News

By Associated Press

Miami, OK – Trucker in deadly crash appears in court

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.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Judge flirts with dismissing state's poultry case

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.

Tulsa, OK – The Oral Roberts University Board of Trustees announced today that the university has resolved all long-term debt. This announcement comes just days before the inauguration of Dr. Mark Rutland, ORU's third president.

"We are extremely thankful to all the donors who stepped up to support ORU." said Mart Green, Board Chair of the ORU Board of Trustees. "ORU's long-term debt was a major dragon to slay for future success. We can now move forward with confidence and continue to make this university the best it can be."

Oklahoma City, OK – Lottery Commission discusses strategy

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) State lottery officials are predicting a decline in lottery revenue because of the slumping economy and new competition from a lottery in Arkansas.

Oklahoma Lottery sales are expected to decline by between $10 million and $12 million according to a strategic plan for maximizing lottery sales.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Forester issues firewood warning

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Forestry officials are warning Oklahomans not to purchase firewood from outside the state to prevent insects and diseases from gaining a foothold.

State Forester John Burwell says firewood has become a major pathway for moving invasive species. When people transport firewood, it often can transport bugs or diseases that may not be native to the area.

By Rich Fisher

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Tulsa English instructor honored

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Brian Grimm, an English teacher at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, has been selected as Oklahoma's teacher of the year.

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett announced Grimm as the winner of the award on Tuesday during a ceremony at the State Fair. A committee of eight people from outside education selected Grimm from among 12 finalists for the honor.

By Hear State Trooper explain the cause of the accident

Tulsa, OK –
Molasses spills across the westbound lanes of I-244 near the Delaware overpass.

The tanker was loaded with molasses to be mixed with cattle feed when it overturned just after 11 a.m. The accident blocked all three lanes of the expressway. Traffic was diverted onto the shoulder to pass.

The Tulsa Fire Department Hazardous Materials team was called to supervise the clean-up. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol investigated the wreck.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – 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.