Reporter

Farmers' Markets Feel the Drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of July 24, 64 percent of the nation is in drought and Oklahoma's recent temperatures have been on a steady rise to the top of the thermometer. With certain areas of the state in "extreme drought," the heat has made a huge impact on Oklahoma farms as well as the inventory at local farmers' markets. A representative of the Cherry Street Farmer's Market reported that some farmers may not finish out the market season because of premature harvests due to the unseasonably warm heat. Livestock producers will also take a hit with a portion of the nation's corn crops in poor conditions causing the price of feed to increase that will cost consumers at the butcher.

Taking a Trip. The University of Oklahoma School of Dance's Oklahoma Festival Ballet (OFB) will attend the 37th Annual Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria, between August 2 and 12. OFB will appear with the Festival Chorus and Orchestra for the Austrian premiere of Joseph Hayden's Creation (Die Schöpfung) with original choreography at Esterházy Place on August 8 and 9.

"International tours like the one to Eisenstadt are of great importance to our dancers' pre-professional experience as they learn to adjust to differences in tour venues and to expand their experience with dance as an international language," said School of Dance Director Mary Margaret Holt.

Fourteen dancers from OFB will appear in Eisenstadt: Claire Belden, Kayla Davey, Alyssa Grimsley, Melanie Jensen, Hannah Jew, Billie Jean Kandravi, Nikki Reehorst, Omar Humphrey, Zach Leighton, Austin Lintner, Jammie Walker, Zeek Wright, Brett Young and Nathan Young. Besides the choreographers, others accompanying the production include stage manager Christopher Sadler, lighting designer Kirk Fitzgerald, patrons Jim and Molly Crawley, as well as June and Andy Morfoupolos.