                 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Two District 2 employees earn Roads Scholar certification (added 12/19/07) Commissioner Cindy Bobbitt said, “District 2 now has 10 employees that have successfully completed this program with six more working towards their certification.” The Roads Scholar program is designed to enhance the skills of commissioners, road and bridge foremen, and road crew personnel as well as to improve their knowledge in basic civil engineering and other technical aspects of road construction and maintenance. To be certified as Roads Scholar, Cambron and Wilson completed 9 classes totaling 120 hours of instruction and laboratory experience. Grant County administration and employees routinely attend training programs, state-legislated accreditation programs, workshops, seminars, technical conferences and professional development retreats. “Through all types of continuing education, Grant County can operate more efficiently and provide all segments of the population with the services they need and desire,” Bobbitt said. “The county also receives a return on our investment by retaining safety educated individuals, which translates into fewer injuries and/or equipment damage.” For more information about the Roads Scholar program visit http://ltap.okstate.edu. You may also visit http://www.grantdistrict2.com to learn more about other continuing education courses in which Grant County participates. Medford school receives donation (added 11/29/07) It's always exciting to get a gift, but it's even more exciting when the gift will impact many lives. The Wheatland RC&D organization has teamed with Dell Computers for a "gifts in kind" program, and in turn the Medford Public School system received six copy/scanner/printers, at no charge to the school. Mickey Geurkink, Medford superintendent, was thrilled with the donation, and he indicated that the copy/scanner/printers would be a huge help. He said that individual departments, such as the art department or ag department, could have the copy/scanner/printers, and not have to make the long walk to the library each time they need to use the central scanner. Grant County Commissioner #2 Commissioner Cindy Bobbitt is a member of the Wheatland RC&D board, and Carl Smith, out of the Enid office, is the RC&D Coordinator. They presented the copy/scanner/printers to the school on Monday. It is probable that other area schools will receive donations of similar equipment in the future, Bobbitt said. Dell helps Gifts in Kind assist non-profits and Title 1 schools, with the goal of improving education and job training and increasing access to technology, helping the physically disabled and financially disadvantaged and other vital community services. Organizations with 501(c) (3) status, Indian reservations and Title 1 schools are qualified to receive these contributions. Wheatland RD&D is one of nine groups in the RC&D program. The counties included in the Wheatland group are Alfalfa, Blaine, Canadian, Garfield, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, Major and Noble. The Resource Conservation and Development organization is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the RC&D organization is conservation, development and utilization of natural resources to improve the general level of economic activity and to enhance the environment and standard of living in RC&D areas. "District 2 employees giving 200% to Grant County Constituents" - Commish Cindy's Comments (added 11/28/07) » Click here to read the October 22 installment. District 2 receives 30 trees from William S. Key Tree Grow-Out Project (added 11/1/07) “District 2 employees utilized the juniper trees to create a windbreak north of the county building,” said District 2 commissioner Cindy Bobbitt. “This windbreak will help to save energy and reduce heating and cooling costs for our building by protecting the building from winter winds.” Bobbitt said studies have shown reducing cold air infiltration can reduce winter heating costs by 20 to 40 percent. In addition, she said trees aid summer cooling through the evaporation of water from tree leaves, which directly cools the air around a building. The William S. Key Tree Grow-Out Project began in 2003, when Wheatland partnered with the William S. Key Correctional Facility in Ft. Supply, Okla. Smith said Wheatland first purchased several thousand seedlings using funding from a National Tree Trust grant. Inmates then planted the seedlings in the three-gallon containers, and the containers were placed in the ground in rows with ample spacing to allow for safe growth of strong, viable root systems. Twenty-four inmates on a rotating basis provided care for the small trees. The program allowed the inmates to learn a marketable trade that can be utilized upon release to secure meaningful employment. The deputy warden and his staff, in conjunction with area service foresters, provided the training for the inmates involved in the grow-out program, Smith said. The William S. Key Tree Grow-Out Project provides a renewable resource to communities and organizations in western Oklahoma. It promotes a pro-social attitude among the inmates by allowing them to positively contribute to communities. Smith said the inmates take immense pride in this program, which allows the seedlings a chance to grow and become an integral part the ecological system, as well as a source of beauty for many future generations. Bobbitt said the program not only benefits inmates, but also benefits communities and the environment, because three-year-old trees are currently being donated for planting in towns, cities, and schools and on tribal lands across western Oklahoma. More than 10,000 trees grown at the correctional facility have already been transplanted in Woodward, Ellis, Blaine and Custer counties. Public officials can select from a large variety of tree species and choose the trees that are most suitable for their area. To receive grow-out program trees, public officials must assure the trees will be properly planted and maintained. However, Smith said instructions are sent with each tree order to assist in care and maintenance. “Next spring more trees will be added to our windbreak to make it more functional,” Bobbitt said. “Windbreaks are a valuable conservation tool that can serve many functions including improving the environment. Windbreaks act as sound barriers and they filter dust from the air. Additionally, trees provide visual screening and a sense of permanence in the landscape that other types of plants can not.” » Click here to see more photos. » Click here to learn more about the William S. Key Tree Grow-Out Project. Distict 2 Web site wins national award (added 8/6/07) The site received the first place award in the Web design category and the Award of Excellence in design and layout division of the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) critique contest. Ruth Bobbitt, ACT member from Oklahoma State University, designed and maintains the site. The ACT critique contest is judged by agricultural communications professionals from across the United States, and consists of six divisions: writing, photography, publications, design and layout, electronic media and public relations. Each division is divided into several categories, and the first place entries in each category are evaluated to select an Award of Excellence. To receive the Award of Excellence in design and layout, the District 2 Web site was judged against all entries in the advertisement, page layout, graphic design and Web design categories of the contest. The District 2 site is designed to provide residents, constituents and stakeholders of Grant County with information about the activities, programs and projects of the county commissioner’s office. The site features an overview of the district, as well as descriptions of current and completed projects, news and a calendar of events. Site users also may download a petition to vacate a road and road crossing instillation and job applications. The award was presented at the Agricultural Media Summit held July 28 – August 1 in Louisville. The Agricultural Media Summit is a national meeting of the American Agricultural Editors Association, the Livestock Publications Council and the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. "To Build a Bridge" - Commish Cindy's Comments (added 8/1/07) » Click here to read the July 16 installment. "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" - Commish Cindy's Comments (added 7/10/07) » Click here to read the July 9 installment. "Help Us Help You" - Commish Cindy's Comments (added 7/4/07) » Click here to read the July 4 installment. Grant County Commissioners secure funding for roads and bridges (added 6/20/07) The projects were authorized by a five-year construction work plan for the County Improvement for Roads and Bridges, or CIRB, program. The program is funded by Oklahoma Statute 507 of Title 69, which was approved by the State Legislature last year. “The CIRB program will be funded by 15 percent of the motor vehicle tax,” said Cindy Bobbitt, Grant County Commissioner for District 2. “Previously, this portion of the taxes and fees went to the general revenue fund.” The apportionment for the CIRB program will be phased in at a rate of 5 percent per year. When fully funded in fiscal year 2010, the program is estimated to provide an additional $85.6 million for county roads and bridges. Grant County commissioners secured CIRB funding through a competitive application process in which each of Oklahoma’s 231 commissioners were asked to identify and select a project for their individual districts that would improve the infrastructure of the state’s 77 counties. “In my opinion, the most difficult part was competing against more populated counties, especially those with large cities like Oklahoma County,” said Bobbitt. “I had to continually remind ODOT that Grant County citizens are just as important as any citizen in Oklahoma. Regardless of where they live, no individual should be valued less than any other individual. It took some effort, but Grant County stood strong.” By “standing strong,” Bobbitt’s application for nine bridges and 11 miles of blacktop in District 2 was approved to be funded in Phase I and II of the 10-year plan. District 1 Commissioner Max Hess’ projects include one bridge and 10 miles of blacktop to be completed in Phase III and IV. While District 3 Commissioner Jerry Shaffer’s application for one bridge and eight miles of blacktop is scheduled for Phase V and VI. “I am very pleased to have District 2’s project go through so quickly,” said Bobbitt. “This project will tie the new M&M blacktop at Medford to the blacktop west of Lamont.” Bobbitt said the CIRB project will allow the county to replace the nine functionally obsolete and structurally deficient bridges along this road with 26- and 28-foot wide cement and steel bridges and the 11 miles of road will be blacktopped. “Because this is such a large project, it will be completed in two phases,” said Bobbitt. “The total estimated cost for both phases is $8 million. However, the CIRB money spent in Grant County will reap numerous benefits including lives saved and financial rewards that far exceed the actual dollars spent. “When all three districts’ projects are completed, eight communities will be tied together from the Kay County line to the Alfalfa County line. We will have modernized bridges and road infrastructure that can and will help restore economic growth and I am proud to be a part of this program.” For more information about Grant County government or projects, call District 1 Commissioner Max Hess at 580-594-2925, District 2 Commissioner Cindy Bobbitt at 580-395-2895, or District 3 Commissioner Jerry Shaffer at 580-532-6499. » Click here to learn more about the CIRB Program. "Our Cup Runneth Over" - Commish Cindy's Comments (added 6/20/07) » Click here to read the June 2007 installment. "Meet the Staff" page updated (added 6/20/07) Grant County District 2 Web site Receives Public Relations Award (added 5/29/07) More than 90 students from four universities have competed for the 9th annual Zenith Awards after submitting 55 entries in five categories: Public Relations Writing, Public Relations Campaigns, Public Relations Publications, Electronic Media and Potpourri. The District 2 Web site and Webmaster Ruth Bobbitt received the first-place Zenith Award for electronic media. Bobbitt also received the first-place Zenith Award for Public Relations Publication. The statewide Zenith Award competition began in 1998 to recognize outstanding work by public relations students. [go to top] » Click on a photo below to see a larger photo . Commercial motor vehicle law compliance for farmers and ranchers (added 4/1/07) » Click here to download the pamphlet in PDF format . [go to top] District 2 would like to extend our gratitude to the following people for their participation and assistance:
We would also like to thank Wheatland RC&D for donating water for the meal. [go to top] “The primary goal of District 2 is to provide county residents with the services they need and desire,” said District 2 Commissioner Cindy Bobbitt. “Open communication with constituents is vital to the realization of that goal. This meeting will address all aspects of the District’s responsibilities to our constituents – from finances to the actual dirt work.” The public is invited to give additional input about the issues to be addressed at the meeting, which include:
In addition, Bobbitt said the District will be seeking representatives from each township to provide guidance for county activities and to serve as a liaison between constituents and the county. The meeting is free; however, registration is required by Feb. 22 to reserve a meal ticket. For more information or to register call the District 2 Shop at 580-395-2859. Robert Moss Receives Bridge Welding Certificate (added 1/22/07) The Bridge Welding Certification is a two-day class for experienced welders capable of passing the bridge welding code certification test. During the first day of class, students review the welds they will be required to perform on a certification test. They also are evaluated to determine if they have the skills necessary to become certified. On the second day, an independent welding certification firm test students based on American Welding Soceity (AWS) Bridge Welding Code standards. To pass, students must demonstrate 100 percent proficiency on all positions and stations for flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead welding. AWS produces codes to create industry-recognized acceptable practices and procedures that take into account both safety and quality issues as well as industry concerts. These codes have been developed over time and continually change. “In the world of bridge construction, welding codes are vital,” said Cindy Bobbitt, Grant County District 2 Commissioner. “Having Robert certified helps assure that District 2 bridges are safe and that they will pass required bridge inspections.” Training is an investment for both employer and employee. A well-trained employee is a safer employee, which saves time, money and concern. When employees know how to do their jobs safely, the entire working environment is safer for everyone. Welding requires specific safety measures that must be followed by every worker. The proper knowledge combined with today’s technology can reduce the likelihood of injuries related to welding. Moss began working for District 2 in February 2005. “All employees in the district are cross-trained to work in a wide variety of jobs. Not only does Moss work on the bridge crew but he also operates a motor grader in the Deer Creek/Medford areas and operates numerous other pieces of equipment,” Bobbitt said. “Robert is multi-talented. In addition to receiving his welding certification, he has his Hazmat license, herbicide applicator license, and just this month is finishing up his Roads Scholar program. In the short time he has worked for me he has over 180 hours of classes and training offered through LTAP. I am very proud of him and the work he does for Grant County.” Furthermore, Robert Gonzales with Gonzales Construction and Welding of Medford has generously donated his time to help Moss and several other District 2 employees with their welding techniques. These employees will be attending a welding class offered through the Local Technical Assistant Program (LTAP), which is free of charge, and is located in Stillwater. This summer they will go through the certification class. For more information about District 2 and educational training, call Bobbitt at 580-395-2859. » Click here for more information about District 2's educational efforts. Cindy Bobbitt Receives Roads Scholar Certificate (added 1/16/07) » Click here for more information about District 2's educational efforts. » Click here to learn more about the Roads Scholar program. Bobbitt was honored at the Annual Fall Conference and Educational Training Seminar for County Commissioners and Deputies held recently in Oklahoma City. The County Commissioners Association of Oklahoma instituted a voluntary certification program in 2000, which comprised an initial basic level. The association adopted an advanced level of educational certification in 2001, and added another advanced level of training in 2005. The commissioner’s training program includes more than 135 hours of required course work outlined in a rigorous multi-level basic, advanced I, and advanced II curriculum. Each successive level has classes that are required to be taken, as well as additional courses taken at the discretion of the county official or employee to meet the number of hours. Since the program’s inception, more than 100 commissioners and deputies have successfully attained certification. Course work for commissioners and their employees encompasses subjects such as county budget process, formulating and operating a publicly-funded budget; meeting strict requirements of purchasing and bidding procedures; using the Oklahoma Statutes and research laws; and the Open Meetings and Open Records Acts. Courses are also offered on the fundamentals of office administration; communications skills and public speaking; a variety of courses on supervisory skills and mandatory issues regarding federal and state employment laws; duties and responsibilities of boards, councils, commissions and trusts; overview of county government; cash flow management; basic mapping and land records; and computer basics. Courses in the certification program are conducted through the County Training Program, coordinated by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service at Oklahoma State University. The County Training Program is mandated by state statute and is authorized under the Commission on County Government Personnel and Training. Instructors from OSU teach the classes for county officers and their employees at various locations throughout the state, including the university’s campuses in Stillwater, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City. In addition to County Commissioners, the OSU staff also conducts dozens of classes each year for other county officer certification programs. Many of the courses, which are usually taught in a classroom setting for 25-40 people, are attended by representatives from each of the elective and appointive agencies in county government. More information about educational training for county officers may be obtained by contacting the County Training Program on the Stillwater campus, phone 405-744-6555 or email CPT@okstate.edu. » Click here to go the the CountyTraining Program (CTP) Web site. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
© 2006 - Grant County District 2 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MEDFORD, Okla.– Grant County District 2 truck driver Ron Cambron and grader operator Steve Wilson recently became certified in the County Roads Scholar Program offered through the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) at Oklahoma State University. Cambron and Wilson received a Certificate of Completion at the Association of County Commissioners (ACCO) meeting last month in Oklahoma City.
The Grant County District 2 Web site has been selected the winner of a national Web design competition. 
Cindy Bobbitt, County Commissioner for Grant County, District 2, recently became certified in the County Roads Scholar Program offered through the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) at Oklahoma State University. Ms. Bobbitt received a Certificate of Completion at the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO) meeting November 14, 2006 in Oklahoma City at the Biltmore Hotel. 