Local & Regional

By Associated Press

Muskogee, OK – Okla. man receives probation on dogfighting charge

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) A federal judge has sentenced a Tahlequah man to three years of probation for hosting dog fights on his property.

Prosecutors said Tuesday 48-year-old Jerry Miller must spend six months of his sentence on home detention and pay a $2,000 fine.

A federal grand jury indicted Miller in April and he pleaded guilty in May to possession of animals for participation in an animal fighting venture.

By Associated Press

Norman, OK – Earthquake near Norman believed to be aftershock

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) A magnitude 2.8 earthquake centered near Norman is believed to be the latest aftershock from a quake recorded last week in the area.

The tremor recorded seven miles southeast of Norman at 12:53 p.m. Tuesday was initially reported as a 2.6 magnitude by the Oklahoma Geological Survey. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

By Associated Press

Edmond, OK – Askins, Fallin tout conservativism at Okla. debate

EDMOND, Okla. (AP) Lt. Gov. Jari Askins laid out conservative credentials as she opened a governor's office debate at the University of Central Oklahoma, telling a crowd of about 500 that her values were the same as the mainstream Oklahoman.

Congresswoman Mary Fallin staked a similar claim as the candidates sparred in a debate to be televised later Tuesday. She said Oklahoma needed to keep taxes low and its government small to ensure a prosperous future.

By Associated Press

Norman, OK – Cleveland Co. inmate poses as cellmate to escape

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Cleveland County authorities are searching for a county jail escapee who posed as his cellmate who was to be released on bond.

Authorities say 39-year-old Rowdy Offield was last seen walking away from the Cleveland County Detention Center about 8:30 p.m. Monday.

By Associated Press

Norman, OK – Cleveland Co. inmate poses as cellmate to escape

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Cleveland County authorities are searching for a county jail escapee who posed as his cellmate who was to be released on bond.

Authorities say 39-year-old Rowdy Offield was last seen walking away from the Cleveland County Detention Center about 8:30 p.m. Monday.

By Marshall Stewart

Tulsa, OK – It's another round at Tulsa city hall between the mayor and councilors. Mayor Bartlett isn't backing off his contention the council attorney is not a position allowed under the city charter.

But councilors insist the mayor is dead wrong the council attorney position was created under former mayor Bill LaFortune and is perfectly legit'. After an hour of grilling by councilors, the mayor refused to drop the matter, but didn't say what his next step might be.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City – A federal appeals court has upheld a $14.5 million judgment against an Arkansas poultry company in a lawsuit by Oklahoma poultry farmers.

A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver voted unanimously last week to reject the appeal by O.K. Industries of Fort Smith.

An attorney for O.K. Industries did not immediately return a phone call for comment.

By Associated Press

Edmond, OK – EDMOND, Okla. (AP) The two candidates hoping to become Oklahoma's next governor will meet in a debate tonight at the University of Central Oklahoma. Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin and Democratic Lt. Gov. Jari Askins are both leaving relatively safe seats to seek the open post.

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Okla City Zoo elephants back from breeding program

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Two Asian elephants sent to Tulsa as part of a breeding effort have returned to the Oklahoma City Zoo one is pregnant and the other might be.

Sisters Asha and Chandra returned Monday and are in a new habitat that was built after they left for Tulsa in June 2008 as part of a national breeding plan.

By Associated Press

Muskogee, OK – Bones found along Ark River sent to anthropologist

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) Wagoner County authorities say bones found along the Arkansas River do not appear human but are being sent to an anthropologist for testing.

Sheriff Bob Colbert says the bones were found Sunday on the north side of the river by a group of people riding four-wheelers.