Six in the Morning celebrates 35 years of news, fun and family

July 2, 1990 marked the beginning of a Tulsa TV tradition that blended news, personality and unpredictable fun. Six in the Morning debuted with Rick Wells and Julie Matsko behind the desk, and since then, the show has become a staple for families across Northeast Oklahoma.

Now, 35 years later, current and former co-workers returned to celebrate the show's milestone—and share some of their favorite memories.

Rick Wells Reflects on the Beginning

He was the first co-anchor on Six in the Morning and one of its most iconic personalities. Rick Wells said he didn't even expect the show to last.

"We expected the show to be canceled every day," he told LeAnne Taylor. "When we finished, we thought they'd come in and pull the plug —and it's still going."

The early years were defined by creative freedom, wild segments and an anything-goes energy.

"We didn't know what morning TV was supposed to be like, so we just did whatever we wanted," Wells said. "Please, can we just have some fun? And we did."

The job brought travel opportunities — and lifelong friendships.

"I've been on five Caribbean cruises, been to Alaska, the Disney Magic… and all we paid for was the bar tab," Wells joked.

Wells also reminisced about "The Soap Swami," a studio crew member who delivered mock soap opera predictions on air.

"He'd put his little spin on the CBS summaries and it was so deadpan," Wells said. "People still remember him."

When reminiscing about his time in Tulsa, Wells said people usually noticed him and repeated his catchphrase.

"People would roll their windows down and shout, 'Hey, what's the deal?' They may not remember my name, but they remember that."

He now lives in Fort Worth, plays golf, volunteers at a food pantry, and says the best part of the job was meeting the love of his life on the show.

Julie Matsko Sends a Message

Julie Matsko, the other original co-anchor, sent in a video greeting from out of state.

"Some people might be saying, 'Julie who?'" she laughed. "But in 1990, I was Rick Wells' first co-host — so it could be said I launched his illustrious career."

She left the show to get married and raise a family in California, but said her time in Tulsa was unforgettable.

"I went from being a co-host and a reporter to being a producer," she said. "I produced three baby boys in three years. Best career choice I ever made. But I have such wonderful memories of my time in Tulsa and all the friends I made at KOTV."

A Rick & Leslee Reunion

Leslee Turnbull was next in line to host Six in the Morning. She reunited with Wells for the anniversary, and the two shared stories of on-air chaos from puppet fights to travel specials across the country.

"We would say all the time in commercial breaks, 'We're getting fired today,'" she said.

Turnbull left the show to raise her family in Texas. Now the mother of four boys, she said the experience shaped her life.

"Our family mantra is FOE — family over everything," she said.

Big Board Sports Returns

During the anniversary special, Wells brought back one of his most beloved segments—Big Board Sports—with his signature commentary on bizarre baseball plays, wild wrestling moves and a dancing umpire or two.

"Bet you never thought you'd see this again," he said. "We're doing that dance, and we're doing this thing… hey, hey, hey!"

After reviewing a series of sports clips, Wells concluded with mock sadness:

"So are we doing this again tomorrow? I hear… no. So sad."

Casey Norton Joins the Celebration

When Wells stepped away from the early wake-up calls, Casey Norton joined Six in the Morning in 2002.

"I really wanted a job where I could wake up at 2 o'clock in the morning," Norton joked.

He reflected on favorite interviews—from Carrie Underwood to Debbie Gibson—and the camaraderie with co-anchors and producers.

"I still share those stories," he said.

Norton now works in Houston in corporate communications. His daughters are grown—one's engaged and the other is preparing for grad school.

Rich Lenz Reflects on 11 Years with 6 in the Morning

Following Casey Norton's departure, Rich Lenz stepped into the anchor chair and spent more than a decade helping shape 6 in the Morning. "It's been eight years, but coming back and seeing everyone feels like no time has passed," Lenz said.

He and LeAnne recalled favorite moments, including their long-running "LeAnne vs. The Boys" challenges, holiday costumes, and the birth of "Bowtie Friday." One of his proudest achievements was co-writing and performing original songs for the show, including "Everyone's a Kid at Christmas," which earned an Emmy.

Now he anchors a weekly in-depth newscast on OETA. Lenz cherishes time with his granddaughter, Ellie. "She's changed everything. I'm just thrilled every time I get to see her."

Familiar Guests Return

Some of Six in the Morning's most beloved recurring guests reunited with LeAnne: Steve Smith the "Dirt Dude," Amy Addington from "Decorating by the Dollar" and Rich Womack of "Help with the Honey-Dos."

"I moved up from six plants in a hatchback to 40 in a box truck," Smith said.

Addington, who once surprised LeAnne during her pregnancy, said she's still creating art and selling home décor.

"I still have what you gave me that day," LeAnne said. "I'm not going to cry."

Womack remembered shaky hands during his first live appearance.

"We fixed everything — toilets, cracks, you name it," he said.

Larry Nunley And The Wild Kingdom

Larry Nunley, longtime educator with the Tulsa Zoo, was a frequent guest for Wild Wednesday, often bringing interesting animals.

"That one time, the snake got loose in your truck, and you didn't know where it was," LeAnne reminded him.

"I didn't know it got loose!" he said. "Thank goodness it didn't get loose in the studio — I'd still be looking for it."

Former Traffic Voice Checks In

John Filbeck, the original traffic reporter, joined LeAnne to share memories.

He now works in radio and said quirky themed days like "Talk Like a Pirate Day" were some of his favorite memories.

SkyNews 6 Pilot Checks In

Will Kavanagh, the longtime SkyNews 6 pilot, checked in from his current job flying commercial jets around the world.

"Most of my enjoyment came from working with you and the team," he said.

National Correspondent Omar Villafranca Sends His Love

Former SITM reporter Omar Villafranca—now with CBS News—sent a video message.

"I hear you guys are now celebrating a landmark anniversary—142 years on air? No? Just 35?" he joked.

"I miss the crew. I miss my photogs. And sometimes I miss Gary Kruse."

Chris Shew: Fixing Cars, Cracking Jokes

Longtime expert guest Chris Shew returned to reminisce about his call-in segments as a mechanic and cracking jokes about old bets with Alan Crone.

"That Bronco blue really brings out his eyes," he joked. "I don't remember ever having to wear the Dallas jersey, did I? Weird how that works."

Shew remembered trying to stay serious while fielding offbeat calls and on-air jokes.

"I thought I was helping people fix their cars, and Rick would go, 'I bet that car was red!' and I'd be like, 'I'm trying to be serious here!'"

Crone laughed from the studio:

"There's always next year for my Cowboys."

The Munch Bunch Returns

Four longtime behind-the-scenes MVPs—photographers and engineers Scott Brooks, Gary Kruse, Jimmy Rodenmayer and Brad Maclaughlin—reunited as the Breakfast Bunch.

"We used to travel all over," Brooks said. "Hawaii, Napa Valley with Rick—those were some of the most memorable trips."

Kruse still works at the station and recalled balancing breaking news with light-hearted segments.

"We'd be in the middle of breakfast and suddenly get called to a fire," he said.

Rodenmayer remembered donning wigs for a Hanson concert segment and making live TV fun.

"We always tried to make where we were fun," Maclaughlin added.

Kristie Webb: From Producer to News Director

LeAnne Taylor spotlighted one of SITM's proudest success stories: Kristie Webb.

"She was just a young pup when she started as a morning show producer," LeAnne said. "Now she's our News Director."

Kristie worked her way up from the 8 a.m. show to the 5 p.m., to Executive Producer, and finally to leading the entire newsroom.

"She works tirelessly and we couldn't be prouder of her," LeAnne said.

LeAnne Taylor's Final Thoughts

"I've been here 27 of the 35 years," LeAnne said. "We've seen people get married, babies born. I announced my breast cancer diagnosis here, and you watched me beat it."

"We are part of your family as you are part of ours," she added. "We have been blessed to experience so much of life… together."

"Thank you for inviting us into your home each morning. Here's to the next 35 years!"