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Workforce development has been a major focus in the Legislature, especially since the pandemic and the Great Resignation, impacting not only Oklahoma but the entire nation. I held an interim study last fall to see why women, in particular, have been leaving the workforce at such a high rate, and learned that lack of maternity leave and access to affordable childcare were two of the most common reasons.

We had a long and productive week last week at the Capitol. Representatives have completed their House committees for now and we’ve spent each day on the House floor voting on bills. This week, we heard 163 bills, but that still leaves 380 House bills that are eligible to be considered before the Thursday, March 23, deadline.

McClain-Grady County Emergency Medical Services reported their January and February call summaries. They had 207 total calls in January 2023 and 208 total calls in February.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has shown the world repeatedly that it cannot be trusted as a global partner. And given its deceptive actions taken at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic when COVID-19 first emerged in China, the CCP has also shown it cannot be trusted as a health partner as well.

The Racers for Excellence Scholarship Auction and Luncheon (formerly Sweet Scholar fund) is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Newcastle High School Field House/ Wellness Center, 101 N. Main.

The McClain County Democrat’s Biennial Convention will be at 2 p.m. April 2 at the City of Purcell Multipurpose Center, 1400 Chandler Road .

Newcastle’s Slowpitch Softball team had a win and a loss Monday night coming off of Spring Break. The Racers beat Blanchard 17-8, and lost to Washington, 19-3.

Newcastle Racers baseball has had four big wins approaching Spring Break and concluding the break.

An agenda item for the drilling of additional wells at existing well sites in Newcastle was approved by the City Council but not before a lot of discussion, and not before an agreement that the oil and gas company would erect 16-foot sound walls on three sides of the well site.

Newcastle soccer player (photo left) Ashley Simson works the ball while Ella Winn looks to help

Candidates vie in Bridge Creek, Blanchard, Goldsby