Local News
Officials urge water safety
EDMOND — Officials from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are urging boaters to be aware of the law and to exercise caution as they prepare to celebrate Independence Day.
“The Fourth of July weekend always means increased traffic on our state’s lakes and rivers,” said Lt. Kurt McKean, director of Training and Education for the OHP Lake Patrol. “It’s a great time to get out and enjoy the water, but we want everyone to be safe and to observe the law while they’re celebrating the holiday.”
Sabrina Mackey, communications manager for OHSO, said alcohol consumption on the water also affects a person’s driving once he or she is back on land.
“Drunk on the water equals drunk on the road,” Mackey said. “We want Oklahoma drivers to be safe both while they’re boating and when they return to their vehicles.”
McKean said it is illegal to have liquor or alcoholic beverages exceeding 3.2 percent alcohol by volume on any boat or water craft, and glass bottles are prohibited.
Boating while under the influence of alcohol is particularly risky behavior, he said.
“Unlike automobile crashes, most boating crashes do result in a fatality,” McKean said.
Since alcohol can inhibit a person’s judgment and impair reaction time, drinking while swimming or engaging in water sports is also dangerous, he said.
“We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy the holiday, but to use good judgment and obey the law. Remember that being out in the heat intensifies the effect of alcohol on the body, so plan accordingly.”
McKean said it is important to know that a person who is charged for boating under the influence also will be subject to fines and possible jail time.
According to OHP statistics, 13 people died in boating crashes in 2008. July showed the most boating incidents, with 16 reported on lakes statewide.
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Police: ‘K2’ surfaces in Edmond
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Murder defendant loses attorney to ex-ME
An incomplete autopsy report and a conflict of interest related to the former chief medical examiner have caused delays in the “Bicycle Bob” murder case.
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Local economist sees rebound picking up
Take note if a positive forecast of the state’s economy brightens your day. Oklahoma’s economy is rebounding from the nationwide recession, said Mickey Hepner, associate professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma.
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News of ‘deal’ puzzles OU president
A plan to move the beleaguered state medical examiner’s office to Edmond is still alive.
Senate Bill 738, authored by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, calls for the office to be moved to the University of Central Oklahoma campus as part of a growing forensic science community. -
Corn looks for state insurance reform
Lawmakers buzz about the state Capitol waiting to see what the federal government will do about health care reform, state Sen. Kenneth Corn said.
“I don’t think we have to wait on Washington,” said Corn, D-Howe, a 2010 candidate for lieutenant governor. “I think we can do things right here in Oklahoma. And we need to do insurance reform in the state.”
So far Corn is the only Democrat in the race for lieutenant governor. Republican Sen. Todd Lamb of Edmond and state Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow, also have announced. -
Geoport board hires new manager
GUTHRIE — The Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport Board on Tuesday named Lee Ivie of Heber City, Utah, as the airport’s new manager. His start date is April 5.
Ivie, who currently manages the Heber City Municipal Airport, will replace Ron Groves, who has served as interim manager since the resignation late last year of former airport manager Aaron Barth. -
DA amends murder charge in ‘Bicycle Bob’ case
Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater has amended the first-degree murder charge against a “Bicycle Bob” defendant.
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3-10 Pets: rescued animals
This is a list of animals that have been impounded by Edmond Animal Welfare at the Edmond Animal Shelter, Interstate 35 and Covell in the Cross Timbers Municipal complex. Call the shelter at 216-7615.
The following animals will be available for adoption after March 11:
A Cocker Spaniel, black and tan, was found at Danforth and Boulevard.
A domestic short-haired cat, gray tabby, was found at Jackson.
A domestic long-haired cat, seal point, was found at Jackson. -
City replaces Smith with Smith
The City of Edmond has named Jim Smith as its new assistant city manager of operations, said Larry Stevens, city manager.
Smith has served as the director of Public Works for the City of Lancaster, Texas, since 2003. March 29 will mark his first day of work in Edmond.
“We went through a really long, thorough and exhaustive process interviewing four finalists that we thought were all very good,” Stevens said. “… I’m tickled to death to have him, tickled to death that he’s interested in Edmond.” - More Local News Headlines
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