Back in Time 201

Gangster Road

The 1920’s and 30’s were a time of bathtub gin and jazz, but in Oklahoma, it was also a time of bootleggers, outlaws, and gangsters.

Originally broadcast on April 5, 2013

Stateline 1404

Stateline 1404

Thunder Boom

What a difference a decade makes. Who would have dreamed ten years ago that Oklahoma City would be transformed from an AAA town into a Big League City?
A state once divided into red and orange now radiates Thunder blue. The team's rise in the NBA standings and an appearance in the finals is the most visible facet of Oklahoma City’s arrival on the world stage.
OETA’s award winning documentary series Stateline takes a look at the impact the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball franchise has had on business, state pride and our state image. It’s all sparked by the Thunder fans’ passionate support, and fueled by the team’s commitment to their new home. With an obvious boost to the state economy and the satisfaction of being perceived as a growing, unified community on the way up, Oklahoma is enjoying this Thunder Boom.

Originally broadcast on February 14, 2013

Stateline 1403

Stateline 1403

CRUMBLING CAPITOL

When the Oklahoma State Capitol was built in 1917, it was a modern showplace complete with indoor plumbing and electric lights. After 96 years of constant use the symbol of state pride is showing its age.
The electrical system is a tangled mess of new and old wires with no indication of which lines are active. Modern computers are powered by antique bare copper wires installed during World War I. The old plumbing keeps the capitol staff chasing leaks and mopping floors. The cracked and broken pipe system carries ten times the amount of water for which it was designed, and just two cast iron lines carry wastewater out of the building. These are just some of the issues that are causing a major headache for those who try to maintain the structural integrity of the capitol building.
OETA’s award winning documentary series Stateline takes a look behind the marble walls to examine the problems and the cost to repair our Crumbling Capitol.

Originally broadcast on January 10, 2013

Back in Time #103

“State of Sequoyah”

“State of Sequoyah” For centuries Native Americans had been forced from their lands in the east and were told that eventually they would have a place out west where they could live in peace and call their own. After years of broken promises the tribes in Indian Territory decided the best way to preserve their way of life was to become a state. The Indians wanted a state they could govern themselves and they called it “Sequoyah.” Some of the men fighting to make Indian Territory a separate state would become the most famous names in Oklahoma history. But powerful politicians, boomers and railroad interests joined forces to make sure the twin territories would become one state.

Originally broadcast on December 6, 2012

Stateline 1402

Hot & Dry

As one of the most insidious hazards of nature drought can bring hardship in many ways. In Oklahoma water equates life to farmers and ranchers. Trying to raise crops and livestock during a drought can be next to impossible. However in Oklahoma we depend on our water for more than just sustaining life. Our lakes and rivers supply power to hydroelectric dams across the state. Water is essential to the 16 paper mills and the barge traffic that moves supplies for the oil and gas industry. The lakes and rivers that supply these important businesses are also connected to fisheries and parks that help drive Oklahoma’s tourism industry. This November Stateline will take a look at the drought that many are saying is one of the worst since the dust bowl.

Originally broadcast on November 16, 2012

Stateline 1401

Power to the People

When powerful storms tear through an Oklahoma community they often leave a trail of damage in their wake. One of the first groups on the scene is the teams of electric linemen who rush in to get the power back on.
It’s a tough job. Linemen face everything from blazing heat and barking dogs to ice storms and the Oklahoma wind. They are a tough group of professionals who take pride in their work. They put in long hours and often travel outside the state to help in disasters all over the country.
OETA’s award winning documentary series Stateline takes us to the top of the power pole where the work is as vital as it is dangerous.
In driving rain, fierce wind or heavy snow, at any hour, on any day…Oklahoma linemen restore “Power to the People.”

Originally broadcast on October 26, 2012

Stateline 1304

Path to a Paycheck

Educators and employers all over the world are aware of a fact that very few Oklahomans would ever suspect. Our state’s career tech system is one of the best in the world. Every year delegations from foreign countries and from other states visit Oklahoma to tour the campuses and unlock the secret to our state’s success. An instructor at Francis Tuttle in Oklahoma City says “It’s not your Daddy’s Vo-Tech!” Today, it is a comprehensive system that significantly contributes to the states' economic development and quality of life. OETA’s award winning documentary series Stateline explores vocational training opportunities and looks into the lives of Oklahoma students who say college wasn’t a fit for them and so they have chosen a different “Path to a Paycheck.”

Originally broadcast on April 5, 2012

Stateline 1303

CSI - UCO

Television shows like “CSI,” “Criminal Minds” and “The Profiler” have inspired a wave of high school graduates to enter the fascinating field of forensic science. Hundreds of forensic science programs have popped up on campuses across the country, but Oklahoma is home to one of the best. Imagine taking an art class from Van Gogh, or learning to sing from Sinatra. At the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond forensic science students are doing just that. Classes in DNA analysis are taught by the former Director of the FBI's DNA laboratory, and other classes in crime scene investigation are taught by former FBI agents recognized as the best in their field. In Hollywood investigators use high-tech gadgets to identify and cuff the criminals 60 minutes or less, on the UCO campus in Edmond forensic science students learn that catching the bad guys takes a lot more expertise and time. OETA’s award winning documentary series Stateline takes a look into the study of crime scene investigation at UCO’s - CSI.”

Originally broadcast on January 24, 2012

Stateline 1302

Saving Yesterday (27:45)

The challenges of preserving historic buildings.

Related Topics: Arts & Entertainment, Culture & Society, History

Originally broadcast on October 6, 2011

Back in Time 101

Lost Gold of Oklahoma (27:45)

Related Topics: History

Originally broadcast on August 22, 2011