By Ron Jenkins
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Brad Henry got a firsthand look Wednesday at the devastation caused by a drought that has evoked memories of the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in the Oklahoma Panhandle.
Henry flew to Boise City, collecting a $50 “bounty” on himself for not visiting the area during his tenure as governor, then met with Cimarron County farmers and ranchers trying to cope with the dry conditions.
“This drought has wreaked havoc on farmers and ranchers,” the governor said. He said it was easy to see why the drought had led to comparisons to the Dust Bowl.
“Farmers are coping with failing crops. Ranchers are forced to sell off cattle because there is no grass for grazing. There are serious and significant consequences to this drought,” the governor said.
Henry has sought a federal declaration of a disaster area for nine counties in northwestern Oklahoma, but so far only Cimarron and Texas Counties have been granted the designation, qualifying some residents for federal assistance.
Henry was presented a check for $50 by C.F. David, publisher of the Boise City News, who had earlier offered the bounty to anyone who could prove that Henry had set foot in Cimarron County since he became governor.
The governor’s office said Henry had been to the Panhandle, but there was no record of an official visit to Cimarron County.
Henry arrived at the newspaper shortly before 1 p.m., about 45 minutes later than expected, and had a cordial meeting with David and others.
“The governor has a sense of humor,” David said. “He said, hello, my name is Brad Henry and I’m here to collect my bounty.”
Henry endorsed the check to be donated to a local senior citizens group.
The governor told Cimarron County residents the government was doing all it can to help, but what the Panhandle area really needs is “some slow, soaking rain.”
As he left the newspaper, he told David that “you’re going to have to find something else to razz me about now.”
Besides seeking federal disaster aid, Henry and state agriculture officials have intervened in an effort by a national wildlife conservation group to restrict haying and grazing on designated lands.
Henry and Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach have urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fight for the right of ranchers and farmers to utilize the disputed lands.
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