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National Finals Rodeo Gets Local Help On Ground

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  • Friday, May 25 2012 10:48 PM EDT2012-05-26 02:48:51 GMT
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  • Friday, May 25 2012 9:34 PM EDT2012-05-26 01:34:31 GMT
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  • Friday, May 25 2012 8:31 PM EDT2012-05-26 00:31:27 GMT
    Inside the courtroom it's day 4 of the trial for Susan Grady. She's charged with second degree manslaughter in the death of her 9 year old son Aaron who had complications related to diabetes. Dan Davis
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  • Friday, May 25 2012 6:36 PM EDT2012-05-25 22:36:51 GMT
    Dozens of local musicians are showing their support for the Greenwood Cultural Center. More than 50 bands and vocalists are performing at "Tulsa We Funk" Friday night. It's a fundraiser for the
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The National Finals Rodeo wraps up this weekend in Las Vegas. Cowboys and cowgirls will be named world champions. But they have to compete first, and an Oklahoma company is playing a key part in that, from the ground up.

The dirt used at the rodeo is initially groomed by a piece of equipment called the Groundhog, which is made by Lucas Metal Works in Ochelata.

The equipment digs into the ground up to nine inches, fills in holes, and smoothes out the surface. For animals in the rodeo, it's easy on their legs; for the riders competing- it's comfortable and safe.

These teams are the best in the world, and helping them is a big deal for Lucas Metal Works.
"I take a lot of pride in it, " said company president J.R. Prather. "Between keeping the horses and riders safe, it means a lot."

The 43-year-old company is slowly expanding, they've hired four people over the last year. As for the NFR, it concludes on Saturday night.

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