Looking Back At Oklahoma's Biggest Stories In 2013

The news archives are full of all types of stories including devastation, corruption, and inspiration. As Oklahomans round out the year, there are several moments to reflect on in 2013.

The year, 2013, literally, started off with a bang when a contractor cut through a natural gas line in southwest Oklahoma City. A home nearby exploded with someone inside.

1/4/2013 Related Story: Owner Of Home That Exploded In SW OKC Talks About Incident

"The good Lord was with me, I'm alive," Kate Purcell felt lucky to survive the blast.

Oklahoma energy giant, Chesapeake, ousted its founder and CEO, Aubrey McLendon. A major layoff came not long after. The company cut 800 employees.

Chesapeake Energy Timeline

The Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff run was derailed when star point guard Russell Westbrook underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

10/1/2013 Related Story: Westbrook Has Surgery, To Miss Beginning Of Season

In May, a mile wide tornado plowed through Moore and surrounding areas. Winds up to 200 miles per hour winds ripped through two elementary schools, countless neighborhoods, and a hospital.

The tornado killed 25 people, including nine children.

A week and a half later, another massive tornado, paired with flooding rains, claimed another two dozen lives.

May 2013 Tornado Outbreak

Earthquakes also rattled the state with nearly 3000 recorded this year.

A jury convicted Becky Bryan for the murder of her husband, Late Nichols Hills Fire Chief Keith Bryan. A judge sentenced her to life in prison.

7/22/2013 Related Story: Becky Bryan To Appeal Murder Conviction In Husband's Death

Australian native Christopher Lane was gunned down in Duncan. Three teenagers are accused of killing lane out of boredom.

8/21/2013 Related Story: Duncan Community Remembers Christopher Lane

Sports Illustrated criticized Oklahoma State University's football program in a series of reports alleging players were paid, cheated, and used drugs. OSU President, Burns Hargis said" we must review this matter quickly but thoroughly to determine the truth."

9/10/2013 Related Story: Sports Illustrated Releases First OSU Football Investigation Article

Superintendents protested the state's new A-through-F system of grading schools calling it inaccurate and biased. State leaders said the system isn't perfect, but is a step in the right direction.

Board Of Education Releases Grades For Oklahoma Public Schools

The heartfelt story of the year - began with a letter from a 10 year old. Tobias' request for a stroller so he could run a 5k with his brother who suffers from cerebral palsy inspired us all.

In the letter Tobias said," My pastor said we have to be God's hands and feet but I am going to be his legs too."

9/26/2013 Related Story: Young Boy Reaches Out To News 9 For Help

It's not the last story of the year but one that certainly leaves a lasting impression.