FAIRVIEW --Special prosecutor James Boring began opening statements today in the trial of former Custer County Sheriff Mike Burgess by taking 43 minutes to read all 36 charges against him. Burgess, 56, sat expressionless as the descriptions of the charges were read.

The defendant was dressed in a gray suit with a dark green tie. His wife, Brenda Burgess, sat in the front row in the corner nearest her husband, just as she had throughout prior court proceedings.

Assistant District Attorney James Swartz described the evidence that will be presented against Burgess. Much will come from six alleged victims, five of whom have criminal histories, he said.

Swartz named each woman and what she will testify to.
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WASHINGTON (AP) ? Sen. Dianne Feinstein says President-elect Barack Obama apologized to her for not notifying her ahead of time that Leon Panetta was his pick for CIA director.

His name leaked to the press before Obama informed Feinstein, a California Democrat and incoming Senate Intelligence Committee chairman, who will oversee Panetta's nomination hearing.

"I have been contacted by both President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden, and they have explained to me the reasons why they believe Leon Panetta is the best candidate for CIA Director," she said Tuesday.

Feinstein complained Monday she had not been told about Panetta and expressed doubts he has the necessary experience.
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Mayors across Oklahoma are challenging residents to host watch parties during the January 13 airing of Crystal Darkness Oklahoma.

The city of Tulsa has its first homicide of 2009.  Tulsa Police say 15-year old Kordero Coleman died Tuesday morning at a Tulsa hospital.

A 49-year old Tulsa man is in critical condition after he is shot during a domestic dispute early Tuesday morning.   

Oklahoma will get more than $6.5 million from the federal government in disaster and social services assistance because of natural disasters last year.

Layoffs announced at the Tulsa World newspaper Tuesday morning.