Local & Regional

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Deal reached in Senate over senior meals program

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have reached an agreement over a senior meals program that will allow a fix for this year's budget to go forward.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, said Wednesday he would work to fund the senior meals program for the 2011 fiscal year in exchange for Democrat votes needed to complete the 2010 budget deal.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – Tulsa's BOK Center, managed by SMG, has been nominated by the Academy of Country Music for Venue of the Year. In order to be considered for this award, the venue must have bought or promoted at least 5 (five) country concerts during the prior calendar year of January 1 to December 31, 2009 and be in good standing with all agents. Since opening in September of 2008, the BOK Center has hosted the following country artists:

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – In a news conference held this afternoon, Mayor Bartlett, representatives from the City of Tulsa and members of the Economic Development Commission announced the Downtown Tulsa Housing Demand Study is now complete and can be found at the city website. Learn More.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – A follow-up to a story we reported on-air on Monday.

Mayor Bartlett will used an earmarked federal grant to create a city department of Energy/Sustainability. The grant is from the U.S. department of Energy and may not be used for other purposes.

The program will encourage more use of compress natural gas. The city will also take part in the AEP-PSO's Model Cities Program.

By KWGS News

Leonard, OK – Another Oklahoma earthquake shakes Sooners. The latest happened this morning near Forest Park, just east of Oklahoma City. No damage was reported. The quake registered 2.5 of the Richter Scale.

It is the latest in a swarm of quakes in Central Oklahoma. The strongest was on Sunday in Lincoln County. It registered 4.1.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Prison diversionary plan for moms passed

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Oklahoma House has passed a program for mothers who are nonviolent offenders that will give them community-based services instead of a prison sentence.

Legislation creating a pilot program passed 92-0 in the House Tuesday. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

By Denise Brewer

Tulsa, Ok – Hear a quick recap of Wednesday's Top Local Stories:

By Associated Press

Tahlequah, OK – TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) The husband of former Cherokee Nation principal chief Wilma Mankiller says Mankiller has been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Charlie Soap, Mankiller's husband, made the announcement Tuesday in a news release issued by the American Indian tribe. Soap says the 64-year-old Mankiller has stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer but offered no other details. He asked that the public respect the family's privacy.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – All four Tulsa School Bond issues will pass. The bonds required at least 60% of the yes vote. With over 75% of the total vote counted, all measures were passing with over 70% of the yes vote.

The $354-million will be used for books, buses and building renovation. The package is the largest school bond question in state history. Tulsa School Superintendent Doctor Keith Ballard says Tulsa voters understand the school district is on the right track.

The bonds will not increase taxes.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – Two members of the Tulsa City Council want to be judges. Council chair Rick Westcott and District seven councilman John Eagleton both plan to apply for special district judgeships.

There are two judgeships open. If appointed they would have to resign from the council and close their law practices.

The judgeships pays $105,000 per year. City Councilors get $18,000