OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, released the following last week regarding to the nation’s COVID-19 response and the use of Hydroxycholorquine: “I became a State Representative because I love our state and the incredible people of Oklahoma.

Quanah Parker’s “Hereford Bull” is a work of fiction in the western, alternative-history and action sub-genres, and was penned by professor and film and television author Alan Nafzger. Written as his first western novel, this adventure sees our titular Hereford bull being stolen from the Comanche Indian Reservation and lead across the border into Texas by corrupt Texas Rangers. In real life history, Quanah Parker had to just lump it as he couldn’t by law enter Texas. However, the novel takes an unusual premise for a western as friends Charles Goodnight and Randell Mackenzie accompany the chief in an adventure to retrieve the bull. With the two western legends along for the ride and as security, conflicts soon arise in Texas, and that’s before they discover they’ve been followed off the reservation by a group of Comanche boys looking for one last buffalo hunt. Given the animosity Texans had for Comanches and especially natives off the reservation, the entire adventure puts them all in deep danger.

The weather story for the week ahead is sunny days and clear nights with high temperatures near 90 degrees and dropping into the mid- to upper-60s at night. Sunrise is now 6:47 a.m. and sunset comes at 8:04 p.m., the days are getting shorter! Hard to believe we are just a month away from the beginning of autumn!

Republican voters will go to the polls for the Aug. 25 primary run-off election between Jackson and Burns for the State Senate Seat #5, currently held by Joseph Silk. Democrats, Libertarians and Independent voters do not have candidates involved in the run-off election and have no reason to show up to the polling place.

OKLAHOMA CITY –– Across the United States, more than 63% of households have completed their U.S. Census forms.

STILLWATER –– With some schools opting to forego inperson classes, many parents and students find themselves in a challenging situation. Oklahoma State University College of Education and Human Sciences faculty members are sharing their expertise on how to effectively navigate and balance the new normal of online learning due to COVID-19 by providing educational resources for families.

GINGERBREAD PRESCHOOLERS caught the Gingerbread man last week. Pictured with Mrs. Tollett are: Jacob Moore, Hazen Parsons, Nolan Davis, Jaxon Davis, Kyston Cox, Lakyn Carter, Allie Johnson, Spencer Debo, Alaina Carlile, Grayson Harrison, Chapman Atteberry, Addilyn Methvin, Pryce Scott, Kendall Day, Haley Allen, Keaton Davidson, Cade Lemmons, Kaybreigh Billy, Jace Hayes, Delaney Males, Leedey Duncan, Easton Pound and Claire Dyer. Not pictured are Shiloh Crow and Elina Dervishi.

RATTAN –– The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and its division of Strategic Development awarded the town of Rattan $89,531 that will be used to match a USDA grant to enhance the community and make it a safer, more desirable place to live.

• Come and meet Whimpy’s baby boy HUGO –– Endangered Ark Foundation will host its first ever baby shower honoring the newest addition to the EAF herd born on Aug. 2.

Choctaw County Ambulance Authority has some new tools on hand to help save lives –– three LUCAS Chest Compression Systems. The refurbished devices were purchased at a discounted rate of three for the price of one, Ambulance Authority Executive Director Randy Springfield said, recently.