Local & Regional

Okla. Man Sentenced to 6 Months for Wyoming Threat

Associated Press — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:52:54 +0000

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An Oklahoma City man has been sentenced to serve six months in federal prison for making a threat to commit violence in Casper, Wyo.

U.S. Attorney Sanford Coats said the sentence was meted out Wednesday to 34-year-old Glenn Allen Kirkham. Kirkham pleaded guilty in March.

Okla. Health Dept. Investigating Rabies Exposure

Associated Press — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:48:09 +0000

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Department of Health is investigating whether anyone who handled a rabid puppy that later died was exposed to the disease.

The health agency said Wednesday the Bluetick/Walker Coonhound mix puppy was part of a litter of five or six 10-week-old puppies that were sold on June 9 at the Bivens Dog Trade in Sulphur. The puppies have black, brown and white markings.

Officials say one of the puppies developed symptoms of rabies on June 12 and subsequently died. Laboratory testing by the agency confirmed the presence of rabies.

Sammy Hagar to Join Tornado Relief Concert at OU

Associated Press — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:37:14 +0000

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar is joining a star-studded country music concert planned to benefit victims of last month's deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma.

Toby Keith announced Wednesday that Hagar and country music legends Mel Tillis and John Anderson would be joining his Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert July 6 at the University of Oklahoma's Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Other performers include Garth Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, Willie Nelson and Ronnie Dunn.

Judge Denies Request by Cherokee Candidate

Associated Press — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:14:18 +0000

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A federal judge in Tulsa has rejected an attempt by a Cherokee Nation candidate to allow descendants of the tribe's freed slaves to vote in an election this weekend.

U.S. District Judge Terence Kern denied the bid Tuesday by Robin Mayes. Mayes is a candidate for an at-large tribal council spot.

In his four-page ruling, Kern says Mayes had not convinced the court that his claim could succeed.

Tulsa Mail Theft Trend Prompts Police Warning

Associated Press — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:59:29 +0000

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A rise in mail theft from unsecured mailboxes in the east Tulsa area has police officers warning business owners to take proper precautions.

Police officers will be hand-delivering fraud prevention letters in business complexes to remind owners to make sure the mail they send and receive is secure.

Some tips include promptly removing mail from boxes after delivery — especially if there are expected checks, credit cards, or other financial items inside.

Oklahoma AG Offers Mobile App for Tracking Inmates

Associated Press — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:52:27 +0000

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office is offering a new mobile app that victims of crime can use to track inmates.

The Victim Information and Notification Everyday program is a free and anonymous service that allows Oklahomans to be notified about changes in the status of state jail and prison inmates.

City Surplus Auction Goes On-line

Marshall Stewart — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:43:08 +0000

For the first time, you’ll be able to go on-line and bid in the city of Tulsa surplus property auction. Purchasing Services Coordinator Patricia Cummings says it’s an attempt to see if going on-line will lower costs and hike revenue.

Inhofe: Now Is Not the Time to Reduce US Nukes

AP — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:00:05 +0000

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe says now is not the time to reduce the country's nuclear arms forces around the globe.

Oklahoma's senior senator made the comments Wednesday in response to President Barack Obama's call during a speech in Berlin to reduce U.S. and Russian nuclear stockpiles by one-third.

Inhofe in a statement called the president's announcement an example of the "triumph of hope over experience."

Bulger Linked to Tulsa Murder

AP — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:49:06 +0000

BOSTON (AP) — A former enforcer for James "Whitey" Bulger is expected to face more tough cross-examination by Bulger's lawyers when he returns to the witness stand.

James Martorano, who admitted killing 20 people, is set to continue testifying Wednesday.

Earlier this week, Martorano described a string of killings he said Bulger either ordered or participated in, including the 1982 killing of Boston businessman John Callahan.

Ken Greenwood Remembered

KWGS News — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:23:41 +0000

On the same day “The Gathering” was announced, word came that Oklahoma Hall of Fame Broadcaster Ken Greenwod had died. He was the head of KRMG radio when Tulsa’s very first Arkansas River community event took place. 'The Great Raft Race' ran for 19-years and is credited, by former Mayor Robert LaFortune with the development of the Tulsa Riverparks.

After KRMG, Greenwood became the Communication Department chair at the University of Tulsa. He was heavily involved in KWGS’ affiliation with NPR.