GRIDLOCK GURU: Car counts are routine procedure

Whiskey-swilling cowboys surely were hired in the Old West to count wagons that rolled past, so Dodge City’s engineers could decide if trails should be widened from two ruts to four.

Lawyer draws ire of judge in lawsuit over poultry litter

U.S. District Judge Greg Frizzell on Thursday chastised an attorney representing the state of Oklahoma for overloading the ongoing poultry litter case with paperwork.

Testing tactics targeted at trial

Scientist grilled in poultry case

Attorneys for poultry companies did their best Wednesday to peck holes in a scientist’s claim that concentrations of phosphorus, zinc, arsenic and other components helped him prove that nutrients from poultry manure are moving from farm fields to the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma.

TRAVELERS’ CHECK Thieves target big airports

Only the boldest thief has the nerve to walk up to a bag carousel at one of Arkansas’ small airports and steal someone else’s bag.

GRIDLOCK GURU: Move over, left-lane road hogs

Laura Fortney of Fayetteville is sick of drivers who camp in Interstate 540’s left lane.

BENTON COUNTY: Bisbee denies refund on tax

Refund sought on 2 years of levies on unfinished home

The Benton County judge this week denied a man’s request for a $1,267 reimbursement of property taxes paid on his unfinished, 23-yearold house.

Firm a victim of lies, Simmons chief says

Stewardship topic in poultry litter trial

The chairman of Simmons Foods on Monday said his company’s portrayal of itself as good environmental stewards helps “combat the folks who are lying about us.”

TRAVELERS’ CHECK Lots on tap in way of traffic help

Money for a 24-mile cable in the median of Interstate 540 found its way into the first draft of projects in the area’s Transportation Improvement Program.

Small claims add up at auditor’s office

Lora Lea Wurzlow expected to find the task overwhelming.

Illinois River group appeals plant permit

Oklahomans cite phosphorus concerns

An Illinois River advocacy group filed the only appeal of a sewage-discharge permit issued to the Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority.