Stories Around Oklahoma for Wednesday, May 17

Thieves steal more than 200 guns TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- More than 200 guns have been stolen from a former Tulsa gun dealer's home, police said. At least three dozen submachine

Wednesday, May 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Thieves steal more than 200 guns

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- More than 200 guns have been stolen from a former Tulsa gun dealer's home, police said.

At least three dozen submachine guns were taken Monday night from the homeowner, who was a former licensed gun dealer and current collector.

It was the second time in two weeks that the home was broken into, said Sgt. Robert Holman.

"They're not going to be able to pawn something like this without having the proof of ownership and the registration because the pawn shop would know what it is that they're handling," Holman said.

The ATF has given the homeowner two days for a written inventory of his guns, which includes hundreds more firearms.

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Delegation split over budget process overhaul

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma's all-Republican congressional delegation split on whether to overhaul the congressional budget process.

The House voted 250-166 to defeat the bill Tuesday.

Reps. Tom Coburn, Frank Lucas and J.C. Watts voted to pass the measure. Reps. Wes Watkins and Ernest Istook voted to defeat it. Rep. Steve Largent did not vote.

Among the proposals defeated were a switch to a two-year budget and ending the possibility of year-end government shutdowns.

The legislation also would have gotten the president involved in budget negotiations earlier in the year to prevent end-of-session deadlocks, created a rainy-day reserve fund for emergencies and ensured that spending cuts in one area of the budget not be used to boost spending elsewhere.

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Hall returning to classroom

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- The vice president of student affairs at the University of Oklahoma is returning to teaching in the College of Education and will assume a new post of senior adviser to the president for student advocacy.

Richard Hall said Monday that he wants to serve students in the most productive and helpful way possible. His appointment to the new post is pending approval from the university board on June 22.

University President David Boren said Hall would have an office in the student housing area so he could be accessible to students.

The university also said Clarke Stroud, director of the Oklahoma Memorial Union for the past three years, will serve as interim vice president for student affairs. Stroud has been an OU staff member for nearly 10 years, previously serving in University Housing and Food Service, where he was assistant director.

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MacArthur bypass gains momentum

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A federal transportation funding measure approved by a U.S. House committee includes money for a project for a MacArthur Boulevard bypass because a portion of the street was closed after the federal building bombing.

Part of the street was closed to improve security where MacArthur Boulevard ran through the center of the Federal Aviation Administration campus in south Oklahoma City. City officials and others have sought help to fund the rerouting around the FAA campus.

The bill makes the relocation project a priority for funds through the Airport Improvement Act.

The city says it needs $4.2 million in federal money for the project. The city and the Oklahoma City Airport Authority have se taside $3.75 million for the estimated $8 million project.

Republican Reps. Frank Lucas, J.C. Watts and Ernest Istook worked to secure the funding.