News

Tulsa, OK – The top three candidates for the office of mayor debate discuss the issues before the Downtown Kiwanis Club.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Report: Tourism has $6.1B economic impact on state

TULSA, Okla. (AP) The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department says a recent study has found tourism had an economic impact worth $6.1 million in the state in 2008.

The report was released Monday at the 2009 Governor's Conference on Tourism in Tulsa.

It says tourists paid $953 million in taxes to state, local and federal governments and that the tourism industry is responsible for about 76,200 jobs in the state.

By Rich Fisher

By Associated Press

Detroit, MI – A Detroit Shock official says the WNBA team is moving to Tulsa, Okla.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press on Monday because he was not authorized to make the announcement.

Detroit made its debut in the league in 1998 and won titles in 2008, 2006 and 2003. The Shock lost last month to the Indiana Fever in the Eastern Conference finals after rallying to earn a playoff spot.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

By Associated Press

Sallisaw, OK – SALLISAW, Okla. (AP) A jockey was killed when he fell from his horse during a race at Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw.

Officials say 58-year-old Mark Pace died Sunday after falling during the first race. Pace was riding Reep What You Sow when the horse ran into the rail and he fell and hit his head.

He was taken to Sequoyah County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A second race was run after the accident but remaining races were called off after word of Pace's death spread.

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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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