By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK –

EDMOND, Okla. (AP) Legislators say there is growing sentiment for a ban on using handheld mobile devices while driving in Oklahoma.

When the next legislative session starts in February, state Reps. Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa, Danny Morgan, D-Prague, are to introduce a bill that would ban use of cell phones while behind the wheel.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma makes more cuts to budgets

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The effect of state budget cuts are continuing to ripple through Oklahoma agencies. In some cases, the cuts are hurting people who need help the most.

For instance, a cut in funding for the state Commission for Human Services means local programs won't get as much money as before. A Tulsa program that delivers food to house-bound senior citizens is cutting its work by about half, ending meal deliver for 1,100 people.

Grove, OK – Dog not euthanized

GROVE, Okla. (AP) An animal shelter officer says a Great Dane that mauled an 11-year-old Grove boy likely won't be destroyed.

Troy Helms underwent an hour-long surgery in which he received around 100 stitches after he was bitten and shaken by the dog at the Strut Your Mutt dog walk at Grand Lake.

Grove police issued Connie Norris, the dog's owner, a citation for keeping a dog in an annoying manner and dog bite.

Animal control officer Debbie Tanner says whether the attack is provoked determines whether a dog is destroyed.

Oklahoma City, OK – Leaders won't ask for raise

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) An Oklahoma legislative leader says because of a revenue shortfall, he wouldn't recommend a pay raise for lawmakers.

House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, said Friday the Legislative Compensation Board has the ultimate decision on whether legislators' pay should remain at the same level it's been for 12 years.

Tahlequah, OK – 2 dead in helicopter crash

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) Two people have been found dead following a helicopter crash 2 miles south of Tahlequah City Airport.

Cherokee County Undersheriff Jason Chennault says the names of the dead will be announced by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol after next of kin is notified.

The helicopter left Tahlequah City Airport about 4:30 a.m. Thursday. Chennault says a search was launched started Thursday afternoon.

He says Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers found the crash scene about 8:45 a.m. Friday.

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By Assoicated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Ex-accountants sue charity

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A lawsuit has alleged that Feed The Children owes $1.1 million in back taxes and an official with the charity tried to cover it up.

Plaintiffs Stephanie Dean and Stefani Hovarter accused the charity in a wrongful termination lawsuit of retaliating against them for informing the board about "potential fraud or illegality."

Feed The Children officials declined comment Friday.

By Assoicated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – OPEA calls for legislative subcommittees to meet

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma's largest state workers organization is calling for lawmakers to convene meetings of appropriation subcommittees.

The Oklahoma Public Employees Association said Friday it's not yet calling for a special session of the Legislature but that the state's continuing revenue decline merits meetings of the subcommittees.

By Rich Fisher

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Geologist says he hired kids, friends for report

TULSA, Okla. (AP) A geologist has admitted that he hired his own three daughters and family friends to do legwork for a report that became the backbone of Oklahoma's pollution lawsuit against the Arkansas poultry industry.

Thursday's revelation from J. Berton Fisher, one of the state's expert witnesses, came under cross-examination from poultry company attorneys.

Tulsa, OK – From Tulsa Police: