Knight encouraged the students to use the funds to continue their outstanding recycling work and outreach efforts.

OKRA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to support communities, governments, and individuals in recycling. For more information, visit its website atwww.recycleok.org.

The amended section of law, found in Title 47, Chapter 6, § 6-205, is designed to provide a greater level of safety and security to students and staff as they exit the school buses and try to cross the street. “Which includes,” said McGrath, “failing to stop or remain stopped for a school bus that is flashing its lights and/or is extending its stop sign.”

The law further states, “The Department of Public Safety shall immediately revoke the driving privilege of any person, whether adult or juvenile, upon receiving a record of conviction in any municipal, state or federal court within the United States of any of the following offenses, when such conviction has become final.”

Once the conviction is sent to the Department of Public Safety, you’ll be notify that your driving privilege is suspended and for how long.

“If you hold a drivers license from another state, Oklahoma still has the ability to suspend your privilege of driving within the state of Oklahoma. In either case,” McGrath said, “if you are found driving anywhere in Oklahoma after your privilege has been suspended, you may find that your vehicle will be impounded and yourself placed under arrest and transported to the municipal jail until you post bond.”

Currently, the bond for Driving While License Suspended through the Stillwater Municipal Court is $249.

He added, “You may also have to pay a reinstatement fee to the State of Oklahoma when you are eligible to have your license reinstated. The cost to reclaim your vehicle from impound is generally set by the wrecker service that was used, and includes a daily storage fee. As you can see, it can become quite expensive for not heeding the warning indicators from a school bus.”

If a person has a clean driving record, he or she may be offered a deferred sentence, which means it is not a conviction and will be dismissed after having met all the conditions established to receive such a sentence. However, there is no constitutional right or any other mandate that you be given or offered a deferred sentence.

“Stillwater takes this offense seriously,” said McGrath. “Do yourself, and the students trying to cross a street, a favor: Come to a complete stop and stay that way when coming upon a school bus loading or unloading passengers until the warnings are no longer activated. This is true for all undivided streets and highways— in both directions.”

For more information, call (405) 372-0025 or email news@stillwater.org.

UPAEP is one of OSU’s international strategic partners, with dual degree programs in most colleges and about 100 students and faculty visiting OSU annually.

Miranda’s policy of building an organizational culture of trust, dialogue, collaboration and unity has integrated UPAEP University to the global society.

He also has encouraged the participation of women in the various areas of responsibility in the university community, an important advancement for Mexico.

“When a person has an international experience it makes a better world for everyone,” Miranda said. “My experiences abroad have allowed me to better understand cultures, have broadened my opportunities and helped establish essential relationships with universities which have allowed for more opportunities for UPAEP.”

David Henneberry, Associate Vice President for International Studies and Outreach, said the Bennett Fellows Program recruits individuals from around the world who have a common purpose of addressing issues in a complex global environment and have made outstanding contributions to the social, political and/or economic issues of the world.

Bennett Fellows are selected from a wide range of fields and disciplines including academe, business, government, the media, the military and the non-profit sector.

“Dr. Miranda is a leader in international education who puts forth great effort to prepare students to lead in a diverse world,” Henneberry said. “With his leadership in the global environment, expertise and innovative ideas he is a great example of a Bennett Fellow and an international leader.”

Miranda’s experience in international affairs has been influential in the design and development of UPAEP’s International Strategic Planning since 2005. His Strategic Vision includes the alliance with international strategic partners like Oklahoma State University. UPAEP’s and OSU’s Partnership has been an example of successful and growing international collaboration, between Mexico and the United States.

The programs between UPAEP and OSU, such as the exchange programs and the Dual Degree Master Programs, have been an example of collaboration and academic success.

When asked how badly she wants to win the Miss CASA crown she said, “Really bad. Like running with scissors. Like feeding it after midnight. Like tearing the tag off of your mattress. Like crossing the streams. Like adding water to acid. That bad.”

When asked why she thinks she should win this competition she answered, “Because my crown will bring glory and honor to my support team. Because when people ask why I have a tiara hanging on the door to my office, the answer will bring recognition and appreciation to CASA in a way that only the image of a 6 foot 4 inch 250 lb geek in a miniskirt and heels can.”

Why is Brandon, AKA Florie, willing to put it all out there and compete in this pageant?  “As a parent and volunteer for all manner of youth activities, I’m glad to know that the children that I work with have CASA to help them find their voice and stand with them when they speak.”

Come out and see Brandon, Shaun Elsasser, Derek McCubbin, Chad Watkins and other Miss CASA Contestants as they make their first public appearance at the Comedy for Kids Benefit at Stillwater Moose Lodge on Saturday, January 7^th at 7 pm.  Advance general admission tickets are $15 each or $20 at the door.

To help raise funds for CASA the Miss CASA Contestants, CASA Board Members and supporters will be selling raffle tickets to win an OSU Vespa, $100 gift card to a local Stillwater business of the winner’s choice, sponsored by Grimsley’s and more!  Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.  The winner will be drawn at the 12^th annual Valentine gala on February 4^th after the first ever Miss CASA will be crowned at the Miss CASA Pageant.  Reservations to the 12^th Annual Gala and pageant can be purchased through the CASA office.  However, raffle ticket entrants need not be present to win.  The winner will be notified by phone and email and all winners will be posted on Payne County CASA’s Facebook page.  To learn more and follow the contestants and other fundraiser information go to Facebook and search for Payne County CASA Association.

To purchase tickets to either event email info@casaforkids.com, call 405-624-2242 or visit www.casaforkids.com and go to the Fundraising and Donation page for directions on purchasing tickets online.   Sponsorship opportunities are available for both events and entries are still being accepted for the Miss CASA Pageant.  Payne County CASA is a non profit organization and a United Way agency.

STILLWATER, OKLA. (November 2, 2011) – University Dining Services at was awarded with an unsolicited grant from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust as well as funding from the Merrick Foundation which will aide in launching an innovative and engaging nutrition program within University Dining Services on the Oklahoma State University campus.

University Dining Services worked for nearly one year to secure the grants which will provide over $220,000 in combined funding.  With these funds, UDS plans to implement a nutrition program on the Oklahoma State University campus that will not only benefit the OSU community but also educate the Stillwater community and Oklahoma as a whole.

“The funding from this grant will allow University Dining Services to focus on new and additional nutritional awareness programming for the students, faculty and staff.,” said Terry Baker, Director of University Dining Services.  “We want to engage students actively in a healthy eating lifestyle and encourage good eating choices.”

A key point of the nutrition program includes introducing nutrition labeling on all food choices on campus as well as posting nutrition information online, at kiosks and making it available through a smartphone application.  University Dining Services also plans to launch a nutrition education awareness program on campus that will seek to teach the OSU community important healthy dining skills.  For example, cooking demonstrations and an extensive Choose This, Not That campaign will begin on campus in the coming semesters.

For more information about the nutrition program, grant funding or University Dining Services, please contact Whitney Presley at405.744.8972 or whitney.presley10@okstate.edu.

The second event, the 12th annual Valentine gala, will feature the Miss CASA Pageant.  A few good men will compete for the crown and the pageant is sure to be anything but a ‘drag.’  The contestants will be judged 25% on their talent competition, 25% on their evening gown (yes, you read right, evening gown) competition, 25% on their pop question and most importantly, 25% on the total pledges they raise to benefit CASA.  Contestants are campaigning now for their pursuit of the crown and will be soliciting pledges to support their dream of being the first ever Miss CASA.  Contestants will be selling raffle tickets for great prizes including and OSU Vespa.  To learn more and follow the contestants and other fundraiser information go to Facebook and search for
Payne County CASA Association.

“Our Fundraising Committee has some fun things in store for our gala guests this year,” said Miller.  “Aside from the pageant competition in which the contestants will do a Purse Dance through the audience to collect pledges we have changed things up a bit.”  This year the event will showcase both a forward and backward live auction and games of chance.  The black tie will feature an upscale buffet as well as an open bar.  “We want our fundraiser to be enjoyable and entertaining.  It is our way of showing our supporters how much they are appreciated and how grateful we are that they have shared their evening with us while raising funds to support a life changing cause.”  CASA is projecting a $30,000 budget shortfall this year due to funding cuts and decreased donations.

To purchase tickets to either event email info@casaforkids.com, call 405-624-2242 or visit www.casaforkids.com and go to the Fundraising and Donation page for directions on purchasing tickets online.   Sponsorship opportunities are available and entries are still being accepted for the Miss CASA Pageant.  Payne County CASA is a non profit organization and a United Way agency.

Shannon specializes in transitioning stressful, cluttered, inefficient environments into spaces that are welcoming, productive and efficient. She routinely serves professionals in the banking, medical, legal, retail, technology and home based business fields. Services are also provided in homeowners in the areas of clutter reduction and relocation.

Shannon is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, the Stillwater Board of Realtors, and is a contributing writer to Stillwater Living Magazine and Stillwater Journal. Fresh Perspective has been serving clients throughout the state of Oklahoma since 2006.

RSVP IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.
Contact Diane Maddox at dianem@meridiantech.edu or by phone: 405.377.2220

For more information and to receive the CBD’s latest news visit:
www.meridiantech.edu/cbd  •  http://thecbd.blogspot.com

“Neither the Union or Confederate armies allowed women to fight during the Civil War,” said Thierer.  “Nonetheless, as many as 600 women posed as male soldiers to fight in the war.  My performance is of a composite character named Jo who represents these women’s stories.”

Thierer, a member of the historical performance troupe Ride into History, will perform a monologue followed by discussions with the audience while in character, then as the scholar.  This format gives the audience a chance to learn by enjoying the presentation while also having a chance to ask questions about Thierer’s research on the topic.

“People are often curious as to why they’ve never heard this part of history,” said Thierer.  “Most of these women’s families were ashamed of the choice that their daughter/sister/mother/grandmother/aunt had made.  It just was not right for a woman to do such a thing at that time, so they did not tell the story that I am telling now.”

Thierer has been performing with Ride into History since she founded the troupe in 1990.  The group has performed across the country, including at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.  Thierer is on the faculty of Emporia State University where she teaches history.

The program, which is free and open to the public, will be held in Room 119 at the Stillwater Public Library.  The performance is not recommended for children under the age of ten.  Refreshments will be provided by the Sheerar Museum.

Library programs are sponsored by Friends of the Library and KOSU.  For more information, visit the library’s website at library.stillwater.org or contact the library Help Desk at (405) 372-3633, ext. 106 or email askalibrarian@stillwater.org.

The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Cheryl Dedrickson with the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central Oklahoma will teach participants how to make, manage and stretch their holiday budget.

“Forty percent of all credit card usage occurs in November and December,” said Dedrickson.  “Without a careful and thoughtful plan, the holidays are a time when even the best money managers can step out of the bounds of their budget.”

The Consumer Credit Counseling Service provides free financial counseling year round, and advises consumers on the basics of good credit management so that they may avoid the stress of being in debt.  Dedrickson will apply those principles to holiday spending, but also address the unique difficulties that come with holiday spending.

“One important step in managing holiday spending is identifying your family’s holiday values,” said Dedrickson.  “Doing such an evaluation helps you direct your resources to what makes you and your family happy at the holidays, instead of trying to meet somebody else’s expectations.”

For people interested in giving gifts, but less expensively, the library will have a full gallery of inexpensive, easy to make gifts and the instructions for making them.

“Frugal Holiday-How-tos” is free and open to the public and is part of the Stillwater Public Library’s long term goal of providing realistic financial, business and career programming each month.  In December, the library will feature the Consumer Queen who will teach advanced couponing techniques.

Library programs are sponsored by Friends of the Library and KOSU.  For more information, visit the library’s website at library.stillwater.org or contact the library Help Desk at (405) 372-3633, ext. 106 or email askalibrarian@stillwater.org.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are beginning to see the amazing results from being awarded the OK Connect grant which provided over $90,000 to upgrade our computer services,” said Lynda Reynolds, library director.  “This past week, the library’s high speed broadband capability was installed.  Our internet connection speed went from 3.5 megabytes per second to 100 mbps which is exceptionally fast.”

The internet terminals were full this week with people testing out the new connection.

“I noticed the speed of browsing has picked up considerably.” said library user Jon Demoss.  “I use the library’s internet for many different tasks and I am very pleased with the new speed.”

“We are thrilled with the results of the upgrade,” said Reynolds.  “One patron who uses the library computers to check his personal investments said he was taken aback by the improvement in speed.  Another library user said downloading pictures of her grandchildren and accessing email was markedly quicker.”

The next step in the OK Connect grant improvements will be seen early next year when the library opens its high speed video conferencing, internet and computer lab.

In addition to improved internet services, the library also upgraded its downloadable materials service this week.

“It’s been an exciting month for our customers who download materials from our Overdrive service,” said Reynolds.  “First, the eBook service became Kindle compatible, and now we have added downloadable music.”

The service includes over 400 albums of mostly classical music, older music and greatest hits.  The collection includes classic rock and blues like The Steve Miller Band, R.E.M., Jimi Hendrix and B.B. King; standards by Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Liza Minnelli; and even some current artists like Katy Perry, Coldplay, Lady Antebellum and Keith Urban.

Music can be accessed from the Overdrive site which is accessible from the library’s webpage at library.stillwater.org.  At this time, the music can be downloaded to a PC or a device that plays WMA files.

Computer use and access to the library’s downloadable service is free with a Stillwater Public Library card.  For more information about the library’s internet or downloadable service, please visit contact a librarian at 405.372.3633 x106 or askalibrarian@stillwater.org.

For more information, call (405) 372-3633, visit the website, or follow us on Facebook.

Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St.