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September 2009 Archives
(Tulsa, OK) - Dewey Bartlett Jr. picks up more endorsements in his bid for Tulsa Mayor. The Republican candidate has the backing of every GOP official elected to a Tulsa County office. Sheriff Stanley Glanz says Bartlett will take a realistic approach to crime. "Look at the police department and possibly get more officers back on the street where they belong." Glanz also thinks Bartlett will work well with the county and avoid many of the fusses the county has had with the city under Kathy Taylor's administration. Commissioner Fred Perry likes Bartlett's background as a city councilor and a businessman. "And I think that's going to be invaluable to him and to the city with him as mayor." Perry says for him this race is about maturity, leadership and temperament. Others endorsing Bartlett include County Commissioner John Smaligo, County Assessor Ken Yazel, County Treasurer Dennis Semler, County Clerk Earlene Wilson and Court Clerk Sally Howe Smith.
(Tulsa, Ok)--"Slow goin and heavy sloggin" is how the Judge termed the chicken waste trial underway in Tulsa Federal Court. A former Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment testified about a number of official reports and studies on the quality of the water in the Illinois River Watershed in Northeast Oklahoma. Oklahoma filed a lawsuit against the Poultry Industry claiming excess chicken waste seeping into the river has polluted what is considered an Oklahoma scenic river. On the stand as a witness for the state, Miles Tolbert said the reports all point out the severity of the polution. He says the waste has made portions of the watershed void of fish. He also testified a report detailed how the pollution is dangerous for people getting in the water to swim, boat, or fish. Attornies for the Poultry Industry objected to having the reports introduced as evidence. 
PRYOR, Okla. (AP) - A lawsuit has been filed against a LocustGrove restaurant seeking more than $3 million on behalf of 14
people sickened by an August 2008 outbreak of E. coli.
The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Mayes County District Court
against the Country Cottage restaurant on behalf of 12 families.
The plaintiffs are represented by a Pryor law firm and a Seattle,
Wa.-based firm that specializes in foodborne illness litigation.
A telephone message left Wednesday with a spokeswoman for the
restaurant owners was not immediately returned.
According to a state Health Department report on the outbreak,
341 people were sickened by the bacteria, 70 were hospitalized and
one died. An extensive investigation failed to determine how the
bacteria was introduced into the restaurant.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Funeral services have been scheduled forformer Oklahoma governor and U.S. Sen. Henry Bellmon.
Bellmon, Oklahoma's first Republican governor since statehood,
died Tuesday at the age of 88.
Bellmon's former chief of staff, Andrew Tevington, says
Bellmon's body will lie in state at the state Capitol on Friday
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Members of his family and former staff
will be present.
A funeral service is scheduled Saturday at 10 a.m. at the First
Presbyterian Church in Edmond.
A second funeral service is scheduled at 3 p.m. Saturday at the
First Presbyterian Church in Perry.
Bellmon served two nonconsecutive terms as governor, beginning
in 1963 and 1987. He won election to the U.S. Senate in 1968 and
1974.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor will have a newjob in Gov. Brad Henry's administration when she leaves office in
December.
Henry said Wednesday he has named Taylor to the new post as the
Governor's Chief of Education Strategy and Innovation.
Among other things, Taylor will pursue various federal grants
earmarked for states that implement innovative strategies to boost
education achievement.
Taylor says she will be a volunteer in the post and will not
accept a state salary.
Taylor previously served as Henry's Secretary of Commerce and on
the governor's transition team.
Taylor announced on June 4 she would not seek another term as
Tulsa's mayor. Her term ends on Dec. 7. Taylor says she will not be
a candidate for another office in 2010.
(Tulsa, OK) - All the rides that have been inspected so far at the Tulsa Sate Fair have been declared safe, and no ride will be allowed to operate until it is declared safe, said State Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields on Wednesday.
The Tulsa State Fair gets underway at 5 p.m. on Thursday, and inspectors will check out roughly 70 rides in all.
Fields said that inspectors also traveled to the New Mexico State Fair, the most recent place where the rides operated, and inspected them there.
"Tried to find things wrong before they got here, so whenever they got here, they'd have time fix them, get them ready, and we'd also have a better understanding of where to go look," Fields said.
For the past couple of years, the ride operators themselves also have to be certified before they are allowed to work at the fair. He says many of the operators are local residents and have past experience working on particular rides. He says safety trends have improved. He was told by one of his inspectors that last year was the first time in roughly 20 years that there were no incidents related to operator error.
(Tulsa, OK) -- A pot of gold may be waiting for you at the Tulsa State Fair when it starts Thursday. The State Treasurer's Office will set up in the QuikTrip Center to reunite you with lost money. Deputy Treasurer Tim Allen says they had a lot of success this year at the fair in Oklahoma City. "This year in the just completed fair in Oklahoma City we found $278,000 for people attending the fair." Allen says the money comes from things like old bank accounts and apartment deposits. You may not think you've lost any money but there are 500,000 names on the list. You can do the search on your own at www.treasurer.ok.gov by clicking on the Unclaimed Property Fund button.
Three state lawmakers say there are ways to improve health care that would limit federal involvement
BROKEN ARROW, Ok. - A Broken Arrow state lawmaker and doctor says there needs to be tougher laws that limit the amount paid in malpractice suits. Representative Mike Ritze joined Representative John Trebilcock and Senator Bill Brown to address their fellow Broken Arrow church members last night about health care issues. "But everybody that goes to the emergency room is paying for them and that costs us, as people that are buying health insurance or as taxpayers, to pay for the non-paying element that's going to the emergency rooms," Ritze says. The House and Senate may be voting on health care legislation this fall. Passage in both houses would set the stage for a compromise to be voted on by year's end.
TULSA, Ok. - Tulsa Police Gang Unit members were forced to shoot when a man allegedly threatened them with a gun. The News On Six's Jason Gear says an officer fired shots during a foot chase last night near 61st and South Peoria. Gear says, "He reached into his waisteband and pulled a gun and that's when one of the two officers chasing him shot at him twice, hit him." The suspect was taken to the hospital for surgery. The suspect was shot when police tried to stop the suspect and two other men from walking in the middle of the street. The other men were taken into custody.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports Leslie Sanders (shown) is a security guard at a National Guard post near the 14-year-old boy's apartment. When he walked up to them, she says he told them he had been abused for the past four years and he was tired of it. They say they immediately saw what looked like bruises and burn marks and that his wrists looks like they'd been tied or shackled. Sanders says, "At first, she was kind of, you know, oh my God, you know, and then, it's like, okay, let's get this kid some help." They got the boy something to eat and called police, who arrested his mother LaRhonda McCall and her friend Steve Hamilton. They both face 20 counts of child abuse.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The former chief of staff for Henry Bellmon says the former Oklahoma governor and U.S. Senator has died after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Andrew Tevington said the 88-year-old Bellmon died shortly before 11 a.m. Tuesday.
He became the first Republican governor since statehood in 1963 and later won a second term _ serving from 1987 to 1991.
After his first term ended In 1967 he served as national chairman of the Nixon for President campaign.
He won election to the U.S. Senate in 1968 and 1974. After his second term he was appointed interim director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services by then-Gov. George Nigh.
In 1985, he was selected as receiver of the financially troubled National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage in Oklahoma City before again running for and winning the race for governor.
(Tulsa, Ok)--Emergency agencies spend countless hours training to be ready when disaster strikes. In Tulsa at the Oklahoma Emergency Management Conference Gary Jones says all of us need to be prepared. The Acting Regional Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency says the bottom line is every family, every individual, needs a disaster plan in place. He says it should include supplies like at least three days worth of food. Jones points out those with a plan greatly increase their chance of survival in the event of a natural or man made disaster. 
WAGONER, Okla. (AP) _ A 17-year-old from Broken Arrow has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
Gage Broom pleaded guilty Monday moments before his trial was to being in Wagoner County in connection with the death in December of 27-year-old Justin Childress.
Childress was beaten to death outside his sister's home near Broken Arrow. Broom had said Childress attacked him and he was acting in self-defense.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Nicole Burgin reports another Tulsa bank was held-up, this time in Brookside. A man apparently gave the teller a note and showed a gun. Police say the crime yesterday afternoon involved two trips inside the bank within a short time frame. Tulsa Police Sergeant Dave Walker says, "Came in the bank, stood in line and then left without doing anything. We assume at that time that he picked up the paper in which the note was written on. He left, he was out of the bank for about a minute then came back into the bank and that's when the robbery occured." Walker says the suspect walked away from the bank but got into a car parked in a nearby parking lot.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports scars from being stabbed, scars from being burned, scars from being choked. Oklahoma City Police say a 14-year-old boy suffered severe abuse, allegedly at the hands of his mother and her friend. They say the family, which includes 7 other children, moved to Oklahoma City from New Jersey about 2 months ago. One of the other kids freed the teen from a locked closet and he went to a nearby National Guard post for help. A neighbor, El Rico Anderson says he didn't even know the mother had a 14-year-old child and "that's the worst part, I would see all her kids come out but I never seen theboy ever come outside. From what I seen, she was a good mother. She talked to her kids with respect, 'Please. Thank you. Come on guys, let's go,'" said neighbor Diana Harlan. Police say for some reason, the 14-year-old was the only one who suffered abuse. LaRhonda McCall and Steve Hamilton (shown) face 20 counts of abuse and neglect.
TULSA, Ok. - Tulsa Police have two armed robberies of individuals under investigation this morning. Three men armed with a pistol and possibly an axe overnight kicked in the back door of a home occupied by two women near 2600 South Garnett. They took a laptop computer and some cash. Later near 5100 South Harvard a woman reported she was robbed by four people in the parking lot of her apartment. The News on Six's Gary Kruse says the suspects sprayed the victim with pepper spray and then stole a back pack and a cell phone. Kruse says, "Unknown to the robbers, the back pack was actually being used to hold the woman's baby's diapers." No one was injured in either robbery and no one has been arrested.
(Tulsa, OK) - Tulsa Public Schools boosts security a number of campuses in the wake of Friday's murder of a Memorial High School student. 16 year old Jacob Barnes was gunned down shortly after getting off a school bus on his way home. The extra security was added as tensions were running high at many school sites. Rumors were swirling but TPS Police Chief Gary Rudick says they were able to dispel them. Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard spent time at Memorial Monday morning with the faculty and says there were a lot of tears. He says the murder of Barnes has had a terrible impact on the school. The district is offering counseling and Ballard said 75 students did take advantage of it Monday morning. Rudick says all of his officers except one that was out sick were assigned to school campuses Monday. He says are also being assisted by the Tulsa Police Department. Rudick says they add security to schools based on the requests of principals.
TULSA, Ok. - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says 23-year old Deven Duke's vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree before going into a broadslide and hitting another tree. Troopers say Duke died at the scene. The accident happened around 4:15 p.m. yesterday in the eastbound lanes of the Creek Turnpike near the Memorial Drive exit. Troopers say Duke, who was wearing a seatbelt, lost control about a hundred yards before the exit ramp. Traffic was backed up from Memorial to Riverside Drive after the wreck.
FAIRVIEW, Okla. (AP) - A Nov. 13 preliminary hearing has been scheduled for members of a Fairview family who are accused of abusing a Liberian girl.
Major County prosecutors have charged a couple with child abuse. Their son has been charged as a youthful offender with one count of rape by instrumentation, and their daughter faces a misdemeanor assault and battery count.
Prosecutors have alleged that the oldest of five Liberian siblings adopted by the family was tied to chairs and bedposts, and was denied meals as punishment. The brother is accused of sexually molesting her.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A state lawmaker who described homosexuality as a greater threat to the United States than terrorism will face a transgendered attorney in her next race for the state House.
Democrat Brittany Novotny announced Sunday she will try to unseat Republican Rep. Sally Kern (shown) from the House District 84 seat in northwest Oklahoma City.
Kern made national headlines in 2008 when she said the ``homosexual agenda'' is destroying the U.S. Earlier this year, she launched a campaign for a morality proclamation that criticizes the government for drifting from traditional Christian values.
Novotny says she wants the campaign to be about issues and not her personal decision to become a woman. She says Kern should spend more time helping bring jobs to constituents and improving education.
(Tulsa, Ok) -- It is a high school on a college campus. This innovative program starts with Tulsa 8th graders. Principal Kenny Rodrequez says these students come from homes where their parents did not go to college and it can help with what can be a tough time transitioning to 9th grade. The new Middle College program is a partnership between Tulsa Community College and Tulsa Public Schools. The students attend classes on T-C-C's northeast campus and could graduate and get college credit as the same time.
(Tulsa, Ok) -- Frank talk at Tulsa's Byrd Middle School about the consequences of making bad choices. Emsa is partnering with Operation Aware in warning youngsters to stay away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Emsa paramedic Dayan Inclan told students 'you have the power to make choices. And those choices can have both good and bad consequences.'
(Tulsa, Ok)--A suspended Tulsa Police Officer is now officially charged with a crime. Charges were filed Monday morning in Tulsa District Court against 37 year old Travis K. Ludwig. The officer is charged with possession of a drug. Last week as other officers conducted an investigation of Ludwig they say they found cocaine in his gear. 
(Tulsa, OK) - Sod is going down at OneOK Field. The turf was grown by Riverview Sod Ranch in Bixby. The work was supposed to start last Friday but had to be put off because of Tuesday's downpour. Bob Jack, the project manager for Manhattan Construction says they did learn the drainage system worked as planned. Only the infield sod is being laid right now. The grass for the outfield should go down in a week or two.
(Tulsa, Ok)--Making it seem real. Blanks are fired, a smoke screen rises, and a team of law officers decked out in SWAT-like gear inch along a wall. Deputies and correction officers at the Tulsa County Jail learn the latest techniques in maintaining order. Team leader Joseph Garcia with the United States Corrections Special Operations group runs the training session. He says the bottom line is to give the deputies the tools to put down a disturbance and in the end the inmates and law officers are not hurt. Garcia points out working in a jail setting heightens the danger level. He and his team details the latest concepts used by swat teams and adapts those to the unique behind bars atmosphere. 
TULSA, Ok. - There's good news and there's bad news today for drivers on I-44 near Peoria Ave. The I-44 westbound exit ramp to Riverside Drive opens at 9 a.m. today but the westbound I-44 off-ramp to Peoria closes at the same time. There will also be a single on-ramp from Peoria to eastbound I-44. The westbound I-44 on-ramp from Peoria is not expected to open for several months so drivers must continue to use Lewis Avenue. A news relase from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation says there will not be a westbound on-ramp from Riverside Drive. 
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports people have been stockpiling so much ammo since Barack Obama took office, even before he took office, that there is a severe ammuntion shortage. Brad Wells is the manager of Medlock Firearms in Collinsville. He says, "The rifle ammo stuff is probably the biggest concern right now because their season's right around the corner." Wells says the hoarding seems to be triggered by a fear of a new assault rifle ban, although there's been no sign of that happening in Congress. He says you know it's bad when Wal-Mart is low on ammo.
TULSA, Ok. - Tulsa Police are investigating two shootings that happened right after midnight Monday morning. One man was shot at the Silver Springs Apartments at 8504 East 62nd Street after he and a friend were approached by two men on the apartment parking lot. Tulsa Police Captain Brett Bailey says, "The victim headed to his apartment and upon entering his apartment the two armed subjects followed him inside at which time they fired numerous times striking him in the torso." Bailey says the victim was hospitalized and should recover. He said the suspects left the scene in a newer model white extended cab Chevy pickup. About twenty minutes later a man who had been shot walked into a Tulsa hospital emergency room. He told police that he did not know who shot him and he said he didn't know who brought him to the hospital from the scene near Admiral and Harvard.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The FBI has released long-secret security tapes showing the chaos immediately after the 1995 bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building.
The soundless recordings show people rushing from nearby buildings after the fertilizer bomb went off. They don't show the actual explosion outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
The tapes were obtained by an attorney and provided to The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, the newspaper reported Sunday.
Some of the images were used as evidence at bomber Timothy McVeigh's trial. McVeigh was executed in 2001. Coconspirator Terry Nichols is serving life in prison.
The blast on April 19, 1995, killed 168 people and injured hundreds. It was the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma authorities say the number of people dying from methadone use is growing.
Last year, 110 people in Oklahoma died from either methadone overdoses or overdoses in which methadone was used in combination with other drugs.
Law enforcement authorities say the drug gets into circulation two ways, from its use as a treatment for heroin addiction and from prescriptions written for chronic pain.
Tulsa police said they arrested 24-year-old James Williamson for shooting his 17-year-old cousin.
I happened just before midnight on the 500 block of East 58th Street North.
According to investigators, the teen was taken to the hospital after he was shot in the torso.
His condition has been upgraded to stable.
(Tulsa, Ok)--With the recent emphasis on renewing downtowns, inner city neighborhoods are looking to spruce up as well. The first problem after coming up with an idea is how to pay for it. Tulsa landscape architect Greg Warren addressed the issue during the annual conference of the Oklahoma Municipal League. While neighborhood revitalization during a recession is tough, Warren says it is still possible. New funding sources may be the key. Warren tells neighobrhood groups to look into private foundtions that often join in city improvement projects. Another way he suggests is shifting public dollars. An example he shared during the conference was money set aside to tear down dilapidated houses could also be used to turn the area into a park. Warren says it takes creativity, but it can be done. US Marshals arrested Lawrence Ballard at a Wichita, Kansas, home on Saturday.
He is wanted for the shooting death of Colby Harris in Tulsa on April 28th.
Authorities said he is considered one of America's most wanted gang members.
Ballard was also arrested for the August 1st armed robbery of three University of Tulsa students.
Investigators were able to track him down after the case was posted on the website for the Fox Television show America's Most Wanted.
A spokepsrson for St. John Hospital said a Tulsa teen has died after he was shot near a school bus stop on Friday.
Authorities said 16-year-old Jacob Barnes was a Memorial High School student.
They said he was shot in the head, back and neck as he got off the bus near 33rd and North Lansing at about 4:45 p.m.
Police said he spoke briefly to some men in a gold-colored Chevy Suburban or Tahoe then one of the men shot him from the passenger side of the vehicle.
Police are searching for a group of four to five males riding riding in a gold, Chevy Suburban or Tahoe.
The driver was described as having short, dreadlocked hair.
(Tulsa, OK) - American Airlines Tulsa maintenance base expands. The airline is moving into a new, nearly 80,000 square foot hangar at Tulsa International Airport. Airports Director Jeff Mulder says it's something that's been needed. "This hangar provides additional space that helps keep the jobs we have and helps them expand the business that they have." Carmine Romano, American's head man in Tulsa says they've been bursting at the seams. "We are full over on the east side." The new hangar is on the airport's north side, an area that Mulder says will see more development. "We've built taxiways, we've built roadways right to this area." Romano says the work they'll do at the new hangar is the equivalent of 100 jobs. Both the city and state kicked in the money to build the $11.5 million dollar facility.
(Tulsa, OK) -- Oral Roberts University installs a new president. Dr. Mark Rutland takes over the position from Richard Roberts who resigned amid scandal two years ago. Rutland is looking forward to the tasks ahead. "There's always another challenge to meet. But that's the adventure. That's the joy of the journey." Rutland is the third president at the 46 year old school and the only one without the surname of Roberts.
TUPELO, Okla. (AP) _ A Marlow man has been killed in a head-on collision while he led an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper on a chase near Tupelo in Coal County.
Troopers say 42-year-old Michael Allen Penny died in the collision with a tractor-trailer rig just after 3 p.m. Thursday.
Investigators say Trooper Mark Benedict had stopped Penny for a traffic violation on state Highway 3 when Penny suddenly sped away.
Troopers say Penny then appeared to intentionally cross the center line and crash head-on into the rig. His vehicle then crossed back across the highway and collided with Benedict's patrol car.
Both Benedict and the driver of the rig were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and released.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg says Rover has his own flu to worry about. Canine flu for dogs is a lot like the swine flu for humans. It causes high fever, muscle aches, sneezing and coughing and it spreads easily. There's been one confirmed case in Oklahoma this year, and Dr. Mike Jones says it's all around us. "It's in Arkansas, it's in Texas, it's been in Colorado, so we're right in the center and I think it's just a matter of time before it does come here." He says if your dog is a homebody and doesn't spend time around other dogs, there's not much to worry about. About 6-percent of canine flu cases are fatal.
TULSA, Ok. - A Tulsa courtroom was the setting yesterday for Oklahoma's federal pollution lawsuit to begin against the Arkansas poultry industry. Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson says he's targeting the large companies instead of the individual farmers because those companies control the entire operation. Edmondson says, "The scientific evidence is that it is a severe problem. It is caused by poultry and they, the companies and not the growers, need to be responsible for the safe disposal of the waste." The Poultry Community Council's Jackie Cunningham says the industry has a waste management plan already approved by Oklahoma. She says chicken farmers have done an incredible job of standing up for environmental stewardship.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A former Altus doctor accused of bringing his child bride to Oklahoma using false papers has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert Troester says 51-year-old Alexander Christian Miles was sentenced Thursday for using a visa immigration document that contained false information to gain entry into the United States of a child under 18. Miles pleaded guilty in June.
An indictment says Miles met and married a 14-year-old Cambodian girl in 2001, and they moved to Altus the following year.
A federal judge dismissed the case in 2006, but prosecutors re-filed the charge.
Miles' attorney appealed on double jeopardy grounds, but an appeals court panel upheld the charge.
Miles' lawyer couldn't be reached for comment.
Four years after the state of Oklahoma sued the Arkansas poultry industry for pollution, the trial gets underway in federal court. Day one of the trial found a packed courtroom. Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson delivered the first part of the state's opening statement. He told a judge that the future of the Illinois River watershed is at stake. The suit filed in 2005 claims 11 poultry companies, including giants like Cargill and Tyson Foods, are to blame for polluting the area with bird waste. The poultry companies will present their opening remarks Thursday afternoon. The trial is expected to last several weeks.
(Tulsa, OK) - Tulsa Police Chief Ron Palmer said Thursday that criminal charges are "certainly appropriate" for Officer Travis Ludwig.
"Everything right now looks toward the filing of the charges," Chief Palmer said.
Ludwig was arrested this week after cocaine was allegedly found inside the center console of his police cruiser and his duffel bag.
Chief Palmer says investigators made that discovery by accident.
"The discovery of the drugs was something we had not anticipated," Palmer said. "We were looking at other things in an administrative investigation."
Once the drugs were found, Palmer said the focus quickly shifted to a criminal investigation, and they contacted prosecutors.
Ludwig's defense attorney Scott Wood claims that somone else could have put the drugs in the center console of his cruiser, possible a criminal suspect in the back seat. He said investigators watched as Ludwig cleaned out numerous items from the console and put them in his duffel bag
TULSA, Ok. - A man is in jail this morning on suspicion of making drugs. Tulsa Police made a traffic stop of the man last night as 28-year old Ramsey Combs rode his motorcycle near 61st and South Sheridan. The News On Six's Gary Kruse says, "Officers found what they believed were narcotics in a nap sack that he was wearing and that led to a search warrant at his residence." Officers served the search warrant at the man's house near 71st and Sheridan. That's where they allegedly found items that could be used to make meth. The suspect faces several charges from the bust.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports a woman who lives near Tulsa Police Officer Travis Ludwig's Collinsville home says she never noticed anything or anyone suspicious around his house in the two months that she's lived in the neighborhood. Police arrested Ludwig this week on a complaint of possession with intent to sell drugs. They searched his house after they allegedly found cocaine in his duffel bag and police crusier. The neighbor saw the police cars when she returned home from work. She's aware Ludwig is a police officer and says says she didn't think at the time that he could be the one being investigated. "I never thought anything of it," she said. "I've met him and his wife, and they're both very nice people." Ludwig's attorney Scott Wood says there was no cocaine found at the home itself but that authorities did take money and guns from the home.
MIAMI, Okla. (AP) - A truck driver from Missouri has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of negligent homicide for a deadly crash along an Oklahoma turnpike.
Donald Creed of Willard, Mo., made his initial appearance Wednesday in Ottawa County District Court in Miami. District Attorney Eddie Wyant says the 76-year-old waived his right to a speedy trial and is next scheduled to appear in court in April 2010.
Wyant says Creed was booked at the Ottawa County Jail and released on $20,000 bond.
Creed was driving a tractor-trailer that slammed into a line of stopped cars June 26 on the Will Rogers Turnpike near Miami, about 90 miles northeast of Tulsa, killing 10 people.
Each count carries up to one year in the county jail.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A federal judge questioned whether Oklahoma's lawsuit against the Arkansas poultry industry should be dismissed because the state failed to name the Cherokee Nation as a plaintiff.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell floated the idea Wednesday, the day before trial was to begin.
He suggested if the case is dismissed over the Cherokee issue, then appealed to the 10th Circuit in Denver, ``three heads are better than one,'' referring to that court's three-judge panel that would decide the matter.
Attorneys for Oklahoma objected strongly to dismissing the lawsuit, and Frizzell indicated before an afternoon recess that the trial would go forward as planned.
Oklahoma sued the poultry industry in 2005, claiming 11 companies are polluting the Illinois River watershed with bird waste. Opening arguments are scheduled to begin Thursday.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A new report shows the incidence rate of men killing women in Oklahoma has declined slightly.
Oklahoma was ranked ninth in ``When Men Murder Women,'' a homicide analysis released by the Violence Policy Center Tuesday. The Washington-based nonprofit cited 37 such Oklahoma homicides, down one from last year when the state ranked fourth.
The annual report, using the FBI's 2007 Supplementary Homicide report, ranked homicide rates per 100,000 people involving one female victim killed by one male.
According to the report, the average age of victims in Oklahoma was 35. The report showed that 28 victims were white, seven were black and two were Native American.
The report stated that for homicides in which the weapon could be identified 47 percent were killed with guns.
(Tulsa, OK) -- PlaniTulsa gets its public debut. An open house to showcase the plan for Tulsa's future development was held Wednesday evening at the Greenwood Cultural Center. Phyllis Peabody was excited with some of what she saw. Peabody, originally from Portland, Oregon, was especially pleased with an example of what we could see here that's from her hometown. She says what's shown used to be nothing, just a field, and is now a mixture of residences and businesses. "And they made it into an area where people wanted to go, to work. They made a community. Rick Eslick knows some of the things he wants to see in a final plan. "I like the aspect of being able to walk to markets and maybe a trolley system of some kind." What was shown is really a rough draft because more input is being taken. Glen Bolen, a vice president with Fregonese Associates, the consulting firm that's been working on the project says there was something common from the public input they've taken during the process. "Regardless of where you are, you're interested in doing something different. There's not that many folks that were really wedded to the status quo." Bolen says he did see something different in Tulsa. "Tulsa, more than anyplace I've worked had a very large number of young people, young professionals, turn out for planning and speak loudly." You can take closer look at what's been put together so far at the PlaniTulsa website.
(Tulsa, OK) - Joshua Muller pleads guilty to a double killing. Muller was facing trial on two first degree murder charges for shooting 12 year old Leah Harris-Faqua and16 year old Derriko Ross in the early morning hours of July 22nd, 2007 just north of Pine on Lewis. Also shot that night was then 12 year old Sheridan Rand. The incident started when Muller's wife claimed two of the victims had stolen her wallet. Muller fled and a massive manhunt ensued. It took authorities to the Lawton area where Muller surrendered a few days later. There is no deal with the Tulsa County District Attorney's Office and assistant D.A. Doug Drummond says they do intend to pursue the death penalty. A jury will not decide Muller's fate, that will be left up to a judge.
(Tulsa, Ok)--The question "Can going green create jobs?" is raised at a conference in Tulsa. The first step toward creating and filling green jobs appears to be in the classroom. Business consultant Jim East addresses the issue at the annual conference of the Oklahoma Municipal League meeting underway this week in Tulsa. East says new Vo-Tech programs designed for green jobs must be made available. He also feels Oklahoma's location and natural resources make it ripe territory for the jobs of the future. 
(Tulsa, Ok) -- The Arvest Bank at 2500 West Edison was the scene of an attempted robbery Wednesday morning. Tulsa Police Sgt. Dave Walker says the suspect inquired about opening an account. Moments later he produced a large handgun and yelled 'this is a hold-up.' Walker says then the suspect inexplicably left. No money was taken and no one was hurt. There were no customers inside the bank at the time of the incident.
There is a special announcement made during Wednesday's chapel service at Oral Roberts University. Dr. Mark Rutland said, "Oral Roberts University Board of Trustees announced today that the university has resolved all long-term debt." Following the announcement, the student body applauded and cheered. Just two years ago the school was $55 million in debt and rocked by controversy. More than 15,000 donors gave to the campaign to pay off the debt. Today's announcement comes just a few days before Dr. Rutland is to be inaugurated as the school's third president. Rutland talked about the university moving forward. In addition to the elimination of the debt, he said student enrollment is up this year.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports 37-year-old Travis Ludwig, a Tulsa Police Officer, was arrested last night around 8:00 and booked at the Tulsa County Jail on a complaint of possession with intent to deliver drugs. Police reportedly found 3 bags of cocaine and scales when Ludwig was arrested. Ludwig was released on $10,000 bond about two hours ago. He has a court date in a week.
TULSA, Ok. - Tulsa firefighters battled a fire at the Normandy Apartments near 38th and South Sheridan. Investigators say the fire that was reported about 9:30 last night started on a stove. Residents in the apartment tried to put it out themselves, but inhaled too much smoke and called 911. Firefighters extinguished the fire but a 16-year old boy and a 50-year old woman were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. A 48-year old woman at the scene refused to be hospitalized. Firefighters say no other apartments were affected.
TULSA, Ok. - Tulsa Police say a pedestrian in his twenties approached a car in the street just before 8 p.m. Tuesday near 3700 East Xyler. Police say the man leaned into the window and was shot above the shoulder. Tulsa Police Captain Ryan Perkins says the victim was not able to give police much information but he says "there were several neighbors who either heard or saw at least some of it, but they were several feet, several yards away, so they only saw part of it but we do have some cooperation." Perkins says neighbors told police the car was a white early 2000's Chevy Impala with a search light near the driver's door.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok. - Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole is critical of President Obama for not being more decisive about sending more troops to Afghanistan. Cole says, "I think the Republicans will give the President the support that he needs and I think he'll have the support in Congress but he has to lead." Cole says the President can't retreat now or else it'll leave allies wondering if they can trust the U.S.
(Tulsa, Ok) -- Monday was a record breaker in terms of rainfall in Tulsa. Officially Tulsa recorded 4.42 inches of rain. Steve Peltz, Director of the National Weather Service in Tulsa, says the old record for rain on September 21 of 3.5 inches was set in 1902. Hardest hit on Monday was an area north of Catoosa and south of Claremore. Peltz estimates rainfall amounts - there - exceeded 6 inches. Peltz says it was the kind of event that should have resulted in a fatality.
(Tulsa, Ok)-- The last time a Tulsa Public Schools teacher won the "Teacher of the Year" title was over four decades ago. State Superintendent Sandy Garrett announced in Oklahoma City that Rogers High School teacher Brian Grimm has broken the slump. Grimm says he is happy for Rogers and TPS. He's been teaching English and pre-Advanced Placement English at Rogers for five years. He previously taught in Texas schools. By being named the "Teacher of the Year" Grimm wins a prize package worth about $50,000. He will also travel the state over the next year serving as Oklahoma's Ambassador of Teaching. The last time a TPS teacher won the title was 1963. 
(Muskogee, OK) - Two former McIntosh County lawmen will spend over two years in a federal prison. Former Sheriff Terry Alan Jones and former Undersheriff Mykol Travis Brookshire were sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release after pleading guilty to pocketing money from traffic stops. U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling says the sentences will not be subject to parole. Jones and Brookshire were nabbed in May during an undercover sting and both quickly resigned.
(Oklahoma City, OK) - The Oklahoma Lottery Commission is reportedly discussing the idea of lowering the percentage of revenue that goes to education at its Tuesday meeting.
Right now, state law requires 35 percent. But some lawmakers like Senator Richard Lerblance say if the percentage was lowered, bigger prizes could be offered, which would stimulate more sales and result in a net gain for education.
"You offer bigger prizes, you get more people playing, therefore you get more income in, which in turn makes more money for education," he said.
He says North Carolina lowered its percentage and saw that exact result. But there is strong opposition in the Oklahoma Legislature to changing the formula.
Further exacerbating the situation, Arkansas starts its own lottery next Monday, which will likely reduce the number of Arkansas residents who now cross the border into Oklahoma to play the Oklahoma lottery.
(Tulsa, OK) - The price of admission goes up for football and basketball games at Tulsa Public Schools. The school board approved the $1.00 hike Monday night to pay for extra security. That security was called for after a number of fights broke out in the stands during the football game between Washington and East Central earlier this month. Board member Gary Percefull doesn't feel the extra dollar will be a burden for fans even in these tough economic times. "Prices for admission into TPS athletic contest are pretty nominal as it is." The increase at football games applies to both students and adults. Only adults will be charged the extra buck at basketball games.
TULSA, Ok. - Be sure to be listening to AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg at 6:40 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. today as he continues his two-part series on swine flu. Already the flu is off to a fast start. "We're already seeing cases in September which is exceedingly unusual," which concerns health officials like OU-Tulsa Doctor Bob Hudson. To predict what will happen during winter, he says you can look at the Southern Hemisphere where they're wrapping up their winter and where he says flu rates increased dramatically. Hudson says, "We'll have an incidence that's probably greater than a 15% infection rate and maybe as high as a 30%. In normal years it's somewhere between 5 and 10." So, if you have 600,000 people in the Tulsa area, Hudson says, "That's 200,000 people that get the H1N1." The good news is the flu showed no major signs of mutating in the Southern Hemisphere and remained mild, although school-age kids are still most at risk of being infected. Union Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Kirt Hartzler says the health department has only told them to monitor things for now. Hartzler says, "Obviously, if we start seeing a significant increase or some serious spiking at certain sites, then we would be working with them more closely in terms of what we should do." But Dr. Hudson says what we'll see exactly this winter "no one knows." And that would probably worry anyone a little.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports these will be first and second round games and if you're keeping score at home, it's been 24 years since Tulsa has been a tournament stop. 26 years by the time these games actually happen in 2011. Sheila Curley with the Tulsa Sports Commission is already counting the bucks. She says, "The impact of getting thousands of people into the BOK Center, the tickets, the hotels and the restaurants - we're estimating $4-million to $6-million in economic impact. Tulsa beat out 62 other cities for these games, so already, the city is a tournament winner.
MIAMI, Ok. - A prosecutor filed ten counts of negligent homicide that could put a 76-year old tractor-trailer driver in jail for ten years. Donald Creed was driving his rig at 70 miles an hour last June when he rear-ended several cars on the Will Rogers Turnpike near the Miami exit. Ottawa County District Attorney Eddie Wyant says, "The whole thing is a tragedy. You lose 10 people from the carelessness of one driver." Creed told investigators that he thought the cars drove up under him. Creed has promised to turn himself in tomorrow morning.
TULSA, Ok. - A Tulsa woman was able to call for help after her car became disabled in high water overnight. The woman became stranded about 2:15 a.m. today in the 1900 block of North Mingo. Dispatchers say the woman was able to crawl out of her car and was on the top of it and was waiting for help. She was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. City crews are pumping the water away from the area this morning.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A national nonprofit group gives Oklahoma a grade of ``C'' for the financial security of families in the state.
The Corporation for Enterprise Development in Washington says Oklahoma performs well in housing measures. But it is falling behind in financial assets and health care.
The group's Assets & Opportunity Scorecard says the state shows room for improvement in helping its residents build and protect assets and withstand unexpected medical crises.
The group says Oklahoma performed poorly in many health-related measures. It ranked 45th in the number of uninsured low income parents and 44th in employees insured by their employer.
The state also struggles with financial assets, ranking 44th in net worth and income poverty. The group says the state shows disparities in asset poverty and net worth by race and gender.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Energy experts say increasing Oklahoma's use of renewable energy could have tremendous benefits for the state, but policymakers say mandates aren't the way to achieve that goal.
At a forum on energy policy Monday at Oklahoma Christian University, House Speaker Chris Benge described renewable portfolio standards as a ``non-starter'' in the Oklahoma Legislature.
Such standards currently are in place in more than 30 states. They require electric utilities to obtain some of their power from solar, wind and other renewable sources.
Benge, R-Tulsa, says those types of industry mandates are never popular in the Oklahoma Legislature.
But Benge says renewable energy sources like wind and solar will play an important role in Oklahoma's energy future.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A prosecutor has filed 10 misdemeanor counts of negligent homicide against a tractor-trailer driver whose rig slammed into a line of stopped cars on the Will Rogers Turnpike in far northeastern Oklahoma, killing 10 people.
Ottawa County District Attorney Eddie Wyant said he filed the charges Monday against Donald L. Creed of Willard, Mo. Each charge carries a maximum of one year in a county jail.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has said the accident was caused by Creed's inattention. The patrol investigation found no evidence the 76-year-old driver tried to brake or take evasive action in the June 26 wreck.
Rob Coffey, Creed's attorney, did not immediately return a telephone call for comment.
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (AP) - Three northeastern Oklahoma lawmakers are planning a health care forum in Broken Arrow.
State Sen. Bill Brown and state Reps. Mike Ritze and John Trebilcock - all of Broken Arrow - say they plan a presentation of the health care issues at stake under a health care reform plan proposed by President Barack Obama.
Ritze, a physician, says there are problems in the nation's health care system. But Ritze says he thinks the federal approach will only make the problems worse and create an undeniable tax burden for future generations.
Ritze says he plans to critique the proposed federal plan and offer some alternatives.
The forum is planned Sept. 29 at Arrow Heights Baptist Church in Broken Arrow.
(Tulsa, Ok) -- The 2009 World Alzheimer's Report paints a disturbing picture of the disease. An estimated 35 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. In the U-S someone develops Alzheimer's disease every 70 seconds. Dementia triples health care costs for those over the age of 65. And Tonda Ames with the Alzheimer's Association of Oklahoma and Arkansas says it threatens to bankrupt Medicare and Medicaid. The new report outlines a series of recommendations, including that the World Health Organization declare dementia a world health priority. Also, more research needs to be funded to explore the causes of Alzheimer's.
CLAREMORE, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports you're familiar with the schwag that gets handed out to all the big stars at the awards show - gifts and gift bags and all kinds of stuff. A small Claremore-based cosmetics firm was selected to provide makeup bags that were given to all the Emmy nominees. Earth Angel Minerals is the company founded by Christine Keeter, a former ICU nurse. She chose Emmy-inspired names for the different makeup products in the bag, like Pink Magnolia, which is the street where the Television Academy is located. Keeter says her makeup and skin care products are formulated from pure minerals and organic color pigments from the earth.
GUTHRIE, Okla. (AP) - Two men who escaped from a minimum-security state prison in Woodward County (shown) have been captured.
Oklahoma City television station KOCO reports that 20-year-old Jacob Nelson and 22-year-old Brandon Boggess were caught in Guthrie on Sunday afternoon.
Boggess and Nelson were discovered missing at 3:20 a.m. Sunday from the William S. Key Correctional Center in Fort Supply. Authorities said the men stole a pickup, and the owner told investigators the truck had a 12-gauge shotgun, a rifle and a pistol inside.
Records show Boggess was scheduled for release in 2013 on forgery, burglary, larceny and drug convictions in Oklahoma and Pittsburg counties. Nelson was scheduled for release in 2015 on burglary and larceny convictions in Logan County.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma's unemployment rate climbed in August, reaching 6.8 percent.
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission says last month's rate was an increase of 0.2 percent over the previous month and 2.9 percentage points over August 2008.
Nationally, the unemployment rate rose from 9.4 percent to 9.7 percent in August.
OESC officials say the state shed 6,700 jobs over the month. The largest declines came in manufacturing and professional and business services, both of which lost 1,900 jobs each. Trade, transportation and utilities lost 1,100 jobs.
OESC figures show the government provided the month's only sizable increase with a gain of 1,700 jobs.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Drug enforcement officials in Oklahoma say pain pills are moving past marijuana as a ``gateway'' drug for young people.
The state has two regions - Oklahoma and Tulsa counties - among the top 15 areas of greatest prescription misuse.
The Oklahoma Prescription Monitoring Program says data shows that supplies of prescription pain medication in Oklahoma more than doubled over a four-year period ending in 2006.
Officials say more young people are trying the drugs and that many get them from friends.
Officials say that in 2008 there were more than 600 prescription drug-related deaths in Oklahoma. But many people aren't aware of the problem that prescription drug abuse poses until someone close to them dies.
(Tulsa, OK) - INCOG is taking a closer look at commuter rail. The agency has applied for federal money to study four corridors linking Tulsa with its suburbs. One of those suburbs is Sand Springs and City Manager Doug Enevoldsen says the service would help our region be more competitive economically. "To be competitive in the growth race and to compete with other metropolitan areas around the country it's important that we have mass transit options available to our citizens." Sand Springs has had a commuter line linking it to Tulsa in the past and Enevoldsen says by the 1930's it was carrying one-million passengers a year. Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks and Owasso will also be considered. The $2 million study still needs federal backing and would also require $400,000 in local matching funds. If approved, it could start as early as March.
CUSHING, Okla. (AP) - A man accused of killing three people in February has been granted a second delay in his arraignment.
A judge on Friday granted 21-year-old Robert Chad Lansford-Barela a delay until Oct. 22 to accommodate his defense attorney, Leon Woodyard. Woodyard asked for more time to prepare.
Lansford-Barela is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, and prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty.
Lansford-Barela is accused in the Feb. 17 shooting deaths of 19-year-old Elizabeth Hueser, 27-year-old Douglass Peck and 21-year-old Albert Sernas.
All three victims were found dead in Peck's home in Cushing.
Police testified at an earlier proceeding that Lansford-Barela admitted to the shootings.
CLAREMORE, Ok. - Road repairs began as of midnight this morning on Route 66 in Claremore. Claremore Mayor Brant Shallenburger says the Oklahoma Department of Transportation started the $4.3-million dollar project to patch potholes, cracks and rough spots. He says it's is long overdue and "it's a historic road. A lot of tourists come down this road. Everybody who goes through Rogers County uses this highway to get through. With the rise in the turnpike costs, it's gonna get that much more use." ODOT slated the Route 66 rehab for 2011 but engineers bumped-up the project by two years. Get ready for a headache, though. During the 6-month project one lane in each direction on the mother road will be closed.
Oklahoma's unemployment rate climbed in August to 6.8 percent.
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission said that is an increase of 0.2 percent over the previous month and 2.9 percentage points over August 2008.
Nationally, the unemployment rate rose from 9.4 percent to 9.7 percent in August.
Tulsa police said 46-year-old Melissa Livingston is claiming self defense after a fatal stabbing at the Pythian Apartments early Saturday morning.
According to authorities, the Livingston admitted stabbbing 44-year-old Robert Mathews in the chest several times just after midnight near 21st and Sheridan.
The suspect told police that she was in an abusive relationship.
(Tulsa, OK) - They're out for porcine perfection in downtown Tulsa this weekend. The BOK Center is holding the Rock 'n Rib Festival as part of its first birthday celebrations. You can sample barbecue from across the country on Third Street on the arena's south side through Sunday. Ed Latkowski with Chicago's Coyote Roadhouse BBQ is ready to fill you up. "We have a platter that has ribs, beef brisket and pulled pork on it. We call it the Howlin' Coyote Platter." A few booths down the road you'll find Rasta Joe's BBQ out of Plymouth, Indiana. Joe Alexander tells us what he thinks makes his special. "I'd say the Jamaican rum I use in my barbecue sauce." And Jon Bigalk with Willingham's World Champion BBQ out of Memphis calls ribs their hallmark item but says "You can't beat the pulled pork, beef brisket or chicken as well." Of course there's also the music and if you haven't had a chance to go inside the BOK Center, an open house will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Tulsa, Ok) -- State revenue is down. School districts are looking at the possibility of making huge cuts. But Oklahoma gubenatorial hopeful Mary Fallin says right now it's too soon to get money from the state's Rainy Day Fund. Fallin says Governor Henry and lawmakers should first explore several options before tapping the Rainy Day Fund. She says those options include creating more efficiencies in state government. Fallin was in Tulsa Friday to speak at the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
(Tulsa, Ok)--No one is hurt in the armed robbery of an east Tulsa credit union Friday afternoon. A lone bandit entered the Tulsa Federal Credit Union at 9321 East 21st Street shortly after 1:30 pm. The man handed a note to a teller demanding money. An undetermined amount of cash was placed in a plastic bag and given to the armed robber who was last seen running from the building. Police dogs were called in to try and track the man. 
(Tulsa, Ok)--Besides the art, music, and food featured at the downtown Tulsa Hispanic Festival organizers feel it is a way to develop understanding in the community. Francisco Trevino, the director of the Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, says this 30th annual event is the oldest festival in Tulsa dedicated to the celebration of Hispanic cultures. Festival Hispano takes place Saturday and Sunday on the Williams Center Greens, 100 East 2nd. 
(Oklahoma City, OK) - If you use a Pikepass, get ready for a change. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is switching from the old transponders to stickers. The authority's Jack Damrill says they're having to make the change because no one makes the old type of pass anymore. If you have one of the old passes, you don't need to rush to get one of the new stickers. The earliest the stickers will be available will be next August and your old pass will be good until its battery goes dead.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg begins a new series on KRMG. Be sure to be listening at 6:40 a.m. and at 8:10 a.m. on both Monday and Tuesday. Steve says we're taking a look at two areas. We're looking at the biggest local school districts to see what they're seeing in terms of absences, because children are more at risk and because that is where swine flu seems to emerge, lots of people in close quarters. We also talk to the State Health Department. They've divided the state into regions. And we'll tell you which regions have seen the sharpest increases. A hint: it's close to home. Leslie Bennett-Webb says one concern is they're seeing more hospitalizations. "I think it is indicative of the fact that the H1N1 flu virus is passing very quickly through the state," she says. We talk to a doctor at OU-Tulsa who tells us what percentage of the population he expects to get swine flu this season.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports the head of the teacher's union says they have to avoid layoffs at all costs, but the cuts have to come somewhere. Denzel Kesterson reluctantly says that probably means supplies. He says, "Right now, we already have problems with getting supplies, just getting things for our art classes and things that are out there that make school interesting, make school fun and those are the things that get hurt first." They might have to cut some substitute teachers, which means full-timers will have to cover for others when they're out, which means more stress.
TULSA, Ok. - The ramps are being replaced with a much longer off-ramp that begins closer to Peoria. ODOT's Kenna Mitchell says, "In that short space there were two on ramps to westbound I-44 competing with one off ramp to Riverside Drive and also a very narrow access road." Drivers on Riverside who want to go westbound on the interstate will now have to drive to Lewis and turn around. She says eventually they'll have a turnaround at Peoria.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is praising Oklahoma as a national leader in efforts to improve early childhood education.
Duncan visited the state on Thursday, spending time at an education center for disadvantaged preschool children in south Oklahoma City.
Duncan toured the facility that serves about 200 students with Gov. Brad Henry and other education leaders.
He said facilities like the Oklahoma City Educare Center are key to reducing high school dropout rates and ultimately producing more college graduates.
After the tour, Duncan planned to host a town-hall-style meeting at the Oklahoma History Center to discuss educational issues with the public.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A new downtown convention center, a 70-acre park and a rail-based streetcar system are among eight projects to be included in a MAPS 3 proposal in Oklahoma City.
The plan was revealed Thursday by Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and other city leaders.
Among the other projects in the $777 million proposal are 57 miles of new bicycling and walking trials, improvements to the Oklahoma River and to the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.
The plan calls for a one cent sales tax for seven years and nine months. It will go before voters in a Dec. 8 election.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Health officials say a second Oklahoman has died after contracting swine flu.
In addition to the illness, the Carter County man had underlying medical conditions as did an earlier Oklahoma swine flu patient who died.
The state Department of Health said Thursday that the virus appears widespread in the state.
In the past week, 20 people have been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline said most people have little or no immunity to this flu strain and the illness may be severe for some.
Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Health officials say those with flu-like symptoms should not go to work or school, where others might become infected.
(Tulsa, OK) - Tulsa Public Schools is in a financial storm and the district is bracing for it to continue. Because of sagging revenue, the state has cut allocations to TPS by $720,000 over the past two months and unless collections turn around, the district has been told to expect $500,000 less per month than had been expected. Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard says if you factor in all their costs that would force them to cut $10 million from this year's budget. The district is starting to look at contingency plans that include furloughs and layoffs. The district may also utilize Education Service Center personnel as substitute teachers. Dr. Ballard says they will try their best not to let the falling revenue affect the classroom but admits that may not be possible. One option that could soften the blow would be if the state dipped into the Rainy Day Fund. Dr. Ballard says he is starting to talk to state leaders about that prospect and has told at least one that he feels this is a dire circumstance and that we need to do everything we can to help the schools in Oklahoma and is suggesting we tap into the Rainy Day Fund. He's also urging parents to contact their legislators to let the lawmakers know how they feel about the possibility.
TULSA, Ok. - An auto-pedestrian accident involving two vehicles kills a 26-year woman. Tulsa Police Sergeant Robert Rohloff says officers were called last night to an area near Pine and Cincinnati to help a woman who was loitering about an hour before the accident. Rohloff says, "It appears at this time that she was out in the street. She was struck by one car, was able to get up on her feet at which point she was struck by a second vehicle." The victim's name has not been released. He said police are looking for a 1990 green and tan Volvo that left the scene of the accident.
BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (AP) - Washington County prosecutors have dismissed charges against a Bartlesville couple accused of abusing their children.
Court records show prosecutors moved Tuesday to drop the charges without prejudice against Geneva Stephanie Curtis and her husband, Gene William Lee. Several witnesses in the case reportedly couldn't be located.
An affidavit says Lee and Curtis were arrested July 18 after police received a report that a child had been thrown down during a fight at a motel.
A witness said Curtis and Lee came out of their hotel room arguing, and during a verbal exchange between Lee and others, he threw a young child he was holding to the ground.
Police say the child had ``a cut on his scalp and several scratches on his body.''
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - One day after natural gas distributor Oneok Inc. sued social networking site Twitter for trademark infringement, the company is dropping the lawsuit.
Oneok spokeswoman Megan Washbourne said Wednesday the issue has been resolved.
Oneok filed the lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Tulsa, saying San Francisco-based Twitter wrongly allowed an anonymous customer the user name ``ONEOK.'' Washbourne says that account since has been transferred to Oneok.
An e-mail sent Wednesday to Twitter's public relations department wasn't immediately answered.
(Tulsa, OK) - Tulsa County officials haven't given up on putting two new low water dams in the Arkansas River. The two new dams would be at Sand Springs and Jenks. Major improvements to Zink Dam are also part of the plan. Preliminary design work for the new dams is done but a closer look at their impact on the environment is not. Studies on the environmental impact have to be completed before federal permits to build the new dams can start. Funding is another question. The county and state have chipped in nearly $35 million but more is needed. $50 million in federal funds has been approved but not appropriated. Even once all the money is in place it would be some time before construction could begin. Five years is considered a best case scenario. One public meeting on the subject was held yesterday evening in Jenks and two more are set for today. One is at the Central Library's Aaronson Auditorium at 1:30 p.m. The other is at 5:30 p.m. in the Case Community Center in Sand Springs.
TULSA, Ok. - 20-year old Marquis Bullock was convicted last night for the death of 13-year old Cori Baker in 2007. The defense rested yesterday after calling at least four people to the witness stand. Closing arguments came yesterday afternoon and deliberations started around 5 p.m. Jurors returned to the courtroom just after 9:30 last night. They voted to convict Bullock of first degree murder and recommended a sentence of life with a chance for parole. He could be released after 38 years when he's 58 years old.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma health officials are looking for new ways to improve the infant mortality rates in the state, particularly among African-Americans.
The Oklahoma State Health Department introduced a new statewide initiative and a Web s OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma health officials are looking for new ways to improve the infant mortality rates in the state, particularly among African-Americans. The Oklahoma State Health Department introduced a new statewide initiative and a Web site aimed at lowering the number of infant deaths. ``Preparing for a Lifetime: It's Everyone's Responsibility'' was featured at the Southwest Region Healthy Start Conference, which concluded Wednesday in Oklahoma City. The state Health Department says Oklahoma's 8.0 deaths per 1,000 live births for 2006 is no better than the national average of 8.0 achieved more than 10 years ago. Officials say the infant mortality rate for blacks is 15.8 per 1,000. Officials want to find new ways to reach out to African-Americans since past campaigns haven't produced a lower infant mortality rate. ite aimed at lowering the number of infant deaths. ``Preparing for a Lifetime: It's Everyone's Responsibility'' was featured at the Southwest Region Healthy Start Conference, which concluded Wednesday in Oklahoma City.
The state Health Department says Oklahoma's 8.0 deaths per 1,000 live births for 2006 is no better than the national average of 8.0 achieved more than 10 years ago. Officials say the infant mortality rate for blacks is 15.8 per 1,000.
Officials want to find new ways to reach out to African-Americans since past campaigns haven't produced a lower infant mortality rate.
(Tulsa, OK) - Tulsa Transit is out to make the holidays a bit brighter for some kids. Bus driver Bruce French is taking donated bicycles and bikes not claimed from their lost and found and refurbishing them. Tulsa Transit spokeswoman Cynthia Staab says their drivers see lots of kids that ride the bus that they know could use a bike. 30 bicycles have already been rebuilt but Staab they need 45 more to reach their goal. If you want to donate a bike you can drop it off at three places. The Denver Avenue Station at 3rd and Denver between 7 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. The Memorial Midtown Station at 33rd and Memorial from 7 a.m. and Noon and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and the Tulsa Transit Administrative Offices at 5th and Rockford from 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also have a bike picked up by calling 582-2100.
(Tulsa, Ok)--Many may be feeling the economic pinch from the financial downturn, but Steve Campbell is hopeful that could wind up improving attendance at the annual Oklahoma Scottish Festival in Tulsa this weekend. September and October are big months for ethnic festivals in Tulsa and this year all are concerned about the impact of the recession. Campbell expects over 15,000 people will show up for the 30th annual Scot Fest on the west bank of the Arkansas River starting Friday. Campbell says people are looking for entertainment close to home in order to save money and local festivals may fill the bill. The Scottish event has like other festivals had to deal with some sponsors dropping out, but Campell remains optimistic this will be a good festival season for Tulsa. 
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports when Councilor G.T. Bynum says he wants a ban on texting while driving, it's not "holier than thou" but more like "mea culpa". Bynum said in a council meeting yesterday that he was guilty of causing a fender-bender this year because he was texting during the first car mishap he's had in 15 years. He says even the cell-phone industry supports a ban. There's just one problem. State law doesn't allow cities to regulate cell-phone use. But Bynum says that law started in 2001 before texting was ever an issue. He says it's time to urge the state to re-visit the matter.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok. - More bad news for Oklahoma's revenue and that means state agencies are bracing for another five percent cut to their allocations. Governor Brad Henry says there's no need to panic and "we've gotten some new projections from the Tax Commission that don't look great but they do show that over the next few months we ought to be in a little bit better shape because of the traditionally higher collection months." The Governor says July and August are traditionally low collection months. August collections were down more than $131-million from what had been estimated. State Treasurer Scott Meacham says that translates to a total cut to state agencies of $21-million.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok. - Oklahoma judges will not be getting raises for at least the next two years. Judicial Compensation Board Chairman David Pitts says the Board considered several factors before deciding to freeze judge's salaries. Pitts says, "When we considered the regional compensation of judiciary from surrounding states, we looked at some economic information, some other salary data of public employees." Judges got their last major salary increase in 2005, a year after the Board was created. They received a cost of living increase two years ago. The Judicial Compensation Board meets only once every two years so state judges' next chance for a salary hike will be in September, 2011.
(Tulsa, OK) - The Oklahoma Department of Transportation takes its plans for high speed passenger rail service to Tulsa. During a public forum on the subject David Streb, ODOT's Director of Engineering laid out the agency's plans and its efforts to secure $2.1 billion dollars in federal stimulus funds. The overall plan covers the route from the Tulsa to the Texas state line with the bulk of the money they've asked for to be used for a high speed line from Tulsa to Oklahoma City. A little over $8 billion has been approved to be used across the country in federal stimulus funds but Streb doesn't think asking for about a quarter of that is too much. "Personally I don't think we're greedy enough. California is asking for $20 billion. Nevada is asking for over $20 billion. That's more money that's in the whole program." Streb says most of the money we're asking for would be used for a line from Tulsa to Oklahoma City. He says trains on that line could have a top speed of 150 miles per hour and result in a trip between the cities of just under one hour from downtown to downtown. While the state does own rails connecting Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Streb says there are too many twists and turns along the line to allow for a true high speed service. Instead, they would run the line along the Turner Turnpike corridor. He says they have made an assumption of six trips along the line each day carrying 1,400 every day, allowing commuting between the two cities. Streb points out ticket sales would not cover the entire cost and that the state along with Tulsa and Oklahoma City would likely have to make up the difference. A surprising number of people attended the forum considering the Brittany Spears concert taking place one block away and the parking problems that came with that. Most seemed supportive of bringing passenger rail service back to Tulsa, high speed or not. ODOT must submit its proposal for high speed service to the feds by the beginning of October. If approved, Streb says they could have it up and running within the six year deadline set out under the stimulus fund conditions.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Declining revenue is forcing state officials to order a 5 percent across-the-board cut to state agencies for the second consecutive month.
State Treasurer Scott Meacham said Tuesday that state revenue collections for August came in below last year's collections and the official estimate. Meacham says the lower revenue reflects lower energy prices and the impact of the nationwide recession on Oklahoma's economy.
Preliminary reports show General Revenue Fund collections last month totaled $335.2 million. That amount is $154.9 million or 31.6 percent below the prior year and $131.3 million or 28.2 percent below the estimate.
Last month, financial officials ordered a 5 percent across-the-board cut in budget allocations after Meacham said revenue fell by more than 26 percent in July.
(Tulsa, Ok)--The resident agent in charge of the Tulsa office of the Drug Enforcement Administration says the Tulsa area is the Oklahoma "hot spot" for the "shake and bake" style of meth labs. Edward Childress says it is not seen as much in southern and western Oklahoma. The cheap and quick form of methamphetamine production seems to be the Tulsa specialty, and he says it is spreading from there. The DEA hosts a weeklong training session for area cops and firefighters. It is an intense training program dealing with manufacturing procedures, as well as how to safely recover and handle evidence. Normally such training is held only at the national DEA headquarters. However the widespread growth of the meth problem prompted the special Tulsa training session. Tulsa police have recorded 426 meth lab related calls this year. That compares to 93 such calls in 2008.
(Tulsa, Ok) -- More testimony in the murder trial of Marquis Bullock. He's accused of killing 13-year-old Cori Baker. Jurors Tuesday watched as prosecutors played a videotape in which Bullock gives a 4th version as to what happened. On the video Bullock tells homicide detectives he picked up Cori from school, and they ended up at his apartment. Bullock said Courtney - the victim's sister - was also there. Bullock said after awhile Courtney took her sister and they left. And that -- he told investigators -- was the last time he saw Cori Baker.
CLAREMORE, Ok. - A two-vehicle crash in Claremore early this morning killed one driver and caused the other driver to be hospitalized. James, who was on his way to work in Tulsa, witnessed the wreckage near the intersection of Highway 66 and Flint Road. He says, "I saw the one vehicle laying on its side about 50 feet from the intersection. Another black, possibly a two-door car was ripped almost in half." 28-year old Nicholas Michael of Claremore died in the crash that occured at 3:37 a.m.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg says the Tulsa World is reporting that the Mayo Hotel reportedly said that there are 65 guests staying there. With all the tour buses outside, the speculation is that Britney Spears herself might be staying there, but that has not been confirmed. As longtime Tulsans know, the Mayo was the hotel of choice for celebrities back in the day. It's good news that the downtown Tulsa landmark is full of life once again.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Now that the trial date is nearing for the wife of a former prison warden accused of helping a convicted killer escape more than 15 years ago, her attorneys say prosecutors waited too long to charge her.
Some legal experts say the delay in charging Bobbi Parker could pose problems as prosecutors mount their case against the woman. She is charged with one count of assisting a prisoner to escape, and her trial is scheduled to begin early next year.
Even after Parker and escaped killer Randolph Dial were discovered living together in Texas in April 2005, prosecutors waited another three years to charge her.
Veteran defense attorney Deborah Reheard says the lengthy delay could pose problems for both sides, especially the defense.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An Oklahoma company will assemble and sell all-electric, street-legal low-speed vehicles manufactured by an Atlanta-based company.
The agreement between AMP Control Inc. of Piedmont and Wheego Electric Cars is to be the focus of a news conference on Tuesday at the state Capitol.
Wheego CEO Mike McQuary says the tax credits approved by the Legislature during its most recent session makes Oklahoma an attractive marketplace in which to sell electric vehicles.
He says the Wheego Whip LSV qualifies for a state tax credit of 50 percent of the purchase price of the vehicle, which is $18,995, as well as a $7,500 federal tax credit.
The assembly plant will be in Piedmont in Canadian County, just northwest of Oklahoma City.
(Tulsa, OK) - Officials at Tulsa Public Schools are out to prevent a repeat of the brawls in the stands of Friday's football game between East Central and Washington. Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard says to that end they will immediately increase security at all of the district's athletic events. Other changes include requiring students to present their school ID's at games, tighter screening of all people entering games, setting up a hotline to find out about potential trouble to prevent it and requiring middle school students and those that are younger to be accompanied by an adult. Dr. Ballard says other changes are being considered including a $1.00 increase in ticket prices to offset the extra cost of security, ticket presales and playing some games on Saturday. A task is also being formed that will make other recommendations to keep calm in the stands. TPS officials want to point out that neither school had students involved in Friday night's fights. They say Tulsa Police arrested two adult men and a 17 year old. They say the 17 year old is a student at another TPS school but that privacy rules prevent them from revealing which one.
(Bartlesville, Ok)--A twist in the probe of a fire at downtown Bartlesville's historic May Brothers Building last month. Assistant Fire Chief Bill Hollander says the August 31st fire is now ruled an arson case since methamphetamine making materials were found in burned rubble. At first it was believed electric wiring caused the fire but that was ruled out and the meth material was discovered. The investigation has led to a couple of "persons of interest". As of Monday afternoon no arrests had been made. Chief Hollander says the meth materials were found on the second story of the building. 
(Washington DC) - Oklahoma Congressman Dan Boren (D) told the KRMG Morning News on Monday that he is not expecting much movement this week on the House side with healthcare reform legislation.
Boren, part of the coalition in the House known as "Blue Dog" Democrats, said he likes what he has heard so far about the compromise legislation being crafted on the Senate side by a bi-partisan group consisting of 3 Republicans and 3 Democrats. The "Gang of 6" as they have been nicknamed is led by Montana Democrat Max Baucus.
"It's the bill that I think has a lot more chance of passage overall at the end of the day when all the bills are put together," Boren said during an interview with KRMG's Joe Kelley.
Boren said that the Baucus bill has dropped the public option, which he said he cannot support.
"That's out of there," Boren said. "And there's no individual tax increases."
Boren said however that much remains to be seen with the bill and that "the devil is in the details."
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports Friday Football Fever took an ugly tone this past week as a near-riot broke out at the game between Booker T. Washington High School and East Central High School. It happened at the Washington High School Stadium just after the second half got underway. Police say a group of non-students were at the game with a pre-arranged plan to start trouble. Emanuel Collier is a parent who was there and was caught in the crossfire of pepper spray. He says, "Everybody was getting to the place where they couldn't breathe and then you got hundreds of people trying to get out at the same time trampling over...I think some people innocently got hurt." 3 people were arrested and several were treated at hospitals for minor injuries.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports if we're talking strictly numbers, those opposed to President Obama's healthcare reform clearly have the edge. Two separate rallies were held at the state Capitol yesterday. About 300 people marched in favor of reform. Reggie Cervantes was one of the rescue workers in Manahattan after the September 11th attacks. She says, "911 caused all my health issues right now and the insurance companies feel that anything that's pre-existing, they don't want to cover." About 4 hours later, more than 5,000 people rallied against healthcare reform. Walter Miller was asked if there's anything the President has done that he's liked. Miller said, "The only thing I can see hope with Obama is he's only got 4 years if we can't impeach him sooner." The tea party rally was against increased government spending in general which they feel has gotten out of control.
(Tulsa, OK) - You can get a look at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's plans for high speed rail. A public presentation will take place Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. in Tulsa's Central Library. ODOT has already applied for $2 billion in federal funds for development programs. ODOT spokeswoman Kenna Mitchell says they're looking at the line between Tulsa and Oklahoma City as well as upgrades to the tracks that run from Oklahoma City to the Texas state line.
TULSA, Ok. - A female passenger on a motorcycle is fighting for her life after a crash early this morning. The accident ejected the woman from the bike and caused her to hit her head on the pavement. It happened right after midnight on west I-44 and 51st. The News On Six Gary Kruse says, "The motorcycle was westbound on I-44 when it failed to make the 51st Street exit, struck some plastic, sand-filled barrels and then skidded across West 51st Street and came to rest." The male driver of the motorcycle was arrested for possible driving under the influence.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Authorities in Oklahoma have been seeing new evidence that methamphetamine users in the state have been using an old and dangerous method to concoct the illegal stimulant.
Police say most of the arrests for using the ``shake-and-bake'' method have occurred in the Tulsa area, though the method has also been seen in Ardmore and Lawton.
The method uses a single container to make the drug and was popular in the 1980s. It is dangerous because it is likely to cause an explosion.
Police say Tulsa has had 11 meth-related deaths this year, with two of those involving fires and explosions from the one-pot way of cooking the drug.
McALESTER, Okla. (AP) - A physicians assistant who played a role in investigating a high-profile child molestation case is under investigation for alleged prescription drug fraud, which could call evidence in the abuse case into question.
Earlier this month, an Oklahoma grand jury handed up new child molestation charges against a man whose case provoked a national furor after he was sentenced to just one year in jail for raping a 4-year-old girl.
David Harold Earls, 65, (shown) was indicted on three counts of lewd and lascivious or indecent acts with a 5-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy.
Attorney Tim Mills, who arranged the original plea bargain for Earls, told The Oklahoman if Stacy Scroggins is found to have been under the influence while examining the victims, her findings could be challenged.
Tulsa police said a man robbed the MidFirst Bank near 31st and Garnett Saturday morning.
They said after he ran away on foot, he got a ride from an unsuspecting good samaritan at the Bradford Apartments about a block away from the bank.
The robber is described as a white male, about 200 pounds with a full beard and mustache.
Investigators said he was wearing a blue billed cap trimmed in white with the word green on the front.
(Oklahoma City, OK) -- Bluegrass in Bricktown. The American Banjo Museum is now open in the Oklahoma City entertainment district. On hand for the big opening this week, legendary picker Earl Scruggs. He's glad to see young folks pick up the instrument. "The kids, they young and innocent and hadn't cluttered up their mind with a lot of other music and stuff. I like to see young people as well as older people too take to music. It's a great pleasure for their own soul." There are over 300 banjos in the museum including ones from the 1920's and 30's as well as replicas of those used by slaves in the Old South.
Authorities said a riot broke out in the second half of the Booker T. Washington and East Central football game Friday night.
According to EMSA officials, three people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Two patients were teenagers and one was a 51-year-old man.
Police said they don't know exactly how the fight broke out, but said it could be gang related.
Several people were arrested.
(Bixby, Ok)--Friday morning a bagpiper's mournful tune echoed through Washington Irving Park at 137th and Memorial in Bixby. Down the hill from the piper a small group of people, including a class of grade school children, encircled a 9-11 memorial in the park. The memorial is made of a large twisted steel beam from one of the destroyed World Trade Center Towers. The Irving Foundation decided to rededicate the memorial on the 8th anniversary of the attacks. A speaker at the ceremony promised "we will never forget". 
(Stillwater, OK) - The Oklahoma State University/A&M Board of Regents make it official. Howard Barnett is approved to be the new president at OSU-Tulsa. Barnett was recommended for the post by the school's board of trustees in Tulsa earlier this week. Barnett says one of his main goals is growth. "And that's growth in course offerings, growth in enrollment, growth in endowments. You name it. That's going to be kind of a byword." Barnett is a former chairman of the Tulsa Metro Chamber, served as chief of staff for Governor Keating and as the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce. Barnett also played a key role in keeping the OSU Medical Center in downtown Tulsa open. Barnett takes the helm from Dr. Gary Trennepohl. Trennepohl is moving back to a faculty position after serving as the president of OSU-Tulsa for 10 years.
(Tulsa, OK) - A Tulsa man was shot once in the chest Friday morning by a woman who was described by Tulsa Police as the victim's live-in girlfriend.
The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. at a house in 4600 block of South Vancouver Avenue.
Tulsa Police say the woman told them she shot the man in self-defense. The man was conscious and talking as he was taken to the hospital. They say he was actually resisting efforts by emergency workers.
Police weren't sure initially what sparked the shooting.
(Tulsa, Ok) -- The Drillers move downtown leaves Tulsa County in a quandary. What to do with the old stadium? County aide Terry Simonson says before they make a move, they want to hear from you. "So if you go on the Tulsa County website, there will be ten questions. Some of them are multiple answer questions. But most of them are where we really want people to write out and speak out on an idea." Some of the ideas presented include a hotel or retail business but you can suggest whatever you want. You can also take your time, the survey will be up until at least the end of October. Commissioner Fred Perry says if you don't want to fill out the survey online you can call his office at 596-5010 or Expo Square at 744-1113
(Wagoner County) - A Catoosa School Bus with 43 children on board lost control Friday morning, left the roadway, and crashed into a tree, authorities from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said. The accident happened around 7:30 a.m. in the 28200 block of East 31st Street.
Troopers say the right rear wheels of the bus dropped off the road and say the driver overcorrected, causing the bus the veer across the road to the other side. 9 children reportedly suffered minor injuries. The driver was taken to the hospital to be treated for a minor cut to the left side of her head.
The road in that location is reported to be very narrow with no shoulders and a 6 to 8-inch drop-off on the sides.
(Tulsa, Ok)--Joining a group of medical experts on a panel in Washington D.C was Doctor Gerry Clancy. The panel discussed the likely impact of major health care reform. Doctor Clancy is President of OU-Tulsa and Dean of the OU School of Community Medicine. During the discussion the Tulsan pointed out the need to pump up the number of doctors in this country in the event of an overhaul of the health care system. Doctor Clancy says the number of patients lining up for care will climb by the millions and there must be medical staff ready. He also pointed out the doctors to meet the need must be comfortable with house calls, with mental or emergency care, and be comfortable with new health care designs. Doctor Clancy added that is the kind of medical student his school looks for. 
(Tulsa, Ok) -- The city of Tulsa announces a matching grant program designed to enable residents to spruce up their surroundings. The program gives all neighborhood and homeowners associations registered with the City of Tulsa the opportunity to receive money for a project in their neighborhood. The George Kaiser Family Foundation and the city are partners in the program. Mayor Kathy Taylor said, "This gives citizens the chance to create and implement sustainable change in their neighborhoods."
(Tulsa, OK) - Swine flu and seasonal flu will be front and center at a free public forum next Thursday evening. The event at the OU Tulsa campus begins at 6 p.m. Dr. Stephen Thomas with the OU School of Community Medicine says they don't want to be alarmists but they do want to provide good information. Topics will include the vaccination process, how to keep from getting the flu and what to do if you do get it. Dr. Thomas says they'll also try to dispel some of the myths that surround the flu. Registration can be done at the OU Tulsa website or by calling (918)660-3317.
(Tulsa, OK) - Swine flu is spiking in Oklahoma. As of Tuesday, state health officials now classify H1N1 activity in Oklahoma as widespread. The normal, seasonal flu usually ebbs in the summer months but that hasn't been the case with H1N1.
Young people are most susceptible to the virus and State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley says the recent rise in the number of cases is related to the start of school. While closing schools to stop the stop the spread of the disease is an option, it is one Bradley says it's one they're not eager to use because of the other disruptions it can cause.
The Tulsa City/County Health Department has been drawing up plans for how to deal with the virus long before it appeared on the scene. The avian flu scare from a few years ago put them on alert and while that's not the virus they're contending with, many of the preparations for it still apply.
The department is monitoring the situation and is ready to send in "Strike Teams" to schools to administer H1N1 vaccinations if they are needed. It is stressed the shots would be voluntary.
As for the vaccine's availability, the latest word given to the state from the Centers for Disease Control is that it will arrive in the middle of October. Dr. Bradley says they are concerned that could be too late to control the spread.
(Tahlequah, OK) - Like many other state schools, enrollment is up at Northeastern State University. 9318 people signed up to go to NSU this fall, an increase of 5.5%. The entering freshman class rose 11.5% and enrollment in graduate programs is up 12.6%. Not only are there more students but on average each one is taking more coursework. NSU President Don Betz says that in part is a reflection of the down economy. "I think are understanding that if they're going to go to school they have to make a determined effort to get through in perhaps as quick a time as possible."
City Of Tulsa PrimaryMayor -
Republicans
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
Dewey Follett Bartlett, Jr. (R) 12,061 54%
Christopher Scott Medlock (R) 7,004 32%
Anna Lara Falling (R) 2,178 10%
Norris Stuart Streetman (R) 246 1%
Nathaniel James Booth (R) 227 1%
Kevin Leroy Boggs (R) 114 1%
David Lee O'Connor (R) 104 0%
John Porter Todd (R) 79 0%
Michael Lee Rush (R) 79 0%
Paul Alan Roales (R) 52 0%
Michael David Tomes Sr. (R) 46 0%
Mayor -
Democrats
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
Tom Adelson (D) 12,588 94%
A. Burns (D) 274 2%
Paul C. Tay Jr. (D) 192 1%
Robert Arizona Gwin Jr. (D) 190 1%
Prophet Kelly Lamar Clark, Sr. (D) 168 1%
City Auditor
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
Preston Lee Doerflinger (R) 13,228 69%
Lynn Anthony Ruemler (R) 5,833 31%
City Council District 2
Republicans
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
Rick Wescott (R / Inc.) 1,200 54%
Barton Rhoades (R) 1,042 46%
City Council District 4
Republicans
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
Jason Eric Gomez (R / Inc.) 1,070 55%
Rocky R. Frisco (R) 889 45%
City Council District 4
Democrats
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
Maria Barnes (D) 1,484 69%
Elizabeth Anne Wright (D) 667 31%
City Council District 5
Republicans
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
Christopher Trail (R) 1,199 50%
William Edward Martinson, Jr. (R / Inc.) 1,181 50%
City Council District 6
Republicans
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
James S. Mautino (R) 872 61%
Tadd Arthur Weese (R) 555 39%
City Council District 6
Democrats
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
Dennis Kurt Troyer (D / Inc.) 811 79%
Mario Bobbie Choice (D) 220 21%
City Council District 8
Republicans
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
William Lee Christiansen (R / Inc.) 2,857 50%
Phillip Lawrence Lakin Jr. (R) 2,635 46%
Scott Manuel Grizzle (R) 175 3%
(Tulsa, OK) -- Several classes at Tulsa's Edison High School saw the president's speech. 23 students in Matt Trosper's American Government class watched intently as the president spoke. In fact only three students in the entire school opted not to watch.
Trosper says the timing was good. "This fits right into our curriculum and our standards." Also watching with the class was Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard. He was impressed with the message. "I thought it was encouraging and we do need our students to stay in school. And they need to understand adversity."
Senior Joe Reynolds agreed. "I thought it was inspirational hearing some of the kid's stories. How they fought through their adversity."
Sophomore Sara Power liked what she heard. "I thought it was encouraging that Obama is trying to keep us in school and he wants us to have a better future for the country, not just for ourselves."
(Tulsa, OK) - Students returned to Metro Christian Academy Tueday morning after the Labor Day holiday with two of their classmates missing.
16-year-old Laura Lester and 13-year-old Christina Lester were killed Saturday in a small plane crash at Chandler Park, along with their parents, Steve and Dana Lester and a family friend, Ken Veteto.
Metro's Headmaster Tim Cameron says counselors are on hand to help the kids, and a special service was held at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. He says it's been very tough on teachers too.
"Our teachers love these kids. Our teachers have them in class every day. And we have teachers go back to a classrom where there's an empty chair," he said.
He says the thing he remembers about the Lester sisters is they were focused on the needs of others, something he says is unusual among young people.
OSU-Tulsa could have a new president by the end of the week. The school's board recommended Howard Barnett. "Obviously I am excited and somewhat humbled by the confidence that has been shown in me and looking forward to the opportunity," says Barnett. He is a lifelong Tulsan and spent most of his life in the private sector and served as Chief of Staff for Governor Frank Keating and Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce. Now he turns his attention to academia and the priorities on campus. "One that is pretty obvious is populating the Helmerich Research Center. Tulsa put a lot of money into helping to build that and so we need to make sure and do our part in getting the researchers in there," says Barnett. He also plans to spent time getting to know the students and staff about their ideas for the future of the school. Barnett says, "Looking at growth opportunities for the school both from an academic offering standpoint and from a student growth standpoint is going to be important and then hopefully there will be other priorities that bubble up from that discussion process."
Barnett will follow Dr. Gary Trennepohl who is stepping down after 10 years as OSU-Tulsa's President. The OSU Board of Regents still has to vote on the recommendation at their Friday meeting in Stillwater.
(Tulsa, Ok)--Nearing the middle of election day many Tulsa polling places had recorded few votes. One had 17 ballots cast, another 22, and a third as many as 49. Tulsans are making primary selections for Mayor and several city council posts. The light initial voter turnout means the precinct workers were having to find ways to pass the time. One polling worker says they often bring a good book. She knows another worker that brings her knitting just in case the voting is slow. By the end of the primary election day that worker may have knitted a new sweater. 
(Tulsa, Ok)--Everytime they gather there are fewer of them. During World War II it was because Liberator bombers were sometimes blown out of the sky taking their friends down. Terry Townsend was a navigator who flew his share of the 376th Heavy Bomber Group's 451 missions over Europe. At the group's annual convention held this year in Tulsa, Townsend reflects on seeing planes burning and losing altitude. He would watch hoping to see crew member's chutes open up. About 30 of the surviving members made it to the Tulsa gathering. It is not enemy flak taking a toll now. Instead it is time that is quickly shrinking their number. Yet the passage of time has failed to erase reflections on missions and the dangers they faced in the skies. Marty Goldfarb can now smile as he remembers the time it was a miracle his shot up bomber made it back. He was not smiling on that mission in 1945. Another member of the group is Albert Story. He was a 19 year old kid when his aircraft and crew took off for his first mission. It was his only mission. The tailgunner's plane was heavily damaged and was forced down. He spent most of the rest of the war in an internment camp. Labor Day is no 'holiday' from politics with tomorrow's Tulsa city primary and no 'holiday' for the Tulsa County Election Board since the office is open today. "Because the election is the day after Labor Day our laws require early voting be available the Friday and Monday before for the local elections," says Shelly Boggs Tulsa County Election Board. Boggs adds with polls opening Tuesday morning at 7am extra planning went into getting the equipment in the polling places. "Usually that happens the Monday before but because this is a holiday we have had to make arrangements to do that as early as Thursday and Friday and some of them will be delivered on Monday but the holiday has posed new sets of hurdles that we are overcoming," says Boggs. The office is open from 8am to 6pm for early voting today. Polls are open tomorrow from 7am to 7pm.
(Tulsa, Ok)--As communities across the nation in the 1970's erupted in race related violence over the issue of busing, Tulsa avoided much of that as integration was promoted through a racial quota magnet school concept. LaMar Burks and fellow Tulsa Public Schools educator Rodney Clark produced a documentary focusing on Booker T. Washington High School's impact on Tulsa race relations. Burks calls it a model that still needs to be followed today as a way to continue to improve race relations. The two film makers are also BTW grads. A Saturday morning plane crash at Chandler Park claimed the lives of five victims.
Authorities said Dr. Stephen Letser, his wife Dana, and two daughters named Laura and Christina were killed.
Family friend Ken Veteto was the fifth victim.
Investigators with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the plane hit a communication tower and crashed in the back of the park near West 21st Street and South 65th West Avenue.
They believe heavy fog may have made the tower invisible.
OHP officials said the plane had just taken off from Jones Riverside airport and was headed to Dallas for the OU game.
The investigation into the exact cause continues.
Authorities said three people were killed when their truck crashed into a rock quarry near 46th Street North and 129th E. Ave. Saturday morning.
One person survived.
Investigators said the survivor called 911 around 3:30, but it took two hours for emergency crews to get to her.
According to police, the accident victim couldn't tell them her exact location.
The victims names haven't been released.
Police are still looking into what caused the accident.
It looks like 850 boat manufacturing jobs won't be moved to Stillwater.
Mercury Marine union members in Wisconsin voted on an agreement on wage and benefit concessions Friday night.
Without an agreement, the jobs may have moved to the non-union plant in Stillwater.
The Wisconsin union rejected the offer last week, then called for a revote.
That means jobs from Stillwater will be moved to Wisconsin.
(McAlester, OK) - It looks like another inmate has been murdered at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. A prisoner was found unresponsive in his cell around 10 p.m. Thursday night with stab wounds. His cellmate is the suspected killer. Department of Corrections spokesman Jerry Massie says this is the fourth homicide or suspected homicide at the prison in the past three or four weeks. Massie says they are investigating but the killings don't appear to be connected. The name of the man that was killed last night is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.
TULSA, Ok. - A proposed city charter amendment to extend and stagger Tulsa city council terms will be on the November ballot. The Tulsa World reports the amendment would create an election for three of the nine councilors every year starting in 2012. Voters decided last year to move municipal elections from the spring to the fall. Primaries would be in September and a general election in November.
ANADARKO, Ok. - There may be a new clue in the homicide of an Anadarko pastor. Robert Richardson says he saw a man coming out of the Christ Holy Sanctified Church around the time Pastor Carol Daniels died and the man was covered with blood. Richardson says the man had a ski mask on and was carrying a knife that was dripping blood. Daniels died on August 23rd. Richardson says he didn't tell police because he was drinking at the time and was afraid no one would believe him. He eventually told his story to police and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation who both refused to comment.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Defense attorneys have asked a judge to dismiss criminal charges against an Oklahoma prison warden's wife accused of helping a convicted killer escape in 1994.
Bobbi Parker is charged with assisting Randolph Dial escape from the Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite. More than a decade later, in April 2005, Dial and Parker were found living together on a chicken ranch in east Texas.
Parker's attorney, Garvin Isaacs, says in the motion that the three-year statute of limitations on the charge expired, the charge was not properly filed and that the delay in charging her violated her due process rights.
Calls to prosecutors for comment were not immediately returned.
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) - The union at Mercury Marine in Wisconsin is voting on a package of wage and benefit concessions the boat-engine maker says it needs to keep 850 manufacturing jobs from moving to Oklahoma.
Union negotiator Keith Joseph says at least 200 workers had voted by midmorning Thursday. Voting by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local 1947, was to continue at the union hall in Fond du Lac until 6 p.m. It will resume Friday.
Union member Wayne Belongia said he voted against the deal, which would freeze wages for seven years. He says it just wasn't feasible for his family.
Last month, the union announced its membership overwhelmingly rejected the concessions. The company said the deadline for the offer expired at midnight Saturday before a second vote ended. The two sides then worked out details for another vote.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - An executive with a Tulsa engineering firm has pleaded guilty to a charge of bribing a public official.
The U.S. Attorney's office said Thursday that Kenneth Kirk Shoemaker has agreed to pay the city of Tulsa $105,000 in restitution.
The 46-year-old Bartlesville man is the president of FBS Inc.
He was accused of paying $7,500 to a public works employee as partial payment to steer a $450,000 public works contract to his company.
Shoemaker is the third defendant to plead guilty in this public corruption case.
His sentencing is set for December 14.
He faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of $250,000.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge says he's passing up a statewide race for the state Treasurer's job and will remain speaker for another year.
The Republican from Tulsa said Thursday he doesn't plan to be a candidate for Treasurer or any other office in 2010. He says he looks forward to leading the House in his final year in the Legislature. Benge is term-limited and can't seek re-election.
Benge was elected House Speaker by unanimous consent in 2008. As speaker and chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, he helped craft the two largest tax cuts in Oklahoma history and has worked to significantly increase funding for Oklahoma's roads and bridges.
Benge was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1998.
(Stillwater, OK) -- Stillwater police are investigating a gruesome attack. The victim, only described as a young white male was found in a boat ramp area on the south side of Lake McMurtry Thursday morning with a severe wound to his neck. Captain Randy Dickerson says the man was flown to O-U Medical for treatment. They're looking for a gold G-M-C pickup and two Hispanic males as they try to solve this case. Dickerson says right now its early for them to release a possible motive.
(Tulsa, OK) -- Putting the spark of science in today's students. Dupont comes to town to get kids interested in careers in engineering. The challenge for the fourth and fifth graders at Houston Elementary, build a wind powered car with some unusual materials. Tape, straws, paper and Lifesavers candy. Dupont's Alexander Cochran says they want to get the kids interested in science careers at an early age. Mayor Taylor was also there to lend a hand and says math, science and engineering are important to the future of our economy. The hands on experience wasn't just for show. The kids raced their "puffmobiles" with the winner taking home a solar powered remote controlled car.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports Tulsa bicyclists took part in a ride of silence yesterday evening to honor Beverly Duffield, the bicyclist who was killed in Tuesday's hit-and-run crash. It was just a few months ago that two bicyclists were killed on Highway 51 near Sand Springs. In both cases, the victims were riding on wide roads, in daylight, with plenty of room to pass. Chris Zenthoefer is a bicyclist and says a little mutual respect goes a long way. He says, "We're teachers and doctors and parents and husbands and wives and kids." Cyclists say more bicycle paths in Tulsa would increase safety and something like the Boston Bicycle Plan which has a media campaign to raise awareness with motorists and bicyclists both, about bicycle safety.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Paul Crockett reports the President's effort to jumpstart health care reform with an address to Congress isn't likely to sway the Tulsans we talked to. Listeners we spoke to yesterday said, "In general, I don't have a lot of confidence in the federal government being able to implement a very efficient program in that area." Also, "I am opposed to the health care plan altogether. I am planning on going to Washington next week." And, "I thought the plan had been overturned." Still others may be even harder to sway as they're not even paying attention to the debate.
TULSA, Ok. - A demonstration last night may symbolize the entire healthcare debate. Both sides were represented with shouts across the intersection at 21st and South Lewis. Cris Kurtz with U-S-A Patriots was there along with Nancy Parsons of the Tulsa 912 Project. Kurtz says, "All these changes, all this spending, it's just wrong." Parsons adds, "People are just so hateful. Hateful." The other side denied socialism is involved in the President's proposed healthcare reform. Representatives from Move-On-dot-org and Health Reform say our healthcare system is getting worse all the time.
McALESTER, Okla. (AP) - A Pittsburg County grand jury has leveled new charges against a man whose case provoked a national furor after he was sentenced to one year in jail for raping a 4-year-old girl.
An indictment unsealed Wednesday accuses David Harold Earls of three counts of lewd and lascivious or indecent acts with a child under 16.
The grand jury accused Earls, 65, of molesting two children, one 5 years old and the other 6 years old, between May 9, 2008, and July 20, 2008.
Earls pleaded no contest in May to first-degree rape and forcible sodomy for attacking the 4-year-old girl. All but one year of a 20-year sentence was suspended as part of a plea agreement.
Attorney General Drew Edmondson sought the grand jury investigation in July.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved all 77 Oklahoma counties for a federal disaster designation due to extreme weather conditions during the past year.
Gov. Brad Henry said Wednesday farmers and ranchers in the state are eligible for low-interest Farm Service Agency loans to cover losses caused by extreme weather between September 2008 and June of this year.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack approved 74 counties for a primary natural disaster designation. Ranchers and farmers in the remaining three counties - Adair, Cherokee and Pushmataha - are also eligible for FSA loans because those counties are contiguous to the primary disaster area.
Henry says the agriculture and ranching industries have been hit hard by drought combined with floods, hail, fire, high winds and freezing temperatures.
(Tulsa, Ok)--The job search is for more and more Oklahomans a long, tedious, and tiring effort. The latest unemployment figures for Oklahoma come in at a six year high at 6.8%. It makes for busy days at Workforce Oklahoma offices. Often all the computers used by jobseekers are occupied. So they wait their turn. Waiting becomes the norm for these people out of work. They wait in lines to apply for a job and then they wait for a call back. One jobseeker said they wait and wait and wait for calls that may never come. However those on the hunt for employment say they refuse to stop the hunt. They know there are jobs out there and one will be for them. Others take the search to a new level. To meet the changing job demands they enroll in programs to retrain them to match the needed skills. TULSA, Ok. - Officers were called to the Comanche Park Apartments near 36th Street North and Peoria around 5:30 this morning after a woman said she had stabbed her boyfriend in the chest after he had tried to enter her apartment. A Tulsa Police spokesman says the victim left the scene but officers were unable to find him. No one has been arrested.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The director of one of Oklahoma's largest local health departments says swine flu is the state's most immediate health concern.
Tulsa City-County Health Department director Gary Cox said Tuesday most cases of the virus, also known as H1N1, have been mild in Oklahoma. But Cox also says health authorities are monitoring the virus carefully, especially with the start of the school year.
Only one swine flu death has been reported in Oklahoma, that in June. Because the virus has spread so broadly, the state Department of Health no longer is tracking the number of people who have contracted swine flu.
Cox says while there is good reason for careful study of the swine flue, there is no need for Oklahomans to panic.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has released an incident report from police officers who initially found a pastor dead in an Anadarko church.
According to the report, officer Ashley Burrus discovered Carol Daniels about 12:02 p.m. Aug. 23 after a couple asked police to check on Daniels. The report states that Burrus entered the south door of Worthy Temple Christ Holy Sanctified Church and noticed Daniels' body.
Capt. Dwaine Miller stated he saw the victim ``lying prone on the floor just inside the door to the sanctuary.''
The 61-year-old Daniels suffered multiple gashes to her neck and throat, as well as stab wounds to her chest, back, stomach and hands.
OSBI inspector Steve Neuman said Tuesday the reward in the case is now $15,000.
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) - The union at Mercury Marine in Wisconsin says there will be another vote on a package of wage and benefit concessions the company says it needs to keep 850 jobs from moving to Oklahoma.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers says the vote will be Thursday and Friday.
Union spokesman Mike King says company executives and union leaders met Tuesday and prepared what he called a supplement with some clarifications regarding the package of concessions.
The union has said that on Aug. 23 it overwhelmingly rejected the deal the company called its best and last offer to keep the jobs from moving to a nonunion plant in Stillwater, Okla. A second, last-minute vote took place after the deadline expired at midnight Saturday and the results were never tabulated.
A Mercury Marine spokesman did not immediately return a telephone message.
TULSA, Ok. - There's disagreement among the ranks in the Tulsa City Council on whether firefighters are breaking the law. It's because some Tulsa firefighters are campaigning for candidates in the race for city council. The action finds some city councilors who also are attorneys locking horns with City Attorney Dear-druh Dexter who works for the mayor. Councilor Rick Westcott says, "Deidre, I have never been more disappointed in a public official than I am with you as City Attorney." Councilors Westcott and Bill Martinson say firefighters are out intimidating voters with threats of not having enough manpower to fight fires at voter's homes. Tulsa Firefighters Union President Stan May says that's not true.
TULSA, Ok. - Thanks to an alert citizen police arrested three armed robbery suspects after a hold-up at a Tulsa drive-in restaurant. Tulsa Police Sergeant Robert Rohloff says the robber was able to get into the back of the Sonic Drive-in at 100 South Utica at closing time just before midnight this morning. Rohloff says, "We recovered the skeleton mask, the gun, money and the money bag from the robbery and so these (3) individuals will be taken down and interviewed by robbery detectives." Rohloff says a citizen called police when he saw a man acting suspiciously as he parked his truck a block from the restaurant. Police nabbed the suspects a few blocks away just minutes after the robbery.
(Tulsa, OK) - An arrest is made in a deadly hit and run wreck. 74 year old Beverly Duffield was killed in the crash while riding her bicycle on 17th near Highway 75 Tuesday morning. Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lieutenant George Brown says a witness told them the vehicle that hit her was a brown Chevrolet Suburban. Brown says they found the suspect vehicle later in the afternoon near 31st and Southwest Boulevard and further investigation led them to the suspected driver, 28 year old Roberto Salvador Alvelais-Torres (pictured), an undocumented alien. Torres has been arrested on a felony complaint of leaving the scene of a fatal accident and also faces the possibility of a manslaughter charge. Brown says the final determination of which charges will be filed will be up to the Tulsa County District Attorney's Office.
(Tulsa, OK) -- A record number of Oklahomans are now enrolled in the food stamp program. Sara Waggoner, the executive director of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma says the number now stands at 460,000 but she says there is a bright spot. "This past year the benefits were actually strengthened in that program. You still only get $29 a person a week for food but its better than the $21 from a year ago." Waggoner says they're out to improve Oklahoma's rank when it comes to hunger. Part of that is coming through volunteer help at the food bank that Waggoner says saved them almost a half million dollars last year.
(Tulsa, Ok)--There are many health care issues facing the baby boomer generation, but none more urgent then Alzheimer's disease. The state Alzheimer's Association predicts by next year 74,000 Oklahomans will have the disease. Also it is expected to increase by 30% over the next 15 years. A statewide Alzheimer's Task Force has released a final report. The recommendations focus on quality of care and increased state support. A member of theTask Force says there is a top recommendation. Mark Fried says there is an urgent need for a statewide referral service. With a boost of state money it would provide a link for families dealing with the disease to services and programs available. 
(Tulsa, Ok) -- Republican Mayoral candidate Anna Falling announces a plan to cut utility bills by 25 percent. She says as mayor, she would follow the lead of other cities. Falling says she will introduce model systems from other cities to save millions of dollars on utility bills, trash bills and other budget items. For example, Falling says a private-public partnership in Indianapolis saved citizens $2 million in upfront costs, $1 million in repairs, and resulted in a 5 year freeze on water fee's.
TULSA, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Nicole Burgin reports it appears like the fire started with an electrical problem, although it was still too hot for investigators to get inside yesterday. Firefighters suspect the problem happened between the first and second floors of the 99-year-old building and former home to May Brothers Menswear. Mike May is the grandson of the store's founder. He says, it leaves a "big empty spot the middle of your stomach. It's the end of an era for Bartlesville. It's a landmark corner in the town. The family's been involved with that corner since 1910." As of Tuesday morning, Bartlesville police say the streets around the building remain blocked off. There had been concern yesterday that the building might collapse.
McALESTER, Ok. - AM 740 and FM 102.3 News/Talk KRMG's Steve Berg reports there might be new charges against a convicted child-rapist, whose one-year jail sentence sparked national outrage. 65-year-old David Harold Earls was led into the Pittsburg County Courthouse where a grand jury has convened. It's unknown what was said during the secret proceeding, but the Attorney General's office says it seated the jury to look into allegations against Earls that are not the subject of any prior charge or plea agreement. Earls is scheduled to testify again before the grand jury this morning. Earls was convicted in May of raping a 4-year-old girl. He received the plea deal because authorities were concerned the victim would "freeze-up" on the witness stand.
OSAGE COUNTY, Ok. - A Sand Springs man died in a one-vehicle crash in Osage County. Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers say 24-year old Michael A. Moore was thrown from his car about 9:14 p.m. Monday when it left the road for an unknown reason and rolled over on Highway 99, 1.9 miles north of Highway 10, located 1.9 miles north of Herd, Oklahoma. Troopers say he was not wearing his seat belt. Moore was alone in the car at the time of the crash.
TULSA, Ok. - Police say a grandmother who was shot to death as she slept was not the intended target. Tulsa Police Sergeant Mike Huff says someone is going to call the Crime Stoppers tipline at 596-COPS and investigators will make a case on them. "These cowards came up in the middle of the night and fired multiple shots into a house that was dark because everybody was asleep," Huff says. 61-year old Wiletta Patrick was a victim in a drive-by shooting early Saturday near Apache and North Cincinnati. Police suspect it may have been some of her family members who were responsible for the gunfire. Documents show Patrick tried to get some of her family members out of her house 4 years ago.
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - An Oklahoma State University spokesman says at least 84 students have been treated for the swine flu.
OSU spokesman Gary Shutt says 20 of those cases are active while the rest of the students have recovered. He says students still are being reminded to take precautions such as frequent handwashing and seeking treatment if they feel sick.
He says that at this of year, with the seasonal flu not active, every case of flu is considered to be of the swine flu variety.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The state medical examiner's office used emergency generators to keep its morgue refrigerated after a power outage at its building in Oklahoma City.
Spokeswoman Cherokee Ballard says electricity went out sometime late Sunday night, and the emergency generators were brought in Monday morning. Power was restored before 7 p.m.
She says the generators were activated in time to prevent any damage to the corpses or specimens that are kept refrigerated.
Non-essential personnel at the agency were sent home early because of the length of the outage.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Nearly 500 people packed an Oklahoma City church to remember a pastor who was slain inside her small church in Anadarko as she prepared for a Sunday service.
Carol Daniels was found dead Aug. 23 after people coming for services notified police that the door to the church was locked. Police found her body inside. Authorities said she died of multiple sharp force injuries. No arrests have been made.
Pastor Ivan Henderson told mourners at Daniels' funeral Monday to pray that investigators find the killer, that this person is caught to prevent more violence and that people find the strength to forgive the killer.
The funeral began at 1 p.m. and lasted nearly three hours.
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