Graphic titled “FCS News” with a light gray background. At the top right is the OSU logo followed by the text “Blaine County Extension.” The center features large bold text reading “FCS News.” The left side is decorated with illustrated sunflowers and green foliage. At the bottom center, a bright red cardinal is shown in flight with wings spread, and on the right side, a smaller cardinal is perched. Additional large sunflower illustrations appear in the bottom right corner. The overall color palette includes yellow, green, red, black, and light gray.

Address

212 N Weigle Ave

Watonga, OK 73772


Phone

(580) 623-5243


Email

Ally Fuqua

ally.fuqua@okstate.edu


Social Media

Facebook:

Blaine County OSU Extension

July 2026 Edition
Graphic celebrating Independence Day featuring a stylized black-and-white illustration of the Statue of Liberty on the left over a blue background, with red horizontal stripes resembling the American flag in the center. On the right, large text reads “4th of July,” with “Independence Day” below it and “250 Years 1776–2026” in smaller script. At the bottom right, red text says, “Have a safe and happy 4th from your friends at Blaine County Extension!” The color palette is red, white, and blue.
Flyer promoting the Blaine County Fair Workshop Day, hosted by Blaine County OSU Extension and the Blaine County OHCE. The flyer features a dark background with OSU Extension and Blaine County OHCE logos at the top. Event details include July 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Blaine County Fairgrounds Foley Building, 807 N. Newer Ave., Watonga, Oklahoma. Registration costs $5 per participant and is due July 20. Participants may choose from four hands-on workshops: Beading/Jewelry Making, Acrylic Canvas Painting, Paper Flowers, or Leather Craft. The flyer notes that completed projects may be entered in the Blaine County Fair. Registration information includes a web link, contact email and phone number, and a QR code for registration.

Trust the Science: Preserve Food with Confidence


In today’s world, people confidently turn to the internet to find answers to just about everything. People wanting to connect with their roots and try their hand at canning fruits, vegetables and other foods may begin their search online for tasty recipes and how-to videos. But, just because it was seen online doesn’t necessarily mean the information is correct … or even safe.
 
 
Close-up of a mason jar filled with red liquid being lifted out of a large metal pot of hot water using green-handled jar lifters, with steam rising and additional sealed jars visible inside the pot in a kitchen setting.
READ FULL ARTICLE
Recipe card for “Tortellini Grinder Salad” from Taste of Home. The card includes a color photo of the finished salad featuring cheese tortellini, sliced red onions, tomatoes, greens, and deli meats. The recipe yields six servings and includes preparation, chilling, and cooking times. Sections are labeled “Ingredients,” “Directions,” and “Nutrition Facts.” Ingredients include cheese tortellini, salami, ham, prosciutto, capicola, provolone cheese, red onion, tomatoes, mixed greens, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and seasonings. Nutrition information is provided at the bottom, along with the Taste of Home logo and copyright information.

Snakes in the Garden: How to Identify Venomous vs. Nonvenomous Species


OSU Wildlife Biologist Mark Turner joins the show to discuss how to safely manage unexpected snake encounters in your backyard this summer. Learn the key differences between Oklahoma's nonvenomous and venomous species—including head shape and pupil traits—and discover why leaving these natural pest controllers alone is the best strategy for your landscape.

Encouraging Continuous Blooms in the Garden

Shelby Mendoza, OSU Student Farm Assistant Manager


Plants live to go through their life cycle so they can produce flowers and then seeds for the next generation to continue on, but as gardeners we like to have blooms as long as we can. Here are some ways to keep your ornamental plants blooming as long as possible.


Click here to read more
 
A potted petunia plant with yellow-green blooms and green foliage inside a grey pot.
Video thumbnail of Texas Sotol in landscaped garden with presenter pointing and play icon

Texas Sotol: Massive Blooms for

Drought-Tolerant Gardens


Discover the striking beauty of Texas Sotol blooming in TBG's patio garden. Learn how this low-maintenance, drought-tolerant native plant shoots up a massive 12.5-foot flower spike that acts as a magnet for local pollinators, how it differs from agaves and yuccas, and what specific soil conditions it needs to thrive in your landscape.
Infographic titled “Make a Heat Action Plan with Your Health Care Team,” featuring CDC branding and five recommendations for staying safe during hot weather. The infographic is divided into sections: 1) Stay Cool with illustrations of shade, cooling aids, a fan, and air conditioning; 2) Stay Hydrated with people drinking water; 3) Know the Symptoms showing signs of heat-related illness such as excessive sweating, extreme fatigue, weakness, and dizziness; 4) Check Air Quality with examples of clear and poor air quality days and heat risk alerts displayed on mobile devices; and 5) Have a Medication Plan for Hot Weather with reminders to review medications with a doctor, store medicines in a cool place, and prepare for power outages. The infographic emphasizes planning ahead and recognizing heat-related health risks during periods of extreme heat.

July Social Wellness Checklist


Build strong connections. Support your well-being.

Positive social habits can improve both your mental and physical health. Use this quick checklist to strengthen your relationships and stay connected.
SEE CHECKLIST
Promotional flyer announcing that Oklahoma has been awarded the “You Make THE Difference” national initiative. The flyer features a background image of a county fair midway with rides and lights, along with a headshot of a workshop presenter. Text describes a workshop designed to help agricultural societies and fair boards strengthen fundraising, volunteer recruitment, board retention, and community engagement. Additional sections outline workshop benefits, post-workshop support, target audiences including fair board members, exhibition organizers, volunteers, community leaders, and sponsors, and reasons to attend. A QR code is included for registration, and the website YouMakeTheDifference.com is listed at the bottom.
Winning photo of the Blaine County “Through Your Lens” monthly photo contest for June 2026. “Harvest Time” by Kelsi Scheihing, taken in Greenfield, Oklahoma, shows a green combine harvesting a golden wheat field beneath dramatic dark clouds, with rays of sunlight breaking through and wind turbines visible along the horizon.

Blaine County OSU Extension "Through Your Lens"

Photo Contest Winner - June 2026


Congratulations to Kelsi Scheihing whose photo "Harvest Time" taken in Greenfield, OK, clinched the top spot as the winner of the June 2026 “Through Your Lens” Facebook photo competition! Her photo will be showcased as the Blaine County OSU Extension cover photo for the month. New submissions open on the 1st of each month, and winners are announced on the 13th. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for all Blaine County OSU Extension updates!
 
 

Dates to Remember
Yellowing pages of a calendar with an unknown year.

July 3: 4th of July (observed)-Blaine County Courthouse and Extension office closed

July 12-July 14: Annual OHCE State Conference in Oklahoma City at the Champion Convention Center.

July 20: Blaine County Fair Workshop Day registration due

July 28: Blaine County Fair Workshop Day, Foley Building, Blaine County Fairgrounds

July 30: July Leader Lesson presented by Joy Rhodes at the Watonga Library 12pm

August 10-15: You Make the Difference Tour

August 27-29: Blaine County Free Fair

September 7: Labor Day-Blaine County Courthouse and Extension office closed

September 17-27: Oklahoma State Fair

September 30: Watonga Lions Club Circus at the Fairgrounds

October 1-11: Tulsa State Fair

October 9-10: Watonga Cheese Festival

October 12: Columbus Day-Blaine County Courthouse and Extension office closed

Legal Disclosures

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Ally Fuqua at (580) 623-5243 or ally.fuqua@okstate.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.


OSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity, E-Verify Employer.
 
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Blaine County OSU Extension

Courthouse Basement

212 N Weigle Ave

Watonga, OK 73772

(580) 623-5195
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Blaine County OSU Extension | 212 N Weigle Ave | Watonga, OK 73772 US

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