Friday, April 19th

Three Left Homeless After Fire

Three people were able to escape a house fire without injury yesterday. Chickasha fire and police were dispatched to the 200 block of Ada Sipuel Avenue just before noon. Flames were shooting out of the roof of the one-story, wood-frame home when firefighters arrived. Gusty winds threatened to spread the fire to nearby homes and a diner however crews were able to quickly douse the flames. One of the residents suffered smoke inhalation but did not have to go to the hospital. Fire Chief Tony Samaniego said an electrical short in a bedroom was to blame. Estimated damage was $40,000.

State Marks Anniversary of Murrah Building Bombing

Today is the 29th anniversary of the federal building bombing in Oklahoma City. It occurred about 9 o'clock the morning of April 19th, 1995. 168 people lost their lives and more than 500 were injured. One of the victims was Peggy Clark-Spencer of Chickasha. She was a veterinarian for the United States Department of Agriculture and her office was on the fifth floor of the Murrah Building. A few years ago her mother, Mary Spurlin wrote about that fateful day. She said Peggy was supposed go to Stillwater to speak at Oklahoma State University. The family spent several agonizing days waiting for any word about Peggy. Spurlin said she was one of the last victims located. 10 days later, April 29th was when the family was notified they had found her and that officials recovered her purse and wedding rings. A ceremony to commemorate the lives lost will be held in Oklahoma City this morning. There will be 168 seconds of silence to honor the lives of those who died. Following the ceremony there will be free admission to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

Arrest Warrant Issued in Alleged Blackmail Scheme

Caddo County authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a man wanted for blackmail. Anadarko police requested the warrant for 22-year old Jayme Johnson. It's alleged that Johnson obtained hundreds of dollars from a woman by threatening to post sexually-explicit photographs of her on-line. KSWO-TV cites court documents saying that despite the victim paying him an undetermined amount of money he kept harassing her for more. The blackmail charge carries a maximum of five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines if he's arrested and ultimately convicted.

Letter Carriers Prepare For Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

We are just a few weeks away from what may be the largest annual national food drive in the country. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive put on by the National Association of Letter Carriers will be Saturday, May 11th. Local letter carriers throughout central and western Oklahoma will take part, asking patrons to place some non-perishable food items next to their mail boxes that day. All the food donated will go to local food pantries. Prior to that day postal patrons will get a post card to let them know about the food drive and a few days beforehand patrons will receive a plastic bag they can use.

Chix Schools to Hold Enrollment for New Pre-K Students

Chickasha Public Schools are already getting ready for next school year. The district will have enrollment for new Pre-Kindergarten students Monday, April 22nd. Enrollment will be at the high school activity center from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Children must be four years old on or before September 1st. Kids must be up-to-date on their vaccinations; parents will need to provide proof of residency like a utility bill; and have the child's Social Security number. Parents can also enroll the kids on-line on the school district's website: www.chickasha.k12.ok.us

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.73 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.11.

Natural gas is $1.75 per million BTUs

Gold is $2.395 and silver is $28.65.

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Thursday, April 18th

Tougher Domestic Violence Punishments Proposed

State lawmakers have passed a bill designed to increase penalties and fines for individuals convicted of some domestic assault crimes. SB 1211 would increase prison time for those convicted of strangulation or attempted strangulation to as much as ten years behind bars. Currently the maximum sentence for such a conviction is just three years in prison. The legislation also calls for a fine of up to $20,000 for first-time offenders. The bill was created after Oklahoma's Domestic Violence Review Board found that more than 100 victims of domestic violence died of their injuries in 2022. It was the fourth straight year for that to happen. State Rep. John George (R-Newalla) says the bill recognizes the gravity of domestic violence and ensures perpetrators are adequately punished. State Sen. Kristen Thompsen (R-Edmond) said it is imperative that the state hold violent offenders accountable while also providing protection for victims who are at risk of further harm from their attackers.

Rattlesnake Festival Slithers Back to Apache

The annual Apache Rattlesnake Festival is underway. This is the 40th year for the event which features a large flea market, a carnival, live entertainment, and an opportunity for individuals to go on guided snake hunts in the nearby Slick Hills. There are also educational sessions about rattlers and even a snake pit where professional snake handlers walk among venomous and non-venomous snakes. There is also a unique butcher shop and visitors can try a taste of deep-fried rattlesnake. See a schedule of events on the Apache Rattlesnake Festival Facebook page.

New Director Sought for Chix Festival of Light

Chickasha's Festival of Light is in search of a new director. Previous director Logan Lassley stepped down last week after serving two years at the post. He has returned to his hometown of Duncan to direct the United Way campaign.

Sewer Line Installation Underway in Anadarko

City crews in Anadarko are working to replace a more than 200-foot section of a sewer line. A post on the City of Anadarko's Facebook page says it’s on Northwest 4th Street between Main and Market Streets. Officials say water and sewer service should not be affected and that the project should be completed tomorrow.

Creating Art Work Has Health Benefits

Artisans have a special talent to create drawings and paintings which amaze those of us who don't have that ability. There are some health benefits to painting. Ellen Williamson, a member of Grady County's Rock Island 4H Club says-

She says it also improves eye-hand coordination which enhances motor skills, promotes optimism, and improves your patience.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.69 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.29.

Natural gas is $1.71 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,394 and silver is $28.52.

Obituaries

Jason Stamper

Funeral service for Jason Stamper, 52, of Cement will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 19th in the Cement High School Auditorium. He was a long-time volunteer firefighter, worked in the oilfield, and with his dad laying carpet. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

Tasha Dawn Williams

Funeral service for Tasha Dawn Williams will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 19^th at Breakout Ministries in Chickasha. Arrangements are with Brown-Thomas Funeral Home.

Joe Tannehill

A memorial service for Joe Tannehill, 80, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 19^th at Ferguson Funeral Home.  He worked for Jackson Horse Trailers, Walmart, and was a property manager.

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Wednesday, April 17th

Wanted Man Arrested After Traffic Stop;

Officers Find Evidence for Additional Charges

A simple traffic stop by Tuttle police this week led to the arrest of a man who had an outstanding warrant. Tuttle police pulled over a motorist early Monday morning and were notified that a warrant had been recently issued for the driver who was wanted for felony assault and battery by strangulation. Authorities arrested 38-year old Thomas Joseph Goodwin of Tuttle for the domestic violence charge - and then discovered that he had drugs in his possession. Court documents indicate that an estimated 20 grams of methamphetamine and other narcotics were found. Goodwin is now facing a total of three felony charges. During his arraignment a judge set bond at $20,000 for the domestic violence charge and an additional $20,000 for two drug charges. Goodwin remains in the Grady County Jail at this time. A preliminary hearing conference is set for next week. Goodwin is facing maximum penalties of 25 years in prison and more than a quarter-million dollars in fines if convicted.

Multi-Million Dollar Upgrades OK'd for Bailey Turnpike

Some upgrades on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike are expected to get underway later this year. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) recently approved several of projects totaling more than $18 million. The Southwest Ledger reports that T.J. Campbell Construction was awarded a bid of more than $8 1/2 million to rebuild shoulders and replace guardrails between Chickasha and Newcastle. Officials say the bid was more than 16 percent below the engineer's estimate. Also approved was an $8.9 million bid from the Haskell Lemon Group to do the same work between Fletcher and Elgin. That bid was more than 23 percent below the estimated cost. Also approved was a nearly $400,000 bid from MTS Brush Hogging for mowing and trimming along the interstate which is an estimated cost of $28 per acre. The OTA also approved the purchase of 20 fully-equipped pursuit vehicles for the highway patrol.

DA to Host Event for Victims' Rights Week

Next week, April 21^st through 27th is National Crime Victims' Awareness Week. District Attorney Jason Hicks will be holding a victims' rights program on Monday. Hicks and others will be among the speakers for the event which will be held on the Chickasha campus of the Canadian Valley Technology Center. It will start at 11:00 a.m. and last about an hour. The program is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served.

Chix Arts Council Schedules Family Night

The Chickasha Area Arts Council (CAAC) will be hold a family fun night at the end of the month. There will be games, sidewalk chalk drawing, rock painting, canvas painting, and a downtown scavenger hunt. The event will be Saturday, April 27th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the CAAC headquarters at 521 Chickasha Avenue. Cost is $5 per person or $20 for a family. CAAC is a non-profit organization. For information contact Angela 405-892-3051.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.36 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.10.

Natural gas is $1.73 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,405 and silver is $28.56.

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Tuesday, April 16th

New Chix Mayor, Councilors Take Oaths of Office

A new mayor and three new council representatives took their seats on the Chickasha City Council last night. New Chickasha Mayor Zach Grayson presided over his first city council meeting after being officially sworn in as mayor. Grayson had chaired several meetings over the last few years while serving as vice-mayor. New councilors also being sworn in were Charlie Burruss, John Smith, and Erica Alexander who were attending their first meetings after being sworn in.

New housing development approved

After a short public hearing the council approved the preliminary and final plat of a residential development west of Shannon Springs Park. The development will be in five lots along 13th Street and will be for five-single family homes. This is the second phase of the development for applicant Elliott Cousins, LLC.

Mineral rights lease OK'd

The council also approved an oil and gas lease with Camino Natural Resources for about 3 acres of land along the Chicago, Rock Island Railroad right-of-way. Camino was the only bidder for the mineral rights during a public auction held during the April 1^st council meeting. The bid was for $1,000 per acre and a 3/16th royalty.

Longtime airport employee retires

The council also congratulated Clint Ferguson for his long service to the city at the Chickasha Airport as he was presented with a retirement watch.

Apprenticeship 'Summit' set Tomorrow

Several state agencies are combing efforts to help business and industry create apprenticeships to train new employees. The state commerce department, Oklahoma Works, and the South Central Workforce Board will host an apprenticeship summit to provide information. The summit is being held to bridge the workforce skills gap that many companies are facing in trying to find qualified employees. The summit is for businesses, community leaders, and economic development and workforce development professionals. There is no cost for the program which will be held from 100 p.m.-3:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon on the Chickasha campus of Canadian Valley Technology Center. For information and to register contact Erin Glass by e-mail: erin@scworkforceboard.org.

Armed Robbery Suspect Formally Charged

Now a follow-up to a story we had over the weekend regarding the arrest of a suspect accused of the armed robbery of a rural Caddo County store. Cole Parker Green was formally charged in connection with the alleged crime yesterday. The 22-year old Hydro man was the subject of an hours-long manhunt last Friday. A probable cause affidavit states that a clerk at the Cobb Creek Store on SH 152 north of Carnegie called 9-1-1 just after 11 o'clock Friday morning. She said the man was wearing a clown mask and smoking a cigar. She gave authorities a description of the suspect and the pickup he was driving. Caddo County authorities called in assistance from the highway patrol and other law enforcement agencies. Investigators managed to use information from the tag number to trace the truck to Green, and they were also able to obtain his cell phone number. Authorities were able to ping the phone which led them to Green in the Hydro-Weatherford area where he was taken into custody. During questioning, Green said that he made a bad choice and the he had to pay some people off. Green has been charged with a felony count of robbery with a dangerous weapon and a judge set his bond at $100,000.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.41 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.10.

Natural gas is $1.69 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,373 and silver is $28.46.

Obituaries

John 'Jack' Beaver

A memorial service for Jack Beaver, 21, of Edmond will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 20th at Special Care in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Care.

Judith Seward

A memorial service for Judith Seward, 80, of Tuttle will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20th at the Tuttle Primitive Baptist Church. She worked for UPS, the Veterans Administration Hospital, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Arrangements are also with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Monday, April 15th

New Chix Mayor, Council Reps to be Sworn In

A new mayor and three new city council members will be taking their oaths of office for the Chickasha City Council tonight. Zack Grayson, who ran un-opposed for mayor, will be sworn in. Current Mayor Chris Mosley who spent six years leading the city will open the meeting prior to the formal swearing-in ceremony. New council representatives to be sworn in will be Charlie Burrus in Ward 2, Erica Alexander in Ward 3, and John Smith in Ward 4. Also to be sworn in to serve her second term will be Ward 1 councilwoman Kia Ginn. Prior to the meeting will be a reception for the out-going council members including Mayor Mosley, Ward 2 Councilman Rick Croslin, and Ward 3 Councilman Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander. The reception will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Public hearing set for duplex project

The council will hold a public hearing to discuss the preliminary and final plat of an area near Shannon Springs Park for the construction of some duplexes. The applicant is Elliott Cousins, LLC who wants to build the duplexes on 12th Street north of Arizona Avenue west of the park.

Oil and gas lease up for discussion

The panel is also expected to award an oil and gas lease to Camino Natural Resources for about three acres of land along the Chicago-Rock Island Railroad right-of-way.

Special account to be established for Dedicated Sales Tax

Also to be considered is a resolution to open a new bank account for the 2024 dedicated sales tax.

Rail group asks for city's help to oppose proposed federal regulation

The group will also consider a letter of support for a group called GoRail which works with railroad lines in Oklahoma. The group is opposing a proposed federal regulation that would phase out thousands of locomotives beginning in 2030 in favor of 'zero emission' locomotives even though officials say the required technology is not commercially viable. Officials say the regulation would negatively impact interstate commerce, the supply chain, and have downstream impacts on communities and businesses in Oklahoma. The council meets at 6:30 tonight at City Hall.

Two Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Chickasha police continue to investigate a motorcycle accident that sent two people to the hospital over the weekend. The accident happened about 10:30 p.m. Saturday near the Chickasha sports complex. Police say the motorcycle left the roadway and both the driver and passenger were thrown off the bike. The driver was identified as 44-year old Eric Hyatt and the passenger identified as 41-year old Mica Hyatt. Both were taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where they were treated and released.

Three Hurt in Blanchard Collision

Three people including a teenager were taken to regional hospitals after a crash between a pickup and a car last night. The accident happened about a half-mile west of Blanchard at CS 2970 and CR 1324 just before 9:30 p.m. The highway patrol reports that a pickup was backing out onto the road when it was broadsided by a car driven by the teenager. In the pickup were the driver, 35-year old Ashley Steelman - and a passenger, 36-year old David Steelman - both of Blanchard. They were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where they were treated and released. The unidentified 16-year old boy driving the car also of Blanchard was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was treated and released.

Grady County Ag Producers Meet Tomorrow

Grady County agriculture producers will be meeting tomorrow morning. Justin Lewis is the guest speaker and will be talking about futures, options, and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP).  The meeting will be held at the Grady County OSU Extension Office starting at 7:00 a.m.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $85.66 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $90.45.

Natural gas is $1.77 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,351 and silver is $28.41.

Obituary

Anna Belle Hair

Funeral service for Anna Belle Hair, 90, of Chickasha was held at 2:00 p.m. today (Monday, April 15^th) at Southern Oaks Church of Christ. She and her husband Jerry ran a propane company. Arrangements were with McRay Funeral Home.

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