Oklahoma City —
A federal judge issued an additional 60-day stay in the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations’ lawsuit against Oklahoma and Oklahoma City over management of southeastern Oklahoma water.
Acting on a joint motion of the parties, Lee West, U.S. District Judge for the Western District Court of Oklahoma, issued the stay so the tribes, the state of Oklahoma, a Duke University law professor and 19-member blue ribbon panel have additional time to perhaps find common ground on water issues located within tribal territories.
A status report was due today by all parties involved in litigation but West’s stay moved that deadline to September 18.
The Chickasaw and Choctaws filed suit last year against the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Board and other entities.
At issue is removal of water from Sardis Lake — located in eastern Oklahoma — to Oklahoma City. The two tribes contend water in the 22-county tribal territory should not be pumped to Oklahoma City because they have virtually no input in decisions concerning the removal of water. Both tribes contend they merely desire a “place at the table” after having their desires and concerns ignored for years by Oklahoma.
In May, both tribes and Oklahoma named a 19-member panel comprised of captains of industry, finance, oil and gas, environmentalists, tribal VIPs, and even a Panhandle rancher to explore where all factions might find agreement. The order Friday by West will keep the panel talking for another 60 days.
Francis McGovern, the Duke law professor, was appointed to mediate disagreements between factions in an effort to avert a full-fledged federal court lawsuit which could take years to settle.
Local News
Tribes, state to keep negotiating
- Local News
-
-
Stonewall School names Teacher of the Year
Stonewall School has named Donna Cox as Teacher of the Year for 2012-2013.
-
Father's Day fight lands one man in jail
When Ada police drove up on West 13th Street Sunday, they found one man holding another man in a bear hug position, according to a police report.
-
City OKs site for sports complex
Ada City Council approved a site for the proposed sports complex on Monday, clearing the way for the city to move forward with the project.
-
Local man arrested in alleged fraud at local church
A 24-year-old Ada man has been arrested on suspicion of trying to pass a fraudulent $400 check from the account of a local Sunday school class.
-
Ada woman jailed; bonds total more than $50,000
A 28-year-old Ada woman is behind bars, saddled with more than $50,000 in bonds to deal with before she can be released.
-
Input sought on Main Street lighting project
Area residents are invited to participate in a special meeting to discuss lighting and other improvements to Ada’s Main Street to be held Wednesday at Pontotoc Technology Center. According to Bridget Forshay, Citizens Advisory Board Main Street Lighting Committee chairperson, the open forum is a result of Ada’s “Penny for Our City” sales tax.
-
Randy's Natural World
I hope I didn’t scare any readers with this week’s featured creature — the rough green snake.
-
Cruising Main Street scheduled June 28
People who remember cruising downtown Ada as teenagers can relive those days later this month.
-
Schools have until 2015 to implement new teacher evaluation system
Oklahoma school officials preparing to implement a new system for grading teachers got a two-year reprieve this month.
-
Smeltz arrested again; more alleged threats
A former Ada firefighter was arrested for the second time Wednesday after allegedly posting more threatening and possibly libelous statements on Facebook concerning Ada Police Officer Brad Rhoads and other members of the department.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Stonewall School names Teacher of the Year
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Obama: 'Lives Have Been Saved' by NSA Programs
Obama: Friction in Afghan Talks No Surprise
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
