Local & Regional

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Outgoing AG: No quick resolution to pollution case

TULSA, Okla. (AP) If Oklahoma's new attorney general or governor decide to drop a lawsuit accusing poultry companies of pollution, the outgoing attorney general predicts the case will be picked up by other interested parties.

Outgoing Attorney General Drew Edmondson says he's confident the litigation won't be resolved quickly. And he says if the matter is abandoned the case could be advanced by towns, landowners, tribal entities, canoe operators or others.

By Associated Press

McAlester, OK – Soldier from McAlester dies in Afghanistan

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) The Department of Defense says a 26-year-old solider from McAlester has died while serving in Afghanistan.

The military said Tuesday that Army Sgt. Jason James McCluskey died Thursday from wounds suffered during a firefight with insurgents at Zarghun Shahr in Afghanistan's Mohammad Agha district.

By Associated Press

Kildare, OK – 7 hurt in bus-truck accident in north-central Okla.

KILDARE, Okla. (AP) At least seven people, including five students, were hurt when a pickup truck collided with a school bus in the north-central Oklahoma town of Kildare.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the injured children were treated at a Ponca City hospital and released following the 3:36 p.m. accident on Tuesday.

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Oklahoma's 'Official English' law challenged

TULSA, Okla. (AP) An attorney is challenging a state question that requires state communications to be in English.

James Thomas filed a civil lawsuit in Tulsa County District Court Tuesday against State Question 751, saying it's unconstitutional. The lawsuit names Delilah Gentges as the plaintiff and Gov. Brad Henry as the defendant.

By John Durkee

Tulsa, OK – Hear a recap of Wednesday morning's Top Local Stories from KWGS:

By Associated Press/KWGS News

Tulsa, OK – Gov-elect Fallin names jobs task force

TULSA, Okla. (AP) A week after winning election, Oklahoma Gov.-elect Mary Fallin has named several economic advisers charged with improving the state's business climate.

Fallin named Tulsa businessman Robert Sullivan Jr., owner of an independent oil and gas exploration company, as a special adviser to the governor on economic development. Sullivan will be charged with looking at Oklahoma's tax code and regulations affecting business development.

By KWGS News

Oklahoma City, OK – Senate Republicans met today for the first time since Election Day and elected Sapulpa Republican Senator Brian Bingman as their new leader and Senate President Pro Tempore-designate. Senator Bingman also announced his selection of Senator Mike Schulz of Altus as Floor Leader. The caucus, looking forward to an unprecedented 32-16 majority in the State Senate, came out of the meeting united and looking ahead to electing the remainder of their leadership team next Tuesday, November 16.

By Associated Press

Bartlesville, OK – Okla woman charged in baby's death

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (AP) Washington County prosecutors have charged a woman whose baby was found dead in a washing machine with child neglect.

Lyndsey Fiddler appeared in court via video monitor from jail Sunday. Fiddler said she couldn't make the $100,000 bond and would apply for a court-appointed attorney.

Fiddler was arrested Friday, the day after 10-day-old Maggie Trammel was discovered at a Bartlesville residence.

By KWGS News

Catoosa, OK – Former Catoosa Court Clerk Phyllis Mathews is at the center of an investigative audit requested by the Catoosa City Council and released by State Auditor Steve Burrage Tuesday.

"Ms. Mathews had the access and means to pull off two types of fraud against the city of Catoosa," Burrage said. "In all, it looks like she embezzled more than $48,000 over a three year period. A lack of internal controls and oversight gave her the opportunity and to steal cash received for payment of municipal fines."

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Incoming Okla. governor announces transition team

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Mary Fallin has named a state Senate leader and a prominent businessman to help guide her transition from governor-elect to governor.

Fallin announced Monday that Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee and Devon Energy executive chairman Larry Nichols will be co-chairmen of her transition team. She said Coffee, who is term-limited, and Nichols will help her make key hires.