Oklahoma City, Ok. – The Don't Call program list first started to accept registration for its initial list to be provided to telemarketers in mid-September and in the first week had more than 202,000 phone numbers from Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office was assigned the task of handling the implementation of the program passed by the state legislature this year.

Oklahoma City, Ok. – According to Oklahoma State Health Commissioner Dr. Leslie Beitsch, the report is a call to action. This annual report card by UnitedHealth Foundation uses factors such as prevalence of smoking, violent crime, high school graduation rates, deaths due to cancer, heart disease, infectious disease and lack of health insurance. It used new methodology in some areas in 2001 where Oklahoma's rank went from 41st to 45th, and now is placed at 46th for 2002.

Lawton, Ok. – The Oklahoma Political Science Association Conference opens with registration at noon Thursday in the lobby of the Shepler Mezzanine.

Lawton, Ok. – Cameron University hosts its first C.U. Holiday Market on Saturday, November 16, 8 a.m.--1 p.m. at the stadium parking lot on 38th Street. The public is invited to attend to browse and make purchases of such things as arts, crafts and surplus items offered by Cameron organizations, and other university entities. It also is open to the public vendors with non-Cameron booth space available, according to CU Student Activities Director Jennifer Holland. Booth space is free and those from off campus planning to have a booth should provide their own tables.

Lawton, Ok. – The Southwest Oklahoma Advanced Technology Association will be meeting on Tuesday, November 12, at noon in Cameron University's Shepler Center. The topic for the meeting is attracting more high technology business and expanding its existing base in the area. It is a luncheon meeting with reservations for lunch due by 5 p.m. November 8, although the session is open to the public without the lunch and for more information call 580-581-2999.

Duncan, Ok. – Stephens County comes alive with lights when the switch is thrown on the annual Lighting the Trail holiday displays. This year the opening ceremony is at the Gazebo in Fuqua Park, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m. According to a spokesperson, the rainy weather has set the work about two weeks behind schedule and those who would like to help out can schedule time to help with the lighting projects by calling the Duncan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. That number is 255-3644.

Lawton, Ok. – The wording on the ballot for State Question 687 passed by voters bans cockfighting in Oklahoma, making it illegal as it is in 47 other states. The measure states it is a felony to own, posssess, keep or train birds for cockfighting. So now some owners are wondering what to do with these birds, and whether just keeping them alive puts them at risk for being arrested on felony charges. One Cotton County poultry raiser says he has several hundred which would probably fall under this catagory and says he does not plan to kill the animals.

Oklahoma City, Ok. – The Oklahoma Good Roads and Transporation Association has named as its 2002 Transportation Person of the Year Robert Triplett, Chairman of the Board for the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority. This is the 18th year for the honor to be presented and it was extended to Triplett for his vision in ushering in an innovative brand of transportation for Oklahoma. Triplett's involvement in Oklahoma's aerospace activities spans 36 years, including 12 with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.

Oklahoma City, Ok. – The State Regents for Higher Education's request is for an additional $51.3 million in state appropriations for the next year, 6.3 percent more than this year's adjusted appropriation of $815 million. Mandatory cost increases in areas such as health and dental insurance, risk management insurance, teachers retirement and utilities make up almost half of the priortiy budget request, about $25 million. Health and dental insurance costs alone will increase 18 percent during calendar year 2003.

Lawton, Ok. – Cameron University's annual Country Jazz Fusion again has attracted nationally known musician Dave Alexander from the Dallas area and members of his band Randy "Snuffy" Elmore and Tommy Nash. They will do clinics with students on campus Wednesday and Thursday as well as have rehearsals with the CU Jazz Ensemble and the CU/Lawton Community Jazz Ensemble under the direction of John Moots. Moots says tickets remain on sale in the Administration Building Cashier's Office 8 a.m.--5 p.m. through Thursday. General admission tickets are $10, $5 for CU students, faculty and staff.