Local & Regional

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.

By Denise Brewer

Tulsa, Oklahoma – Your Local News This Tuesday Morning

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Judge denies motion to televise Okla. trial

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) An Oklahoma County judge has denied a motion by two television stations to televise the trial of a pharmacist charged with first-degree murder in the death of a teenage robber.

District Judge Ray Elliott decided on Monday against requests by TV stations KOCO and KOKH to have cameras in the courtroom for the trial of Jerome Ersland, but he did say the cameras could be present when a verdict is reached.