U.S. Senators Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) Tuesday introduced the Ethanol Subsidy and Tariff Repeal Act, which will fully eliminate the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) and fully repeal the import tariff on foreign ethanol. 

Cosponsors also include Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Richard Burr (R-NC), Jim Webb (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and James Risch (R-ID).

“The ethanol subsidy and tariff is bad economic policy, bad energy policy and bad environmental policy.  As our nation faces a crushing debt burden, rising gas prices and the prospect of serious inflation, continuing our parochial ethanol policy that increases the cost of energy and food is irresponsible. I’m pleased to introduce this common sense bill with Senator Feinstein and will push for its consideration at the earliest opportunity,” Dr. Coburn said, noting that the bill has been filed as an amendment (#309) to the small business bill pending in the Senate.  

“Ethanol is the only industry that benefits from a triple crown of government intervention: its use is mandated by law, it is protected by tariffs, and companies are paid by the federal government to use it.  Ethanol subsidies and tariffs sap our budget, they’re bad for the environment, and they increase our dependence on foreign oil.  It’s time we end subsidies that we cannot afford and tariffs that increase gas prices,” Sen. Feinstein said.

The VEETC is a de facto cash subsidy that directs 45 cents to refiners for every gallon of ethanol they blend with gasoline.  The VEETC costs taxpayers approximately $6 billion a year.  If the VEETC subsidy is repealed by July 1, 2011, as the Coburn/Feinstein bill calls for, it will save approximately $3 billion this year.  Nearly 40 organizations on the left and right, including the refiners who benefit from the VEETC subsidy, have called for the elimination of the subsidy.  

The ethanol tariff is comprised of a .54 cent Most Favored Nation duty and a 2.5 percent ad valorem tax.  The ethanol tariff makes our nation more dependent on foreign oil by increasing the price of imported ethanol.    

The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University recently estimated that a one-year extension of the ethanol subsidy and tariff would lead to only 427 additional direct domestic jobs at a cost of almost $6 billion, or roughly $14 million of taxpayer money per job.

In honor of record snowfalls in multiple American cities, Samuel Adams has recognized Tulsa third in a list of “snow-ridden” metropolitan communities.  Tulsa, with 256 percent more snow than average (26.1 inches total) is encouraged to forget frigid snow balls and break out the beach balls for summer.

To aid in this spring thaw, Samuel Adams is offering a special Summer
Ale delivery to each of the top 10 cities, Tulsa included.  Brewer
Dean Gianocostas is on his way to the number one snowiest city,
Columbia, Mo., to host a summer-themed "Summer in a Bottle " party
(complete with Summer Ale of course) for the deserving drinkers of
Columbia.

The Boston Beer Company, best known by their signature Samuel Adams, teamed with meteorologists at AccuWeather to analyze weather data and determine the 10 American cities that were hardest hit during the 2010-2011 winter season.

Luckily, Tulsans can thaw out with Summer Ale now through August!  Brewed with lemon zest and grains of paradise, a centuries-old exotic African pepper, Samuel Adams Summer Ale captures bright summer weather in a bottle.

AccuWeather, the world’s leading multimedia weather information source, determined which 10 U.S. cities were hit the hardest this season. The data shows that the following cities caught the brunt of this season’s inclement weather, based on snowfall totals in comparison to each location’s average annual amount. Together, these 10 towns were pounded with more than 600 inches of snow; the majority accumulating more than twice as much as usual.

"This has been one of the worst winters in a while, and I’m definitely ready for summer and sun," said Samuel Adams Founder and Brewer Jim Koch. "So we thought, ‘Why not take Samuel Adams Summer Ale on the road and treat our drinkers who suffered through countless hours of shoveling with an early sip of summer?’ We tapped AccuWeather to determine which towns were hit hardest this winter, and we’re happy to help people in Columbia, Mo. thaw out and kick back with Summer Ale. It might not entirely make up for a frigid winter, but we hope it gives them something to look forward to.  Summer is on the way!"

"This winter has been one of the toughest in a while for many cities across the country.  In fact, after a particularly brutal string of snowstorms, 49 of the 50 states had snow on the ground all at once, including Hawaii," said Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist at AccuWeather.  "We are happy to help the Samuel Adams brewers bring a bit of fun and relief to winter-weary citizens!"

After spending much of the winter snowed-in at the Boston brewery, the brewing team has had summer on their minds while perfecting their recipe for Samuel Adams Summer Ale, dreaming of the day they could toss beach balls instead of snowballs.  Samuel Adams Summer Ale is available nationwide from April through August for a suggested retail price of $7.99 per six-pack.  For more information on Summer Ale visit www.SamuelAdams.com.

The Boston Beer Company began in 1984 with a generations-old family recipe that Founder and Brewer Jim Koch uncovered in his father’s attic.  After bringing the recipe to life in his kitchen, Koch brought it to bars in Boston with the belief that drinkers would appreciate a complex, full-flavored beer, brewed fresh in America. That beer was Samuel Adams Boston Lager®, and it helped catalyze what became known as the American craft beer revolution.

Today, the Company brews more than 30 styles of beer.  The Company uses the traditional four vessel brewing process and often takes extra steps like dry-hopping, barrel-aging and a secondary fermentation known as krausening. It passionately pursues the development of new styles and the perfection of its classic beers by constantly searching for the world’s finest ingredients. While resurrecting traditional brewing methods, the Company has earned a reputation as a pioneer in another revolution, the "extreme beer" movement, where it seeks to challenge drinkers’ perceptions of what beer can be. The Boston Beer Company strives to elevate the image of American craft beer by entering festivals and competitions the world over, and in the past five years it has won more awards in international beer competitions than any other brewery in the world. The Company remains independent, and brewing quality beer remains its single focus. While Samuel Adams is the country’s largest-selling craft beer, it accounts for just under one percent of the U.S. beer market.

The Cherokee Heritage Center’s new outdoor living exhibit is now in preliminary development and is scheduled to open June 2012.

After more than 40 years, the new exhibit represents a transformation of the Tsalagi Ancient Village, which opened in 1967 and was originally designed as an interpretive area showcasing everyday Cherokee life as it was prior to European contact. The Cherokee Heritage Center is located at 21192 S. Keeler Drive, Park Hill, OK 74451.

The new outdoor living exhibit is estimated to cost $1.2 million, which includes an endowment for its continued care. To date, the Cherokee Heritage Center has raised more than $640,000.

“Knowing that a new village was needed, we have spent a lot of time over the past three years working with leading experts in various aspects of Cherokee research to create a new plan that incorporates significant archaeological discoveries and historical documentation that wasn’t available in the 1960s,” said Carey Tilley, Executive Director at the Cherokee Heritage Center. “The result is the most detailed and comprehensive scholarly look at early eighteenth-century Cherokee architecture and village layout compiled to date.”

The project planning and design phase was recently completed following a three-year research and planning process. The second phase of the project is expected to begin on site preparation and the extensive historic landscaping in the very near future.

During the first phase a residential housing pair featuring a winter house and summer house was constructed in the current Ancient Village to rediscover 300 year old building techniques.  Both houses used a wattle and daub construction technique in which clay is packed (daubed) on river cane, branches, or saplings woven (wattled) in and out of upright wall posts and allowed to harden.

The new village will provide visitors the chance to experience Cherokee life in the early 18th century and will feature 20 wattle and daub structures, 14 interpretive stations, and a detailed historic landscape set on four acres of land adjacent to the Cherokee Heritage Center.
 
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness daily life as they are guided through the interpretive stations where crafts are demonstrated, stories are told, and Cherokee lifeways are explained.

The overall village includes eight residential sites each with a Cherokee summer house, and winter house, corn crib, “kitchen garden” and additional landscaping.  The public complex consists of the primary council house and summer council pavilion overlooking a large plaza that served as the center of community activity. In addition, two recreation areas featuring a marble field and stickball field will showcase the Cherokee games that are still played today. The village will be anchored with native Cherokee foliage and flora with a re-circulating stream flowing across its eastern area.

“The new outdoor living exhibit is designed to introduce audiences to the Cherokee people and to help them understand the Cherokee culture as having a distinct history that was already ancient when their own written history began,” added Tilley.

The three phases for the new living exhibit consist of the recently completed phase one, which focused on planning and design and ran from Feb. 2007–Dec. 2010; phase two running from May-Aug. 2011 is now focusing on landscaping, site preparation and initial construction; and phase three will focus on final construction and furnishing and will run from Oct. 2011–May 2012.

The Cherokee Heritage Center plans to involve the Cherokee speaking community in the naming of the new village.

The Cherokee Heritage Center, which sits on a 49-acre complex, first opened to the public in 1967 under the leadership of Chief W.W. Keeler and the Cherokee National Historical Society. Today, in addition to the outdoor exhibits, the center is home to thousands of tribal historical objects, documents and photographs. The center features the Tsa-La-Gi Ancient Village, the Adams Corner Rural Village and various art shows, exhibits, and educational programs that are held throughout the year.

The Cherokee Heritage Center is the premier cultural center for Cherokee tribal history, culture, and the arts. Located in Tahlequah, Okla., it was established in 1963 by the Cherokee National Historical Society to preserve and promote the Cherokee culture. The Cherokee Heritage Center is also home to the Cherokee National Archives, which is the Nation’s foremost collection of historic tribal related documents and artifacts from the 1700s through present day. The Cherokee Heritage Center is situated on the grounds of the original Cherokee Female Seminary, which is one of the first institutions of higher learning for women west of the Mississippi and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service has designated the Center as the interpretive site for the western terminus of the Trail Of Tears for the Cherokees and other tribes forcibly removed to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, during the 1800s. For more information, please visit CherokeeHeritage.org.

From the time students head back to school after Christmas, one thing is on their minds – spring break. But sometimes the fun is spoiled, so hoping for the best but preparing for the worst is wise, especially for parents about to send their children out for spring break on their own.

Preparation Basics

Before any trip, it is a good idea to review your insurance. If an older child is traveling alone, involve him in that review. Make copies of pertinent insurance paperwork. Give this information to your child and explain to him the importance of keeping these documents safe and accessible.

If the child will be driving a family car, show him where the insurance card is kept. Give your child a list of contact numbers and other key information. Include the name and phone number of your insurance company and agent, the policy number, and any other names and numbers your child might need in a pinch – including your own. Store this emergency list in the glove compartment or console with the insurance card for that vehicle.

Remember, if there’s been an accident, your young adult could be distraught. Make it simple for him to find crucial information and take the right action.

For health insurance, make sure your child knows the name of his insurance provider, and give him a similar list of emergency numbers, including the family doctor. Explain the meanings of general insurance terms like “co-pay” and “out-of-network.” If your child takes medications, check for in-network pharmacies at his travel destination, in case he loses his medicine. Keep this information in the same safe place as any other emergency information he will be carrying.

Consider putting this spring break emergency checklist in the glove compartment of your vehicle:

•  Have your insurance I.D. and vehicle registration in the car at all times.
•  After a crash, step away from the road and call 911 immediately, then your parents.
•  Do not admit fault.
•  Trade contact and insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident. Other drivers involved might try to convince you not to file an insurance claim. Tell them they have to discuss insurance with your parents.
•  Take pictures of the scene, including people and vehicles involved, but only when it is safe to do so.
•  Get names of officers and find out how to obtain copies of police reports once they have been filed.

Health Insurance Checklist

Getting injured or falling ill when away from home can be scary. Send a copy of this checklist with your child:
•  Keep your health insurance I.D. card, a list of drug allergies, a list of current medications, and any other relevant personal medical information with you at all times.
•  If you need urgent medical care, go to the nearest hospital emergency room; have someone who is with you contact your parents.
•  If you need to see a doctor for non-emergency care, contact your insurance company to find a local physician who is in your coverage network. The phone number for the insurance company, plus your policy number and co-pay information, are printed on your insurance I.D. card.
•  Keep all paperwork, including receipts from the doctor’s office, hospital or pharmacy.
•  Obtain the name and contact details of the treating physician; give them to your family doctor in case you require follow-up care.

International Travel

Typically neither American auto nor health insurance will be accepted outside of the United States. To find out the extent of your coverage, speak with your insurance agent or company before leaving home.

Short-term travel insurance can be purchased for your child’s trip. If considering a short-term travel policy, review the terms carefully to be sure you understand all coverage and exclusions before buying.

If you are uncertain about the insurance company or agent you are dealing with, stop before signing any paperwork or writing a check. Call the Oklahoma Insurance Department Consumer Assistance Hotline toll-free at (800) 522-0071 or check online at ok.gov/oid to confirm that the company and agent are licensed in this state. 

Spring is the time for recitals, graduations, tournaments and competitive events where students show off new skills, reap rewards of hard work and continue to learn, lead and succeed.  In that spirit, Feb. 28 marks the first of seven Oklahoma CareerTech student organization spring conferences. More than 35,000 students put competencies learned throughout the year to the test at the state level, with state winners proceeding to the national level.

Annually, each organization hosts a state spring leadership and skills conference for students to compete in events, elect state officers and gain leadership training and networking opportunities.

"These activities are extremely beneficial to the students because they are part of the curriculum," said Phil Berkenbile, Oklahoma CareerTech director. "Students receive career exploration, clinical, internships, on-the-job training and leadership opportunities, education and training for marketable job skills and college preparation."

Business and industry leaders are a vital part of state conferences. Professionals often serve as judges or sponsors for competitive events, as they preview their future workforce.

More than half of all Oklahoma high school students ? 89,036 ? and nearly 36,000 in Grades 6-8 are enrolled in CareerTech courses. Some 71,000 middle school through senior high school students and adults are members of Oklahoma CareerTech?s seven student organizations. Each organization is an integral part of the CareerTech system supporting related programs found at 556 schools and 57 technology center campuses across the state.

"Students who are CareerTech graduates are better prepared for future employment," Berkenbile said. ?They earn industry-valued skills, credits for high school graduation and Oklahoma’s Promise, college credit and industry certifications and seem to transition more smoothly from school to career because of the experiences provided through CareerTech training."
 
Oklahoma CareerTech student organization 2011 spring conference schedule includes:

• Business Professionals of America State Leadership Conference will host students at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Okmulgee and the Oral Roberts University Mabee Center in Tulsa on March 8-9. BPA is the organization affiliated with Business and Information Technology Education.
• DECA, the organization supporting Marketing Education, hosts its 68th Annual Career Development Conference on Feb. 28 at Tulsa Southern Hills Marriott.
• Family and Consumer Sciences Education students involved in the student organization Family, Career and Community Leaders of America will attend spring conference at Oklahoma City Cox Convention Center April 15 for the 65th  state FCCLA convention..
• FFA, the student organization for Agricultural Education, will host the 85th State Convention at the Cox Convention Center on May 3-4 in Oklahoma City.
• Health Careers Education students who are members of HOSA will participate in events at the HOSA State Leadership Conference on April 13-15 at the Clarion Meridian Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
• SkillsUSA will hold its 46th Annual State Leadership and Skills Championship at the Tulsa Convention Center on May 1-3.
• Technology Engineering students who are members of Technology Student Association will compete in events at the state conference at the Payne County Expo in Stillwater on April 26-28.