News

Annual Defense Bill Big Win for Oklahoma

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The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an annual national security bill that allows Congress to meet its constitutional duty to provide for the common defense. The annual mustpass legislation ensures America’s warfighters and Oklahoma’s installations have the training, equipment, and resources they need to remain the greatest fighting force in the world.

1890 National Scholars Program Announced

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue agriculture career paths. The application deadline is March 1, 2024.

Outside Groups Spent $2.3 Million on Oklahoma Elections in 2023

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Politically involved nonprofits and committees without contribution limits spent $2.3 million to influence Oklahoma voters in 2023, rivaling the $2.95 million candidates put toward campaign expenses. State ethics rules cap candidate committee contributions at $3,300 per election.

SENIOR CENTER NEWS

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EWS Hi, everyone! And Merry Christmas to all of you! I hope you all have big plans to celebrate with family and friends. If you don’t feel like cooking remember the Christmas dinner at the fairgrounds.

Today in History

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December 20 is the 354th day of the year (355th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar; 11 days remain until the end of the year. 1803 – The Louisiana Purchase is completed at a ceremony in New Orleans.

Ferguson Features

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We thank everyone who visited the Friends of the Ferguson booths at the Christmas Bazaar on December 2 at the fairgrounds and at the city hall on December 14. Voting by greenbacks for the best holiday tree was hotly contested with appreciation to the city, Bank 7, The Watonga Republican, Elva’s Tree and Santa’s Tree.

City Moves to Redistrict Wards

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The City of Watonga, meeting in a special session Thursday, agreed to redistricting the wards inside the city limits. A special session was required so that the ordinance could meet publication deadlines in time for inclusion on the election calendar, saving the city from the cost of a special election.

Christmas Tradition Carries On

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For the 32nd time, cars will begin lining up at the Blaine County Fairgrounds on Christmas Day around noon. They will be there for the traditional holiday meal, presented by a bevy of volunteers who coordinate each December to provide the feast free of charge.