July 5, 2019 Issue, Page 5 of 12

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- not again Ithappens just about every year. We wait for the first ripe tomato from the garden only to discover that it’s rotten on the bottom side. Ugh! Well, that one will just have to go to the compost pile. Blossom end rot is a common problem in tomato plants. It’s not a disease; rather, it’s a physiological disorder resulting from an uneven distribution of calcium in the developing fruit. Calcium is very important for cell wall development, and when there isn’t enough in the right place of the developing fruit the tissue gets soft and begins to rot. Blossom end rot first appears as a sunken, water-soaked le- sion (dead area) on the bottom ofthe fruit (the side opposite of the stem). The lesion expands eventually turning black while the top portion ofthe tomato ripens. Affected tomatoes are often slightly distorted in appearance and partially decayed throughout much of the inside portion. It’s not due to lack of calcium in the soil that this problem develops; itis environmental in nature. Plant stress caused by Photos taken June 19th wide soil moisture fluctuations is a major contributing factor. It on Pioneer Road, near Elk can also be triggered by excessive application of fertilizer and City High School. manure prior to planting, by prolonged soil saturation from Photos by Melanie Randle. heavy rainfall or irrigation, and by deep cultivation near the young tomato plants that damages the roots. Blossom end rot can be minimized by maintaining adequate levels of soil moisture, especially early in the season. Using mulch during the heat of the summer also helps to moderate soil moisture loss and alleviate heat stress on the plants. Avoid heavy fertilization and use shallow cultivation to reduce root Blossom end rot usually clears up by itself, affecting only the first few tomatoes of the season. Calcium foliar sprays can be used; however, the better way to reduce the occurrence of blossom end rot is to maintain ideal growing conditions for the plants. For more information contact Greg Hartman, Beckham/ Washita County Extension, at 580-928-2139 or 580-832-3356 July 6 square dance canceled Follow us To let everyone gather with their families to celebrate our on Facebook TSET programs now open country's freedom, Elk City’s square dance club, Western and join over Interna will consider grant awards at munity gardens and farmers Swing, will not hold its regular monthly dance Saturday. popular TSET grant program board meetings in November markets. 8,000 others! that promotes improved 2019 and March 2020. Schools are awarded grants health and wellbeing in “Preventing and reduc- for adopting policies and schools and communities is ing tobacco use and obesity strategies that promote being now open for fiscal year 2020. in Oklahoma takes a com- tobacco-free, increasing fruit Through the TSET Healthy prehensive approach that and vegetable consumption Incentive Program for supports healthy habits and and increasing physical activ- schools and communities, removes barriers to healthy ity for students, faculty, par- the TSET Board of Direc- choices,” says TSET Execu- ents and staff. These health- tors awarded $1.9 million in tive Director Julie Bisbee. grants to 54 school districts “These incentive grants start promoting practices and and school sites and 33 conversations about health policies are recommended by communities in fiscal year and help communities and the Centers for Disease Con- 2019. The incentive program schools make strides on trol and Prevention (CDC). promotes partnerships at the projects and endeavors that Incentive grant funded proj- local level to improve health support improved quality of ects at schools have included and support healthy behav- life.” physical education equip- iors in schools and communi- Grant awards for the TSET ment, playground improve- ties. Healthy Incentive Program ments and equipment, walk- To be eligible to apply for for Communities are based on ing tracks, hydration stations an incentive grant, tobacco- population size and the types to encourage increased water free policies and other health of strategies implemented. consumption, action-based promoting strategies must be These strategies include learning lab equipment as implemented in communities, adopting ordinances that well as automated external school districts and schools. make all city-owned and op- defibrillators (AEDs). The incentive grant program erated property tobacco-free ‘TSET was created by a complements TSET’s pro- and vapor-free, implement- ) RELIABLE( ONN constitutional amendment in grams and public education ing street and zoning policies 2000 as a long-term strategy initiatives that seek to reduce that improve walkability and to improve health and ensure BETTER VALUE. the leading causes of death promoting increased access in Oklahoma ~ cancer and to fresh healthy foods through settlement 21998 payments from multi-state lawsuit cardiovascular disease - by community gardens and against the tobacco indus- = empowering Oklahomans farmer markets. Incentive to make healthier choices to grant funded projects seek to try are used to improve the eat better, move more and be improve health, and com- health of all Oklahomans. tobacco free. munities decide on the type ‘The funds are placed in of project that meets local /sparklight CABLE ONE ‘snow Funds for the TSET an endowment to ensure a Healthy Incentive Program needs. Projects for commu- growing funding source for are limited and will be ac- nities have included walk- generations to come. Only the cepted during two set applica- ing trails, community park earnings from the endowment tion periods during the year. improvements and enhance- are used to fund grants and The TSET Board of Directors ments, splash pads, com- programs. The Estates of Weatherford, LP. Senior Community Pet Friendly * Safe Room 100.....* mo: 62 and better (Reg. price $55/mo.) For 12 months | )) * Water, trash and sewer PAID No contract. 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