>>> HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERS CONTINUE BUDGET TALKS AT 23RD AND LINCOLN, BUT WILL OKLAHOMANS SEE TAX CUTS?

>> SO ARE YOU TELLING ME YOU'RE WILLING TO TAKE A TAX CUT VOTE AS LONG AS THE REVENUE AND EXPENSES?"

>> IT'S LIKE I TOLD YOU SINCE DAY ONE.

YOU DON'T RUN THE SENATE CHAMBER.

>>> GRADUATE STUDENTS WIN RECOGNITION FOR USING S.T.E.M.

AND GEOTHERMAL STEAM TO HELP THE OSAGE NATION.

>> THIS IS THE MAGIC OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.

IT'S AVAILABLE EVERY TIME.

>>> STUDENTS GET A TASTE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY PITCHING THEIR IDEAS FOR INNOVATIONS >> WHEN YOU LEARN TO THINK LIKE AN ENTREPRENEUR, IT - IT HELPS YOU IN ALL AREAS OF YOUR LIFE.

AND A LOOK INSIDE OU'S NEW ESPORTS ARENA.

>>> AN INDEPTH CONVERSATION ON OKLAHOMA'S FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.

COMING UP NEXT ON THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>>> HELLO EVERYONE.

WELCOME TO THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

I'M TAELYR JACKSON.

RICH LENZ RETURNS NEXT WEEK.

WITH TIME RUNNING OUT ON THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

LAWMAKERS AND GOVERNOR STITT ARE STILL IN TALKS OVER THE BUDGET.

THOSE TALKS TOOK A FEW TWISTS AND TURNS THIS WEEK.

CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT JASON DOYLE JOINS US WITH MORE.

JASON.

>> TAELYR, THOSE TWISTS AND TURNS INCLUDING NEGOTIATIONS WITHOUT THE GOVERNOR AND A HEATED CONVERSATION ON TAX CUTS.

IT ALL COMES WITH THE PRESSURE OF TIMING RUNNING OUT TO MAKE THOSE DECISIONS.

>> I NEED TO KNOW IS THE SENATE GOING TO SUPPORT SOME VERSION OF THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX THIS SESSION?

NO.

>> ARE YOU TELLING ME YOU'RE WILLING FOR THE TAX CUT VOTE -- >> I'M TELLING YOU LIKE DAY ONE, YOU DON'T RUN THE SENATE CHAMBER.

>> AND OUTLINED THE REASONS FOR THE CUT BACKS FOR THE VOTE, ESPECIALLY THE CURRENT WAY IT WORKS WITH TRIGGERS.

>> IN OKLAHOMA BASED ON OUR OIL AND GAS REVENUE.

WE MUST BE JUDICIOUS IN ORDER TO APPROACH THIS.

I WAS IN THIS ROOM, PEOPLE WERE IN THIS ROOM WHEN WE WERE TALKING ABOUT TO CUT $1.3 MILLION.

ALL WELL INTENTION TRIGGER BILLS.

ALL EXTREMELY WELL INTENTIONED.

>> REFERRING TO THE BUDGET SHORT FALL CAUSED BY AUTOMATIC TAX CUTS TRIGGERED BY THE REVENUE INCREASES, AND HOW MUCH MONEY THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA WAS COLLECTING.

THAT LEGISLATURE, HAD COME UP WITH A SLATE OF TAX INCREASES TO MAKE UP FOR THE SHORT FALLS.

IN THE FIRST HOUR OF NEGOTIATIONS, THE CHALLENGES KEPT COMING.

>> ANY CONTACT THIS YEAR?

>> YEAH, GROCERY TAX.

>> WE LOOKED AT THE NUMBERS YOU GAVE US, WE MADE THE PRUDENT DECISION, AND LOOKED AT THE ONE THAT IMPACTED THE MOST, MOST IMMEDIATELY.

>> WE HAVE LOOKED AT INCOME TAX.

>> HE SAYS DESPITE THE ECONOMY IN OKLAHOMA DOING WELL, ECONOMISTS NEED TO BE CAREFUL.

>> WE'RE RIDING WELL RIGHT NOW ON OIL AND GAS REVENUE.

BUT THAT'S NOT GOING TO LAST.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WHATEVER WE DO CAN SUSTAIN OKLAHOMA'S ECONOMY.

>> STRUCK BACK, BRINGING UP THE GOVERN'S VETOES OR THE NONSIGNING OF THE BUDGET IN PAST YEARS.

>> ARE YOU GOING TO SIGN A BUDGET?

>> I HAVEN'T SEEN A BUDGET YET, BUT I'LL TELL YOU THIS -- >> YOU HAVEN'T SEEN A BUDGET YET, IT'S BEEN IN FRONT OF US.

>> THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE TALKING.

I'M EXCITED TO LOOK AT THE NUMBERS, BUT I WANT TO BE VERY VERY CLEAR, GO LINE BY LINE AND INCREASE AND PLAYING SANTA CLAUS IS NOT SOMETHING I SIGNED UP FOR.

>> AND PUSHED BACK ON THE SPEAKER TO GET AN AGREEMENT.

>> I KNOW FULL WELL THE GOVERNOR MADE THE VETO.

>> HAVE TO SEE WHAT THE GOVERNOR DOES WITH THE BUDGET BEFORE THE CHAMBER MAKES UP THE MIND.

WE WOULD NOT NEED TO OWE -- >> WE'VE HAD TO DO THAT A LOT.

>> I UNDERSTAND.

>> THE GOVERNOR DEFENDED HIS PAST VETOES.

>> I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS, AND I VETOED SEVERAL BUDGETS.

YOU COWROTE THE BUDGETS, IF I'M ON THE SIDE OF 4 MILLION OKLAHOMAENS FOR LOWER TAXES, SPELL MY NAME CORRECTLY.

>> IT TOOK AN HOUR FOR IT TO DIE DOWN AND THE NEGOTIATION OF HOW MUCH AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS WILL RECEIVE, TAKE CENTER STAGE FOR THE REST OF THE MEETING.

>> HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, I WOULD LIKE TO GO THROUGH THAT.

>> THEY CONTINUED ON WEDNESDAY MORNING.

BUT DIDN'T INCLUDE THE GOVERNOR DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICT.

AND THE SPEAKER WAS PULLED AWAY.

>> AUTHORIZED BY THE SPEAKER AND THE CAUCUS, TO PUT ON THE BUDGET.

>> ONE OF THE STICKING POINTS IN THE NEGOTIATIONS IS WHAT'S CALLED THE LEGACY CAPITAL FINANCING FUND.

THE HOUSE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ANY SIZED PROJECTED TO APPLY FOR THE FUNDS.

THE SENATE WANTS TO LIMIT SIZE, AND STILL TRY TO PUSH PROJECTS FORWARD.

>> WE WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE ANYTHING WE AGREE TO THAT'S FUNDED LIKE THAT, 20 MILLION UNDER IS CASH.

>> THE HOUSE WAS NOT PREPARED TO CROSS OVER TO THE SENATE'S POSITION YET.

>> RESPECT YOUR POSITION, HEAR YOUR COMMENTS MADE, THAT DEBT SERVICE OF 20 YEARS OUT LIVE THE LIFE OF THE ASSET.

NOW WE'RE AT THE 20 MILLION THRESHOLD, I RESPECT THAT.

WE CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION.

>> THE MEETING CONTINUED, IT WAS AN EVENT JUST OUTSIDE OF THE LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR THAT CAUSED AN ISSUE OF LAWMAKERS SIMPLY ABLE TO HEAR EACH OTHER ACROSS THE TABLE.

>> I CAN'T HEAR A THING.

>> THEY DECIDED TO MEET A LITTLE LATER IN THE AFTERNOON >> I'D LIKE TO PICK UP WHERE WE LEFT OFF, BUT SENATOR HALL, IF YOU WANNA START.

>> FOR ANOTHER SEVERAL HOURS.

THE TWO SIDES VIRTUALLY WENT LINE BY LINE TO FIND A WAY TO MOVE FORWARD.

WHEN THEY CAME TO A ROADBLOCK IN NEGOTIATIONS.

THEY RESERVED THOSE DISCUSSIONS FOR LATER.

>> I THINK THAT WE WANT TO, I THINK WE ALMOST SET THAT ASIDE UNTIL WE TAKE CARE OF SOME OTHER LINE ITEMS.

ALL RIGHT, I'LL MAKE A NOTE.

NOTE THAT WE'LL TABLE THE AD VALOREM REIMBURSEMENTS FOR THE DISABLED VETS.

>> WORK CONTINUED ON THE NEGOTIATIONS INTO THE EVENING ON WEDNESDAY AND RESUMED AGAIN ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.

JOINING US NOW FROM THE STUDIO IN THE CAPITAL TO DISCUSS MORE, SHAWN.

IT SEEMS SOME CONTROVERSIAL RULES FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MADE IT THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE HURDLE, WHAT HAPPENED?

>> THIS IS A SERIES OF RULES PASSED BACK EARLIER IN THE SPRING.

THEY DEAL FROM EVERYTHING FROM THE OVERVIEW OF HOW EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA IS TO BE PROVIDED TO SPECIFIC RULES RELATED TO ACCREDITATION AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE ACCREDITATION, AND ONE MINUTE OF SILENCE DAILY TO ALLOW FOR PRAYER, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

ONE RULE WAS SET ASIDE FOR DISAPPROVAL, A TEST REQUIREMENT IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE OKLAHOMA ACADEMIC SCHOLAR.

THE REMAINDER OF THE RULES WAS RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

THE HOUSE DEMOCRATS ON THE COMMITTEE OPPOSED THE ACTION AND ATTEMPTED TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION SEVERAL TIMES UNSUCCESSFULLY.

THE RULES GO TO THE HOUSE FLOOR FOR CONSIDERATION, IF APPROVED, HOUSE MOVES ON TO THE SENATE, AND THEN THE GOVERNOR.

IF NOT RESOLUTION IS PASSED, IT'S THE GOVERNOR WHO GETS TO DECIDE WHETHER ALL THE RULES TAKE EFFECT OR NOT.

>> .

>> THOSE BILLS HAVE MOVED THROUGH THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE AND NOW HEADED TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK FOR THE CONSIDERATION.

THEY OFFER, $45 MILLION, 15 MILLION TO MATCH PREVIOUSLY FUNDED AID.

AND TO HELP COMMUNITIES THAT SAW MUCH OF THE BUSINESS DISTRICTS DEMOLISHED.

THEY'LL HAVE A HARD TIME COLLECTING THE SALES TAX.

>> ATTORNEY GENERAL IS TAKING ACTION AGAINST THE INSULIN MANUFACTURERS, AND THE PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS FOR THE UNFAIR PRICING.

WHAT'S HE SAYING IN THE LAWSUIT?

>> HE'S SAYING THE VARIOUS COMPANIES AND THE MANAGERS HAVE JACKED UP THE PRICE OF INSULIN.

IT'S NOT A DRUG THAT ONE GETS TO PICK OR CHOOSE.

IT'S NEEDED IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN LIFE.

HE POINTED OUT IN A PRESS RELEASE, THE ORIGINAL PATENT FOR INSULIN WAS SOLD FOR $1.

BUT THERE'S BEEN MASSIVE INCREASES OVER TIME.

>> THE HISPANIC CULTURE DAY WAS DIFFERENT THIS YEAR.

HOW SO?

>> ORGANIZERS OF THE EVENT, THE LATINO LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS TURNED THIS YEAR'S EVENT INTO A DAY OF ADVOCACY.

THEY SUPPORTED HOUSE BILL 4146.

THAT BILL HAS PASSED BOTH CHAMBERS AND SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR.

IT'LL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1.

THOSE CARDS INDICATED THAT THE MEMBERS TO HAVE HISPANIC COMMUNITY WERE HEART BROKEN THE LAWMAKERS SUPPORTED THE BILL.

>> HOW DOES THE TIMING OF WHEN THE LEGISLATURE PASSES IT, AFFECT THE ACTIONS THAT THE GOVERNOR CAN TAKE?

>> IT'S INTERESTING.

ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT FOR THE WORK, THEY NORMALLY LIKE TO PASS THE BUDGET IN THE IN CONNECTION TO THE LAST WEEK.

SHOULD THE GOVERNOR VETO ANY OF THE BILLS.

IT'S QUESTIONABLE WHETHER THEY WILL HAVE VOTED ON THE BILL, ON THE BUDGET IN THE NEXT TO LAST WEEK OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

THERE'LL CERTAINLY BE NO TIME LEFT TO OVERRIDE THE VETOES THE GOVERNOR MAY ISSUE.

THE GOVERNOR WAS ASKED IN A MEETING WHETHER HE WOULD SIGN THE BUDGET.

HE SAID HE COULDN'T MAKE THE PROMISE BECAUSE HE HADN'T SEEN IT YET.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR JOINING US.

>> YOU'RE WELCOME.

>> SHAWN AND JASON, THANK YOU.

>>> AUTHORITIES HAVE CONFIRMED THEY FOUND THE BODY OF A MISSING 81-YEAR OLD BARNSDALL MAN.

WAYNE HOUGE WAS REPORTED MISSING AFTER THE EF-4 TORNADO HIT THE OSAGE COUNTY TOWN LAST WEEK.

THE SEARCH TURNED UP HOGUE'S BODY IN BIRD CREEK ON SATURDAY.

THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE CONFIRMED IT WAS THE MISSING MAN THIS WEEK.

THE DEATH TOLL FROM LAST WEEK'S TORNADOES IS NOW 2.

>>>LAST MONTH A TEAM OF GRADUATE ENGINEERING STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA RECEIVED FIRST PLACE IN A NATIONAL COMPETITION.

THE GROUP DESIGNED A GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM TO BENEFIT THE OSAGE NATION.

STEVE SHAW JOINS US NOW WITH MORE ON THAT.

STEVE?

>> TAELYR AS A MATTER OF FACT, OU HAS WON THIS COMPETITION TWO YEARS IN A ROW.

IT'S CALLED THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S 2023 GEOTHERMAL COLLEGIATE COMPETITION.

HEAVY RAIN DOES LITTLE TO DAMPEN SPIRITS WHEN YOU'RE ON THE ROLL THE ENGINEERS HAVE BEEN ON THE LAST FEW YEARS.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THE LEVEL EVERY TIME.

>> HE COMPLETED HIS PHD IN GEO THERMAL ENERGY.

HE'S A GRAD STUDENT WHO TOOK FIRST PLACE IN THE NATIONAL COMPETITION.

AFTER THEY DESIGNED A HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM FOR A 40,000 SQUARE FOOT GREEN HOUSE.

JOS É WAS ALSO PART OF THE GROUP >> IT'S IMPORTANT, BECAUSE IN THE COVID PANDEMIC, THE GREEN HOUSE WAS A DISILLUSION FOR THE PEOPLE TO GET ACCESS TO FOOD.

VEGETABLES AND FRUIT.

THEY'RE COLD -- >> FOOD DESERT.

>> YEAH, THEY HAVE TO TRAVEL 50, 60 MILES TO BUY FOOD.

WITH THIS GREEN HOUSE, THEY WERE ABLE TO OVERCOME THIS CHALLENGE.

>> THE ENERGY IS GATHERED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FEET UNDER THE EARTH'S SURFACE.

WATER GETS VERY HOT AT THOSE DEPTHS, AND PRODUCES STEAM THAT GENERATES ELECTRICITY.

ONE OF THE GREAT BENEFITS, IS TO HARNESS IT, 10 TO 20,000 FEET UNDERGROUND.

IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S RANGE OUTSIDE.

>> IT HAS MASSIVE POTENTIAL.

I'M SAYING THIS BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE IN THE U.S. AND MY HOME COUNTRY.

INFRASTRUCTURE, BUT THE ENGINEERS WHO KNOW THE INFRASTRUCTURE FROM -- IT'LL MAKE GREAT SOURCE OF ENERGY.

>> THE DIRECTOR OF OU SCHOOL OF PETROLEUM.

>> WHAT'S THE BIGGEST HURDLE TO HARNESS THE ENERGY?

>> ITS COST.

WITH THE SYSTEMS OF THE COUNTRY THAT HAVE REALLY GONE BIG, IN EUROPE, TURKEY, ESPECIALLY, THEY HAVE GIVEN SORT OF A FIXED PRICE THE COST OF THE ELECTRICITY.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF CHEAP, NATURAL GAS.

THAT'S THE BIGGEST COMPETITOR FOR THE GEOTHERMAL.

>> AND THEY ALSO TOOK FIRST PLACE LAST YEAR AFTER THEY CONVERTED SIX ABANDONED OIL AND GAS WELLS TO GEOTHERMAL WELLS.

THAT'S A BIG DEAL, ESPECIALLY IN OKLAHOMA THESE DAYS, THERE'S SO MANY OF THE ABANDONED WELLS.

NOW IT HEATS AND COOLS BUILDINGS USED BY THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE AND THE NATION.

THE ENERGY PROJECTS ARE SPROUTING UP MORE FREQUENT BY BECAUSE OF THE COST OF PRODUCING THE ENERGY HAS DROPPED.

IT'LL CONTINUE TO FALL AS TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES.

>> WHAT WE'VE SEEN, THEY'RE MAKING MORE AND MORE ELEVENS HOW THE -- LESSONS HOW THE OIL AND GAS IS DEVELOPED.

>> CAN GEOTHERMAL EVER BE CONSIDERED TO POWER AUTOMOBILES?

>> NOT DIRECTLY.

>> BUT HE BELIEVES THE ENERGY, SOONER NOT LATER IS USED TO POWER CHARGING STATIONS.

>> SCHOOLS, AND BIG INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.

IN OKLAHOMA, WE HAVE THE AIR FORCE THAT USE A LOT OF HOT WATER EVERY DAY IN THE PRODUCTION AND MANUFACTURING OF PLANES.

ALL THEIR AREAS, USING THE ENERGY IS HOT WATER IS FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

>> TWO YEARS AGO, OU ENGINEERS PARTNERED WITH THE TUTTLE SCHOOL DISTRICT.

THE PLAN IS TO USE THE ENERGY TO HEAT AND COOL TUTTLE MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND SAVE ON ENERGY COSTS.

>> THIS SUMMER IS THE SUMMER WE'LL DO THE ACTUAL PILOT PROJECT.

IT HAS WANT BEEN DONE BEFORE, JUST GETTING THE PERMITS IN PLACE TO TAKE OLD OIL AND GAS WELL AND TURN IT TO GEOTHERMAL IS A BIG TASK.

WE DON'T HAVE RULES AND REGULATIONS TO RUN IT YET.

>> THE DIRECTOR SAYS THE STUDENTS ARE PUMPED.

>> THERE WAS A LOT OF EXCITEMENT ABOUT IT.

>> THAT TUTTLE PROJECT TOOK SECOND PLACE IN THAT NATIONAL COMPETITION THREE YEARS AGO.

SO A SECOND PLACE.AND TWO FIRST PLACE FINISHES IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.

ISN'T TOO BAD.

TAELYR.

>>> ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, MORE THAN 6,000 CHILDREN ARE IN THE STATE'S CUSTODY.

THIS WEEK MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD HAS GATHERED A PANEL OF GUESTS TO DISCUSS THE URGENT NEED FOR FOSTER PARENTS AND SOME OF THE MAJOR CHANGES MADE TO IMPROVE OKLAHOMA'S FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.

HERE'S A PREVIEW.

>> IT'S STARKLY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WE SAW 40 YEARS AGO.

YOU HAD AN OMNIBUS AGENCY THAT PRETTY MUCH RULED THE ROOST AND THERE WAS VERY LITTLE INPUT FROM OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS.

NOW THERE ARE MANY COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WHERE ORGANIZATIONS GET TO SIT DOWN WITH DHS, OFTENTIMES, DIRECTLY WITH DEB OR WITH THE SENIOR MEMBERS LIKE CHRISTIE, AND TALK THROUGH SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS.

AND WITH THIS ISSUE, IT'S SO VITAL MAKING SURE THAT WE'RE ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF THESE FOSTER FAMILIES.

>> ONE THING THAT WE'VE DONE IN THE PAST IS WE PRESCRIBED SOMETHING ACROSS THE BOARD, LIKE EVERYBODY NEEDS THIS, AND NOW WE'RE LOOKING MORE AT WHAT DOES EACH OF INDIVIDUAL FAMILY NEED FOR SUPPORT RATHER THAN YOU.

EVERYBODY IS THE SAME.

EVERY FAMILY IS UNIQUE AND THEY REQUIRE A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF SUPPORT OR A DIFFERENT TYPE.

>> THE REST OF THAT CONVERSATION COMING UP LATER IN THIS NEWSCAST.

>>> THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION PICKED AN EXISTING SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYEE TO BE THE NEXT SUPERINTENDENT.

DR. JAMIE POLK JOINED THE OKLAHOMA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IN 2019 AS THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATION.

POLK HAS MORE THAN 33 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE EDUCATION FIELD.

THE BOARD VOTE WAS UNANIMOUS.

>> HER EMPHASIS ON INNOVATION, BUILDING LEADERSHIP CAPACITY AT ALL LEVELS, AND FOSTERING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE TEACHERS AND LEADERS WHO WORK DIRECTLY WITH OUR STUDENTS HAS YIELDED TANGIBLE RESULTS.

SOME EXAMPLES OF THAT ARE, WE'VE HAD 11 SCHOOLS REMOVED FROM THE F LIST UNDERNEATH DR. POLK.

>> I AM EXCITED TO CONTINUE THE WORK.

MANY WILL HEAR THAT I ENJOY DATA AND DIGGING IN DATA, BUT WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT FOR ME IS I ENJOY HELPING PEOPLE, EMPOWERING THEM TO BE THE BEST THAT THEY CAN BE, BE IT THE STUDENTS OR THE TEACHERS OR THE LEADERS.

IT'S MY JOB TO EMPOWER THEM TO BE WHAT THEY CAN BE.

SO THROUGH THIS JOURNEY, WE WILL EXCEL AND WE WILL BE THE FIRST CHOICE DISTRICT IN OKLAHOMA >> POLK WILL OFFICIALLY TAKE OVER AS SUPERINTENDENT ON JULY 1.

SHE IS REPLACING DR. SEAN MCDANIEL, WHO RESIGNED EARLIER THIS YEAR.

>>> A GROUP OF FRANCIS TUTTLE STUDENTS HAVE DEVELOPED THEIR OWN PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THAT THEY ARE PITCHING TO A PANEL OF JUDGES MUCH LIKE THE SHOW SHARK TANK.

AND FOR THREE STUDENTS THE HARD WORK PAID OFF.

THE PROGRAM STUDENTS JUST FINISHED COMPETING IN THE COMPETITION.

ABBEY IS THE INSTRUCTOR, SAYING THAT THE PROJECTS WENT THROUGH MULTIPLE STAGES BEFORE PRESENTED.

>> IT STARTS WITH THEY PARTICIPATED IN THE COACHING SESSION A FEW WEEKS AGO.

THEY BROUGHT IN 24 INDUSTRY EXPERTS, THE CONSULTANTS, AND THE STUDENTS ROTATED AROUND.

THEY DID A SMALL ELEVATOR PITCH.

AND DUG INTO AREAS THEY COULD IMPROVE.

THINGS THEY COULDN'T UNDERSTAND.

THAT PUSHED ALL OF THE IDEAS FORWARD AND GOT THEM READY FOR THE PRELIMINARY ROUND.

ALL STUDENT HAVE TO DEVELOP A BUSINESS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND PITCH IT TO A PANEL OF JUDGES.

THEY GET FEEDBACK AND THE JUDGES PICK THE TOP SIX.

>> THE TOP SIX STUDENTS THEN PITCHED THEIR IDEAS AGAIN, THIS TIME IN FRONT OF A LIVE AUDIENCE AND FIVE NEW JUDGES.

THE PROGRAM JUST ENTERED ITS IS THEIRED YEAR.

>> WE FOCUSED ON HOW TO KEEP THE MIND SET, AND HOW TO GET AN IDEA HOW -- OFF THE GROUND.

>> WE PROVIDE A CENTER FOR WOOD WORKERS, AND WE'LL TRACK HOW MANY HOURS THE TOOL HAS, AND SO WE CAN GIVE MORE ORDERS, WHEN THEY NEEDED TO PERFORM MAINTENANCE.

SAVE THE TIME AND MONEY TO HAVE THE TOOLS LONGER AND THE UTILIZE LONGER.

>> SHE PITCHED HER IDEA, SPIN SAFE.

>> I HAVE A LOAD OF LAUNDRY, I'LL STICK IT IN HERE AND CLOSE THE DOOR.

THE DEVICE WILL GET A NOTIFICATION, AND DO A SCAN OF THE ENTIRE WHOLE OF THE WASHING MACHINES.

IF THERE'S DEVICE -- IT'LL ALERT YOU WITH A BEEP AND LIGHT.

>> THE STUDENT PITCHES WERE JUMMING ON THE -- JUDGED ON THE SUMMARY.

>> I WANTED TO FOUND THIS BUSINESS, BECAUSE GROWING UP I DIDN'T HAVE THE IS ACCESS TO A LOT OF SERVICES.

I HAD TO LEARN ENGLISH VERY QUICKLY TO HELP MY FAMILY, AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I HAVE BEEN PASSIONATE ABOUT.

I WANT TO HELP MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS LEARN THE SPANISH TERMINOLOGY TO THEY CAN HELP OTHERS.

>> LOTS OF LESSONS, I WANT TOTARIAL THEN.

-- TAILOR THEM, AND I WANT THEM TO FIGURE OUT THE MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY.

WHEN A CUSTOMER COMES IN AND ASKS FOR HELP, I WANT THEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY NEED HELP WITH AND HOW TO APPROACH THAT.

>> AS THE WINNER SHE TOOK HOME $6,000.

I HAVE GATHERED THEIR INPUT OF THINGS THEY WANT TO NEED.

>> IT'S VALUABLE FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN THE SKILLS.

>> I THINK BECAUSE WHEN YOU LEARN TO THINK LIKE AN ENTREPRENEUR, IT HELPS YOU IN ALL AREAS OF OUR LIFE.

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT PROFESSION YOU JOIN, WHAT COLLEGE YOU GO TO.

>> IT WAS SPONSORED BY A COMMUNITY BANK.

>> SO WE DECIDED TO ACTUALLY PARTNER AND SPONSOR THE PITCH COMPETITION.

SO THIS YEAR, WE'LL GIVE $10,000 OF SEED FUNDING TO THE TEAMS.

TRYING TO BRING THOSE FROM CONCEPT TO PHASE OF REALITY.

>> THE CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER SAYS TO SWITCH THINGS UP FROM PREVIOUS YEARS, THE STUDENTS PITCH FOR DIFFERENT AMOUNTS.

>> THEY CAN ASK FOR 1,000, 10,000, BUT THEY HAVE TO BUDGET OUT WHAT THEY'LL DO IN THE FIRST PHASE.

IT'S NOT JUST LOOKING AT, OKAY, IF I GET A MILLION DOLLARS THEN I'LL BUILD THE WHOLE MACHINE.

IT TEACHES THEM TO SCALE FROM A SMALLER PERSPECTIVE AND WHAT YOU DO WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF MONEY.

>> STUDENTS IMPRESSED HER WHEN SHE JUDGED A PITCH NIGHT LASTING YEAR.

>> I HAD THE PLEASURE TO BE A JUDGE LAST YEAR.

HE WAS JUST BLOWN AWAY BY THE IDEAS PRESENTED, AND THE POLISH THEY HAD.

IT'S CLEAR HOW MUCH WORK THEY HAD PUT IN AND THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION.

>>> ONEOK IS GETTING BIGGER THANKS TO AN OUT OF STATE DEAL.

JASON DOYLE HAS THE DETAILS IN THIS WEEK'S OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW >> TULSA BASED ONEOK HAS AGREED TO BUY A SYSTEM OF NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS PIPELINES FROM HOUSTON BASED EASTON ENERGY.

THE DEAL IS REPORTEDLY WORTH $280 MILLION.

IT INCLUDES ABOUT 450 MILES OF PIPELINES IN THE GULF COAST MARKET REGION.

ONEOK WILL CONNECT ONE OF ITS EXISTING PIPELINE SYSTEMS ONCE THE PURCHASE HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

THE CLOSING OF THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR DEAL IS EXPECTED TO CLOSE LATER THIS YEAR.

THE OKLAHOMA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE TO RECENT STORM VICTIMS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS.

INDIVIDUALS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE DISASTER BENEFITS IF THEIR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT SUFFERED PHYSICAL DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION, UNABLE TO ACCESS A WORKPLACE BECAUSE OF ITS CLOSURE AS THE GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO THE DISASTER, AND LACK OF WORK OR LOSS OF REVENUES DUE TO THE STORMS.

CLAIMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JULY 1 TO BE CONSIDERED.

THE TULSA JOBS CORPS CENTER IS TEAMING UP WITH STRATATECH EDUCATION GROUP TO PROVIDE TUITION ASSISTANCE TO HELP TRAIN MORE WELDERS.

TO QUALIFY, APPLICANTS MUST BE STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE CENTER AND HAVE AN OK-JOB-MATCH ACCOUNT.

THOSE WHO QUALIFY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE TULSA WELDING SCHOOL.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE U.S. WILL NEED 360,000 NEW WELDERS OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.

UP TO TEN STUDENTS PER COHORT WILL RECEIVE THE ASSISTANCE.

THE OKLAHOMA TOURISM AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT HAS LAUNCHED A NEW AD CAMPAIGN TO ATTRACT VISITORS TO VACATION IN OKLAHOMA.

THE STOP-MOTION VIDEO SERIES WAS CREATED BY A LOCAL ARTIST.

THE CAMPAIGN FEATURES SEVEN DIVERSE LOCATIONS IN OKLAHOMA, INCLUDING ATTRACTIONS ALONG ROUTE 66, SOME OF THE STATE PARKS, AND DOWNTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY.

BIGFOOT IS ALSO FEATURED IN ONE OF THE VIDEOS.

THE TOURISM DEPARTMENT IS CALLING THE CAMPAIGN “FIND YOURSELF IN OKLAHOMA.

” JASON DOYLE.

THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>>> E-SPORTS CONTINUES TO GROW IN POPULARITY AS MORE PEOPLE FIND THEMSELVES GAMING.

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA IS PREPARING TO FULLY OPEN ITS NEW E-SPORTS LAB.

AND AS MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST ANDREW HARTSHORN IS ABOUT TO SHOW US, E-SPORTS IS BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER.

>> LOCATION ON CAMPUS, ONE AND A HALF BLOCKS SOUTH OF THE STADIUM, FACING TRAFFIC EVERY HOME GAME.

WE'RE TALKING -- THE ADDITIONAL SPORTS.

THE CELEBRATION AND THE HIGHLIGHTING OF COMPETITIVE PLAY IN THE HIGHEST FORM.

>> IN HIGH SCHOOL, I WAS ALREADY DOING A SPORT.

BUT HAVING SEEN THE DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES OTHER THAN PLAYING GAMES, THAT'S OPENED MY EYES.

IN HIGH SCHOOL, I WAS DOING BROADCASTING, BROADCASTING NEWS AND -- >> CUT TO PIECES AND INTRODUCED A NEW WORLD TO GAMING.

>> MANY LIKE TO USE IT AS AN ESCAPE.

BUT FOR SOME, PUSH FURTHER FOR HIGHER COMPETITION.

>> I THINK WALKING IN IS NOT KNOWING WHAT EXACTLY THE VIBE WILL BE LIKE.

IS A TESTMENTED OF HOW DIVERSE -- >> WE HAVE TO SPLIT TO DIFFERENT -- COMMUNITY AND LABS, INTERCOLLEGIATE, NEWS AND MEDIA, THE INFLUENCER DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION.

>> ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WALL IS A DEVELOPMENT CENTER.

FOR THE BUILDING OF PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS.

THAT COULD BE TREATED AS ONE, CALLED THE COMMUNITY AND LABS PROGRAM.

THEY'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR TROUBLE SHOOTING HARDWARE.

EVERYTHING WE DID, FOCUS ON THE -- ENGAGEMENT.

>> WE DESIGNED THAT TO BE THE SPACE FOR ALL OF THE OTHER DIVISIONS.

THIS SECTION TO BE FOR COMMUNITY SPECIFIC.

THIS ALLOWS THE COMMUNITY AND LABS TEAMS NOT TO RELY ON THE OTHER HALF.

AND HAVE A MORE OPEN ENVIRONMENT.

>> I HAVE ONE.

>> I LIKE DOING THINGS BEHIND AND IN FRONT OF CAMERAS.

I ENJOY PLAYING GAMES AND GETTING THE WORD OUT THERE.

>> THERE'S NOBODY THERE NOW, BUT YOU CAN SEE THAT -- NUMBER ONE.

>> THAT COULD BE A SHOWCASE PIECE OF THE APPRECIATION OF MUSIC, GAMES LIKE FINAL FANTASY.

THAT COULD BE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR OWN TEAMS AND THE INDIVIDUALS ON THE ROSTER.

>> I LIKE THAT, YOU KNOW, THERE'S PEOPLE OF ALL RACE, JERPD, IDENTITY THAT COMES -- GENDER AND IDENTITY THAT COMES THROUGH THE SPACE EVERY WEEK.

MOST GAMERS ARE KIND OF IN THEIR ROOM.

JUST PLAYING WITH PEOPLE ONLINE OR BY THEMSELVES.

AND THEY DON'T REALLY SEE OTHER PEOPLE IN PERSON.

IT'S NICE TO SIT NEXT TO PEOPLE AND PLAY DIFFERENT GAMES BUT TO HAVE THAT INTERACTION.

>> SEEING IT COME TOGETHER, WOW, I'M HERE FOR THIS AND IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET BETTER.

>>> VISITORS TO THE GROUND FLOOR ROTUNDA AT THE STATE CAPITOL HAVE A NEW PIECE OF ART TO GAZE AT.

THE THIRD PANEL OF THE "LABOR CONQUERS ALL THINGS" MURAL WAS INSTALLED ON MONDAY DEPICTING LIFE IN NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA.

THE MURAL IS BEING PAINTED BY SHAWNEE ARTIST, LUCAS SIMMONS AS A PART OF THE OKLAHOMA ART COUNCIL'S "ART IN PUBLIC PLACES" PROGRAM.

>> IT FEELS IMPORTANT.

IT'S THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE, YOU KNOW, AS YOU'VE HEARD 'EM SAY TODAY, SEVERAL TIMES.

BUT WITH THIS PROJECT, I WAS THINKING IT WOULD BE COOL IF WE HAD, I DON'T KNOW, ARTWORK THAT REPRESENTS THAT, YOU KNOW, MORE, MORE DIFFERENT PEOPLE, GROUPS REPRESENTED AND, AND MORE INDUSTRIES REPRESENTED.

AND OUR LABOR KIND OF TIES US ALL TOGETHER.

>> THIS FEATURES NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA, THIS QUADRANT OF THE STATE, THE INDUSTRIES, THE PEOPLE, THE TOPOGRAPHY.

YOU CAN SEE BLACK MASON IN THE BACKGROUND.

IT'S JUST, IT'S A GREAT WAY FOR OKLAHOMANS TO COME TO THE CAPITOL AND SEE THEMSELVES.

SEE THEY'RE PART OF THE STATE AND THEIR COMMUNITIES AND THEIR INDUSTRY.

IT'S A PLACE TO FEEL LIKE YOU BELONG.

>> THE FOURTH AND FINAL PANEL IS EXPECTED TO BE INSTALLED IN THE COMING MONTHS, WHICH WILL COMPLETE THE ROTUNDA'S MURAL.

>>> FOSTER CARE ADVOCATES ARE LOOKING FOR THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO CARE FOR CHILDREN IN NEED OF A SAFE HOME.

ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, MORE THAN 700 FOSTER FAMILIES ARE NEEDED.

MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD AND HER PANEL OF GUESTS DISCUSS WHAT'S BEING DONE TO FILL IN THE GAP.

>> THERE ARE CURRENTLY MORE THAN 6,000 KIDS IN FOSTER CARE HERE IN OKLAHOMA.

THE STATE IS SEEING AN ALL TIME LOW OF FOSTER FAMILIES TO FILL IN THE GAP.

HERE IS TO DISCUSS THE DIRE NEED IS CHRISTY HILLIARD.

AND JOE DORMAN, AND FINALLY, JENNIFER ABNEY.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME HERE.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING US.

>> WE'RE SEEING A MASSIVE SHORTAGE OF FAMILIES STEPPING FORWARD.

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST EFFECT ON THE RECRUITING AND THE RETENTION RATES.

>> I STARTED AS A FOSTER PARTICIPANT AND I DIDN'T HAVE A -- PARENT AND I DIDN'T HAVE A STRONG UNDERSTANDING.

IT WAS REALLY THE STAFF, THE DATA THAT STIRRED, THAT CAUSED A STIRRING IN MY HEART AND MY HUSBAND'S.

WHEN WE FOUND OUT THE LINKS WERE NOT ABLE TO BE TOGETHER, WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH HOMES, KIDS WITH HIGHER LEVEL NEEDS, KIDS OLDER, IT REALLY -- IT MADE US WANT TO DO SOMETHING.

RIGHT NOW, WITH THE LOWER NUMBER OF FOSTER KIDS THAT WE HAVE, IT SEEMS WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE.

WE'RE NOT ASKING FOR PERFECT FAMILIES, WE'RE ASKING FOR LOVING FAMILIES.

>> JENNIFER, YOU WORKED HAND IN HAND WITH THE FOSTER PARENTS.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FAMILIES FACE?

>> I FEEL LIKE AFTER COVID, PEOPLE WERE LESS LIKELY TO OPEN UP THEIR HOMES TO STRANGERS.

AND I FEEL LIKE WE SAW A DECLINE WITH THE FOSTER FAMILIES AND THE RECRUITMENT WAS TOUGHER.

OUTSIDE, OF SPORT, AND FAMILIES, I DON'T KNOW IT'S LIKE THEY SEEM TO BE IN THE BEST POSITION TO FOSTER NOW THAN BEFORE.

>> WHAT ARE THE POSITIONS OFFERED?

>> BRIGHT SIDE MAERPS, THEY -- MINISTRY, THEY PROVIDE THE ESSENTIALS.

A BUNK BED OR DRESSER DRAWERS.

THEY IMMEDIATELY GO ON TO THE WEBSITE, AND WE HAVE HALO PROJECT.

THAT'S A THERAPY PROGRAM TO HELP KIDS COMING FROM TRAUMA, PTSD, AND REALLY STRUGGLE WITH CONNECTION.

THIS HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE HELP TO TEACH FAMILIES TO LEARN, COMMUNICATE AND BUILD TRUST WITH KIDS.

>> WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT THE OKLAHOMA HUMAN SERVICES ARE DOING TO ADDRESS THE FOSTER SHORTAGE?

>> RIGHT NOW WE'RE DOING DIFFERENT PROJECTS WITH OUR PARTNERS.

AND WE'RE REALLY RIGHT NOW DOING A LOT OF GOOD COLLABORATIONS, LOOKING AT THINGS DIFFERENT.

HOW CAN WE BRING IN FOSTER PARENTS, TO SUPPORT THEM DIFFERENT THAN IN THE PAST.

WE'RE TRYING TO FOCUS ON KEEPING KIDS AT HOME WITH FAMILY IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITY.

SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO MOVE ACROSS STATE, AND FOCUSING ON KEEPING SIBLINGS TOGETHER.

>> WE KNOW THAT OSH HAS A NEW NAME.

TELL US A BIT OF THE PINNACLE PLAN.

>> IN TWELVE WE SETTLED A LAWSUIT AND ENTERED IN THE PIP CONCEAL PLAN IN -- PINNACLE PLAN IN 2013.

IT LOOKED AT REPLACING REPORTS IN CLARIFYING ROLES IN THE SYSTEM.

AND REALLY LOOKING AT SUPPORT AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS DIFFERENTLY THAN BEFORE.

I THINK SOME OF THE THINGS WE FOCUSED ON THROUGH THE YEARS HAVE BEEN REALLY LOOKING AT PARTNERING WITH OUTSIDE AGENCIES.

AND THEN ALSO, LOOKING AT OUR LENGTH OF STAY, AND HOW WE CAN SUPPORT THOSE.

LAST FALL WE GOT OUT 30 MEASURES, AND FOCUSING ON SEVEN THAT ARE LEFT.

THAT ARE AROUND TIMELY PERMANENTSY, AND GETTING THE THERAPEUTIC SERVICES AND SUPPORTING THE HIGHER NEEDS AND HIGHER LEVEL KIDS.

>> THIS HAS BEEN A LARGE PROJECT TO GET OKLAHOMA ON THE MAP.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>>.

>> TELL US THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN THE OLD SYSTEM AND THE NEW SYSTEM.

>> THE ORGANIZATION WHERE I WORK WAS FOUNDED FOUR YEARS AGO, RESULT OF A LAWSUIT.

WE HAVE SEEN A DRAMATIC CHANGE.

WE'VE ALSO HAD THE ELECTED FESHLS WHO HAVE -- OFFICIALS WHO HAVE TRULY SHOWN AN INTEREST IN THIS.

SHE DID IS A TERRIFIC JOB OF REACHING OUT TO THE RELIGIOUS SECTORS OF THE STATE TO HELP AND SERVICE THE ADOPTED PARENTS.

IT'S CONTINUED WITH THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.

>> AND SPEAKING OF IMPROVEMENTS, JENNIFER YOU STARTED YOUR ORGANIZATION THINKING, THERE'S A LOT THAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED.

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST THINGS THAT NEEDED AN IMMEDIATE CHANGE?

>> MODEL FOR THE CARE.

ANGELS, HAS A DIFFERENT MODEL OF CARE.

SO WE HAVE A REALLY GOOD OUTCOME, THE FAMILIES HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BOND AND CONNECT WITH KIDS ON A DEEPER LEVEL.

AND MENTOR KIDS AT HOME.

THEY HAVE THE TIME AND RESOURCES TO HELP FAMILIES, AND TEACHING THE CYCLE IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO ME.

THAT'S WHY THE DEPARTMENT HAS PRIVATE AGENCIES AS PARTNERS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

THEY FOCUS ON THE HEELING AND WE -- HEALING, AND WE FOCUS ON THE FOSTER FAMILY AND THE HEALING, AND CONTINUING WHAT THEY STARTED.

>> IT'S GREAT TO HAVE ORGANIZATIONS TAKING ON DIFFERENT PIECES OF THE ISSUE.

>> HOW DO YOU THINK IT STREAM LINED THE SYSTEM?

>> THE AGENCIES THAT ARE ABLE TO DO THAT AND DO IT QUICKLY.

WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED OMICRON TRAINING THAT -- ONLINE TRAINING THAT THE FOSTER PARENTS CAN ACCESS.

BEFORE YOU HAD TO DO EVERYTHING IN PERSON.

WE HAVE REALLY TRIED TO MOVE TO A MORE FITTING, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE LIKE DOING STUFF ONLINE.

I THINK THAT HAS -- AND ALSO, NOT JUST WITH FOSTER FAMILIES BUT ALSO BIO FAMILIES, WE TRY TO CREATE A SYSTEM WHERE PEOPLE CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE AND SAFE COMING, AND ASKING FOR HELP.

THIS LAST YEAR, I'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME WITH THE FAMILIES, AND FEAR WAS A LOT OF THE TALKS THAT WE TALKED ABOUT.

WE WORKED HARD TO CREATE A SYSTEM IN PLACE WHERE THE FAMILIES CAN COME AND ACCESS THE HELP BEFORE IT GETS TO A POINT WHERE THEY FEEL OVERWHELMED.

WE FOCUSED ON THAT A LOT.

>> I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE HELP TELL US ABOUT THE SERVICES AVAILABLE.

>> WE TALK ABOUT THE NEED OF FOSTER PARENTS, IT WOULD BE SELFISH TO AND THEM TO DO HARD THINGS.

ONE PROGRAM, IS THE FIRST IN THE STATE.

WE'RE SEEING A 93% RETENTION RATE AFTER GRADUATION.

IT'S REALLY EXCITED TO SEE WHAT A MENTOR, WHAT SUPPORT, 24/7, LOVE AND CARE THESE FAMILIES CAN DO FOR THE FAMILY STRUCTURE, AND THE HE'LL AND GROWTH THE -- HEALTH AND GROWTH THE CHILDREN ARE SEEING IS THE CHAER ON TOP.

-- CHERRY ON TOP.

IT'S A HUGE ASK AND WE DON'T TAKE THAT LIGHTLY.

WE THINK IT'S SOMETHING THAT CAN BRING IMMENSE JOY, BUT IT'LL BE A LONELY RIDE IF WE DON'T SUPPORT.

AS PARTNERS, THE NEW WAY IS TO BE ABLE TO LOOK AT THE NEEDS OF THE FAMILY AND REALLY THROW THE KITCHEN SINK AT THE FAMILIES, SOMETIMES THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES OF THE KIDS UNFAIRLY EXPERIENCE.

>> ONE THING WE'VE DONE IN THE PAST IS PRESCRIBED SOMETHING ACROSS THE BOARD.

NOW, WHAT DOES EACH INDIVIDUAL FAMILY NEED FOR SUPPORT.

RATHER THAN YOU -- EVERYONE IS THE SAME.

AND THEY REQUIRE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SUPPORT.

>> AND SPEAKING OF THAT TOPIC, EXACTLY, WHAT ARE YOU HEARING FROM THE FAMILIES?

>> MOST OF THE FAMILIES IN CARE, THEY REALLY WANT SOMEONE TO LISP TO THEM -- LISTEN TO THEM.

THEY NEED AVAILABILITY.

WHEN THEY NEED A RESOURCE, WE PRIDE OURSELVES IN NOT CHANGING YOUR CASE WORKER.

YOU'LL HAVE THE SAME CASEY WORKER THE -- CASE WORKER THE WHOLE TIME.

I NEED HELP PICKING UP THE CHILD.

BEING A TEAM IS WHAT THEY LOVE AND HAVING ACCESS TO TRAINING ONLINE.

TECHNOLOGY IS A GREAT THING.

THEY LOVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH FREEDOM AND ABLE TO DO THINGS IN A FLEXIBLE WAY.

AND HAVING A GREAT VOLUNTEER GROUP, TO BABY SIT, TO TEACH TEENS HOW TO DRIVE.

HAVING PEERS AND HAVING A STAFF THAT WORKING TOGETHER IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO ME.

>> AND JOE WE TOUCHED ON THIS EARLIER, CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE IMPORTANCE OF ALL THE AGENCIES WORKING TOGETHER FOR ONE COMMON GROEL TO SUPPORT THE CHILDREN IN THE FOSTER CARE.

>> IT'S STARKLY DIFFERENT THAN 40 YEARS AGO.

YOU HAD AN AGENCY THAT RULED THE ROOST, AND THERE WAS LITTLE INPUT FROM OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS.

NOW, THE ORGANIZATIONS GET TO SIT DOWN WITH THE OSH, AND TALK THROUGH SOME OF THE PROBLEMS.

THE GOVERNOR PUT TOGETHER A TASK FORCE, AND OVER SEVERAL MONTHS THEY MADE THROUGH AND MADE TREMENDOUS RECOMMENDATIONS THAT NEED TO BE CHANGED IN THE FOSTER SYSTEM.

NOW, CONVINCING THE LEGISLATURE TO PASS THOSE.

>> WE'RE ABOUT OUT OF TIME.

I WANT TO AFGHANISTAN THIS QUESTION -- ASK THIS QUESTION TO EVERYONE.

HOW CAN PEOPLE NOT INTERESTED IN FOSTERING A CHILD, HOW CAN WE HELP?

>> GO ONLINE, AND CALL THEM UP, GO TO THE WEBSITE, YOU CAN GO TO OURS, THERE'S VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, WAYS TO HELP.

WE ALWAYS NEED FUNDING, IF YOU HAVE A FOUNDATION OR WANT TO COME AND HELP ORGANIZE THE RESOURCE CLOSET.

OR HELP WITH CHRISTMAS GRIFFITHS.

THERE'S MILLIONS OF -- GIFTS, THERE'S MILLIONS OF THINGS TO DO.

THERE'S SO MANY WAYS.

GO ONLINE.

OKAYFOSTERS, AND SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT YOU WANT TO DO.

>> I SEE AN EIGHT LANE HIGHWAY, AND TO GET TO OUR DESTINATION, WE HAVE TO BE MOVING IN THE SAME DIRECTION AND STAYING IN OUR LANE.

I THINK AS FAMILIES THAT WANT TO COME ALONGSIDE FOSTER PARENTS, LAUNDERING, PICK UP, DROP OFF, TUTORING.

WE CAN CONNECT YOU WITH A FAMILY.

>> POLICY ISSUES, WITH THE CHANGES THAT WE NEED TO SEE IN THE SYSTEM, WE HOLD A CONFERENCE IN NOVEMBER.

WE ENCOURAGE INDIVIDUALS TO SIGN UP FOR THAT, AND SHARE THEIR LIVED EXPERIENCES AND VOICES, AND MAKE SURE THAT'S BROUGHT TO THE TABLE.

THE TEAM IS WORKING ON A PROJECT, TO LOOK AT WAYS WE CAN REVAMP PORTIONS OF THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.

WHEN PEOPLE SPEAK UP, AT THE CAPITOL.

>> THAT'S ALL THE TIME WE HAVE, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> LIFE TAKES BALANCE.

BUT AS OUR FRIENDS AT SOUTH DAKOTA PUBLIC BROADCASTING SHOW US, SOME TAKE IT MORE SERIOUSLY THAN OTHERS.

IN THIS WEEKS "NATIONAL VIEW" WE'RE HEADING UP NORTH TO TAKE A RIDE WITH A UNICYCLE CLUB.

>> ALMOST RIDING A BIKE IS -- IT'S DIFFERENT HERE THAN OTHER PLACES.

>> IT'S HARD TO STAY ON AND KEEPING -- MOSTLY HARD TO STAY ON WITH IT AND TRYING TO GO.

A LOT OF PEOPLE -- IT'S NOT THE HARDEST THING IN THE WORLD BUT IT TAKES TIME.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

AND TIMBERLAKE, TWO WHEELS A LOT OF THE KIDS LEARN TO TRAVEL ON ONE.

>> GO RIGHT AROUND AND GO TO PLACES WITH A NORMAL BIKE YOU CAN'T.

>> ALL THIS UNION U -- UNICYCLING.

>> AFTER A FEW YEARS OF COLLEGE, WE WERE AT A BIKE SHOP AND BOUGHT AN UNI CYCLE.

>> HE DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO GET HIS FAMILY INVOLVED WITH HIS HOBBY.

>> OUR OLDEST DAUGHTER TURNED 8, WE GAVE HER ONE FOR THE BIRTHDAY, AND IT EXPLODED FROM THERE.

>> MY DAD STARTED IN COLLEGE AND MY MOM DID AFTER THEY GOT MARRIED.

AND MY SISTER LEARNED AND I LEARNED AND MY BROTHER LEARNED.

>> IT'S NICE TO HAVE A FAMILY, NOT MANY KIDS CANRIDE ONE.

>> THEY SOON CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF THE COMMUNITY.

AND OTHERS WANTED TO LEARN THE ART.

>> WE'VE HAD FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS OVER THE YEARS, AND THEY'VE HAD TO LEARN.

WE'VE TAUGHT A LOT OF KIDS OVER THE YEAR.

THERE'S ABOUT 30 PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY THAT CAN RIDE.

WE'RE THE HIGHEST PER CAPITA UNICYCLE COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD.

>> THEY BEGAN PERFORMING IN THE STATE.

>> THE KIDS COME AND GO, IT'S FUN FOR A WHILE, THEN THEY GET OLDER, THEY MOVE ON TO DIFFERENT HOBBIES OR THIS AND THAT.

AND SOME LIKE DOING HALFTIME SHOWS, THEY DO THAT.

SOME LIKE THE TALENT SHOW IN THE SUMMER.

MOST EVERYONE LIKES TO -- PARADE.

AND EVERYONE'S SCHEDULE IS DIFFERENT.

SOMETIMES EVERYONE WANTS THE PARADES IN THE SUMMER AND IT WORKS OUT.

>> IT'S A FUN HOBBY TO DO.

FUN TO GO AROUND AND DO HALFTIME SHOWS AND PARADES AND STUFF.

>> IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN.

>> THERE'S AN OLD SAYING, ONLY 10% KNOWLEDGE, AND 40 -- >> YOU CAN PICK IT UP AT ANY AGE.

>> IT'S JUST REALLY FUN.

YOU CAN DO A LOT OF THINGS ON IT, IT'S NOT JUST ONE WAY.

>> IT'S UNIQUE TO RIDE ONE.

>>> ON THE NEXT EDITION OF THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT".

WHEN SEVERE WEATHER STRIKES THE FARM, HOW DO THEY RECOVER FROM LIVESTOCK AND CROP LOSSES?

STEVE SHAW REPORTS FROM RURAL OKLAHOMA, NEXT FRIDAY.

WE'LL SAY SO LONG THIS WEEK WITH A LOOK AT SCISSORTAIL PARK.

SHOT AND EDITED BY O.E.T.A.

'S BRANDON DOWNEY.

FOR ALL OF US WHO PLAY A ROLE IN PUTTING THIS NEWSCAST ON THE AIR EACH WEEK, I'M TAELYR JACKSON , HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.