>> PRISONERS COME TO THE AID OF THE ELDERLY AFTER THEIR AIR CONDITIONING BREAKS DOWN.

>> THE CENTER OUT HERE AND THEIR LEADERSHIP ARE REAL QUICK TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY.

>> CITY LEADERS FROM ACROSS OKLAHOMA GATHER TO ADDRESS COMMON CHALLENGES.

>> HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN THAT IS UPDATED.

THERE ARE A LOT OF COMMUNITIES AND WE HAVE ONE ON THE SHELF, BUT WE HAVEN'T LOOKED AT IT IN 10 OR 15 YEARS BECAUSE WE HAVEN'T NEEDED IT.

>> WE SHARE EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS STORIES THANKS TO THE GENESYS PROJECT.

>> WE'VE BEEN REALLY EXCITED TO SEE THE GROWTH THAT'S HAPPENED THE PAST YEAR.

WE'RE IN MORE SCHOOLS NOW, SO WE ARE IN SEVEN SCHOOLS, LAST YEAR WE WERE IN THREE.

>> COMMEMORATING THE 23RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE 9-11 ATTACKS ON AMERICA.

>> THE VISIONARY NETWORK IS OUR EFFORT TO START TO REACH THE 100 MILLION AMERICANS TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED ON 9/11.

>> AN INDEPTH CONVERSATION ON ACCOUNTABILITY WHEN SCHOOL SHOOTINGS OCCUR.

>> THIS IS NOT A DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY ENDEAVOR, THIS IS THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA WORKING TOGETHER.

>> THOSE STORIES AND MUCH MORE, NEXT ON THE “OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT”.

[♪♪♪♪♪] >> Rich: HELLO EVERYONE, WELCOME TO THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT."

I'M RICH LENZ.

>>> OKLAHOMA SUMMER HEAT CAN BE DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY FOR THE ELDERLY.

IN LATE AUGUST, RESIDENTS OF A SENIOR LIVING CENTER IN ALVA LOST THEIR AIR CONDITIONING AND YOU MAY BE SURPRISED WHO DECIDED TO ROLL UP THEIR SLEEVES AND SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

STEVE SHAW HAS A REALLY GOOD STORY TO TELL.

>> RICH, AIR CONDITIONING IS A BIG DEAL.

WHEN IT'S 90-PLUS DEGREES OUTSIDE, INMATE FROM BILL JOHNSON CORRECTIONAL CENTER IN ALVA STEPPED UP WHEN IT DIDN'T LOOK SO GOOD.

>> NEAL, HOW OLD ARE YOU?

>> 97.

>> WHAT A STUD.

>> LAST MONTH.

>> Reporter: NEAL HENDERSON IS A RESIDENT AT THE SHARE CONVALESCE SENT HOME IN ALVA, WHICH HOUSES AROUND 35 SENIORS.

171 MILES NORTHWEST OF OKLAHOMA CITY AND 12 MILES SOUTH OF THE KANSAS STATE LINE.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON, AUGUST 23RD, TEMPERATURES INSIDE WERE ABOUT TO SOAR ABOVE 80.

FOR RESIDENTS AND STAFF WHO REMEMBER WERE ALSO DEALING WITH A RECENT COVID OUTBREAK.

>> WELL, IT'S HOT.

YEAH, IT WAS HOT AND OF COURSE THOSE FACE MASKS, ALL THE HELP HAD TO WEAR AND MADE IT HARDER FOR THEM AND YEAH.

>> Reporter: KELLY PARKER IS ALVA'S MAYOR AND IS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF SHARE MEDICAL CENTER, WHICH ALSO OPERATES THE SHARE RETIREMENT FACILITY.

HE SAYS THE CULPRIT WAS A BROKEN WATER LINE BURIED SEVERAL FEET UNDERGROUND.

PARKER SAYS STAFF MEMBERS QUICKLY REALIZED THEY DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH HELP TO ADDRESS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT WAS QUICKLY ESCALATING.

SO, HE CALLED THE WARDEN AT NEARBY BILL JOHNSON CORRECTIONAL CENTER, WHICH IS A MINIMUM SECURITY PRISON WITH 535 INMATES.

>> WE WERE SURPRISED AT HOW QUICKLY THEY RESPONDED.

>> NO, I WASN'T.

THE CORRECTIONAL CENTER OUT HERE AND THEIR LEADERSHIP ARE REAL QUICK TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY AND YOU KNOW, ANY TIME YOU HAVE A SITUATION WHERE PEOPLE ARE IN NEED, CLEARLY WITH AN AIR CONDITIONER SITUATION IN AUGUST, IT'S SOMETHING THAT FOLKS UP HERE KNOW IS IMPORTANT.

I WASN'T SURPRISED AT ALL.

I ANTICIPATED THAT THEY DO WHATEVER THEY COULD TO HELP US OUT.

>> Reporter: THIS WAS NOT EASY WORK.

THE INMATES HAD TO HELP DIG AT LEAST 5 FEET DOWN INTO THE GROUND TO GET TO A WATER LINE THAT RUNS FROM THE BACK OF THE FACILITY OUT HERE TO THE FACILITY'S COOLING TOWER.

>> THE LINE BETWEEN THE CHILLER AND THE COOLING TOWER HAD BEEN DAMAGED, OR YOU KNOW, WHETHER IT WAS DAMAGE OR JUST KIND OF -- >> WEAR AND TEAR.

>> OUR A FAILURE.

ANYWAY, IT FAILED.

SO, THEY HELPED US GAIN ACCESS TO THAT LINE UNDERGROUND SO THAT OUR STAFF COULD MAKE THE REPAIR TO THAT LINE AND THEN THEY COVERED IT BACK UP.

>> OH MY.

THAT IS REALLY GREAT TO HAVE HELP LIKE THAT FROM THE INMATES.

YES.

>> Reporter: BERNARD NETZ IS ONE OF THE BILL JOHNSON INMATES THAT STEPPED UP.

>> ALL IN ALL, IT'S A COUPLE HOURS.

>> IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH US ABOUT WHAT GOT YOU HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE?

>> I MEAN JUST POOR DECISIONS, BAD CHOICES.

I'M JUST TRYING TO MAKE UP FOR IT.

>> I JUST TURNED DOWN THE WRONG ROAD AT A YOUNG AGE AND I'M PAYING MY DUES FOR IT.

>> Reporter: JERMAINE JACKSON IS A SHAWNEE NATIVE WHO SPENT 13 OF HIS 38 YEARS BEHIND BARS, BUT HE HOPES TO SOON RETURN TO A CAREER AS AN OIL FIELDWORKER.

>> GET BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

>> THAT'S SOME HARD WORK.

WHY DID YOU FEEL LIKE YOU WANTED TO DO THAT?

>> JUST TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

I MEAN I'VE BEEN GIVING, SO IT'S NICE TO GIVE BACK, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN?

>> Reporter: JACOB PEREZ HAS BEEN AT BILL JOHNSON SINCE MARCH.

>> SO I'M HERE BECAUSE I STRUGGLE WITH ALCOHOLISM.

THAT'S WHAT GOT ME HERE, DRINKING AND DRIVING.

I OFFENDED TOO MANY TIMES.

A LOT OF IT HAD TO DO WE WERE ASKED TO DO IT.

SO, YOU KNOW, IT WAS NICE TO GET AWAY FROM THIS PLACE FOR A LITTLE BIT AND GO HELP.

I WASN'T REALLY SURE EXACTLY WHAT WE WERE GOING TO DO, BUT I KNEW WE WERE GOING TO DO SOMETHING FOR THE RETIREMENT HOME.

>> Reporter: WHEN THEY SAY YOU'RE GOING TO HELP SOME RETIREMENT FACILITY FOLKS, THAT CATCHES YOU A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT, DOESN'T IT?

>> YES, I WAS GLAD THAT WE GOT TO DO SOMETHING.

I MEAN, IT IS NICE TO GIVE BACK, ESPECIALLY AFTER YOU JUST -- SEEMS LIKE YOU CAUSED SO MANY PROBLEMS.

>> WE ALWAYS ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE PARTNERSHIPS WE HAVE HERE IN ALVA.

>> Reporter: DEPUTY WARDEN SCOTTY SAID THAT THEIR FACILITY OBSERVED THEIR 29th BIRTHDAY LAST THURSDAY.

HE SAYS THEY ARE VERY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT ONLY 1% OF THEIR INMATES, WHO ARE RELEASED, RE-OFFEND IN THE FIRST YEAR, WHICH IS NEAR THE TOP, IF NOT TOP IN THE STATE.

>> GETTING THE INMATES HERE, WE HAVE DRILL INSTRINSTRUCTORS.

THIS IS A PARAMILITARY FACILITY WHEN YOU COME IN.

JUST LIKE IN BASIC TRAINING, THEY BREAK YOU DOWN AND THEN WE BUILD YOU BACK UP.

>> THE GUYS SAY THEY WOULD DO IT AGAIN.

>> JUST AN OPPORTUNITY AND I CHOSE TO GO.

>> Reporter: YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO.

>> NO.

>> Reporter: THAT'S HARD WORK.

IT'S HOT WORK.

>> I'M NOT SCARED OF NO WORK.

>> Reporter: THIS GIVES YOU SOME MOMENTUM FOR WHEN YOU GET OUT.

>> YES, SIR, YES.

>> THEY DIG THE HOLE AND THEY FILLED BACK IN WHEN THE JOB WAS COMPLETE.

THAT HELP WAS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED, PERFORMED BY THE INMATES.

WITHOUT THEM, IT REMINDS ME OF THE OLD TIMES WHEN WE DIDN'T HAVE AIR CONDITIONING.

>> Reporter: AND BY THE WAY, NEAL HENDERSON SAYS WAY BACK IN THE DAY, HE KNEW THE MAN THAT BILL JOHNSON CORRECTIONAL CENTER WAS NAMED AFTER.

RICH.

>> Rich: STEVE, GREAT STORY.

THANK YOU.

>>> GOVERNOR STITT CONTINUES TO PUSH FOR INNOVATION IN THE WORKFORCE.

HE ANNOUNCED THE FORMATION OF A TASK FORCE TO CREATE CURRICULUMS MORE ALIGNED WITH THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE.

THE TASK FORCE WILL EXAMINE WAYS SCHOOLS CAN EWE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, VIRTUAL REALITY, AND OTHER TECHNOLOGIES TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR JOBS THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CREATED YET.

THE GOVERNOR'S EDUCATION SECRETARY NELLIE SANDERS WILL CHAIR THAT TASK FORCE.

>> WE HAVE A MODEL RIGHT NOW THAT REALLY PRIORITIZES THE ABOUT TO TAKE A TEST AND TO PASS THE TEST.

IT'S ALMOST A CROSSROADS BETWEEN FIGURING OUTDO WE WANT TEACHERS PRIORITIZING ON TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO PASS TESTS OR HOW TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE INNOVATION IN THE FUTURE, NO MATTER WHAT COMES?

THESE ARE CHILDREN THAT ARE GOING TO RETIRE IN THE YEAR 2090, IF THEY ARE BORN TODAY.

THE LIFE THAT THEY WILL BE FACING IS GOING TO HAVE UNIMAGINABLE DYNAMICS THAT WE REALLY CAN'T EVEN GET OUR HEADS AROUND TODAY.

>> Rich: THE TASK FORCE WILL REPORT THEIR FINDINGS TO THE GOVERNOR FOUR TIMES A YEAR.

>>> WHAT MADE THE SCHOOL SHOOTING LAST WEEK IN GEORGIA DIFFERENT THAN MANY OTHERS IN RECENT MEMORIES?

TWO THINGS, ONE, THE F.B.I.

DID HAVE THE 14-YEAR-OLD ON THEIR RADAR AND FAMILY MEMBERS HAD PUT OUT WARNINGS ON HIS MENTAL CONDITION.

IT DID NOT STOP THE CARNAGE.

THE FATHER OF COLE GRAY WAS ARRESTED 48 HOURS WITHIN THE SHOOTING AND FACES THE HARSHEST CHARGES AGAINST THE PARENT OF A GUNMAN.

THINGS HAVE CHANGED AND THAT'S THE FOCUS OF THIS WEEK'S IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD.

HERE'S A PREVIEW.

>> THIS CASE IN GEORGIA IS SIMILAR TO OXFORD, MICHIGAN WHERE PARENTS WERE SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED FOR THEIR ROLE IN PROVIDING FIREARMS TO THEIR SON.

I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR, THIS IS IN CASE OF WHERE THERE IS PRETTY EGREGIOUS NEGLIGENCE.

THIS IS NOT JUST HOLDING PARENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR KIDS' BEHAVIORS.

THESE ARE ACTIONS THAT THE PARENTS TOOK THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVASTATION THAT HAPPENED.

>> THE YOUNG MAN WAS IN SCHOOL, IN THE EIGHTH GRADE WHEN THE ORIGINAL INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE.

SO, WHEN HE GRADUATED FROM THERE, HE MOVED TO ANOTHER COUNTY WITH HIS FAMILY, TO ANOTHER SCHOOL.

THE GAP, AND AS FAR AS WE KNOW, IS THAT THE INFORMATION DIDN'T FOLLOW HIM OR IF IT DID, IT WASN'T WIDESPREAD.

SO THE PROBLEM IS HOW DO WE GET THAT INFORMATION TO FOLLOW?

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

>>> WEDNESDAY MARCHED THE 23rd ANNIVERSARY OF THE 9-1-1 TERROR ATTACK.

SINCE THAT TIME, NEARLY 100 MILLION AMERICANS HAVE BEEN BORN.

MAINTAINING THE SIGNIFICANCE AND UNDERSTANDING WHAT HAPPENED ON THAT DARK DAY IS THE MISSION OF THE 9/11 MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM VISIONARY NETWORK.

THIS WEEK I SPOKE WITH THE PRESIDENT AND C.E.O.

OF THE MUSEUM.

>> Rich: BETH HILLMAN, THE PRESIDENT AND C.E.O.

OF THE MUSEUM.

LET'S EXPLAIN HOW THE VISIONARY NETWORK CAME ABOUT AND WHAT ARE THEIR GOALS.

>> IT'S OUR EFFORT TO REACH THE 100 MILLION AMERICANS TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED ON 9-1-1.

THE VISIONARY NETWORK IS A GROUP OF LEADERS, EMERGING LEADERS, ESTABLISHED LEADERS IN THEIR 20s, 30s, AND 40s, WHO ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING US REACH THEIR COLLEAGUES, THEIR FRIENDS, THEIR KIDS WHO CAN'T REMEMBER 9/11, FOR WHOM 9/11 IS HISTORY AND NOT A LIVED MEMORY.

THE VISIONARY NETWORK ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE DIRECTLY EFFECTED BY 9/11, INSPIRED TO SERVE IN THE MILITARY, EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, AND SOCIAL WORK, INSPIRED TO REACH MORE PEOPLE BY TELLING THEIR COLLEAGUES WHAT THEY EXPERIENCED.

>> Rich: IN YOUR VIEW, IS THERE A DANGER THAT PEOPLE ARE LOSING INTEREST IN 9/11?

DO WE SEE INDICATION OF THAT?

>> MORE THAN 6,000 HAVE DIED FROM 9/11 HEALTH EFFECTS.

I DON'T SEE A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT 9/11.

WE HAD ALMOST 80 MILLION PEOPLE VISIT THE MEMORIAL SINCE IT OPENED ON THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACK.

WE HAD ALMOST 24 MILLION PEOPLE VISIT THE MUSEUM.

>> Rich: LET ME ASK YOU, WHERE DO WE STAND IN TERMS OF MAKING SURE PEOPLE WHO BECAME ILL OR DIED FROM 9/11 RELATED ILLNESSES ARE BEING TAKEN CARE OF OR THEIR FAMILIES ARE COMPENSATED.

>> WE HAVE A NEW INSULATION IN THE MUSEUM.

BECAUSE OF THEIR EFFORTS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECOGNIZED EVERY CANCER HAS BEEN TIED TO EXPOSURE TO 9/11 TOXINS AND WE ALL THINK ABOUT 400,000 PEOPLE ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER FOR THE WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM.

ONLY ABOUT A THIRD OF THAT NUMBER ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED.

SO WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO GET THE WORD OUT FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THAT, IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE, THEY SHOULD JOIN THE WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM, WHICH OFFERS FREE MONITORING, AND CONGRESS WORKS TO FUND THAT, WHETHER THE FUNDS WILL BE ENOUGH, GIVEN THE TREMENDOUS NEED THERE, WE WILL SEE.

CONGRESS IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUING TO FUND IT AND THE VICTIMS COMPENSATION PROGRAM OFFERS COMPENSATION FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED.

>> Rich: BETH, WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF THE ACTS OF ADVOCACY AND ENGAGEMENT?

>> THE VISIONARY NETWORK HELPS US REACH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WHO MIGHT NOT REALIZE THE CRISIS LEADERSHIP LESSONS THAT 9/11 TAUGHT US IN SO MANY DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, IN PUBLIC AND IN PRIVATE ROLES.

OUR VISIONARY NETWORK ALSO HELPS US REACH YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH HOSTING EVENTS LIKE OUR ANNUAL 5K.

EVERY SPRING, WE HOST A 5K.

WE BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO RUN ALONG THE VERY ROUTE HERE IN LOWER MANHATTAN THAT PEOPLE TOOK AS THEY RUSHED TO THE WORLD TRADE CENTER TO HELP WHEN THEY REALIZED THAT PLANES HAD HIT THE TOWERS.

SO WE THINK THAT HAVING A NEW GENERATION OF AMBASSADORS, A NEW GENERATION OF ADVOCATES AND TRANSLATORS OF WHAT HAPPENED THAT DAY AND AFTERWARDS, WE THINK THAT MAKES IT MORE LIKELY THAT WE WILL REACH THE YOUNG PEOPLE THAT ARE OUT THERE.

SO THE VISIONARY NETWORK HELPS US REACH MORE SCHOOLS, HELPS US REACH MORE FAMILIES.

>> Rich: HOW SIGNIFICANT IS IT TO KEEP THE PUBLIC EDUCATED ABOUT 9/11 TO HELP ENSURE THAT A TERROR ATTACK OF THAT MAGNITUDE WOULD NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.

>> WE THINK THE VIGILANCE THAT IS SO IMPORTANT IN OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCIES, OUR ARMED FORCES, OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, AND OUR GENERAL PUBLIC.

WE THINK EVERYONE IS BETTER PREPARED TO PREVENT AND RESPOND IF SOMETHING HAPPENED THAN IF THEY IGNORED THOSE LESSONS OF HISTORY.

>> Rich: BETH, YOUR PERSONAL THOUGHTS AS WE COMMEMORATE THE 23rd ANNIVERSARY OF 9-1-1.

>> AS A VETERAN, I'M GRATEFUL WE'RE HELPING PEOPLE HOW TO SERVE AND THE MILITARY RESPONSE IS A PART OF THE AFTERMATH OF IN BETWEEN 9/11.

AS A HISTORIAN, THE 9/11 LESSONS OF HISTORY ARE AS COMPELLING AS ANY.

SO I THINK IT'S BEEN ESPECIALLY FORTUNATE FOR ME TO WITNESS THE IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY AND HELP FIGURE OUT HOW TO TRANSLATE THOSE LESSONS FOR THE PEOPLE WHO OTHERWISE MIGHT ENCOUNTER THEM.

>> Rich: BETH HILLMAN, THE PRESIDENT AND C.E.O.

OF THE 9/11 MUSEUM IN NEW YORK CITY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU, IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO BE WITH YOU.

>> Rich: THE OKLAHOMA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE HELD ITS ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN TULSA THIS WEEK WITH LEADERS ABOUT 500 OKLAHOMA COMMUNITIES GATHERING TO SHARE SOLUTIONS TO THEIR COMMON CHALLENGES AND BIG TOPIC THIS YEAR WAS DEALING WITH SEVERE WEATHER.

JASON DOYLE ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE AND JOINS US NOW.

>> Jason: RICH, WILDFIRES TO TORNADOS, TO FLOODING, TO DROUGHTS, OKLAHOMA CITIES AND TOWNS HAVE SEEN IT ALL.

JUST THIS YEAR THERE HAVE BEEN FIVE FEDERAL DISASTERS DECLARED DUE TO WILDFIRES AND SEVERE STORMS.

THE OKLAHOMA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE IS HELPING OUR CITIES AND TOWNS PREPARE FOR THE WORST AND HOPE FOR THE BEST.

ON WEDNESDAY, DEMOLITION GOT UNDERWAY ON THE GROUNDS OF THE MERCY HEALTH LOVE COUNTY HOSPITAL IN MARE MARRY ETA.

A TORNADO RIPPED THROUGH SEVERAL BUSINESSES.

THEY ARE TEARING DOWN THE FORMER AMBULANCE STATIONS.

IT'S PART OF STARTING OVER AFTER A MAJOR DISASTER STRIKES.

>> I THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE BACK BETTER THAN BEFORE WHEN IT'S ALL SAID AND DONE.

I TRULY BELIEVE THAT.

>> Reporter: THE MAYOR KERMIT HAD ONLY BEEN ON THE JOB FOR THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE LATE APRIL TORNADO HIT.

HE WILL BE SPENDING THE REST OF HIS TERM IN OFFICE HELPING TO BRING HIS BELOVED TOWN BACK.

>> I TOLD THE CITY COUNCIL LAST NIGHT AT OUR MEETING THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT A MINIMUM TWO YEARS TO THREE YEARS TO GET THINGS BACK TO FULL STEAD.

>> Reporter: RECOVERY EFFORTS ARE UNDERWAY, THE HOSPITAL GETTING THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES, AND RIGHT NOW I'M IN THE PARKING LOT OF WHAT USE TO BE THE ONLY GROCERY STORE HERE.

IT IS BEING PREPARED FOR ITS EVENTUAL REPLACEMENT.

RIGHT ACROSS THE HIGHWAY, WORK IS BEING DONE TO BRING DOWN THE REMNANTS OF THE DOLLAR TREE WAREHOUSE.

WHEN THE TORNADO RIPPED THROUGH, IT DESTROYED AROUND 450 JOBS.

MOST OF THOSE FOLKS ARE DOING OKAY.

>> I THINK EVERYBODY THAT IS LOOKING FOR WORK, FOUND WORK.

WE'RE STILL GIVING OUT EMERGENCY GROCERIES EVERY TUESDAY AT GREENVILLE, IT'S BEEN MOVED TO GREENVILLE FROM OUR FAIRGROUNDS AND SO THE PEOPLE THAT IF THEY DID LOSE JOBS, THEY STILL HAVE THAT TO FALL BACK TO.

>> Reporter: JUST THE DAY BEFORE WE MET WITH THE MAYOR McKINNEY AND HE TOLD US SEVERAL MUNICIPAL LEADERS WHO WEATHERED STORMS AND DISASTERS GATHERED AS PART OF THE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS WHAT THEY DO WHEN DIASTER STRIKES.

>> OUR CITY HAS HAD AN EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN IN PLACE THAT LEAVES THEM BEFORE I WAS THE DIRECTOR AND THAT'S BEEN 33 YEARS.

>> Reporter: HAVING AN EMERGENCY PLAN UPDATED AND THERE ARE A LOT OF COMMUNITIES IN SMALLER AND BIGGER TOWNS THAT HAVE ONE ON THE SHELF, BUT THEY HAVEN'T LOOKED AT IT IN 10 TO 15 YEARS.

>> Reporter: JOHN SHOULD KNOW.

HIS COUNTY FACED AN EF-3 TORNADO.

>> WE HAVE LEARNED A LOT SINCE THEN.

IT'S NOT ONLY THE RECOVERY EFFORTS AND HOW TO REBUILD AS A COMMUNITY, BUT FROM THE BACK END ON THE FISCAL STANDPOINT IS WHERE MOST OF US DON'T REALLY APPRECIATE OR UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS AND WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO WITH THE STATE AND WITH FEMA ONCE IT IS DECLARED A DISASTER.

>> Reporter: ONE OF THE BIGGEST HURDLES IN A POST-DISASTER SITUATION IS HOW CITIES GET THEIR FUNDING FOR OPERATIONS.

>> SEEING THAT WE'RE THE ONLY STATE THAT REQUIRES CITIES AND TOWNS TO BE FUNDED OFF OF ONE SOLE INCOME SOURCE, AND THAT'S SALES TAX ONLY.

WE'RE THE ONLY STATE THAT STILL DOES THAT.

IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE UNDERSTAND FULLY OUR RECOVERY OPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FISCAL NATURE OF THOSE DISASTERS.

>> Reporter: SALES TAXES AREN'T USUALLY DRAMATICALLY IMPACTED BY A WIDESPREAD DISASTER DAMAGING AND DESTROYING BUSINESSES THAT GENERATE THAT SALES TAX.

MAYOR McKINNEY SAYS SALES TAX IS DOWN, BUT A SALES TAXED FOR GOODS DELIVERED LIKE IN AMAZON, ARE KEEPING UP WITH THE NEED.

>> OUR SALES TAX HAS FALLEN OFF, APPROXIMATELY 33% TO 35%.

>> Reporter: THINGS LIKE EQUIPMENT TO HELP WITH DEBRIS REMOVAL AND A SCHOOL PROJECT WHICH IS FINISHING UP HAD A MAJOR INFLUENCE ON THE RISE IN USE TAX COLLECTION.

>> SO OUR USE TAX WENT UP, AS HIGH AS 275%.

IT'S BACK DOWN TO NORMAL NOW.

>> Reporter: THE MAYOR SAYS IF THINGS STAY THE SAME, THINGS SHOULD EVEN OUT FOR THE TAX COLLECTION THIS FISCAL YEAR.

HE ADDS BECAUSE OF THAT, THE CITY OF MARIETTA HADN'T HAD TO CUT JOBS.

PARTNERS LIKE THE CHICKASAW NATION IS HELPING TOO.

>> WHAT COMES TO MARIETTA WILL BE A NEW EMERGENCY ROOM MADE FOR MODULAR BUILDINGS.

SO HOPEFULLY THEY WILL BE STARTING ON THOSE SOON.

>> Reporter: THAT LEADS BACK TO A POINT DURING THE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE WHERE MUCH OF THE TALK WAS ABOUT BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL, COUNTY, STATE, TRIBAL, AND FEDERAL PARTNERS.

>> IT'S ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS, UTILIZING THE ASSETS WE HAVE HERE IN THE STATE, CERTAINLY WITH OEM AND MAKING SURE THAT YOU DO EVERYTHING RIGHT ON THE GET GO, UTILIZING THE FEMA RATES FOR EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL, AND THE PROCUREMENT PROCESSES.

SO KNOWING THOSE THINGS ARE A REQUIREMENT BEFORE A DISASTER HITS IS PARAMOUNT TO SUCCESSFUL FISCAL RECOVERY.

>> Reporter: TO HELP WITH SOME OF THE FISCAL NEEDS, THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR APPROVED THE REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM THROUGH THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

>> IF THEY MEET THEIR SHARE OF A DISASTER, THEN THERE IS A PROGRAM WHERE THEY CAN BORROW MONEY FROM THE STATE TO COVER THAT SHORTFALL THEY HAVE.

>> Reporter: JOHN DEAN WITH STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SAYS THAT FUND WILL BE READY FOR NEXT SPRING'S STORM SEASON, PROVIDING 0 INTEREST LEARN FOR THOSE IN NEED.

BACK IN MARIETTA, THE MAYOR IS LOOKING TO ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES AND IS HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE OF HIS SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA TOWN.

>> HOPEFULLY BEFORE I DIE, I WILL HAVE A BUSINESS IN EVERY BUILDING DOWNTOWN.

THAT'S MY GOAL.

>> Reporter: AS MENTIONED EARLIER, THE CHICKASAW NATION IS HELPING THEM WITH REPLACING THEIR EMERGENCY ROOM.

RICH.

>> Rich: JASON, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THE TRUST FOR AMERICAN HEALTH HAS RELEASED THEIR OBESITY REPORT FOR 2024.

IT REVEALS A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT IN OKLAHOMA'S OBESITY RATE.

38% ARE CONSIDERED OBESE, DOWN FROM 40% A YEAR AGO.

20% OF OKLAHOMA KIDS ARE CONSIDERED OBESE.

IN THE LAST 20 YEAR, OBESITY RATES NATIONWIDE RISEN 37% FOR ADULTS, AND 42% FOR CHILDREN.

>> WE KNOW THAT OBESITY IS REALLY A COMPLEX PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE.

IT'S A CHRONIC DISEASE AND THERE ARE MANY FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO OBESITY.

IT GOES BEYOND INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL BEHAVIOR.

REALLY IT INCLUDES A PERSON'S ENVIRONMENT, WHETHER THEY HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTHY AND AFFORDABLE NUTRITIOUS FOODS AND LIVE IN A COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE THEY ARE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, THAT IS CONVENIENT, THAT IS SAFE.

WE KNOW OUR FOOD SUPPLY AND SYSTEM PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ENSURING THAT PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS.

WHEN YOU SEE THERE IS AN INCREASE OF OBESITY ACROSS THE NATION, WE KNOW THIS IS A POPULATION LEVEL ISSUE.

>> Rich: SHE IS URGING CONGRESS TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR OBESITY PROGRAMS.

>>> IN 2023, THE GENESYS WORKS PROGRAM PROVED THEY CAN PROVIDE REAL WORLD LEARNING THROUGH INTERNSHIPS IN THEIR CAREERS OF INTEREST.

EDUCATION REPORTER TAELYR JACKSON JOINS US MORE.

>> Cassidy:.

>> I SPOKE WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ON HOW THE PROGRAM HAS EXPANDED.

>> Reporter: THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAID THEY ADDED FIVE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS SINCE LAST YEAR.

>> I AM EXCITED TO SEE THE GROWTH THAT HAS HAPPENED THE PAST YEAR.

THEY'RE IN SEVEN SCHOOLS.

LAST YEAR WE WERE IN THREE.

>> Reporter: THEY HAVE SEEN AN INCREASE IN STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM THIS YEAR.

>> WE HAD 27 IN OUR COHORT, LAST YEAR WE HAD 16.

WE HAVE SEEN THAT GROWTH WITH STUDENTS WITH CORPORATE PARTNERS.

IT'S EXCITING TO SEE THE POTENTIAL.

>> Reporter: AMY MATA IS ONE OF THE 27 STUDENTS IN THIS YEAR'S GROUP.

>> WHEN I FIRST HEARD ABOUT IT, I THINK I REALLY LIKED THAT I WAS ABLE TO LEAVE SCHOOL EARLY AND I WOULDN'T HAVE TO TAKE EXTRA CLASSES THAT I DIDN'T NEED.

I THOUGHT IT WAS LIKE, WHEN THEY TOLD ME IT WAS TO MAKE YOU A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL, THAT INTERESTED ME.

I WANT TO WORK IN AN OFFICE.

I WANT TO LIKE LEARN SKILLS AND STUFF LIKE THAT.

SO I SIGNED UP FOR IT.

>> Reporter: FOR EIGHT WEEKS, MATA AND HER COHORT MET AT THE CENTRAL LIBRARY IN DOWNTOWN TULSA FOR TRAINING.

>> SO WE MET FROM MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY AND MONDAYS AND TUESDAY WAS IN-PERSON AND THURSDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS WERE THROUGH ZOOM.

THEY WOULD SHOW US LIKE HOW TO DRESS BUSINESS CASUAL, HOW TO WORK EXCEL, AND STUFF LIKE THAT.

THEY WERE ALWAYS VERY WELCOMING AND VERY NICE.

>> Reporter: DURING THE 8 WEEK TRAINING PERIOD, STUDENTS LEARNED CRITICAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD.

MATA IS NOW PUTTING HER SKILLS TO THE TEST WHILE SHE INTERNS AT MESA PRODUCTS.

>> I GET TO HAVE MY OWN OFFICE AND DESK AND I GET TO WORK WITH HUMAN RESOURCES.

SO I GET TO SEND OUT E-MAILS, WE GET TO PLAN FUN EVENTS, I GET TO ORGANIZE FILES AND STUFF LIKE THAT.

EVERYONE THERE IS ALSO VERY WELCOMING.

I REALLY LIKE IT.

>> Reporter: ALUMNI LUNA WOLFE SAID THE PROGRAM GAVE HER AN ADVANTAGE THAT OTHER STUDENTS MIGHT NOT HAVE.

>> ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN LIKE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM HERE IN TULSA.

I THINK IT JUST HELPS BRIDGE SOME GAPS THAT WE MAY NOT ALREADY HAVE, PUTS YOU AHEAD OF THE GAME, AND LETS YOU EXPERIENCE BEING IN A CORPORATE SETTING IN A SAFE WAY, LIKE WITH THE SUPPORT OF GENESYS, AS WELL AS WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU ARE AN INTERN AND YOU ARE GAINING THIS EXPERIENCE, BUT YOU DON'T NECESSARILY KNOW THINGS RIGHT OFF THE BAT.

THAT HELPS GIVE YOU SOME GRACE AND LET YOU LEARN.

>> Reporter: SHE IS A FIRST YEAR STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA WHERE SHE IS STUDYING ACCOUNTING.

>> I'M AN ACCOUNTING MAJOR SO I AM DOING A LOT OF BUSINESS CLASSES.

I NOTICE IN A LOT OF THE CLASSES, YOU LEARN BUSINESS SKILL DEVELOPMENT, CORPORATE CULTURE, USING MICROSOFT SUITE.

I ALREADY HAVE A BASELINE KNOWLEDGE SO IT HELPS ME NOT FEEL SO SCARED TO GET INTO THOSE CLASSES AND FEEL MORE CONFIDENT.

>> Reporter: THIS YEAR'S GROUP GOT A SPECIAL VISIT FROM TULSA MAYOR.

HE SAID THE VISIT INSPIRED THE STUDENTS AND STAFF.

>> THE STUDENTS WERE SO -- THEY WERE SO EXCITED WHEN THEY FIRST HEARD THAT THE MAYOR WAS COMING.

TO HEAR HIS STORY, HIS PAST, HIS INTERNSHIPS, AND REALLY TO SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE CITY, YOU KNOW, BECAUSE OF HIM, THEY WERE REALLY ABLE TO SEE SOMEONE'S LIFE STORY, THEIR TRAJECTORY AND SEE WHAT THEY ACCOMPLISHED.

>> Reporter: THE GENESYS WORKS TULSA TEAM WORKS WITH ALUMNI FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS AFTER THEY GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL.

>> AND WE WANT THEM TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON, HOW THEY CAN SEE THEMSELVES, WHETHER IT'S THE ACCOUNTING FLOOR OR WHETHER THEY ARE WORKING IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THEM AND HOW CAN THEY ENVISION THEIR FUTURE, SEEING THEMSELVES GOING TO ONE OF THOSE.

I THINK THAT FOR OUR STUDENTS, THEY ARE ABLE TO THEN SEE THEIR FUTURE IN TULSA.

>> Reporter: WOLFE SAYS THAT'S ONE OF HER FAVORITE PARTS ABOUT THE PROGRAM.

>> OUR PROGRAM COORDINATOR HAD MEETINGS WITH US ONCE A MONTH AND THEN WE ALSO HAD TRAINING, LIKE CONTINUED TRAINING THROUGHOUT OUR INTERNSHIP.

IT DIDN'T JUST STOP AFTER THE SUMMER TRAINING.

I THOUGHT THAT WAS REALLY HELPFUL.

THEY DIDN'T ONLY -- LIKE THEY DIDN'T JUST SUPPORT US WITH LEARNING HOW TO GET INTO THE WORKFORCE, BUT THEY ALSO HELPED SUPPORT US IN OUR JOURNEY AS SENIORS IN HIGH SCHOOL, LIKE WE HAD FAFSA WORKSHOPS.

THEY COVERED ALL THE BASES.

>> Reporter: THEY ENJOY HEARING ABOUT ALUMNI NEW EXPERIENCES.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS WE HEAR, THEY'RE LIKE NOW IN SCHOOL, THOSE SKILLS I LEARNED AT THE WORKPLACE LIKE TIME MANAGEMENT OR COMMUNICATION, THEY'RE REALLY HELPFUL.

YES, GREAT.

YOU ARE OUR SUCCESS STORIES AND WHEN WE THINK ABOUT IT, FOR THEM TO FEEL COMFORTABLE COMMUNICATING WITH SOMEONE OLDER THAN THEM, MAYBE A FIGURE OF AUTHORITY, THEY ARE ABLE TO E-MAIL THEIR PROFESSOR IF THEY HAVE A QUESTION.

THEY HAVE TO DO THAT WITH THEIR SUPERVISOR.

SO REALLY BE INSPIRED BY WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED.

>> Reporter: MATA RECOMMENDS MORE STUDENTS SHOULD CONSIDER JOINING THE PROGRAM.

>> I'M ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT IT.

THEY ARE LIKE HOW DO YOU GET THE SCORE?

OH, I GET A JOB BECAUSE I DID THE SUMMER PROGRAM.

THEY ALL GET REALLY UPSET THAT THEY DIDN'T DO IT BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT IT WOULDN'T BE WORTH IT.

>> Reporter: THE GENESYS WORKS TEAM TELLS ME THAT OTHER ALUMNI ARE MAJORING IN FASHION AND PRELAW.

>> Rich: THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

A SPECIAL DAY FOR JERMAINE ROLLINS.

HE IS ONE OF MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME FEATURED ON A BILLBOARD.

THE VIDEO PRESENTATION KICKING OFF THE DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY'S BUDDY WALK.

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY JERMAINE, IF YOU CAN MAKE IT THERE, YOU CAN MAKE IT ANYWHERE.

>>> ACTIVATE OKLAHOMA BRANDS IS A RURAL INNOVATION PIPELINE.

THAT SUMS IT UP PRETTY WELL.

ON WEDNESDAY, THE INSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN ENERGY, SIX LOCAL COMPANIES OFFICIALLY GRADUATED FROM THE OKLAHOMA GRASSROOTS RURAL AND AGS BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM WHICH WAS CREATED TO HELP RURAL ENTREPRENEURS WITH NEEDED RESOURCES TO HELP GROW THEIR BUSINESSES OUTSIDE OF URBAN AREAS.

>> WELL, WE CONTINUE TO LOSE POPULATION IN RURAL OKLAHOMA AND WE CONTINUE TO LOSE FARMS AND SO, WE REALIZED THAT TO KEEP OUR SMALL AND MEDIUM FARMERS ACTIVE ACROSS THE STATE, THEY NEED JOBS, THEY NEED BUSINESSES IN TOWN NOT JUST TO SUPPORT THEIR AG OPERATIONS, BUT TO PROVIDE JOBS FOR THE SPOUSE.

I HAVE ONE MEMBER OF THE COUPLE OR THE FARMING INCOME GOES WITH UPS AND DOWNS.

A LOT OF TIMES TO KEEP THE FARM WORKING, YOU NEED SOMEBODY THAT HAS A REGULAR JOB, THAT HAS HOSPITALIZATION COVERAGE, AND SO FORTH, AND MAYBE RETIREMENT.

SO, A BIG PART OF KEEPING OUR FARMS ALIVE IS HAVING OTHER JOBS FOR SOMEBODY IN THE FAMILY TO GET.

SO THERE ARE SIX BUSINESSES THAT FOR THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS HAVE BEEN GETTING INTENSIVE TRAINING AND COACHING FROM OUR RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM.

SO THEY WILL MAKE A 5 MINUTE PITCH TODAY TO TELL THEIR STORY AND HOPEFULLY FIND SOME RURAL VENTURE FOLKS OR ANGEL INVESTORS TO HELP THEIR BUSINESSES GROW.

>> Rich: SO AGAIN, THE GOAL IS TO GROW DIVERSE NEW PUSSrd -- BUSINESSES THAT THEN CREATE JOBS IN OKLAHOMA.

THEY ARE MAKING PITCHES ON WEDNESDAY, INCLUDING PRODUCTION SERVICES, GRILLBLAZER, PERFECT POSE, ALLIED INNOVATION PARTNERS, THE DIABETES REVOLUTION AND BAY BLOCK.

>>> THE PEOPLE LINE EXPLOSION CENTER -- SENT THREE PEOPLE TO THE HOSPITAL.

THAT TOPS OUR BUSINESS VIEW WITH JASON DOYLE.

>> Reporter: THREE PEOPLE WERE INJURED ON THURSDAY WHEN A VAPOR CLOUD EXPLOSION OCCURRED AT THE GAS PLANT OUTSIDE OF MAYSVILLE IN GARVIN COUNTY.

FIVE FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER EMERGENCY RESPONSE AGENCIES RESPONDED TO THE SITUATION.

OFFICIALS SAY THE THREE INJURED WORKERS WERE FLOWN TO OKLAHOMA CITY FOR TREATMENT OF BURNS.

THE CAUSE OF THE EXPLOSION IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

>>> TWO HIGH SPEED BROADBAND EXPANSION PROGRAMS BROKE GROUND ON TUESDAY JUST OUTSIDE THE TOWN OF SLICK.

THE PROJECT TOTAL $4.8 MILLION, WITH $2.9 MILLION COMING FROM THE BROADBAND OFFICES GRANT PROGRAM AND THE $1.9 MILLION FROM ECHO LINK FIBER SERVICES.

THE TWO PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO CONNECT 265 HOMES AND BUSINESSES TO HIGH SPEED INTERNET IN CREEK COUNTY.

>>> OKLAHOMA BUSINESS LEADERS' TOP CONCERNS ARE HAVING ENOUGH QUALIFIED WORKERS AND THE ABILITY FOR THE EDUCATION SYSTEM TO PREPARE PEOPLE FOR THE WORK FORCE.

THAT'S ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE OKLAHOMA STATE CHAMBER, THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE, AND THE STATE CHAMBER RESEARCH FOUNDATION.

67% OF THOSE SURVEYED ARE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE STATE'S ECONOMY, DOWN 3% FROM LAST YEAR'S POLL.

78% SUPPORTS REDUCING OR ELIMINATING THE STATE INCOME TAX AS WELL.

>>> OKLAHOMA JOINS TWO OTHER STATES FOR HOMEOWNERS EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF EQUITY IN THEIR HOMES.

CORELOGIC HOME EQUITY REPORT FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2024 SHOWS THAT THE AVERAGE EQUITY LOSS IN OKLAHOMA WAS $7,700.

NORTH DAKOTA'S LOSSES ARE AT $8,400 AND TEXAS HOME VALUES DROPPED BY $2,600.

THIS BREAKS WITH THE NATIONAL TREND WITH HOME VALUES INCREASING BY AN AVERAGE OF 8% A YEAR.

>>> THE APACHE TRIBE IS EXPANDING THEIR CASINO IN DAVAL.

THEY WANT TO ADD ENHANCED DINING.

ONCE COMPLETE, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER NEW GAMES LIKE TEXAS HOLD 'EM.

THE EXPANSION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

JASON DOYLE, THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>> Rich: JASON, THANK YOU.

IN THIS WEEK'S IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE EMERGING PRECEDENT OF A PARENT BEING RESPONSIBLE WHEN THEIR CHILD IS INVOLVE IN A MASS SHOOTING.

COLE GRAY IS FACING UP TO 180 DAYS IN JAIL FOR NOT PREVENTING HIS SON FROM A MASS SHOOTING.

FOR MORE, HERE'S MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD WITH THIS WEEK'S IN-DEPTH DISCUSS -- DISCUSSION.

>> Cassidy: JOINING US IS THE DIRECTOR OF PREPAREDNESS FOR THE OKLAHOMA SCHOOL SECURITY INSTITUTE.

A VOLUNTEER WITH THE OKLAHOMA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND.

THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US HERE TODAY ON IN-DEPTH.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> THANK YOU.

>> Cassidy: SO LET'S START THIS CONVERSATION OFF BY TALKING ABOUT THE SITUATION WE SAW IN GEORGIA LAST WEEK.

MIKE, CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE GEORGIA SHOOTING AND OTHER SCHOOL SHOOTINGS, PARTICULARLY CONCERNING THE F.B.I.

'S PRIOR AWARENESS AND THE FAMILY'S WARNINGS.

>> SURE, THERE ARE SOME KEY POINTS THERE.

THERE ARE SOME GAPS THAT NEED TO BE FILLED IN.

SO, THE YOUNG MAN WAS IN SCHOOL, IN THE EIGHTH GRADE WHEN THE ORIGINAL INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE.

SO, WHEN HE GRADUATED FROM THERE, HE MOVED TO ANOTHER COUNTY WITH HIS FAMILY, TO ANOTHER SCHOOL.

THE GAP, AND AS FAR AS WE KNOW, IS THAT, THAT INFORMATION DIDN'T FOLLOW HIM OR IF IT DID, IT WASN'T WIDESPREAD.

SO THE PROBLEM IS, HOW DO WE GET THAT INFORMATION TO FOLLOW?

SO, WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON WITH THE OSSI, THE OKLAHOMA SCHOOL SECURITY INSTITUTE IS A MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WE'RE WORKING WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT THIS IN EVERY SCHOOL IN OKLAHOMA.

SO WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IS A TEAM IN EVERY SCHOOL.

SO RIGHT NOW, WE'RE WORKING WITH PROBABLY 12 DIFFERENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO IMPLEMENT THOSE TEAMS.

SO TO PREPARE FOR THAT, THIS ALL STARTED SHORTLY AFTER UVALDE.

THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE CALLED THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY IN AND SAID WHAT IS THE STATUS OF SCHOOL SAFETY IN OKLAHOMA?

THE COMMISSIONER SAID UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S NOT VERY GOOD.

I HAVE DEVELOPED A PLAN.

HE HAD DEVELOPED A 5 POINT PLAN ALREADY AND HE LAID IT OUT TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE GOVERNOR SAID MAKE IT HAPPEN.

SO THE VERY FIRST THING THAT WE DID IS WE STARTED TRAINING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

WE TRAINED THEM IN A SPECIFIC METHOD, SO WE COOPERATED, OR IN CORPORATION WITH LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, THEY HAD A COPYRIGHT ON A SYSTEM WE USED.

LASER IS WHAT WE CALLED IT.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT ABOUT THIS IS THAT EVERY OFFICER IS PRAYING THE SAME.

THIS SYSTEM THAT WE HAVE LAID OUT, IT ALL DEPENDS ON ONE THING.

THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT WE AS RESPONDERS CAN CONTROL SOMEWHAT AND THAT IS RESPONSE TIME.

WE HAVE TO GET THERE.

SO AS YOU SAW IN GEORGIA, THEY WERE THERE WITHIN A MINUTE.

THEY HAD SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS ONSITE, BUT THEY ALSO HAD AN ALERT SYSTEM IN PLACE.

SO PART OF THE GOVERNOR AND THE COMMISSIONER'S PLAN WAS THIS, LASER.

WE TRAIN ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS THE SAME.

SO RIGHT NOW, WE'VE TRAINED AND OTHER AGENCIES -- NOW LET ME MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR.

THIS IS NOT A DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY ENDEAVOR.

THIS IS A STATE OF OKLAHOMA WORKING TOGETHER.

SO, WE HAD OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THAT HAVE COME ONBOARD.

WE TRAINED 5,000 TO 6,000 OFFICERS IN THIS PLAN.

WHAT'S IMPORTANT ABOUT IT IS THIS, WHEN THEY ARRIVE, WHETHER IT'S THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER, A LOCAL OFFICER, A SHERIFF'S DEPUTY, A GAME WARDEN, A STATE TROOPER, THEY DON'T HAVE TO TALK ABOUT A PLAN.

THEY HAD THE TRAINING AND THEY GO IN IMMEDIATELY.

>> Cassidy: THEY KNOW THE PLAN.

I WANT TO TALK A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE PLANS LATER.

BETH, SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT THE GEORGIA SHOOTING SPECIFICALLY IS THAT THE CHILD'S PARENT WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN INTO CUSTODY.

HOW IS THIS SITUATION UNIQUE IN THAT REGARD?

DO YOU THINK WE WILL SEE ANYTHING SIMILAR TO THAT HAPPENING HERE IN OKLAHOMA?

>> I WOULD PUT IT THIS WAY.

YOU KNOW, WE ALL LIVE HERE.

OVER HALF OF OKLAHOMA HOMES HAVE FIREARMS.

IN FACT, NATIONALLY, IT'S LIKE 4.5 MILLION KIDS LIVE IN A HOME WITH UNSECURED FIREARMS.

TO ME, THAT'S WHAT THE ISSUE IS IN THIS INSTANCE AND ALSO OTHER INSTANCES TOO.

MOST TIMES WHEN THERE IS A SCHOOL SHOOTING EVENT, THE KIDS GET THE FIREARM FROM THEIR HOME OR THAT OF A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER.

THIS CASE IN GEORGIA IS VERY SIMILAR TO OXFORD, MICHIGAN, WHERE PARENTS WERE SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED FOR THEIR ROLE IN PROVIDING FIREARMS TO THEIR SON.

I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR, THIS IS IN CASE OF WHERE THERE IS PRETTY EGREGIOUS NEGLIGENCE.

THIS IS NOT JUST HOLDING PARENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR KIDS' BEHAVIORS.

THESE ARE ACTIONS THAT THE PARENTS TOOK THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVASTATION THAT HAPPENED.

>> Cassidy: WELL, AND TALKING ABOUT BEING AT HOME WITH YOUR CHILDREN, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT PARENTS CAN DO, OF COURSE, NOT JUST ABOUT GUN SAFETY, BUT HOW CAN THEY SEE THOSE EARLY RED FLAGS, THOSE EARLY WARNING SIGNS?

>> SURE, THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION.

AS A PARENT, YOU KNOW, WE ARE SO INVOLVED WITH OUR KIDS SOMETIMES THAT WE CAN'T SEE THE TREES THROUGH THE FOREST.

WE WORRY ABOUT OUR KIDS.

SOMETIMES WE DISMISS THE SMALLEST THINGS SUCH AS I NOTICE YOU DON'T HANG AROUND YOUR FRIENDS ANYMORE, I NOTICE YOU ARE MAD AT DIFFERENT PEOPLE ALL THE TIME.

KIDS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE RECEPTIVE TO THAT AND RESPOND MORE THAN YOU SAYING I KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING, I KNOW WHY YOU ARE ACTING THIS WAY.

YOU'LL GET OVER IT.

IT WILL BE FINE.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE REALLY DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL BE FINE.

WE JUST NEED TO ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS AND BE COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE, ADDRESSING THE ISSUES WE SEE IN OUR HOME BEFORE THOSE TRICKLE OUT INTO THE LARGER SOCIETY.

>> Cassidy: WELL, GOING BACK TO THE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES, WHAT ARE YOUR TEAMS ACTUALLY LEARNING?

>> ON THE LASER CLASSES?

WELL, THAT IS RESPONDING TO THE EVENT, GETTING INSIDE, MANEUVERS YOU NEED.

ONE OF THE THINGS YOU WILL SEE THAT WE DO, THAT WE INSTRUCT, THAT THEY DIDN'T DO AT UVALDE IS THEY SET UP AND THEY TREATED IT AS A BARRICADED SUBJECT.

IN OUR SYSTEM, WE DON'T DO THAT.

WHEN WE GO IN, WE GO IN UNTIL IT'S FINISHED, UNTIL IT COMES TO A RESOLUTION.

WE ADD OTHER PROGRAMS TO COMBAT THIS.

SO THE AVERAGE SCHOOL SHOOTING IS GOING TO LAST ANYWHERE FROM 5 MINUTES TO 12.5 MINUTES, DEPENDING ON HOW FAST WE ARE ALERTED.

WE ADDED OTHER PROGRAMS.

ONE OF THOSE PROGRAMS IS A PROGRAM CALLED RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.

THAT'S WHERE WE ACTUALLY GO INTO SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES AND WE GIVE THEM ALTERNATIVES.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO TO INCREASE YOUR SURVIVABILITY.

THE OTHER THING THAT IT DOES FOR US IS THAT IT REDUCES THAT RESPONSE TIME, AGAIN.

IF THEY CAN DO SOMETHING TO SLOW THAT SHOOTER DOWN, WHETHER IT'S JUST SIMPLY LOCKING THEIR DOORS, THAT GIVES US MORE CHANCES TO GET THERE.

THEN WE ADD ANOTHER PROGRAM CALLED BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT.

THAT'S WHEN WE GO IN AND WE INSTRUCT CIVIC GROUPS, SCHOOLS, AND FIRST RESPONDERS.

WHY IS A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY CONCERNED ABOUT BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT?

THAT MOVES US FROM BEING REACTIVE TO PROACTIVE.

IF WE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM AND GET THAT CHILD HELP EARLY, WE CAN HELP THEM.

IT ALSO GIVES US A METHOD TO TRACK THEM.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE GAP THAT HAPPENED IN GEORGIA WHERE HE WASN'T TRACKED.

IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO TRACK CHILDREN AS THEY MOVE FROM ONE SCHOOL TO ANOTHER AND FOLLOW THEM.

IT'S ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT IF THEY GO OUT-OF-STATE.

WHEN WE SET UP OUR TEAMS, IF THIS IS HAPPENING IN OKLAHOMA, WHICH IT HAS, BECAUSE WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT WE ARE TRACKING, AND WHEN I SAY TRACKING, I'M SAYING WE'RE HELPING THEM.

WE SET UP A SYSTEM TO HELP THEM.

WE KEEP TRACK OF WHAT THEY'RE DOING AND THEY ARE ON A SCHEDULE.

IT IS DETERMINED BY THE TEAM HOW OFTEN THEY MEET TO KEEP TRACK OF THAT CHILD.

SO RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE ABOUT 40, THEIR TERM IS MASTER TRAINER AND BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT.

WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET THE SCHOOL BROUGHT IN BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THEY PUT IT ON FOR US.

IN ADDITION TO HAVING LASER, WE DO THE OSSI IS MANDATED BY LAW TO CONSTRUCT OR TO CONDUCT RISK AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS FOR EVERY K-12 SCHOOL IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

WE WILL HAVE THAT COMPLETED BY 2026 AND THEN WE WILL START OVER AGAIN.

IT FALLS IN LINE WITH THE SAME THING, LET'S CUT OUR RESPONSE TIME.

WE DON'T JUST LOOK AT WHAT AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS GOING TO DO IN THE SCHOOL, WE LOOK AT OVERALL SCHOOL SAFETY.

WE GIVE THEM LOW TO NO COST THINGS THEY CAN DO, SIMPLE THINGS.

THERE ARE OTHER THINGS, I THINK WE WILL TALK ABOUT THE LEGISLATION WHERE THE LEGISLATORS WERE VERY, VERY HELPFUL AND GAVE OUT GRANTS OF LIKE $92,000 A YEAR FOR THREE YEARS TO HIRE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS OR BUY EQUIPMENT THAT WOULD HARDEN THEIR SCHOOL SOMEWHAT.

WHEN I SAY HARDEN, I MEAN TO PREVENT THE SHOOTER FROM GETTING INTO THE SCHOOL.

REMEMBER, OUR SCHOOLS ARE NOT PRISONS.

THEY WILL NEVER BE PRISONS.

WE WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO KEEP A SHOOTER OUT OF THE SCHOOL PERMANENTLY.

THEY WILL EVENTUALLY GET IN.

WE CAN DO THINGS THOUGH THAT SLOW THEM DOWN AND GIVE US A CHANCE TO GET THERE AND BRING US THROUGH A SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT THE COMMISSIONER DID ALMOST IMMEDIATELY WAS HE STARTED A PROGRAM WITHIN THE OKLAHOMA CALLED ADOPT A SCHOOL.

THERE ARE ONLY 750 OF THEM, EACH ADOPTS A SCHOOL.

THEY MUST BE IN THAT SCHOOL 1 HOUR A WEEK, WHETHER IT'S 10 MINUTES A DAY, >> I MEAN MOST PEOPLE IN THE PUBLIC KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THE HARDENING THAT SCHOOLS CAN DO AND THAT'S SUPER IMPORTANT.

IF YOU ONLY FOCUS ON WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE SHOWS UP AT SCHOOL WITH A GUN, THEN YOU'RE GOING TO MISS ALL THE PREVENTION EFFORTS THAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT TOO, THE BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT AND AGAIN, I LOVED HOW YOU SAID THIS.

THIS IS TO GET KIDS HELP AND IDENTIFY AREAS THAT NEED ATTENTION.

THAT'S THE MANAGEMENT PART.

SO, THERE IS SO MUCH THAT SCHOOLS CAN DO TO TRY TO MITIGATE THIS RISK.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SPREADING THE WORD.

>> OH, WE TELL EVERYBODY WE CAN THINK OF.

WE TALK TO LAWMAKERS TOO BECAUSE SOME OF THE RESPONSES THAT HAVE BEEN -- PEOPLE WANT TO DO -- EVERYBODY WANTS TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM.

SOME OF THE SOLUTIONS ARE NOT -- I DON'T FEEL AS EFFECTIVE.

YOU KNOW, THE SERVICES THAT YOU GUYS PROVIDE, YOU KNOW, WE GOT THIS EXPERTISE IN OUR STATE SO WE NEED TO LISTEN AND I AM REALLY ENCOURAGED BY THE LAWMAKERS.

LAST YEAR THEY PROVIDED FUNDING TO EVERY SCHOOL IN THE STATE, YOU KNOW, GUARANTEED FUNDING.

THERE IS SOME COMPETITIVE GRANTS WHERE THEY CAN DO THINGS LIKE THE BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR THEIR STAFF AND BUILD THESE TEAMS THAT WORK TOGETHER TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHEN AN ISSUE ARISES.

SO THIS HAPPENED LIKE IN OXFORD, MICHIGAN.

THEY HAD THE KID IN THE OFFICE.

HE APPARENTLY HAD THE FIREARM IN HIS BACKPACK.

THAT'S WHY YOU NEED A TEAM OF PEOPLE, SO EVERYBODY BRINGS THEIR EXPERTISE TO DEAL WITH THE THREAT MORE EFFECTIVELY.

>> Cassidy: AND SPEAKING ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH ASPECT OF THIS, WHAT ROLE DOES MENTAL HEALTH PLAY IN THESE INCIDENTS AND WHAT STEPS CAN BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THESE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES MORE EFFECTIVELY BEFORE SOMETHING ESCALATES INTO VIOLENCE?

>> SURE, I BELIEVE MENTAL HEALTH DOES PLAY A ROLE IN THE FACTOR OF EXTREME VIOLENCE IN THE SENSE THAT WE'RE AT THE END OF OUR THRESHOLD OF COPING MENTION -- MECHANISMS, RIGHT?

BUILDING BETTER COPING MEMBERING MECHANISMS LIKE BULLYING OR ISOLATION.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE CAN DO EARLY ON IS TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO IDENTIFY HOW THEY'RE FEELING, HOW IS IT MAKING THEM FEEL INTERNALLY, AND WHAT STEPS CAN WE TAKE TO USE OUR VOICE SO THAT SOMEONE CAN HEAR HOW WE'RE FEELING.

A LOT OF TIMES AS ADULTS, IF WE'RE BUSY, OR IF WE DON'T THINK IT'S A BIG DEAL, WE WILL BE DISMISSIVE OF MAYBE THOSE SMALL CRIES FOR HELP WHEN THEY'RE YOUNG.

THEN AS THEY GET OLDER, THEY CONTINUE TO SHOVE THAT ANGER DOWN AND ONE DAY, THAT ANGER IS GOING TO COME OUT.

SO, EARLY ON BEING ABLE TO TEACH QUALITY COPING SKILLS THAT HELP US DEAL WITH THINGS THAT WE'RE GOING THROUGH, BEING AVAILABLE TO HAVE SOMEONE TO TALK TO ABOUT HOW WE'RE FEELING, AND THAT PERSON NOT BE DISMISSIVE AND SAY WELL, THAT'S NOT A BIG DEAL.

REALLY RIGHT NOW FOR THEM, IT IS A BIG DEAL.

WHETHER THAT IS BULLYING OR SOMETHING ON SOCIAL MEDIA, ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

WHEN WE HAVE NEGATIVE INTERNAL WORKING MODELS, IT DOES INFLUENCE THE WAY OUR BRAIN THINKS LONG-TERM.

THOSE NEGATIVE PATHWAYS CAN BECOME PERMANENT.

SO WE NEED TO CATCH THIS EARLY ON WHEN WE SEE KIDS STRUGGLING, WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO STEP IN AND SAY I HATE THAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH THAT.

LET'S SEE IF WE CAN PROBLEM SOLVE AND FIND A WAY.

MAYBE WE PULL THAT CHILD UP SO THEY ARE NOT TAKING IN EVERYTHING PERSONALLY AND DEVELOPING THOSE DRASTIC PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS.

>> Cassidy: ALL RIGHT, THAT'S ALL THE TIME WE HAVE.

I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH FOR JOINING US AND THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING CHILDREN IN OKLAHOMA.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US.

>> >> THIS IS ONE VEHICLE DRIPPING MULTIPLE TIMES ALL OVER THE PLACE.

I HAVEN'T SEEN ONE OF THESE IN QUITE A WHILE.

>> IN THE U.S. EVERY YEAR, THESE DRIPS AND DROPS ADD UP TO ABOUT 3 GULF OIL SPILLS.

I THINK THE GULF OIL SPILL WAS 210 MILLION GALLONS, SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

IT'S A HUGE NUMBER, BUT IT'S SO SPREAD OUT, SO DILUTE.

YOU KNOW, IT'S NOT AS NEWSWORTHY OR DRAMATIC AS THE GULF OIL SPILL.

IT IS HAPPENING ALL OVER, WHEREVER VEHICLES TRAVEL.

>> UNFORTUNATELY, THERE IS A LOT OF SUBJECT MATERIAL.

I WISH THERE WASN'T, BUT YOU KNOW, MY THOUGHT WAS TO TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH, MAKE THE POLLUTION ATTRACTIVE TO ATTRACT PEOPLE AND THEN HAVE THEM UNDERSTAND IN THAT KIND OF A WAY.

>> DIP MY FEET IN IT.

THERE WE GO.

>> IT'S KIND OF INTERESTING TO TRY TO MAKE POLLUTION AS ART, BUT IT'S ONE WAY TO APPROACH THIS PROBLEM.

SO, WE'LL SEE.

>> Rich: INTERESTING.

ON THE NEXT EDITION OF THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT," THERE WILL WHAT THE PROPONENTS OF THE INCREASE WILL THINK OF THE GOVERNOR'S DECISION NEXT FRIDAY AT 7:00.

>>> WE'LL LEAVE YOU NOW WITH A LOOK A VERY SUCCESSFUL EVENT SPONSORED BY OETA.

THIS PAST WEEKEND, "NATURE CAT" AT THE OKC ZOO.

PUT TOGETHER FOR US BY OUR OWN, MATT BARNETT.

REMEMBER: YOU CAN ACCESS ADDITIONAL NEWS CONTENT BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE, OETA.TV.

YOU CAN ALSO FIND US ON INSTAGRAM AND "X" BY SEARCHING "OETA O.N.R".

AND ON FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE, JUST SEARCH, "THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT".

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

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