Districts barred from joining suit
A group of school districts larger than the Deer/Mount Judea district in Newton County will not be allowed to join the small district's funding and adequacy lawsuit against the state.
The Northwest Arkansas districts of Alma, Greenwood, Van Buren and Fort Smith -- which have from 3,000 students to nearly 15,000 -- filed in February to intervene in the case. The Deer/Mount Judea district has about 400 students.
In June, Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza denied the larger districts' attempt to join the suit, citing the differences in size and issues that the districts face.
The larger districts appealed to the Supreme Court that month. Fort Smith attorneys argued that the lower court erred in its ruling, saying the case could ultimately have an impact on the Fort Smith district and other districts across the state.
On Thursday, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that the case involving Deer/Mount Judea was not a class-action suit and that Fort Smith and other districts waited too long, nearly three years, to file to be considered interested parties in it.
The high court didn't consider any of the other arguments that the larger districts made before the court.
-- ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
Election results certified by state
Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin has certified the general election results, according to a news release sent from his office Thursday.
"Approximately 50 percent of the 1.7 million people registered to vote in Arkansas cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election," Martin wrote. "I appreciate our county clerks and poll workers across Arkansas who work year-round to maintain the integrity of our voting process."
Arkansas law gives counties between two and 15 days to certify their election results with the secretary of state's office. The lag time from the official election date gives the county election commissioners time to receive and count any overseas absentee ballots from travelers and members of the military.
The additional ballots did not change the election results for constitutional, U.S. House, U.S. Senate, judicial, state House or state Senate races. Those official results have been published on the secretary of state's website under the Election Division tab at www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections.
-- ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
Tech OKs funds to upgrade dorms
RUSSELLVILLE -- Arkansas Tech University's board of trustees agreed Thursday for the university to spend $4.67 million to upgrade safety and Internet access in the school's residence halls.
The university will spend the money over the next three years "to improve fire sprinklers, fire alarm systems and wireless Internet connectivity in its residence halls," Arkansas Tech said in a news release.
University President Robin Bowen said the 18 dormitories are already up to code on fire sprinklers and fire-alarm systems but noted that the upgrades will "enhance our ability to ensure student safety."
The improvements, when finished in 2017, will make wireless Internet access available in all of Arkansas Tech's student residence halls.
-- ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
Tribe designates conservation zone
OKMULGEE, Okla. -- The Creek Nation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced the creation of a new conservation district that will help the tribe manage natural resources, receive assistance for conservation projects and encourage members to own and operate agricultural land.
Principal Chief George Tiger and USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Butch Blazer met Wednesday to officially designate the tribe's new conservation district. The district becomes one of only 45 of its kind across the country.
The district was created last year through tribal legislation. A memorandum of understanding was signed Wednesday between the tribe, the district and the agriculture department.
Officials say the district will ensure the common vision shared by the tribe and the government "of a healthy and productive nation in harmony with the land."
-- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Missouri gunfire kills 1, injures 1
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield police said one man has died and another has been wounded in a shooting that stemmed from a property dispute.
Officers were dispatched to a home on Wednesday and found the body of Alex Gipson, 23, on a porch. The Springfield News-Leader reported that Randy D. Chalk, 42, was transported to a hospital and treated for a gunshot wound.
Police spokesman Lisa Cox said all of the people believed to be involved were taken to headquarters for questioning, but none remained in custody Thursday morning.
Cox said the disturbance started from an argument over the property, with the owner, property management team and residents involved.
-- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Took gifts, says ex-tribal official
MUSKOGEE, Okla. -- A former Choctaw Nation official has testified that he accepted gifts and cash from several contractors.
Jason Merida, the tribe's former executive director of construction administration, is charged with theft, tax fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit bribery. He has pleaded innocent.
The Tulsa World reported he testified Wednesday that he accepted various gifts, including more than $20,000 in cash, tickets to a Dallas Cowboys playoff game, a hunting rifle and scope.
His attorney pointed out that Choctaw Nation law doesn't prohibit employees from taking such gifts as long as they don't influence decisions made on the job.
Merida could only recommend contractors for jobs. A business committee led by the assistant principal chief makes the final decision.
-- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Shooting victims ID'd in Oklahoma
SAPULPA, Okla. -- Authorities have identified a couple found shot to death earlier this week near Sapulpa.
Sgt. Les Vaughn of the Creek County sheriff's office told the Tulsa World that the two people were Sam and Bert Ellen Davis. Both were in their 80s. Officials said deputies found them dead from apparent gunshot wounds after responding to a call on Monday evening.
Vaughn said he doesn't believe authorities are searching for a suspect. He said no further information will be released until the office receives a report from the state medical examiner's office.
-- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NW News on 11/22/2014