaning McConnell will serve 10 years behind bars.

Arrest Made after Illegal Grow Area Found Near School

Grady County deputies arrest a suspect for allegedly operating an illegal marijuana growing operation near a rural school.  61-year old David Gonzales of Pocasset was arrested over the weekend after the operation was found not far from the Pocasset Elementary School. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess said Gonzales was growing the illegal weed in his trailer. He said they found more than 100 plants. Gonzales has been charged with a felony drug charge with intent to distribute. He remains in the Grady County Jail on a $10,000 bond. 

Emergency Repairs will Leave Neighborhood Without Water

A Chickasha neighborhood will be without water tomorrow as crews make emergency repairs to a water line. The affected area will be around the Washita Valley Community Action Council headquarters - from 6th Street to 10th Street and between Choctaw Avenue and Minnesota Avenue. Officials say the water will be out between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. tomorrow. A map is posted on the city's Facebook Page and we've posted one on our Facebook page as well. Officials say they have notified the Washita Valley Community Action Council about the outage.

Parks, Recreation Comments Sought for Onward Chickasha

The next phase of the Onward Chickasha survey is posted for public comment. This week it deals with Parks and Recreation and comments will be welcome through Sunday, Sept. 15th. You can access the survey by going to Onward Chickasha.org

Users do not have to create an account to review the survey and leave comments however they will be asked to provide a name and an e-mail address. Comments highlighted in the survey include developing and maintaining a system of parks, recreation facilities, and recreational programs which adequately serve community needs; ensure equitable distribution and convenient access to parks, trails, and recreational facilities; and to develop and maintain a trail system throughout the city that will serve as a recreational amenity, transportation facility, and tourist attraction.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.49 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $70.85.

Natural gas is $2.24 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,550 and silver is $29.09.

Obituaries

Peggy Huber

No service is scheduled for Peggy Huber, 63, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Francine Gardner

A private service will be held for Francine Gardner, 84, of Chickasha. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, Sept. 10th

City of Chix Gets Big Bucks for Easements

The City of Chickasha will get more than $300,000 from two sources – a telecommunications company and a utility - after the city council last week put its stamp of approval on their requests for easements. The Southwest Ledger reports that the city will get a lump sum of $315,000 from a company called TowerPoint which will assume T-Mobile's lease of space on the city's water tower on Country Club Road. TowerPoint is a telecommunications infrastructure and real estate investment company based in Atlanta, Georgia.  The council also accepted easement and right-of-way agreements with Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO). The utility is preparing for a high-voltage transmission improvement project. PSO will pay the city $1,500 for supplemental easements on three small tracts of land. The utility already paid the city $7,000 last year for the rights-of-way to a couple of those tracts. The project calls for the reconstruction of nearly five miles of 138-kilovolt transmission line between the Cornville and Norge Road substations. That project is expected to take place next year.

Grady County Deputy Part of 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

A Grady County deputy was among those taking part in the 13th annual Oklahoma City nine-eleven memorial stair climb. Deputy Jeffrey Radford was among dozens of first responders and others who took part in climbing the 110 stairs at Oklahoma Tower in Leadership Square in Oklahoma City Saturday. Radford has been with the sheriff's office for a couple of years and is the school resource officer at Tuttle public schools. The stair climb honors the first responders who died in the 9/11 attack that  rocked the country 23 years ago tomorrow.

Animal Shelter Offers Monthly Spay-Neuter Clinics for Pets

The Chickasha Animal Shelter is looking to get the word out about the monthly spay-and-neuter clinics it offers. The service is offered on two different dates. Early in the month animals are taken to OK Humane in Oklahoma City and are returned home the same day. Later in the month the clinic is held at the animal shelter where veterinarians come to Chickasha with a mobile clinic to perform the surgeries. They also offer vaccines by appointment on that day. The shelter is already booked for the spay-and-neuter clinics for September. The next available clinic in Oklahoma City is Oct. 2^nd and the next date for the clinic at the animal shelter is Oct. 24th. Call the shelter at 405-222-6093 and leave a message. You can also schedule appointments by going to the Chickasha Animal Shelter Facebook page and click on the link provided.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $67.78 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $70.97.

Natural gas is $2.16 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,535 and silver is $28.77.

Obituaries

Violet Hammond

A memorial service for Violet Hammond, 85, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14th at College Heights Baptist Church. She worked for the state department of corrections. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Dortha Eubank

A private service will be held for Dortha Eubank, 94, of Edmond and formerly of Chickasha. She worked at Southwestern Bell and was a homemaker. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

'Little James' Johnson, Jr.

Funeral service for James 'Little James' Johnson, Jr. 67, of Cache is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Monday, Sept. 9th

USAO Enrollment Increases

There are a lot more students attending USAO this year. Enrollment numbers are at their highest levels in more than a decade. USAO president Kayla Hale-

Hale says the growth presents a problem because the university is running out of space to house students and that some are staying at a local motel. She said she'll be asking regents this week to start looking for a contractor to renovate Willard Hall.

Chix School Board to Consider Parents Bill of Rights Update

A revision in the Chickasha school district's Parents Bill of Rights is among the items to be considered by the Chickasha Schools Board of Education tonight. It would add language about the definition of an independent contractor who would not be an employee of the district but could be an individual, organization or entity engaged by and/or, contracted by the district. The contractor would provide direct or indirect services to students on a temporary or contractual basis. The change is recommended by the district's legal team based on new legislation. The panel is also to consider renewing an agreement with Washita Valley Community Action Council to furnish food for the schools, and revising the co-op math and science agreement with Canadian Valley Technology Center.  Chicken Express Employees of the Month to be recognized are from the Lincoln School Intermediate Center. They are teacher Dominique Golightly and support employee Jill Euwins. The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. tonight at the school administration building.

Fundraisers to be Considered by Anadarko School Board

The Anadarko school board also meets tonight. That panel will consider approving fund raisers for the high school student council, the junior and sophomore classes, the girls basketball and tennis teams, yearbook class, FFA, and the middle school library. The group will also consider approving an overnight trip for the FFA to attend the Tulsa State Fair. That meeting is at 6:00 p.m. tonight at the Anadarko schools administration office.

Rollover Crash Closes Intersection

State troopers were summoned to a rollover accident near the Tuttle area yesterday. The accident happened about 3:15 p.m. near the intersection of CS 2910 and CR 1210 about three miles south of Tuttle. The roadway was shut down for a little over an hour. No details were released.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $68.40 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $71.80.

Natural gas is $2.20 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,526 and silver is $28.51.

Obituaries

Thomas Harris

Funeral service for Thomas Harris, 68, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10th at the Cement School Auditorium. He was a Marine Corps veteran and worked in the energy industry. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Treva Hamilton

A memorial service for Treva Hamilton, 34, will be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 11th at Hope Tabernacle. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Saturday, Sept. 7th

Effort Continues to Clean Up Abandoned Oil, Gas Wells

A new report shows that hundreds of abandoned oil and gas wells throughout the state have been environmentally restored. The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) says more than 1,100 of the sites were restored over the last year. Funding for the clean-up comes from contributions from numerous energy industry partners including energy companies and royalty owners. In its annual report the OERB indicates that nearly $12 million was spent to restore those locations. Since the start of the program several years ago, OERB reports contributors have provided more than $160 million to restore nearly 21,000 sites. In addition to restoring abandoned energy fields OERB also promotes energy education. Over the past year the group helped nearly 1,200 teachers and provided nearly $2.6 million for their work in the classroom.

Wildlife Refuge to Host Elk Bugling Tours

Over the next few weeks the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will hold its annual Bugling Elk tours. The tours go through its Special Use Area during the peak of the elk mating season. The bull elk produces a high-pitched whistling sound. The tours will be held on Saturday and Sunday evenings through Oct. 26th. Early morning tours will be held Sept. 21st and Oct. 5th. The tours are conducted by the Friends of the Wichitas. They are free and last about three hours. Reservations are required and they'll be taken on a first-come, first-served basis starting on Monday. For information check out the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge website.

Talk Show Topic

Chris Wittenbach with the City of Blanchard's Parks and Recreation Department is on the KOOL Konversation discussing a number of upcoming events for that community. Find a podcast of the program on this website under the Community tab.

Obituaries

Thomas Harris

Funeral service for Thomas Harris, 68, of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10th at the Cement School Auditorium. He was a Marine Corps veteran and worked in the energy industry. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Treva Hamilton

A memorial service for Treva Hamilton, 34, will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11th at Hope Tabernacle. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Friday, Sept. 6th

Motorcycle Rider Stable After Crash

(EDITOR'S NOTE - This version is corrected from an earlier story which had some erronious information. We regret the error.)

A motorcycle rider was hospitalized after crashing his bike in a Chickasha neighborhood. 27-year old Brett Stone of Chickasha was last in stable condition after being air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital. Chickasha police were dispatched to 18th and Idaho Avenue about 2:30 yesterday afternoon. Peggy Young tells KOOL/RANCH news that she witnessed the crash. She said she was stopped at a stop sign when for an unkown reason Stone laid down his motorcycle down on the street. Police said he was not wearing a helmet. 

Dilapidated Boat Docks to be Removed from Lake Chickasha

Chickasha officials look to make Lake Chickasha safer by removing old boat docks that are in disrepair. The city council this week approved a bid from a Gracemont company called Slemp Welding Power Evacuation to remove more than a dozen docks. Officials saying most of them are submerged and a danger to boaters and swimmers. The bid of nearly $50,000 was the lowest of seven bids submitted. The high bid was more than $89,000. Parks and Recreation Department Director Spenser Winzenreid indicated the company could have all the docks removed by the end of the year.

Marlow Company Among Fastest-Growing in the Country

A Marlow company is named one of the fastest-growing private firms in the country. Philtek Services is in the top 25 percent of the list of the 5,000 firms put together by Inc. Magazine. The firm was also recognized as the 4th fastest growing company in Oklahoma with a more than 400 percent growth rate. Philtek was founded in 2013 and is a support personnel firm that provides employees for industrial fabrication and manufacturing facilities across the country. The company has more than 100 employees working in Oklahoma and eight other states. Founder and President Brad Boles said he has a great team committed to provide the best service for their customers and they look forward to building on the momentum the recognition brings.

Cement to Host Annual Jesse James Festival

The Town of Cement will hold its annual Jesse James Festival tomorrow. The infamous outlaw is said to have spent some time in the area in the early 1900s. The Oklahoma Historical Society says that according to legend the Jesse James gang left some of its loot at Buzzard's Roost just east of Cement and some say his brother Frank lived in Cement before building a house near Fletcher. The Cement Historical Museum features a Jesse James Visitors Center. There is entertainment throughout the day starting at 10:00 a.m. including live music, food trucks, vendors, and a mock gunfight. The festival will end with a street dance tomorrow night.

Cattle Producers Seeking Carcass Contest Entries

The Grady County Cattle Producers are now taking entries for the group's annual carcass contest. It's open to children and grandchildren of the organizations members (children ages 9-18). The youth will care for a steer for about six months and will compete next spring for cash awards for best carcass, best weight gain, and best interview. Only 25 spots are available. Entries will be taken until Oct. 15th. For information contact Grady County Cattle Producers President Jake Grossnicklaus or Kelly Burrows at the OSU Extension Office.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.18.

Natural gas is $2.29 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,546 and silver is $29.17.

Obituary

Wanda Wright

Funeral service for Wanda Wright, 90, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7^th at Sevier Funeral Home. She worked in the kitchen for Chickasha Public Schools for nearly 35 years.

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Thursday, Sept. 5th

Bids Sought for Chix Water Line Project

The Chickasha City Council this week gave its approval to have the public works department seek bids to install a waterline at Ada Sipuel Avenue along the Union Pacific Railroad. The project calls for installing more than 1,000 linear-feet of 16- and 24-inch waterline. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is set for Wednesday, Oct. 2nd and sealed bids are to be submitted to city hall by October 10^th at 1:30 p.m. with the bids to be opened that afternoon. A contractor could be recommended to the council at its Oct. 21st meeting. The project may not start until after the first of the year.

Anadarko Veteran Says He Did Nothing Wrong

After Being Charged in Connection with Jan. 6th Riot

An Anadarko Army veteran charged in connection with the Jan. 6^th incident in Washington, D.C. says he did nothing wrong. Darrin Bradley is the 12th Oklahoman charged as a result of the mayhem that took place inside the U.S. Capitol that day. Bradley told the Oklahoman that he was there supporting former President Donald Trump and that he didn't break anything or hurt anybody. The Oklahoman reported that the FBI alleges Bradley entered the Parliamentary doors of the Capitol a few minutes after rioters breached that entrance and that he was part of a group that overtook at least one police line. Bradley told the Oklahoman he blames Antifa activists posing as Trump supporters for the violence that took place.  Bradley is facing four misdemeanor charges in federal court in Washington, D.C.

City of Chickasha Sets Clean-up Days

Chickasha residents will have an opportunity to get rid of unwanted items - including hazardous chemicals and items - during a fall clean-up campaign next month.  During this week's city council meeting the panel authorized the clean-up for Oct. 16th through 19th. Household waste and limbs can be taken to the public works headquarters on North Genenvieve all four days. Officials say individuals have been asking for a hazardous waste collection for several years. That will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19^th where residents can drop off pesticides, chemicals, herbicides, batteries, aerosols, used motor oil, light bulbs, and non-latex paint. Items that won't be taken include electronics like televisions, computers, and smoke detectors, and no pharmaceutical waste will be taken. Residents will need to show a current utility bill. The council approved an agreement with a company called Environmental Management to collect the hazardous items. The city will pay the firm nearly $39,000 and the Department of Environmental Quality will provide the city with a $30,000 grant to help with the cost.

Chix Chamber Names New Membership Director

The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce has a new staffer. Maddy Mosley is the chamber's new membership director. She is a Chickasha native, a graduate of Chickasha High school, and earned a bachelor's degree at USAO. She has worked in the health care field and as a real estate agent with Century 21 Mosley. Chamber President Jim Cowan said Mosley will be responsible for recruiting new chamber members and enhancing member engagement. Mosley assumes the role previously held by Whitney Palesano who was recently named the director of alumni relations at USAO.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.25.

Natural gas is $2.15 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,545 and silver is $29.05.

Obituaries

Charlotte Cook

A graveside service for Charlotte Cook, 74, of Tuttle will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6th at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle. She was a homemaker. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home of Tuttle.

Alvin Dickson, Sr.

Funeral service for Alvin Dickson, Sr., 52, of Hollis will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7th at Calvary Community Church in Hollis. He was a U.S. Army veteran and worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant, a restaurant manager, and a roofer. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, Sept. 4th

TIF Districts Get Slim Approval by City Council

In a 5-4 vote the Chickasha City Council approves the creation of two Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts in last night's meeting. The vote came after about 90 minutes of discussion as property owners George and Bertha Thomas and Bud and Liz Lowe asked to have their properties removed from one of the districts. Bertha Thomas said the document creating the districts had false statements-

She also said officials may have violated state law.

Jim Cowan with the Economic Development Council was the only person in the audience to speak in favor of the issue-

The 5-4 vote came in an usual way. Normally, the mayor is the final person to vote on any proposal and would break a 4-4 tie. However, Councilman Oscar Nelson was inadvertently skipped when it was his turn to vote and Mayor Zach Grayson's yes vote made it a 4-4 tie. After several seconds of silence Nelson also voted yes to approve the issue.

City manager receives pay hike

Also in last night's council meeting the panel went behind closed doors to evaluate the performance of City Manager Keith Johnson. After a nearly two-hour executive session the panel unanimously approved a five percent pay increase and car allowance to go into effect in the next pay cycle.

New fire trucks to be purchased

The panel also approved the purchase of two new fire trucks with a combined cost of more than $3.1 million. It will be three years before the fire trucks will be delivered. The funds will come from a voter-approved sales tax increase for capital improvements. The council also gave the city manager approval to negotiate a contract with a firm to seek funding for a flood mitigation initiative based on a drainage study done three years ago.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $69.91 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $73.31.

Natural gas is $2.19 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,514 and silver is $28.32.

Obituaries

Carol Cofer

Funeral service for Carol Cofer, 82, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked at Pet Milk and she and her husband Donnie owned and operated Cofer and Sons Furniture Store.

Jo Ann Hoffman

Funeral service for Jo Ann Hoffman, 94, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5th at Sevier Funeral Home. She and her husband Henry started Hoffman Trucking Company and several other businesses. She also worked at Southwestern Bell.

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Tuesday, Sept. 3rd

TIF District Decision Expected 

A final decision regarding a plan to create two Tax Increment Finance ( TIF) districts is expected to be made by the Chickasha City Council tonight.  The proposal is part of an overall Gateway to Chickasha Economic Development Plan which has been in discussion for several months. The plan has been reviewed in public hearings over the last few weeks with the council hearing opinions both for and against the TIFs.

Fire truck purchases also to be reviewed

The council will also consider spending more than $3 million to purchase two new fire trucks. One is a 100-foot aerial ladder truck and the other is an engine/pumper truck. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego is recommending the trucks be purchased from Sutphen and Heartland Fire Trucks. He said if the buys are approved it would be up to three years before the trucks would be delivered and payment wouldn't start until a year after that. The funds for the fire trucks are coming from a capital improvement sales tax approved by voters.

Flood project consultant recommended

The panel will also consider negotiating a contract with a company to help secure grants for a flood mitigation program. Officials say it is a follow-up to a drainage study done in 2021. The primary goal would be to secure federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that may cover most of the project costs. The company recommended to help with that effort is Meshek and Associates which was one of three companies submitting proposals.

Emergency sewer line repairs requested

The council will also consider declaring an emergency for repairs on a ruptured sewer line in the 400 block of Colorado Avenue and will have a closed-door meeting to evaluate the work of City Manager Keith Johnson. The city council meets tonight at 6:30 at city hall.

CV Tech Offers Variety of Programs

Canadian Valley Technology Center provides training in a number of fields to get students ready to enter the work force. Precision machining, nursing, and child care are among them. But CV Tech also offers short-term programs for adults looking to learn the basics of home fix-it-up projects.  Scott Smith is among those with the Adult Career and Community Development Program.

CV Tech also offers courses for writers to help them publish and market their books, yoga, quilting, and even guitar and ukulele.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $72.43 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $75.80.

Natural gas is $2.17 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,527 and silver is $28.71.

Obituaries

Alvin Dickson

Funeral service for Alvin Dickson, 52, is pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Charlie Mae Fisher

Funeral service for Charlie Mae Fisher, 81, is also pending with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Shirley Lee

Funeral service for Shirley Lee, 78, of Chickasha is pending with Sevier Funeral Home.

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Monday, Sept. 2nd

No news due to the Labor Day holiday.

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Saturday, Aug. 31st

Jury Finds Chickasha Man Guilty of Manslaughter

A Grady County jury convicts a driver of manslaughter. The six-man, six-woman jury found 26-year old Bradley Teakell guilty of second degree manslaughter following a four-day trial in Grady County District Court this week. Teakell was initially charged with first degree manslaughter but the jury found him not guilty on that charge. The panel also found him not guilty of felony DUI in a crash causing great bodily injury. The jury deliberated about four hours before issuing its verdict Thursday evening.

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The accident happened in May of 2020. Chickasha police say Teakell was speeding when his pickup went airborne after going over some railroad tracks, hit a utility pole, and rolled several times. Killed in the crash was 30-year old Jordan Jacobs. Another passenger, Mary Martin, was seriously injured. Defense attorney Bret Burns told KOOL/RANCH News that Teakell testified and took responsibility. Burns said the three friends had been drinking at a bar prior to the crash. Burns also said that Martin testified that she didn't want Teakell prosecuted. The jury recommended a four-year prison sentence. Formal sentencing is set for Nov. 26th.

Grady County Court Clerk Lisa Hannah Retires

Long-time Grady County Court Clerk Lisa Hannah has retired. Hannah spent 40 years in the office with the last ten as court clerk. She was appointed to the leadership role in 2014 after previous court clerk Lois Foster retired.  Next week, Grady County  Commissioners will consider appointing first deputy Lisa Hackney-Smith to fill the remaining four months of Hannah's term which ends December 31st. Hackney-Smith is the  court clerk-elect as she won the post in the June primary election.

TIF District Decision Expected Next Week

The Chickasha City Council will debate the pros and cons of the proposed Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts and vote on the proposal next week. The council normally meets the first Monday of each month but since city hall will be closed for the Labor Day holiday the meeting will be Tuesday night. The panel has held two public hearings on the so-called Gateway to Chickasha Economic Development Plan over the last month with the council getting feedback from individuals both supporting and protesting the plan. A review committee formed to take a look and the proposal and the city's planning commission have both recommended the city adopt the plan.

Obituary

Michael Wilson

A celebration of life for Michael Wilson, 70, of Chickasha will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7^th at 1321 S. 12th Street. Memorial contributions may be made to programs that support wounded veterans. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Friday, Aug. 30th

Ag Community Mourns Passing of Ralph Morgan

Long-time rancher, businessman, and public servant Ralph Morgan has died.  Morgan was 85 when he passed away Tuesday.  Born in San Fernando, California in 1939, the family moved to the Ninnekah area where Ralph became active in FFA. He won the Governor's Trophy for Outstanding FFA member of Oklahoma and earned Star Farmer recognition. He owned and operated Morgan Cattle Company and was a public servant which included earning a state environmental stewardship award. He served on the Grady County Conservation Board for three decades; was on the Ninnekah school board, the Ninnekah Rural Water District board, Grady County Cattlemen's Association, the Grady County Fair Board, and the junior livestock show committee. He also was a director at First National Bank for nearly 20 years. Ralph is survived by his wife Evelyn, son Jimmy and his wife Alicia, and daughter Kristy. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3rd at Bible Baptist Church.  Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Recount Ordered in Republican State House Run-Off Election

A recount has been ordered in a Republican run-off for the state house of representatives. It's in House District 20 which serves parts of McClain and Cleveland County where Jonathan Wilk of Goldsby received just two more votes that Mike Whaley of Blanchard. Whaley filed a petition with the state election board asking for the recount. It's not clear when the recount will take place. They'll manually tabulate more than 3,300 ballots. The winner will go on to face Democrat Jacob Mitchell of Newcastle in November.

Mayor's Blues Ball Begins in Medicine Park Tonight

One of the regional events taking place this Labor Day Weekend is the Medicine Park Mayor's Blues Ball. Many state and regional blues bands will be performing. Leading things off tonight will be Sweet Brenda and Sour Mash. Also playing this weekend is Malford Milligan and Tin Cadillac. Milligan is an eight-time best-vocalist winner at the Austin Music Awards. It's a free event and officials say it is kid and pet-friendly. There will be food trucks and its recommended you take lawn chairs and blankets. The music starts at 7 o'clock tonight and runs through Sunday. Concerts are slated for the outdoor Town Center Main Stage. If it rains, they'll move the event down the street to town's historic music hall. Check out the Medicine Park Blues Festival Facebook page.

Wichita and Affiliated Tribes to Begin Alzheimer's Support Group

A new support group will soon begin to help Native American families caring for relatives with Alzheimer's disease. The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes will start the program Wednesday, Sept. 4th. Diane Hugar is a dementia care specialist who will lead the meetings to be held the first Wednesday of each month and are currently scheduled through Jan. 4th. The meetings will be held at the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes complex north of Anadarko starting at 1:00 p.m. and last about an hour. For information contact Hugar by calling 405-247-8677.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.94.

Natural gas is $2.13 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,553 and silver is $29.88.

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Thursday, Aug. 29th

Consumer Spending Drops in Grady County

Consumer spending hit the brakes in Grady County just before summer began. It's estimated that spending dropped more than 13 percent from the mid-April-to-mid-May period and the mid-May-to-mid-June time period. Using sales tax revenues from the state tax commission it can be determined that consumers spent $80 million on taxable goods and services at Grady County retail outlets. That was down from more than $92 million in the previous 30-day period.  It is off 17 percent compared to the same time last year. The month-to-month drop in spending wasn't that noticeable in the City of Chickasha, where spending was off just a couple of percentage points. Estimated consumer spending in Chickasha was a little more than $30 million. However that number is down almost 20 percent compared to the same time a year ago.

Sales Tax Numbers

Checking sales tax revenues, Grady County received $607,000 from the mid-May-to-mid-June time period which is down from $691,000 collected from the previous 30-day period, and down from $726,000 from the same time a year ago. Chickasha's sales tax revenues for the mid-May-to-mid-July time frame were $1.3 million. That's about the same as the previous period but down about 7 percent compared to the same time in 2023.

No More State Sales Tax Charged on Groceries

The state sales tax on groceries is now off the books. Today marks the first day for the tax break to be in effect. State Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) says it will bring immediate tax relief to Oklahomans. In a prepared statement he said the tax break is not just about saving money. He said it's also about helping families put more food on the table and making Oklahoma a more affordable place to live. It's expected to save Oklahoma households several hundred dollars a year.

Suspected Drug Trafficker Arrested

Law enforcement agents raid an Anadarko home and find a stash of drugs. The District Six Drug Task Force, Anadarko Police, and Caddo County sheriff's deputies combined efforts to serve a search warrant at a home in the 400 block of West Florida last Friday. A post on the Anadarko Police Department's Facebook page says they found more than a pound of meth and a couple of weapons. Authorities arrested 66-year old George DeWayne Phillips on drug and weapons complaints. Prosecutors have charged him with drug trafficking and having a firearm after a prior felony conviction. Phillips' bond was set at $50,000 and a preliminary hearing conference has been set for Oct. 11th.

USAO Meet-and-Greet Event Tonight Open to the Public

With USAO students back on campus there will be a big event in downtown Chickasha tonight to welcome them. The university is hosting a Street-and-Greet with a number of vendors setting up to show students a sampling of what there is to see and do. A lot of community resource agencies will be on hand to share information on how they can help students. It will be in the 200 block of Chickasha Avenue and will include food trucks, special events, live music, and the USAO Art Wrecker Studio will be open. The event is free and open to the public tonight from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.59 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.64.

Natural gas is $2.10 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,556 and silver is $30.01.

Obituaries

Adella Ortiz

Funeral service for Adella Ortiz, 85, of Chickasha will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31st at The Christian Center. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Stacy Mink

Funeral service for Stacy Mink, 55, of Ketchum and formerly of Cement will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3rd at the Cyril Assembly of God  Church. He worked in the oilfield. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Ralph Morgan

Funeral service for Ralph Morgan, 85, of Ninnekah with be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3rd at Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Wednesday, Aug. 28th

New Grady County Commissioner Elected

Voters in the central part of Grady County elect a new county commissioner. Ruth Bingham defeated incumbent Kirk Painter in the Republican run-off for District 2 Commissioner in yesterday's election. Bingham won by more than 100 votes - 615 to 500 - collecting 55 percent of the vote. Painter was looking to win a third consecutive term in office. Bingham said she appreciates the opportunity to serve.

Bingham ran on a platform that included following policies and procedures if elected, which she said hadn't been done in the last couple of years. She also said she hopes to make the work of county commissioners more transparent. Bingham will be the first woman to serve as a Grady County commissioner when she takes office Jan. 2nd.

Special School Bond Elections

For the second time in two years, Blanchard school district voters turned down a more than $66 million bond proposal. The vote was split nearly 50-50 which was well short of the 60 percent super majority needed for passage. The district had proposed building some safe rooms and a new fieldhouse for football and new soccer programs. Funds also would have been used to move the baseball and softball fields to the high school campus and to purchase land to build a new school.

Lindsay voters OK Two Bond Proposals

Voters in the Lindsay school district approved two propositions totaling nearly $12.3 million. Proposition One passed with 64 percent approval, 398 to 223.  Proposition two received nearly 75 percent approval, 462 to 161.

Marlow Bond Narrowly Fails

In Marlow, a transportation bond issue to buy new school buses failed by just four votes. The tally was 419 to 286 but it needed 423 votes to get the 60 percent super majority needed to pass.

Hinton Voters Say No

In Hinton, voters turned away a nearly $24 million bond issue for the school district. The vote was evenly divided with 316 for the bond and 312 against it. But it also fell way short of the 60 percent super majority needed to pass.

Ft. Cobb Burglary Suspect Formally Charged

A suspect arrested in connection with some Caddo County thefts has been charged with grand larceny, burglary, and conspiracy. 46-year old Jeffery Lee Jones - who lists a Chickasha address - was taken into custody by Caddo County deputies last week for alleged thefts in the Ft. Cobb area. Jones was charged with five felonies in his initial appearance on the charges in Caddo County District Court on Monday. He's also facing a misdemeanor drug charge. His bond was set at more than $22,000 and he is to be back in court Oct. 21st for a preliminary hearing conference.

Contractor Accused of Fraud in Several Counties

The state attorney general (AG) has filed charges against a contractor who cheated customers out of thousands of dollars with one of the victims being in Grady County. The AG has charged Paris Bilbro of Oklahoma City and his company AMG Construction Group for allegedly defrauding clients. The AG's office said Bilbro accepted nearly $40,000 in advance payments from clients in Tuttle, Lawton, and McLoud for roof repairs but did not perform any work. Bilbro is facing three counts of embezzlement and one count of having a pattern of criminal offenses. Anyone who believes they may also have been victimized by Bilbro is asked to reach out to the Consumer Protection Unit of the attorney general's office.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $74.68 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $78.74.

Natural gas is $1.91 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,544 and silver is $30.01.

Obituary

Lucille Nelson

Funeral service for Lucille Nelson, 101, of Verden will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31st at the Verden First Baptist Church. She was a home economics teacher for the Home Demonstration Agency and worked on the family farm. Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, Aug. 27th

Run-Off Elections, School Bond Issues Being Decided Today

There are a few special elections scattered throughout the state today. Polls are just opening for some primary run-off elections and some special school bond elections. In Grady County, there is a Republican run-off for District Two Grady County Commissioner. Two-term incumbent Kirk Painter is facing challenger Ruth Bingham. In a three-person race in the June primary election, Bingham received 16 more votes than Painter but not the majority needed to win. Painter has been under fire this summer for allegedly violating the state open meetings act with District 3 commissioner Gary Bray. Painter also made a statement during a county commissioners meeting that he discriminated against Democrats. Bingham has worked at the county treasurer's office for several years. No Democrats filed for the post so the winner of today's election will be sworn in to office in January.

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Several school districts have special bond elections today. Blanchard school district voters will decide a more than $66 million proposal that would fund a number of school improvements to include safe rooms, building a new fieldhouse to add soccer programs, moving the baseball and softball fields to the high school, and to purchase land to build a new school.  Lindsay has two proposals totaling about $12.3 million; Marlow has a transportation bond issue to buy new buses; and the Hinton school district has a nearly $24 million proposal on the ballot. Polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight.

Grady County Sheriff Warns of Phone Scam

Scammers are at work in the area again. Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says individuals are calling residents and telling them they failed to show up for jury duty and a warrant has been issued for their arrest. They are telling potential victims to pay a fee to keep from being taken into custody. Boggess said the sheriff's office will not call and ask for any payment or personal information over the phone. Boggess says anyone who receives such a call should just hang up.

Jury Selection Underway in Manslaughter Trial

Jury selection is underway in Grady County District Court for a Chickasha man charged with manslaughter. 26-year old Bradley Teakell was arrested in May of 2020 in connection with a crash that resulted in the death of passenger in his pickup. KSWO-TV cites court documents saying Teakell was driving at a high rate of speed when his pickup vaulted over some railroad tracks, hit a lamp post, and rolled several times. Killed in the crash was 30-year old Jordan Jacobs. Teakell is charged with manslaughter and DUI with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more.

Dentist George Williams Dies

Longtime Chickasha dentist Dr. George Williams, III has died. Williams was 77 when he passed away on Saturday. While in dental school he served in the U.S. Navy Reserves Dental Corps, had a brief stint in the Marines then joined the Air Force and later the Air Force Reserves. He spent more than 20 years' combined active- and reserve-duty service. Funeral for Dr. Williams will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29th at Ferguson Funeral Home.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $76.63 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $80.70.

Natural gas is $1.92 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,544 and silver is $30.35.

Other Obituaries

Sharlene Pearson

No service is scheduled for Sharlene Pearson, 67, of Alex. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Daryl Halbert

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for Daryl Halbert, 54, of Chickasha. He was a mechanic. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Steve Burton, Sr.

A memorial service for Steve Burton, Sr., 64, of Alex will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29th at Southern Baptist Church in Alex. He was a farmer and rancher. Arrangements are with Sevier Funeral Home.

Nolan Boudreaux, Jr.

Funeral for Nolan Boudreaux, Jr., 80, of Guthrie and formerly of Alex will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29th at Ferguson Funeral Home. He was a long-time mechanic for the Edmond Fire Department. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Burn Centers for Children.

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Monday, Aug. 26th

Chix Community Survey Continues Seeking Comments

The Onward Chickasha community development project is now seeking input on the next area of its survey. This week it is the economy and downtown which is one of several segments included in a comprehensive plan to get ideas on how the city should be developed over the next 30 years. Last week's segment was housing and neighborhoods. Individuals can go to the website: www.onwardchickasha.org to review the suggestions and leave comments. The final draft of the survey will be given to the city council for consideration at a later date.

Recall Petitions in Anadarko Lead to Special City Council Election

The City of Anadarko will have a special election this fall to elect a mayor and city council representative. Petitions to recall Mayor Kelley McGlothlin and Ward 2 Councilman Patrick Redbird were filed earlier this summer. The petitions filed by John McCasland alleged that McGlothlin abused her mayoral powers; failed to conduct lawful meetings; failed to record executive sessions as required by law; and that she personally profited from her role as interim city manager by delaying the hiring of a permanent manager. It is also alleged that she attacked the character and reputation of one of the city manager candidates. In a response, McGlothlin denied the accusations. Regarding Councilman Redbird the petition alleged that he also abused his powers in office; made false racial statements against the Anadarko Fire Department; and also failed to conduct lawful meetings and record executive sessions. Redbird also denied the allegations in his response to the petition. In last week's filing period for the special election, both McGlothlin and Redbird filed for their respective seats on the council. Also filing for mayor are McCasland and Patrick Michael Hayes. Redbird did not draw an opponent. There is a two-day period for candidates to withdraw or for any protests to be filed against the candidates. That protest period is today and tomorrow. The special election for the posts will be held Nov. 5th.

Blood Donors to Get Added Bonus This Week

The call is out for blood donors to help the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) keep their shelves full for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. And there's an added incentive for donors this week. Normally donors can pick up a t-shirt when they give blood but this week donors will get two t-shirts. Donors will receive a 'Bigfoot Returns' and a glow-in-the-dark 'People-Juice' t-shirt. They will be available at any mobile blood drive or OBI donor center. That includes the community blood drive at the Blanchard library Wednesday, Aug. 28th from 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. There are two blood drives in Chickasha on Saturday, Aug. 31^st. First at Starbucks from 8:00 a.m. to noon, then at Morris Motorsports from 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Find a blood drive in your area by visiting the blood institute's website: www.obi.org

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $75.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $79.88.

Natural gas is $1.95 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,559 and silver is $30.59.

Obituaries

James 'Jim' Johns

Funeral service for Jim Johns, 89, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27th at Bible Baptist Church. He was a manager at Dunn's Food Center for more than 20 years and was a master craftsman in woodworking.  Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Judy Nelson

Funeral service for Judy Nelson, 60, of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28th at Bible Baptist Church. She helped to start Chickasha Industrial and Welding. As a freshman at Chickasha High School she set a state record in track in the one mile-run and is in the Chickasha High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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