Sunday Afternoon and Evening ... Scattered intense thunderstorms are expected, some severe. Large hail, high winds and the potential for isolated tornadoes will be the main threats. Locally heavy is rain also possible with these storms.
SULPHUR - Smoke has filled Texoma skies since Saturday. After a nearly 2-week break for wet weather, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area resumed prescribed burns of eastern red cedar.
It's a plant one park rangers said is invasive and damaging the land.
"It has been reducing light for the natural grasses and flowers, said Dan Winings, park ranger and public information officer for the park. "It also has been removing water from the water table."
Winings also said since Saturday they've started burning 3,000 acres of cedar from 4 p.m. til 9 p.m. every day.
And while it may seem destructive, Steven Smith with the Noble Foundation said the flames actually help the environment.
"The plants evolved with fire," said Smith. "It helps with our nutrient recycling, it controls brush from encroaching into pastures."
Wildlife experts also said that this controlled burning of this eastern red cedar isn't just good for the environment. It's also good for people.
Winings said this type of cedar is especially flammable, and burning it now can reduce the risk of house fires later.
"It'll carry fire very quickly," said Winings. "And we have a lot of homes surrounding the park so it increases the safety of those homes around the park."
Posted: 05/08/13 - The Sherman Public Library is very excited about our upcoming Summer Reading Club for children and teens. Children ages birth-11 can Dig into Reading and join the Youth Summer Reading Club. The theme for the Teen Summer Reading Club this year is Beneath the Surface and it is open to teens ages 12-18. Read More
Posted: 05/07/13 - DURANT, Okla. – Regent Terry Matlock will deliver remarks at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Spring Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at Paul Laird Field. The ceremony (for all schools) will begin at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Read More
Posted: 05/06/13 - SHERMAN, TEXAS—Members of the Austin College Class of 2013 are counting down the days until graduation—with both excitement and trepidation. Austin College President Marjorie Hass will present diplomas to more than 340 bachelor’s degree candidates and 18 Master of Arts in Teaching degree candidates who will take part in graduation events May 18 and 19 on campus. Read More
