Local & Regional

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Tulsa police reject plan, mayor says layoffs next

TULSA, Okla. (AP) The Fraternal Order of Police in Tulsa have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal that Mayor Dewey Bartlett says would have prevented layoffs.

Officer David Turner said Wednesday that 90 percent of those voting on the proposal rejected it. City officials say that means 155 officers will be laid off Friday.

By KWGS News/National Weather Service

Tulsa, OK – The National Weather Service has made major changes for the Tulsa area weather forecast. Rather than heavy snow, forecasters are now expecting heavy ice in the Tulsa Metro. A band of ice should stretch from central Creek County, up Interstate-44, through the Tulsa Metro and near Claremore and then east into Northwest Arkansas.

On the Sperry-Pletz Ice Damage index Tulsa is forecasted to be a four. Five is the worst and expected in Creek County and from Claremore east.

By Denise Brewer

Tulsa, OK – Hear a quick recap of Thursday morning's top local news stories.

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – It is in the hands of the rank and file. Both of Tulsa's public safety unions have decided to put city wage concession plans to a vote.

The FOP board made that its decision last night. It calls for pay cuts and shift realignment---but does not include lay-offs. Police officers will vote today.

Fire fighters will be briefed at station houses on the latest package and then vote on the package over the weekend.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – OKC mayor invited to State of the Union address

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett has been invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to the president's State of the Union Address Wednesday night as part of an effort to highlight Cornett's anti-obesity initiative.

Cornett said Tuesday the invitation was intended to spotlight Oklahoma City's "This City Is Going On A Diet!" Web site, which encourages citizens to diet and exercise.

By Associated Press

Boynton, OK – Future of Boynton-Moton School District questioned

BOYNTON, Okla. (AP) The future of an eastern Oklahoma school district is in question because of budget cuts.

Boynton-Moton Superintendent Shelbie Williams said during a special board meeting Monday that state funding has been cut by $100,000. Williams says the district has cut salaries and services but still has a stack of unpaid bills.

And board member Joe Cherry has expressed doubts that the district can survive until the end of the year.

By KWGS News/National Weather Service

Tulsa, OK – ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THURSDAY TO NOON CST
FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TULSA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WARNING FOR SNOW...SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
FROM 6 AM THURSDAY TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

By KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – City of Tulsa personnel are monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for response to a winter storm predicted for Thursday morning through Thursday night. Public Works Street Maintenance crews are on call and ready to begin treating streets for ice and snow accumulation.

The City of Tulsa is responsible for clearing snow and ice from certain segments of the Tulsa expressway system and all arterial (main) streets. Other expressway segments in Tulsa are the responsibility of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

By KWGS News

Oklahoma City, OK – With the state facing a historic budget shortfall, Gov. Brad Henry today renewed his drive to expand Oklahoma's Rainy Day Fund, a proposal he first pursued in 2006.

The governor said he will again ask the legislature to help him remove a constitutional cap on the state savings account so that more money can be deposited in it and saved for times of fiscal crisis.