The Norman Transcript

NEW: OU's Gould Hall tops out
The final piece of steel was lifted high and placed on the uppermost tip of the building on the University of Oklahoma campus Thursday.
The action signified the approximate halfway point in the renovation and construction of Gould Hall, the architecture building on the South Oval.
New security measures announced
Cleveland County Sheriff Joe Lester has announced extra security measures that take effect at the Cleveland County Courthouse beginning next week.
Lester said the public will enter the courthouse through the building's west doors.
Security measures breakdown
The Cleveland County Sheriff's Department has announced new security measures that take effect next week at the Cleveland County Courthouse. The new rules are listed below.
· Public access to the courthouse will be through the west doors of the Courthouse Annex.
Medical examiner's office identifies body
The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office has identified the body found inside a burned vehicle Sunday morning on Norman's east side.
Cherokee Ballard, public information officer for the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office, said investigators have identified the person as Julian Ramirez Cazarez, 46, of Oklahoma City.
Gas leak shuts down Robinson
A section of West Robinson Street was closed to traffic Thursday afternoon after a contractor accidentally cut a gas line near the Fay Avenue intersection.
The Norman Fire Department was called to the scene about 3:30 p.
Ex OU employee accused of setting fires
A former University of Oklahoma employee who was in charge of chemistry lab safety has been accused of setting three separate fires in the chemistry department, according to court papers.
Prosecutors have charged Susan Lauterbach, 46, of Norman, in Cleveland County District Court with three counts of first-degree arson.
H1N1 shots now available today, Friday to all Oklahomans
The Cleveland County Health Department has announced that all Oklahomans who want to reduce their risk of H1N1 infection are now eligible to receive H1N1 influenza vaccine. While vaccine supplies remain limited, demand from priority groups has dipped to a point where all Oklahomans can begin to receive vaccine.
Low-impact development planned for Trailwoods
In a society monopolized by the idea of "greening up," Richard McKown isn't afraid of brown.
McKown, developer for Norman-based Ideal Homes, doesn't fertilize his yard, deeming the plant food one of the main culprits of water pollution.
Republicans agree Rainy Day Fund should be tapped
While two Republican lawmakers from the Norman area agree at least some of the Rainy Day Fund likely will be tapped as the state continues to experience slumping revenues, they each cautioned against using too much of it too soon.
Reality party is reality check for parents
With adults as bystanders, teens chugged beer through a beer bong, played several rounds of beer pong and broke out into a fight match.
But it was all pretend.
Adults were invited to a staged high school house party, one of 18 "Reality Parties" held across the state, Wednesday, where they caught a peak of minors' untraditional avenues for snagging alcohol and what happens when they start drinking.
Two OU journalism students will to travel to Bangladesh over winter break
Two University of Oklahoma journalism and mass communication students will travel to Bangladesh over the winter break to help train Bangladeshi journalists.
The students, Alexandria Page and Hailey Branson, will work alongside Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication faculty Jan.
Lexington woman critically injured Wednesday
A Lexington woman was critically injured Wednesday evening after she turned in front of an oncoming pickup on Slaughterville Road, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol report shows.
Mary Krizmanich, 54, was pinned in her car for nearly an hour before she was freed by first responders.
Felonies filed
The following felonies were filed in Cleveland County District Court:
· Ricky Lee Hyde, 47, Norman, driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs;
· Karli Jo Privett, 26, Norman, larceny of merchandise from retailer and knowingly concealing stolen property;
· Jason Johnny Powell, 19, Oklahoma City, eluding/attempting to elude police officer;
· Darryl Wayne Rogers, 48, Midwest City, false declaration of ownership in pawn;
· Brett Laird Jackson, 25, Norman, obtaining (or attempting to obtain) controlled substance by fraud;
· John Donnell Shaw, 28, Norman, knowingly concealing stolen property;
· Zachry Robin Mansur, 26, Norman, malicious injury to property -- over $1,000;
· William David Ogle, 55, Norman, driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Ad valorem taxes mailed today
County ad valorem tax statements will be mailed out today, said Cleveland County Treasurer Saundra DeSelms.
The taxes can be paid by mail, in office or online at www.clevelandcountytreasurer.com. The taxes are due Dec.

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