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Parents walk a fine line when trying to determine how much time to allow their kids to engage in game play. Game play has traditionally had a bad reputation, but parents can rest assured that by letting their children get involved in entertaining games of all types, including video games, they’re actually helping their youngsters in various ways.

Independence Day is a celebration of the United States of America. The holiday is marked by fanfare and large parties, complete with barbecues, fireworks and parades.

Shared experiences are ideal ways to make new friends or solidify established relationships. Bonds can be strengthened even further when those shared experiences include entertaining activities. This is a great reason for adults to incorporate routine game nights into their social calendars. Game nights are nothing new. Perhaps your parents or grandparents gossiped over a few games of gin rummy or weekly poker gatherings? Before the widespread proliferation of digital video games, board games were a go-to way to have fun. Even now, game nights can provide the perfect way to slow down, have fun and get together with friends. Hosting a game night can be an ideal way to have fun at home without turning on the television. The following are a few things to consider when planning a game night.

The United States flag was first imagined after the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Continental Congress authorized creation of the first national flag on June 14, 1777. It was decided that the flag should have 13 stripes, alternating red and white, to represent the original 13 colonies, and that the new union be represented by 13 white stars in a blue field to signify a “new constellation.” Francis Hopkinson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, is most often credited with the original design.

July 4th is a day when Americans celebrate their independence, but it’s also a day to commemorate two men who played vital roles in procuring that independence. Both John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his successor Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826. The two men had an interesting relationship that became increasingly complex as the nation they helped to found developed. According to History.com, Adams and Jefferson were confidantes in the 1780’s. But as time wore on, each man developed a different view of what the United States government should be, creating a rift in their relationship that was only widened by the 1800 presidential election. The men ran against each other in that election, which is still considered one of the more contentious elections in American history. Jefferson ultimately claimed victory, a result so unnerving to Adams that he left Washington, D.C. prior to Jefferson’s inauguration. The two men would ultimately reconcile, exchanging more than 150 letters before dying within hours of one another on Independence Day in 1826.

The annual Independence Day celebration will be held July 4 in Watonga at Huff-Lorang Park. The fireworks display, food, and events will be sponsored by the Lions Club, City of Watonga, and the Watonga Public Works Authority. The fun will begin well before dusk, and everyone is welcome to come out for an evening of neighborhood celebrations.

STILLWATER, Okla. – Flowers are blooming and vegetables are ripe for picking out of the garden, but unfortunately, poison hemlock and other toxic plants are also blooming across the state.

WATONGA — The Give Local Program is administered through the USG Foundation. USG has plants across the United States which operate in diverse communities – full of parents, children, young adults, veterans, and others, all with different life stories. Like any community, they have hardship and adversity … but also heartfelt generosity. At USG, we have generous employees who want to help those in need within their community. We want to support that compassion. The USG Foundation encourages each plant to choose and submit a local charity that would benefit from an annual $5,000 grant. The program has been in place for 4 years.