IN BRIEF: Public meetings planned on transit in Oklahoma

Published: November 16, 2008

GAMING RULES TO COST TRIBES

New regulations on electronic bingo games will cost the state’s tribal casinos millions of dollars more than a flawed study predicted, said David Qualls, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. He said the regulations were a last-ditch effort by the National Indian Gaming Commission to act on Class II gaming without congressional oversight. The rules also drew strong criticism from U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, says the economic impact on the industry will be far greater than the commission says. Both Cole and Boren serve on the House Natural Resources Committee, which has oversight for tribal issues.

TRANSIT MEETINGS SET

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will hold six public meetings to get input on transit programs. The department seeks feedback on services and the grant application process so changes can be made. Meetings will begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Ponca City Hall, 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Expo Center in McAlester, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Charles Page Library in Sand Springs, 2 p.m. Wednesday at the public library in Woodward, 9 a.m. Thursday at the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton and 2 p.m. Thursday at the Norman library.

BODY FOUND IN FIELD

Oklahoma City police are investigating as a homicide a body found on the city’s southwest side. About 7:45 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a call of a body found in a field at the corner of Shartel Avenue and SW 5, police Sgt. Daniel Stewart said. The body bore signs of trauma. No other details were available Saturday.

From Staff and Wire Reports