March 9, 2024 Issue, Page 9 of 14

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News March 9, 2024 The Elk City News -9 Homeowners and large landowners Methamphetamines can help boost the population Methamphetamines are one of the most common drugs of across the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 16,000 people died in 2019 due to psycho- now near all-time low stimulants with methamphetamines being the most common stimulant causing these deaths. While this seems small in com- parison to the 49,860 deaths caused from opiates. The number By Kelly Bostian from 1994 to 2003 was 5.09 Honeyvine, an aggressive na- Waystation program outlines of deaths does not tell the whole story. hectares. It has averaged 3.14 tive vine, is dispersing seeds ideas for a home, business, or If you have a family member or friend who has or is struggling With the eastern monarch since then, according to Mon- now, and while some who like community to create a certified with an addiction to methamphetamines, you likely know this population near an all-time arch Watch. clean fences may find it annoy- waystation. Also, it offers ac all too well. Many of those who struggle with meth addiction low, pollinator boosters are en- Drought conditions from ing, it is part of the milkweed cess to a milkweed market that rapidly deteriorate in every area of their life. This could include couraging Oklahomans to pull southern Oklahoma to cen- family and an essential plant includes options for milkweed financial problems, deterioration in physical appearance, or le- out all the stops now as one of tral Mexico reduced flower- for migrating monarchs, she purchases for large restoration gal and criminal charges. These issues impact entire communi- the critical states along the mi- ing plants and available nec- said. projects. ties at large. Causing property damage, crime, and the destruc- gration path of the iconic but- tar critical for migration and One completely effortless step Another source for knowledge tion of families. terfly. building fat stores for overwin- is to skip mowing and forget and registering your efforts is Spring migrators will begin tering. about early-season herbicides. the Garden for Wildlife pro- Knowing the signs of both short and long term meth addiction arriving in South Texas next Oklahoma Monarch —Soci- While the look is not aestheti- gram, available through the can help you identify ifa member of your family or community week, Oklahomans have until ety Director Katie Hawk said cally pleasing to some, yards needs rehabilitation for methamphetamine addiction. Conservation Coalition of the end of the month or the that aside from a love for the that are littered with leaves Here are some of the signs of Methamphetamine Addiction: Oklahoma and the National first weeks of April to prepare. showy, large orange butter- and full of early-blooming dan- Wildlife Federation, “I know many feel disheart- flies, watching the dramatic delions, henbit, and violets Insomnia ened at the news of the east- fate of these visible “canaries should be all the rage this sea~ All three of those programs of- Hyperactivity ern migratory monarch over- in the coal mine” is an impor- son, Hawk said. fer a registration process and Hallucinations wintering numbers,” said Dr. tant reminder that all pollina- signage for your garden plot or “We need to learn to embrace Pick Marks Emily Geest, Oklahoma City tors are essential. yard, Hawk said. those early bloomers and just Noticeable Loss of Weight Zoo's postdoctoral fellow in “Because they are a flagship in- let them be,” she said. “More “Those signs go a long way Dilated Pupils conservation and __ science. dicator species, and we all love and more people are turning to toward helping others under- Paranoia “However, monarchs have had food,” she said. “One in every wild-scaping instead of tradi- stand you have a purpose for Noticeable Loss of Weight low numbers in the past and three bites we take includes tional landscaping.” your yard and sharing that in- have rebounded before. With something that requires a pol- She said plenty of resources are formation,” she said. “Talk with If you see one of the following signs it could be an indication the everyone working together to linator to grow.” available to people who want your friends and neighbors, let person has begun using methamphetamines. If you see several increase nectar and milkweed As fewer “first generation” to explore these options. people tour your place, and sew of these signs it could be an indication that they are struggling plants, monarchs can rebound monarchs arrive this spring, Where to learn more what’s blooming” with an addiction to methamphetamines. If you or a loved one again.” they will look for milkweed Hawk’s nonprofit Oklahoma Occasionally Home Owners are struggling with methamphetamine use or addiction, please What's happening to lay eggs, and that reduced Monarch Society manages Ok- Associations object to the ap- call us today for help finding treatment for yourself or your Drought, primarily, is blamed population can use all the help ies for Monarchs, an educa- pearance of yards that may loved ones. for a 59.3% decline in the it can get, she said. tional initiative of more than look a little “bushy,” she said. overwintering population, What to do 40 agencies, nonprofits, and “People can reach us through To read more on the subject, visit: measured annually by the “There are a lot of things peo- Native organizations that com- Okies for Monarchs, and we https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/drug-abuse-informa- WWFE-Telmex Telcel Founda- ple can do right now to prepare prise the Oklahoma Monarch are happy to come out and tion/signs-of-methamphetamine-abuse.html tion Alliance, in collaboration for spring and for the whole and Pollinator Collaborative. talk to HOA meetings or com- Written by: Aaron Olson with the National Commission season,” she said, ‘The group’s website is a central of Natural Protected Areas, the People can start germinating point for all things associated munity meetings about what (225) 243 5047 National Autonomous Univer- milkweed seeds to plant, and with monarchs in this state. people are spraying and what 35059 Bend Rd sity of Mexico, and the Mon- they can start looking for nurs- Yard By Yard, the Oklahoma it does to pollinators, how to Denham Springs, LA 70706 arch Butterfly Biosphere Re- eries that supply native flower- Conservation Commission's landscape, and how you might ing plants that provide nectar “community resiliency proj- increase habitat in your com- serve. It follows a 22% decline in the previous year. and native milkweed that is ect,” offers tips on how to grow mon area or park,” she said. Colonies covered .90 hectares free of pesticides, she said. plants and where to find them The Oklahoma Ecology Proj- this winter, the second low- Now is the time to purchase and provides help with tips ect is a nonprofit dedicated to Oklahoma Firefighters Aid est in recorded history and a plants or seeds for native flow- on ways to fend off weeds like in-depth reporting on Okla- reduction from 2.21 hectares ering plants and shrubs that sandburs and pests like mos- homa’s conservation and envi- last year, The season average are also highly drought toler- quitoes naturally. ronmental issues. Learn more for the dwindling population ant, she said. ‘The national Monarch Watch at okecology.org Texas Wildfires Oklahoma Peanut Expo By By Rep. Nick Archer (405) 557-7312 3462 off the floor; now, it is eligible to be heard by the Sen- slated for March 21 ate. With the devastating wild- It directs the Oklahoma fires raging in our neighbor- Department of Agriculture, ing state of Texas and spread- Food and Forestry, with as- By Alisa Boswell-Gore Department of Agriculture, Food, and For- 2028 variety trials, ing across western Oklahoma sistance from the Department estry Private Applicator continuing educa- Maira Duffeck, an OSU plant pathologist, counties, Oklahoma's fire de- of Wildlife Conservation, to STILLWATER. - The Oklahoma Peanut tion units are offered. will provide results of the 2023 foliar fun- partments have risen to the EXPO, a joint effort of the Oklahoma Pea- When: Thursday, March 21 at 9 a.m. gicide tests and a pesticide update. occasion to provide assistance. develop a pilot to enhance the nut Commission, Oklahoma State Uni- Where: Stafford Air & Space Museum at Todd Baughman, OSU weed scientist, will genetic durability of Oklaho- Tm so grateful for the ru- versity Agriculture, USDA-Agricultural the Weatherford Airport, 3000 Logan discuss weed control issues in Oklahoma ral and local fire departments ma deer against chronic wast- Research Service and the National Peanut Road, Weatherford, Oklahoma peanut fields. ing disease. Board, will take place in Weatherford this Speakers: Josh Bushong, OSU Extension agrono- who have crossed state lines to The goal is to proactively year. Marshall Lamb, a peanut scientist from mist, will discuss proper handling and re- assist with the wildfires. Cart- combat the spread of chronic “We are expecting a larger crowd along Dawson, Georgia, will discuss the peanut search results of applying inoculants. er, Delhi, Sayre, Texola, Elk City, and Canute are just a few wasting disease among Okla- with more sponsors this year, and the con- market outlook for 2024. Registration: Begins at 8:30 a.m. the day ference room at the Stafford Air & Space Maria Mehok, Nation Peanut Board vice of the event at the Stafford Air & Space that I wanted to mention, but homa's deer population, aim- Museum gives us more room,” said David president of finance, will give an update Museum T'm sure there are many more ing to protect public health Nowlin, Oklahoma Peanut Commission on the National Peanut Board and their For more information, please contact Da- doing great work out there. and the state's wildlife re- executive director. “It is a first-class loca- activities. vid Nowlin at okpeanutcomm.dnowline These firefighters have sources. tion that our peanut producers and ven- Allison Randell with the American Peanut gmail.com. shown incredible bravery and We will spend the next two dors will enjoy.” Council will discuss the Sustainable U.S. OSU Agriculture is dedicated to improving determination, bringing their weeks considering bills on the Who: Oklahoma peanut growers and in- Peanut Initiative and why it is important the quality of life of Oklahomans through skills, equipment, and solidar- House floor. I plan to keep dustry experts to all peanut producers. science-based information and education. What: Peanut industry expo showcasing It is comprised of the Ferguson College of USDA-ARS Plant Breeders Rebecca Ben- ity to confront this crisis head- everyone updated on the sig- the latest in research, development and nett and Lyndsey Aguirre will share the Agriculture and two state agencies: OSU on. That's what Oklahoma is nificant legislation that gets market trends. Two certified Oklahoma yield and disease resistance results of the Ag Research and OSU Extension. all about - lending a helping passed. hand whenever it’s needed the I intend to continually most. keep you informed of what is BCBSOK Announces Blue ‘The wildfires are continu- happening at the Capitol. It is ing to pose challenges in Okla- truly an honor and privilege homa and Texas. However, it to represent you at the State is second nature in Oklahoma ImpactSM Grant Program to come together in challeng- Capitol. As always, please do ing times, offering support and striving for the common not Mihesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at (405) good. The joint effort with our 557-7312 or at nick.archer@ Tulsa - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma's major grant poverty, removing barriers to employment, providing good jobs, Texan neighbors speaks vol- okhouse.gov. program, Blue Impact, is now accepting applications through and upskilling, umes about our shared values Nick Archer, a Republi- May 1, 2024, + Nutrition: Supporting efforts to decrease hunger and increase of community and resilience. can, serves House District 55 ‘The Blue Impact grant program is part of a refreshed commu- access to nutritional food. We spent the week finish- in the Oklahoma House of nity investment strategy focused on the social determinants of + Neighborhood and Local Assets: Focusing on affordable healthy ing committee work and hear- Representatives, which covers health. This program, along with other BCBSOK community in- housing, access to transportation, and access to physical activity. ing bills on the House floor. Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Ca- vestments, directly target the social and economic factors that + Locally Defined Health Solutions: Addressing local health and ‘The House passed House Bill nadian and Washita counties. play a role in health and wellness. human service needs. (HEART OF EvROPE “In 2023, we were able to give nearly $1 million in Blue Im- + Optimal Health Outcomes: Helping close gaps in care, specifi- pact grants to organizations who are making a positive impact in the lives of Oklahomans,” said Stephania Grober, BCBSOK cally around six priority areas: immunizations; diabetes care; president. “We are excited to continue making a difference in the cardiovascular care; behavioral health; 15-day HEART OF EUROPE" Circle Tour of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, health disparities effecting our community, while supporting early detection cancer screening and maternal & infant health. Italy, France, Belgium ax Holland by Image Tours and learning from community partners with missions to build a Applying organizations must have 501(c)(3) status. To learn more about Blue Impact grants and the application process, visit $5290 September 3 & 10 departures healthier Oklahoma.” Blue Impact invests in and partners with nonprofit organiza- bcbsok.com and look for the Blue Impact grants link under Com- Includes AIR from OKLAHOMA CITY pany Information. All applications must be submitted online. Includes 21 meals, 13 nts.hotels air taxes, transportation and escort in Europe, tions that offer sustainable, measurable programs to reach Okla- per person, double occupancy. BOOK BY 3/29/24. Call fora FREE brochure. homans in these five areas of focus: To learn more about how we are making a difference, please SW TRAVEL + Economic Opportunity and Stability: Addressing issues such as check out our 2023 Community Social Responsibility Report. L Ph: 580-445-7215