The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University has released a vision plan for a reimagined, 678-acre collaborative research park in southwest Stillwater.

The Innovation Park will be adjacent to the OSU Student Farm, Botanic Garden and the Ferguson College of Agriculture Agronomy Research Station.

Formerly called The Oklahoma Technology and Research Park, The Innovation Park will connect these established facilities and serve as a crossroads for advancing OSU’s land-grant mission through the pursuit of technology development and commercial partnerships, OSU said in a news release.

“At Oklahoma State University, our commitment to our students, the state and the nation rests on some fundamental pillars, including our land-grant mission to serve and use our R1 research prowess to improve lives,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said.

“The Innovation Park reflects our vision and commitment to our mission of serving the needs of Oklahoma and beyond. A big part of our We Are Land-Grant strategy is transdisciplinary research, as well as partnerships with industry and the community. As the state’s largest university system, we are excited about what’s possible with this project.”

Positioned as a gateway to the city of Stillwater from Oklahoma 51, the park aims to cultivate public-private partnerships and engage the community and state as a centralized hub of innovation, education and collaboration.

The environment will encourage individuals to “actively engage in tackling society’s most critical health, technology, energy and environmental challenges and leverage the talent of OSU’s applied research institutes — Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, Human Performance and Nutrition Institute, Hamm Institute for American Energy and the National Center for Wellness and Recovery,” the release said.

A proposed Analytical Solutions Center, equipped with a supercomputer and multiple data centers, would anchor the park.

A Drone Education Center would actively engage visitors and OSU students in hands-on drone applications, promoting education and responsible usage in a contained area.

A network of scenic trails, fitness locations, tree-walk villages and family-friendly amenities will connect the park and its centers, OSU said.

Housing starts in Tulsa area increase in October from previous year

A “promising increase in the number of housing starts in the Tulsa Metro area for October” was announced by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa.

The month concluded with a 7.87% rise, “showcasing a steady and positive growth trajectory compared to October 2022, which recorded a housing start percentage of 7.13%,” the organization said.

“The rise in housing starts not only signifies a growing demand for housing but also contributes significantly to community development, providing homes for families and driving economic activity in the region,” it said.

With about 1,100 members, Tulsa HBA serves as a hub for builders to engage in community service projects and educational initiatives.

“This positive trend underscores the resilience and vitality of the Tulsa metro area real estate market, showcasing sustained growth in new residential construction projects,” said Jeffrey Smith, executive vice president of the Tulsa HBA, in a statement.

“The data from new orders weekly reveals a continued demand for housing and a positive trajectory for the housing sector.”

Insurance department warns of fake shipping insurance this holiday season

The Oklahoma Insurance Department is warning consumers of unlicensed insurance providers offering “package protection” that includes stolen-item protection this holiday season.

“These providers facilitate the unauthorized sale of insurance, which can cost consumers money while not providing protection for stolen items,” the agency said in a news release.

“When shopping online for the holidays, pay close attention to your shipping protection options and who is offering the coverage,” Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “Legitimate shipping insurance providers will be licensed companies or producers.”

Unauthorized insurance sales are illegal and happen outside the control of regulatory agencies. If these providers become insolvent or are unable to pay for consumer claims, the Oklahoma Insurance Department may not be able to intervene.

Consumers can protect themselves by checking to see if providers listed on the web are licensed insurance entities through the Licensee Lookup tool on its website.

Homeowners policies might help cover the theft of an online purchase left on your porch. This is best for high-value items worth more than a policy deductible.

For any questions about the unauthorized sale of insurance or to report suspected insurance fraud by a licensed producer, contact OID at 800-522-0071 or visit oid.ok.gov/file-an-online-complaint/.

— From Staff Reports

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