trisha.gedon@okstate.edu

If a pond was weedy last year, it probably will be weedy this year — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-04-01 08:10

STILLWATER, Okla. – Reeling in a couple pounds of pond weed may be somewhat of a challenge, but it is nowhere near the amount of fun as hooking into a good sized fish and battling it all the way to the shore.

Power outage can wreak havoc with food safety — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-04-06 11:10

STILLWATER, Okla. – There is one thing Oklahomans can count on during the spring season – unpredictable weather. Lightning and thunder storms, straight line winds and tornadoes all can have a detrimental effect on electrical power.

Jump$tart your money! — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-04-15 08:48

STILLWATER, Okla. – April is Financial Literacy Month. To observe this, the Oklahoma Jump$tart Coalition is sponsoring Jump$tart Your Money Week April 23-29.

Allergies can affect your pets — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-04-14 15:06

STILLWATER, Okla. – It’s the time of year when many people in Oklahoma start sneezing, and sneezing and sneezing some more. Springtime allergies certainly are not any fun to deal with.

Spring into action for clean home — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-04-15 09:38

STILLWATER, Okla. – The sun shining, cool breezes, longer days and warmer weather can only mean one thing: Spring has arrived.

Easy ways to get top dollar for your home — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-04-20 11:21

STILLWATER, Okla. – With spring comes all things new, and for some Oklahoma families, that means a new home. And those families putting their homes on the market are hoping to get top dollar.

Researcher tries to crack leaf lamina development code — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-04-21 07:44

STILLWATER, Okla. – The leaves of plants are “the best solar panels ever built.” Why, you ask? Because the leaves of plants are where carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and light energy from the sun are used to produce sugars, which has rightfully given leaves their claim to fame.

Food allergies must be taken seriously — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-04-28 14:33

STILLWATER, Okla. – Although about one-third of the adult population believes they have a food allergy, true food allergies affect less than 2 percent of the total population.

Cool season crops should be planted soon — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-04-29 09:47

STILLWATER, Okla. – To say the least, Oklahoma has experienced a wild winter and early spring. From record-breaking snowfall to a change of 100 degrees or more in a week, Oklahomans have seen it all this season.

Raised bed gardening can provide more food in less space — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-04 13:52

STILLWATER, Okla. – Just because you don’t have a large area of land to dedicate to vegetable gardening does not mean you will have to depend on the grocery store for produce this summer.

The value of vertical gardening — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-04 13:57

STILLWATER, Okla. – If your gardening space is limited, you might just need to look up in order to expand.

Workshop scheduled for Oklahoma forest landowners — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-05 15:38

STILLWATER, Okla. – Forest landowners in Oklahoma have a lot to think about. However, some answers and solutions may be available from an upcoming workshop.

Allowance teaches children responsible financial management — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-13 15:18

STILLWATER, Okla. – Giving children an allowance can help teach them to be responsible financial managers.

Crib safety requirements go into effect June 28 — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-13 15:23

STILLWATER, Okla. – New federal requirements regarding crib safety that go into effect June 28 will help ensure infants and toddlers, and their parents, sleep a little easier.

Hunting leases can provide additional revenue — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-19 12:56

STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma landowners can do more with their property than just farm it.

What is austerity? — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-19 16:20

STILLWATER, Okla. – Over the past several years, Oklahomans have been hearing a word pop up in the news that may not be familiar to them. That word is austerity.

OSU students sink teeth into new NREM class — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-23 09:26

STILLWATER, Okla. – Thousands of Oklahomans have stood in the tunnel under the shark tank at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks and watched the strong, graceful creatures effortlessly rip into a chunk of fish during feeding time.

Botanic Garden at OSU grand opening slated June 18 — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-24 08:12

STILLWATER, Okla. – One of the best kept secrets in Stillwater soon will be much easier to find. The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University will officially open the new entrance off State Highway 51 west of town June 18. The grand opening will be held in conjunction with the 10th Annual GardenFest, slated 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chainsaw safety important as tornado cleanup begins — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-25 11:29

STILLWATER, Okla. – Many Oklahomans are now faced with a massive cleanup job as several tornados recently ripped through the state. The storms left much destruction in their wakes, including houses, cars and trees.

Be wary of identity theft and scams following a weather disaster — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-26 10:32

STILLWATER, Okla. – Many people across the country are dealing with massive destruction from floods and tornadoes that have ravaged their area over the past several weeks.

Moist hay, hot temperatures mix for combustion and destruction — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-26 14:34

STILLWATER, Okla. – It might sound strange, but with no apparent ignition source, hay bales can burst into flames and cause much damage to storage facilities or cause a raging wildfire.

It is OK to eat pink pork — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-31 10:30

STILLWATER, Okla. – When it comes to cooking the other white meat, it is OK to think pink. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recently announced that it has lowered its temperature recommendation for cooking pork to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, down from 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Weather emergency plan should include pets — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-05-31 13:56

STILLWATER, Okla. – Already this spring many parts of Oklahoma, and the country for that matter, have seen the devastation that a tornado brings. Lives have been lost, property destroyed and the landscape changed forever.

Fat is an important component of a healthy diet — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-06-01 09:08

STILLWATER, Okla. – Despite the fact that some people try to eat as little fat as possible, it is important to remember that fat is a key component of a healthy diet.

The inner workings of switchgrass production for biomass — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-06-01 16:05

STILLWATER, Okla. – There are several reasons for which switchgrass has been chosen as a source of biofuel production in the United States. It can grow on wastelands and tolerate drought and extreme heat, to name a few.

Bioenergy researcher recognized with Graduate Research Excellence Award — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-06-01 16:04

STILLWATER, Okla. – A lot of work behind the scenes by Dimple Kundiyana, biosystems and agricultural engineering doctoral graduate and previous bioenergy research engineer at Oklahoma State University, recently was recognized with the reception of the Graduate Research Excellence Award.

Experts agree fat-free flavored milk is a healthy choice for children — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-06-03 11:00

STILLWATER, Okla. – For many children, flavored milk is a popular choice. However, flavored milk has come under fire lately as being a cause of childhood obesity and some schools are considering dropping the option of flavored milk.

Keep safety in mind when enjoying summer weather with your pets — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-06-07 10:51

STILLWATER, Okla. - The kids are out of school, the sun is shining and it is time to get outside and enjoy some recreational activities. If your pets are a big part of the family, they are likely to join in on the fun.

Create a retirement paycheck with managed payout funds — by tracy.mcmurphy@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-06-15 09:26

STILLWATER, Okla. – Financial experts agree that a person should save as much money for retirement as possible. However, few people are being told how they are supposed to withdraw the money when they are in retirement.

Sensory garden benefits all populations — by tracy.mcmurphy@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-06-15 09:27

STILLWATER, Okla. – It is easy to agree that flowers and plants can entice the senses of sight and smelling. But a new addition to The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University has something for all five senses.

New entrance to The Botanic Garden now open — by tracy.mcmurphy@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-06-15 09:28

STILLWATER, Okla. – It was an event that took several years in the making, but the vision, dedication and hard work has paid off. In a special private ribbon-cutting ceremony recently, the new entrance to The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University, located west of Stillwater on State Highway 51, is officially opened.

Living with gluten intolerance — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-07-08 09:45

STILLWATER, Okla. – Gluten intolerance is a digestive disorder where the body cannot handle gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. For people with gluten intolerance, gluten can damage the digestive tract, which results in poor nutrient absorption and can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

OSU researcher analyzes feasibility of localized bioenergy production — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-07-25 14:22

STILLWATER, Okla. – Some rural communities in Oklahoma may have an opportunity to boost their local economies through bioenergy production.

Include health care directives in estate plan — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-07-28 11:05

STILLWATER, Okla. – Estate planning can be a time consuming and emotional task to work through, but it is essential for everyone.

Horticulture workshop to focus on environmental stewardship — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-08-02 10:38

STILLWATER, Okla. – Consumers who have a passion for environmental stewardship should make plans to attend the Current Challenges in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture workshop slated Aug. 25 at Oklahoma State University.

Use caution when operating outdoor electrical tools — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-08-02 10:47

STILLWATER, Okla. – As the weather in the state makes us all realize summer is here, another rite of passage for this time of year is yard work.

Lots of fluids are essential during extreme heat — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-08-02 10:51

STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahomans have become quite experienced in dealing with triple-digit heat. During extreme heat, adequate fluid is especially important because dehydration can be a life-threatening problem.

Landscapes have suffered in the brutal Oklahoma heat — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-08-05 11:30

STILLWATER, Okla. – The summer of 2011 is definitely one for the record books. A quick glance at the landscapes in any city or town across the state shows the damage of excessive heat and lack of rainfall.

What does the new debt deal mean to you? — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-08-09 10:01

STILLWATER, Okla. – There was some question as to whether or not Congress would get it done, but on Aug. 2 President Obama signed the Budget Control Act of 2011 into law.

Fall Market Gardening School to take place in Muskogee — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-08-11 09:29

STILLWATER, Okla. – In an effort to provide fresh market producers with the most up-to-date information on management, production and marketing techniques, Oklahoma State University is teaming up with the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, to host the fall 2011 Oklahoma Market Garden School.

Understanding the U.S. credit downgrade — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-08-24 10:57

STILLWATER, Okla. – Standard & Poor’s (S&P) wanted to see $4 trillion in cuts over the next 10 years in the United States’ budget, but the new debt deal that was signed into law Aug. 2 called for only $2.4 trillion in cuts. It also expressed concern over whether an extremely divided Congress could decide on how to implement the spending cuts.

OSU researchers awarded $2.7 million ODWC grant for quail research — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-08-24 11:08

STILLWATER, Okla. – There are several factors at play as to why Northern bobwhite quail populations have dwindled statewide, and Oklahoma State University is conducting research to get to the root of the problem.

Food safety is a must when it comes to packing school lunches — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-09-06 10:33

STILLWATER, Okla. – Now that school is back in session, many parents around the state are packing lunches for their children. Even though outdoor temperatures are beginning to cool down, it is still important to not only pack a healthy lunch, but pack it in a way to prevent foodborne illness.

New 4-H scholarships created with $1 million gift — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-09-13 11:21

STILLWATER, Okla. – How big is a $1 million check? When it is given to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, it is big enough to generate funding for 40 to 50 new scholarships for deserving 4-H members.

Fall is the time to plant trees and shrubs — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-09-13 11:51

STILLWATER, Okla. – With the summer heat hopefully behind us for the season, Oklahoma gardeners can look forward to planting their fall gardens.

College students need renter’s insurance — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-09-15 10:53

STILLWATER, Okla. – As college students and their parents shopped for new things to take to college, hopefully renter’s insurance was on the shopping list, too.

Benefits of removing redcedar demonstrated by OSU — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-09-15 15:31

STILLWATER, Okla. – It looks like a war zone when one ignites in the middle of a wildfire. An impressive explosion on the leading edge of a wildfire typically means an Eastern redcedar just caught, especially in Oklahoma.

Cantaloupe recall affects at least 10 states — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-09-21 15:39

STILLWATER, Okla. – An outbreak of listeriosis associated with cantaloupes from a supplier in Colorado has resulted in more than 35 people being sickened and four deaths, including one in Oklahoma. The tainted melons have been found in at least 10 states.

Community field day slated Oct. 1 — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-09-26 11:56

STILLWATER, Okla. – Stillwater residents and those in the surrounding area are invited to a free community field day at the Oklahoma State University Agronomy Farm.

Smart snacks for children — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-09-30 14:28

STILLWATER, Okla. – When it comes to nutrition, it is not often that parents want to follow the lead of some of America’s fast-food giants.

Date set for Aromatic Cedar Association annual meeting — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-10-04 16:50

STILLWATER, Okla. – There are at least a couple of reasons to get fired up for this year’s Aromatic Cedar Association annual convention.

Robert and Dorothy Harper: Farmer SUCCESS Spotlight — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-10-04 16:54

STILLWATER, Okla. – Recognized by the City of Yukon as the “Best Place To Go in Yukon,” Old Route 66 Vegetable Farm was recently enhanced through services made available through the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project.

New debit fees mean consumers may spend more to spend their money — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-10-13 08:53

STILLWATER, Okla. – Some debit card users may discover early next year that it is costing them more to spend their own money.

Tree care conference slated Nov. 16 — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-10-26 10:52

STILLWATER, Okla. – Gardeners looking for innovative information regarding proper tree care should plan to attend a tree care conference hosted by the department of horticulture and landscape architecture at Oklahoma State University.

Halloween treats are just fine in moderation — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-10-20 11:15

STILLWATER, Okla. – Costumes have filled the racks and bags of candy line the shelves. Children all over Oklahoma are trying to figure out what to dress up as for Halloween. In addition, children have visions of a trick-or-treat bag stuffed with sugary, sticky and sweet treats.

Katz recognized for years of support for OSU — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-10-27 10:50

STILLWATER, Okla. – Many things have been written about the late Max Katz over the years. People around the country have read about his success in the cattle industry, good business sense, honesty, integrity and hard work.

Stevenson adds ATP certification — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-10-24 17:06

STILLWATER, Okla. – Case manager for Oklahoma AgrAbility, Sandra Stevenson, recently enhanced her resumé by earning the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).

Year-end tax saving strategies — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-10-28 16:42

STILLWATER, Okla. – Shopping, wrapping gifts and making travel arrangements may be on many people’s minds during this time of year. It is also smart to think about year-end tax saving strategies.

Help make sure your child's school is safe — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-10-31 15:44

STILLWATER, Okla. – Now that schools have completed the first quarter, many parents may find themselves making sure their children complete homework assignments, get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet to help ensure learning.

66th Annual Oklahoma Turf Conference slated Nov. 15-16 — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-11-01 14:15

STILLWATER, Okla. – The Oklahoma Turfgrass Research Foundation, the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and Oklahoma State University are working together to host the 66th Annual Oklahoma Turf Conference and Trade Show.

Wilkins looking for ethanol from Eastern redcedar trees — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-11-07 15:20

STILLWATER, Okla. – The nuisance of Eastern redcedar trees has been well documented in Oklahoma and surrounding states during the past several years. They are a fire danger, an over-powering competitor for water among surrounding plants and are incredibly invasive.

OSU to help sponsor 31st Annual Horticulture Industries Show — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-11-09 16:09

STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University is partnering with Tulsa Community College and the University of Arkansas to sponsor the 31st Annual Oklahoma and Arkansas Horticulture Industries Show. Gardening enthusiasts should mark their calendars for this two-day event slated Jan. 6-7, 2012, in Tulsa.

Social Security recipients will see more in their checks in 2012 — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-11-10 15:05

STILLWATER, Okla. – Social Security recipients will see a small increase in their checks starting in January 2012. This is the first increase in benefits since 2009. Monthly Social Security payments currently average $1,082, or about $13,000 a year. The 3.6 percent increase will amount to an extra $38 per month, or about $455 per year.

The Botanic Garden at OSU is seeking garden enthusiasts — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-11-10 16:24

STILLWATER, Okla. – If you have an interest in gardening and want to share your knowledge with others, The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University wants you.

Fall leaves are a valuable garden resource — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-11-18 16:34

STILLWATER, Okla. – After more than 60 days of 100-plus degree days this summer, the chill Oklahomans are feeling in the air now is quite welcome. The landscape across the state is beginning to look different as the leaves change to brilliant fall colors.

Help save a child’s life: anchor for safety — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-11-28 11:40

STILLWATER, Okla. – When parents welcome a new baby into the house, they spend hours baby proofing to help ensure the safety of their new bundle of joy.

Endowed scholarship established in honor of high school ag teacher — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-11-29 09:18

STILLWATER, Okla. – High school agriculture teachers often leave lasting impressions on their students. One particular relationship between a student and his teacher has resulted in a nearly $1 million scholarship endowment for agriculture student teachers within Oklahoma State University's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Winter landscape does not have to be dreary — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-11-29 15:05

STILLWATER, Okla. – Just because the sky can be drab and dreary in the fall and winter months does not mean the landscaping around your home must be, too.

OSU landscape architecture students recognized in international competition — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-11-30 09:39

STILLWATER, Okla. – Four landscape architecture students from Oklahoma State University have proven they can compete on an international level alongside industry professionals, as well as other design students from around the country.

Joe and Pat Williams: Farmer SUCCESS Spotlight — by sean.hubbard@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-12-07 16:45

STILLWATER, Okla. – Joe and Pat Williams, owners of Hillside Farms in Barnsdall, live on the same farm where Joe’s grandfather operated a dairy, hand-milking 90 head of cattle twice a day.

Take steps to ensure pets stay safe during cold winter months — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-12-07 16:48

STILLWATER, Okla. - As the temperature begins to dip below the freezing mark across the state, many Oklahomans are finding themselves turning up the heat in their homes so they can be more comfortable.

Spring Market Gardening School to take place in Chickasha — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-12-08 11:51

STILLWATER, Okla. – In an effort to provide fresh market producers with the most up-to-date information on management, production and marketing techniques, Oklahoma State University is teaming up with the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, to host the spring 2012 Oklahoma Market Garden School.

Add a splash of color to your holiday decorations with poinsettias — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-12-12 15:36

STILLWATER, Okla. – Just about everywhere you look there are signs of Christmas; neighborhood homes are bathed in festive lights and nearly every store is playing holiday music over the sound system. If the stockings are hung by the chimney with care that means the Christmas season is upon us.

Enrollment now accepted for OSU’s 2012 grape management course — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2011-12-15 16:43

STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma has long been known as a producer of wheat and other grain crops. However, over the past several years, more and more land is being dedicated to growing grapes.

100 calories a day can make a big difference — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2012-01-11 07:09

STILLWATER, Okla. – When it comes to weight gain, weight loss or weight maintenance, it can all boil down to a mere 100 calories.

Take advantage of available tax credits and deductions — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2012-01-09 15:39

STILLWATER, Okla. – Now that the holiday decorations have been taken down, many Oklahomans are preparing for another season…tax season.

DASNR researcher Yanqi Wu continues to impress with switchgrass and bioenergy research — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2012-01-19 17:10

STILLWATER, Okla. – Accolades, awards, grants and research in bioenergy are nothing new to Yanqi Wu, associate professor of grass breeding and genetics in Oklahoma State University’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences (PASS).

OSU to offer pecan management course — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2012-01-20 16:28

STILLWATER, Okla. – If you are interested in learning more about the pecan industry in Oklahoma, or already are involved in production but want to learn even more, make plans to attend the 2012 Fundamentals of Pecan Management course hosted by Oklahoma State University.

Tax filing season has begun — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2012-01-25 10:01

STILLWATER, Okla. – The 2012 tax filing season opened Jan. 17, so if you have not started yet, it is time to gather up all those receipts and other tax documentation. Last year, 77 percent of all individual tax returns were e-filed as opposed to filling out the paper forms and mailing them to the Internal Revenue Service. That is more than 112 million returns done online.

Window covering cords are a safety hazard — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2012-01-30 11:12

STILLWATER, Okla. – When decorating a room, consumers spend a lot of time picking out just the right furniture, paint colors and accessories. Often, the window treatments are the icing on the cake, the feature that brings the whole room together.

Dental care is an important aspect of being a pet owner — by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu — last modified 2012-02-08 16:15

STILLWATER, Okla. - When it comes to dental care, most people know the importance of brushing their teeth. What they may not realize is proper dental care is just as important for their pet.