Tulsa, OK – Thomas Scott Woodward, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of
Oklahoma, announces the results of the December 2009 Federal Grand Jury.
The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing the defendant of alleged violations which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome the defendant's presumption of innocence.

Tulsa, OK – The November Oklahoma Tax Commission report to the City of Tulsa shows Tulsa's major revenue sources for general fund operations are still in steep decline. The report, representing sales tax and use tax collected from mid- October to mid-November, was received Tuesday.

City of Tulsa sales tax collections dropped $2,681,917 million from $18,476,382 million to $15,794,465 million, representing a 14.5 percent drop below the previous year. The collections are 4.9 percent below budget estimate for the month.

Tulsa, OK – A a rear-ending traffic accident leaves over a dozen Jenks School children injured.

The accident involved two Jenks buses. EMSA says none of the injuries were life threatening. 15 students were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Parents of the injured students have been notified. The kids elementary shcool students.

The accident happened just before 4PM near 91st and South Harvard.

Tulsa, OK – Mayor Bartlett spends his first day since taking over the reins of city government in Tulsa meeting with city workers. He met with department heads this morning and plans to spend time meeting the rank and file workers as well.

The Mayor says he is trying to get acquainted as rapidly as possible with city government. He met this morning with City Finance Director Mile Kier for a quick budget primer.

He did get trapped in the city hall freight elevator while moving into his office. That elevator requires a special code to operate.

Tulsa, OK – TPS Furlough Days for 12-Month Employees

On Monday, December 7, the TPS Board of Education approved a furlough plan to address part of the budget shortfall for the 2009-2010 school year. The plan includes making December 21-23 paid holidays for TPS employees on 12-month contracts. All TPS buildings will be closed December 21 - January 1 for Winter Break.

Tulsa, OK –
More squabbles over Tulsa Police cars. An arbitrator has ruled the city of Tulsa must pay back over $90,000 it charged officers for driving police cars to moonlighting jobs.

The city charged the officers $32 a month for the right to drive the cars to a second job. The arbitrator says that violates the city's contract with the Fraternal Order of Police and the money must be paid back.

Tulsa, OK – A handful of students at Sapulpa High School were taken to the hospital after ingesting prescription medication. The medication was brought to school by another student.

The students had adverse reactions from the pain killer. Sapulpa School officials are questioning those involved.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – State panel rejects clemency bid for killer

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A state panel has denied clemency for a death-row inmate from Tulsa convicted and sentenced to die for the 1993 beating deaths of a woman and her 6-year-old son.

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 4-1 Tuesday against clemency for 60-year-old Julius Ricardo Young, despite his claim that he was innocent.

Young's mother also delivered an emotional plea to the board to spare her son's life.

By Associated Press

Lawton, OK – More than 400 soldiers deploy from Fort Sill

LAWTON, Okla. (AP) Some 420 National Guard troops have left Fort Sill for a nearly one year deployment to Iraq.

The members of 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment will conduct aviation operations that include air assault and air movement operations.

A spokeswoman at Fort Sill says 74 of the troops are from Oklahoma while the others come from Arizona, North Dakota and Utah.

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Information from: The Lawton Constitution, http://www.swoknews.com

Tulsa, OK – Tulsa schools look to possible staff cuts

TULSA, Okla. (AP) Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard says as many as 100 administrative staff members could lose their jobs as the district looks to save money.

He says employees should know their fate during the first week of January.

The cuts could save $5 million dollars for the 2010-11 fiscal year. Ballard says in a bulletin sent to school employees Monday that the money would be used to protect the classroom and guarantee continued quality education.