The O'Colly, Wednesday, Feb. 7 2024.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

‘Oklahoma Gardening’ plants seeds of excitement in new season Trisha Gedon OSU News

Snow and ice gripped much of Oklahoma for several days in January, but never fear, gardening season is near.

The crew at “Oklahoma Gardening” is busy preparing for the new season that will begin Feb. 10.

Casey Hentges, Oklahoma State University Extension associate specialist and host of the popular gardening show, said part of this season will focus on how gardening helps create a healthy lifestyle.

“Gardening is a great way to improve overall physical and mental health,” she said. “It can be as relaxed or as vigorous as you want it to be.”

Gardening is a good musclestrengthening activity and one of the physical activities with the lowest injury rates.

The show will feature information on physical activity in the garden, nutrition, mental health and the importance of staying hydrated. Special cooking segments will feature healthy recipes using fresh ingredients from the garden.

Also on tap for the season will be a series of videos highlighting the service the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center on the

Mitchell Alcala Host, Casey Hentge, poses for photos as the 2024 season of Oklahoma Gardening begins filming at Oklahoma State University Botanical Garden in Stillwater on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

OSU campus offers to Oklahomans.

Hentges said she will work with FAPC specialists to take basil from the garden and turn it into a marketable dry herb product.

“Native plants are growing in popularity, and I’ll showcase a variety of them,” she said. “Topics related to growing native plants will include renovating a traditional landscape to a

native landscape, as well as native plant maintenance, where to purchase native plants and what a native garden looks like throughout the different seasons.”

See Gardening on 7

Construction has begun on OSU Alumni Center steps Courtesy of OSU News Construction for replacing the steps at the west entrance to the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center on Hester Street began at 8 a.m. today and will run through Sunday, Feb. 11. The ADA crosswalk will be redirected to go south by the Student Union garage driveway. news.ed@ocolly.com

BRYSON THADHANI Brady Moore, deputy city manager for Stillwater, said Block 34 will be bigger than the Guthrie Green in Tulsa.

Block 34 breaks ground, new community center on its way Kennedy Thomason News & Lifestyle Editor

community center foundation chairman and chair of the Block 34 architecture and development committee, said the project will help Stillwater as it continues to develop.

“We will now have an unbelievable machine in the Block 34 is underway. middle of town to spawn ecoOn Tuesday, the City of nomic development,” Beckstrom Stillwater broke ground on Block 34, which will be a com- said. “We’re already seeing munity space featuring a music things build up around the stage, a 4,000 square foot pavil- block. It’s really exciting to see ion, a musician’s walk to honor how this is gonna go.”

Beckstrom said versions dead musicians, a water feature of Block 34 have been in the and a play area for children.

Jim Beckstrom, Stillwater works for decades, but the latest

attempt started in 2017.

Addressing the small crowd that gathered at 2 p.m., Mayor Will Joyce said he is grateful for the donors and people who have worked on the project to develop Stillwater’s community.

“I think it would be an understatement to say that this day has been a long time in coming,” Joyce said.

Architects, politicians, local officials and community members attended to see the long-discussed plans finally take action.

See Block 34 on 6

OSU News

Page 2 Wednesday, February 7, 2024

O’Colly

sports OSU rises to No. 2 for first time since 2019; Cowboys soar up individual rankings Braden Bush Sports Editor

The Oklahoma State wrestling team picked up a pair of ranked wins this past weekend and moved to 12-0 for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

The wins resulted in another first for the Cowboys since that same season: a No. 2 ranking.

After wins at home against No. 24 Arizona State and on the road at No. 5 Missouri, OSU is ranked second in the NWCA Coaches Poll.

The Cowboys trail Penn State, which joins OSU as the only other undefeated team remaining.

Sixth other Big 12 programs appeared in the Top 25, including two in the top 10 – Iowa State (No. 4) and Missouri (No. 7). Of OSU’s 12 wins this season, 10 have come against opponents in the Top 25, and three against teams ranked in the top eight.

The Cowboys have three duals remaining, each in Gallagher-Iba Arena against ranked teams – No. 12 South Dakota State on Saturday, No. 23 Oklahoma on Feb. 18 and No. 3 Iowa on Feb. 25.

On the individual side, there were some big shakeups compared to previous weeks.

Each Cowboy starter is now ranked in the top 20, with five in the top 10 and two others at 11th.

The biggest mover of the weekend was Troy Spratley, who jumped from No. 20 to No. 11 at 125 pounds after upsetting No. 11 Richard Figueroa (Arizona State) and No. 7 Noah Surtin (Missouri). Spratley won by major decision against Figueroa and defeated Surtin with a takedown in sudden victory.

OSU coach John Smith has said 125 is a wide-open weight class and that Spratley could step up toward the top if he keeps progressing. This weekend was a step closer to that, and the rankings reflect it.

Teague Travis jumped six spots at 157, moving from No. 17 to No. 11. He lost to No. 4 Jacori Teemer of ASU on Friday, but a decision win against No. 10 Brock Mauller of MisTeague Travis, OSU’s 157-pound starter, jumped from No. 17 to No. 11 in the rankings after a top-10 win on Sunday. souri on the road was enough didn’t move in the rankings.

141: No. 8 Tagen Jamison NWCA Coaches Poll for the bump.

Jordan Williams moved (16-5), Last Week: 8 Top 25 Brayden Thompson into the rankings, replacing 149: No. 16 Jordan Wil1. Penn State picked up a major decision Sammy Alvarez as OSU’s liams (12-5), Last Week: NR 2. Oklahoma State (Big on Friday, then he upset No. representative in the rankings 157: No. 11 Teague Travis 12) 5 Peyton Mocco in sudden at 149 after Williams started (15-3), Last Week: 17 3. Iowa victory with a takedown and both duals this past weekend 165: No. 3 Izzak Olejnik 4. Iowa State (Big 12) four near-fall points. He moved (19-3), Last Week: 3 5. Nebraska into the top 20 at 174 with his and went 1-1.

Here’s a full look at the 174: No. 20 Brayden 6. Ohio State weekend performance. individual and team rankings. Thompson (9-5), Last Week: 25 7. Missouri (Big 12) Daton Fix stayed at No. OSU Individual Inter184: No. 2 Dustin Plott 8. NC State 3 at 133 after an odd weekend Mat Rankings: (21-2), Last Week: 2 9. Michigan that saw him win a tight 5-3 125: No. 11 Troy Spratley 197: No. 15 Luke Surber 10. Cornell decision on Friday and wrestle (11-2), Last Week: 16 11. Minnesota at 141 pounds on Sunday. Tagen (17-4), Last Week: 20 133: No. 3 Daton Fix (10HWT: No. 10 Konner 12. South Dakota State Jamison (141), Izzak Olejnik 0), Last Week: 3 Doucet (14-5), Last Week: 9 (Big 12) (165) and Dustin Plott (184)

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OSU Athletics

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13. Virginia Tech 14. Rutgers 15. Lehigh 16. Stanford 17. Northern Iowa (Big 18. Little Rock 19. Pittsburgh 20. West Virginia (Big 21. Oregon State 22. Indiana 23. Oklahoma (Big 12) 24. Arizona State 25. Cal Poly sports.ed@ocolly.com

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Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Page 3

sports

OSU Cowgirl Golf (X) OSU freshman Marta Silchenko tied for 16th at the Puerto Rico Classic.

Cowgirl golf team finishes fifth at Puerto Rico Classic Gina Foster Staff Reporter

with a 1-over 73. After this execution, Hinson-Tolchard was four birdies away from passing Annie Thurman for fifth on OSU’s all-time birdie list.

Angelica Pfefferkorn mirrored Hinson-Tolchard at 1-over due to cardThe spring season is heating up ing three bogeys before finding her as the Cowgirls competed in the Purdue rhythm as the round wrapped up.

Puerto Rico Classic.

Ellie Bushnell concluded the first Oklahoma State consistently round 2-over par, while individual Samplayed the par-72 Grand Reserve Golf mie Miller had a difficult first round and Club throughout each round, but there ended tied for 89th going into Round 2. is still room for improvement, as they In Round 2, the Cowgirls and finished fifth on Tuesday.

Silchenko stayed steady in third place as Freshman Marta Silchenko had a the team finished 1-over going into the standout performance in Round 1, card- final 18. Silchenko cared an even 72 and ing a 4-under 68. This left her tied for led the field in birdies at nine. third, where she also remained through Martin was on stride to have her the second round. second bogey-free round of the season Clemence Martin began the until carding a bogey on par-4 hole No. tournament carding 12 straight pars 17. With 18 to go, she was tied for 13th. and adding four more in the remainder Hinson-Tolchard carded a 1-over of her round. This led to an even 72 on 73 and carded four during Round 2 and Sunday. was inside the top 20.

Maddison Hinson-Tolchard Pfefferkorn finished the day with rescued from a pair of bogeys early on a 6-over 78, while Bushnell carded a and concluded her round tied for 30th 2-over 74.

Miller improved after the first round and carded a 4-over 76 as an individual.

With the Cowgirls just strokes behind the leader, the third round needed significant improvements and consistency. However, things did not go their way.

Leading scorer for the tournament Silchenko carded a 3-over 75 to conclude her round.

Hinson-Tolchard carded her best score of the tournament, a 2-under 17, and matched Silchenko in 16th. HinsonTolchard passed Thurman for the fifth most birdies in OSU history.

Martin posted a 5-over 77 and tied for 35th, while Bushnell carded her best round of 4-under 68 and tied for 23rd.

Pfefferkorn tied for 47th after carding an even 72 in her final round.

The Cowgirls concluded the final 18 fairly solid, however, it was not enough for them to keep their podium placement.

The spring season continues as they travel to Humble, Texas for the

ICON Invitational.

Individual Leaderboard T16. Maddison Hinson-Tolchard (-1) 73 – 72 – 70 – 215 T16. Marta Silchenko (-1) 68 – 72 – 75 – 215 T23. Ellie Bushnell (E) 74 – 74 – 68 – 216 T35. Clemence Martin (+4) 72 – 71 – 77 – 220 T47. Angelica Pfefferkorn (+7) 73 – 78 – 72 – 223 T85.* Sammie Miller (+21) 85 – 76 – 77 – 238 *- competing as individual Team Leaderboard 1. No. 3 Arkansas (-10) 293 – 285 – 276 – 854 2. LSU (-9) 283 – 289 – 283 – 855 3. No. 17 Auburn (-8) 292 – 287 – 277 – 856 4. No. 12 Texas A&M (-6) 284 – 289 – 285 – 858 5. No. 38 Oklahoma State (-4) 286 – 289 – 285 – 860 sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4 Wednesday, February 7, 2024

O’Colly

sports

‘She’s the best player on this team’

Gajewski expecting big year from Edwards Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

The Kiley Naomis, Cheyenne Factors and Kelly Maxwells of the world are gone.

Oklahoma State and its roster is at a point in which there’s talent everywhere but absent of somebody who has worn a Cowgirl uniform for an extended period of time and held a major role on the team. “(Naomi, Factor, Maxwell and Taylor Tuck) are kids that were here for five years and played major roles here,” said Cowgirls coach Kenny Gajewski on Monday at media day. “That is something that we really don’t have right now.”

But at a time in which OSU is searching for answers to a lot of questions, Gajewski cut right to the chase when expressing how good he thinks sophomore utility player Tallen Edwards is.

“She can do so many things,” Gajewski said. “She’s the best player on this team. And now I need her to be the best leader when stuff goes haywire.

“She’s a dog, man. Like, she can set the tone single-handedly for this team.”

Edwards spent last season — her freshman year as an early enrollee — in left field. She started 58 games, hit .328 and ranked fourth on the team in runs, hits and doubles, all while she should have been a senior in high school.

Doing that at 17 and 18 years old is nothing to sneeze at.

And with as big of a roster shakeup as the Cowgirls have undergone, Edwards is likely stepping into the dirt and jumping to one of the infield positions. Third base, shortstop and second base are all potential spots for her.

Gajewski said he hopes to put Edwards at the top of OSU’s lineup, too.

“I really want Tallen to be our top-of-the-order kid,” Gajewski said. “She’s got all of that in her to be that.”

Sure, it’s no secret Edwards will hold a lucrative position on this year’s Cowgirl squad.

But she’ll also be relied on as a leader. An aspect of the sport in which Gajewski said will only “help her be one of the greatest players to ever play here if she can accept that.”

Edwards is one of the few players on the roster who, despite only being a sophomore, went through the fire last year. She’s already been a big component to a Women’s College World Series team and experienced winning at the highest level, something that players in key positions on this year’s team haven’t done yet.

“I feel like I’ve always been a leader, usually everywhere I go,” Edwards said. “So, I’m super excited to get back into that ship and be able to take this team as far as it can go.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

File Photo OSU coach Kenny Gajewski called Tallen Edwards ‘the best player on this team’ and is hoping she can be a leader for this year’s Cowgirls.

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Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Page 5

news

Flickr Toby Keith died at 62 after loosing his battle with stomach cancer.

Remembering Toby Keith Bluster, beer and horse sense Tribune Content Agency

ter, bombast and beer for his horses and for those who hoisted a red Solo cup.

And there were tender, deeply romantic ballads as well as braggadocio, seasoned with a taste of humor.

Keith delivered self-penned hit It was easy to like and dislike after hit from 1993 to 2011 — from the Toby Keith at the same time. dreamy “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” to The country music superstar was, the playfully self-absorbed “Let’s Talk to paraphrase Kris Kristofferson, a About Me” to the jingoistic post-9/11 singin’, talkin’ contradiction. He was a anthem “Courtesy of the Red, White conservative Democrat with an indepen- and Blue (The Angry American).” dent attitude, a mind of his own.

He landed 20 No. 1 records in Keith, who died Monday night of country music, not bad for a Nashville stomach cancer at age 62, was a prooutsider, something he was proud of. troops centrist who made his living in That’s why he chose to live in his native country music, a field crowded with Oklahoma. The independent-minded patriotic, beer-drinking, truck-driving, singer/songwriter always did it his way.

Second Amendment-loving conservaWhen Mercury Records rejected tives. An exaggerated but complicated his “How Do You Like Me Now?!” character, he was proud to wave the flag album in 1999, he bought the project for for the red(neck), white (trash) and blue $150,000 and turned around and sold (collar).

2 million copies of it on DreamWorks “I like Toby Keith, but I don’t Records. agree with his politics,” Kristofferson, Keith was a savvy businessman one of country music’s greatest songand marketer. He smartly used comwriters, told me in 2009. “There are mercials for Ford trucks to promote his a lot things in artistry that transcend brand. politics.”

“People think when you do those Keith appeared in concert many commercials that you sell out. We were times in Minnesota, from the State buying in,” he told me in 2003. “You Fair to the We Fest. Part Hulk Hogan need to have the tools to compete. and part Hank Williams Jr., the burly, There’s no way you can win the Heisbearded 6-foot-4 Oklahoman was a man Trophy [for best college football compelling performer. There was blus- player] if you’re playing for North

Dakota State.”

When DreamWorks closed in 2005, Keith started his own record label, Show Dog, and, the next year, bankrolled his own movie, “Broken Bridges,” in which he co-starred with Burt Reynolds and Kelly Preston.

Though the movie wasn’t a blockbuster, he must have done something right because, in 2013, Forbes dubbed him “Country Music’s $500 million man” in a cover story.

Inspired by his hit “I Love This Bar,” a restaurant group partnered with him on a chain of Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grills in a dozen or so cities including Las Vegas, Kansas City and eventually St. Louis Park, where it had a popular six-year run in the Shops at West End until 2015.

The shrewd superstar did not invest any money in the bars, but had control over decor, the music and, most importantly, “the attitude,” he told me at the grand opening in 2010.

I interviewed Toby Keith Covel (his full name) a few times, on the phone and in person. He didn’t sugarcoat things, skirt things or spew diplomatic or PC words. He was honest and straightforward. He told it like it was, at least from his point of view.

“I never was a very political guy, though ‘The Courtesy of Red, White and Blue’ was political,” he said in

2008. “I’m a lifetime Democrat in the first place. I probably should just be an independent and stay in the middle `cause that’s who I am. The righties think I’m a hippie, and the lefties think I’m a Nazi. It’s hard when you’re in the middle on the issues.”

Not that he was contemplating running for office, Keith loved his country so much that he proposed a possible solution in a 2004 interview.

“We’re so divided [between the] right and left, the best analogy I can come up with is, we’re a big gas stove.

If you’re all the way to the right, things are going to burn up; your food’s gonna overcook. If you’re all the way to the left, it’s going to be undercooked and never done. And we need to be in the middle like we have been in the past.

“I think we need a third party. We need an American Party. It would have to be closer to the middle. There’s such separation right now. I want all of the little-man things to work without the liberal nuts involved. But I don’t want all of the hard-core right-wing stuff.

I want my government handling my money. At the same time, you’ve got to give and take. It’s not that way right now; it’s either give or take.”

Between all the bluster and beer, there was a lot of horse sense with Toby Keith. news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6 Wednesday, February 7, 2024

O’Colly

news Block 34 . . .

Continued from 1 Steve Irby, president of KICKER and a major donor for Block 34, said he wants to see Stillwater continue to evolve into a community-centered town. Irby donated more than $4 million to the project.

“I think the lifestyle we have in Stillwater is just unmatchable,” Irby said.

“You know, there’s no small town in Oklahoma that has what we’ve got here. It’s kind of an oasis.”

The project is expected to last 15-18 months, with a grand opening at the end of 2025.

Brady Moore, deputy city manager for Stillwater, said Stillwater’s citizens should expect big things from Block 34.

“It’s gonna be larger than the Guthrie Green that’s in Tulsa,” Moore said. “I mean, the stage is going to be state of the art, one the loudest. . . stages for (a) community like this.”

Chloe Gay, a senior at OSU, attended the ceremony to support her boyfriend who was involved in the planning of Block 34.

Although she is graduating in May, Gay said spaces like Block 34 incentivize students to stay in town.

“I think it’s important to have things like this, to keep graduates here,” Gay said. “Because this is only going to grow the community and create jobs and things like that.” news.ed@ocolly.com

BRYSON THADHANI Construction on Block 34 is expected to last 15-18 months, with a grand opening at the end of 2025.

brownsshoefitstillwater browns.stillwater A SPECIAL PEOPLE! “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Pet.2:9-10 NIV) The apostle Peter is writing to a people who previously had no real relationship with God, but as they came to Christ, to trust and follow him all things changed. They are now special people, a pure people, chosen to be a special group who were taken from spiritual darkness. They are God’s people!

If you have come to Jesus, and received forgiveness of your sins; this is also your new condition. The Apostle Paul said it this way; “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Co.5:17 NIV) We are the people of God and we have sto ry to tell. We can proclaim it clearly and sincerely to all. This happened to me in Japan, November, 1956. I heard the good news of Christ and things begin to change in my life.

Jesus became real and began leading my life. It has been an adventure, learning to fellowship and walk with the Lord. I have made many mistakes, but the Lord keeps encouraging me to keep following Him. The God, who has started a good work in me and you (fellow believer) will finish it with eternal consequences. All through the ages to come we get to experience life with Christ. If you have not yet put your trust in Him and begin following him. I urge you to do It now. He is faithful to lead your life into the best (sometimes difficult) things and will glorify Himself and produce lasting blessings. It’s open to al!.

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Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Page 7

news

File Photo “Oklahoma Gardening” studio garden calls the OSU Botanic Gardens home.

Gardening . . .

lation of plants. The new building is slated to open for the fall 2024 semester.

“As we’ve done in previous years, Continued from 1 we’ll continue to provide gardening enthusiasts information on new plants and gardening tips and tricks,” said Hentges, As construction continues on New who begins her ninth year as host of the Frontiers Agricultural Hall on campus, show. “The home garden tours remain Hentges said she will follow its phases popular, and we’ll continue those this from landscape planning to the instalseason.”

“Oklahoma Gardening” airs Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. and Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. on local OETA-TV channels across the state. Viewers can also subscribe to the “Oklahoma Gardening” YouTube channel to see full shows or search for specific segments.

Check out the “Oklahoma Gardening” website for video clips, links to gardening resources, featured recipes and more. “Oklahoma Gardening” can

also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Botanic Garden at OSU is the home of the “Oklahoma Gardening” studio garden and is located west of Stillwater on the north side of Highway 51. The show is produced by OSU Extension, OSU’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and the OSU Agriculture Office of Communications and Marketing. news.ed@ocolly.com

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Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Page 8

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Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Page 9

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Cowboy Calendar Wednesday 2/07/2024 Beginning Acrylic Painting w/ Mark Crow Prairie Arts Center @ 6 p.m. $70 https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes/drawing-and-painting/1326-beginning-acrylic-paintingwith-mark-crow-wednesdays1 Derrick Porter EM Curators of Craft @ 9:30 p.m. https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/on-stage Louie’s Kids’ Night Louie’s Grill & Bar @ 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater Singo Wednesday EM Curators of Craft @ 7 - 8:30 p.m. https://curatorsofcraft.co/pages/weekly-events Trivia Night College Bar 10 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Live Trivia Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 7 - 9 p.m. https://www.ironmonkbeer.com/ Louie’s Bingo Night Louie’s Grill & Bar @ 8 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/LouiesStillwater Thursday 2/08/2024 Always..Patsy Cline Town & Gown Theatre @ 7:30 p.m. $18 for adults $16 for students $16 for seniors https://www.townandgown.org/current-season Become the Bravest You: How To Embrace The Embarrassing @ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. https://www.orangeconnection.org/s/860/18/interior.aspx?sid=860&gid=1&pgid=13908&cid=3376 1&ecid=33761 Beginning Acrylic Painting w/ Mark Crow Prairie Arts Center @ 6 p.m. $70 https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes/drawing-and-painting/1327-beginning-acrylic-paintingwith-mark-crow-thursdays-2 Funk N’ Beers College Bar @ 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Introduction to Screenprinting Prairie Arts Center @ 6 - 8:30 p.m. $85 https://artscenter.okstate.edu/adult-classes/printmaking/1317-introduction-toscreeprinting?mc_cid=1aee060693&mc_ eid=b1daf3abf6 Kids Leap & Parents Learn Ultimate Air @ 6 - 7:30 p.m.

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Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol

ACROSS 1 Crowd-sourced review site 5 “Or __ what?”

9 Tennis star Naomi 14 See 62-Down 15 Capital of Qatar 16 Henry VIII’s house 17 Place that takes care of bad Apples 19 Asparagus piece 20 Treats wrinkles 21 Upscale hotel chain 23 47-Across, in Spanish 24 Agency that conducts a decennial count 27 Contemporary of Julius Caesar 30 “Singin’ in the Rain” studio 31 Hubbub 32 Like paper clips 36 Hawaii’s sixthlargest island 40 No joke 44 NORAD tracking target 45 Cab 46 Chowed down 47 Personal pronoun 49 Raucous bird 52 Congressional economic boost 58 NPR’s Totenberg 59 “Thinking about it” 60 Word with dots or bands 64 Radiology study 66 Top-quality meat 68 Jeans fabric 69 Award-winning graphic novel about the Holocaust 70 Firmly declare 71 C-suite types 72 Metrical foot 73 Stitch’s buddy

7 Former SeaWorld headliner 8 Comes by honestly 9 Tense sports periods, for short 10 Character who debuted in Action Comics #1 11 Singer known for numerically titled albums 12 __ bear 13 Chilean pianist Claudio 18 __-friendly 22 “Big Blue” 25 Asian fusion chain 26 Jamaican tangelo 27 Mama of pop 28 Notion 29 Biofuel source 33 Guessed-at fig.

34 Thunder’s org.

DOWN 35 Gala garb 1 Jellystone Park 37 Tide type bear 38 Province 2 Of all time bordering Turin 3 Fallon 39 “Makes sense” predecessor 41 Cheeky 4 Paisley Park comeback to Records founder “How did you do 5 Mag honchos that?”

6 University of New 42 Hawaii’s thirdMexico athletes largest island

Daily Horoscope

2/7/24

By Alan Massengill & Doug Peterson

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (02/07/24). Home delights inspire this year.

Consistent, diligent practices build steady profits. Adapt your household around winter changes, before flowering springtime creativity inspires a masterpiece. Your professional work takes a new direction this summer, before autumn’s cultural investigations reveal unimagined treasure. Positive change starts at home.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — You can’t have too many friends. Connections new and old support with shared changes and disruptions. It’s easier to bounce back when holding hands.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Professional prospects improve. Savor interesting projects. Work completed over the next two weeks can have lasting benefits. Your status rises under this New Moon.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Exploration leads to exciting discoveries. Your research produces valuable benefits. Stretch your own boundaries. Travel to investigate new frontiers. Learn, develop and advance.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Your team is winning. Pull together and you can accomplish wonders. Contribute to grow shared accounts. Sock away funds for a rainy day.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Partnership provides shared support around unexpected changes. Love, romance and collaboration flower over two weeks after the New Moon.

Lean on each other.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Make time for yourself, for physical fitness and to connect with nature. Talk with experts for support around changes with your work or health.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Love is the bottom line. Follow your heart to grow. Talk about your passions, interests and enthusiasms. Connect with kindred spirits to adapt with changes.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Home grounds, centers and recharges you. Savor domestic improvements, arts and upgrades over the next two weeks. Share simple comforts with family and pets.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Use your persuasive charms for a good cause. Write, edit and publish your stories. You’re especially brilliant. Solve a challenging puzzle. Connect and share.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Tap into a lucrative groove. There’s money to be made. Build your brand.

Market, sell and trade. Communication generates profits.

Wheel and deal.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Grow and develop like a weed. Make a lasting personal improvement.

Polish your presentation before stepping into the limelight.

Get ready for your closeup.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Peaceful privacy fosters productivity. Rest, recharge and review plans.

Listen to birdsong. Notice intuition, dreams and creative ideas. Revise your vision or mission.

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

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43 California’s __ Valley 48 Yalie 50 Range in Europe 51 Part of GPS 52 Dripping with sarcasm 53 Ironman Triathlon watchmaker 54 Silly 55 Fifth flavor 56 Largest city in Yemen

2/7/24

57 “For dang sure!”

61 Big name in 68-Across 62 With 14-Across, collapse 63 Curly coif 65 Ambulance letters 67 Connection port, and the connections found in 17-, 24-, 40-, 52-, and 66-Across

Level 1 2 3 4

2/7/24

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

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