January 2008

December Employee-of-the-Month:  Paul Brown, counselor with workforce development, is a problem solver.  He understands all aspects of the situation before he offers solutions.  He has demonstrated his excellent people skills by working with customers and helping them to feel at ease.

Get Connected by Calling 211:  211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about health and human services that are available within local communities.  When information is needed regarding human services, dialing 211 is an easy option.  By calling 211 it is possible to have access to a one stop shop for the availability of social and human services in your area.  211 is supported by United Way. Check out the web site: www.211oklahoma.org

Communication Help: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Forestry Division has purchased portable field programmable radios to be used with the new cab and chassis recently awarded to 14 ASCOG area departments. Five extra radios were awarded to departments in the ASCOG area that did not receive a new truck.  These radios will help the departments in communicating with other mutual aid departments that do not have the same frequency. For additional info, contact Perry Brinegar at ASCOG.

ASCOG Offices Closing for Martin Luther King Day:  ASCOG offices will close Mon. Jan. 21.  Offices will open at 8 a.m. Tues. Jan 22.

CED Planner Position Filled:  Ken Jones has been named as the new CED planner.  Ken was formerly in supportive services division before accepting this position.  He will be assisting towns, cities and counties with applications for grants such as CDBG and REAP. 

CDBG Application Deadlines:

Type of Application:                                         ASCOG Deadline        ODOC Deadline

Water/Wastewater Engineering                         April 4                          April 11

Water/Wastewater Construction                        April 4                          April 11

Community Revitalization                                  March 7                       March 14

CDBG/REAP                                                   February 8                   February 15

The application documents have been released.  If you desire to apply for one of these grants, please contact the CED division for more information.  Time is of the essence.  Some types of applications require LMI (low and moderate income) surveys, engineer estimates, etc. that all take time.  ASCOG staff will need at least a week before ODOC deadline to ensure that a good application can be submitted – the EARLIER, the BETTER!

Need A Speaker?  ASCOG will furnish a speaker for your civic club.  Call Nancy English at 1.800.658.1466.

Income Tax Help Available:  Help in preparing your taxes is available from the AARP Tax Aide program, which is administered by the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service.  Certified volunteers provide assistance with the preparation of tax forms at locations through out the nation and also provide telephone tax assistance.  Call 1-888-227-7669 or visit: www.aarp/taxaide

New Grass Trucks:  The new 2008 Ford cab and chassis have been delivered to the forestry office. Distribution will begin after the holidays. 80/20 grants have been awarded to the departments that received awards and purchase orders have been issued.  For additional info, contact Perry Brinegar at ASCOG.

AAA Staff Promotion:  Elizabeth Dillingham, whose previous position was aging information specialist, has been promoted to the AAA planner position.  Elizabeth replaces Ken Jones who has moved to community and economic development division.