Friday, May 3rd

State Marks 25th Anniversary of May 3rd Tornadoes

May 3rd, 1999 -- one of the most destructive days in Oklahoma when it comes to severe weather. Its estimated that 67 tornadoes tore across the state that afternoon and evening...leaving miles of destruction behind. Among the first tornadoes that day began near Stecker in southern Caddo County. That twister began growing and made its way into Grady County and flattened a home south of Verden. That tornado that passed north and west of Chickasha though it damaged two hangars at the city's airport. Just a few minutes later, a twister touched down southwest of Amber at 6:23 p.m. It grew in strength and moved on to Bridge Creek where numerous homes were destroyed and four people died. It continued growing and moved on to Newcastle then to Moore, Midwest City and Del City. Estimated top winds speeds in that tornado was 300 miles per hour. It was on the ground for nearly an hour and a half, carving a 38-mile path of destruction damaging 8,000 buildings, killing 46 people, and injuring 800 more. It was the costliest tornado at the time causing more than $1.5 billion in damage.

Chickasha High Students Help Sulphur Tornado Victims

Many Oklahoma communities continue cleaning up from tornadoes earlier this week. The southern Oklahoma communities of Sulphur and Marietta are among those with the most damage. A lot of help and support is being offered to assist including some Chickasha High School students. Cristie Oliver's internship class is collecting things like tarps, gloves, and trash bags that will be taken to Sulphur. Students are asking individuals and businesses lend a hand. Items can be taken to the Chickasha High School today or Monday morning. Arrangements can be made for the students to pick up items. Call the high school and leave a message and someone will get back to you to schedule a pick-up time. They would like to have the items in hand by Monday afternoon.

5K, Open Streets Set for Saturday

There are a couple of activities scheduled tomorrow. It starts with the Chickasha Rotary Club 5K and Fun Run-Walk. The theme is ‘May the 4th Be With You’ and costumes are encouraged. Registration will start at 7:00 a.m. at the Rock Island Railroad depot with the races starting at 8:30. Afterwards, the Chickasha YMCA is will have its annual Open Streets program downtown. There will be games and activities for all ages. The kids will enjoy the inflatable water slides and there will also be sidewalk chalk art, corn hole, dancing, and touch-a-truck to name a few. Food trucks will be on hand. Chickasha Avenue will be closed to traffic from the Leg Lamp to 3^rd Street from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Anadarko First Responder Meet-and-Greet Postponed

The first responder event in Anadarko with the Anadarko Police Department and FOP Lodge 118 that was scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed. A new date has not yet been scheduled.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $78.95 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $83.67.

Natural gas is $2.04 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,309 and silver is $26.79.

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Thursday, May 2nd

Storms Continue to Cross the State

Spring weather has caused death and destruction in Oklahoma over the last week. There was more severe weather overnight but thankfully there were no tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms did bring high winds and some hail through parts of the Grady and Caddo County areas early this morning. The first thunderstorm warning for Grady County was issued just after 12:30 a.m. for storms that had 70 mile per hour winds, torrential rain, and penny-sized hail. The last of the warnings was issued about 1:45 a.m. for the northern part of Grady County. There have been no immediate reports of damage. 24-hour rainfall totals in the area from the Oklahoma Mesonet show Chickasha with about an inch of rain; Minco with nearly two inches of rain; Acme, west of Rush Springs with 1 1/4 inches; and Apache with nearly 3 1/2 inches of rain. Weather is expected to be mild much of the day with an afternoon high temperature of 78 degrees. The National Weather Service is forecasting another round of thunderstorms late this afternoon and tonight and that there will be a marginal risk for severe weather.

Puppy Mill Operator Convicted of Murder, Animal Cruelty

A Marlow woman is convicted of murder and dozens of animal cruelty charges. After an eight-day trial in Stephens County District Court in Duncan, a jury issues guilty verdicts to Karen Jean Pritchard. She was arrested in February of 2021 after police found the body of her former employee on Pritchard’s property. Pritchard was said to have been running a puppy mill and investigators found nearly 200 dogs in poor and unsafe conditions. Pritchard was originally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Ashley Anderson but after five hours of deliberation the panel issued the guilty verdict on second-degree murder. The jury also found Pritchard guilty of 137 counts of animal cruelty. Formal sentencing is set for July 16th.

Ocean Cruise to be Given Away at Regional Blood Drive

The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) is continuously urging individuals to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. The OBI is motivating current and new donors to come forward this Saturday. An anonymous individual has given OBI a seven-day cruise out of Galveston, Texas which will be awarded to one donor from all OBI ‘cruise giveaway’ blood drives that day. Destiny Lillich with the OBI says they need all types of blood however they can always use one specific blood type-

The OBI Bloodmobile will be in the YMCA parking lot at 7^th and Chickasha Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4th. To make an appointment call George Plummer at 405-224-1560 during regular business hours.

4Hers Learn About Elections

As you know 2024 is a big year for elections. Voters will be casting ballots in county, state, and federal elections over the next few months. Maggie Evans is a Grady County 4Her and one of her main project areas is civic engagement. She says 4Hers are learning about the election process and that this and other lessons learned will stay with them throughout their lives.

The next election is the Primary Election June 18th, and individuals need to be registered by May 24th to cast ballots in that election. The presidential election is Nov. 5th.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $84.39 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $88.40.

Natural gas is $2.03 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,307 and silver is $26.46.

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Wednesday, May 1st

Assault Suspect Faces New Child Neglect Charge

A man arrested after a violent outburst at a Minco home is now also accused of child neglect in connection with a separate and unrelated incident. A probable cause affidavit from a Grady County deputy sheriff indicates that 29-year old Jayson Theodore 'J.T.' Lee attacked a male relative in Minco back in March. It’s also alleged he broke several windows out of a car. A warrant was issued for Lee's arrest and he was taken into custody April 1st. He was charged with felony vandalism and misdemeanor assault and battery then released from jail on a $5,000 bond. This past weekend, Chickasha police were called to a home in the 600 block of North 17th to investigate an intoxicated individual identified as Lee. A police affidavit said Lee is the sole caretaker of his six-week old daughter and that he had gone to the liquor store. It’s alleged that Lee drank to the point that he could not care for the baby. The child was only wearing a diaper and seemed hungry. Lee was then arrested. At his initial appearance in court on Monday Lee was charged with felony child neglect and a misdemeanor for public intoxication and disturbing the peace. Lee remains in jail on a $25,000 bond.

Suspect In Custody for Illegally Living at Oil Field Site

A suspect wanted for illegally living at a Ninnekah oilfield site is in custody. RANCH News reported last week that an arrest warrant had been issued for 47-year old Ronnie Lynn Frick of Rush Springs. He was booked into the Grady County Jail about noon on Sunday. It's alleged Frick had been staying at the location for some time and even changed locks on a gate. Frick has been formally charged with a felony for trespassing and damage to a critical infrastructure facility. He remains in jail on a $7,500 bond.

Grants Available for Military Veterans Affected by Tornadoes

Military veterans impacted by tornadoes and severe storms this past weekend are eligible to receive grants from the State Department of Veterans Affairs. A statement from the agency says the grants are aimed at providing crucial support to those who have served our country and are now facing the adverse effects of the storms. The grants are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that veterans and their families receive the support and resources they need. Veterans can reach out to the state Department of Veterans Affairs by calling 405-523-4000.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $81.93 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $87.86.

Natural gas is $1.99 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,301 and silver is $26.75.

Obituary

Sharon Kolzen

Funeral service for Sharon Kolzen, 71, of Sterling will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 3rd at Laverty Baptist Church. She was a homemaker. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Tuesday, April 30^th

Free Program Available to Warn of Severe Weather

Many victims of this past weekend's storms got plenty of advance notice of the numerous tornadoes that caused massive destruction Saturday night. Grady County Emergency Management officials are urging local residents and businesses to sign up for a free program that will help warn of approaching storms. It's called the Hyper Reach Emergency Mass Notification. Grady County officials use the service which allows users to get free alerts from the National Weather Service for tornado watches and warnings, and flash flood warnings. Individuals can access the service on-line at:

 hyper-reach.com/okgradycountysignup

There is also a phone number to call or text to sign up which is 405-546-2709.

Driver Hospitalized After Car Crashes, Burns

A Grady County driver is hospitalized after his car crashed and burned in Dibble early this morning. 73-year old Robert Roper of Alex was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with leg and internal injuries and was last in fair condition. The crash happened just after midnight at County Line Avenue and 180th Street in McClain County. The trooper investigating the crash said that Roper failed to stop at a stop sign and left the roadway, went airborne, crashed into a ditch, and caught fire. Roper was ejected from the car about 15 feet. The trooper said the Roper was not wearing a seatbelt.

Vehicle Fire Shuts Down Turnpike

A portion of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike that runs through Chickasha was closed after a vehicle fire late yesterday afternoon. Both eastbound lanes of the interstate were shut down near the Chickasha Sports Complex near Mile Marker 81 just before 5:00 p.m. Both lanes were closed for about 40 minutes and the turnpike re-opened about 5:30 p.m. No information about the fire was available.

Dibble Middle School Hosts STEM Night

A program showing students the many career opportunities available in the energy industry will be held in Dibble tonight. The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) will be hosting a STEM program this afternoon and evening. Lisa Schwarz with OERB talks about some of the groups that will be there and some of the hands-on projects that students can check out-

A number of colleges will also be on hand to show the energy-related degree programs they offer. The STEM night will be at the Dibble Middle School from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and energy partners will provide free food for everyone.

Governor Signs Permanent Daylight Savings Time Bill;

But Federal Officials to Determine if it's Implemented

A bill that would make Daylight Savings Time permanent in Oklahoma has been signed into law by the governor. SB 1200, also known as The Sunshine Protection Act, was overwhelmingly approved by both the house and senate. The measure would mean that there would be an extra hour of daylight during the winter and that Oklahomans would not have to adjust to time changes in the spring and fall. While many support the idea it will only happen if Congress approves legislation that would allow states to choose whether to lock the clock in Daylight Savings Time mode.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $82.63 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $88.49.

Natural gas is $2.03 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,326 and silver is $26.93.

Obituaries

Fern Pilgrim

A graveside service for Fern Pilgrim, 94, of Chickasha was held at 11 o'clock this morning (Tuesday, April 30^th) at the Moutain View, Okla. cemetery. Arrangements were with Sevier Funeral Home. She was a homemaker.

Margaret Hair

Funeral service for Margaret Hair, 89, of Chickasha will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2nd at Parkview Christian Church. She and her husband Larry ran a pipeline construction company. Arrangements are with Ferguson Funeral Home.

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Monday, April 29th

Numerous Tornadoes Strike Oklahoma Over the Weekend

Clean up is continuing in several Oklahoma communities this morning following Saturday's tornado outbreak. There are reports that four people died and more than 100 were injured as an estimated 30 tornadoes swirled across the state. The largest tornadoes caused catastrophic damage in the southern Oklahoma towns of Sulphur and Marietta. Reports indicated both tornados were listed as an EF-3 with winds upward of 165 mph.

Tornado warnings issued locally

Tornado warnings were issued for Grady, Caddo, Stephens, and McClain counties as a supercell thunderstorm with a reported mezzo-cyclone raced from Marlow, to Alex, Blanchard, and into the Oklahoma City metro area. Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson said winds from the storm were 60 to 70 miles per hour and there were reports of ping pong-ball sized hail. Neither Thompson nor Grady County Fire Chief Rodney Gregory had any reports of damage. Individual who have had damage should report it to the website: damage.ok.gov

Grady County deputies sent to help

Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess says he is sending five of his deputies to Love County in southern Oklahoma to assist with clean up and security in Marietta.

Motorcyclist Critical After Crashing into Car

A motorcycle rider was critically injured in a crash near Minco over the weekend. 34-year old Adrian Mundy of Oklahoma City was air-lifted to an Oklahoma City hospital with head, trunk, and internal injuries. He was wearing a helmet. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 81 about three miles south of Minco just before 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The highway patrol reports that Mundy hit an SUV that was parked on the shoulder. The driver of the SUV identified as 50-year old Donny Choate of Choctaw who was not injured.

Child hospitalized after accident west of Minco

Three children were taken to a hospital and a five-year old was admitted with head injuries after a second crash near Minco. That accident happened just before 6:00 p.m. Saturday on State Highway 152 not far from the Grady-Caddo County line. The children were passengers in a small SUV that was rear-ended by a Jeep driven by 40-year old Darcy White of Minco. White was not injured. Two other children in the SUV were 13- and 14-years old and were treated and released. Two adults also in the SUV were not injured. The family is from Wyoming.

Cattle Producers Urged to Keep Up With Bird Flu Found in Dairy Cows

Cattle producers need to monitor what's happening in regards to bird flu found in some dairy cattle actoss the country. Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA), was in attendance at the annual Grady County Cattle Producers meeting this past Friday night.

Kelsey said OCA is working with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) to influence USDA's response to the situation.

Grady County Veterans Honored with Flagpoles and Flags

A number of Grady County military veterans were honored yesterday as a group installed flagpoles and U.S. flags at their homes. A group called Flagpoles Honoring Our Veterans spent the day installing the poles and flags at the homes of 10 veterans. There were brief ceremonies afterwards. Veterans honored include Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess, Chickasha Mayor Zach Grayson, Michael Chavers, Johnny Lewis, and Amanda Tolman. Also Josh Woods, Bill Ingraham, Marvin Shipley, George Luquette, and Willard Guffee.

Energy and Metals

Crude oil on the NYMEX is $83.85 per barrel.

London-based Brent crude is $89.50.

Natural gas is $1.61 per million BTUs.

Gold is $2,345 and silver is $27.70.

Obituaries

Carron Gage

Funeral service for Carron Gage, 75, of Chickasha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 30^th at Ferguson Funeral Home. She worked for Lifeline Home Health.

Peggy McGrew

A memorial service for Peggy McGrew, 82, of Ninnekah is pending with the family.

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