RT)--Enid Public Schools recently was awarded a $60,000 grant from The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) for wellness programs. The TSET Board of Directors awarded $387,500 in Healthy Incentive Grants to 25 school districts and sites across the state. EPS Superintendent Dudley Darrow said the funds are earmarked for Garfield Elementary School. The money will be used to build an outdoor running track and equipment. Stephanie Pendergraft, Garfield County program coordinator for TSET Healthy Living Program, worked with the district to update its wellness policies to help them apply for TSET grants. The focus is on improving school nutrition, enhancing physical activity opportunities and fostering a tobacco-free environment for students, faculty and staff. Garfield County’s TSET Healthy Living Program also allocated $737.51 in funding to Drummond Public Schools for the purchase of physical education equipment.

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TP)--Main Street Enid, in collaboration with Park Avenue Thrift and Whiterock Resources, along with the City of Enid, is excited to announce a transformative initiative set to breathe new life into the heart of downtown Enid. On Saturday they will be planting 24 Chinese Pistache trees throughout the downtown district, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability and the beautification of Downtown Enid. The partnership between the organizations underscores a shared commitment to fostering a greener, more vibrant urban environment. Thanks to the generous grant awarded by Park Avenue Thrift during their Fall 2023 cycle, Main Street Enid's Downtown Tree Project has gained momentum, enabling the realization of this impactful endeavor. In addition to the tree planting event on Saturday, Main Street Enid is seeking organizations to assist with watering the trees weekly during the summer months, and every other week thereafter. Organizations interested in sponsoring a month can enjoy the opportunity to display signage and receive recognition on Main Street Enid's website and social media platforms. For more information about Main Street Enid and how to get involved in this initiative, please visit mainstreetenid.org.

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LC)--The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced lane closures on U.S. Hwy 81 from the Van Buren Bypass Bridge near West Poplar to State Highway 45, allowing contractors to complete a $9 million rehabilitation of the pavement; consisting of concrete panel repairs, diamond grinding, dowel retrofitting, and grading improvements. The lane closures are expected to last approximately six months, beginning Wednesday, May 1.  In preparation for the closure, ODOT is currently building a temporary concrete mix plant in the median for the project. Traffic control signs will be placed up on the highway in mid-April in anticipation of the closure. Motorists are encouraged to follow posted traffic control signs and to drive with extreme caution in this area during the construction.

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AM)--United Way of Northwest Oklahoma will host its 90th anniversary annual meeting and awards ceremony April 18 in the Grand Ballroom at Stride Bank Center. The meeting will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will feature lunch, special presentations, the 2023-24 campaign totals and special announcements about the 2024-25 campaign chairs, 90th theme and plans for the year. David and Jennifer Lawrence served as 2023-24 chairs for the campaign. Highlights of the United Way’s campaign came in the form of pledges, contributions and donated gifts of stock. A number of events also raised funds for the campaign including a Golf Tournament, the Bacon Bash, the Pillar’s Club Dinner, the public campaign kickoff and the Chili Cook-Off. United Way funds help support 14 partner agencies. Funds also support research to identify human service needs throughout Enid and Northwest Oklahoma communities and help accountable health and human services agencies meet those needs by improving health, safety, education and economic well-being of the area's most vulnerable citizens. April 12 is the deadline to RSVP for the event. The cost to attend is $35 per person or $350 for a table for eight. Contact Kim at the United Way office at (580)237-0821 or email kim@unitedwayenid.org. For information about United Way of Northwest Oklahoma, go online to www.unitedwayenid.org.

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