February 17, 2024 Issue, Page 5 of 14

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February 17,2024 The Elk City News - 5 News Oklahoma State University launches Calf Fry 2024 national campaign to spur growth in Announces Headliner groundwater industry Stillwater, Oklahoma—The 32nd Annual Calf Fry being held May 2-4, 2024 at the Tumbleweed Outdoor Arena in Stillwater, OK is proud to (STILLWATER — Oklahoma State University, fully, this PSA will inspire people to learn more there's a need to grow. The resources and pas- announce Flatland Cavalry as one of its headliners. in collaboration with the Groundwater Foun- about groundwater access and showcase the sion for groundwater are here at OSU, so we ‘This six-piece band who hails from Lubbock, Texas formed in 2014 dation, has launched a national campaign to many careers we need filled to provide the na- invite everyone to come explore what makes while attending Texas Tech University. Flatland Cavalryis made up of bring awareness to groundwater access, educa- tion with drinking water.” groundwater so crucial,” Cleto Cordero along with bandmates Jason Albers, Jonathan Saenz, tion and industry training. Since 2020, NGWA University Powered by Reid Dillon, Wesley Hall and Adam Gallegos. At the center of the campaign is a televised OSU — a partnership between the National Terry Morse, CEO of the Groundwater Foun- Flatland Cavalry has shared the stage with the likes of Luke Combs, public service announcement and resource- Ground Water Association and OSU's College dation and the National Ground Water Asso- Laney Wilson and Jordan Davis filled website that illustrate both the vitality of of Arts and Sciences — has been addressing ciation, said it's through these academic and Flatland Cavalry's future is looking bright with more new music on clean water and how populations often take it industry partnerships that lasting changes will the predicted shortfall in groundwater indus- the horizon along with a stacked touring calendar for 2024. Flatland for granted. try personnel through K-12 curriculum and Cavalry is approaching global influence in the Country & Folk music take place. “Our current groundwater professionals have professional development courses, Those ef- done such a great job providing clean water forts, combined with the PSA, ask important “We all play a part in making sure our commu- world, nities have access to clean water,” Morse said. Cary McBride Co-Owner of Calf Fry had this to say about Flatland to homes and municipalities across the na- questions while also offering solutions. tion, that many people don’t know where their “We need to get current and future genera- “The more we can have groundwater at the Cavalry, “We are so honored for Flatland Cavalry to play Calf Fry. They drinking water comes from. But we are experi- tions excited about groundwater — not only forefront of people's minds — be that through are going to be huge in the Red Dirt and Texas Country music scene.” encing a major workforce shortage in ground- as a possible career, but for the sake of our education, professional training or just gen- Calf Fry is one of the oldest and largest Red Dirt/Texas Country Music water careers,” said Dr. Caitlin Barnes, director collective health and prosperity,” said Dr. Festivals in the United States and has helped launch the careers of of NGWA University Powered by OSU. Todd Halihan, interim head of OSU's Boone eral awareness — the greater the generational many of the biggest names in country music including Luke Combs, “Tve talked with groundwater drillers across Pickens School of Geology. “NGWA Univer- impact will be. This PSA campaign is one more Cody Johnson, Koe Wetzel, Parker McCollum and many more. the nation, and they all say the same thing: sity has started training groundwater students example of how our organizations are leading ‘Three-Day tickets are available at www.calffry.com. they can’t find anyone to run the rigs. Hope- and professionals from around the world, but the way in groundwater.” For more information on Three-Day Tickets for both VIP and General Admission, call the Tumbleweed Dancehall at 405-792-0009. For Ven- Troubling News for dor and/or Sponsorship Opportunities, email them at infoecalffry. com. Sec. Arthur Represents the Monarch Butterfly Oklahoma at National Presence of eastern monarch butterflies Agriculture Policy Conference in their wintering habitat drops 59.3% OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Ar- thur is back in Oklahoma following a productive week at the NASDA OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Au- (UNAM), and the Monarch But- together to increase nectar and abundance of milkweeds and nec- thorities in Mexico City recently terfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR). milkweed plants, monarchs can 2024 Winter Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. Arthur, who is tar sources. We need to get more the President of the National Association of State Departments of announced that the size of the ‘This is the second lowest number rebound again.” milkweed and native wildflowers Agriculture, led meetings and discussions about agricultural policies eastern monarch butterfly popu- of hectares counted to date. The Monarch numbers are at a near lation that overwinters in Mexico lowest was 0.67 hectares during all-time low because of drought in the ground, and we all need to that impact Oklahomans, as well as the rest of the United States. contribute to this effort. Oklaho- “Ag policy is incredibly important for all ofour farmers and ranchers,” is the second smallest on record. the 2013-2014 overwintering conditions last fall that extended Arthur said. “The chance to sit around the table and carry forward a ‘The numbers are so low, that few season. A chart produced by Mon- from southern Oklahoma deep mans can learn more about what message from our home states to the federal level will hopefully have monarchs will be seen this coming arch Watch at the University of into central Mexico during the to plant by visiting okiesformon- a positive impact on ag policy.” summer in many parts of the U.S. Kansas shows the total forest area last critical portion of the migra- archs.org/take-action. One of the biggest policy priorities discussed at the conference was and Canada. occupied by overwintering mon- tion. Drought reduces flowering About Okies for Monarchs the passage of a unified farm bill. An updated bill is critical to farm- ‘The total forest area occupied by arch colonies annually since the plants, and for plants that are un- ers, the rural economy, and communities of every size. The bill must Okies for Monarchs is an educa- overwintering monarch colonies winter of 1994-1995. able to bloom drought can limit ensure that farmers have a reliable safety net and consumers have was reported as 0.90 hectares “[ know many feel disheartened at how much nectar plants are able tion initiative of the Oklahoma access to safe and affordable food. which is a staggering 59.3% de- the news of the eastern migratory to produce. Monarchs need nectar Monarch & Pollinator Collabora- “There's a lot of opportunity in the farm bill to bring priority to ag re- crease from the previous season monarch overwintering num- to not only survive but to be able tive, a statewide group of 40+ or- search and animal health,” Arthur said. “Another big piece that we've (2.21 hectares) by the WWE-Tel- bers,” said Dr. Emily Geest, OKC to build up fat reserves to survive ganizations and citizens working worked on in Oklahoma is supporting local producers to have more mex Telcel Foundation Alliance, Zoo's postdoctoral fellow in con- winter. resiliency in the food supply chain.” together to ensure thriving Mon- in collaboration with the National servation and science. “However, What can people do to help mon- In addition to the farm bill, Arthur and NASDA members discussed Commission of Natural Protected monarchs have had low numbers archs recover? arch migrations for generations many other policies including pesticide regulation, food safety, ani- Areas (CONANP), the National in the past and have rebounded ‘We need people to take action. To to come. Learn more by visiting mal health, and farm labor. Autonomous University of Mexico before. With everyone working recover, monarchs will need an okiesformonarchs.org. Arthur's visit to Washington also includeda trip to Capitol Hill where she delivered Oklahoma's policy priorities to legislators including U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, and staff members for U.S. Rep. Stephanie Oklahoma Gardening plants seeds of Bice and U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen. “T'm always very happy to discuss our state’s agricultural priorities with legislators,” Arthur said. “Oklahoma is full of wonderful farmers and ranchers who make it very easy to advocate on their behalf. It was excitement in new season a productive week and I look forward to seeing what we can accom- plish in the coming months.” By Trisha Gedon Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center on “Oklahoma Gardening’ airs Saturday mornings the OSU campus offers to Oklahomans. Hent- at 11 am. and Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. on STILLWATER - Snow and ice gripped much ges said she will work with FAPC specialists to local OETA-TV channels across the state. View- of Oklahoma for several days in January, but take basil from the garden and turn it into a ers can also subscribe to the “Oklahoma Gar- never fear, gardening season is near. The crew marketable dry herb product. dening” YouTube channel to see full shows or MISDEMEANORS at “Oklahoma Gardening” is busy preparing for “Native plants are growing in popularity, and search for specific segments. State of Okla vs Jacob E Haro Protective order violation the new season that will begin Feb. 10. Ill showcase a variety of them,” she said. “Top- Check out the “Oklahoma Gardening” website State of Okla vs Brian McArthur DUS Casey Hentges, Oklahoma State University ics related to growing native plants will include for video clips, links to gardening resources, Extension associate specialist and host of the renovating a traditional landscape to a native featured recipes and more. “Oklahoma Garden- State of Okla vs Hailee R Nickell Dumping trash on public/ popular gardening show, said part of this sea- landscape, as well as native plant maintenance, ing” can also be found on Facebook, Twitter private property son will focus on how gardening helps create a where to purchase native plants and what a na- and Instagram. State of Okla vs Nicole Gillespie Breaking & entering, Public healthy lifestyle. tive garden looks like throughout the different ‘The Botanic Garden at OSU is the home of intoxication. Disturbing the peace “Gardening is a great way to improve overall seasons.” the “Oklahoma Gardening” studio garden and physical and mental health,” she said. “It can be As construction continues on New Frontiers is located west of Stillwater on the north side State of Okla vs James R White Assault & battery as relaxed or as vigorous as you want it to be.” Agricultural Hall on campus, Hentges said she of Highway 51. The show is produced by OSU State of Okla vs Christina L Muniz Possession of CS & para- Gardening is a good muscle-strengthening ac- will follow its phases from landscape planning Extension, OSU's Department of Horticulture phernalia tivity and one of the physical activities with the to the installation of plants. The new building and Landscape Architecture and the OSU Ag- lowest injury rates. is slated to open for the fall 2024 semester. riculture Office of Communications and Mar- FELONIES ‘The show will feature information on physical “As we've done in previous years, we'll continue keting, State of Okla vs Richard D Welch Domestic assault & bat- activity in the garden, nutrition, mental health to provide gardening enthusiasts information OSU Extension uses research-based informa- tery by strangulation and the importance of staying hydrated. Spe- on new plants and gardening tips and tricks,” tion to help all Oklahomans solve local issues cial cooking segments will feature healthy reci- said Hentges, who begins her ninth year as and concerns, promote leadership and man- pes using fresh ingredients from the garden. Also on tap for the season will be a series of host of the show. “The home garden tours re- age resources wisely throughout the state's 77 main popular, and we'll continue those this counties. Most information is available at little MARRIAGES, € DIVORCES videos highlighting the service the Robert M. season,” tono cost. MARRIAGE LICENSES Aurelio Valenzuela, Elk City ~ Matha Herrera, Elk City Wesley Swaner, Canute ~ Esparanza Hernandez, Canute William Lowe, Amarillo, TX - Polly Atchison, Amarillo, TX Sendto [email protected] DIVORCES with a description! Renae Guilford vs Robert Guilford Jr Melissa Noyes vs Richard Noyes