All posts by Rob

Rob McClendon is Host and Executive Producer of the nationally televised Oklahoma HORIZON television show. McClendon and his staff cover stories across Oklahoma, the nation, and internationally showcasing people and businesses that contributes to the state’s economic success. “Each week we strive to give our viewers context to the changes in our world. We go behind the headlines and try to offer intimate stories on people and places who illustrate the bigger picture.”
Oklahoma Horizon TV, Travel

On the Horizon: What an Experience!

I’ve been a member of the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program for the past eighteen months. We have traveled all over Oklahoma and experienced all types of agriculture…from cotton in the Southwest to Mushrooms in the Northeast. Agriculture is still big business here, although only about two percent of the population actually works in the agriculture industry.

At the end of the program, there is an international trip taken to show Oklahomans how agriculture is managed outside of the U.S. It’s held in a different location each time and this year we had the opportunity to go to Scotland and Ireland. I have to say, I was really excited when I found out where we were going. I have always wanted to visit both countries.

I wasn’t disappointed. Both countries are absolutely beautiful! I was afraid that when we went in the later part of February, it would be gray and dreary and not very pretty kind of like it is here in Oklahoma in the Winter. Boy was I mistaken! While it was cold, it wasn’t gray and dreary (okay the weather was a lot of the time but not the scenery). It was quite green. Scotland not as much as Ireland, but green enough.

In this week’s video blog, see what Scotland was like for twenty-five Oklahomans including myself.
Alisa Hines

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: You Gotta Believe

I am reminded of the story of Peter Pan when I write this week’s post. In the tale, the only children that could fly were those that truly believed they could. There is an interesting debate going on at the state capitol over cutting the state income tax that some believe will help our economy soar, while others predict it will spiral us downward into a third rate economically uncompetitive state.

I wish the debate was just a political one but I fear the outcome could affect Oklahoma’s economic success for generations. At stake is not just how we pay for state services like schools and roads, but whether we as taxpayers want to pay for them at all. Oklahoma is essentially run on our income tax, where other states like Texas fund their state government with a taxing formula more heavily dependent on property taxes.

You can’t throw a rock down a hallway on North Lincoln without hitting a politician that made campaign promises to lower taxes. It is a common refrain while running for office, but a difficult policy to carry out because of all those taxes fund services that many people enjoy. So those in favor of cutting taxes are fond of saying that, in fact, we will not have to cut services at all because of the increased economic activity which lower taxes will promote. The problem is, every economist I have talked to says there is no historical proof this works. In fact, it first grew in popularity in the Reagan years when supply side economics was the fad, and our national debt bloomed into the billions.

But with the hopes that I can have my ice cream and eat it too, I visited with economic development specialists and business leaders, to see if lower taxes are the driving force behind economic growth. In this week’s video segment, I talk to the experts to see what they think. I am curious to hear your opinion too and remember…all you need is trust and a little bit of pixie dust!
Rob McClendon

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Thinking Green

There is so much new technology out there when it comes to building your house. A lot of it has to do with keeping the environment green. If I was going to build a house nowadays, I think I would seriously look at these new technologies and see how much of a savings I could get by building green. I know what my energy bill is now and I definitely wish I had green technology in my current house to bring that bill way down.

In this week’s video blog, we tell you why one man decided to build green even though it was a little more expensive to do so.

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: He’s Called “Sim Man”

For many nursing students, just finding time to do their clinicals at a local hospital can be tricky. They have to find time around their busy schedules of being a student, working, and possibly being a parent. It’s not always easy. And then there’s the fear of “what if I screw up?” I know that would be one that would really freak me out…the possibility I could hurt someone before I was even licensed to practice any form of medicine. But there is now a solution that takes care of all of the issues.

In this week’s video blog, we show you the latest technology that is helping students practice their medical clinicals in the classroom, on their own time, and without the worry of injuring someone. He’s called SimMan.
~Alisa Hines

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Temporary Ag Labor is NOT stealing U.S. Jobs

I heard a lady complain the other day on a website to President Obama about how her husband couldn’t find work but that we were providing employment to people from outside the United States and that it was unfair. It is true about hiring foreign labor but what she didn’t realize or point out is this: the employment is for agriculture work. It’s usually backbreaking and in areas where agriculture is. It’s also seasonal which means it’s not permanent. And it’s only given to foreign workers when no one else will do the work. It’s called H-2A.

An H-2A visa allows a foreign national entry into the U.S. for temporary or seasonal agricultural work. There are several requirements of the employer in regards to this visa. The H-2A temporary agricultural program establishes a means for agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the U.S. to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature. Currently in the United States there are about 30,000 temporary agricultural workers under this visa program. All of these workers are supposed to be covered by U.S. wage laws, workers’ compensation and other standards.

Employers anticipating a shortage of agricultural workers and in need must apply at least 45 days before certification is necessary. This includes a requirement of an active effort, including newspaper and radio advertising, to recruit U.S. workers in areas of expected labor supply. Such recruitment must be at least equivalent to that conducted by non-H-2A agricultural employers in the same or similar crops and area. The employer must agree to give preference and engage in active recruitment of U.S. workers. The H-2A certification is valid for up to 364 days. As temporary or seasonal agricultural employment, the work is performed during certain seasons of the year or for a limited time period of less than one year when the employer can show that the need for the foreign worker is truly temporary.

I don’t think the woman’s husband would really have applied for any of these jobs especially since he probably would have had to relocate and it wouldn’t be a professional job. And that’s the problem, U.S. citizens evidently think they are too good to work on a farm. It’s very hard work and most of us prefer cushier jobs indoors where we won’t perspire or break a nail. But we don’t have a problem complaining that these foreign workers are “stealing” U.S. jobs. WRONG! As we’ll see in this week’s video blog, they are leaving their loved ones thousands of miles away and taking the jobs that no one is applying for and then sending their hard earned money back home to their families AND they go back home when the work is done…they don’t stay but they might return the next growing season to do a job that most U.S. citizens just won’t do.

Alisa Hines

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Battle Lines are Drawn

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As a person I believe we all should be respectful of one another. I know my beliefs do not align with everyone else’s, and that is alright. I have friends who have different religious backgrounds or political affiliations than I do. But we realize we have differing opinions, we can appreciate and respect others’ opinions, without fear of retaliation and that is what makes our country great.

What I have an issue with is when people with differing opinions have no respect for others or their views. What is worse is when those people or groups slander others, and their facts are skewed, made up or are simply false due to lack of knowledge. As a journalist we are constantly under pressure to fact check to get the story right. I feel if someone is going to “report” on something they should be held to the same standard.

The attack on Oklahoma hog producers by the Humane Society of the United States is a perfect example of this. They conducted one of their “undercover” missions to gather footage and information and claimed Seaboard, and other large hog operations, were conducting inhumane production practices. Their target was the use of gestation crates. In their gruesome video, HSUS claimed the sows are kept in the crates their whole lives. They went on to say that crates threaten the lives of the hogs.

Any person who has been around the livestock industry, especially hogs, will know how false these accusations are. The crates are used to protect sows from fighting. If you have been around sows you know they will fight for blood. Additionally, sows that farrow outside of crates are more likely to step on and lay on their pigs, resulting in severe injuries and death of piglets. To me that is much more inhumane.

The bottom line is if you do not know about production agriculture it is time to stop telling those who have been doing it all of their lives the “right way” to do things. Producers are tasked with the enormous responsibility with feeding and clothing the world. That responsibility will not be accomplished if everyone keeps sticking their nose in and offering their “expertise” when they are not aware of the whole situation. Are there bad apples in agriculture? Absolutely! But let’s not punish those who are doing it right.

In this week’s video blog we take a look at how the urban-rural divide affects production agriculture and what is being done to help bridge that gap.

~ Andy Barth

Oklahoma Horizon TV

Giving Our Vets a Fighting Chance

Too often you hear stories of our war veterans coming home to simply be forgotten. We welcome them with open -arms when they return, but often times we forget that these heroes may have trouble stepping back into civilian life.
A courageous program at Oklahoma State University, one of the few of its kind, is changing all that. The veteran entrepreneurship program brings disabled veterans from across the country together for eight intense days of training.

In this week’s video blog we meet program participants both new and old and learn how they are changing their businesses and lives for the better.

~Courtenay DeHoff

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Oklahoma Prison Reform

Growing up I remember seeing the Department of Corrections workers on the side of the road, picking up trash and pulling weeds. I always wondered what they did to get where they were. As I grew older, I found out they likely were involved in drugs and alcohol or minor assault cases. Time passed and I saw the number of inmates increase each time I encountered them, and I heard local politicians complain about prisons being overcrowded.

In this week’s video blog we continue our look at prison reform in Oklahoma. Our Rob McClendon sits down Speaker of the House, Kris Steele, to look at an issue he takes very personally.

~ Andy Barth

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Crime and Punishment

We see it constantly on the nightly news. People are imprisoned for drug and alcohol abuse by the hundreds. New DUI ads are created every few months to crack down on drunk drivers. Our prison system is full of people who have messed up and turned down the wrong path. While numerous offenders will repeat their illegal actions, many others may be able to be treated and set back on the right path in society. But as most laws stand, once convicted offenders do not stand a chance. This growing trend across the country has law makers thinking twice about how to handle nonviolent cases.

In this week’s video blog I sit down with Oklahoma County district attorney, David Prater, as we take a look at some of the programs Oklahoma has implemented to help solve the crowded prison issue, but more importantly save some lives.

~ Andy Barth

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Should It Stay or Should It Go?

Tax reform is taking Oklahoma by storm and personal income tax is at the center of it all. Governor Mary Fallin detailed her plan to reduce, and eventually phase out, personal income tax in her recent State of the State address. While many agree tax reform needs to be on the table, not everyone is convinced reducing our state income tax is the way to go.

In this week’s video blog, University of Central Oklahoma’s, Mickey Hepner, says why we may want to think twice before reducing our income tax.
Rob McClendon

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: To Tax or Not To Tax

We all love to hate them, but we love the benefits they provide. Taxes may prove to be the hottest issue in the state legislature this session. During her State of the State address, Governor Mary Fallin proposed a plan to phase out Oklahoma’s personal income tax. The three-point plan to phase out the tax is leaving some singing her praises and others raising big questions.

In this week’s video blog, we sit down with lawmakers on both sides of the issue.
~Courtenay Dehoff

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On The Horizon: Flying Back in Time

Ever since I was little I always remember looking high in the sky in search of airplanes. They fascinated me. They are so big, yet seem light as a feather. When I got the opportunity to get on an airplane for the first time as a 6 year-old, I was ecstatic. I have flown on countless planes since then and still marvel at their abilities in the air.

As we continue to advance in today’s world it is important to look back and recognize how we got where we are today. In this week’s video blog, we travel to Oolagah, OK, where TV sensation and All-American hero, Will Rogers, was born. We take a look at the 76th Annual Will Rogers Fly-in, an event held in honor of Rogers and Wiley Post – two men responsible for so much in the aviation industry.
Andy Barth

Oklahoma culture, Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Oklahoma’s Native Son

He remains one of America’s favorite people. Years after his death, Will Rogers is still living strong in spirit. The town of Claremore remembers this brilliant man with a museum, a college, and even a street named Will Roger’s Blvd.

In this week’s video blog, we tour the Will Roger’s Memorial and Museum and discover all things Will Rogers.
~Courtenay Dehoff

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Pipeline Crossroads of America

Well believe it or not, the nation’s and perhaps even the world’s, busiest pipeline region is right here in Oklahoma.

The Cushing and Drumright area are all about pipelines and thanks to Central Tech in Drumright the industry is finally able to meet the growing demand for highly trained technicians in the field.

There has long been a need for technicians with safety training under their belts and Central Tech’s Pipeline and Safety Training classes are meeting those needs. In this week’s video blog we travel to Drumright where all the action is taking place.

~Courtenay DeHoff

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: The Long Haul

We all encounter them at some point in our lives. Whether we are on the interstate or driving downtown, truck drivers fill the roads as they trek across the nation making their vital deliveries. Some of us are scared of them, while others yell at them through our windshields. Regardless, these dedicated long-haulers are responsible for keeping this country running – and they do it every day.

In this week’s video blog, we take a look inside a classroom that trains these warriors of the road. From maneuvering around cones to parallel parking a trailer, there is no room for error. Watch as they learn the basics and the advanced parts of driving truck.

~Andy Barth

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Child labor laws – We’re talking about a way of life

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Over Christmas I had the rare opportunity to turn the camera on my own family. I managed to escape some of the holiday madness by hiding behind my lens as my family worked throughout the holidays on our ranch in Northeast Kansas.

Few issues have ignited as much debate as the proposed child labor laws and like hundreds of other families our opinions on the issue are strong. We could think of no better way to portray this story than through the eyes of my little sister. For a few days I followed her around our ranch in Tonganoxie, Kansas, and eventually on to our grandparent’s ranch in Allen, Kansas. The story not only tackled the debate head on it may just have ended up being one of the most rewarding stories in my young career.

In this week’s video blog, the DeHoff family shows us what farming and ranching is really all about.
~Courtenay DeHoff

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On The Horizon: Students Taking Flight

Over the years, I‘ve produced many stories about the aviation industry but the ones that stand out in my mind are when students get excited about aerospace. So many times growing up, children want to be astronauts. But as time goes by, they seem to lose interest in aviation. Oh sure, a few will go on to become airline pilots and an even greater few will become astronauts but most will forget that particular dream.

I think it was a much more popular idea back in the 1960s and 1970s, when the space race was in full force. Recently, we’ve “been there, done that” and there really isn’t a push towards space…which has resulted in an aging workforce. For many aviation companies, finding someone to work on an airplane or help design one isn’t easy. Students just don’t think about going into that field, instead, they are looking at gaming software engineering or auto mechanics versus becoming an engineer or aviation mechanic. But that is slowly changing.

In this week’s video blog, meet a couple of students who may be the next generation of engineers and mechanics to work on airplanes or even go the distance right into space.
~Alisa Hines

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Economic Upturn – Real or Hype?

The 2012 Oklahoma Economic Outlook Conference was a real eye opener for me. Economists from across the state discussed the future of Oklahoma’s economy. While Oklahoma has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, we may not be out of the clear yet. The rising land bubble and low commodity prices may affect the state in more ways than one.

In this week’s video blog we take a look at the one thing that is running Oklahoma’s economic show…oil. The energy sector could prove to be our saving grace, but if troubles in Europe continue we may see liquid gold’s value to Oklahoma, drain away.

~Courtenay Dehoff

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: High Times Down on the Farm

There is an old saying in Farm country “land rich and cash poor” which often described most farmers economic reality. All their assets were tied up in the land they farmed. Today, many farmers are in the best financial shape they have been in, in decades. High crop and livestock prices and growing global demand for the food we grow in the U.S. pushed farm profits up by a whopping 28% last year. All the while crop sales are expected to surpass $200 billion for the first time in U.S. history.

Many fear that with every rapid rise in profits will come an equally quick decline, much like what we saw in the boom/bust 1980’s. Others believe though this time may be different. Sure no industry is ruled more by the supply and demand than agriculture, but by all indications demand should just continue to grow.

Not only are there more people in the world, but those people live in an ever prosperous developing world whose diet is less based on just the staples of inexpensive staples like rice and grain, and more on those tasty things we grow in the U.S., i.e., beef, pork, poultry, etc.

In this week’s video blog, I visit with noted economist and business futurist, Dave Kohl, on why he believes the good times down on the farm may last. We have a lot more on farm values and Oklahoma’s economy on this week’s Oklahoma Horizon that debuts Sunday at 3pm on OETA and Thursday on RFD-TV.

Rob McClendon

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: On the Grid

It’s something that nearly everyone takes for granted in this country. Clean drinking water has been the norm since I was alive, but due to failing infrastructure it may be at risk. Scott Huler, author of “On the Grid” takes us on an incredible journey through the pipe lines and drainage systems of this vast land.

In the week’s video blog, we see just how deep our water problem may really be as we travel through drainage systems and waterways throughout Oklahoma.

~Courtenay Dehoff