Chickashanews.com

Local News

Related Photos

  • Rick Thomas said his family used his brother's house at 1318 S. Fifth St. as a work shop for their business. LAUREN CARTER / EXPRESS-STAR

    IMG_5080.JPG

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
October 5, 2012

Resident says house should not face demolition

James Bright The Express-Star

CHICKASHA — Recent attempts to remove the amount of dilapidated buildings in Chickasha were met with some criticism this week.

Resident Rick Thomas said his brother's house received a red note on the door eight weeks, ago stating the property was uninhabitable and owners would receive information scheduling a hearing regarding the future of the house.

"My brother died so the house is in probate," Thomas said. "We can't really do anything."

Utilities and outward appearance are the primary factors used by the city in determining whether a structure needs to come down. Thomas said although no water is run to the house, it does receive electricity.

City Manager Stewart Fairburn said the goal of this project is not to tear houses down, but to get owners to take care of their property. He said the city tries to come up with a plan with property owners, which will result in the owner fixing the structure, tearing it down, or allowing the city to do it. If the city demolishes the structure a lien is placed on the property.

"We've had real problems with owners dying and not leaving the house to anyone," Fairburn said.

The house in question, which is located at 1318 S. Fifth St. has stood for 40 years according to Thomas. He said he and his family have been using the property as a workshop for their business.

"This is not cost effective for us," he said.

According to Fairburn the city has been working with the executor of Thomas brother's estate for some time.

"We have been working with him for several months and he plans to have it demolished," he said.

Owners can sell their property after the city tags the property for a hearing, but the city will not sell the property once it has initiated the demolition process.

Text Only
Local News
  • DSC_2844.JPG Kittens coming along after dumpster dispair

    After being plucked from a dumpster on the north side of town, seven kittens now sit in a green carrier in the Chickasha Animal Shelter with a new found sense of hope.

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • GCEM prepares for active shooter with excercise

    Preparation is the key to any emergency, according to Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson. Other emergency responders share the same sentiment, and are planning an active shooter tabletop exercise to kick the county’s potential crisis plans into high gear.

    May 17, 2013

  • riane tuthill.jpg Lincoln student champion archer

    Riane Tuthill, a fifth grade student at Lincoln Elementary in Chickasha, was on target at the National Archery in the Schools Program competition this spring. 

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • Knife-point standoff ends in arrest

    A Chickasha man has been arrested on assault and abuse charges after holding his wife and son at knife point.

    May 17, 2013

  • 5-17 AubreyMcCoy-Pentagon.jpg Capitol gets real McCoy at 4-H Conference

    Tuttle's Aubrey McCoy rubbed shoulders with some of the nation's movers and shakers while also shedding light on an important subject when she was selected to attend the National 4-H Conference last month.

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • Water tops CIP list as tax deadline looms in near future

    The possible extension of the CIP three-quarter sales tax, which expires early next year and will require a vote, was the main topic of discussion for the CIP Tax Oversight Committee on Tuesday.
    The main focus of the meeting centered on city plans, mainly improvements, which will be implemented if the tax is approved for continuation.

    May 17, 2013

  • County reacts to NTSB blood alcohol suggestion for every state in union

    The possibility of lowering the blood alcohol legal limit from .08 to .05 was met with mixed reactions from the citizens of Grady County.

    May 16, 2013

  • 5-17 AubreyMcCoy-Pentagon.jpg Capitol gets real McCoy at 4-H Conference

    Tuttle's Aubrey McCoy rubbed shoulders with some of the nation's movers and shakers while also shedding light on an important subject when she was selected to attend the National 4-H Conference last month.

    May 16, 2013 1 Photo

  • BarArea-after.JPG Tuttle ice cream festival on despite fire

    The old Tuttle bank building has been given a second chance at life by a building inspector who reports the structure is salvageable after last week's fire.

    May 16, 2013 1 Photo

  • Victim claims alleged rape caused her eviction

    A woman who was allegedly raped in her apartment on May 11, is claiming the event triggered her eviction.

    May 16, 2013