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"Meet Markuss Our Latvian Neighbor Chasing Dreams in Oklahoma!"

"Meet Markuss Our Latvian Neighbor Chasing Dreams in Oklahoma!"
Get to know our Neighbor of the Week, Markuss, a 22-year-old Latvian with big dreams in Oklahoma! Plus, discover what makes Woodward special to you

Matt West

Aug 10, 2025

Trivia Question❓

What famous rodeo cowboy and actor was born in Foraker, OK in 1918 and went on to become a world champion rodeo star and Hollywood actor?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

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Mention this ad & get $10 OFF your next appointment — your journey to optimal wellness starts now!

Neighbor of the Week Meet Markuss The 22-Year-Old Latvian Chasing Big Dreams in Oklahoma

Here’s a charming slice of Woodward’s past

Locals gathered around a passenger train in 1912

 Upcoming Events

Featured Upcoming Events

August Highlights

  • Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum: 42nd Annual Photo Contest
    Runs August 1 – August 29. A wonderful opportunity to explore local history and talent through a captivating photo exhibit. cityofwoodward-ok.gov+

  • “Raising Hope”
    Friday, August 8, 2025, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM at the Woodward County Event Center & Fairgrounds. A community uplift event—details are TBD, but it promises to be a meaningful evening.

  • Cycle Disciples of Oklahoma Monthly Meeting
    Monday, August 11, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Red Prairie Steakhouse. Ideal for motorcycle enthusiasts, faith-focused fellowship, and a great meal.

  • Chamber Monthly Luncheon
    Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM at the Woodward Conference Center—a valuable networking and community-building opportunity.
     

  • Woodward Farmers Market: 3rd Annual Salsa Contest
    Saturday, August 16, 2025, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Sample and vote on hot, medium, mild, or fruit salsas—entry is free and prizes are up for grabs.
    Woodward Coun

  • School Meet-the-Teacher Events

    • ECC Kindergarten: Monday, August 18, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

    • Middle School (5th Grade): Tuesday, August 19, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

    • Elementary Schools: Tuesday, August 19, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Middle School (6th–8th Grade): Wednesday, August 20, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

    • ECC Pre‑K: Thursday, August 21, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
      A great chance for families to connect with teachers ahead of the new school year. woodwardparkcity.com+

Spotlight Event (Woodward County Event Center)

  • Racks‑N‑Rods Outdoor Sports Expo
    Friday, August 22 – Sunday, August 24, 2025. Offers outdoor gear, demos, and family-friendly activities. A perfect August weekend outing!

Congressman Frank Lucas addressed the advancement of the 2025 Farm Bill at the 580 Cattle Conference in Woodward, Oklahoma, touching on funding strategies, trade dynamics, and threats impacting agriculture.

 

He recognized deep divisions in Congress but praised efforts to secure critical funding, emphasizing the need for a strong safety net through programs like crop insurance and price protection, especially as producers face inflation, trade conflicts, and shifting global markets.

 

Lucas cautioned about the New World screw worm fly, urging investment in sterile fly production as a vital public good for livestock and producer protection, and lauded Secretary Rollins for prompt action.

 

He advocated for flexible, locally informed policies over outside mandates and reaffirmed support for robust trade and energy exports, noting their crucial role in Oklahoma’s agricultural and economic landscape.

 

Lucas’s insights reflect the ongoing complexity and urgency of shaping a resilient future for producers.


Read More...

What Makes Woodward Special to You?

“If you could bring any business to Woodward, what would it be—and why?”

We’ll share the results in next week’s issue—plus spotlight your replies (and maybe buy the first round of coffee if it’s a café!).

Container gardening brings the joys of lush greenery, fresh herbs, and vibrant blooms to any space—no yard required.

 

Residents in apartments or homes with limited outdoor space can create thriving gardens on balconies, windowsills, or patios using pots and planters.

 

This flexible approach allows you to quickly rearrange or relocate plants for optimal sun and protection from harsh weather.

 

Even beginners find container gardening easy to start, as it requires less maintenance and eliminates major landscaping work.

 

Benefits reach beyond beauty—caring for potted plants can relieve stress, boost wellness, and provide homegrown produce.

 

With countless options for mixing plant varieties, colors, and pot styles, container gardening is both a creative and practical solution for urban and suburban gardeners alike.

 

Transform any sunny spot into your personal green retreat, right here in your community.


Read More...

Recipe of the Week:
Garlic Ginger Chicken Stir Fry
🍜

A colorful, flavorful dish with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a glossy, savory-sweet garlic-ginger sauce.

 

 

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 500g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 1 large carrot, sliced thin

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)

  • 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry)



Instructions

  1. Prep tip: Cut all veggies and chicken before cooking — stir fry moves fast.

  2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

  3. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden and fully cooked (internal temp 75°C / 165°F). Remove from pan.

  4. In the same pan, add remaining oil, garlic, and ginger — stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. Toss in carrots and broccoli. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add bell peppers and cook 1 minute more.

  6. Return chicken to the pan.

  7. Pour in sauce mixture. Stir well and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes until thick and glossy.

  8. Garnish with green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.



Cooking Tips

  • Keep the wok hot for that classic stir fry “sizzle.”

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook chicken in batches if needed for even browning.

  • Taste before serving — adjust sweetness with more honey or add spice with chili flakes.



Nutritional Facts
(Per Serving, without rice)

  • Calories: ~280 kcal

  • Protein: 28g

  • Carbs: 18g

  • Fat: 10g

  • Sodium: ~750mg

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Ben Johnson
Woodward Shoutouts

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