“Drought Persists” seems to be the current theme as much of House District 17 stays in exceptional drought conditions and has been for the last six weeks or so. I have been working with local officials trying to locate potential water sources for local farmers and ranchers for that day when our ponds have finally dried up. It seems more each day that this is not an if situation but when.
I do want to commend our state drought commission for making some rule changes and adding an additional $5 million in cost-share monies made available this past week. Producers started cleaning out ponds in mid-July, but this practice was not approved until early October. The commission made the effective date for these cleanouts retroactive to June 11, a change I petitioned some of the commissioners on. I feel this is a big win for our drought-stricken area. I remind all producers to maintain contact with their local conservation district for future updates.
The rift between hunting groups and the Department of Wildlife concerning the management of the Wister Wildlife Management Area does not seem to be improving, I attended another meeting in Wister concerning the locking of gates and closing of roads into this public hunting area. I’ve attended several meetings like this one, and nothing seems to be getting resolved. I wish I could offer a solution, but I don’t see one unless the Corps of Engineers and Oklahoma Wildlife will listen to these local hunters’ concerns.
I will close on a positive note: John and Lucille Whetsel have been married for 50 years. This occasion was celebrated in Kiowa the other evening. It was an event I was happy to attend, and I wish them 50 more.
As always, thank You for allowing me to serve you. I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov.
- Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and parts of LeFlore and Pittsburg counties.
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