Local & Regional

By Associated Press

Idabel, OK – Okla growers win $7.3M verdict against Tyson

IDABEL, Okla. (AP) Ten Oklahoma poultry growers have won a $7.3 million judgment against Tyson Foods Inc., which the growers claimed used unethical practices.

The three-week trial in McCurtain County ended Friday, with the jury ruling for the growers. It was the first of several similar lawsuits in Idabel to come to trial against Tyson.

Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson says it will appeal.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The state of Oklahoma has collected at least $65 million in the past five years by selling personal information from motor vehicle records.

That's according to a copyrighted story published Sunday by The Oklahoman and the Tulsa World. The newspapers found that most of the records are bought online for $12.50 each, with $10 going to the state and a $2.50 processing fee going to the company that operates the state's Web site.

By Associated Press

Healdton, OK – Small alligator captured in southern Oklahoma

HEALDTON, Okla. (AP) It was a case of man versus alligator, and the man won.

Healdton Police Chief Gus Handke says Jackie Hobbs was repairing a section of fence near a pond Wednesday when he turned around and saw a 4 1/2-foot alligator.

Handke says the animal charged at Hobbs, who struck and wounded the raucous reptile with a length of metal pipe. The animal retreated to the pond.

By KWGS News/National Weather Service

Tulsa, OK – One person is dead in a Tulsa house fire. It happened around 6a.m. Friday morning near 41st and South Union on Tulsa's west side. The home was engulfed in flames when fire fighters arrived on the scene.

The victim, a man in his 50s, was found near the door. He was apparently trying to escape when he collapsed.

Fire investigators are looking for the cause.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Henry's office receives anti-government letter

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Gov. Brad Henry's office confirms it received a letter this week from an anti-government group that sent notes to more than 30 governors seeking their removal.

Henry spokesman Paul Sund said Friday the letter was received Wednesday and handed over to the governor's security team and federal authorities.

By KWGS News

Turley, OK – One person is dead after being shot by a Turley homeowner. The incident happened late last night near 6100 North Owasso.

The home-owner returned home to find a burglary in progress. He pulled in licensed concealed weapon and shot the would-be burglar. No charges are expected under Oklahoma's Make My Day Law.

By John Durkee

Tulsa, OK – Hear a recap of Friday morning's Top Local Stories:

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – FBI: OSBI declined assistance in search for girl

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) An FBI spokesman says the agency's offer to help search for a missing 7-year-old girl was turned down by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

But an OSBI official says an FBI agent was involved in the search for Aja Johnson and her suspected abductor Lester Hobbs. The bodies of the two were found Monday near Lake Thunderbird in east Norman about two months after they had disappeared.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Strong storms roll across Okla, thousands in dark

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Strong storms with high winds moved into Oklahoma and thousands of power outages are reported in the state.

No serious injuries were reported Friday morning. A tractor-trailer rig was blown over on Interstate 35 near Norman where power lines were also blown down. Northbound lanes of the interstate were affected.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Amid furloughs, senators rip House carryover funds

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Members of the Oklahoma Senate, where employees are being furloughed and offered voluntary buyouts, are complaining that similar cuts aren't being shared by their colleagues in the House.

The House has about $4 million in carryover funds.

House Speaker Chris Benge said Thursday he and his employees shouldn't be punished for being good managers.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.