Month: February 2023

National Weather Service Offers Free SKYWARN Storm Spotter Class

BJ Kirkpatrick News
SKYWARN Class

National Weather Service in Fort Worth has announced a free severe weather training class for Grayson County on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 6 pm to 8 pm in the Center for Workplace Learning Auditorium on the Grayson College main campus in Denison, Texas.

The 2023 spring severe weather season is not too far away, and the National Weather Service and local public safety officials want you to be ready. Officially called the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Class, the program will be held in partnership with Grayson County. There is no cost to attend this class, and no registration is required.

Other classes in the region can be found on the full schedule: https://www.weather.gov/fwd/skywarnmap.

This year’s program will feature an in-depth review and study of the various threats posed by severe thunderstorms. The program will also review thunderstorm characteristics and features associated with severe and non-severe storms. Additionally, the program highlights severe weather safety and how you can report severe weather information to the NWS Fort Worth Office and local public safety officials.

“By participating in this training session, you will gain a better understanding of Texas’ severe weather threats,” says Tom Bradshaw, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the NWS Fort Worth Office. “Waiting until storms are on your doorstep is not the time to start thinking about severe weather preparedness. We hope you attend these free classes to learn more about the severe storms that impact the region every year.”

The Grayson County SKYWARN Storm Spotter class is one of several severe weather training sessions the NWS Fort Worth Office will conduct around the region between January and March 2023. The National Weather Service Office in Fort Worth provides forecasts, warnings, and weather services for 46 counties in North and Central Texas.

For more information, visit our website at https://weather.gov/fortworth, or find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSDallasFortWorth and on Twitter: @NWSFortWorth.

Denison Public Library Receives the 2022 Achievement of Library Excellence Award

BJ Kirkpatrick News
Denison Public Library

The Denison Public Library has received the 2022 Achievement of Library Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA), an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League.

This is the 9th year in a row the Denison Public Library has received this award.  Only 73 libraries out of 542 public libraries in Texas received this award in 2022.

“We have accomplished some great things together, and we look forward to a great future in a great city.  I’ve said it before, and I say it again – this is the best job I’ve ever  had and it’s in the best town in Texas!” said Denison’s Director of Library, Greg Mitchell.

To successfully receive the Achievement of Library Excellence Award, the applicant must exhibit excellence in each of these ten categories:

  1. Services to underserved populations either through outreach, special programs, collaborations with other libraries or organizations, special classes, special collections, etc.
  2. Innovative and effective marketing materials highlighting basic services and publicity about specific programs the library offers
  3. Collaborative efforts with community organizations
  4. Enhanced service to the public during the past year either through increase in service or a change in type of service
  5. Literacy support for all ages (including summer reading programs)
  6. Support for digital inclusion through public internet access, digital literacy training, and online library services
  7. Support for workforce development
  8. Cultural, topical, and educational programming for adults and families
  9. Professional staff training to include training opportunities for staff at all levels
  10. Any other initiatives that speak to library excellence

“This is another proud moment for our community and our team as we strive to deliver services that enhance our community,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Justin Eastwood.  The Denison Public Library is another example of the City of Denison’s commitment to qualify of life for the community.

 

 

Oklahoma Wildlife Youth Camp 2023 Applications Available

BJ Kirkpatrick Lake Texoma news
Oklahoma Wildlife Youth Camp fishing

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is now accepting applications for this summer’s Wildlife Youth Camp for youths ages 14-16 on Lake Texoma. 

A week full of fun outdoor activities, conservation education and camaraderie is in store for dozens of lucky teens selected to attend the 2023 Wildlife Youth Camp. Applications are now being accepted through April 15th for this summer’s once-in-a-lifetime event. 

“If you are interested in hunting, fishing or a career with the Wildlife Department, then this camp is for you,” said Game Warden Lt. Dru Polk, youth camp coordinator.

Oklahoma Wildlife Youth Camp fishing

“Campers will get a better understanding of wildlife and fisheries management as well as conservation law enforcement, and at the same time participating in some fun outdoor activities.”

The camp will be June 18-23, 2023 at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station at Lake Texoma.  Game wardens, wildlife and fisheries professionals, and dedicated hunter and angler volunteers will be conducting the camp and supervising activities. 

Activities will include fishing, archery, wildlife identification, rifle/shotgun shooting, ropes course, self-defense, wildlife law enforcement, wildlife and fisheries management, and deer/turkey/waterfowl hunting and law enforcement techniques. 

“What’s even better is that it’s all free for the campers,” thanks to the support of generous sponsors including the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Polk said. 

Applicants must be Oklahoma residents who will be 14 to 16 years old as of June 18. Prospective campers must fill out an application form and write a 75-word essay describing why they want to attend the camp, why they should be selected, and what they expect to learn. Also, they must furnish a letter of recommendation from someone other than a family member, and a recent photograph showing the applicant participating in an outdoor-related event or activity.  

The application form is online at https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/education/youth-opp/wildlife-youth-camp. The page also includes additional information about the camp and photos from previous years. Applications must be submitted by April 15.