McAlester, Krebs reach agreement in land dispute

Wednesday, February 23rd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- City leaders in McAlester and Krebs are welcoming an agreement that will bring an end to their two-year-old battle over land. The city councils of both communities voted Tuesday to accept a settlement agreement, two days before the case was scheduled to go to district court.

"We're glad it's over," said McAlester City Manager Randy Green. "I think with the new mayor and leadership in Krebs, they were ready."

The dispute began when Krebs annexed some land west of U.S. 69. McAlester disputed the legality of Krebs' action, and annexed th esame land and some land on the east side of the highway. The agreement calls for McAlester to de-annex land it has annexed since 1997 on the east side of the highway, and for Krebs to de-annex land it annexed on the west side of the highway.

McAlester city officials also have agreed to help Krebs with some services related to economic development and utilities. Krebs City Councilman Donalee Boatright said both sides negotiated in good faith. "I just hope we can get back to being good neighbors," Boatright said.