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Articles by Brian Brus
Fighting the Food Desert
A new community grocery store is bringing healthy produce to a food desert in northeast Oklahoma City, in a private-public partnership supported by Oklahoma State University Extension agricultural expertise. The Market at Eastpoint, 1708 NE 23rd Street, opened recently with the target of improving food security.
From law books to the Bible: Attorney applies legal skills to ministry
OKLAHOMA CITY – At some point in Mark Burget’s career as an attorney, arguing fine points of law became less important than considering their ethical and moral underpinnings. “I was clearly a tax lawyer – tax planning for business transactions, tax controversy work for dealing with the IRS, Tax Commission preparation, estate planning, that sort of thing,” Burget said.
By: Brian Brus The Journal Record July 29, 2013 Jeff Greene, CEO and founder of MedEncentive in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brent Fuchs) OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s Office of Management and Enterprise Services has engaged Oklahoma City-based MedEncentive to pilot the agency’s mutual accountability study program with HealthChoice beneficiaries, officials said.
Victims of Tate Publishing dissatisfied and skeptical
A plea deal between Tate Publishing Co. executives and the state attorney general’s office has left many defrauded clients of the vanity press dissatisfied and doubtful they’ll recoup their expenses. “Some authors are really, really upset that there was no jail time for the Tates,” said Victoria Strauss, an author in Amherst, Massachusetts.
OSU receives $500,000 grant to bolster locally sourced meat
Oklahoma State University has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture worth nearly $500,000 to strengthen and explore new market opportunities for local and regional meat businesses.
Oh, deer: Changing seasons require driving caution
STILLWATER, Okla. – Drivers need to pay more attention to deer crossing Oklahoma roads while the animals are listening to other instincts this time of year, said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Extension wildlife management specialist. Elmore provided some insight and tips for dealing with deer on the move: Oklahoma deer are not migratory, but they do move more within their territories during seasonal changes.
Oh, deer: Changing seasons require driving caution
Wildlife and vehicle collisions are frequent and costly. A deer crossing in wet foggy weather impacts a car on highway 51 west of Stillwater.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 1 million car accidents with deer each year that kill 200 Americans, cause more than 10,000 personal injuries, and result in $1 billion in vehicle damage. STILLWATER, Okla.
Oh, deer: changing seasons require driving caution
Time to read 1 minute Body STILLWATER, Okla. – Drivers need to pay more attention to deer crossing Oklahoma roads while the animals are listening to other instincts this time of year, said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Extension wildlife management specialist. Elmore provided some insight and tips for dealing with deer on the move: • Oklahoma deer are not migratory, but they do move more within their territories during seasonal changes.
Oh, deer: changing seasons require driving caution
Oh, deer: changing seasons require driving caution Wildlife and vehicle collisions are frequent and costly. A deer crossing in wet foggy weather impacts a car on highway 51 west of Stillwater. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 1 million car accidents with deer each year that kill 200 Americans, cause more than 10,000 personal injuries, and result in $1 billion in vehicle damage.
Fighting Food Insecurity During The Holidays
Fighting Food Insecurity During The Holidays STILLWATER, Okla. – Leaning away from the Thanksgiving dinner table with a sigh and stuffed tummy is a comfort beyond the reach of many Oklahomans this year. 4-H’ers across the state are trying to make it a possibility with food drives for community food banks and pantries. “They understand that fighting food insecurity is about being part of something bigger than themselves,” said Karla… Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
How Can Parents Prevent Digital Damage To Teens?
By Brian Brus OSU Agricultural Communications Services How Can Parents Prevent Digital Damage To Teens? Share Tweet 0 Comments November 11, 2021 Social media algorithms can subvert children’s normal social growth patterns and replace them with reinforced negativity about bullying, unrealistic body imagery and depression, Oklahoma State University Extension specialists said. Fortunately, parents and other caregivers still wield some of... For access to this article please sign in or subscribe.
How Can Parents Prevent Digital Damage To Teens?
How Can Parents Prevent Digital Damage To Teens? STILLWATER, Okla. – Social media algorithms can subvert children’s normal social growth patterns and replace them with reinforced negativity about bullying, unrealistic body imagery and depression, Oklahoma State University Extension specialists said. Fortunately, parents and other caregivers still wield some of the strongest tools to counter damage caused by those digital platforms. But winning… Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Turkey Tension? Keep Supply Chain Disruption From Ruining Holiday
Turkey Tension? Keep Supply Chain Disruption From Ruining Holiday STILLWATER, Okla. – The pandemic has thrown off market supply chains, often leaving holes in consumers' grocery shopping lists. Family cooks are justified to worry about holiday menus, said Courtney Bir, an Oklahoma State University Extension specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Thanksgiving is not doomed, however – “The shelves aren’t bare.
Spiders are scary but avoidable
Most of Oklahoma’s native spiders, like this orb-weaver, aren’t as dangerous as a brown recluse or black widow. odd Johnson, OSU Agricultural Communications Services By Brian Brus OSU Extension As Oklahomans pull end-of-year holiday decorations out of the attic and put away tools in sheds, they may end up disturbing some of their smallest neighbors. Exclamations of surprise will be uttered. Bites might be delivered. Squashing, unfortunately, happens too often.
Tulsa Beacon
Photo by Todd Johnson, OSU Agricultural Communications Services Most of Oklahoma’s native spiders, like this orb-weaver, aren’t as dangerous as a brown recluse or black widow. STILLWATER – As Oklahomans pull end-of-year holiday decorations out of the attic and put away tools in sheds, they may end up disturbing some of their smallest neighbors. Exclamations of surprise will be uttered. Bites might be delivered. Squashing, unfortunately, happens too often.
OSU receives $2.6 million grant to study regenerative agriculture
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University has received more than $2.6 million to research ways to improve agricultural production while reducing environmental impacts, said Kevin Wagner, director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Center at Oklahoma State University. It will require a holistic approach, Wagner said. Climate, livestock grazing, crop rotation, hydrology, regional economics and… Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
OSU receives $2.6 million grant to study regenerative agriculture
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State University has received more than $2.6 million to research ways to improve agricultural production while reducing environmental impacts, said Kevin Wagner, director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Center at Oklahoma State University. It will require a holistic approach, Wagner said. Climate, livestock grazing, crop rotation, hydrology, regional economics and more – the systems in regenerative agriculture are just too large, complex and intertwined for a simple solution.
Veterinarians, pet owners struggle with payment plans
Although veterinary technology continues to improve and enter the mainstream – with oncology treatments and MRIs, for example – the availability of customer payment systems to help provide those services still lags, according to recent Oklahoma State University research. Customers want more options, said Courtney Bir, an Oklahoma State University Extension specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics.
Spiders are scary but avoidable
Body STILLWATER, Okla. – As Oklahomans pull end-of-year holiday decorations out of the attic and put away tools in sheds, they may end up disturbing some of their smallest neighbors. Exclamations of surprise will be uttered. Bites might be delivered. Squashing, unfortunately, happens too often. Andrine Shufran, Oklahoma State University Extension associate specialist with the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, said human-spider interactions don’t need to be so dramatic.
Veterinarians, Pet Owners Struggle With Payment Plans
Veterinarians, Pet Owners Struggle With Payment Plans STILLWATER, Okla. – Although veterinary technology continues to improve and enter the mainstream – with oncology treatments and MRIs, for example – the availability of customer payment systems to help provide those services still lags, according to recent Oklahoma State University research. Customers want more options, said Courtney Bir, an Oklahoma State University Extension specialist and… Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Pecan Field Day Scheduled Sept. 23 In Ada
Pecan Field Day Scheduled Sept. 23 In Ada STILLWATER, Okla. – The state’s pecan producers are expecting a larger harvest than last year, but still below average due to a cold snap in April, according to an Oklahoma State University Extension specialist. Weather impacts will be one of several topics discussed at the pecan field day in Ada on Sept. 23, said Becky Carroll, associate Extension specialist in OSU’s Department of Horticulture… Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
4-H'ers ready for Roundup and beyond Original
STILLWATER – Oklahoma 4-H members are facing challenges and cultural changes that previous generations couldn’t have imagined, but past presidents shared a message for them ahead of the 100th annual State 4-H Roundup: Don’t worry, you’ve got this. “They’re all leaders, and they’re all here for the same reason,” said Missy Quintero, the 1998 president who was known as Missy Conner at the time.
4-H’ers Ready For Roundup And Beyond By Brian Brus
4-H’ers Ready For Roundup And Beyond STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma 4-H members are facing challenges and cultural changes that previous generations couldn’t have imagined, but past presidents shared a message for them ahead of the 100th annual State 4-H Roundup: Don’t worry, you’ve got this. “They’re all leaders, and they’re all here for the same reason,” said Missy Quintero, the 1998 president who was known as Missy Conner at the… Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Child Tax Credit Payment Plan Begins
The IRS Child Tax Credit is providing advance payments of the income tax credit to eligible families. STILLWATER, Okla. – As part of the federal stimulus legislation known as the American Rescue Plan, through December, the Internal Revenue Service is making available half the total credit amount taxpayers with children would normally be entitled to when filing taxes. According to the federal agency, the first Child Tax Credit payments were distributed July 15.
Farm finance and budgeting resources available
The economic turmoil in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has left a lot of small agricultural business operators asking difficult questions about managing their finances. “Farm business margins have always been tight, and now there are a lot of things in flux, even more than usual,” said Courtney Bir, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Oklahoma State University Extension specialist.
Tick talk: Time for parasite prevention
STILLWATER – Oklahomans are noticing they’re inadvertently bringing home tiny, uninvited hitchhikers this summer, Oklahoma State University experts said. Those guests are insatiable, and their numbers are peaking. “In Oklahoma, activity by the Lone Star tick usually peaks in May, but with all the rain we’ve had it slowed them up a little,” said Dr. Susan Little, professor in the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.
Experts say fireworks fun requires caution
STILLWATER, Okla. – More than a year of COVID-19 precautions and vaccinations has Oklahomans looking to Independence Day as a fireworks-punctuated opportunity to reconnect with friends and neighbors. However, that enthusiasm could leave the community open to other risks: accidental injuries and fires. “Fireworks are exciting and fun to watch, but they’re also dangerous.
Fireworks fun requires caution
By BRIAN BRUS STILLWATER – More than a year of COVID-19 precautions and vaccinations has Oklahomans looking to Independence Day as a fireworks-punctuated opportunity to reconnect with friends and neighbors. However, that enthusiasm could leave the community open to other risks: accidental injuries and fires. “Fireworks are exciting and fun to watch, but they’re also dangerous.
Tick talk: Time for parasite prevention, OSU experts say
Time to read 2 minutes Body STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahomans are noticing they’re inadvertently bringing home tiny, uninvited hitchhikers this summer, Oklahoma State University experts said. Those guests are insatiable, and their numbers are peaking. “In Oklahoma, activity by the Lone Star tick usually peaks in May, but with all the rain we’ve had it slowed them up a little,” said Dr. Susan Little, professor in the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.
OSU to send five to College National Finals Rodeo
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University’s Rodeo Team has overcome the difficulties of training and competing in a pandemic to qualify five students for the College National Finals Rodeo in June. The five who made the cut comprise the largest OSU contingent in several years to be sent to the CNFR, said Cody Hollingsworth, the team’s coach. The qualifying students and their events are: … Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Oklahoma State University researchers look at meat plants post-pandemic
When consumers noticed a reduction in meat products in grocery stores at the beginning of the pandemic, some took matters into their own hands, working with producers directly to arrange for meat processing. An ongoing decline in small meat plants had already led to processing wait times of about nine months pre-COVID-19.
Ledger/LCJ newsletter 5-21-2021
Subscribe for only $5 per month and receive the daily newsletter every day. Get 7 day free trial Discuss local, state and national news, sports and more on the Ledger/LCJ new forum Heavener City Manager Cody Smith, center, accepts a $14,300 check from the Choctaw Nation. Representing the Choctaw Tribal Council are District 3 Councilman Eddie Bohanan, left, and District 4 Councilman Delton Cox.
Storm Cleanup Requires Chainsaw Caution, Safety
Storm Cleanup Requires Chainsaw Caution, Safety STILLWATER, Okla. – Whether Oklahoma weather brings ice accumulation or strong winds, it often leaves behind broken tree branches that need to be cut and removed. Chainsaws are typically the tool of choice during such property cleanup. Oklahoma State University Extension turf specialist Dennis Martin said the machines deserve an extra level of respect and safety. Not only is the preparation of… Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Market recovery found among COVID-19 concerns
The agricultural industry has proven more resilient to pandemic disruptions than many had hoped, according to the latest market research by Oklahoma State University Extension experts. “The Oklahoma region is doing better than expected,” said Courtney Bir, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and OSU Extension specialist.
Tribal Economic Impact 2019: Focus on Gaming
By: Brian Brus The Journal Record Digital and mobile only Monthly autorenew rate $19.99 ---------- 1 Year $199 Digital and Mobile only Monthly autorenew rate $19.99 ---------- 1 Year $199 Digital and Mobile only Monthly autorenew rate $19.99 ---------- 1 Year $199 ---------- Print, digital and mobile 1 Year $229 Email Address: Password: Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Land rentals reported for crops, pasture
Time to read 1 minute Body STILLWATER, Okla. – The cost to rent cropland held steady through the pandemic last year while pasture rentals fell slightly overall, according to the latest studies by Oklahoma State University Extension. The biannual pair of market surveys of agricultural landowners found mixed results, said Roger Sahs, OSU Extension agricultural economist.
Tribal Economic Impact 2018
By: Brian Brus The Journal Record Digital and mobile only Monthly autorenew rate $19.99 ---------- 1 Year $199 Digital and Mobile only Monthly autorenew rate $19.99 ---------- 1 Year $199 Digital and Mobile only Monthly autorenew rate $19.99 ---------- 1 Year $199 ---------- Print, digital and mobile 1 Year $229 Email Address: Password: Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Veterans in the Workforce 2018
By: Brian Brus The Journal Record Digital and mobile only Monthly autorenew rate $19.99 ---------- 1 Year $199 Digital and Mobile only Monthly autorenew rate $19.99 ---------- 1 Year $199 Digital and Mobile only Monthly autorenew rate $19.99 ---------- 1 Year $199 ---------- Print, digital and mobile 1 Year $229 Email Address: Password: Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Oklahoma’s Meat Goats Tough Out COVID-19 Disruptions
STILLWATER, Okla. – Meat goat market disruptions due to COVID-19 last year appear to have made less of an impact than expected, said JJ Jones, Oklahoma State University Extension area agricultural economist. “Meat goats were affected barely at all by the pandemic,” Jones said. “Prices and demand remained surprisingly strong, to Oklahoma producers’ benefit.” Oklahoma is typically the fourth… Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Women in agriculture gain recognition
By Brian Brus Based on the latest Census of Agriculture and organizational hierarchy charts throughout the industry, it might seem as though women have been stepping into more ag leadership roles in recent years. The truth is, they’ve been there all along, from farm to board room, said Brittany Hukill and other Oklahoma State University alumnae who know first-hand.
Women in agriculture gain recognition
By Brian Brus Based on the latest Census of Agriculture and organizational hierarchy charts throughout the industry, it might seem as though women have been stepping into more ag leadership roles in recent years. The truth is, they’ve been there all along, from farm to board room, said Brittany Hukill and other Oklahoma State University alumnae who know first-hand.
Black history key to understanding agriculture’s present, future
By Brian Brus Oklahoma State University teaching associate Courtney Brown wants to ensure the next generation of Black agriculturalists grows with pride rather than shrink from disinterest. A large part of Brown’s work toward a master’s degree in agricultural communications at OSU focused on the African-American perspective of agriculture. Now she’s in the agricultural education doctoral program with an emphasis on agricultural leadership.
Black history key to understanding agriculture’s present and future
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University teaching associate Courtney Brown wants to ensure the next generation of Black agriculturalists grows with pride rather than shrink from disinterest. A large part of Brown’s work toward a master’s degree in agricultural communications at OSU focused on the African-American perspective of agriculture. Now she’s in the agricultural education doctoral program with an emphasis on agricultural leadership.
Oklahoma ag industry watching D.C. for changes
By Brian Brus If approved as head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack likely will receive a lot of media attention as the conduit between a new presidential administration and the nation’s vast agricultural industry. However, Vilsack is not the only adjustment that Oklahoma farmers and ranchers will be concerned about as policies transition between presidents, said Derrell Peel and other ag economists at Oklahoma State University.
Oklahoma ag industry watching D.C. for changes
STILLWATER – If approved as head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack will likely receive a lot of media attention as the conduit between a new presidential administration and the nation’s vast agricultural industry. However, Vilsack is not the only adjustment that Oklahoma farmers and ranchers will be concerned about as policies transition between presidents, said Derrell Peel and other ag economists at Oklahoma State University.
Ranchers webinars to close year, begin 2021
STILLWATER, Okla. – The Ranchers Thursday Lunchtime series of teleconferences for the cattle industry will continue through the year-end holidays, Oklahoma State University Extension officials said. The free events continue at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 3 through the Zoom online portal. Burke Teichert, retired vice president and general manager of Deseret Ranches, is scheduled to discuss heifer selection for improved lifetime productivity. Questions and feedback are encouraged.
Ranchers webinars to close year, begin 2021
SubmittedThe Ranchers Thursday Lunchtime teleconferences continue through the end of the year. (Photo by Todd Johnson, OSU Agricultural Communications Services) Todd Johnson STILLWATER, Okla. – The Ranchers Thursday Lunchtime series of teleconferences for the cattle industry will continue through the year-end holidays, Oklahoma State University Extension officials said. The free events continue at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 3 through the Zoom online portal.
Ranchers webinars to close year, begin 2021
STILLWATER, Okla. – The Ranchers Thursday Lunchtime series of teleconferences for the cattle industry will continue through the year-end holidays, Oklahoma State University Extension officials said. The free events continue at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 3 through the Zoom online portal. Burke Teichert, retired vice president and general manager of Deseret Ranches, is scheduled to discuss heifer selection for improved lifetime productivity. Questions and feedback are encouraged.
Ranchers webinars to close year, begin 2021
STILLWATER, Okla. – The Ranchers Thursday Lunchtime series of teleconferences for the cattle industry will continue through the year-end holidays, Oklahoma State University Extension officials said. The free events continue at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 3 through the Zoom online portal. Burke Teichert, retired vice president and general manager of Deseret Ranches, is scheduled to discuss heifer selection for improved lifetime productivity. Questions and feedback are encouraged.
Ranchers Webinars to Close Year, Begin 2021
STILLWATER, Okla. – The Ranchers Thursday Lunchtime series of teleconferences for the cattle industry will continue through the year-end holidays, Oklahoma State University Extension officials said. The free events continue at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 3 through the Zoom online portal. Burke Teichert, retired vice president and general manager of Deseret Ranches, is scheduled to discuss heifer selection… Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
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