News

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – State's 2 largest school districts go on probation

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The state's education board has placed Oklahoma's two largest school districts on probation as part of the accrediting process for the upcoming school year.

The board voted unanimously Thursday on accreditation recommendations for the state's 533 school districts. The Tulsa and Oklahoma City districts were "accredited with probation," the most serious status short of losing accreditation.

By Rich Fisher

By John Durkee

Tulsa, OK – School districts and municipalities in Tulsa County are about to get Christmas is July in an unexpected gift. Tulsa County Treasurer Dennis Semler is making cash available from the interest paid on delinquent property taxes. It totals $1.2-million.

Under state law the funds will be split three-ways, among the school districts, towns and the county. The checks should arrive later this month. Semler says this is the first time the county has made the funds available.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Judge dismisses major portion of lawsuit

TULSA, Okla. (AP) A federal judge has ruled that the state of Oklahoma can't pursue monetary damages totaling more than $611 million against Arkansas poultry companies because it failed to properly name the Cherokee Nation as a party in its lawsuit.

The ruling Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory K. Frizzell was a major blow to Oklahoma's environmental lawsuit against 12 poultry companies for polluting the Illinois River watershed with bird waste.

By Associated Press

Boley, OK – 22 inmates scheduled for deportation

BOLEY, Okla. (AP) Nearly two dozen illegal inmates in state prison are being turned over to federal authorities for deportation.

A group of 22 inmates are scheduled to be transferred Thursday from the John Lilley Correctional Center near Boley to officials with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

By Associated Press

McAlester, OK – McALESTER, Okla. (AP) Eight soldiers at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant have tested positive for the swine flu in what health officials say is the largest single outbreak of the virus in the state.

The base's medical director Dr. Norman McAlester said Wednesday most of the soldiers already have recovered. He says all the soldiers who were ill wore face masks and were isolated from the rest of the soldiers who were taking part in a national training exercise at the base.

By Associated Press/KWGS News

Stroud, OK – Okla. trooper suspended for fight with paramedic

STROUD, Okla. (AP) An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper caught on video cussing and fighting with the driver of an ambulance carrying a patient has been suspended for five days.

A patrol spokesman said Trooper Daniel Martin was put on unpaid suspension Wednesday and must undergo an anger assessment.

By Hear the announcement here:

Tulsa, OK – A group of businessmen, business women and community leaders from Tulsa and Oklahoma City today reported progress and expressed confidence in their efforts to bring professional Women's National Basketball Association franchise to Tulsa. Their goal is to begin playing home games at the BOK Center in June 2010.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – TULSA, Okla. (AP) Oklahoma school districts won't be getting the results of key tests on student exams until late August.

Most schools were expecting test results this week.

Officials say the delay in getting results for the No Child Left Behind testing is because the state raised proficiency standards on the exams.

By Associated Press

Stillwater, OK – The sister of the missing girl says she made up the story to cover for her sister who apparently ran-away from home.

Below is the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety dispatch canceling the alert:

MSG NR: 94440 ORI: OKOHP1700 DATE: 07-22-09

TO: ALL AGENCIES

REF: ****CANCEL AMBER ALERT****AMBER ALERT ISSUED FOR MYCAH MICHELLE JAMES HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

AUTH: GENE THAXTON, AMBER ALERT DIRECTOR
OPER: L. BYRD