Articles

Dear Abby

OKLAHOMA CITY, March 4 – The devastating wildfires sweeping through our state have left a trail of destruction, impacting livelihoods and communities. In response, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation has been working diligently for impacted farmers and ranchers in the those areas to rally relief and provide information important to short-term and longterm recovery. “Wildfire is truly a devastating disaster. It can happen so fast and so completely. In response to the horrific 2017 fires in Northwest Oklahoma, OCA created the Wildfire Disaster Relief initiative within the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation (OCF) to coordinate assistance and provide an avenues of support for those impacted by natural disasters,” said Michael Kelsey, OCA Executive Vice President. “While our Foundation continues their great and important work, OCA is working on federal and state disaster declarations and assistance to land and livestock owners.” The OCF, working as the charitable arm of the OCA, has stepped up in a huge way to help those devastated by the recent wildfi res. “While these sudden and tragic wildfires take place, OCF is working to assist those impacted,” said OCF Executive Director Mariah Reimer. “We are coordinating hay and fencing donations along with financial donations.” The Wildfire Disaster Relief program seeks to offer assistance in various forms, including financial aid, feed and hay donations and other resources vital for recovery and rebuilding efforts. Through collaborative efforts and generous contributions, the OCF aims to alleviate the hardships faced by ranchers and ensure they receive the support they need to overcome this adversity. The OCF is finalizing an application for impacted cattle producers to apply for direct financial aid from those donations. To learn more about how you can contribute to the Wildfire Disaster Relief, visit the OCF Website: https:// www. oklahomacattlemensfoundation. com/wildfire-disaster-relief. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a significant impact and brings hope to those in need.

STILLWATER. – In February 2021, a round of sub-zero temperatures crippled the 60-year-old greenhouse facility at the OSU Agronomy Research Station, nearly destroying OSU’s internationally- acclaimed wheat breeding program.

STILLWATER. – One of the impacts of the recent wildfire in Texas and western Oklahoma is the reality that some surviving heavily pregnant cows may have injuries that prevent them from feeding their calves following birth.

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On Tuesday, March 5, a delegation of 23 SWOSU Doctor of Pharmacy students, accompanied by three faculty members, participated in the annual Pharmacy Legislative Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association (OPhA). This event brought together pharmacists, technicians, and students to engage directly with legislators on issues impacting the pharmacy profession.

Kids will be out of school this week and the Arrowhead Center has planned activities for March 18th, 19th, 21st, and 22nd. There will be a morning session from 10 a.m. to noon, and an afternoon session from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., for kids second grade through sixth grade. The cost is $5 per session and is limited to 40 students per session.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University will host four commencement ceremonies on the Weatherford campus in May for the Spring 2024 graduating seniors. Eligible participants for the ceremonies include students who will complete their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees following the 2024 spring and summer semesters. The commencement ceremony for the College of Pharmacy will be held on Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center. The following week, the remaining commencement ceremonies will take place at the Pioneer Cellular Event Center. The schedule for the ceremonies honoring graduates with associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees is as follows: Friday, May 10, at 6 p.m.: SWOSU College of Nursing and Health Professions Saturday, May 11, at 9 a.m.: SWOSU College of Arts & Sciences and SWOSU College of Business and Technology Saturday, May 11, at 12 p.m.: SWOSU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences A live stream of the ceremony will be provided for friends and family who cannot attend the in-person ceremony. The link to the live stream will be available on SWOSU’s commencement page: https://bulldog. swosu. edu/ commencement/ streaming.php. Further details about the Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony, including details about where students line up before the ceremony, can be found on the SWOSU website: https://bulldog.swosu.edu/ commencement/ spring- lineup. php. In preparation for the upcoming ceremonies, graduating seniors for Spring 2024 are reminded to visit the Alma Mater Merc on March 12 and March 13 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. During this time, they can collect their free caps, gowns, and tassels. Additionally, the bookstore will provide the opportunity to order graduation announcements, stoles, and diploma frames. The SWOSU Bookstore will continue to have regalia available until graduation day and can arrange shipping if necessary. For any inquiries regarding graduation regalia, please contact Ashley Hancock, Director of the Alma Mater Merc, at [email protected]. Please note, the deadline for graduation applications is approaching on Monday, March 25. Graduating seniors are encouraged to apply for graduation online or reach out to [email protected] if they have any questions. About Southwestern Oklahoma State University Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of nearly 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.

Once again, the Great Plains Amusement Carnival will be at Ackley Park March 28th through the 31st. This is sponsored by the Elk City Chamber of Commerce and will provide an evening of fun for the entire family.

Students in the Business Technology program at Western Technology Center, Sayre Campus, competed in the State Leadership Conference of Business Professionals of America in Tulsa, OK on March 4-6, 2024, as reported by Susanne Silk, BPA Advisor. Those placing in their competitive events on the state level were as follows:

f St. Patrick’s Day inspires feelings of hearth and home rather than leprechauns and green beer, you can celebrate tradition with warm, filling meals that harken back to Irish heritage. Soups and stews are certain to conjure up some nostalgia while soft, delicious cake is a perfect way to honor tradition regardless of your ancestry.

I got a variety of responses to “unplugging” from technology. Here’s a sample: “Dr. Dixie, concerning technology, I think you’re old-fashioned–and dreaming! It’s just not realistic to unplug.”