Oklahoma News Report

June 17, 2010 (28:39)

Legislative leaders are adding their voice to the governors’ call for full funding for early childhood education programs. That puts more pressure on the state Education Department to increase budget cuts to other public school programs. Muskogee is getting a lot of attention this week. From live ESPN coverage to millions in economic impact from a major bass fishing tournament. A month long food drive nets the Regional Food bank nearly 900,000 pounds of food and nearly $700-thousand. Put together that will produce about 5,000,000 meals. There are new rules from the Federal Reserve on credit card companies. The changes will limit late fees, and in some cases rollback interest rates. We get all the info in tonight’s In-Depth interview. The states wheat harvest is well underway and while the recent rains are causing delays there is a bigger problem. Low protein levels and an oversupply of wheat. That combines to force prices much lower compared to a year ago.

Originally broadcast on June 17, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 16, 2010 (28:40)

The Governor has granted a stay of execution for Jeffrey David Matthews. New evidence in the case is under review. Matthews was scheduled for lethal injection this Thursday. That has been delayed now until July 20. Funeral services were today for 29-year old Army Specialist Charles Jirtle. He and four other soldiers were killed earlier this month by a roadside bomb that destroyed their Humvee. 10 Oklahoma schools made Newsweek Magazine’s list of America’s best high schools. Topping the list of Oklahoma schools was Classen School of Advanced Studies, ranked 39th. In-Depth tonight we talk about Oklahoma energy production going global. Two state officials are just back from a trip to Germany which is interested in the states experience with alternative energy as well as the latest in natural gas exploration.

Originally broadcast on June 16, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 15, 2010 (28:41)

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas says he has complied in full with the Congressional Ethic’s Office request. The office wants lobbyist records on fund raising for Lucas and 7 other members of the panel rewriting the nation’s regulations for the financial industry. The latest revenue numbers are out and income for state government continues to improve. While income tax revenue was down, sales and gross production taxes are both up. A citizen’s group has filed suit against the decision to give Oklahoma City rights to use water from Sardis Lake. The suit contends the Water Resources Board lacked the authority to complete the sale. An update on the states wheat harvest in light of the ongoing rain storms. In-Depth tonight, a discussion over the latest developments on conference hopping and what’s left of the Big 12.

Originally broadcast on June 15, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 14, 2010 (28:40)

The storms that dumped more than 10 inches of rain on central Oklahoma are now being termed 500 year events by the National Weather Service. More than 50 people had to be rescued from stranded vehicles or homes that were filling with water today. So far no injuries or deaths have been reported. 19 buildings on the State Capitol Complex suffered damage from water leaks and flooding. The State Agriculture department had to close for the day because of water damage and electrical concerns. A major Oklahoma energy company continues to expand exploration for oil. Chesapeake Energy says it is looking for an image change while remaining primarily in the natural gas business.

Originally broadcast on June 14, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 11, 2010 (28:38)

The annual U.S. Conference of Mayors is meeting in Oklahoma City this weekend. Issues from budget cuts to oil spills dominate the discussions. By a vote of 5 to 2, the Water Resources Board has decided to transfer water rights for Sardis Lake to Oklahoma City. The move comes amid protests from tribal governments and southeastern Oklahoma lawmakers. As expected, scam artists have shown up to take advantage of home owners who suffered damage from tornado and hail storms. The Attorney Generals office is investigating claims that an out of state roofing company is posing as an Oklahoma company to get business. 3M announces plans to close its plant in Ardmore by the end of the year. The plant employees 125 people some of whom will be moved to other facilities while others will be given severance packages.

Originally broadcast on June 11, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 10, 2010 (28:39)

Two Oklahoma tribes are now offering to pay $5.2-million of the state’s debt on Sardis Lake. The lake water is at the heart of a growing battle as Oklahoma City tries to lock up that water supply for the growing capitol city. The U.S. Senate is being urged by the Attorney General and Interior Secretary not to change a proposed $3.4-billion settlement of a suit over royalty’s owed Native Americans. The first of the nation’s mayors have arrived in Oklahoma City, site of this weekends, U.S. Conference of Mayors gathering. Tulsa Community College is the first institution of higher learning in the state to announce a tuition increase for the new school year. It will increase by five percent. This week the checks begin arriving in the mail. Seniors who have hit the donut hole in the Medicare Part D drug coverage plan will be getting checks for $250 to help offset the thousands of dollars they will have to pay out of pocket to refill their prescriptions.

Originally broadcast on June 10, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 9, 2010 (28:40)

The Silver Alert for 71-year old John Santos of Norman is now more than 24 hours old and still no sign of the missing Alzheimer’s patient. Santos walked away from his home in Norman and has not been seen since. Apparently none of the members of a legislative Conference committee that reported out a bill creating the job at the state Medical Examiners office that is now at the center of a growing political corruption scandal, know who stuck that language in the bill. That list includes the Senate Majority Party Floor Leader and the Speaker of the House. The effort to preserve small town America, one Oklahoma town at a time. In-Depth, an update on the Native American Cultural Center and Museum, which is running out of money to finish the project.

Originally broadcast on June 9, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 8, 2010 (28:39)

The OSBI says they do have suspects in the murders of two young girls near Weleetka two years ago. But the crime bureau says they still need more help in the case from the public. The reward is now up to $163,000. Governor Henry has signed into law, a bill that makes it a crime for retailers to sell pipes that are used to smoke drugs. The new law targets convenience stores that have reportedly been selling crack and meth pipes. Oklahoma’s suicide rate is increasing and organizations that staff telephone hotlines report calls from those contemplating taking their own life are up 65%. In-Depth tonight we talk with the states Energy Secretary about tax credits for alternative energy and the loan the state took out with the oil and gas industry to help keep the state budget in balance.

Originally broadcast on June 8, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 7, 2010 (28:39)

Governor Brad Henry is urging the state Medical Examiners office to make as many of the reforms as possible included in two bills he has vetoed. The bills were vetoed after the governor was briefed on a corruption investigation tied to those pieces of legislation. More than 300 people filed for political office on the first day of a three day period for candidates to make their intentions official. Even though the state Transportation Department received a $28-million budget cut for the new fiscal year, no road or bridge projects will be impacted. That’s because the agency got permission for a $215-million bond issue to finance the projects. Sales taxes are generating increased revenue for municipalities across the state. The first time that has happened in nearly a year. Now one city wants to take over the job of collecting those taxes, saying they can do a better job than the state.

Originally broadcast on June 7, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 4, 2010 (28:39)

Originally broadcast on June 4, 2010