Officials open fraud hotline
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Federal and state officials are launching a hotline to receive reports of fraud, waste and abuse of federal economic stimulus money allocated to Oklahoma.
The toll-free hotline was announced Wednesday by the state’s three U.S. attorneys, the FBI and Oklahoma’s state auditor and inspector, Steve Burrage.
Oklahoma is receiving $2.6 billion in federal economic stimulus dollars. Burrage says most of the money will be spent by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Education.
Burrage says his office has dispatched auditors from his office to those agencies as well as others to track the federal money as it is spent in an effort to prevent fraud and waste. The stimulus fraud hotline number is 1-877-259-7337.
State in TX Maxx settlement
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma will get only a tiny part of a $9.75 million settlement with the parent company of clothing retailer TJ Maxx that is related to the company’s data security practices.
Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson made the announcement on Tuesday.
In 2007, TJX Companies announced a security breach of its computer system that allowed unauthorized access to customers’ personal financial account information.
At the time, TJ Maxx had only a few stores in Oklahoma. Edmondson said the state will get $26,000 from the settlement, which will be used for consumer protection efforts.
Arkansas company to move
ROLAND (AP) — An Arkansas-based company that makes jet engine stands is moving across the state line into Oklahoma.
C.E. Aerospace of Fort Smith is moving to Roland and bringing 60 workers. Company owner Cal Edwards says plans are to hire another 60 employees by the end of the year. The company produces 19 different engine stands that hold engines in place for repairs and maintenance.
C.E. Aerospace plans to move into the former Therma-Tru door plant that shut down earlier this year and left 220 workers unemployed.
Center named after Tisdale
ARDMORE (AP) — University of Oklahoma regents voted Wednesday to name a $20 million clinic planned for north Tulsa after former Sooner basketball star Wayman Tisdale.
Regents also approved design development plans for the 50,000-square-foot University of Oklahoma Wayman Tisdale Health Center that university President David Boren said will be located in a part of Tulsa that lacks adequate numbers of doctors and specialists. Construction on the clinic is set to start by year’s end.
Tisdale died in his hometown of Tulsa on May 15 at age 44, after a two-year battle with cancer. He played for the Sooners for three seasons and in 1983 became the first freshman to be a first-team All-American since freshmen were allowed to play again in the 1971-72 season. He eventually became one of 10 three-time All-Americans.
Tisdale went on to play 12 seasons in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. The 6-foot-9 left-handed forward averaged 15.3 points for his career. He also was on the U.S. team that won the gold medal in the 1984 Olympics.
In April, Tisdale was chosen for induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. He also was an award-winning jazz musician, recording eight albums. His “Way Up!” release debuted in July 2006 and spent four weeks as the No. 1 contemporary jazz album. His hits included “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” “Can’t Hide Love” and “Don’t Take Your Love Away.”
Local News
Around the State
- Local News
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From the heart
As children, people often learn about making valentines in school. All you needed to impress that special girl or boy was some glue, scissors, paper doilies and red construction paper.
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More new businesses open doors
The Tahlequah area market continues to grow, with several new businesses recently opening doors to customers.
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Three held in Stilwell murder
Three Stilwell men were being held in the Adair County Jail Wednesday on an accusation of first-degree murder.
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Man charged in drive-by shooting
Authorities on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for a Hulbert man accused of committing a drive-by shooting at a school board member’s home.
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Report filed in officer-involved shooting case
The District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday received an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation report into a Feb. 2 officer-involved shooting.
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Buy local, buy fresh
The Oklahoma Food Cooperative took roots earlier this century and is growing stronger, expanding its reach across the state.
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Car tags: Cherokee vs. Oklahoma
Since 2002, the Cherokee Nation has offered vehicle tags to its citizens at a reduced rate from what the state of Oklahoma charges, enabling thousands of tribal members to save money.
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Former CN employees file suit
Four former Cherokee Nation employees recently filed a civil suit in the tribe’s district court, alleging their constitutional rights were violated when their employment was terminated.
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Mock intrusion unites schools, responders
Though school administrators always hope for the best, emergency response agencies are recommending they be prepared for the worst.
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Emergency workers prepare, just in case
Tahlequah-Cherokee County Emergency Management officials act as the eyes and ears for community members when tornados threaten, but there’s much more to their areas of expertise.
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